Thistles and Tall Nettles Essay Example for Free

Thistles and Tall Nettles Essay The poems Tall Nettles by Edward Thomas and Thistles by Ted Hughes contain similar yet different themes. Both of them contain not one but many themes of their own. The Tall Nettles contains a theme of abandonment, a theme of nature fighting back against man, and man-made objects, as well as the theme of inner beauty i. e. , beauty that is not obvious to the eye. The poet is showing that the plant is fierce, yet protective over a place that belongs to them, simply because no one else wants it. It portrays how the nettles have triumphed over man by covering the machines. Thomas shows this conquest over man in a positive light. It portrays the nettles as beautiful, yet they are not aesthetically pleasing. This seems to show that Thomas sees the inner beauty of the nettles; he portrays their resilience and strength. Thistles also contains the theme of nature fighting back against man as well as the theme of survival. Unlike in the previous poem, the thistles are fighting over land which is still desired by man. Hughes, unlike Thomas, portrays these battles in a negative light, and seems to portray the plants as the enemy. This poem is a lot more violent than the previous one, as it actually portrays the epic battle that the thistles fight to survive. Both these poems portray themes of nature fighting against man, and survival. Analysis of Thistles Thistles is a poem about survival and triumph. It portrays how thistles have to fight to stay alive, but they in fact conquer over their aggressors. In order to fully understand this one must analyze the poem stanza by stanza. In stanza 1 the very first word, Against, gives us the first clue to the plight of the thistle. It has many things which are against it, such as the rubber tongues of cows and the hoeing hands of men. The fact that the hoeing hands of men is used as an example of one of the thistles enemies, is ironic, because even though the men have hoes and mean to destroy, the thistles still survive. The use of spike in line 2 gives us a sharp, jagged image of artillery. Crackle in line 3 gives us this same effect. These war-like images are continued throughout the poem. The use of the word crackle gives us the idea that the thistle is tough, not gently opening, but crackling open, as if preparing for battle. In stanza two the poet introduces the idea of revenge. (Every one a revengeful burst) The poet uses the word burst to describe the purple exploded head of the thistle, and the spikes that protrude from this. The use of the word resurrection in line 2 supports the idea of the thistles never really dying. The grasped fistful of splintered weapons and Icelandic frost also refers to the head of the thistle, and how it appears to be like a hand that has grabbed a handful of weapons. The introduction of Icelandic frost brings in the first idea of the war between the Scots and the Vikings. Thrust up brings in the idea that the nettles are like the soldiers sent by nature to fight against man. In stanza two our idea of the thistles being sent by nature is continued. (From the underground stain of decayed Viking This is a reference to the Scots/ Vikings war again, but also a reference to the amazing ability of thistles to get nutrient from any soil, even using the nutrients of the dead body of a Viking. Another war-like image is apparent in the plume of blood referring to the plume of feathers traditionally worn by soldiers in a war. The final stanza begins in contrast to the other stanzas. These strong, unbeatable thistles are growing old and dying. They grow grey, describing how they age before death. But in the second line feud is used, describing how even though the thistle has died the war is not over. Their sons appear, ready to continue the battle over the land. They are stiff with weapons, making them seem unbeatable, almost over-laden with weapons. This poem is full of war-like images and references to historical events. It describes the way thistles never seem to die, and will keep fighting against man until they win. This poem is deeply emotional and metaphorical.

