The Ancients Begot Shakespeare, Who Begot Disney

The Ancients Begot Shakespeare, Who Begot Disney Free Online Research Papers Good artists borrow. Great artists steal. Picasso William Shakespeare and The Walt Disney Company are two of the most beloved and famous storytellers of all time, but it is a well-known fact that the majority of their stories are not of their own invention. Excluding The Tempest, all of Shakespeare’s plotlines are borrowed from classical authors, prominent legends and histories, as well as many of his contemporaries (Gray 321-323). Likewise, the majority of Disney’s classic animated films are based off of famous works of literature (including Shakespeare) and fairy tales. Shakespeare’s influence on modern media is undeniable. From The West Side Story (Romeo and Juliet) to Amanda Bynes’s chick-flick classic She’s the Man (Twelfth Night), the Bard’s signature can be found hidden in countless works of literature and cinema (Smith 137). Of these reworks, three Disney movies can be traced directly back to Shakespearean plays: The Lion King, its sequel, The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride , and, perhaps surprisingly, Mulan, coming from Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and Twelfth Night, respectively. Although Disney may have used Shakespeare’s plays as their template, the tales themselves had been around for years before even Shakespeare. The title of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark is not only named after Shakespeare’s late son, Hamnet. It also is an anagram for the Danish legend of Amleth, which had been around for centuries by the time that Shakespeare began writing his tragedy. In fact, â€Å"the earliest extant version was narrated†¦ by the twelfth-century Danish historian Saxo Grammaticus in his Danorum Regum herorumque Historiae† (Maxwella 518). Shakespeare chose this story as the outline for his masterpiece Hamlet, and Disney chose Hamlet to be the blueprints for their classic beloved by parents and children alike, The Lion King. The Lion King loosely parallels Hamlet in its plot, themes, and, most importantly, characters. The backstabbing Claudius becomes the sneering Scar, the comic relief of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern become the slapstick Timon and Pumbaa, the guilty Gertrude becomes the powerless Sarabi, and the vengeful Hamlet becomes the rightful king Simba. The greatest similarity b etween the two work’s protagonists is their tragic flaw, indecision and avoiding the task at hand. While Hamlet escapes into his mind, Simba runs away from the Pride Land to live in ignorant bliss. Both Scar and Claudius murder their brothers, and take their crowns and wives. Although in The Lion King, Sarabi does not love Scar, she is still forced to serve him. These crimes are not known to Hamlet or Simba until their fathers, the elder Hamlet and Mufasa, respectively, visit as ghosts (Gavin 55-57). Both phantoms make their dramatic exits echoing the same word â€Å"Remember† (Hamlet Act I scene v). If one takes Hamlet, subtracts the adultery, implied incest, suicide, and insanity, and then adds talking animals, children themes, â€Å"Hakuna Matata,† and Elton John, The Lion King is the result. Romeo and Juliet was a story that had been told and retold countless times before Shakespeare got his hands on it. Starting out as a Greek legend called Pyramus and Thisbe, the first written version of the story was written by the Latin poet Ovid, one of Shakespeare’s favorite poets (Muir 152). Shakespeare actually uses Pyramus and Thisbe as a frame and parody in his comedy, A Midsummer Night Dream (145). Through oral tradition and Ovid’s works, the story of the star-crossed lovers was passed down and retold in many different ways. The legend was so immersed in British culture; its story was eventually changed to be included in the Matter of Britain, renamed Tristan and Isolde (Levenson 328). It wasn’t until four hundred years later that, â€Å"†¦the full-scale story [and characters] known to Shakespeare’s audience†¦ took shape in the sixteenth century with Luigi da Porto’s Historia novellamente ritrovate di due nobili amanti†¦Ã ¢â‚¬  (326). Shakespeare’s two immediate sources when writing Romeo and Juliet were Ovid and the Italian Matteo Bandello’s retelling of the story in his work, Novelle (327). After being passed down through the ages for nearly two thousand years, Shakespeare made the best known love story of all time even more famous. Four years after The Lion King was released, Disney created a sequel, this time using Romeo and Juliet as its muse. The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride starts when Simba, now king, banishes the lions who joined in Scar’s insurrection. A feud forms between the two groups of lions, and, in the midst of the conflict, Simba’s daughter, Kiara, and Scar’s son, Kovu, fall in love. It’s not hard to see that Kovu parallels the brash, young Romeo, while Kiara is Juliet, a girl suddenly maturing into womanhood. Rafiki, the shaman of the Pride Land, shares a striking resemblance to Friar Laurence, both being religious leaders and the only ones who approve of the adolescent love affair. Kova’s oldest brother, Nuka, stands in for Mercutio. Both are violent, crude, and end up dying while fighting their bitter rivals. Simba and Scar’s wife, Zira, are the Lords Capulet and Montague, respectively, both leading the bitter feud against each other’s prides. Additionally, The Lion King 2 makes many hidden Shakespearean references throughout the movie, such as when Simba reprimands Zira for letting Kovu into the Pride Land: SIMBA: You know the penalty for returning to the Pride Lands! ZIRA: But the child does not! However if you need your pound of flesh here. This is an obvious reference Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice (Act I scene iii). The Lion King 2 is even more akin to Romeo and Juliet than the original Lion King is to Hamlet. Although not as popular as its predecessor, The Lion King 2 more closely parallels the tragedy on which it is based. The Lion King 2 stays truthful throughout the film until the end, where Disney changed the tragic ending into a happily ever after. â€Å"The early Italian comedy Gl’Ingannati [1531] has long been considered an ultimate source of Twelfth Night† (Kaufman 271). However, it is assumed by many that Shakespeare had only consulted Nicolo Secchi’s comedy Gl’Inganni or Matteo Bandello’s Nicuola (the same Matteo Bandello who had helped inspire Romeo and Juliet). Shakespeare also took many comedic situations from another of Secchi’s plays, L’interesse, and claimed them as his own (272). Even though Disney’s Mulan is based on the ancient Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, it shares more similarities with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night then it does with its own namesake. In the movie, Mulan dresses as a man, and joins the army under the pseudonym of Po, so to gain honor to her family. Her counterpart in Twelfth Night is Viola, who also pretends to be a man, under a false name, Cesario, so that she may find her lost twin brother, Sebastian. Both characters are women in unfamiliar lands, pretending to be men for the sake of their family, and, as luck would have it, they both fall in love with their superiors. Mulan falls in love with her captain Li Shang, while Viola falls for Duke Orsino. Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, and Feste, the comic relief characters in Twelfth Night, and Ling, Yao, and Chien-Po from Mulan are characters uncannily similar to each other. Both Sir Toby and Chien-Po are jovial, but dim-witted, while Sir Andrew and Ling are the classic, juvenile fools, and Yao and Feste, while normally good-natured, have a short-tempered and vengeful side. The comedy in both works is drawn from the comedic, but very awkward, situations that arise from the cross-dressing protagonist. And unlike The Lion King and The Lion King 2, Mulan ends the same way that its Shakespearian counterpart does, with a happy ending. Though it may not be as evident in Mulan as it is in The Lion King 2, when Disney filmmakers made a movie about a cross-dressing heroi ne, they must have looked to Shakespeare for inspiration, just as Shakespeare looked to Secchi and Bandello. Shakespeare’s plays are timeless, and that is because the stories themselves are timeless. The story of the fabled prince of Denmark was read by scholars over eight hundred years ago, was written by the greatest literary mind of all time more than three hundred and fifty years ago, and is being watched right now by a toddler, strapped in his seat in the back of a minivan. The lovers who are torn apart by family and fate are familiar as familiar to us as they would be to a man who lived three thousand years ago in ancient Greece. Cross-dressing leading roles appear in the movie theater just like they did in the Globe Theatre and the Italian comedies. Why do these stories, themes, and characters keep reappearing over the ages? Although countries and cultures change, people, in essence, do not. No matter how many wars are fought or technology evolves, a clever pun has always made a man laugh, and the unjust death of a father will always tug at the heartstrings. Gavin, Rosemarie. The Lion King and Hamlet: A Homecoming for the Exiled Child . The English Journal 85 (1996): 55-57. Gray, Henry. The Sources of the Tempest. Modern Language Notes 35(1920): 321-330. Kaufman, Helen. Nicolà ² Secchi as a Source of Twelfth Night. Shakespeare Quarterly 5(1954): 271-280. Levenson, Jill. Romeo and Juliet before Shakespeare. Studies in Philology 81(1984): 325-347. The Lion King. Dir. Roger Allens. Perf. Matthew Brodrick, Jeremy Irons, and James Earl Jones. Disney, 1994. The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride. Dir. Darrell Rooney. Perf. Matthew Brodrick, Neve Campbell, and Jason Marsden. Disney, 1998 Maxwell, Julie. Counter-Reformation Versions of Saxo: A New Source for Hamlet?. Renaissance Quarterly 57(2004): 518-560. Muir, Kenneth. Pyramus and Thisbe: A Study in Shakespeares Method. Shakespeare Quarterly 5(1954): 141-153. Mulan. Dir. Tony Bancroft. Perf. Ming-Na, Eddie Murphy, and B.D. Wong. Disney, 1998. Smith, Kay. Hamlet, Part Eight, the Revenge or, Sampling Shakespeare in a Postmodern World. College Literature 31(2004): 135-149. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Washington D.C.: Simon and Schuster, 1992. Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. Washington D.C.: Demco Media, 2004. Shakespeare, William. The Merchant of Venice. Washington D.C.: Simon and Schuster, 2004. Shakespeare, William. Twelfth Night: Or What You Will. Washington D.C.: Simon and Schuster, 2004. Bibliography Dean, Paul. Tudor Humanism and the Roman Past: A Background to Shakespeare. Renaissance Quarterly 41(1988): 84-111. Gavin, Rosemarie. The Lion King and Hamlet: A Homecoming for the Exiled Child . The English Journal 85 (1996): 55-57. Gray, Henry. The Sources of the Tempest. Modern Language Notes 35(1920): 321-330. Kaufman, Helen. Nicolà ² Secchi as a Source of Twelfth Night. Shakespeare Quarterly 5(1954): 271-280. Levenson, Jill. Romeo and Juliet before Shakespeare. Studies in Philology 81(1984): 325-347. The Lion King. Dir. Roger Allens. Perf. Matthew Brodrick, Jeremy Irons, and James Earl Jones. Disney, 1994. The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride. Dir. Darrell Rooney. Perf. Matthew Brodrick, Neve Campbell, and Jason Marsden. Disney, 1998 Maxwell, Julie. Counter-Reformation Versions of Saxo: A New Source for Hamlet?. Renaissance Quarterly 57(2004): 518-560. Muir, Kenneth. Pyramus and Thisbe: A Study in Shakespeares Method. Shakespeare Quarterly 5(1954): 141-153. Mulan. Dir. Tony Bancroft. Perf. Ming-Na, Eddie Murphy, and B.D. Wong. Disney, 1998. Salingar, L.G. The Design of Twelfth Night. Shakespeare Quarterly 9(1958): 117-135. Smith, Kay. Hamlet, Part Eight, the Revenge or, Sampling Shakespeare in a Postmodern World. College Literature 31(2004): 135-149. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Washington D.C.: Simon and Schuster, 1992. Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. Washington D.C.: Demco Media, 2004. Shakespeare, William. The Merchant of Venice. Washington D.C.: Simon and Schuster, 2004. Shakespeare, William. Twelfth Night: Or What You Will. Washington D.C.: Simon and Schuster, 2004. Research Papers on The Ancients Begot Shakespeare, Who Begot DisneyHonest Iagos Truth through DeceptionComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoCanaanite Influence on the Early Israelite ReligionHip-Hop is ArtHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows EssayBringing Democracy to AfricaMind TravelBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XThe Masque of the Red Death Room meaningsAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 Europe

