Epitaph on a Tyrant- a Critical Analysis - 759 Words

Epitaph on a Tyrant Wyston Hughes Auden, or WH Auden, was a British poet, often considered by critics to be one of the best England has ever produced. Auden’s work is known, not only for its remarkable poetic calibre and craftsmanship but also for his skilful portrayal of myriad themes- ranging from the political, social, ethical, to the moral and even the individual. One of Auden’s best known poems and written, interestingly when Adolf Hitler was at the peak of his power in Europe, is a short, six line piece entitled- â€Å"Epitaph on a Tyrant† The poem talks about a man- an anonymous â€Å"he†- a perfectionist whose poetry was understandable and who, himself, understood â€Å"human folly† and the human psyche like â€Å"the back of his hand†. He was†¦show more content†¦In fact, there are many critics who believe that this poem was Auden’s own epitaph on Hitler- a personal ode to the man who had wielded such power in the years of his dictatorship and played no small role in shaping the world as we know it today and they had known it then. However the poem doesnot restrict itself to a merely historical purview. Auden’s poetry is such that it can be analyzed and interpreted in many more ways than just one and these interpretations themselves can change over time and circumstance. Hence, Epitaph on a Tyrant, though it does, most definitely allude to Hitler, discusses, also the very nature of tyranny itself- and presents it as the dynamic, multifaceted phenomenon it really is. By using phrases such as â€Å"poetry† and â€Å"perfection† Auden portrays the tyrant, almost as a misunderstood artist- a man who wishes to achieve the ultimate in what he shapes, through his creative abilities. On the one hand, it is believed that Auden may be talking about a different sort of tyrant- a benevolent despot whose character and personality are such that people find joy in his laughter and die in the wake of his grief. A man, who through his charisma, alone, brings together multitudes and in his knowledge regardin g human folly and his effective use of it, binds them together and achieves that elusive â€Å"perfection†- thereby rendering the phrase tyrant- ironic and obsolete. On the other hand, however, Auden couldShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of The Poem Ozymandias 1512 Words   |  7 Pageswidely recognized as one of the greatest Egyptian pharaohs and is sometimes referred to as â€Å"Ramses the Great† due to his many accomplishments; however, throughout the ages, his physical legacy is slowly succumbing to deterioration. There are many critical reviews of this poem; however, the profound sense of irony that is conveyed is the one that resonates the greatest. Irony, as used in literature, is defined as, â€Å"a technique of indicating, as through character or plot development, an intention orRead MorePoems with Theme with Life and Death and Their Analysis8446 Words   |  34 PagesEI WAI KHAING AN ANALYSIS OF THEMES ON LIFE AND DEATH OF SOME POEMS Abstract: Some basic elements of poem and types of poem are included in this paper. Although there are countless number of poems on Life and Death, only the ones which seem noteworthy are studied and analysed in terms of themes. Different opinions of different poets on life and death found in their poems are also presented and contrasted in this paper. This paper

Carhartt Is A Clothing And Boot Company - 971 Words

Carhartt has many interesting advertisements, but one stood out as a unique image. Carhartt is a clothing and boot company that sells clothing that are mainly used by the working class people. Carhartt has been around since 1889, and they have made clothing for the working class since day one. In 2015 this advertisement was used by Carhartt to advertise their clothing. This advertisement is showing a guy swinging a hammer. The hammer in this picture has a long yellow handle and it is a twenty-pound sledgehammer. The guy is hitting the ground with the hammer. The guy is located on a construction site, so he is wearing the stereotypical clothing for a construction worker. The guy in the picture is wearing all Carhartt clothing. It is winter time in the picture, so the guy is wearing a thick green Carhartt jacket. He is wearing black Carhartt coveralls and tan Carhartt boots. It is kind of unusual, but the guy is wearing a pair of sunglasses in the image when it isn’t really even sunny in the image. There is snow on the ground, which indicates that this is taking place in the winter time. In the background it looks like there is some construction material like metal beams or maybe parts to an infrastructure of some kind. There is a ratcheted strap in the image, but it isn’t holding anything together. There is another ratchet strap that isn’t holding anything together in the front of the image. In the distant background there are some trees. This advertisement has the wordsShow MoreRelated L.L. Bean Essay1781 Words   |  8 Pageshundred pair of boots, to becoming one of America largest mail order retailer of high quality outdoor goods and apparel for men, women and children. Leon Leonwood Bean founded L.L. Bean in 1912; the company headquarters is in Freeport, Maine. Leon Leonwood Bean founded his business on a belief in honesty, commitment to quality, customer satisfaction and a passion for the outdoors. Leon Leonwood Bean was an avid outdoorsman that decided that he could improve on the typical hunting boots. He had a local

Fatherhood in Tartuffe and the Magic Flute free essay sample

Throughout history gender roles in society, as well as in the family unit, have changed. At the dawn of civilization many cultures were led my women in a matriarchal fashion (meaning that females held positions of power and influence over men). The logic behind this idea is one that is women are responsible for creating new life and bringing the next generation into the world, caring for their children and ensuring that our species lives on. It wasn’t until the importance of men in the reproductive process was realized that patriarchal (societies led by men) began to emerge. Once men had the power in the world, they would fight to hold on to it. Religion, â€Å"science†, and social structure would be used for thousands of years to keep women subservient to their male counterparts. As men took over, the structure of society and the family unit changed drastically. The role of fathers and father figures in the assigned readings so far shows different responsibilities owed to a father based on time period and society in which they live. In Mozart’s The Magic Flute, there is not a father characterized in the story, but Sarastro acts as a strong father figure to the protagonists. He is first introduced by the Queen of the Night as the villain of the tale who has kidnapped her daughter and must be punished. Tamino soon discovers it is The Queen of the Night who is evil and Sarastro is the pure one. When Tamino agrees to join the brotherhood, he falls under the authority of Sarastro. There are many references to or about the once secret society known as the â€Å"Freemasons† throughout this opera, the â€Å"brotherhood† is a direct representation of the masons and many of the trials they must go through for membership; with Sarastro representing the Master Mason. He may not be related to Tamino by blood, but as a religious leader, Sarastro holds many of the same duties to his followers as a father holds to his family. One of the perks of his power is the authority to punish and reward his followers as he sees fit. At the end of Act I, he demonstrates this by sentencing Monostatos to seventy-seven lashes and rewarding Tamino for his virtue with admission to the brotherhood, and upon completion of the trials, Pamina as his wife. The authority Sarastro has as his people’s ultimate religious authority allows him to govern as he sees fit, with control over his subjects. Much of the Queen’s hostility towards Sarastro is based on the fact that Sarastro inherited his position from Pamina’s father, Sarastro believes that Pamina is not safe in the care of her mother and uses his authority to save her from her mother, believing that the queen’s influence is not good for Pamina. He also intervenes to protect Pamina when Monostatos makes inappropriate advances toward her. Sarastro has inherited Pamina’s father’s title and along with it, he assumes certain fatherly characteristics, mainly the protective influence a father has over his family. Orgon, the father in Tartuffe, shows some similarities with Sarastro but with one major difference: Orgon uses his fatherly authority to force his daughter into an undesirable marriage. He has grown small-minded in his age and believes Tartuffe to be the poster child for humanity. Obviously, he wants Tartuffe to be a member of his family, and he does so by trying marrying his daughter off to Tartuffe. He tells Mariane â€Å"Yes, Tartuffe shall be allied by marriage to this family, and he’s to be you husband, is that clear? It’s a father’s privilege†. He is abusing the power given to him as Mariane’s father to impel her into a marriage with Tartuffe after he had already promised her to Valere. After much protest from just about everyone in his family failed, Elmire plots to reveal Tartuffe for the scoundrel he is. When the truth about Tartuffe is revealed, he reminds Orgon that everything he owned now belonged to Tartuffe and he tells Orgon to leave immediately. With this, Orgon looses any power he may have had left in his household. After Tartuffe has ruined everyone’s day, all seems lost to Orgon and his family until another father figure steps in to intervene. The King sends one of his personal bodyguards to arrest Tartuffe for a long list of crimes. At this point, Orgon, who’s fatherly authority has been exhausted, is overshadowed by the saving graces of his ruler. The King in Tartuffe is a character who joins the story very late, but is crucial for the conclusion of the tale. He does not show himself personally, as King he has other responsibilities than to directly oversee the arrest of a criminal. His â€Å"Officer† (a Lieutenant Colonel in the original text) arrives with Tartuffe under the ruse of arresting Orgon. The officer reveals himself as an agent of the king and acts as the arm of the king and arrests Tartuffe by royal authority, punishing him for his crimes. He then returns Orgon’s property to its rightful owner and pardon’s his crimes as reward for his â€Å"loyal deeds in the late civil war†. With Tartuffe arrested, the family is able to return to their normal lives and Valere and Mariane marry as they were meant to. The king, as the ultimate political authority, saves the day and concludes the play with his just judgements upon his subjects. Tartuffe himself is a father figure in his own regard as a clergyman (even as a fraudulent one). Religious leaders hold a certain power over their subjects, interpreting the will of their deity and communicating it to the common people. Orgon and Madame Pernelle’s inability to see through Tartuffe’s act as everyone else has is proof of the devotion they give to their spiritual leader. Whatever Tartuffe councils, they obey without question. This will get Orgon into trouble in the case of the strongbox which he entrusts to Tartuffe. Even when they are presented with evidence, the two refuse to accept that Tartuffe is anything but holy. It takes physical evidence seen by their own eyes to disprove their beliefs. Tartuffe’s priestly disguise holds power only because of title (even if it is counterfeit), and not because of any kind of lineage or appointment to leadership. Each of the aforementioned father figures share similar responsibilities in their respective family units. The king and Sarastro have much larger family units, but they have to care for and protect their people just as a father does. Tartuffe as an assumed priest in the Catholic Church bore the responsibilities of leading a catholic ? flock. It is said that a man’s house is his castle, and Orgon runs his castle with an iron fist, but he leads it nonetheless.

