Laplace and Fourier Transforms Essay Example for Free

Laplace and Fourier Transforms Essay Laplace and Fourier Transforms are operator which when applied on a function, lead to another function in a different variable. These transforms are very useful in solving many problems in different branches of engineering. What is essentially done is that an engineering problem is modeled as a mathematical equations and these equations are generally ordinary and / partial differential equations with boundary conditions. These equations are difficult to be solved by analytical methods, however, these equations can be converted into algebraic equations by using Laplace or Fourier Transforms and then it becomes easy to solve these equations. Once these subsidiary algebraic equations are solved, the solution of these algebraic equations is transformed back and thus the solution of the engineering problem is obtained. Thus it can be said that there are following three steps involved in solving differential equations with boundary conditions. (1) Transforming the differential equations with boundary conditions into simple algebraic equations (subsidiary equations). (2) Solution of the subsidiary algebraic equations by algebraic manipulations. (3) Transforming back the result(s) of subsidiary algebraic equations to obtain the solutions. Therefore, it can be seen that the problem of solving a differential equation is simplified into solving of algebraic equations by use of Laplace or Fourier transforms and needless to say that solving an algebraic equation is much simpler than solving a differential equation. Therefore, it is not unusual that Laplace and Fourier transforms find extensive application is solving engineering problems in mechanical as well as electrical domain where the driving force has discontinuities, is impulsive and is periodic function of complex shape. Besides, this method solves the problem directly. Initial value problems are solved without determining the general solution first. Also, nonhomogeneous equations are solved without solving the homogeneous equations first. These transformations are useful in solving not only the ordinary differential equations but in solving the partial differential equations as well. In this paper, the definition, properties and applications of Laplace and Fourier transforms is discussed in detail. Laplace Transform Let us consider a function f = f(t), which is defined for all t 0. When this function is multiplied by e-st and the product is integrated from t = 0 to t = ? and if this integral exists, then this integral will be a function of s, let us say it is F(s); then F(s) is Laplace transform of f(t).

Japans culture, geography and history

Japans culture, geography and history Japan is an island-nation found off the coast of Northeast Asia, between the North Pacific and the Sea of Japan. After WWII, the country lay in ruin. Two million Japanese died in the war, a third of which were civilians, and more than 13 million Japanese were homeless (â€Å"Japan†). Today, Japan is a new and prosperous nation, and leading in trading. High-speed trains speed between Japan’s cities, connected by bridge and tunnel systems. Their transition back to being an economic superpower is remarkable, but not uncharacteristic, given their strong belief in hard work, the value of working together, and vigorous education standards (â€Å"Japan†). Since WWII, Japan has turned into one of the most highly urbanized and industrialized countries in the world. The country’s price for success, unfortunately, has been overcrowding issues. Close to two-thirds of the 126 million Japanese live in urban cities, making it understandable why Japan is one of the most d ensely population nations. (â€Å"Japan†). From north to south, Japan consists of four main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. There are also thousands of smaller islands stretched around them. The islands are generally covered in mountains, ranging anywhere from 8,000 to 12,000 feet above sea level (â€Å"Japan†). Japan also sits along the volcanic and earthquake-prone belt know as the â€Å"The Ring of Fire†. Minor tremors are common in the region, with most of the ‘quakes causing little to no damage at all. The Japanese islands were formed from earthquakes like these, only much stronger, creating mountain chains that eventually grew out of the water and formed into the islands (â€Å"Japan†). About four-fifths of Japan’s surface is covered in either hilly or mountainous terrain, leaving very little room for the population and agriculture. Most of the Japanese have no choice but to live in lowland plains around the coast where the land is relatively flat. The largest of these p lains is in the region near Japan’s capital city, Tokyo, where 12 million people live in one of the most heavily concentrated areas in the world. Over the course of centuries, the Japanese have developed into a very distinctive people. The Ainu are different from the Japanese because they’re the descendants of the islands earliest ancestors. Most of the Ainu now live on Hokkaido, separate from the majority of the population. The Japanese are primarily descendants from various parts of Asia, who migrated there from much earlier times (â€Å"Japan†). There’s only one official language spoken in Japan, Japanese, though English is taught as the foreign language everyone must learn in school. For this reason, many of the Japanese can understand English to some extent (â€Å"Japan†). Much unlike the rest of the world, the Japanese do not make class distinctions based on their income. Above all else, the