The 25+ BEST Writing Tools in 2019

The 25+ BEST Writing Tools in 2019 The 25+ Best Writing Tools in 2019 Before the computer there was the typewriter, and before the typewriter there was pen and paper, and before pen and paper there were plenty of other lost tools of writing - like clay, papyrus, wood, slate, parchment, and, of course, pens made out of reeds. (Fun fact: the name â€Å"Reedsy† is inspired by the â€Å"reed pen,† which was used as early as 800 B.C. for documentation).As you can tell by now, the act of writing has been a part of human culture from the days of chiseling stories onto the walls of caves - and as we have evolved, so have our writing tools. In fact, today’s writers and storytellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding which tools to use.The following list details our favorite writing tools and resources for taking any idea through to its written conclusion.Writing toolsWe all know Google Docs and Microsoft Word, so we’re not going to waste your time giving those two a run-down in our list. Below are four other word proc essors you might not know about, and that are worth checking out.Reedsy Book Editor - freeDoes â€Å"fake it ‘til you make it† ring true to you? Well, the Reedsy Book Editor is a free, online word processor that formats your book as you write. See your drafts automatically turn into a professional-looking manuscript - and allow this glimpse of your work as the final product spur your motivation to write. One of the Reedsy Book Editor’s best functions is that it lets you instantly typeset your manuscript to EPUB and print-ready PDF files.Check it out if: if you want a writing tool that takes care of formatting and conversion for you.Draft - freeDo you like a helpful tap on the shoulder, reminding you about something you need to do? Well, you’ll likely enjoy Draft then, because the online word processor not only keeps track of how many words you write per day, it can also email you daily reminders about your daily word count goals. (Of course, if this sounds a little too â€Å"hands-on† for you, you can always turn the reminder function off).Other than that, Draft functions a lot like Google Docs: allowing you to track changes, collaborate via suggested edits, and make comments on the doc.Check it out if: you like Google Docs, but want an even simpler interface.LibreOffice - freeYes, we did say that we wouldn’t mention Microsoft Word, because by now everyo ne knows that it’s a useful writing tool. But we didn’t say we wouldn’t mention it’s free counterpart: LibreOffice.LibreOffice is the open source answer for people who want to try Microsoft without paying the price tag. (Open source means that the software is built on code that anyone can inspect and enhance). Plus it’s compatible with all of the regular file types people are used to, such as   .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, and .pptx files.Check it out if: you like a classic word processor - and moreover, a free one.Mellel - $50 (or try a 30-day free trial)The people behind Mellel don’t just know word processing - they also know catchy, memorable marketing. Their description of why writers should choose Mellel starts like this: â€Å"Mellel is a writer's dream come true. To start, it is exceedingly boring: it just works, day in and day out, reliably. An enormous number of people used Mellel to write and they all report that their jou rney with Mellel was boring and uneventful. As well it should. In other words, it does all the mundane bits, and leaves the creative stuff to you.†Mellel is not free (and note that it’s only for Mac). In return for the price tag, you’ll get more book-specific tools than other, perhaps more traditional word processors - such as outlining and bibliography-making functions. And, judging by the witty, funny copy on Mellel’s website, Mellel makes the process of writing much more fun than they let on.Check it out if: you’re a Mac user who wants more than the Pages app offers.Organization tools Check it out if: you’ve ever felt envy at Rita Skeeter’s Quick-Quotes Quill in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.Ergonomic desk setups - variesAs more and more of the workforce moves to sedentary jobs where the majority of 9am to 5pm is spent sitting - usually hunching - at a computer, a growing number of sitting-related health injuries have been occurring. That’s why looking into more ergonomically friendly desk setups is a good idea for writers who spend long hours at the computer - or even writing in a notebook. This could be a standing desk, or even just a number of textbooks piled under your desktop so that your screen is eye level, resulting in less stress on your shoulders.Check it out if: you don’t want writing gains to come at the cost of growing back pains.Computer Glasses - variesWriters are all familiar with computer-caused eyestrains. Because you blink far less when looking at a screen than you do otherwise, computer vision syndrome (CV S) is a condition people have been developing due to long stretches of staring at a computer.One way to help alleviate this - other than just making sure to take time looking away from your computer - is to invest in some computer glasses. They typically come in blue or amber shades, and are coated with a protective coating.There are a number of brands you can check out, such as Pixel Eyewear or Felix Gray.Check it out if: you notice itchy or tired eyes after long writing sessions.FREE writing coursesMaybe you’ve got all you need to actually get the writing done, but you could use a leg up when it comes to craft. These free, ten-day courses are intended to help you do the best writing you can!On writingNovel Writing 101 - Over the course of ten lessons, you will learn how to plan an amazing novel, create compelling characters, and build a writing routine to make sure you get from 'page one' to the final chapter of your magnum opus.Writing Non-Fiction - In this 10 day cour se, publishing coach Azul Terronez goes through which common writing mistakes to avoid, which questions to ask yourself before you get started, and finally, how to stay motivated throughout the writing process.Writing YA Novels - Over ten lessons, you will discover the most common pitfalls of first-time YA authors, and learn how to hone your craft towards writing for a teen audience.How to Write a Business Book -   In this course, Alison Jones, a publishing partner for businesses and organizations, will teach you how to approach the writing of your first book, from the idea itself down to the day-to-day writing routine you should adopt.On productivityBuild a Solid Writing Routine - Over ten email lessons, we’ll give you a bunch of practical, actionable tips to help you understand and face down your procrastination gremlins to find a writing habit that works for you.How to Stop Talking About Writing a Book and Actually Start Doing It - In this short course, book coach Jen nie Nash shares the secrets for how to start strong so you can move forward with confidence. It’s a powerful way to stop talking about someday writing a book, and to actually start doing it, by getting the idea out of your head and onto the page.On editingHow to Self-Edit Your Manuscript Like a Pro - Lisa Lepki of ProWritingAid is here to help you spot (and fix) the ten most common writing mistakes. These mistakes won't just make you seem like an amateur - they will also hinder your chances of landing an agent or securing a publisher.Story Editing for Authors - In this email course, author and Fictionary CEO Kristina Stanley shares her method for ensuring that your story is well-told, well-paced and highly effective. Over ten lessons, you will be guided through the process of reviewing your story, scene-by-scene, with the help of a downloadable resource that you will receive in lesson one.Novel Revision: Practical Tips for Rewrites - The editors behind #RevPit will show y ou how to dive into the revision process and methodically prepare your book for publication. The best writing tools of 2019 that every writer should consider adding to their arsenal  Ã¢Å" Ã¯ ¸  At this point, your arsenal is fully stocked: you’ve got a place to do the writing, tools to help you concentrate and edit, a workspace that makes long hours at your desk a little more fun, and advice from professionals on perfecting your craft. At the end of the day, putting these writing tools to good use is down to you - so show us what you’ve got!Have you tried any of the above writing tools - and if so, which were your favorites? Or maybe you feel there are some great resources missing from this list? Let us know in the comments below!