Essay on Drug Abuse and its Prevention Essay Example

Essay on Drug Abuse and its Prevention Essay Drug Abuse Essay A drug is a substance which may have medicinal, intoxicating, performance enhancing or other effects when taken or put into a human body or the body of another animal and is not considered a food or exclusively a food. I chose drugs that impact me a lot. It’s a sad fact that drugs are being abused among people not only in our country but also it is practiced by others especially the teenagers in our generation maybe because the lack of attention of parents to children or the friends were bad influence, but I believe it’s not excuse to be involved in such a situation like this. It is the choice of an individual whether he/she will be influenced by or follow what others do to make their lives miserable. Drug abuse is what I would consider a pretty severe problem we have here in the Philippines. There are many different types of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, and heroine to just list a few. These drugs are all fairly simple to produce. Teenage drug abuse Teenagers use drugs because they want to fit in. No one wants to be the only one not participating. No one wants to be left out. So sometimes they make bad decisions, like taking drugs, to cover-up their insecurities. * Because they want to escape or relax. * Because they think it makes them seem grown-up. * Because they want to rebel. Sometimes people turn to drugs not so much for themselves, but to make a statement against someone else, such as their families or society in general. * Because they are curious. Adolescents are curious about having new experiences. Seeing someone doing drugs makes them more curious to know how drugs will make them feel. We will write a custom essay sample on Essay on Drug Abuse and its Prevention specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Essay on Drug Abuse and its Prevention specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Essay on Drug Abuse and its Prevention specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer It is important that kids are kept away from this type of environment. * Because of the Peer Pressure * Emotional pressure. Loneliness and depression raise emotional pressure, and some teens seek a chemical solution to this problem. * Because they are bored Often-bored-teen are 50 percent more likely than not often bored teens to smoke, drink, and use illegal drugs. Teens who cant talk to their parents are more likely to feel isolated, and use drugs. * Because they want attention. Ways to prevent drug abuse The reasons above should never be an excuse to abuse ourselves. While it’s practically impossible to prevent anyone and everyone from using drugs, there are things we can all do to avoid drug and/or alcohol abuse. By sharing this knowledge with those closest to you, you yourself may be able to prevent them from doing drugs, too. Good communication with all family members, especially with our parents would be one of the effective ways for us not to sort on taking drugs when it comes to dealing with our problems.

Essay about Killing of Bien lanen

Essay about Killing of Bien lanen Essay about Killing of Bien lanen Life Reflection "Bartleby" by Herman Melville is one of the most complex stories ever written, and perhaps by any American writer of the period. There is little agreement among critics as to how it should be interpreted. It was extraordinarily ahead of its time, dealing with issues such as the rise of middle-class job’s depression, as well as realizing the future significance of Wall Street to American life. Yet it is also a deeply symbolic work; there are few, real-life Bartleby’s, telling their employers they would "prefer not" to do something, yet remaining at that place of business. When he published "Bartleby" in 1853, Melville had just come off the dismal failure of Moby Dick in the marketplace (According to Bio True Story the book wouldn't become a "classic" until it was rediscovered by critics nearly half a century after its publication, and years after Melville's death). Melville had enormous success with his earliest books, such as Typee and Omoo; books that dealt with his experiences on the high seas and on various islands. These books were not nearly as thoughtful as Moby Dick. Melville knew such stories would sell, but he preferred to write stories more similar to Moby Dick. Under this interpretation, the Lawyer represents the ordinary reader, who desires that Melville continue "copying" his earlier works, while Melville, pained by the failure of Moby Dick, replies that he would "prefer not to," and finally stops writing entirely. The "dead letters," therefore, are Melville's shunned novels. The narrator in Melville's story is a highly respected and successful Wall Street lawyer. The lawyer can be portrayed as Melville’s fans. In the beginning of the story the narrator employs two 1scriveners, each of whom has certain individuality, the two scriveners being different writers of the time. Turkey, the oldest scrivener, is calm and thorough before noon, but after 'twelve o'clock, he becomes increasingly inconstant, clumsy, and impulsive. Nippers, the other scrivener, is the opposite; he comes in to work surly and nervous, but becomes increasingly pleasant and efficient as the day wears on. Because during their good periods both Turkey and Nippers are good scriveners, the narrator is willing to work around their imperfections in the name of office harmony. This unfortunately may set an example for his lack of ability to handle Bartleby; meaning that the readers of Melville’s stories are losing their power over his writing. Of course, Bartleby at first seems like he should need very little handling. He is an excellent scrivener; â€Å"pallidly neat, pitiably respectable, [and] incurably forlorn,† (411). Soon, however, he begins to exhibit flaws that are even more disturbing than those of Turkey and Nipper. When asked to compare his copy with the original, he replies that he would â€Å"prefer not to† (412). After a while he would â€Å"prefer not to† copy, either, and he eventually would

Critiquing is not Editing

Critiquing is not Editing â€Å"Critiquing† is not â€Å"Editing† â€Å"Critiquing† is not â€Å"Editing† By Maeve Maddox A reader writes about a problem she is having with a friend who is critiquing her manuscripts. . . . whenever I use personification, alliteration, or any sort of figurative language, [the friend] edits it out. We have two very different styles, and I’m wondering if she is right in editing my work so drastically that it changes the style, or if my style is really far too â€Å"flowery†, as she puts it. Critiquing is not the same as editing. If the friend is â€Å"editing drastically,† the result is no longer a critique but a rewrite. The chief purpose of a fiction critique is to enable the writer to improve a manuscript by getting rid of unnecessary exposition, character inconsistencies or pointless dialogue. Thoughtful critiques from other writers can help the writer focus on essentials. What exactly is the writer’s purpose? Who is the protagonist? What does the protagonist want? Does each chapter advance the plot? I belong to a writing critique group. Everyone in it has a different style and different preferred genres. We also have various pet peeves relating to grammar, spelling and idiom. However, individual style is something we are very careful about respecting. For one thing, different genres call for different language. For another, every writer must develop a distinctive voice. A writer’s voice may include some flowery language. We respect style, but that’s not to say that we avoid commenting on language we feel is inappropriate or over the top. We make suggestions, but we don’t presume to edit unless we are asked to. It’s always up to the author to accept or reject any comments or objections. To the writer being critiqued I say: Its your voice. Its helpful to have others read our work and comment on structure, story line, believabilitythat kind of thing. We do not profit from readers who want to rewrite our work to their own specifications. Critiques should be honest in pointing out plot weaknesses, omissions, and other flaws, but they shouldn’t attempt to recast the author’s work according to the reader’s vision. In submitting your work for critique it’s a good idea to be specific about the type of feedback you want. If your reader’s comments are consistently hypercritical and make you feel bad, get another reader. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Fiction Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Creative Writing 101Best Websites to Learn English7 Sound Techniques for Effective Writing

Are Cell Phones Really Dangerous to People Research Proposal

Are Cell Phones Really Dangerous to People - Research Proposal Example The problem has been identified: children have often access to cell phones with the permission of their parents. This trend is extremely dangerous especially since scientists have set severe restrictions regarding the potential use of cell phones by children – but these restrictions seem to be ignored by most of the people worldwide. At this point, the following problem appears: are cell phones really dangerous to people? This problem has been explored through a series of relevant studies. It is proved that cell phones can actually harm health; moreover, it seems that the risks for health can be severe for people of all ages. At the next level, it has been made clear that the ways in which cell phones can affect the health of humans can vary; the direct use of cell phone may be less harmful compared to the residence near a cell phone tower. Dr. Vini Khurana studied the effects of cell phones on health; his research led to the following findings: ‘the use of handsets for 10 years or more can double the risk of brain cancer’ (Geoffrey 2008). In the above study, is given on the fact that certain types of cancer can take quite long to develop – even up to a decade; therefore, the above study – having lasted for such period - provides a precise estimation of the potential effects of cell phones on the brain. Another important finding of the study of Khurana has been the following one: cell phones can be more dangerous from smoking; the above finding indicates the level of risk related to the use of cell phones but also the level at which cell phones intervene in daily activities have led to the development of addiction similar to smoking – as this problem is revealed through the study presented above. The various aspects of the danger of cell phones for human health are analyzed in the article of Kovach (2007); in the above article reference is made to the findings of the research developed by George Carlo, a medical scientis t who has spent years on studying the effects of cell phones – both of handsets and cell phone towers – on health; his research lasted from 1993 up to 1999 and reveals a series of important aspects of the health risks related to the use of cell phones. The key findings of his study could be summarized as follows: a) cell phones are not tested as for their risks for health; they enter the market without any testing, as a result of a legislative gap of the period when these devices appeared – the 1980s, b) cell phones can cause severe problems of health, even death, since they are involved in the continuous transmission of waves which can adversely affect the bio-field of humans (Kovach 2007); it is possible for this reason that cell phones have been also related to the changes in the DNA of their users – as also highlighted below.  

