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Sir Tom Stoppard, the early plays.

8. Dogg’s Our Pet

Before looking at one of Sir Tom Stoppard’s major plays, Travesties (1974), it is worth glancing at his short play Dogg’s Our Pet (1971) (Revived to support Cahoots Macbeth 1979) in which the basic idea of Travesties is illustrated. Although a very short and simple play Dogg’s Our Pet is a useful landmark in the evolution of Stoppard’s ideas about language. His interest in the way different forms of language have implicit meanings of their own, distinct from their content, was evident in earlier works, for example, the contrast between poetry and the speaking clock in If You’re Glad I’ll be Frank (1966), and the contrast between Shakespearean and modern language in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (1966). In these cases the different languages reflected different ‘mentalities’ or different approaches to life, and this is the starting point for Travesties. At the same time Stoppard has an interest in the philosophy of the relationship between language and meaning, which is the subject matter of Dogg’s Our Pet, indicated, for example, by this speech of George’s from Jumpers (1972):

‘This confusion, which indicates only that language is an approximation of meaning, and not a logical symbolism for it.’ (p.24.)

This is the kind of problem Wittgenstein deals with in the first part of his Philosophical Investigations, and Dogg’s Our Pet is virtually a dramatisation of the opening paragraph of Philosophical Investigations.

Wittgenstein starts by distinguishing between the meaning of a word, and the way a word is used. One of the examples he uses to illustrate his theory is a builder who is constructing a platform and calls out to his mate, “brick”, “block”, “plank” etc. Stoppard lifts this example straight out of Wittgenstein and puts it on stage. The builder is working at a school, his assistant being one of the schoolboys who have a private language of their own. (The boys are public school types, and the builder is working class, so they are people who ‘do not speak the same language in more ways than one. This social theme is not developed in this play, but is taken up again and expanded in Professional Foul).

Sometimes when the builder calls out, “plank”, “brick” etc. the appropriate items are thrown to him, but sometimes an unexpected item is thrown. It is evident that the boys have the same words in their vocabulary, but they use them in a different way. Hayman (R. Hayman: Tom Stoppard: Heinemann) provides a translation: Plank = Here, Slab = Ready, Cube = Thank you etc.

The play is essentially an entertaining puzzle to stimulate the audience into thought about the way we use language. But it also has a significant meaning in that the boys and the builder, working together, do actually manage to construct a platform. Hence although each has a language of his own and is therefore, to an extent, living in a world of his own, their languages and worlds overlap enough for them to communicate and work in an intermediary ‘real world’. This is the central concept for understanding Stoppard’s major play Travesties.

Read the full version of this essay at:
literature-study-online.com/essays/stoppard.html literature-study-online.com/essays/stoppard.html

Ian Mackean runs the site literature-study-online.com/ literature-study-online.com, which features a substantial collection of English Literature Resources and Essays, and where his sites on Books Made Into Movies, and Short Story Writing can also be found. He is the editor of The Essentials of Literature in English post-1914, published by Hodder Arnold. When not writing about literature or short story writing he is a keen amateur photographer, and has made a site of his photography at photo-zen.com/ photo-zen.com

Rap music is equally and popularly known as hip-hop music. It is a music genre that had its beginnings in New York during the mid-70s. It was popular among the performers in the City, particularly among the African-Americans and Hispanic musicians.

Christian rap music is likewise known by its other names like Christian hip-hop, holy hip-hop and gospel rap. Having attached the word ‘Christian′ to distinguish this type of music, Christian rap utilizes lyrics that express the message of Christian faith by the composer or songwriter. However, there are some artists who make their Christian faith known, but the themes of their songs do not contain such religious belief.

From its inception, Christian churches have considered Christian rap or hip-hop music blasphemous. Given its marked difference in sounds and beat from the traditional gospel music, it is also referred to as the ‘devil’s’ music. With changing times, however, Christian rap or hip-hop artists have found their way to mainstream music and have found acceptance from the public.

Similar to Christian music, the purpose of Christian rap or hip-hop music is to reach not only there desired audience of Christians, but to reach out to non-believers who listen to the music. Most of the performers are self-proclaimed Christians who use their music to teach their religion. Christian rap or hip-hop music can be likened to an art that is a form of expression. Over the years, this art has been accepted by several communities that has adopted rap- themed songs in their places of worship.