Religion Or Mythology In Greek Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Religion Or Mythology In Greek Culture - Essay Example There are two main types of myths in Greek culture; the divine myths that deals with the gods, their origins as well as actions, and heroic myths that are based on human actions. From these myths, one can affirm that Greeks valued life. They also believed in living their life to the fullest since they disregarded death as part of life (Sailors 7). Greeks also value specific people in the society. This is evidenced by their carving of imperishable legends that did magnificent things while they were alive. In other words, they carved their legends as one way of pursuing fame. In connection with this, it is apparent that some of the Greek myths influenced the lifestyle of youths. The myths were models of human excellence, and as a result of this, Greek youths emulates them. Greeks greatly admire strength, beauty as well as intelligence. The value of these elements is evidenced by their myth that grants men the power of measuring all things. In tandem with this, it is the nature of the G reeks to have a man deciding on almost all things in life. In conclusion, religion and mythology play a significant role in the Greek society. Religion enabled Greeks to communicate their experiences despite being made up of different religious practices. Apart from acting as self-representation of the Greek community, Greek religion served as a unifying factor. Greek myths show that Greeks valued life as well as specific people in the society. The involvement of religion in everything done in Greece led to the unification of the Greek’s religious culture.

Who wants to be a Millionaire Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Who wants to be a Millionaire - Essay Example It is better to have something than have nothing at all. There is a high possibility that an average person might never have a chance, for instance, to win millions of shillings. To think that the same individual will throw away such a golden chance on uncertain possibility is wishful thinking. No rational human being would take such a risk; but then is life not full of surprises, after all no person knows what is in store for the future. There is a probable possibility that the average individual could also hit the jackpot, and go home very rich if he or she took a little time to take a risk. They say the best things come to those who take risks, and why not take that risk; it might be the real deal breaker after all (Dwijen 22). Other factors may influence an individual’s decision making when it comes to making choices in a lottery game. These are the social-economic factors and demographic factors. Social-economic factors are the economic and social experiences and realities that assist in molding ones attitudes, personality and lifestyle. Examples include education, level of wealth, social awareness and profession (John 34). Demographic factors include the age of an individual, marital status and sex. A person’s level of wealth may influence an individual to take a risk or play safe. If a person is rich, he or she will probably take the risk because he or she will have no setbacks if he or she loses, since he or she has lots of other wealth. On the other hand, individuals with fewer riches will go for the safe deal because that money may be all they possess. An educative individual will go for safe lottery, since it is more rational to do so. Male individuals will take risks while female ind ividuals will play safe; this is because men are risk takers and women not much risk takers. Lastly, the premium attached to guessing is sometime worthy and

Commercial Property Insurance Essay Example for Free

Commercial Property Insurance Essay When starting up a new business, one of the most important factors for a business owner to decide on is the location of that business. With a white-water rafting business there are several important factors that a company must look at before they can proceed. First item is the legal aspects of acquiring, holding, and disposing of both real and personal properties. This aspect is more important because it is the first steps that the client needs to make to get their business up and running. The next item is to analyze the business for insurance purposes. White water rafting can be a dangerous sport, and therefore it is essential that the business is protected from injury lawsuits. The final item that any business needs to be aware of is the environmental issues and other regulations that come with the location. In order to determine the best location for the client’s white water rafting business should be located, we will look at three locations in Florida, Ohio, and Texas to compare which location will be the best fit for this business. Evaluate the Legal Aspects of Acquiring, Holding, and Disposing of Real Property In the U.S. the River-Rafting business is considered to be real property, this due to riverbeds and banks being owned by the state. If a river is physically navigable, then is considered to be pubic property. According to Cheeseman (2007), â€Å"Real property is immovable or attached to immovable land or buildings, whereas personal property is movable† (p. 755). Real property has a major role in the United States economy of property and ownership rights. Real property deals with the legal rights of property rather than physical attributes of tangible land. When acquiring real property it is important to understand the concepts the property and how to transfer rights of the property so that the execution of the property can take place. There are normally two classifications of property, personal and real. Most commonly real property takes the place of land. Landowners purchase surface rights to the land which gives them the  right to occupy the land. This allows the owner the right to enjoy, develop, and use the property as needed, however can be subject to applicable government regulations. In the State of Florida the legal aspects surrounding the acquirement, holding, and disposal of real property are that the buyer must record all deeds with the public records office of the specific county courthouse. This recording suggests that the property has been sold and any subsequent purchases should be careful. The title of the property holds the rights and ownership to the said property and is considered documentary ownership. The company is also given a warranty deed which provides protection to the purchaser. This is proof that the purchaser is the legal owner of the purchased property with no outstanding mortgages, liens, or other holds against the property. The State of Ohio works in a similar way to Florida by requiring a deed, mortgage, lease, or another similar document that spells out who the ownership is being transferred too and contains a detailed description of what the property is that is signed by the grantor and then notarized. The buyer is then also given a warranty deed that verifies and protects the property. Texas also requires a deed, mortgage, lease, or other form of verification of property ownership once it is purchased. Land is also considered real property so if our client wants to purchase the land to put his mobile home on, the purchase will most likely be funded by a community bank or rural land lenders that are familiar with the lending of land. If after time our client would rather construct their building for business, they can write off the interest on the construction of the property if it will also be his residence (East Texas Land, 2014). In the state of Texas, if an entity wants to sell their real property, they need to get a letter by the potential buyer of the property making an offer for either the purchase or lease of the property. The current owner of the property has to disclose all current and existing appraisal reports to ensure that the owner’s opinion of the value of the property is backed up. Taxes will also have to be paid to the state of Texas for any real property that is purchased in the state. Evaluate the Legal Aspects of Acquiring, Holding, and Disposing of Personal Property The U.S. economic system is formed by the private ownership of personal property. According to Cheesman (2007), â€Å"Personal property is tangible  property such as automobiles, furniture, and equipment, and intangible property such as securities, patents, and copyrights† (p. 739). Personal property consists of a person’s rights related to possession and ownership of property, including land, structures, or buildings on land and the materials beneath land. In the state of Florida all tangible personal property is taxed at the local level and varies from county. As of 2007, Florida no longer taxes on intangible personal property. Fee Simple Deeds are the most commonly used form of ownership for property in Florida. Fee Simple Deeds gives the owner the rights to sell, posses, and use as security, improve land/buildings, and pass on to beneficiaries. For Ohio, personal property rights vary by the type of personal property. When buying personal property make sure to check into specific laws for different items, but know that most have some type of transferable clause in them if anything would happen to the owner. The state of Texas has the authority to tax any and all tangible personal property purchased in the state. Intangible personal property is only taxed if the property is owned by a resident of the state, or if the personal property is located in the state and is used for business purposes (Tax Code). For our client, he will be taxed for all equipment purchased and used for his river-rafting business. The current tax rate will be used at the time of purchase. Analyze the Business of Insurance for Various Risks There are a several forms of insurance that will need to be acquired to minimize the risk of performing a River-Rafting business. Injuries are the main risks a River-Rafting company face. They need to be concerned with injuries that could potentially happen to both the clients and employees. Other risks would be the damage that could occur to the rafts and other equipment used for rafting as well as the flooding of the mobile home office. In addition to the insurance need for performing the business, there are also several types of insurance that minimize monetary loss and professional  liability. The professional liability insurances include workman’s compensation insurance, property insurance, and business interruption insurance. The property insurance will provide compensation to the company in the event that a flood occurs and business interruption insurance covers lost revenue that occurs due to a disaster. The two forms of liability insurance that would need to be acquired are on-water and floater liability. These policies provide compensation to the clients in the event an injury occurs while rafting. The insurance also covers any physical damages that may have occurred to the raft or other equipment. Florida’s insurance premiums are fairly low due to their enhanced tort reforms. Florida has fairly low caps on punitive and non-economic damages, which lower the total damages provided by the insurer to the plaintiff in the event of a claim. This in turn increases the insurer’s profitability and lowers premiums. The state of Texas would also require the same type of insurance as the other states. Along with employee and customer protection, a business would also need to protect their property from damage. There are three different types of commercial property policies in Texas that our client can choose from which are basic form policies, broad form policies, and special form polices. These policies will provide either replacement cost coverage, actual cash value coverage, or a combination of both. Depending on where the client chooses to open their business and operate, an insurance company in Texas may exclude windstorm and hail coverage so our client may have to purchase additional policies if they want to be covered (Commercial Property Insurance, 2014). Identify Environmental Issues and Regulations Related to the Site The land that we are suggesting to purchase is a piece of land in Volusia County Florida close to Gemini Springs County Park. This piece of land is used by rafters often and would be a great location to start up a rafting business. If you choose to purchase this piece of land, your company needs  to cautious about any environmental hazards you could be held liable for. We suggest that an evaluation of the land be done to ensure these hazards do not exist. Your company also needs to keep in mind that the land must be purchased in the parts of the county that rafting is allowed by the local government. Keep in mind that any hazardous emissions, contaminations, or underground oil leaks could fall under the liability of the company as the new land owner. Any changes to the land purchased need to be permitted by local, state, and federal regulations. The location in Ohio that we suggest is a spot down the Great Miami River. This location is located near the Cincinnati area that is currently home to several white water rafting sites. This particular location is less crowded and therefore less prone to direct competition from other rafting locations (Whitewater). Since there hasn’t been a lot of rain in Texas in the last few years, most of the Texas rivers and lakes are very low. The place that we would recommend for our clients business is along the Guadalupe River. Customers can experience a nice scenic view with a variety of trees, cliffs crowned with mesquite, and rocky bluffs and rolling hills. Our client needs to make sure that they do not disrupt natures order and comply with all environmental laws. Our client needs to make sure that the water level of the river is adequate for rafting and that depending on the water level of cfs, different rules may apply. Best decision for our client Most of the property laws are the same among Florida, Ohio, and Texas so when deciding where to start a new river-rafting business for our client, we believe that Texas would be their best option. Texas has many rivers that our client can choose from and may be able to choose a place where windstorm damage is covered under their insurance policy. Some parts of the state do have low water levels but with the great size of Texas, there are still plenty of options to choose from. References Commercial Property Insurance. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb021.html East Texas Land. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.easttexasland.com/faq/ Part VIII: Property Law. (n.d.): n. pag. Ohio State Bar Association. Web. . Tax Code. Retrieved from http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/TX/htm/TX.11.htm Whitewater Paddling Rivers in Ohio. Ohio White Water Rivers and Paddling Spots. N.p., n.d. Web. . State of Florida.com. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.stateofflorida.com/Portal/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=29 Cheesman, H. R. (2007). Business Law: Legal Environment, Online Commerce, Business Ethics, and International Issues, 6e. Prentice Hall, Inc. A Pearson Education Company.