EDUCATION WELFARE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

EDUCATION WELFARE - Essay Example It is common for these kinds of families to collapse, with spouses being left as single-parents. This is precisely what Childers’ describes in her book. While Childers is between the age of 10 and 16, she describes the tough circumstances in which she lives. Childers is the eldest of 7 children, and she is often left in charge of them when her mother wanders away. At home, they do not have a telephone, and there is often no electricity too. They also went to bed to bed hungry. Childers often regrets what she has experienced. The 1960s was a period when non-whites were locked in a struggle to attain equal social rights. However, this did not mean that whites were well off, as many of them lived at or below the poverty line. The United States was increasingly engaging in war in Vietnam, and this put a strain on the economy. Yet, there was some form of welfare to rely on. Amid getting an education through welfare, Childers experienced poverty, violence, neglect and shame. While these are experiences that one may not be able to recount calmly, she succeeds in doing so with honesty and grace. It is here that it is noteworthy to mention that she looks back at her dreadful past as though she appreciates what she has been through. Perhaps, these were hard lessons that taught her well. Childers was not alone in her battle, as her family fought for survival. However, it is her recount of prevailing over unwanted pregnancies and cruel boyfriends that impresses us. She managed to keep her education going despite her struggles outside and within the home. While they lived in bleak conditions, Childers and her sister, Joan, had come to realize one important thing. They knew that they must break the cycle of poverty, and they could do this by getting educated. At home, she had to contend with single mother who was an alcoholic. While she describes how much she

Canon Business Analysis Essay Example for Free

Canon Business Analysis Essay In 1925, a German camera maker named Oskar Barnack, developed a new, ground-breaking camera called the Leica. It was not until 1933 that a company responded to the success of Barnack’s creation and produced their own 35 millimeter version of his innovative design. Thus was born the Canon Company. By the 1950’s, Canon attained the title of leading producer of cameras in Japan. Since that time, Canon has made it a point to expand and diversify their company as much as possible. They are able to accomplish this primarily through a strong Research and Development program. Through this program, Canon has explored many different technologies such as home electronics and x-ray technology. One of the first product areas they explored was in the electronic calculator segment. Due to the complex nature of the technology, Canon’s engineers were forced to adapt and develop the intricate micro-electric processors that were being used. They were very successful in doing this. In late 1964, one year after their research started, Canon engineers presented top management with the finished product, the Canola 130. This product became the world’s first 10-key numeric pad calculator. However, Canon has not always succeeded in their endeavors. With every triumph comes a failure. One such instance was a printing device that utilized magnetic material that would coat the paper. They called this the Synchroreader. Although it was touted for its use of technology, the application, it was not patented. Another company took the design, improved it, and made it more affordable. Canon learned its lesson after that instance. Body In 1961, a new technology was developed by the Xerox Corporation. In the following years, with the success of their model 914 office copier, Xerox would enjoy a reported ninety three percent market share world wide. Xerox also had the advantage in that they held approximately five hundred patents. This tactic prevented other companies from intruding on their Plain Paper Copier (PPC) technology. Canon entered the market late in the 1960’s and was looked at with a skeptical eye. They were the â€Å"camera company from Japan† (Mintzberg, et al 2003, p. 75) and were not looked at as serious contenders in the photocopy market. Due to the PPC market being cornered by Xerox and their numerous patents, Canon instead moved into the Coated Paper Copying (CPC) market. This technology transfers the reflection of the original image directly to the special zinc oxide coated paper. This is in direct contrast from the PPC technology which uses regular paper and indirectly transfers the image using a rotating drum and charged particles. A similar technology is still being used in fax and photocopiers today. In 1962, while still in the inferior Coated Paper Copying and marketing under a separate name, the Top Management of Canon challenged their engineers to create a PPC process that would not infringe upon the patents held by Xerox. The engineers answered with the â€Å"New Process† in 1968 and became the first copier to carry the Canon name. Two years later the research came to fruition when the NP1100 was released in Japan. This model utilized dry toner and copied at a whopping rate of ten pages per minute. This, of course, is slow by today’s standards. Canon had finally broken into the PPC market. Riding on the success of this new technology, Canon released the NPL7 in 1972, marketing it exclusively to Japanese companies. This model contained several noticeable improvements over the first generation NP1100. Most notably is that the model was â€Å"More economical, more compact, more reliable,† while still keeping the same quality of copy. (Mintzberg, et al 2003, p. 77) Canon’s Top Management began looking for alternative markets for the Plain Paper Copier in the latter half of the 1970’s. The small office market was identified as Canon’s next target market. They devised a plan to accommodate this market by producing a photocopier, using PPC technology, and offering it to small businesses that did not require the large volume, high speed machines that were currently being offered on the market. The concept itself had the potential to change the market by decentralizing the office photocopier. Prior to this innovation, the photocopier in large offices were centralized to one corner of the office, primarily due to its mammoth size. In 1979, Canon’s concept became a resounding reality. They were able to produce a photocopier that not only met and exceeded the cost and reliability targets that were set by Top Management, but in a more practical application, it was able to reduce the need for constant and continual copier maintenance. Based upon previous experience with patent law, Canon employed the use those laws to protect their new found development. Through the years, Canon has demonstrated several core competencies that have enabled them to propel themselves to the top of the market. First and foremost, Canon has employed a pool of extremely talented engineers who made up Canon’s Research and Development team. Through their research, Canon was able to uncover new and innovative products. This varied product line, which included cameras, calculators, and photocopiers, demonstrates Canon’s diversified product line. This diverse line of merchandise is integral to the company’s survival and has enabled Canon to take a multifaceted approach to technological competition. The more diverse type of products that are offered, the more chances there are for success. This has not always worked out in Canon’s favor however. An example of this would be in the development of the synchroreader. Although the technology was much more advanced than what was on the market, poor marketing decisions and an ignorance of United States patent laws cost Canon that share of the market. Since that time, Canon has taken a step by step approach to their marketing strategies. This is especially apparent with the development and marketing of the NP110 copier. They began by distributing the unit in Japan only in a direct sales format. In doing so a company opens themselves up to the threat of collapse due to spreading themselves too thin. Secondly, we can surmise that an isolated marketing strategy, such as the one that Canon employed when marketing their copier to local Japanese dealers first, will be more effective in the long run. By distributing the product locally at first you can focus on close to home customers rather than across seas customers. Finally, a truly cost effective manufacturing process can be more beneficial at times than the products that come off the assembly lines themselves.

Fight Club :: essays research papers

Fight Club appears to be a sequel to Clockwork Orange (1971) for the yuppie X Generation, half of whom see their parents get a divorce and are fatherless teenagers. (The word "clockwork" is in the script!) Jack (played by Edward Norton) narrates the film, explaining how his 1997 life of white-collar employment and middle-class materialistic success bored him until he fell under the spell of Tyler Durden (played by Brad Pitt), who takes on part-time jobs so that he can engage in mischief to deal with his own identity crisis. In the early part of the film Jack has insomnia, but his physician will not give him stronger sleeping pills, urging him instead to attend alcoholics anonymous-type groups so that he will meet those with real problems. Initially, the nightly meetings provide enough emotional catharsis so that Jack can get a good night sleep. Then Marla (played by Helena Bonham Carter), another faker, starts attending the same meetings, so impotent Jack no longer enjoys t he experience. Looking for something different, one night in the parking lot outside a bar Jack meets Tyler, who asks him to slug him. The exhilaration of the fight prompts them to repeat the ritual, and ultimately Jack abandons his yuppie lifestyle to live in Tyler's ramshackle house (after Tyler secretly plants a bomb to destroy his condo). Others, watching the two slug it out, soon want to fight, too, whereupon Tyler organizes the Fight Club, eight rules in all, which meets in the basement under the bar. (The eight rules appear patterned on the famous 12-step programs of the AA groups.) Interchangeable parts in an overbureaucratized world, where everyone is employed and thus feels no compulsion to become politically active to get politicians on the ball, the club's members belong to the working class in contrast with middle class Jack and Tyler. Fight Club's camaraderie provides the psychological support so that they can revert to their own animalistic resources. Only Tyler enjoy s sex (with Marla). The others seem so crude in appearance that they have obviously not been able to seek release via sex; that they enjoy a nihilistic men's club, where men are topless, is a clear sign of repressed homosexuality. Only through showing muscle can they feel like men after their demasculinized postindustrial jobs. In due course, Tyler changes the Fight Club into Project Mayhem, a club with fascist rules that stockpiles explosives in Tyler's home preparatory to blowing up high rises.

Marketisation of Education Essay

Marketisation is the policy of introducing market forces of supply and demand into education. When the Conservatives came in to power the felt Labour failed to create meritocracy and restructured the system. The 1988 Education Reform Act began the creation of an education market by encouraging competiotion between schools and choice of parents. Before the Education Reform Act, the system was based on The Tripartite System where different types of students would attend one of three different types of schools: Grammar, Technical or Secondary Modern based on the result of their 11+ result. Eventually, it was clear to see that the triparite system didnt focus on equality, as the poorer working-class students would automatically fail the 11+ (restricting them from going to a Grammar school which was intended for the bright and academic) and therefore their chances of success in the future was minimal. Hence, the Education Reform Act was introduced in 1988 under the Tory government introducing a range of measurement; which Ball termed it as the Marketisation of education. This involved a number of changes, such as the introduction of league tables, forcing schools to publish their exam results. The introduction of SAT’s into year 2, year 6 and year 9 at school so formal progress at all schools could be made and monitored and the introduction of the National Curriculum so schools had to teach the same things at the same time. OFSTED was also created so that schools, teachers and pupils were monitored and meeting national standards. Formula funding is an example of a policy where its aimed at creating an education market rather than to tackle inequality. This is where a school receives the same amount of money for each pupil. This can affect a working-class child’s education because if other schools have a higher funding because they are more popular and have better exam results that child is unlikely to get a place at that school and then end up at a less-popular school which has lower exam results because of its lack of funding due to its lack of pupils.