Japanese are most concerned about status and rank among their peers. Factors such as age, length of service in the government or a company, and leadership in a group are the most highly regarded. The Japan ese show their respect in the form of a bow; the higher a person’s status, the deeper and longer the bow they receive. In the family, older members get the deepest bows, first dip in the tub, and best seat at the kitchen table (â€Å"Japan†). Japan has two principle religions; Shinto and Buddhism. Most of the Japanese adhere to both faiths. Shinto, which means â€Å"the way of the gods†, is a native religion to Japanese culture. Followers of Shinto worship the forces of nature, much like the gods of ancient Greece, who often personify the forces of nature themselves (â€Å"Japan†). Shinto originally came from the influences of Buddhism, which was introduced from China. Japanese culture is also largely focused on group cooperation. Other than family, the most important group to the Japanese is their company. In Japanese culture, the virtue most valued is harmony, as harmony is the key to success in any group (â€Å"Japan†). When groups make decisions, its important that all the members can agree to the same terms. A simple majority is not enough, as that leaves too many people feeling like they â€Å"lost† – The Japanese system of making decisions relies on long collaboration in which eve ry view is expressed. The Japanese like to avoid confrontation by using language that’s indirect and carefully worded (â€Å"Japan†). Eventually, when there’s a meeting of minds, decisions are nearly always completely unanimous. Japanese culture has long emphasized a heavy focus on education. The Japanese people attribute their development and economic success to a level of educational excellence. Japan often compares its achievements to the rest of the world, and only feels satisfied when it ranks right near the top. Japanese schools are under constant pressure to raise their educational standards, striving for excellence in all areas (â€Å"Japan†). All children must attend a six-year elementary and three-year junior high education from age 6 to 15. About 94 percent go on to attend high school, and 40 percent of high school graduates continue their education (â€Å"Japan†). In Japan, the school day is longer, the school week is five and a half days, and summer vacation is a little more than a month long. Discipline in schools is strict, with homework assigned starting from first grade on. Every student is also expected to study a foreign language, typically English, in junior high. About half of all students seek some kind of outside tutoring or after-school instruction. One result of this vigorous pursuit is almost 100 percent literacy, a rare achievement (â€Å"Japan†). In no other society is a successful future more dependent on an individuals academic achievement. Japanese schools are among the most competitive in the world, with the best companies only recruiting graduates of top-ranking universities. Those who attend lower-ranking programs will often settle for lesser jobs and benefits, but still enjoy a high level of job security as everyone else (â€Å"Japan†). As a result, nearly every student who has high ambitions for success will seek to enter a university. Admittance to national universities is merit based, rather than by social status or an individuals ability to pay tuition. This mindset allows universities to focus on bringing in the best minds, no matter what walk of life they come from (â€Å"Japan†). Students who wish to continue their education after junior high must pass vigorous entrance exams for both senior high school and universities. â€Å"Examination season† is during February and March each year. The p ressure to pass these exams is phenomenal, often referred to as â€Å"examination hell† (â€Å"Japan†). Student’s who fail examinations will often enroll is a special â€Å"cram† school and try again the following year. Under the constitution drafted in 1947, Japan is a constitutional monarchy. The emperor is head of the state, symbolic of the unity of the Japanese people. The legislative body is the Diet, which is made of a House of Representatives (the lower house) and the House of Councilors (the upper house). Councilors are elected to six-year terms, with half the seats up for election every three years. Representatives are elected to four-year terms (â€Å"Japan†). The Diet selects among itself the prime minister, head of the government, and a cabinet. The House can remove the prime minister at any time with a vote of â€Å"no confidence†. The judicial system is led by the Supreme Court, whose members are appointed by the cabinet. The Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of laws and government actions (â€Å"Japan†). Japan has the world’s third-largest economy, having achieved remarkable growth since the destruction following WWII. The Japanese economy grew Japan has comparatively little farmland compared to the United States. Only 12 percent of the land is cultivated for farming, yet Japan produces about three-fourths the annual food requirement for its people (â€Å"Japan†, HSW). Japan’s fishing industry is also expansive, taking home among the largest catches annually. The war against the United States and its allies in WWII remains one of the greatest disasters in Japan’s history. It cost 2 million Japanese lives, including the hundreds of thousands who were killed in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (â€Å"Japan†). As a result of the war, Japan was stripped of its military peacekeeping ability and its forces were disbanded.