At present, there are a number of Christian rap artists that have gained prominence through their music. Christian rap or hip-hop music is an effective way of reaching out and touching the lives of people who are into this kind of music.

e-ChristianMusic.com Christian Music provides detailed information on Christian Music, Christian Music Lyrics, Download Christian Music, Christian Sheet Music and more. Christian Music is affiliated with i-GospelMusic.com Southern Gospel Music.

Digital photography has taken off like wildfire these days, primarily due to its ease and quality in its digital film processing. With a good digital camera, it’s as though you’re using the very best Kodak film for every single one of your digital photos. Moreover, digital film processing can be done from the comfort of your own home with the right digital film processing software or with digital photo developing online.

The most standard form of digital film processing is digital photos of 4×5 film processing. By using this size, you can make sure to get the very best in cost and quality, as many digital cameras are designed to function their very best at that level. Moreover, if cost is your primary concern, then you’ll enjoy the advantage that comes with bulk digital photo developing for all of your parties and other important occasions where many people will be wanting copies.

Just like a standard camera with film, digital cameras use a lens and a shutter, except instead recording your image on film, it is captured electronically by way of a sensor, which converts it into a digital file. This file is saved on a memory device, which is frequently removable. This way, you can choose where you’d like to keep your pictures, and specifically what sort of digital film processing is best for you.

For example, some of your digital photos may be fine if they’re kept in digital form on your computer, but others, such as wedding photos, may require better quality digital film processing. This allows you to print your digital pictures on regular paper, photo quality paper, use a home digital film processing printer, or even take it for the professionals to manage, as you would regular film.

When it is your regular digital photography that you’ll be digital film processing, however, you’ll love the great benefits of having your digital photo quickly, easily, and accurately.

Dave Gonzalez

digital-film-developing.com/ digital-film-developing.com/

Something insidious seems to have happened as I have got older. The world as seen through the prism of popular culture continues to be dumbed down. Stupid seems to have become mainstream. This appears to have occurred both in general and business society.

Now, it may well be that I am just becoming one of the grumpy old men from The Muppet Show. I offer the following for you to judge.

CEOs and their executive teams who preside over share prices which fall, are involved in scandals, or are sold on to private equity firms because the executive team cannot get sufficient value out of the assets are given bonuses on top of extremely high salaries.

Politicians not only get away with plausible deniability, but seem to believe that it is a legitimate tactic in executing their responsibility to spend our individual money to build a collective future society for our children, better than the one we were born into. Promises become core promises and non-core promises. The truth becomes what people believe is the truth, not necessarily what is the truth.

People who would be lucky to have a serious following of friends at their local pub, gain national and international notoriety based on actions within a voyeur’s house that would have had them arrested or ostracised from a society with reasonable morals.

Buzz words dominate business. “Going forward″ is used as a phrase relating to time used instead of next month or next year, a minimum of ten times in a morning television business news report. If they can do the opposite of going forward in time, then I’d really be listening. Phrases which confuse rather than inform become the norm, for example, “People” becomes “Human capital”, “Employees” becomes “Associates” and organisations “Push the envelope”.

Athletes who can perform their particular skill at a higher level than most others and are paid astronomical salaries to do so, become a protected species if they lose their way and succumb to repeated use of drugs, both legal and illegal. Compared with the “man in the street” they get repeated chances for redemption before the law is applied.

Leaders do not lead. They prefer to pretend that they are like us; so as not to scare us and possibly lose our support. They do not see their role as envisioning and building a better future, persuading us along the way by the force and logic of their idea. Rather they want us to see them as their mates, liking them and supporting them as evidenced by opinion polls.

People do not want to take responsibility for their actions. There is a preponderance of declarations to an ever increasing social media that “the government must do something”. Not about issues which can only be tackled at government level, but about issues over which we have individual control; for example, obesity.

Current affairs and news programmes rarely investigate anymore, settling for entertainment or opinion pieces dressed up as “balanced reporting″. Only later do we find out how much of what should have been a neutral exposé of what actually happened, was heavily laced with staged filming and opinion to create a newsworthy scene.

Governments which used to be known for upholding moral standards, redefine morals and words to suit a low moral purpose. “Torture″ becomes “Rendition”, Invasion” becomes “Pre-emption” and “Prisoners of War” become “Enemy Combatants”.