Social environment of business

Business Power James Buchanan Duke was born on December 23rd 1856 In North Carolina. HIS father was the owner of a small factory which produced a brand of chewing tobacco named Pro Bono Public. As he became older It was time for him to take over his father's business, however the number of competition was too high. Taking a major risk, he committed his company to a then-novel product- the cigarette. Unfortunately, back in those days, cigarettes were used by people from the lower class, and they were looked down upon. In spite of this, in 1881 Duke brought 10 Russian migrant cigarette rollers to his North Carolina factory and made about 2,000 per day. Since there was no demand at first, Duke decided to use a famous actress to advertise his cigarettes on a full page newspaper ad. By that time, James Bonsais had invented a machine capable of rolling 200 cigarettes per minute, which failed. Duke saw the opportunity and signed an agreement to operate the machine. The costs of production per thousand was down to $30 from $. 80. Duke moved to New York and had the Idea to hire people to visit tobacco shops ND demand his new machine-rolled Cameo and Cross Cut brands. At one time, he even put glamour photos of semi-nude American actresses on cigarette packs in China. In fact, his cigarettes became a big hit with Chinese men due to this. After carefully observing Rockefeller conquest of the oil industry he saw that his methods could be applied to the tobacco industry. 3 In 1884, he built a holding company called the American Tobacco trust.Bye he had built the trust into a monopoly that controlled 98 percent of the domestic cigarette market and sold 2. Billion cigarettes. His method was to sell his cigarettes at full retail price to dealers which were spied on occasionally by detectives to make sure they were not selling competitors brands. Duke's method shows how much the power of commerce can Influence society. Although cigarettes are poisonous for society's health, he managed to make this product acceptable in people's eyes.There have been many studies done which proved that the use of advertisement is a very powerful tool to use with society, especially with the youth. One of the study was conducted by researchers from Dartmouth Medical School where they followed more than 5,000 Vermont and New Hampshire students ages 10 to 16 from 12 to 26 months. They found that those with higher exposure to movie alcohol use at the initial assessment were more likely to have started drinking at time of follow-up. They also found depictions of alcohol use in 92% of 601 contemporary movies, including in 52% of G-rated films. According to the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth at Georgetown university, alcohol impasses spend nearly $2 billion every year on advertising In the united States. Between 2001 and 2007, there were more than 2 million television ads and 20,000 magazine ads for alcoholic products. 51 believe that this Is a big problem In today's societ y. People are being brainwashed by what they see on television, the Internet shown too much on media which makes it â€Å"okay† for teenagers to use them. Unfortunately, managers need to run their company and would do anything in the hope of becoming successful.

Cooperative Learning Tips and Techniques

Cooperative Learning Tips and Techniques Cooperative learning is a teaching strategy classroom teachers use to help their students process information more quickly by having them work in small groups to accomplish a common goal. Each member that is in the group is responsible for learning the information given, and also for helping their fellow group members learn the information as well. How Does It Work? In order for Cooperative learning groups to be successful, the teacher and students must all play their part. The teachers role is to play the part as facilitator and observer, while the students must work together to complete the task. Use the following guidelines to achieve Cooperative learning success: Arrange students heterogeneously in groups as few as two and no more than six.Assign each member of the group a specific role: recorder, observer, bookkeeper, researcher, timekeeper, etc.Monitor each groups progress and teach skills necessary for task completion.Evaluate each group based upon how well they worked together and completed the task. Classroom Management Tips Noise Control: Use the talking chips strategy to control noise. Whenever a student needs to speak in the group they must place their chip in the middle of the table.Getting Students Attention: Have a signal to get students attention. For example, clap two times, raise your hand, ring a bell, etc.Answering Questions: Create a policy where if a group member has a question they must ask the group first before asking the teacher.Use a Timer: Give students a predetermined time for completing the task. Use a timer or stopwatch.Model Instruction: Before handing out the assignment model the instruction of the task and make sure every student understands what is expected. Common Techniques Here are six common cooperative learning techniques to try in your classroom. Jig-Saw: Students are grouped into five or six and each group member is assigned a specific task then must come back to their group and teach them what they learned.Think-Pair-Share: Each member in a group thinks about a question they have from what they just learned, then they pair-up with a member in the group to discuss their responses. Finally they share what they learned with the rest of the class or group.Round Robin: Students are placed into a group of four to six people. Then one person is assigned to be the recorder of the group. Next, the group is assigned a question that has multiple answers to it. Each student goes around the table and answers the question while the recorder writes down their answers.Numbered Heads: Each group member is given a number (1, 2, 3, 4, etc). The teacher then asks the class a question and each group must come together to find an answer. After the time is up the teacher calls a number and only the student with that number may answer the question .   Team-Pair-Solo: Students work together in a group to solve a problem. Next they work with a partner to solve a problem, and finally, they work by themselves to solve a problem. This strategy uses the theory that students can solve more problems with help then they can alone. Students then progress to the point that they can solve the problem on their own only after first being in a team and then paired with a partner.Three-Step Review: The teacher predetermines groups before a lesson. Then, as the lesson progresses, the teacher stops and gives groups three minutes to review what was taught and ask each other any questions they may have.

Attributes in Mathematics

Attributes in Mathematics In mathematics, the word attribute is used to describe a characteristic or feature of an object- usually within a pattern- that allows for grouping of it with other similar objects and is typically used to describe size, shape, or color of objects in a group. The term attribute is taught as early as kindergarten where children are often given a set of attribute blocks of differing colors, sizes, and shapes which the children are asked to sort according to a specific attribute, such as by size, color or shape, then asked to sort again by more than one attribute. In summary, the attribute in math is usually used to describe a geometric pattern  and is used generally throughout the course of mathematic study to define certain traits or characteristics of a group of objects in any given scenario, including the area and measurements of a square or the shape of a football. Common Attributes in Elementary Mathematics When students are introduced to mathematical attributes in kindergarten and first grade, they are primarily expected to understand the concept as it applies to physical objects and the basic physical descriptions of these objects, meaning that size, shape, and color are the most common attributes of early mathematics. Although these basic concepts are later expanded upon in higher mathematics, especially geometry and trigonometry, its important for young mathematicians to grasp the notion that objects can share similar traits and features that can help them sort large groups of objects into smaller, more manageable groupings of objects. Later, especially in higher mathematics, this same principle will be applied to calculating totals of quantifiable attributes between groups of objects like in the example below. Using Attributes to Compare and Group Objects Attributes are especially important in early childhood math lessons, where students must grasp a core understanding of how similar shapes and patterns can help group objects together, where they can then be counted and combined or divided equally into different groups. These core concepts are essential to understanding higher maths, especially in that they provide a basis for simplifying complex equations- from multiplication and division to algebraic and calculus formulas- by observing the patterns and similarities of attributes of particular groups of objects.   Say, for instance, a person had 10 rectangular flower planters that had each had attributes of 12 inches long by 10 inches wide and 5 inches deep. A person would be able to determine that combined surface area of the planters (the length times the width times the number of planters) would equal 600 square inches. On the other hand, if a person had 10 planters that were 12 inches by 10 inches and 20 planters that were 7 inches by 10 inches, the person would have to group the two different sizes of planters by these attributes in order to quickly determine how much surface area all the planters have between them. The formula, therefore, would read (10 X 12 inches X 10 inches) (20 X 7 inches X 10 inches) because the two groups total surface area must be calculated separately since their quantities and sizes differ.

The Case of the Variable Laminates Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Case of the Variable Laminates - Essay Example This would indicate that soaking time is incremented by 6 minutes, soaking temperature by 10oC and knife pressure by 10 psi. The resulting Taguchi experimental design orthogonal array would assume the form shown in the Appendix. The total number of experiments required would be 36. The thickness measurements are previously being made at every 15 minutes but a greater frequency for soaking time has been defined in order to ensure that process control experimentation resolution is enhanced. The contention in running these experimental runs is to measure the resulting laminate thickness. Once laminate thickness has been tabulated against each experimental run, statistical methods can be used to determine the optimal running conditions. Multiple combinations of operating parameters may produce the desired thickness so other factors such as power consumption may be used to decipher the final operating

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 104

Assignment Example The core issue of a learning contract is to provide a guiding strategy for personal learning. What is needed in a learning contract is a clear declaration of the rationale of the contract. This may be provided as an aim, a predicament or a matter. The purpose must be suitable to the course or subject and be adequately challenging to merit inclusion in a bachelor level program (Anderson, Baud & Sampson 1998). Purpose of learning contracts can be indicated as transforming responsibility for the education process from the educator to the learner to enable students learn better with a clear focus. It is also to offer a motivation by insuring accomplishment under known conditions. Learning contract is a means for a student to have a prepared learning model to pursue. This structure must be specifically designed for individual student’s needs. It offers information and objectives the student has set for their individual