Analysis of the Retail Industry in India

Analysis of the Retail Industry in India Many changes have occurred in the marketing environment in recent years. Undoubtedly, the marketing environment will continue to evolve and change, often in very significant ways, in the coming years. Shifts in consumer behavior, competitive strategies, government regulations or other aspects of the marketing environment can profoundly affect the fortunes of a retail sector. Besides these external forces, the industries may engage in a variety of activities and changes in strategic focus or direction that may necessitate minor or major adjustments. The research aim is to highlight the current situation of the Indian Retail Industry as well as to provide facts and figures regarding the probable loopholes and the scope for augmentation. During the recent years of globalization, economies in Asia and the Pacific grew rapidly until the current global economic and financial crisis appeared in mid-2007. This acceleration of growth, in which international trade has played an important role, has helped Asian and Pacific countries to make impressive strides in economic development (ESCAP, 2009). At the same time, empirical evidence suggests that in some supply-constrained larger economies in Asia and the Pacific, such as China, India and Indonesia, wealth through trade has been accompanied by rise in inequality. The basic aim of the paper would be to analyze the retail industry in India and to understand the issues prevailing in this industry and the future prospective of the retail industry. The aim of the paper would be to answer the following research questions; Is Indian retail industry sustainable? How does the Indian retail industry compete with the industries all around the World? Is the retail industry more beneficial than other industries in India? Does the involvement of government in this industry is satisfactory? What improvements could be made in the Indian retail industry ? The Literature Review Like some other retail industries the Indian industry is divided in two sectors i.e. organised and unorganized one. The organised portion deals with the trading activities practiced while possessing licenses and having registrations for sales and income tax. This division includes corporate backed hypermarkets and retail chains and the privately owned large retail businesses. Secondly, the unorganized one who practices traditional style of low-cost retailing like grocery stores named as Kiriana Stores, general stores, Paan / Beedi shops, convince stores, hand carts and pavement, vendors, etc. Moreover, the traditional markets are preparing to adopt new designs like departmental stores, specialty stores and supermarkets. The Indian retail sector is greatly split with 97 % of its being executed by the unorganized retailers like the traditional family run stores and corner stores. The organized retail however is at a very embryonic stage although efforts are being made to boost its share. The sector is the largest source of employment after agriculture, and has deep penetration into rural India generating more than 10 % of Indias GDP. The fact of Chinas retail sector becoming saturated, international retailers considers India as the last retailing frontier left. Though, the Indian Government restrictions on the FDI are creating uncertainties among the international players like Walmart, Tesco and many other retail giants struggling to enter Indian markets. As of now the Government has allowed only 51 per cent FDI in the sector to one-brand shops like Nike, Reebok etc. Therefore, other international players are taking alternative ways to pierce the Indian retail market indirectly via strategic licensing agreement, franchisee agreement and cash and carry wholesale trading (since 100 per cent FDI is allowed in wholesale trading). The structure of Indian retail is emerging swiftly with shopping malls becoming increasingly common in the large cities and development plans being projected at 150 new shopping malls by 2008. However, the traditional formats like hawkers, grocers and tobacconist shops continue to co-exist with the modern formats of retailing. Modern retailing has helped the companies to increase the consumption of their products for example: Indian consumers would normally consume the rice sold at the nearby kiranas viz. Kolam for daily use. With the introduction of organized retail, it has been noticed that the sale of Basmati rice has gone up by four times than it was a few years back; as a superior quality rice (Basmati) is now available at almost the same price as the normal rice at a local kirana. Thus, the way a product is displayed and promoted influences its sales. If the consumption continues to grow this way it can be said that the local market would go through a metamorphoses of a change and the local stores would soon become the things of the past or restricted to last minute unplanned buying. Research Methodology Introduction This section spells out the procedures and the methods that the researcher can employ in achieving the objectives of the project so highlighted in the abstract of this paper. It defines location of the study, research procedures and analysis plan that would be put in consideration when carrying out this particular research. The research is supposed to start with the clear understanding of the research objectives as well as the hypothesis. Success of the project will depend on the provision of satisfying information in line with the objectives and hypothesis (Myers, 2002). The objective of the research just as a recap is to identify the effective mechanisms risk exposure and fÑ–nà Ã‚ °ncÑ–Ã Ã‚ °l policy considering the à Ã‚ °nà Ã‚ °lysÑ–s of à Ã‚ µmà Ã‚ µrgÑ–ng markets used in order to gain the competitive. It is important to note here that this research was mainly based on the questionnaire even though other research methodologies were briefly discussed. Sample questionnaire used is as shown in the appendices. Research methodology is a master plan specifying the methods and procedures for collecting and analyzing the data. It is a