Argument Against Eating Meat :: Vegetarianism, Persuasive, Argumentative

Argument Against Eating Meat Many people don’t believe think anything of what they eat or how it got there. But the harsh truth is the meat that you eat was once a living, breathing creature that had feeling and emotions. Maybe next time you order a steak or chicken nuggets you should think about the animals that went through extreme pain and conditions for you to eat. Not only is it inhumane to put animals through such pain, not eating meat and having a vegetarian lifestyle can have huge benefits to animals, the environment, and your health. Can you imagine going through the pain that animals in slaughterhouses went through? Most people don’t think of that part of it but the real fact is that billions of animals went through a painful life to be killed for food every year. Most people like to keep the thought in there heads that these animals live on beautiful green farms where they are treated great and then have a very peaceful death, and never feel any or little pain. Well that is not the case, these animals are treated very unfairly. The animals in slaughterhouses are given a massive amount of antibiotics, hormones, and drugs to keep them alive in conditions that are so bad they would otherwise kill them. Cows are naturally very gentle and calm creatures. These smart and sweet natured animals have been known to go to great lengths to escape slaughterhouses. More than forty-one million of these sensitive animals suffer and die a painful death each year in the United States. When cows are still very young they are burned with hot irons, there testicles are torn or cut off, all without painkillers. Most beef cattle are born in one state, live in another, and are slaughtered in another. The cows who survive the gruesome transportation process are shot in the head with a bolt gun, hung upside down by there legs, and taken onto the killing floor where there throats are slit and they are skinned. Some of these beautiful animals remain fully conscious throughout the entire process. Argument Against Eating Meat :: Vegetarianism, Persuasive, Argumentative Argument Against Eating Meat Many people don’t believe think anything of what they eat or how it got there. But the harsh truth is the meat that you eat was once a living, breathing creature that had feeling and emotions. Maybe next time you order a steak or chicken nuggets you should think about the animals that went through extreme pain and conditions for you to eat. Not only is it inhumane to put animals through such pain, not eating meat and having a vegetarian lifestyle can have huge benefits to animals, the environment, and your health. Can you imagine going through the pain that animals in slaughterhouses went through? Most people don’t think of that part of it but the real fact is that billions of animals went through a painful life to be killed for food every year. Most people like to keep the thought in there heads that these animals live on beautiful green farms where they are treated great and then have a very peaceful death, and never feel any or little pain. Well that is not the case, these animals are treated very unfairly. The animals in slaughterhouses are given a massive amount of antibiotics, hormones, and drugs to keep them alive in conditions that are so bad they would otherwise kill them. Cows are naturally very gentle and calm creatures. These smart and sweet natured animals have been known to go to great lengths to escape slaughterhouses. More than forty-one million of these sensitive animals suffer and die a painful death each year in the United States. When cows are still very young they are burned with hot irons, there testicles are torn or cut off, all without painkillers. Most beef cattle are born in one state, live in another, and are slaughtered in another. The cows who survive the gruesome transportation process are shot in the head with a bolt gun, hung upside down by there legs, and taken onto the killing floor where there throats are slit and they are skinned. Some of these beautiful animals remain fully conscious throughout the entire process.