Media Analysis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Media Analysis - Research Paper Example This essay aims to provide a timeline of important events and to describe and analyze three media artifacts that covered the Beslan school hostage crisis: 1) Peter Baker and Susan B. Glasser (2004)’s newspaper article that has an online version; 2) 48 Hours of CBS News’ video clip of the negotiation and release of some hostages; and 3) David Satter (2009)’s commentary, five years after the hostage incident. These media artifacts demonstrate some differences in how they labeled the hostage takers and similarities in their emotional rendering of the events, while one of them underscored that the blame of the crisis’ mishandling should be placed solely on the shoulders of the Russian government. Timeline of the Beslan Hostage Crisis On September 1, 2004, at around 5:30 am, a group of hostage takers seized Beslan’s School No. 1 and took hundreds of students, teachers, and parents as hostages. They exchanged fires with the police during that morning. Bak er and Glasser (2004) described the hostage takers as â€Å"guerillas† or â€Å"fighters,† from Chechnya and other nations, while the Russian government called them â€Å"terrorists† (p.1). ... On Friday, September 3, 2004, hostage takers allowed emergencies ministry workers to approach the dead bodies of some hostages who were lying in front of the school. At the same time, two hours before the bloody battle between the guerillas and the government’s troops, the president of North Ossetia, Alexander Dzasokhov, and another politician called Chechen leader Akhmed Zakayev in London. Zakayev, who stood for Aslan Maskhadov, the Chechen separatist leader and deposed president, said that they wanted Maskhadov’s help in negotiating with the guerillas because their demands were related to the Chechnya conflict (Baker & Glasser, 2004, p.2). Maskhadov was prepared to meet the rebels for the release of the hostages and the discussion of the latter’s demands. However, at around 10 to 10:30 AM, two explosions were heard inside the school. The news differed on what caused these explosions, although the ultimate result was the collapse of the gym’s roof, where most of the hostages were, the running away of hostages as shootings ensued, the attack of the Special Forces on the gym, and the subsequent battle between the army and the rebels (Baker & Glasser, 2004, p.2; The Guardian, 2004). Fighting occurred until evening, but ended at around 8 PM. On the dawn of September 4, President Vladimir Putin visited some of the wounded victims (The Guardian, 2004). Analysis of Media Coverage The first media artifact to be analyzed is the print news article (available online) written by Baker and Glasser (2004). The media sample matters because it provides vital information about the hostage crisis and it shows the difference between news language and political language. In terms of sources, Baker and Glasser (2004) relied on themselves as eyewitnesses, law

Features and Types of Organisational Structures

Features and Types of Organisational Structures Organisational Structure The organisational structure in any business is important. To survive, all organisations have to be able to accomplish tasks and this requires carrying out certain duties. Structure splits the tasks of the whole organisation into smaller and more practical chunks, and allocates them to sections of the organisation that are held responsible for its completion. It also ensures that all the different sections are coordinated and controlled in a way which it has to achieve something. For example, to distinguish the structure of Jaguar an organisation chart could be used; however this is a very crude representation of the organisation and does not show how the organisation communicates or the flow of work, which may be crucially necessary for it to succeed. I believe that Jaguar’s structure is a Product grouping; mainly because a Product grouping is most often established where an organisation has a number of specific product lines (in this case the different models/makes of vehicles). Usually in this sort of structure each individual section is operated separately giving it a number of advantages. For instance, everything in a certain product line is brought together in the one central area making it easier for communication and coordination. Due to Jaguar’s product development nature, such an advantage is especially relevant as it allows for a specific team to be able to convey information between each other much faster. It is, therefore, easier to understand the information as it is easier to understand the information as it is directly being talked about directly, rather than in a document where visualisation may be required. However a Product grouping also has disadvantages, for example, team members can become to foc used on their own product and lose sight of advances made in other product groups. Again this could pose a problem in an organisation like Jaguar as it could potentially cause disillusionment between product groups by group members choosing to use their own way to achieve objects instead of listening to information from group members out with their product group which could aid them. Centralisation is another key feature in the structure of an organisation. This underlines the locality of decision making in an organisation and through this develops an understanding of the authority and responsibility in the organisation. Everybody in an organisation has responsibility, but when it is used in terms of the structure it refers to those who have a larger effect on the overall managerial aspect. In Jaguar, for instance, it is assumed that the CEO (Commanding Executive Officer) is responsible for the performance of the company; at the next level down would be the marketing director, who would be held responsible for achieving marketing objectives and so on. In centralised structures decision making tends to be retained in the hands of a small number of people at the top of an organisation, while those that are decentralised, decision making authority is delegated. From my point of view I think that Jaguar is a decentralised, as decisions are made at a point closer to operational levels. By being able to make these important decisions closer to the operational aspect of the product groups it makes a decision on the problem at hand quicker to solve, and also develops leadership skills of those lower down in the organisation. It also frees up the top management to devote its attention to long term strategies, which a company like Jaguar has to take into account due to the constant changing market direction and the type of customer who is attracted to its products. Formalisation reflects the extent to which the formal rules and procedures govern activities in an organisation and, in particular whether the nature of the work is prescribed in rules that specify what shall be done and often how it will be done, rules and procedures can be implicit as well as explicit, and can be used to either prescribe what should be done or proscribe what is forbidden. To some extent increased formalisation is a function of organisational size. Once an organisation grows beyond a certain point it becomes almost impossible to rely on interactions used to control and coordinate a smaller company. For a larger company, such as Jaguar, there tends to be more specialists higher up in the hierarchy allowing it to focus more on the long term strategic issues. Thus procedures and rules become the main way of controlling activities and introducing a degree of predictability into the organisation (Mintzberg 1979). This is a large disadvantage for the smaller product group s within Jaguar as it means there is a larger degree of predictability into their activities as well as a large distance between the groups and the management level. Organisational culture is used to try and describe the experiences of people within the organisation. It usually describes their beliefs, habits, manners, self-image and they way tasks are undertaken. To current employees the culture within their organisation will go unnoticed. The culture within the organisation is important as it key to the company functioning at its best as well as developing leadership throughout the company. A key role for the culture of an organisation is to differentiate its own specialised culture from another organisation. From my point of view, I think that Jaguar has a Task culture. This is because the management could be seen as having a series of problems to be solved. For example, Jaguar may have to make new car models to keep up with new advances in car safety and new legal regulations, which would require a team to be formed and to deal with the problem. However this has a slight disadvantage in that the teams can become easily bored with predictability and repetitive tasks. To be successful a business must continually modify to its competitive background. There are certain central ideals which stay steady and provide a sense of direction in the decision making process. These unchanging ideals form the company vision and help in identifying the company’s mission. The mission conveys the belief s and objectives (vision for future), which is made up of three main elements: Values Purpose Objectives (Vision) The values and purpose together create the beliefs of the company and usually remain the same in the long term. The values central to a company are limited to a small number (usually no more than five). They reflect the principles of the organisation as a whole. One way to identify a value would be to see if it would stay the same if the organisations situation changed. It would be counted as a value if it did stay the same. Also, if the organisation changed into a different industry, the values that were carried over would be the central values. For instance, a central value that I believe Jaguar employs is innovation. Now, as unlikely as it may seem, if Jaguar was to change its market area and this key value was no longer an advantageous aspect of the company then it would be detrimental to the company. But if Jaguar were to change its market then I should change to one where its value of innovation would aid in Jaguar’s success. The purpose is the reason that the company exists. It is shown through the company’s mission. Similar to the company values, the purpose of the company is relatively unchanging and lasts for long periods of time. This purpose is what sets the organisation apart from similar organisations. Since the main priority of a company is to turn over a profit, however this should not be part of the company’s main mission as it does not offer a suitable path for employees to follow. For example, one of Jaguar’s purposes would be to provide excellent customer service when dealing with potential clients. This would be especially important to the management of the company as it would show how the whole company treats individuals and would also influence employees on how to treat others – not just with clients. Both the purpose and values are not directly selected but are exposed. The beliefs of the company should not be goal orientated but instead, it should reveal the company as it is The objectives (or vision) are what the higher management (such as the CEO of the company) decide to try and achieve. The vision dictates an objective that the company will set as a long term goal. This contradicts the central beliefs of the company as the vision is directly chosen. Due to the vision being long term goals, they are much more demanding than other goals. The organisation has to realise that there is a reduced chance of successfully achieving the vision, but to initially begin to compete these goals the company must believe the vision can be achieved. The goals should be challenging enough that it motivates staff into increasing efforts to reach them. The majority of visionary goals come under four main categories: Target – e.g. sales targets Common Enemy – e.g. overtaking rival companies in the market Role Model – e.g. to emulate companies of a similar type Internal Transformation – e.g. becoming number one company in the market Even though a company’s vision may take a large amount of effort to achieve, most companies that have employed a long term vision have become very successful. But once the goal has been achieved, a company which would like to continue its success usually employs a new vision to keep the organisation motivated. For instance, a long term vision that could be employed, especially for a car company such as Jaguar, would be to reduce the carbon footprint of the company. This would be seen as a long term goal as it would take a long amount of time to successfully convert from fossil fuels to renewable energy as well as to research new way in which to power cars cost effectively.

The Relationship Between Slavery and Freedom Essay -- Slavery Essays

The Relationship Between Slavery and Freedom For Edmund S. Morgan American slavery and American freedom go together hand in hand. Morgan argues that many historians seem to ignore writing about the early development of American freedom simply because it was shaped by the rise of slavery. It seems ironic that while one group of people is trying to break the mold and become liberated, that same group is making others confined and shattering their respectability. The aspects of liberty, race, and slavery are closely intertwined in the essay, 'Slavery and Freedom: The American Paradox.' The contradictions between slavery and freedom are very apparent throughout history. America started out with the intentions of becoming separate and equal. To become this kind of nation they needed a crop that would give them something to trade with the other countries. The most obvious choice was tobacco and to produce this demanding crop they used a lot of slave labor. Morgan states 'To a very large degree it may be said that Americans bought their independence with slave labor (122).' America was so obsessed with being free and equal it looks like they would go to any length to obtain it. Another example would be certain slave owners. Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington all owned slaves. This is interesting especially with Jefferson who had a major role in republican liberty. Another contradictory point made by Morgan is how England which prides itself in the l...