strategy or blueprint that plans the action for carrying through the research project data. A research design involves a series of rational decision-making choices depending upon the various options available to the researchers. Broadly it is composed of different elements like: the purpose of the study, the unit of analysis, time dimension, mode of observation, sampling design, observation tools, data processing, and data analysis. Mainly two techniques of research, Qualitative and quantitative are utilized. Though both of the methods have their own significance, the use of exploratory quantitative research design for this study appears to be appropriate. Research Design Research is an endless effort for truth. It certainly bring to light new knowledge or corrects previous errors and misconceptions and adds to the existing body of knowledge in an orderly manner. The research was aimed at highlighting the significance of branding for an organization and to evaluate the importance being given at pizza hut setup. This part deals with procedure adopted to conduct the study. The researcher had to depend on the related literature and structured questionnaires. Descriptive data were typically collected through a questionnaire survey, an interview or observation. Primary research. Primary research is the collection of data that does not exist. This can be through numerous forms: including questionnaires, telephone conversations, surveys, etc. As pertained to this project, the primary sources would likely be the risk exposure and fÑ–nà Ã‚ °ncÑ–Ã Ã‚ °l policy considering the à Ã‚ °nà Ã‚ °lysÑ–s of à Ã‚ µmà Ã‚ µrgÑ–ng markets. The major merit with conducting primary research is that it accurate. However, the disadvantage of primary research is that it may be time consuming, as it involves dealing with people from various regions, the human sources may only become resourceful out of their own willingness, and this may take them quit sometimes before making up their minds to tell you what they know or give you their side stories about your questions (Focardi Fabozzi, 1998). Secondary research on the other hand is the collection of existing data, that is, in contrast to primary research. For example: research on experiments or specific subjects. The merit of secondary research is that its not time consuming however a disadvantage is that the information retrieved may not be relevant. Data Collection In research studies, the source of data is two-fold. Data comes from the inner world of libraries as well as from the outer world of human being. It is either the shelved data or it is the data acquired live from the people involved in the study. This research being in the marketing, and the prime subject of the study is retail sector, the researcher aims to collect data mainly from the respondents. After considering the various methods of data collection such as ethnographic style, survey, experimental style, and narrative enquiry, a questionnaire survey was chosen as it allows the collection of highest opinions within the time span of the project as well as the fact that the results could be accurately mapped and correlated to provide quantitative information. Choice of research philosophy Another aspect that is of great significance in this research would be the research strategy. Its the research strategy shows which methods a researcher adapts to answer the research objectives or questions. There are types of research strategies that can be employed in conducting a research study. These include experiments, case studies, survey, theoretical perspectives, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. It is imperative to examine some of these strategies while paying particular attention to the case study method which will be applied in this particular research. Survey is another important research strategy that has was popular in conducting this research. Surveys allow the collection of a large amount of data from a large population .This implies that the researcher can conduct surveys and question specific groups of people to obtain large amount of information relevant to the subject of the survey. The data is usually collected from the people either via questionnaire or orally. The purpose of the survey was to establish and analyze views of respondents in order to find what they think about particular situation, case or statement. However, despite the fact that the views from a large number of respondents can be gathered through the survey strategy, the data obtained may not all reflect to the objective of the research at depth (Kendrick, 2009). Case study is a research strategy which involves investigation of a particular contemporary phenomenon in the real life situation using multiple sources of evidence. More elaborate explanation on the nature of the case study as a research strategy was given by Frenkel, Hommel, Dufey Markus, (2005). in whose view case study represents a specific way of collecting, organizing, and analyzing data. Grounded theory represents a strategy which posits that the data is collected through observations and compared to various theoretical frameworks in order to discover which of the data is the most appropriate. This leads the researcher into making predictions about the studied phenomena prior to putting the findings into test. However, the aim of grounded theory is to make studied data records well-developed and understood and to verify relationships between the findings and the case study in question (Frenkel, Hommel, Dufey Markus, 2005). Questionnaires This research was mainly carried out by the use of a questionnaire. The questionnaire enabled the information to be gathered from many respondents who were directly involved in risk exposure and fÑ–nà Ã‚ °ncÑ–Ã Ã‚ °l policy considering the à Ã‚ °nà Ã‚ °lysÑ–s of à Ã‚ µmà Ã‚ µrgÑ–ng markets. Use of a questionnaire as a quantitative method for collecting data from the sources is the most appropriate method of collecting mass responses and as such, providing a good method of comparative analysis. The questionnaire will cover a number of data sources to find out opinions and views