Communication, Information and Coordination in Organizations Essay

In speaking of organizations I believe that how organizations communicate is an extremely key factor in success versus failure. The purpose of this paper is to talk about Communication, Information and Coordination, specifically Vertical and Lateral Coordination in organizations. I will reference the four different organizational frames we have learned about as a reference guide to explain how communication is viewed, as well as which types of organizations are best suited to use either a Vertical or Lateral Coordination methodology. When we began the term we laid down a foundation on the different types of frames that an organization can take on. I would like to briefly touch on the four frames and then show how communication is defined in each. The first frame is the Structural Frame, which, â€Å"†¦emphasizes goals, specialized roles, and formal relationships†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Bolman and Deal p. 14) In this frame the organization ultimately uses â€Å"†¦rules, policies, procedures and hierarchies to coordinate diverse activities into a unified strategy. †(Bolman and Deal p. 4) As you can see with the definition above, communication is being done through a system of symbols, signs and or behavior. The organization creates the method for information to be passed and there is an expectation that it will be followed. In the structural frame communication is used to, â€Å"Transmit facts and information. † (Bolman and Deal p. 307) You as an employee are simply taking information from the organ ization and using it accordingly as well as taking information you receive and passing it along. You as an individual are not analyzing the information, drawing any conclusions altering it, You are simply taking the information given to you and acting on it as given. The second frame is the Human Resource Frame. The Human Resource frame sees the organization, â€Å"†¦much like an extended family, made up of individuals with needs, feelings, prejudices, skills and limitations†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Bolman and Deal p. 14) In this frame the organization is made to fit the individuals that work there. The Human Resource Frame uses communication to â€Å"Exchange information, needs and feelings. (Bolman and Deal p. 307) The Human Resource Frame uses the individual as a conduit for information gathering and dispersal and is much more flexible in the delivery of information as opposed to the Structural Frame, which is more rigidly aligned. People are the most valued asset of an organization. The Human Resource Frame seeks to develop the individual employee in the organization rather than making them one step is a core process. The third frame is the Political Frame and sees organizations as â€Å"†¦arenas, contests, or jungles†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Bolman and Deal p. 4) In the Political Frame all people in the organization are in constant competition to get ahead and one way to get ahead is to possess the power of information. In the Political Frame it is who and what you know and who you are willing to share your information with that gets you ahead. With all of the competition involved there is often conflict between those vying for power. The Political Frame sees communication as an opportunity to, â€Å"Influence or manipulate others. † (Bolman and Deal p. 307) As stated previously, Information if a powerful tool. In a Political Frame possessing information and having the ability to communicate that formation is key. The problem with Politics is that often information is used destructively rather than constructively. In an organization influencing and manipulating can and usually is a double edged sword. Finally in the fourth frame is the Symbolic Frame is a more organic frame that is seen organizationally as, â€Å"Tribes, theaters, or carnivals. It abandons assumptions of rationality more prominent in other frames. † (Bolman and Deal p. 5) This frame is not widely used because it is so free flowing and actually quite odd that it does not work well in many cases. However, the Symbolic Frame still address communication as a means to, â€Å"tell stories. † (Bolman and Deal p. 307) Telling stories is a way often used to pass along information. Many cultures use stories to educate the next generation and the stories contain information that is important for the next generations to k now and preserve. In organizations, stories, tales and fables should not be seen as appropriate sources of information. Basically, all the frames acknowledge that communication is an essential part of their make-up. The ability to communicate, whether through rules and procedures, meetings and networks or stories is very important in the day-to-day operations of your organization. I now offer a definition of communication as found in Webster’s Dictionary and I will use the definition to further explain the importance of communication and more specifically the communication of information through a coordinated effort. Webster’s Dictionary defines Communication as: : an act of instance of transmitting 2 a: information communicated b: a verbal or written message 3 a: a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior b: personal rapport 4 a: a system for communicating b: a system of routes for moving troops, supplies, and vehicles c: personnel engaged in communicating 5 a: a technique for expressing ideas effectively b: the technology of the transmission of information. Since the beginning of time man has attempted to communicate and as a result communication has constantly been improved. Thoughts, events and information have been recorded and passed along in some form or another for centuries, so you can see how communication is an essential part of everyday life. Knowing this you have to wonder how do we effectively communicate with each other? The above question has become and will always be a huge topic in society. People spend millions of dollars a year on counseling and learning techniques to better communicate with each other. Many people have capitalized on this quest for better communication skills and have become supposed experts in the field of communicating. You hear everyday how you need to be able to communicate better in your relationships, with your friends, peers and in general with everyone. So I look to the above definition to better clarify what exactly is meant by the various definitions of communication as I interpret them. I will use three of the definitions above and concentrate eon how they tie in with the theme of the paper, which is coordination. 2 a: Information communicated. 3 a: a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs or behavior. Finally, 5 b: The technology of the transmission of information. I chose the above three definitions because they tie into a repetitive theme within communication and that is the passing of information. We have discussed in this class, throughout the term, that information is power and those who have information have a definite advantage. In an organization information is key to success. The organization that is able to establish a free flow of information will always be in a better position to succeed because they are in a position to be able to adapt more quickly in times where change is necessary. I am not suggesting that information always leads to change, because the information you receive could very well be that you need to continue what you are doing without changing. In particular I’d like to look at the second definition I chose which talks about information being exchanged through a common system of symbols, signs or behavior and I’d like to focus on behavior because the way your organization is aligned can ultimately affect your communicative behavior. In chapter three of Reframing Organizations we look see two types of coordination, which determine how information is passed and who processes it. The two types of coordination are Vertical and Lateral. Organizations that operate in stable markets and use a product that has little need for change are best suited for a Vertically coordinated organizational system. Organizations that operate in a turbulent environment and require constant change are best suited for a laterally coordinated organization. I will address both types and give an example of each below. In Vertical Coordination we see that the higher levels of management maintain control of information and regulate communications through establishing clear lines of authority, implementing rules and policies, and putting in place planning and control systems. By establishing authority the hierarchy appoints people such as executives, managers and supervisors to be in charge. This core group of people selected to have authority are, â€Å"†¦officially charged with keeping activities aligned with goals. They control by making decisions, resolving conflicts, solving problems, evaluating performance and output, and distributing rewards and sanctions†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Bolman and Deal p. 51) I can use my own situation as an example of this. Working in Law Enforcement I fall under a chain of command. In the chain of command I have been appointed a Sergeant. As a Sergeant I am charged with the tasks explained above. I communicate and pass information and orders to my subordinates. I receive my orders form my Commander, who in turn reports to a Captain and it goes right up the chain until it reaches the Sheriff. Information is communicated vertically through the ranks. Our organization aligned very closely with a Structural Frame Format. Not much emphasis is given to the Human Resource Frame, as the needs of the individual are not as much of a concern over the needs of the organization. The Political Frame is limited because the information is coming from the top and being disseminated down the ranks. Information obtained in Law Enforcement is normally transcribed in report format and given out. Information that is important and not given out could result in legal action. There is no chance for the Symbolic Frame to exist because we do not communicate organically nor are we allowed to report in a story fashion. In our private lives we can tell stories and relay information, however on an organizational level we deal strictly with fact. I derive my Authority from the chain of command and am regulated largely by the Policies and Procedures manual that my organization has constructed. The policies and procedures manual gives detailed instructions how to carry out tasks, how to monitor employees performance and conduct investigations. So in my personal career I can see that my organization is Vertically aligned. Information is communicated up and down the chain of command in clear-cut lines. Lateral communication and withholding information is discouraged and can lead to sever punishment. Although new technology is often introduced, the mission of Law Enforcement stays the same. As a result Law Enforcement uses vertical alignment to get information out as quickly and uniformly as possible. The opposite of the vertical form is the Lateral Form of Coordination. In Lateral Coordination several different methods are used to communicate and pass information. Lateral Coordination involves meetings, task forces, coordinating roles, matrix structures, and network organizations to communicate and pass on information. The above listed structures are more flexible and fluid than that of a rigidly defined Vertically Coordinated organization. I will briefly touch on the different methods used in the laterally coordinated systems. Meetings are described as, â€Å"informal communication and formal meetings form the cornerstone of lateral coordination. † (Bolman and deal p. 53) Formal meetings are the normal way stable organizations go about communicating. Simple meetings can used be used to pass along large chunks of information as well as to address new business. As the organization grows in complexity and size, Task Forces are utilized. Task Forces are formed when, â€Å"†¦problems or opportunities require collaboration of a number of specialties or functions. † (Bolman and deal p. 54) Collaboration requires cooperation and cooperation can only exist when there is communication. A Task Force gets a group of specialized people together to accomplish an organizational goal. Coordinating Roles take the talents of individuals and spread them out to help persuade others to accomplish goals. An individual can monitor several different areas to help tie all componets together to make a finished product. Matrix Structures are used when the organization grows very large and crosses several different sectors of the business world. Matrix Structures are very complex and can add a lot of confusion to your organization, which is why they have been used so sparingly. Finally, Networks are now a very common communicative form in organizations. Networks have always been in existence and have grown in usage since the advent of computer technology. Computer networks have the capability of transmitting almost limitless amounts of information immediately to a large-scale group of people. Computer Networks are now one of the most valuable tools an organization can use to communicate. Since an organization that coordinates laterally is generally one that operates in a turbulent and often changing environment it is easy to see why communication is essential. Information must be gathered, analyzed, processed and disseminated as quickly as possible to ensure that you will be able to keep up. An example of an organization that suffered because it failed to properly communicate and respond is the Digital Corporation. Digital Corporation was a leader in the minicomputer industry, however when the market shifted form minicomputers to PC’s they were too tied up in a non-productive coordination system. As a result they wasted valuable time in making the transition to the new technology. The company began to fail and was subsequently bought out by Compaq computers. The technology field, computers in particular, is changing on a daily basis. If you are not able to communicate the need for change based on the information received form current market trends then you are doomed to failure. Digital is a prime example of this concept. All of the above methods of Lateral Coordination are effective, however as with any system there are weaknesses. You must ensured that your resources are being used appropriately and efficiently in order to successfully maintain a more loosely coordinated method, as seen in the Lateral Coordination methodology. When you are not strict and rigid in your controls you run the risk of giving people too much freedom in their actions. Lateral Strategies are effective, however they must be monitored. In Conclusion, the coordinated communication of information within an organization is a key determinate of success versus failure. An organization, even one in a stable environment, must be fluid when it comes to communication. A lack of communication has been shown to result in the untimely delivery of crucial information and since we have identified that information is power, a lack of information will then render you powerless. By employing sound coordination methodologies and organization can better respond to it’s environment. As the environment changes so must the organization. The best way to know if your environment is changing is by properly gather and processing information form the various areas you deal in. Once processed and analyzed the information must quickly be communicated through the appropriate channels to ensure that necessary changes can be made. A breakdown in any one of these areas can and normally will have devastating effects. Many companies have experienced this firsthand. Coordination, Communication and Information are three keys that an organization must embrace in order to survive.