Three Day Road: Character Development

The two main characters in the novel â€Å"Three Day Road† by Joseph Boyden; Xavier Bird and Elijah Weesageechack, have many key differences that are illustrated throughout the novel. Xavier is reserved and visceral, while Elijah is self-assured and talkative. Xavier was raised by his Aunt Niska for the Majority of his childhood, opposed to how Elijah was raised in Moose Factory by nuns at a residential school. These factors hold an important responsibility on their personalities and the way that they think and make decisions. The three key differences between them that are paramount to the story and the themes of the novel are; firstly their respect for their Oji-Cree culture, secondly their respect and love for human life, and lastly their personalities. The differences in their personalities create positive chemistry back in their homeland of Canada, but when they are sent to Europe to fight in World War One, their relationship is put to the test. An important difference between Elijah and Xavier is the difference in their respect for their Aboriginal culture. Respecting their Oji-Cree culture is paramount to Xavier, while it is much less important to Elijah. An example of Xavier’s close association with his aboriginal culture can be seen through the following quote, â€Å"All of them stare down at me. I look up, sitting cross-legged with one of the horses sprawled beside me, its head on my lap. I look like I’ve been painted red. The smell of blood is heavy. It covers the wooden walls, the floor, the straw upon the floor. Elijah sees that one of my hands rests on the floor with my skinning knife in it. The horse’s neck gapes open along its big artery. (Page 189) This example shows Xavier’s connection to his aboriginal culture because having respect for animals is a major part of the Oji-Cree morals. In this exact scene Elijah was willing to shoot the horses, which shows a lack of respect for the animal, which goes against the morals of his aboriginal heritage. A second key example of how Xavier and Elijah differ when it comes to their aboriginal culture is seen through Elijah’s willingness to assimilate into European culture. In the novel Elijah states, â€Å"â€Å"Jolly good night for a little snooping, eh, Thompson? Elijah says. Thompson shakes his head at the words, and his teeth are white almost to a glow. â€Å"You do a better British accent than a Brit†, he says. † (Page 137) Elijah’s readiness to develop an English accent is in stark contrast to the fact that Xavier refuses to assimilate into the European culture. The third example of how Xavier and Elijah are different in the way they treat their aboriginal heritage is seen when the two of them are on their way to Toronto and they sell their canoe to get some extra money so they can afford new clothes. These new clothes are a necessity because they need to blend into their new environment to a certain extent. The following quote depicts the moment perfectly, â€Å"â€Å"When Elijah strolls out, I laugh. He has chosen a black suit and stiff, high white collar. In the mirror he looks like a preacher. This appeals to Elijah† (Page 142). In the scene, it is obvious that Xavier purchases his clothing out of necessity, while Elijah purchases his new clothes because it is appealing to assimilate into the new Canadian culture they are about to be immersed within. The most important part of the quote is the final sentence, which states, â€Å"This appeals to Elijah†. The fact that it appeals to him proves that he has interest in being assimilated into the Canadian society. Through the example presented it is blatant to see that Xavier has respect for his Oji-Cree culture, while Elijah has a lack of respect for it. A second example of how Elijah and Xavier differ is seen through their different views of brutality and respect towards other people’s lives. Xavier has a lot of respect for humans and their lives and due to this he kills out of necessity. On the other hand, Elijah enjoy killing humans and does it for the sake of sport. A perfect example of how Xavier and Elijah differ in regards to the respect of human lives is seen in the subsequent quote, â€Å"I jump to my feet before I know that I do it and approach Elijah with balled fists. Then I find myself reaching for my knife. But what he said makes me gag and I kneel down and stick my finger down my throat. The contents of my stomach come out in a slimy glob†. Page 310) This example highlights the fact that Xavier isn’t even willing to joke about eating German citizens, while Elijah doesn’t only find it funny he can’t understand why Xavier would take it so incredibly seriously. Elijah’s lack of respect for the people he kills shows a vicious brutality that is not seen in Xavier Bird. A second example of how Xavier and Elijah’s personali ties contrast can be seen through Elijah’s thirst to kill people. Elijah’s obsession over carnage can be highlighted in the following excerpt, â€Å"In the long hours of hunting Elijah tries to understand what is growing on him. He talks to me about this through the nights we spend out in the damp and mud. Mist rises from craters and swirls in the stink. In the end, the answer that comes is simple. Elijah has learned to take pleasure in killing† (Page 283). This quote is an incredible example of Elijah’s brutality because it is not only seen through his actions, but also his thought process. It proves that Elijah is not just killing for necessity he has actually gone mad. This highlights the difference between the two characters because Xavier strictly kills so he can survive through the war. The final exemplar in regards to Brutality and respect for human life can be emphasized by the connection that the two main characters have with their comrades. The following quote accentuates this fact, â€Å"He opens his eyes and looks up at Elijah. Elijah raises the wood in both hands and swings it down hard as he can onto Grey Eyes’ forehead† (Page 340). This exemplar distinctly shows the variance in Elijah’s connection with his comrades in comparison to Xavier relationship with his comrades. Xavier doesn’t have the ability to speak as well as Elijah, but he has a much stronger emotional connection with the people he fights with. When looking at Elijah, it undisguised that he doesn’t have a strong emotional connection with any of his comrades and if there is connection at all it is strictly to use them. Elijah’s closest friend in the war other than Xavier was Grey Eyes and he was willing to kill him so he could get away with the crimes he had committed. In conclusion, Xavier puts his comrades and the people he is fighting against in high regard and has a serious respect for them, while Elijah just wants to eliminate every problem that confronts him; he doesn’t care how he does it. The third and final example between the two characters that has a major effect on the story and the key themes of the novel are their personalities. As stated in the opening paragraph, Xavier is reserved and visceral, while Elijah is self-assured and talkative. Xavier was raised by his Aunt Niska for the Majority of his childhood, opposed to how Elijah was raised in Moose Factory by nuns at a residential school. These differences in upbringing play a distinct role in how the two of them make decisions, and how closely they hold onto their aboriginal culture. It is clear that the chemistry of their friendship works in the setting of the Northern Ontario woods, but it fails to follow through when they fight in World War One. An example of a difference between the two characters is seen in the way that Xavier is much more a quiet character, he doesn’t have much to say because his English isn’t very strong. A subtle yet important example of this is seen in the ensuing quotation, â€Å"†So you’re an Indian, then? † he asks. I nod. â€Å"You’re pretty short for an Indian, ain’t ya? The others laugh. † (Page 23) Xavier’s trouble with the English language is highlighted in the excerpt because all he does is nod. This makes life in Europe incredibly awkward for Xavier. This is in blatant contradistinction to Elijah because he thrives in this type of situation. Elijah’s verbose nature can be examined in the following passage, â€Å"He began talking this way to get the others to laugh, but he likes it now. Makes him feel respectable. He told me there’s a magic in it that protects him. (Page 137) Elijah’s ability to speak English fluently and to adapt the way he talks so that he has an English accent makes him much more popular with their comrades. Elijah’s upbringing has an effect on his appeal for European culture because instead of being brought up in the wilderness he is brought up in a residential school by nuns. Giving him a much different outlook on their culture than Xavier. The final example of how Elijah and Xavier differ in terms of personality is seen best in the following passage, â€Å"â€Å"I wish I could fly like that,† Elijah says to me in Cree. I wish I could fly like that, like a bird,† he repeats, staring up like a little boy. â€Å"Maybe a pilot will take me up sometime. † â€Å"Me, I’m happy to stay on the ground on my belly in the dirt,† I answer. â€Å"Thinking about falling from up there makes me sick†Ã¢â‚¬  (Page 164). This passage highlights the difference between their adventurousness. Elijah’s willingness to go up in a plane can be correlated with his courageousness in battle. Xavier’s contentment with being on the ground can be correlated with his timid nature socially and on the battlefield to a certain extent. This quotation proves that Elijah has a much more adventurous personality than Xavier. In cessation, Elijah and Xavier are incredibly different people with personalities that are nearly opposites and this ends up having an extreme effect on the plot and the themes of the story â€Å"Three Day Road†. In conclusion, the two main characters in the novel â€Å"Three Day Road† by Joseph Boyden; Xavier Bird and Elijah Weesageechack, have many significant differences that are illustrated over the course of the novel. As shown with the supporting points above, Xavier is reserved and visceral, while Elijah is self-assured and talkative. Xavier was raised by his Aunt Niska for the majority of his childhood, opposed to how Elijah was raised in Moose Factory by nuns in a residential school. These factors that affect their personalities have major impacts on the three main differences that lie between them. These differences are, firstly their respect for their Oji-Cree culture, secondly their appreciation and love for human life, and lastly how they carry themselves throughout the novel. The differences between them have a positive influence on their relationship when they are in Canada, but in Europe, these differences end up destroying their friendship.

Who Is the Real Monster in Mary Shelley’s Novel, Frankenstein?