regarding the planning strategies required in risk exposure and fÑ–nà Ã‚ °ncÑ–Ã Ã‚ °l policy considering the à Ã‚ °nà Ã‚ °lysÑ–s of à Ã‚ µmà Ã‚ µrgÑ–ng markets. Designing good questionnaires requires significant skills and experience. The researcher embarks on the study by setting up survey questionna ires that address issues relevant to the interviews conducted. It is important to pilot or test the questionnaire as fully as possible before distributing them to the interviewees to fill them. A sample questionnaire is like the one shown in the appendices below. This questionnaire enabled elaborate information to be obtained from the players in the restaurant industry (Lam, 2003). Interviews In order to achieve the purpose of the investigation, the key focus lies on finding out which techniques should be applied. Interviews were the best method for understanding this research. A respondent interview is one where the interviewer directs the interview and the interviewer responds to the questions of the researcher. And to add more weight on this observation, Borodzicz, (2004). added that the standard survey interview is itself essentially faulted and that it therefore cannot serve as the ideal ideological model against which to assess other approaches. He Borodzicz, (2004).also elaborates by describing interviews as the verbal exchange of information between two or more people for the principal purpose of one person or group gathering information from the other. And that Semi structured interviews enable one to fix and control circumstances in order to collect appropriate data while remaining flexible and responsive (Borodzicz, 2004). In order to analyze the psychological and behavioral reasons for decisions of the sources, the collected primary data should be collected through the distribution of questionnaires. They however emphasized it is very important to note that questionnaires should reach the right people, to allow for an appropriate amount of information to be collected. Different types of interviews that the researchers may opt to apply to their studies. The three are inclusive of structured interviews, semi-structured interviews, and unstructured interviews. (Pritchard, 2005). Structured interviews consist of closed-ended questions, where the structure of the questions, responses and the interview itself is decided prior to the interview. The interviewer has more control over the responses, and can lead the interview into the direction they want. However, the responses received are limited. Semi-structured interviews consist of closed and/or open-ended questions, allowing the interviewer to have some control over the responses and the interview. Although the open-ended questions allow the interviewee to express themselves and encourage them to present their views and opinions. Unstructured interviews consist of open-ended questions that do not restrict the interviewees responses, therefore collecting a wide range of information. This kind of interview is more supple in-terms of the questions being asked and their ordering, all depending upon the interviewees responses. After considering these different types of interviews, Questionnaires are considered mor e useful for this study. This is necessary, as it allows gaining a deeper understanding of the participants views. In the usage of the interview the management of organizations in à Ã‚ µmà Ã‚ µrgÑ–ng markets were interviewed to get there view on how they operate (Silva, 1995). Data Analysis Process The process involves the researched applying reasoning in order to understand and interpret the data collected. In simple descriptive research, analysis may involve determining consistent patterns and summarizing the appropriate details revealed in the investigation (Zikmund, 2003, P. 73). Sectors of the market chosen to research and why you chose these sectors Use of research tools such as questionnaires, interviews, relevant journals, periodicals and data sampling and machines would be utilized in the process conducting the interview. Experts would be needed to conduct the research. In implementing the activities, both the quantitative and qualitative approaches was considered, where by qualitative data are those that would be based on the spoken words while the quantitative data would be generated from the overall data collected based of accuracy and efficiency The research project was scheduled to run for a period of one year and a few Months within which industries in à Ã‚ µmà Ã‚ µrgÑ–ng markets would be put under scrutiny and rigorous investigations to ascertain the objectives of the research. Research validity and reliability A debate about the findings of the preceding literatures on retail industry considering the à Ã‚ °nà Ã‚ °lysÑ–s of à Ã‚ µmà Ã‚ µrgÑ–ng markets inevitably includes a discussion of research, normally referring to the way in which the data were collected. This research being a phenomenological, all questions are related to theoretical characteristics discussed in literature preview. The process would therefore be accurate in collecting, analyzing and sampling data; hence the validity of result would be quite high. Considering that there are many different aspects of validity, which influence the validity of the research in general. Relationship between your research aim, research questions, research objectives and research methods. The methodology which was exploited here mainly through the questionnaires and the interviews were most appropriate as they enabled the most information to be obtained. Many respondents could be reached within a short period of time while sampling enabled a comparison to be carried out on the different organizations in à Ã‚ µmà Ã‚ µrgÑ–ng markets. They helped in the real understanding on retail industry considering the à Ã‚ °nà Ã‚ °lysÑ–s of à Ã‚ µmà Ã‚ µrgÑ–ng markets has actually been carrying out its activities which have actually helped it in realizing a competitive in the market (Borodzicz, 2004). Anticipated Outcomes The retail industry in India is currently growing at a great pace and is expected to go up to US$ 833 billion by the year 