Main sources of water pollution in urban areas versus rural areas Essay

Water constitutes approximately 70 percent of the earth’s surface and therefore it is a significant resource (Krantz and Kifferstein (n. d. ). It is a vital resource for without water, life would cease to exist on earth. It is however unfortunate that despite being a precious commodity, water pollution is existent everywhere ranging from the rural areas to the urban areas. The World Factbook (2010, p. 1) defines pollution as â€Å"the contamination of a healthy environment by man-made waste. † In case of water pollution, there is introduction of large amounts of substances into the water rendering it unsuitable for intended use. Water pollutants are classified as either point source pollution or non-point source pollution. Either way, these occur in both rural and urban places but with differing magnitude. It is also notable that major sources of water pollution differ in urban and rural areas. This paper compares and contrasts between major water pollutants in rural and urban areas. Causes of water pollution in rural areas It is notable that water pollution in rural areas mainly affects ground water since ground water forms the major source of water for rural populations. Ground water is usually contaminated in case there are leakages and in the ground tanks or in case of municipal landfills. As earlier stated, water pollution can be point source pollution or nonpoint source pollution. In point source pollution; there is direct introduction of pollutants into the water as opposed to nonpoint source pollution whereby pollutants are indirectly introduced into the water. Krantz and Kifferstein (n. d. ) provide that run-off fertilizer is a good example of nonpoint water pollution whereas oil spill is a good illustration of point water pollution. From this illustration, it is evident that nonpoint forms of water pollution are more likely to be found in rural areas whereas point pollution is more likely to be witnessed in urban areas. In rural areas, the main source of water pollution is surface-runoff. This introduces a variety of pollutants especially chemicals that are used for agricultural purposes. Nitrates and phosphorous are commonly used in farming more so in European countries such as England, Wales and Ireland. These countries have gone to the extent of classifying some farms as nitrate vulnerable zones to indicate that the farms can easily cause nitrate pollution. The risk of nitrate and phosphorous pollution increases depending on the time when the fertilizers are applied, the rate at which the fertilizers are applied, how fertilizers are handled and the distance between the point where fertilizers are applied and watercourses (Murray, 2010). An increase in nitrates and phosphorus causes aquatic plants to proliferate thus causing oxygen depletion as well as turbidity not to mention the clogging of water passages. This is detrimental to aquatic life as well as dependants of aquatic resources. It is notable that run-off water pollution is also referred to as diffuse water pollution and it also entails run-off from farm buildings as well as farm roads. Manure is also likely to be washed down into water bodies during rainfall periods thus acting as a diffuse water pollution source. A study carried out by Nkwonta and Ochieng 2009) in Soghanguve area, rural South Africa, indicated that run-off from farms as well as household waste were the dominant pollutants in the local rivers. In addition, pollution from fertilizer run-off made up to 50 percent of the water run-off pollution. Other farming chemicals such as pesticides were significant water pollutants in the region thus confirming diffuse water pollution due to farming activities as the main water pollutant in rural areas. Silt and wash-off from fields causes eutrophication whereby water bodies tend to fill up and aquatic life is harmed due to impaired respiration and suffocation. Agro-based industries are mentioned as major sources of pollution in rural areas. According to Narendra (2010), effluents from agro-based industries have a striking role in pollution of water in rural areas. This is in combination with the already mentioned excessive application of chemical fertilizers. Narendra (2010) further reports that an assessment of 179,999 ground water sites in 26 states contains pollutants such as fluoride, nitrate, salinity, arsenic and iron as per a report by the department of Drinking Water Supply. Pollution in River Hindon is said to emanate from up to 28 agro-based industries. The release of chemicals from agro-based industries causes change in water pH as well as foaming thus interfering with the aquatic environment. Release of agrochemicals such as DDT pollutes water and the chemicals are passed through the food chain to human beings. Organic pollution especially from sewage is also a common source of water pollution in rural areas. The organic content in sewage promotes proliferation of microorganisms that pollute water by causing disease as well as using up oxygen contained in water as they decompose the organic substances. Oxygen depletion leads to an imbalanced aquatic ecosystem. Organic water pollutants in rural areas can also emanate from decomposing plants, pastures as well as livestock waste. It is important to identify that untreated organic waste such as sewage or farm runoffs introduce disease causing organisms such as bacteria and protozoan and diseases such as dysentery are a predictable outcome. To put extra emphasis on the contribution of agricultural wastes as water pollutants in rural areas, it is worth considering a country such as China. China stocks the largest number of pigs in the world (470 million pigs as compared to 950 million world pig stock) (Qing, 2007). China is also a leader in production of poultry and goats and therefore forming the largest water pollutant country. It is identified that most of the waste coming from the livestock farming activities is not treated well with pig farms discharging a lot of wastewater. The waste water from poultry and pig farms has low temperature and mire which is mainly organic leads to oxygen depletion once introduced into water bodies. It is estimated that if China continues to practice poultry and livestock farming, rural water pollution from these sources will exceed pollution from fertilizer and domestic wastes. Causes of water pollution in urban areas Urban areas usually depend on ground water as stored underground tanks. The main causes of water pollution in urban areas are leaking pipes and contamination from water and sewage being close. Since urban water is sourced from a particular point, contamination at the source is also a major phenomenon. Human waste, industrial effluents as well as household wastes have are important sources of water pollution in urban areas. Urban areas, just like rural areas, have runoff especially after rainfall and these contain pollutants that are of great concern. Sediments are a common component of urban runoff and these constitute the greatest components of urban water pollutants. Most sediment originates from the construction industry which thrives in most urban areas. The runoff may also contain other substances such as rubber, and automobile wastes (Environmental Health and Safety Online, 2009). Petroleum products are the main automobile wastes and these contain hydrocarbons. Other constituents of urban runoff include anti-icing chemicals, heavy metals, disease causing organisms such as bacteria, as well as organic materials. Pathogens and organic materials emanate from sewage, spoilt septic tanks, and grass and leaves. A notable source of organic waste is pet wastes whereas use of fertilizer in lawns and kitchen gardens is also common in urban areas. Nutrient pollutants like fertilizers and organic wastes enhance growth of microorganisms and decomposition of wastes thus causing a decrease in dissolved oxygen. These consequentially render aquatic life unbearable. An increase in fertilizer and pesticide pollution in Bagmati River in Kathmandu city of Nepal is a good example of an urban source of water pollution. It is also indicated that Bagmati River experiences direct discharge of industrial and domestic untreated wastes released from Patan city as indicated by an increase in faecal coliform in the polluted areas. This is an important difference in sources of urban water pollution because water from rural regions of Bagmati has normal chemistry and coliform numbers (SEARO. , n. d). Release of sewage without treatment or with poor treatment into water bodies in urban areas has the potential to introduce disease causing organisms such as coliform bacteria. Nitrates are found to be high even in treated sewage and therefore it is a great challenge as urban source of water contamination. Phosphates are also introduced in water bodies as a result of poorly treated sewage. Phosphates are notorious in speeding up the growth of algae as evidenced in the Broads Lake in the UK. As the Broads was expanding in terms of population increase, an increase in sewage with high content of phosphates was experienced with some of the sewage gaining way into the Broads Lake. Consequently, there was a spurt in algae growth whereas water plants died eventually disturbing the lake’s ecosystem (Srinivas, 2010). A similar phenomenon has been experienced in Lake Biwa in Japan where an excess of phosphorous and nitrogen led to excessive growth of algae as well as eutrophication. As earlier noted, urban areas depend on ground water which is prone to various forms of contamination. For instance, leaking oil from storage tanks and leaking sewage lines that are in close proximity with water pipes can end up polluting ground water. On another note, garbage can be intentionally dumped into water bodies or the mere garbage dump can end up contaminating surface water. Since urban areas usually have industries, the industries may cause water pollution indirectly by emitting gases like sulphur dioxide that cause acid rain. Acid rain ends up disturbing water chemistry and this is hazardous to living organisms. According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (2005, para 3), â€Å"pavement and compacted areas, roofs, and reduced tree canopy and open space increase runoff volumes† eventually contaminating water significantly. In addition to increase in runoff volume the runoff is also at a high velocity thus increasing water pollution through increased erosion of stream banks, and depositing sediments in streams. The channels through which the high velocity runoff passes through are also incised leading to an increase in sediment deposition. Runoff from urban areas has a higher potential off causing water pollution since there exists no forests or grasslands to enhance water filtration into the ground as compared to such conditions in rural areas. Urban landscapes are nonporous thus there exists almost no opportunity for runoff to percolate. EPA also notes that runoff from highly developed urban areas can lead to increased water temperatures thus adversely affecting aquatic life and the quality of water in affected streams. If a wastewater treatment plant is not maintained well or if it is poorly cited, then there is the risk of causing water pollution in urban areas. Industrial wastes and emissions are a serious concern due to their contribution in water pollution in urban areas. With most urban areas having industries, industrial pollutants have been of major concern. It is noted that most industries are likely to be located close to water sources for industrial process (TutorVista, 2010). Unfortunately, these same industries end up mismanaging the precious resource by introducing hazardous chemicals. Industrial wastes include acids and alkalis, heavy metals like cadmium in addition to chemicals such as ammonia. Acids and alkalis alter the pH of water whereas detergents cause increased turbidity that has the potential to intoxicate aquatic organisms. Some of the industries cause an increase in water temperature which can be lethal to aquatic life. This is common with power plants and industries that use a lot of water for cooling purposes. It is also a common phenomenon to find oil spills in lakes and oceans. Although this cannot be purely be defined as an urban source of water pollution, it is important to know that oil spills can occur in lake regions located in urban areas. Furthermore, oil refineries can be located offshore and oil spills can occur. Oil spills lead to death of aquatic organisms since the oil covers the surface of water preventing oxygen from penetrating (TutorVista, 2010). Conclusion Looking at the main sources of water pollution in urban and rural areas, it is evident that runoff dominate as the main source of contaminant. It is clearly evident that water pollution in rural areas is point form pollution whereas pollution in urban areas is mainly nonpoint form. However, the content of the runoff differ with rural runoff contain contaminants that are mainly agricultural-based whereas urban areas have industrial-based runoff. In rural areas, runoff mainly contains fertilizer compounds such as nitrates and phosphorous causing a proliferation in algae and water plants. The consequent eutrophication leads to oxygen depletion and death of aquatic life. Runoff from livestock farms also introduces organic compounds that are lead to oxygen depletion as they are decomposed by microorganism. In urban areas, runoff is mainly composed of sediments from construction industries as well as industrial and automobile wastes. Urban runoff is more detrimental since percolation is rare unlike in the vegetated rural areas. Acid rain is a possible water pollutant in urban areas due to emission of noxious gases from the many industries in rural areas. In both rural and urban areas, human waste from poorly treated or untreated sewage is emergent as a popular water pollutant. Pathogens such as bacteria and viruses are also evident as water pollutants in both rural and urban areas as introduced by human and animal waste. Bibliography Environmental Health and Safety Online. (2009). Causes and control of water pollution in urban areas. Retrieved 14, Aug. 2010 from http://www. ehso. com/ehshome/WaterPollution_Urban.htm Environmental Protection Agency. (2005). National management measures to control nonpoint source pollution from urban areas. Retrieved 14, Aug. 2010 from http://www. epa. gov/nps/urbanmm/ Krantz, D. and Kifferstein, B. (nd). Water pollution and society. Retrieved 14, Aug. 2010 from http://www. umich. edu/~gs265/society/waterpollution. htm Murray, P. (2010). Controlling diffuse water pollution in rural areas. Retrieved 14, Aug. 2010 from http://www. netregs. gov. uk/netregs/100797. aspx Narendra, C. (2010, Mar. 10). Water pollution in surface resources and rural areas. Retrieved 14, Aug. 2010 from http://www. mynews. in/News/Water_Pollution_in_Surface_Resources_and_Rural_Areas_N40334. html Nkwonta, O. I. and Ochieng, G. M. (2009). Water pollution in Soshanguwe environs of South Africa. World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 56: 499-503. Qing, C. (2007). Urban & rural water pollution: hazard & control. Retrieved 14, Aug. 2010 from http://www. ecosanres. org/icss/proceedings/presentations/51–CHEN-Qing–EN. pdf SEARO. (n. d). National Environmental & Health Action Plan: Environmental problems. Retrieved 14, Aug. 2010 from http://www. searo. who. int/LinkFiles/National_Environment_&_Health_Action_Plan_chp9a. pdf Srinivas, H. (2010). Urban water pollution. Retrieved 14, Aug. 2010 from http://www. gdrc. org/uem/water/watershed/urban-water-pollution. html TutorVista. (2010). Water pollution. Retrieved 14, Aug. 2010 from http://www. tutorvista. com/content/biology/biology-ii/environment-and-environmental-problems/water-pollution. php World Factbook. (2010). Environment – current issues. Retrieved 14, Aug. 2010 from https://www. cia. gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2032. html