Essay: â€Å"Who is the real monster in Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein? † Mary Shelley’s objective was to write a novel about how important, or not appearances are. The saying â€Å"You can never judge a book by its cover†, is what Mary Shelley is trying to explain to the reader. The tree main characters have different ways of seeing life, but loneliness bonds them together. They’ve had unique and painful life experiences, but nothing can stop them from pursuing their goal. This book it starts of with Walton's journey, then Frankenstein’s story, then the monster's view and finally back to Walton's narrative.The purpose of this essay is to show who the real monster is. The first character is Robert Walton he is presented as a fearless captain of a crew. He is obsessed with the idea of finding another way to reach the North Pole. The following line can give you an idea about how determined and selfish he is, â€Å"I ordered us to wait one night longer, and took the chance to get some sleep†. He can also be bossy and companionate in the same time, for example in the next line â€Å"I told the man to wrap him in blankets and warm him by the ship’s stove†.Robert Walton wants to know more about Victor Frankenstein, he states: â€Å"When I asked if his studies had brought him to the frozen north, he looked at me with a deep sadness†. This shows that he can be compassionate too. Victor Frankenstein is the main character; he comes from Geneva, Switzerland. Since he was small he enjoyed discovering the unknown â€Å"I was more interested in nature than I was in people†. He was the biggest child in his family; he had 2 brothers and a half-sister.His passion of knowing was increasing every day â€Å"From that moment I was determined to find the answers to these questions, to discover the secrets of life†. Right before Frankenstein went to university his mother died â€Å"I was keen to go, but, just before I was to set out, my mother fell ill with a fever and died†. By going to university, after his mother’s death, show’s how selfish he is â€Å"In the end, of course, I had to leave†. Frankenstein had always been interested in science, but his interests developed more, once his mother died.Before going to university he promised Elizabeth, his half sister, that he will write to her â€Å"My dear Elizabeth clasped my hands and begged me to write, to write often, and I promised that I would†. But when he got to university he forgot his promise to Elizabeth. His arrogance leaded him to be such a good scientist â€Å"I smiled to hear this because I knew my understanding of science was not just the equal of theirs but far superior†. Now he wanted to learn more about dead bodies â€Å"I had to understand death and decay†. He regrets the fact that he continued with his research â€Å"Oh, Walton, if I had only stopped thereà ¢â‚¬ .His desire was to create life â€Å"I wanted to create a living being, a creature like myself but perfect and original†, he considered himself a God. Frankenstein also shows us how irresponsible he is, because he didn’t think about what will happen, or what will he do once he will create the monster. So he started working on the idea of creating life. The memory from his childhood â€Å"When the light was gone, the tree was left a blasted stump, smoking in the rain† affected him, now he was thinking about using electricity to create life â€Å"A flash of electricity like the one I’d seen destroy the tree†.When the creature gained life, Frankenstein gets scarred and ashamed of his creation â€Å"I felt a surge of triumph, but it lasted no more than an instant†. Frankenstein's description of the monster makes us think that he is horrific. ‘Black lips' and ‘watery eyes' are horrific Frankenstein's view. This description also portrays the monster in a bad way, although the monster has not done anything to be ‘evil' or ‘monstrous'. The only way he is monstrous is through Frankenstein's physical description. Frankenstein also uses rhetorical questions throughout the chapter.This gets the reader involved, but also reminds us that he is still telling his story to Walton. â€Å"But was I free? Could I ever be free while that dreadful thing was waiting for me in my work room? †. After his friend, Henry Clerval’s visit he realized that he was ill, when he went to check if the creature was still there he found out that â€Å"The monster had gone†. Frankenstein seems to have abandoned his creation, so this seems quite monstrous. On the other hand, the monster is certainly monstrous in appearance, though he has not done anything wrong at this point in the book.While Henry and Victor were having breakfast the terrible news of William’s death occurred and they left immediately . When he arrives at his home, and he realizes that the monster must have killed his brother, although he has no evidence â€Å"I had given life to the dreadful being that had killed my own brother†. However, Frankenstein says nothing in court, and lets his good family friend Justine hang. This adds to his monstrous behavior due to his cowardice. Frankenstein goes away to the Alps, and seeks comfort in nature, and to get away from the trouble at home, â€Å"From he first time in weeks I felt something like happiness in my heart†. Frankenstein is perhaps showing selfishness by leaving his family alone in these troubled times. This again, can make us question who the real monster is. But Frankenstein’s joy didn’t least. ‘Rage' and ‘horror' is how Frankenstein describes his emotions, and this shows how unexpected and scared he is. During this scene, Frankenstein also describes the monster in an ugly way, ‘vile demon’ and ‘devil '. Next, Frankenstein exaggerates by saying â€Å"You dare come to me after what you have done? †.The creature is just trying to talk to Frankenstein â€Å"Stay still and listen to me†. They blame each other for what happened and they both have strong arguments against each other. This starts to show who the real monster is, and how it could possibly be Frankenstein. At this point, Shelley has made us reconsider who is more monstrous and the person acting more monstrously is Frankenstein, due to his attitude towards the monster, and rejecting the monster's story, at first. At this point in the book, we are made to feel sorry for the monster, because he has been rejected.Also, the only description of the monster has come from Frankenstein. Since this is the case the creature may not look as bad as suggested. The monster then tells his story to Frankenstein. It begins with both Frankenstein and society rejecting the monster and he ends up running away, and living in a fo rest. Here he learns to read, because he continues listening to the poor family next door. The feeling of sadness gets worse after finding and reading Frankenstein’s diary. After analyzing ‘the happy family’‘s life he was hoping that he could ‘speak with them one day’.However, when he tries to talk the blind man, his family walk in, and ‘saves’ the old man from the ‘monster’. The monster was ‘born’ good, but the abandonment of his creator and of society has made him be who he is. This perhaps makes us feel sorrier for the monster, and also really makes us question who the real monster is. Because of his loneliness the creature begs Frankenstein to ‘make’ another creature, so he won’t be alone anymore. Firstly Frankenstein refused the creatures deal, but in the end he accepted. Frankenstein collected all the equipment he needed and retired on an island, where no one could find him.The mo nster watched every step of Frankenstein’s work, but in the end Frankenstein ‘began to destroy his new creation’ because ‘he refused to bring more misery into the world’. The monster was devastated and threatened Frankenstein, â€Å"I shall be with you on your wedding night! †. Frankenstein thought that the creature was going to ‘kill’ him, but sadly the ‘monster’ was referring to Elizabeth, the person Frankenstein cared the most. While he was going back to Geneva to ‘meet with Henry’, he found out that the creature killed someone again†¦ This time it was Henry, his best friend.On his wedding night Victor was shocked to find Elizabeth dead, â€Å"He was pointing at the lifeless form of Elizabeth, a grin twisted on his vile face†. But ‘the news of Elizabeth’s death was more than his poor father could bear. It broke his heart and he died’. Because of hatred towards his creato r, and society, he gets ‘corrupted' and kills many of Frankenstein's family. The creature regretted that â€Å"he had destroyed his greatest enemy, and his greatest friend, and all the hater I have left is for myself’.Frankenstein dies. Captain Walton learned a lesson. Within Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, all three characters show monstrous behavior. I believe that a monster is not recognized and defined only by its physical appearance. I believe that Frankenstein's creation is not the true monster in this novel. But neither are Frankenstein or Walton. In my opinion society is the real monster, because they â€Å"Judge a book by its cover†, in other words society cares just about someone’s looks and not about how they really are.

Understanding and Identifying Douglas Firs

Understanding and Identifying Douglas Firs Douglas fir  (or Doug fir) is the English name applied in common to most evergreen coniferous trees of the genus Pseudotsuga  which is in the family Pinaceae. There are five species, two in western North America, one in Mexico, and two in eastern Asia. Douglas Fir Is Confusing to Taxonomists The firs most common name honors a Scottish botanist by the name of David Douglas, a collector of botanical specimens who first reported the extraordinary nature and potential of the species. On his second expedition to North Americas Pacific Northwest in 1824, he discovered what was to eventually be scientifically named Pseudotsuga menziesii. Because of its distinctive cones, Douglas firs were finally placed in the new genus Pseudotsuga (meaning false Tsuga) by the French botanist Carrià ¨re in 1867. Doug firs gave 19th-century botanists problems due to their similarity to various other conifers better known at the time; they have at times been classified as Pinus, Picea, Abies, Tsuga, and even Sequoia. The Common North American Douglas Fir Douglas fir is one of the most important timber trees on earth in terms of forest products. It can grow large over centuries but will usually be harvested within a century because of its wood value. The good news is that it is a common non-endangered tree and the most plentiful western conifer in North America. This common fir has two Pacific coastal and Rocky Mountain variants or varieties. The coastal tree grows to a height of 300 feet where the Rocky Mountain variety only reaches 100 feet.   Pseudotsuga menziesii  var. menziesii  (called coastal Douglas fir) grows  in the moist coastal regions from west-central  British Columbia  southward to central  California. These firs in Oregon and Washington range from the  eastern edge of the Cascade mountain range to the Pacific ocean.Pseudotsuga menziesii  var. glauca  (called Rocky Mountain Douglas fir) is a smaller fir that tolerates drier sites and grows along with the coastal variety and throughout the Rocky Mountains to Mexico. Quick Identification of Douglas Fir Douglas fir is not a true fir so both the needle formations and the unique cone can throw you off. The cone has unique snake tongue-like forked bracts creeping out from under the scales. These cones are nearly always intact and plentiful both on and under the tree. True firs have needles that are upturned and not whorled. Doug fir is not a true fir and needles are singly wrapped around the twig and between 3/4 to  1.25 inches long with a white line underneath. The needles are deciduous (but may persist), linear or needle-like, not prickly like spruce, and singly whorled around the twig. Doug fir is also a  favorite Christmas tree  and adapts well to commercial plantations well out of its natural range. The Most Common North American Conifer List Baldcypress  CedarDouglas firFirHemlock  Larch PineRedwoodSpruce