Elvis Presley Essay -- essays research papers

Elvis Aaron Presley, in the humblest of circumstances, was born to Vernon and Gladys Presley in a two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935. His twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. He and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1948, and Elvis graduated from Humes High School there in 1953. Elvis? musical influences were the pop and country music of the time, the gospel music he heard in church and at the all-night gospel sings he frequently attended, and the black R&B he absorbed on historic Beale Street as a Memphis teenager. In 1954, he began his singing career with the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis. In late 1955, his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor. By 1956, he was an international sensation. With a sound and style that uniquely combined his diverse musical influences and blurred and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time, he ushered in a whole new era of American music and popular culture. He starred in 33 successful films, made history with his television appearances and specials, and knew great acclaim through his many, often record-breaking, live concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas. Globally, he has sold over one billion records, more than any other artist. His American sales have earned him gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards for 131 different albums and singles, far more than any other artist. Among his many awards and accolades were 14 Grammy nominations (3 wins) from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received at age 36, and his being named One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation for 1970 by the United States Jaycees. Without any of the special privileges his celebrity status might have afforded him, he honorably served his country in the U.S. Army. His talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma, and good humor endeared him to millions, as did the humility and human kindness he demonstrated throughout his life. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture. Elvis died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977. It?s estimated that Elvis Presley has sold over one billion record units worldwide, more than anyone in record industry history. In America alone, Elv... ...d his legacy continues to reach new audiences. Half of Graceland's visitors are age 35 and under. On August 16, 1997, Elvis, via video, starred in an extravagant concert production entitled Elvis in Concert 97 at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, Tennessee, accompanied live on stage by over thirty of his former bandmates and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. The show played before a capacity crowd of fans who had come to Memphis from around the world to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of Elvis' death. Elvis broke the Mid-South Coliseum's all-time record dollar figure for box office sales. This concert was the prototype for the 1998/1999 touring production Elvis - The Concert. By being the first performer ever to headline a live concert tour while no longer living, Elvis made history again. The March 1998 tour included a three-show smash engagement at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The August 1998 tour included the excitement of Elvis' "return" to the Las Vegas Hilton with an eight-show engagement. The January/ February 1999 European tour opened with a sell-out at London's Wembley Arena and, in effect, marked Elvis' first-ever concerts outside of North America.