2013. It is further expected to reach US$ 1.3 trillion by the year 2018. As the country has got a high growth rates, the consumer spending has also gone up and is also expected to go up further in the future. In the last four years, the consumer spending in India climbed up to 75%. As a result, the India retail industry is expected to grow further in the future days. Despite the fact that the Indian retail market is expected to grow but some challenges are still required to be addressed. These challenges include the deficiency of sufficient infrastructure amenities, elevated prices of real estate, divergence in consumer groups, tax structure, limitations in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), shortage of trained manpower and low retail management skills. The research will focus to highlight all the challenges being faced to the Indian retail market and to suggest the strategies and methodologies to cater these challenges. The effective management of above said challenges will not only enable to achieve the projected growth in the retail sector but will also enable to enhance the factor of consistency in growth. Appropriateness of triangulation to research The essence of applying triangulation is for the sake of indications of applicability of several methods (excess of two) in the course of the study in consideration of checking double or even triples results checking otherwise known as cross examination. The idea behind the concept is for the researcher to express a high degree of confidence in consideration of the results of diverse methods that give similar results. In case a single method was applied by the researcher, there is a higher tendency of believing that the results are valid. The application of more that a single method may result to a clash of the results. The application of about three methods attempting to derive an answer may lead to a similarity of answers from two out of the three methods used. In case of an occurrence of a crash there is then a need of reframing the question (HSE, 2006). Limitations of the research Limitations are usually present in every research and these limitations actually tarnish the results of the research. Certain limitations are also associated with this research. One of the biggest limitations of this research is lack of budget and lack of time. Besides that there are certain other limitations like the non-serious attitude of the respondents might tamper the entire results of the research. The interviews that will be conducted and the questionnaire cannot be fully utilized in this scenario because the respondents are not serious in their attitude when they are filling out the questionnaires or when they are giving the responses to the researcher. The lack of time given by the respondents can also be another limitation of this research. If the respondents have lesser time than it is highly probable that they might not take the research properly and ultimately the final results of the research would be affected in this scenario. Finally, it can be said that certain chun ks or sources of secondary research can also be treated as a limitation of the research. This is because of the fact that these sources are not valid or they are not updated therefore the data that is attained from these sources might affect the entire results of the research. Therefore, the researcher should take utmost care about all these constraints and try to minimize it.

Positive Depiction of Communism in Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV Series E

Red Revised In a recent article concerning the political movement behind followers of Garabandal, journalist Barry Hanratty reports â€Å"to speak of communism today almost seems anachronistic† (Hanratty). Communism today does seem to be an oxymoron. The United States’ Cold War politics have trapped communism in a different century and attached to this word those negative feelings once associated with foreign Communist powers. Americans have now forgotten the actual definition of communism, relying solely on the propaganda fed to America during its wars against communist nations and particularly Joseph McCarthy’s time in Congress. However, some individuals in America are moving past the propaganda and looking at communism at the root of its definition, seeing it - not as a totalitarian form of government, but rather as a system which distributes all property of a community equally among community members, making social class nonexistent and all individuals share equal economic status. Fran Rubel Kuzui proved to be one of those individuals by directing the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer which shows communism as something positive rather than threatening. The episode that exemplifies this most is â€Å"Normal Again.† In this episode, Kuzui uses the two realities Buffy finds herself in to contrast communism with capitalism, showing not only a preference to communism, but also that it has a place in a new generation. Each form of the two economic systems are established in their respective realities through camera angles. In the reality where Buffy is a vampire slayer, the camera shoots everything at a level angle. When her friends help Buffy up off the bench in the graveyard, the camera follows Buffy in a way that... ...ording to his need. Our nation’s history with communism has clouded this economic philosophy, thereby preventing the youth of the United States to weigh communism fairly. â€Å"Normal Again† gives a new generation a new perspective. This episode opened up the possibility that the capitalism that rules America may be just as constricting and frustrating as a mental institution; that the only escape may be the equality-centered community communism offers. Works Cited Page Hanratty, Barry. â€Å"Garabandal’s Prophecy about Communism.† The Workers of Our Lady. Bishop Roman Danylak. 27 Oct. 2007 . Trbic, Boris. â€Å"Dark is the Night.† Australian Screen Education 41 (2006): 34-8. Whedon, Joss, prod. â€Å"Normal Again.† Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Complete Sixth Season on DVD. Twentieth Century Fox, 2004.