buy custom The Minoan and Mycenaean Civilizations essay

buy custom The Minoan and Mycenaean Civilizations essay During the development of Mesopotamia and Egyptian cultures, other cultures developed in Greece, Italy, Asia Minor coasts, in Cyprus, Crete, and the Cycladic Islands, and the Aegean Sea beaches (McNeese 56). However, the cultures that emerged to be the most developed are Minoan and Mycenaean cultures. These two civilizations were influenced by Asia and Egypt, but each civilization maintained their uniqueness. The Minoan civilization is the most ancient culture of the Aegean cultures; it grew among the Europe, Africa and Asia crossroads, and it was named after King Minos, who was the founder of the neighboring dynasty in 2000 BCE (Scarre, and Stefoff 25). The Mycenaean culture developed during the Late Bronze Age on the Mycenae Hill in Greece mainland; later, this culture became more powerful and rich, and replaced the Minoan civilization; they took control of the Minoan trade routes in Crete and Aegean Islands (McNeese 142). The Mycenaean had a unique way of life, however, it was partly influenced by the Minoan style of life; this was because they produced pitchers which had Minoan elements, they also learnt metalwork, which was done by the Minoans and employed many Minoan workers and stayed with them for long periods (McNeese 169). This paper discusses similarities and differences between these two civilizations. Religion According to the inscriptions found in Mycenaean and Knossos cities, written in Linear B script on tablets, the Mycenaean worshiped gods. The names of the gods were Posedone, the Greek god Poseidon, Atana, the Greek goddess Athena, Zeus, who appeared as Diuja and was identified as the god of sky (Dietrich 116). They also had other gods such as Marineus, Diwia, Komawenteia and Dirimijo, however, the Mycenaeans main god was Poseidon. The Mycenaean, believed in supernatural gods, they perceived these gods as unique and according to Mycenaean, their gods were not omnipotent, they did not know everything and were not found everywhere (Dietrich 213). However, their abilities were considered as greater than human power; they could foresee the future, as well as interfere with human actions. The Mycenaeans gods were also considered to have feeling, love and could fight just like human beings. The Minoan, like the Mycenaean, worshiped many gods, which were headed by one god; they worshiped a snake, a dove and other objects such as double axes, horns and bulls. All the gods were headed by the snake goddess, who was considered as a universal mother, goddess of crops, animals, sea, land, weather, fertility, birth and death. The goddess was also a source of food and brought curses and blessings to the people. However, according to Dietrich, the Minoan gods, contrary to the Mycenaean, had no human feelings, and they could not love and fight, but just like the Mycenaean, the Minoan gods were assumed to have greater power than human power, and they could foresee the future, as well as interfere with human actions (Dietrich 326). Unlike the Mycenaean, which had a male god, the Minoan had only female gods, and according to the researcher, the Minoan goddesses represented only one goddess. The religious worship for both Mycenaean and Minoan was held in temples, palaces, courtyards, houses, caves and mountain peaks. Architecture Mycenaean civilization had similar building and miniature designs to those from Mesopotamia. However, the building techniques were similar to those of Minoan; they sed post and beams in most of their constructions. The Mycenaean builders expressed their creativeness through developing and building new forms of building from the existing ones. The important structure among the Mycenaean and Minoans are the tholos tombs, palaces and residential houses. Tholos Tombs In the earlier years, Minoan buried the dead in cave; they changed this to cemeteries during the middle period, and this was also changed to rectangular burial structure. Each had a burial structure where it buried the dead; the structure was used for over hundred years, first, they buried in the ground, and the bones were later transferred to the tombs (McNeese 148). The most common burial structure among the Minoan was the tholos; this was a circular stone tomb built in a hill slope or the ground, and designed with a dome shape with 4-13 meters diameter and a thickness of 0.7-2.5 meters. An example of tholos is Tholos A, a tomb that was found in the Phourni cemetery; it had a long entrance corridor, and the inside wall was coated with stone (McNeese 154). The lintel of the entrance was positioned at the ground level, and beneath the lintel was a grave. The tholos tombs of the Mycenaean, like the Minoan tholos, were built in hills, and had a dome shape; the royal family members were buried in these tombs. According to McNeese, the tholos structures of the Mycenaean were influenced by the smaller tholos of Minoan civilization; initially they were built in gravel, however, with time, they started building them in ashlar stones (McNeese 159). An example of the Mycenaean tholos was the Minyas treasury house and Atreus treasury house found in Greece, the ground plan of these tholos resembled that of the Minoan tholos. Palaces Like the Minoan, the Mycenaean architecture emphasized more on the palaces than temples. However, a Mycenaean palace looked more like a fortress while a Minoan palace looked like a labyrinth. The fortification was because of the foreign invasions, and its outline was based on the topography with the outline of the walls following the natural site contour, thus creating a barrier for invaders (Ireland 104). The example of the fortification architecture can be found in Tiryns and Mycenae. The Mycenaean palace was laid along a tough axis, and was built as a one-story building with walls surrounded by massive stones; this was different from the palaces of the Minoan, which were built as two-story structures (Ireland 316). The Mycenaean and Minoan had similar inside walls; they were plastered, and then decorated with frescoes. In the Minoan palace the focus was placed more on the large inner courtyard, while the in the Mycenaean palace the emphasis was put on the megaron; the megaron was considered as a center for worship and was used for the coronation and. The megaron in the Minoan palace did not receive much attention but was used for ceremonial purposes; it had a round hearth, with a quadratic plan of four columns, which supported the ceiling with an opening for smoke (McNeese 246). The megaron in both Mycenaean and Minoan civilization had corridors, which sometimes opened to additional rooms. Residential Buildings The Minoan residential houses were designed as urban houses; most of them were one-story, but there were also two and three-story. This was a contrast to the Mycenaean hhouses, which were built in a shape like that of a megaron; the entrance of the house was shaped like a deep portico with lines leading to the central door that lead into the residence (Ireland 209). The house back was designed as an apse, it had a half-circle shaped base; however, it was mostly rectangular in shape. The residential houses of the two civilizations were different in design, but the building materials were similar; the walls of these houses were built of gravel or stone, and the upper section was built of mud, and the ceiling was made of wood (McNeese 215). The Cities Most of the Minoan cities were built on the coastline; they had irregular plans, with almost all of them being built with blocks, and the streets were paved, the cities also had drainage channels (McNeese 523). These cities, which included most cities of Crete were grouped around the palace or the market area, and, palaces dominated Minoan cities as well as Mycenaean cities . An example of Minoan cities is Knossos, which was also a palace, this city had an irregular plan, and it was surrounded by residential houses of the upper class, with a narrow alley separating them (Scarre, Stefoff 36). The Mycenaean cities, unlike the Minoan cities which were build on the coastline, were built on the hill steep or on acropolis, which are high plains. Bussagli, highlights that the Mycenaeans associated hills with status; the palace was the highest point. The Mycenaean cities, unlike the Minoan cities, had fortifications except for Tiryns and Mycenae; the fortified cities looked majestic with an array of courtyards, rooms positioned on one axis and staircases (Bussagli 69). The city of Tiryns is an example of Mycenaean cities; this city is situated on the southeast of Mycenae, and was built on a cliff that towered the plane of Argolis. The terrain of this city rises from north to south with the kings palace at the highest point. Language The Minoan civilization had many languages; the Minoan used a primitive hieroglyphic script during the Prepalatial period. According to Kristiansen and Larsson, later, during the Protopalatial period, they developed Linear A language, which they continued to use in the Neopalatial period; this language featured many symbols, and each symbol represented a number, a word or a syllable. Linear A was used in some religious functions as well as in record keeping (Kristiansen, Larsson 407). The Mycenaeans language was different from the Minoan; they conquered the Minoan and replaced Linear A with Linear B, which later evolved as the Modern Greek language. Conclusion The Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations developed in different ways, lived in different times, but they have some similarities. The Mycenaean civilization customs, architecture, and the way of life were influenced by the Minoan civilization. The influence came after the Mycenaean defeated the Minoan; they lived and used Minoan workers over a long time, and this influenced their religion, their burial customs and the way they built their structures. As we have seen above their burial structures the tholos were similar, and the way they built their palaces was also similar. The two civilizations worshiped many gods, but the Minoan had only female gods. The similarities and differences show that although, Mycenaeans way of life was influenced by the Minoan, they still maintained their uniqueness. 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Reasons to Be Pretty, a Play by Neil LaBute