Market Analysis – Sony Bravia

Sony Bravia In the Australian Marketplace â€Å"Colour like No Other† Executive Summary Introduction Summary: This report will articulate purchases of the Sony Bravia Television in the Australian marketplace. It will illustrate information to develop an in-depth understanding of the consumers buying habits. The research for this report includes information sourced from the Sony website itself, interpreted and applied to the Australian Marketplace. Body Summary: The major findings indicate there are various factors affecting the Australian marketplace.Overcoming a major threat is possible by utilising Sony’s strengths to maintain relevance in the Australian Marketplace. Conclusion/Recommendation Summary: It is clear that overtime, Sony will experience a variety of threats and weaknesses, that will jeopardise the success of the company. This report recommends that Sony maximises its strengths to continue creating innovative technology, to continue its perception of one of Australia’s premium television producers. Table of Contents Executive Summary2 Introduction4 Purpose4 Authorisation4 Scope4 Background4 Environmental Scan6 Economic influences:6 Demographic influences6Competitive influences:7 Political influences:7 Social/Cultural:8 Technological influences8 S. W. O. T analysis9 Conclusion12 Reference list14 Introduction Purpose This report aims to present an accurate investigation of Sony Bravia in the Australian marketplace, and to provide recommendations for the development of the company’s success. Authorisation This report is authorised by Anne Tonkin, TAFE SA, and written by Lynden Beck, a student of Anne Tonkin. Scope This report relates only to the Sony Bravia television, within the Sony Company and attempts to draw links to further development of understanding the Australian market place.Background In 1944, Mr. Akio Morita, an officer in the Japanese Navy worked with Mr. Masaru Ibuka, on a military task designing heat seeking missiles. After World War II, Morita and Ibuka maintained their friendship, and founded the corporate brand known as Sony. Sony was created on the shared belief that it could create ideas from imagination and make them a reality. The main objective of Sony was to create innovative products that would excite their customers. Sony is now one of the world’s leading producers of home entertainment systems with major interests in consumer electronics.Today, Sony has a vision to celebrate life that is expressed through advertisements. A vision articulates the focus and direction of an organisation. Sony’s vision states: â€Å"Creativity is our essence, we take chances, we exceed expectations, we help dreamers’ dream†. This statement expresses Sony’s want to satisfy their customers. Sony focuses on delivering a luxury experience which can only be experienced through their product. Sony Market Analysis Environmental Scan Economic influences: * The Financi al Crisis of 2007- 08, is considered by many economists to be the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of the 20th Century.The effect of the crisis on Australia has been considerably less than in many other countries, however the effects on households are still present today. The Financial Crisis reduced the income of Australia by nearly 10% by March 2009. Furthermore, the Australian consumer is expected to save 21% more of its income during 2012-13. The Australian economy predicted less likely to purchase luxury items, such as a Sony Bravia television. * The ‘Household Assistance Package’ introduced by the Federal government in May 2012, is a key part of the clean energy future plan.This Government subsidy is designed to provide financial support to the middle class Australian householders in the introduction of the Carbon tax. Demographic influences * The demographic of the population consists of consumers who seek a premium product. The demographic of Br avia owners are, due to its pricing, of a higher socioeconomic group causing the Bravia to be seen as a status symbol. Sony Bravia offers ‘Colour like No Other’, implying exclusivity. * Sony Bravia’s typical target audience are consumers who are aware of the company’s material sources and sustainability policies, as well as their not-for-profit work in the community.Competitive influences: * Samsung, LG and Panasonic are well-known competitors of Sony. Each offering similar applications on televisions. Therefore companies must compete with customer service; this includes warranty lengths, replacement guarantees, prompt repair or replacement, to establish loyal customers. * Whilst cheaper televisions have less features they still appeal to consumers due to the low prices, putting pressure on the larger companies to compete for sales. Political influences: * The introduction of ‘Minimum wage’ has affected the international mployees of Sony worki ng in sweat shops or factories, due to the increase of the minimum wage Sony will have to pay more taxes. In addition, Sony must increase prices of products to maintain a certain profit rate. * Sony large screen televisions cost 30% more in China than they do in Australia. Tariffs on the importation of Sony products manufactured in China which then arrive in Australia help with inflated prices. Social/Cultural: * Sony puts particular emphasis on the cultural nature of its consumers. Sony is a premium product with premium prices, and is therefore seen as a status symbol amongst eastern and western cultures.Generally, only wealthy Australians can afford a Sony Bravia. * Today’s culture places more value on experience rather than materialistic possessions. Sony Bravia overcomes this desire by creating an experience that offers ‘Colour like No Other’. This television offers both an experience, and a possession. Technological influences * Technology is rapidly advanci ng; causing electronic products to be out dated regularly. Sony must be innovative with its products to maintain its competitive edge. LED televisions consist of a display that uses LED backlighting instead of the cold cathode fluorescent backlighting used by LCD televisions.LED televisions reduce energy consumption, produce better contrast in brightness and a greater colour range. * As 3D products are becoming more common at homes Sony intends to increase sales of 3D televisions, by 50% of their respective television distributions by 2012. S. W. O. T analysis A S. W. O. T analysis is a tool used to analyze the internal and external factors affecting a company. It is one of the most commonly used business analysis and decision-making tools. In this report, a S. W. O. T analysis will be used to examine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of Sony Australia.Strengths | Weaknesses | Opportunities | Threats | Creative catch phrase: ‘Colour like no other’. | High price can deter buyers. (smaller target audience)| Strong corporate brand Sony can be identified for many things. | Environmental concerns, high cost in running electronic products. | Strong status symbol, Sony is a premium product, and a luxury item. | Due to faulty wiring, the Sony Bravia was recalled between 2007-08| Age of technology, televisions have come from being a luxury to a household necessity. | Product confusion. Consumers unable to differentiate brands. | Technologically advanced.The Bravia television with high resolution 4 times any other HD T. Vs| Sony unable to provide premium customer service, due to high traffic visiting store. | Sony strives to employ diverse people to ensure the company achieves innovation and a wide range of skills. | Emphases on experiences rather than materialistic objects, such as expensive televisions. | Product features: ‘Your Presence is Needed’ app, which allows the TV to turn off once it senses the viewer has left. | S ony Bravia is not distributed into stores such as K-Mart and Big-W. Creating less impulse buyers. Changing Technologies Sony is investing in improving 3D capabilities and additional smart TV apps. | Global Financial crisis. The Australian consumer is expected to save 21% more of its income during 2012-13. | Sony’s involvement in the community and its participation in charity work. | Fewer adverts on Australian television| Sony Foundation Australia is a not-for-profit charitable organisation. | Carbon tax less money for Australian buyers to spend on high quality televisions. | Sony is able to cater for the Carbon tax through apps that save electricity. | Hard for non-technological people to uses due to extensive applications. Sony supports many initiatives that reduce waste and degradation| Must advertise online if unable the Sony brand may fall behind. | A major threat for Sony is the environmental concerns regarding electronic products. Current social values place emphasis o n maintaining sustainability. Sony focusses on improving the energy efficiency of their products by the use of the ‘Minimum Energy Performance Standards’  and ‘Energy Rating’ labels which appear on every electronic item. These help customers consumers choose more efficient appliances and save money on running the products.Sony Australia is enabling and encouraging Australian consumers to recycle batteries. Batteries collected are transported and recycled in a safe, environmental manner. Valuable materials such as cadmium, nickel, iron, cobalt and lead are reclaimed, and are reused as raw materials . Additionally, Sony has created various applications on televisions to save electricity. Motion sensors turn off the back screen when the viewer leaves the room. In overcoming environmental threats faced by Sony, the three strengths listed above suggest the capability to overcome perceived threats.Conclusion This report has analysed the brand, Sony, and in exte nsion, the Sony Bravia product. This report illustrated Political, Social/Cultural, Technological, Economic, Demographic, and Competitive factors that influence success in the Australian marketplace. A S. W. O. T analysis described the company’s strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities. It is recommended that Sony maximises its strengths to continue creating innovative technology, to continue its perception of one of Australia’s premium television producers. Reference list * Commonwealth Australia. (2010).The E3 Program – Improving Our Energy Efficiency. Available: http://www. energyrating. gov. au/. Last accessed 26/03/13. * Elliott, M. (Nov. 13, 2006). Akio Morita & Masaru Ibuka. Available: http://www. time. com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1554986,00. html. Last accessed 25/03/13. * Fung, D . (October 13, 2011). Sony Bravia 40-inch TV models could explode, melt. Available: http://www. cnet. com. au/three-sony-bravia-40-inch-tv-models-could-explode-mel t-339324229. htm. Last accessed 14th March 2013. * Hales, S. (May 2010). Sony settles into the premium market with 2012 Bravia range.Available: http://www. connectedaustralia. com/News/BreakingNews/tabid/119/ArticleId/7190/Sony-settles-into-the-premium-market-with-2012-Bravia-range. aspx? dnnprintmode=true&mid. Last accessed 14th March 2013. * ING DIRECT. (January 2013). Year of the Saver. Available: http://blog. ingdirect. com. au/2013/02/28/the-year-of-the-saver/. Last accessed 20/03/13. * Make. Believe . (January 2013). Our Vision . Available: http://www. sony. com. au/article/300251/section/sonycompanyoutline. Last accessed 20/03/13.. * Queensland Government . (24 November 2012). Swot Analysis . Available:

Utilitarianism Essays The Happiest And Pleasure Of The...

The unsound of utilitarianism The utilitarianism theory is described as the happiest and pleasure of the most people not included the personal happiness. Jeremy Bentham believes there were two masters in this world that are pleasure and pain. On utilitarianism, we should reject pain and found a way to make more people happy no matter what the outcome. Utilitarianism is unsound because of events in history, life conflict, and animal cruelty that occurs in our everyday. All thru history, it has shown us that utilitarianism has been a part of us, even when they are just stories. It has made us understand that occasionally we but the happiness of a crowd, no matter the individual that gets hurt will in the process. Even if it is killing a woman or a group of people everything is for the greater pleasure. To give you an example, on the bible there is a story that involves a woman who was a prostitute and this woman was going to be stoned to death by the village because it was permitted by the law. This story is still relatable because it is still happening and it is legal in some countries where they stone women for the smallest crimes. In Pakistan, there is a documentary about Arifa Bibi a mother of two, who was murdered for having a cell phone and the men that did this crime were protected by the law. Under utilitarianism the law of this country was morality correct. stoning a woman will be right if it brings the most happiness to people. Not taking in consideration theShow MoreRelatedStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesSociology 14 †¢ Anthropology 14 There Are Few Absolutes in OB 14 Challenges and Opportunities for OB 15 Responding to Economic Pressures 15 †¢ Responding to Globalization 16 †¢ Managing Workforce Diversity 18 †¢ Improving Customer Service 18 †¢ Improving People Skills 19 †¢ Stimulating Innovation and Change 20 †¢ Coping with â€Å"Temporariness† 20 †¢ Working in Networked Organizations 20 †¢ Helping Employees Balance Work–Life Conflicts 21 †¢ Creating a Positive Work Environment 22 †¢ Improving Ethical Behavior 22