Eliminating Evil in Thomas Mores Utopia Essay -- Philosophy

Eliminating Evil in Thomas More's Utopia Thomas More's Utopia is in many ways a very hopeful book; it implies that humans can be good if put in the right environment. Many people would argue that this could never happen; that the inequalities and injustices in our world are a product of human nature. Thomas More however would argue that rather than being a product of human nature, they are a product of the corruption within society. Thomas More believed that although humans may be inherently evil, if put in the right environment this tendency can be corrected. He develops the idea of the right environment; it is Utopia, a place where people are honest and equal because of the way that society is structured. Utopia is as close to the ideal society as possible because it assumes and accepts that its inhabitants are not perfect; the starting premise of the society is that human nature is dishonest and selfish. The laws in Utopia are constructed in a manner that makes immoral action absurd. Schools and the everyday structure of life are used to educate its population to think morally without even questioning it. Utopia operates on the assumption that people have and will always act in their own best interests and, then, the laws and institutions create a climate where the best interests of the community as a whole also correspond to those of the individual. Thomas More was an extremely religious person and this can clearly be seen in the way that he structures the laws and everyday life of Utopia. Using this organization he effectively eliminates all seven of the deadly sins, because of their absence Utopian society shapes its citizens to be upstanding people and obey the many rules without resentment. It does this by making ... ..., greed and envy with the abolishment of private property. He then rids Utopian society of gluttony with the way that they eat their meals, and sloth with hard work and a well-structured day. Finally he gets rid of wrath and lust with the Utopians policies surrounding war and marriage. All of these morals are reinforced by more laws than just those listed above; such as how the rules about politics also stop people from being greedy. The plethora of rules and structure built into Utopian society may seem excessive but every one of them serves its purpose and causes the Utopians to act morally. In essence, in Utopia a citizen must make a choice: would one rather live in a society full of corruption, poverty, death and inequality or in one with many rules, some of which even hinder people's personal freedoms but where everyone is well-fed, treated fairly and equal.

Phillip Larkin Essay

The statement â€Å"Larkin is a poet of grey moods, suburban melancholy and accepted regrets.† Is accurate and appropriate when looking at and reading his poetry. This is displayed through his various poems, including the ones I’m going to talk about; ‘Aubade’ and ‘The Whitsun Weddings.’ Both of which portray all three themes. The poem Aubade as a whole represents these three themes through the constant use of truncation in poem at the end of every stanza. The poem itself also represents the themes as ‘Aubade’ is about mourning the life we have in preparation for death, which in its irony comes under the first theme of grey moods. More specifically to the theme of grey moods within Aubade is through the quote, â€Å"I work all day, and get half drunk at night. /Waking at four to soundless dark. I stare† As this is in the opening stanza it sets the tone of the poem and portrays Larkin’s particular mindset. The monosyllabic language emphasises his reluctance in engaging in daily life as well as his depression. â€Å"Soundless dark,† being an allusion to death it portrays to the reader a certain outlook Larkin has on life due to these moods. The next quote to represent grey moods shows a pragmatic outlook Larkin has on life and thoughts. â€Å"Making all thought impossible but how / and where and when I shall myself die.† This quote from the poem is truncated to emphasise the inevitability of death itself. This quote yet again shows the outlook he has on life and the particular mindset Larkin is in which is largely influences his moods. Suburban melancholy is another theme represented throughout various poems written by Larkin, including ‘Aubade.’ Throughout this poem despondent outlooks on life is shown for example in this quote, ‘meanwhile telephones crouch, getting ready to ring / in locked up offices.† The personification effectively represents his distaste for life, working and daily duties again reiterating that the poem is about mourning life in preparation for death. The line in the quote saying, â€Å"getting ready to ring† can be interpreted as a symbol or a metaphorical representation of death calling. Another example displaying the theme of suburban melancholy is the quote, â€Å"all the uncaring / intricate rented world begins to rouse.