David Hume, A Logical Empiricist †Philosophy of Religion Essay

David Hume, A Logical Empiricist – Philosophy of Religion Essay Free Online Research Papers David Hume, A Logical Empiricist Philosophy of Religion Essay As a logical empiricist, it is no surprise that David Hume has sufficient rebuttal to challenge the teleological arguments for an ultimate architect of the universe. Through the skeptical lens of empirical criticism, there are many rational flaws within the specious attempts of philosophers to anthropomorphically denote a creator in the likes of the human intellect. With nothing to prove, Hume has only to point out the shortcomings of others’ attempts at defining, proving and creating, as it were, the ultimate source of all existence. Content with no answer, fulfilled with no ultimate designer, empirical, rational, logical means are more than enough to disprove attempts at logically proving the infinitely ineffable, mind crushing source of all existence. From the outset, Hume questions the very nature of the bridge that the argument from design purports to construct. In comparing the construction of, say, a house with the creation of the universe, one integrates a relational dissimilitude that negates the potential to infer similar sources. The relative appearance and composition of the two examples echoes the ontology of the analogy; an analogy that attempts to gap an infinitely large discrepancy. Hume points out that man has plenty of experience to recognize a house and assume an architect built it, but he has no such experience with which to examine the naturally occurring design of the human body, let alone the universe, and make an analogous assumption concerning its source. The difference being that in the teleological argument man imposes his experience on two ontologically disparate kinds of things, using evidence for one category as evidence for the other, thereby linking the two within an analogy. Man’s attempt to relate the two by virtue of his a posteriori experience is a categorical error. For while his experience may succeed in ordinary, rational comparisons, this particular comparison does not involve such closely related matters. In other words, according to Hume, the authenticity and reliability of the evidence deteriorates as the nature of the experiment (mans’ experiences of the world) strays from the goal of the inferred conclusion (the source of existence/the universe)(But observe†¦importance, 164). Consequently, when man compares the cause of manmade thing to the cause of the universe, he stretches the power of the parallel beyond its capacity. The analogy attempts to liken the finite, temporal, spatial human mind to one that defies such categories, as it necessarily precedes such boundaries as the cause of them. The parallel brakes down, for mans’ logic fails to remain coherent within the nature of the analogy. Man has plenty of experience with how manmade things come to be, but he has no such experience with how existence, and its ensuing evolution, came to be. The difference between these two categories of comparison, is infinite: a little, or even a lot, of experience with the source of manmade things compared to zero experience with the existentially pre -time, -space, -material source of the universe. So when Hume says that, â€Å"wherever you depart, in the least, from the similarity of the cases, you diminish proportionally the evidence; and may at last bring it to a very weak analogy, which is confessedly liable to error and uncertainty†, this example is one of the most extreme cases of that analogical stretch in evidence (162). It is relatively apparent how incoherent it would be to relate temporal causes, those that appeal to experience a posteriori, with the a-temporal, pre-time cause of time. For it would be an inference from the physical to the metaphysical. Compari ng things that have no linear connection in time, void of any possible cause and effect relationship. In this sense, the argument from analogy is a leap from the temporal to the timeless, from the finite to the infinite, a shift in the species of cause and effect, as Hume puts it. Accordingly, extrapolating from one to the other is unconditionally illogical. This error reflects a misunderstanding of man to think the universe works as he has evolved to perceive it, the way in which his rational mind has been conditioned by evolution to interpret it, which does not necessarily reveal the true reality of the universe. By virtue of evolution, it is mans’ nature to put order into his reality, and rightly so. For without such faculties, he would not survive. But the extent to which he can use those same methods to fully understand the true nature of reality is quite dubious, and the teleological attempt is paradigmatic of this blunder. The tools he has used to make sense of his life within the temporal cause and effect reality in which he lives, do no necessarily transfer over to handle such questions as the source of existence itself. When Hume composes this dialogue, It is still the image of mind reflected on us from innumerable objects. Add, a mind like the human, said Philo. I know of no other, replied Cleanthes. And the liker the better, insisted Philo. To be sure, said Cleanthes. (168) He is surely speaking of how man would like there to be a creator with a similar nature of mind and thus looks for such qualities, but this is only what he would like, not what is so. And here is where empiricists such as Hume know not to go. The hypothetico deductive reasoning that science stems from relies on a rubric of evidence that renounces the potential to approach such questions of timeless, immaterial sources of existence that arguments for god attempt to explain. So as long as science, the entity that legislates public knowledge, holds to its publicly verifiable groundwork, it is highly unlikely that it, and those under it, will ever concede to a rational argument for god. Because to do so, would effectively undermine itself and the spirit of its approach: one that is intrinsically confined to the material scope of publicly verifiable evidence- the realm this question attempts to transcend. As science should, for any attempt to explain such a matter with the rational logic of the intellect will fall prey to the same problems the teleological argument encounters. It does not follow, however, that the doors to truth are necessarily locked away from apprehension, but the form of the intellect in the shape of language are certainly not the key. Meditation, through which we try to free ourselves from the empirical world by analytical methods of contemplation and intellectual dissection, gets us more and more involved in it, because instead of reversing the direction of our mind, we concentrate our whole attention upon the phenomena of this world, thus strengthening our own illusory conceptions of it. The dissection of empirical phenomena does not free us from their fundamental claim of representing reality, but only succeeds in depriving them of their meaning, their essential relationships, without gaining thereby any positive insight into the ultimate nature of all phenomena. (77, Govinda) David Hume: Design and the Teleological Argument, From Rowe and Wainwright (eds) Philosophy of Religion (3rd edition) 1998, Harcourt Brace. Lama Anagarika Govinda: Foundations of Tibetan Mysticism, 1969 Research Papers on David Hume, A Logical Empiricist - Philosophy of Religion EssayComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoUnreasonable Searches and SeizuresThree Concepts of PsychodynamicEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalGenetic EngineeringResearch Process Part OneMind TravelMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever Product

Detecting Signs of E.T.

Detecting Signs of E.T. From time to time, the news media falls in love with stories about how aliens have been found. From the detection of a possible signal from a distant civilization to tales of an alien megastructure around a star observed by the Kepler Space Telescope to the story of the WOW! signal detected in 1977 by an astronomer at Ohio State University, any time theres a hint of a puzzling discovery in astronomy, we see breathless headlines that aliens have been found.   In point of fact, there hasnt been an alien civilization found...yet. But, astronomers keep looking! Finding Something Weird In late summer 2016, astronomers picked up what seemed like a signal from a distant sun-like star called HD 164595. Preliminary searches using the Allen Telescope Array in California showed that the signal picked up by a Russian telescope was not likely from an alien civilization. However, more telescopes will check out the signal to understand what it is and what could be making it. For   now, however, its problem not little green aliens sending us a howdy.   Another star, called KIC 8462852, was observed by Kepler for more than four years. It appears to have a variability in its brightness. That is, the light we perceive coming from this F-type star dims periodically. Its not a regular period of time, so its probably not caused by an orbiting planet. Such planet-caused dimmings are called transits. Kepler has cataloged many stars using the transit method and found thousands of planets this way. But, the dimming of KIC 8462852 was just too irregular. While astronomers and observers worked on cataloging its dimmings, they also talked to an astronomer who had been thinking hard about what we might see if a distant star had planets with life on them. And, in particular, if that life was technologically able to build superstructures around their star to harvest its light (for example).    What Could it Be? If a big structure orbited a star, it could cause the variability in the stars brightness to be irregular or even random-seeming. Of course, there are some caveats with this idea. First, distance is a problem. Even a fairly large structure would be difficult to detect from Earth, even with very strong detectors. Second, the star itself could have some strange variable pattern, and astronomers would need to observe it for longer periods of time to figure out what it is. Third, stars with dust clouds around them can also have fairly large planetary structures forming. Those planetesimals could also cause irregular brightness dips in the starlight we detect from Earth, especially if they were orbiting at staggered distances. Finally, catastrophic collisions between clumps of material around a star could deliver huge groups of objects such as cometary nuclei in orbit around the star. Those could also affected the perceived brightness of the star.   The Simple Truth In science, theres a rule that we follow called Occams Razor - it means, essentially, for any given event or object you observe, generally the most plausible explanation is the simplest one.   In this case, stars with clumps of dust, planetesimals, or roving exo-comets are more likely than aliens. Thats because stars FORM in cloud of gas and dust, and younger stars still have material around them left over from the formation of their planets. KIC 8462852 could be in in a planet-forming stage, consistent with its age and mass (its about 1.4 times the mass of the Sun and a bit younger than our star). So, the simplest explanation here is NOT an alien megacomplex, but swarms of comets.   The Search Protocol The search for extrasolar planets has always been a prelude to a search for life elsewhere in the universe. Each star and planet system discovered to have worlds has to be examined carefully so that astronomers understand its inventory of planets, moons, rings, asteroids, and comets. Once thats done, the next step is to figure out if the worlds are friendly to life -- that is, are they habitable? They do this by trying to understand if the world has an atmosphere, where it is in its orbit around the star, and what its evolutionary state might be.   So far, none have been found hospitable. But, theyll be found. Odds are, there is intelligent life elsewere in the universe. Eventually, we will detect it - or it will find us. In the meantime, astronomers on Earth continue to search for habitable planets around likely stars. The more they study, they more theyll be ready to recognize lifes effects elsewhere.