Reasons to Be Pretty, a Play by Neil LaBute Reasons to Be Pretty is a hard-edged comedy written by Neil LaBute. It is the third and final installment of a trilogy (The Shape of Things, Fat Pig, and Reasons to Be Pretty). The trio of plays are connected not by characters or plot but by the recurring theme of body image within American society. Reasons to Be Pretty premiered on Broadway in 2008. It was nominated for three Tony Awards (Best Play, Best Leading Actress, and Best Leading Actor). Meet the Characters Steph is the central argument of the play. Throughout the story, she is furious. She feels emotionally wounded by her boyfriend- who believes that her face is regular (which she views as a way of saying that she is not beautiful). Greg, the protagonist, spends most of his life trying to explain his misunderstood intentions to others. Like other leading men in Neil LaBute plays, he is far more affable than the male supporting characters (who are always foul-mouthed jerks). In spite of his low-key, eager-to-remain-calm personality, Greg somehow evokes anger from the rest of the characters. Kent is the obnoxious jerk character we were just talking about. He is crude, down-to-earth, and believes that his life is better than perfect. He not only has a good-looking wife, but hes also tangled in a work-related affair. Carly is the wife of Kent and the best friend of Stephanie. She sets the conflict in motion, spreading gossip about Gregs supposedly true feelings. Reasons to Be Pretty Plot Summary of Act One Scene One In Scene One, Steph is very angry because her boyfriend Greg supposedly said something derogatory about her physical appearance. After a heated argument, Greg explains he and his friend Kent had a conversation in Kents garage. Kent had mentioned that the newly hired woman at their workplace was hot. According to Greg, he replied: Maybe Steph hasnt got a face like that girls. Maybe Stephs face is just regular. But I wouldnt trade her for a million bucks. After his admission, Steph storms out of the room. Scene Two Greg hangs out with Kent, recounting his fight with Stephanie. During their conversation, Kent chastises him about eating an energy bar directly after a meal, claiming that Greg will get fat. Kent goes into the bathroom. Kents wife Carly arrives. Carly is in law enforcement. She is the one who gossiped to Steph about Gregs conversation, regarding her regular face. Carly harshly criticizes Greg, detailing how upset Steph has become, reacting to his insensitive words. Greg argues that he was trying to say something complimentary about Steph. Carly states that his communication skills suck. When Kent finally returns from the bathroom, he defuses the argument, kisses Carly, and advises Greg to treat women nicely to keep the relationship happy. Ironically, whenever Carly is not around, Kent is far more demeaning and derogatory than Greg. Scene Three Steph meets Greg in neutral territory: a restaurant at lunchtime. He has brought her flowers, but she remains intent on moving out and ending their four-year relationship. She wants to be with someone who sees her as beautiful. After unleashing more of her anger and rebuking Gregs attempts at reconciliation, Steph demands the keys so she can remove all of her items from their home. Greg finally fights back (verbally) and says that he doesnt want to see her stupid face anymore. That makes Stephanie snap! Steph makes him sit back down at the table. She then pulls out a letter from her purse. She has written down everything about Greg that she dislikes. Her letter is a vicious (yet amusing) tirade, detailing all of his physical and sexual flaws, from head to toe. After reading the hateful letter, she admits that she wrote all of those things to hurt him. However, she says that his comment about her face represents his true beliefs, and can therefore never be forgotten or taken back. Scene Four Kent and Carly sit together, complaining about work and money. Carly criticizes her husbands lack of maturity. Just as they start to makeup, Greg arrives to hang out and read a book. Carly leaves, annoyed because she blames Greg for making Steph move away. Kent reluctantly confides in Greg, admitting that he is having an affair with the hot girl at work. He goes through a long list of positive details about her physique. (In many ways it is the opposite of Stephs angry letter monologue.) At the end of the scene, Kent makes Greg promise not to reveal the affair to anyone (especially Steph or Carly). Kent claims that men must stick together because they are like buffalo. Act One of Reasons to Be Pretty concludes with Gregs realization that his relationship is not the only one that has fallen apart.

Russian Literature. Mikhail Bulgakov The Master and Margarita Essay

Russian Literature. Mikhail Bulgakov The Master and Margarita - Essay Example The essay â€Å"Manuscripts don’t burn† highlights the masterpiece of one of the best writers in Russia. The novel â€Å"The Master and Margarita† by Mikhail Bulgakov is considered to be one of the most enigmatic and peculiar literary masterpieces of not only Russian, but also World Literature. Bulgakov's work contains lots of expressions that subsequently become aphorisms. Mikhail Bulgakov, knowingly, put this sacramental phrase, "Manuscripts do not burn†, into the mouth of the devil. Woland was the first who witnessed the talk between the two writers that met the standards of so-called â€Å"true Soviet writer†. They were ignorant and shallow-minded people, trying to judge the things without understanding them. Lots of Soviet writers, whose literary heritage became available only after the adjustment or the USSR collapse, did not dare to keep their masterpieces in written, thus, they tried to memorize every chapter, every line, every word carefully . Any writer should be free in expressing his or her views and opinions. It was impossible to write creatively under the conditions of the totalitarian regime, when every word, every thought was subjected to the meticulous review of the Soviet literary critics. Bulgakov knew the feeling of pain because of your literary works being doomed to nonrecognition and neglect. The Master is the author’s impersonation. Master’s most horrible nightmares are Bulgakov’s nightmares; Master’s talent is Bulgakov’s talent. Decent work will find its decent reader, for â€Å"Manuscripts don’t burn†.