† By saying intricate world meaning complicated it shows his outlook again on the daily life of society and human beings, possibly because they don’t share the same concern for death as he does. The words ‘uncaring and unrented world’ link to extinction and further links back to the theme of grey moods as well as accepted regrets as his attitude towards life is we are all going to die anyway so in a way what is the point. The theme of accepted regrets is evident throughout this poem and is shown in the quote, â€Å"Being brave / let’s no one off the grave† This rhyme and truncation emphasises Larkin’s outlook and acceptance within life and death. In this quote he accepts and understands that death is inevitable and Larkin acknowledges that it does not matter who he is or the decisions he has made in life it will not change anything. Death will still come. The poem ‘The Whitsun Weddings’ by Larkin as a whole represents all three themes through the structural use of truncation within stanzas to represent lines that are in a candid tone and also enjambment in Larkin’s descriptions of buildings and such as he admires buildings because they can stand forever and he fears death. The theme of grey moods is present within this poem in the following quote, â€Å"did my three-quarters-empty train pull out† The use of rhythm allows this line to flow in to the next line to further emphasise his tone and attitude. This quote also shows a metaphorical emptiness within Larkin as during this poem the time and place and setting have a relevance and meaning and he does not. Suburban melancholy is portrayed throughout these quotes, â€Å"Of blinding windscreens, smelt the fish dock.† The visual imagery at the beginning of this quote and then the olfactory imagery of the smell of the fish dock show sadness in his opinion and description of the landscape and his surroundings and how unappealing his society and life may be. Then in the quote, â€Å"Its postal districts packed like squares of wheat:† The simile emphasises the closeness and urban feel of the society again adding to the unappealing and dull nature and tone he sees in his surroundings. The final theme of accepted regrets is present within ‘The Whitsun Weddings’ in these quotes, â€Å"ready to be loosed with all the power / that being change can give.† This objective language shows Larkin’s experience on this journey and that events like this can change someone’s outlook on life but it hasn’t changed him and he accepts his decision for partaking in the journey. â€Å"And as the tightened brakes took hold, there swelled / a sense of falling.† This quote contains an aspect of visual imagery but shows a sense of falling to death. Death is inevitable and he believes that there is no hope, which he accepts and understands with the link to the sense of falling. Phillip Larkin is a poet is a poet of grey moods, suburban melancholy and accepted regrets and this as I have stated is unmistakable throughout all aspects of his poetry.

Erosional Activity on Mercury, Venus, and Moon

Erosion in Earth is mainly caused by water or moisture, wind, and other earthly activities. However, in other planets like Mercury and Venus, as well as our own satellite, which is the Moon, there is less erosion activity. Considering their distance from the Sun, the two mentioned planets are the closest ones to the Sun, and in case of Moon, it has the same distance as the Earth from the Sun which is 1 astronomical unit. We could say that in these heavenly bodies, the moisture is least to exist since they are prone to the intense heat of the Sun, considering that the Moon gets its light from the Sun. Aside from that, the Sun has strong gravity that enables it self to pull the planets and other heavenly bodies in the Solar System. Considering that the Mercury and Venus are the planets considered closest to the sun, both planets have received also the strongest attraction of the gravitational pull. In this case, the materials of the planets are more intact that could prevent to be eroded. In relation to the planetary size, it is correlated to the gravity such that the bigger the planet or the heavenly body, the greater of its gravitational pull. The Mercury, Venus, and Moon, which are relatively small bodies in Solar System, it has lesser gravity pull than the Earth. However, with the influence of the Earth’s gravity to the Moon, it prevents the moon from its orbiting and other erosional activity in the said satellite. Mercury and Venus, as it was mentioned before, both planets have been affected by the gravitational force of the Sun. The fallen heavenly bodies, such as meteor and asteroids, that also causes erosion in planets would be avoided by attraction of gravity pull of the Sun. Instead of collision with Mercury or Venus, it would be then collided with the Sun. In this case, there would be lesser erosional activity. Reference: July 1, 2007 July 1, 2007