New words are created where perfectly good ones existed. My favourite is “celebutante”, meaning: A person of high society and wealth who’s famous just for the fact of being rich and fabulous; A socialite who is “famous for being famous”. I would have thought “shallow” would have done in the same context.

Children’s names are altered purely for the sake of making them different. Worse than the “Summer”, “Moon″ and “Tuesday” epidemics of the late 70’s and early 80’s we now have Rojar instead of Roger, Kathee instead of Kathy or Karolyne instead of Caroline.

It seems as though there are a great many people out there who are not only dissatisfied with being the best version of who they can be, but are willing to also set up their children’s life from birth as one in search of difference over excelling.

Now, I don’t know whether I am more like Statler or Waldorf, but I do feel better, getting that off my chest.

Kevin Dwyer is the founder of Change Factory. Change Factory helps organisations who do not like their business outcomes to get better outcomes by changing people’s behaviour. Businesses we help have greater clarity of purpose and ability to achieve their desired business outcomes.

To learn more or see more articles visit changefactory.com.au changefactory.com.au or email

There are many opinions and points of view (pro and con) about studying with a private guitar teacher. No teacher can teach anyone how to play. This must be learned through experience and a lot of playing.

However, let’s not underestimate the great value of a good teacher. A teacher can help the student in many ways. The teacher can accomplish the following if the student is willing.

1. Help the student develop good technique.

2. Help the student learn how to read music.

3. Help the student learn to listen (ear training)

4. Help the student prepare for contests, auditions and work situations.

5. Provide encouragement and support.

6. Offer criticism and re-evaluation when the student begins to over-estimate their accomplishments.

7. Suggest players for the student to listen to that otherwise might be overlooked.

8. Help the student develop an awareness and understanding of different styles.

9. Discuss the students problems in confidence. Some of the best lessons are this type.

10. Help the student learn the fundamentals of music as well as guitar.

Now, here’s a few guidelines on choosing a teacher which might be helpful:

1. Try to set up an interview with the teacher or talk with some of his/her students. This will give you some idea of what the teacher specializes in and what you can expect to learn. Not every teacher can offer what you are most interested in. it will depend to some degree on the teacher’s experience in music and what he or she feels is important to emphasize with students.

2. Avoid teachers who spend a lot of time criticizing name guitarists or other teachers.

3. Avoid any teacher who constantly plays more during the lesson than the student. There may be times when this is necessary to make a point, but it should be the exception and not a regular occurence.

The best teachers stress the fundamentals of music and guitar playing. They strive to help the student develop the tools and knowledge he or she will need to develop their own style. By sharing their experience they can save a young guitarist lots of time by avoiding obvious pitfalls and bad habits.

The most important person in the learning process is the student. In the final analysis, each one of us determines to a great degree how much we will learn. Attitude, desire, willingness to work coupled with natural ability are the key ingredients for learning. Your most important tools are your mind, your ears, and the drive to succeed.

Copyright 2006 Mike Hayes

Mike Hayes is a guitar teacher, author, performing musician and session guitarist with over 30 years of professional experience. Mike’s methods are legendary and have earned the praise of top authorities in

It’s great to have souvenirs to remember places in which you travel, and traveling to Barcelona is no different. It’s a good idea to have your camera ready and not be inhibited to be snap shot happy while your there. A great way to remember you trip is to make an album, this way your memories will be at your fingertips. A great way to organize your trip so that you can keep better track of it all in your photo is to get yourself a good complete map that will be specific about all of the museums, galleries of art, neighboring cities, as well as parks within the region so that you can plan ahead and directly visit each place this way wasting no time while you’re there trying to figure out what you’re going to do.

One thing to think about is the weather, and in Spain this could mean extreme heat or even a tad bit of rain that could put a damper on the day. Therefore saving museums and galleries for these days, which will allow you to get the best pictures outdoors on the nice days is a great idea and will give you the best pictures for memories as well.

Architecture in Barcelona is a site in itself, and with the works of Gaudi throughout the city, such as the Sagrada Familia, you’ll be able to catch on film one of the most beautiful sites of architecture that you’ll ever behold. Nearly equally impressive is Gaudi’s La Pedrera where new architecture materials of the time such as iron and glass make for a modern feel which will surely take your breath away as you admire the building.

It may be just a sad fact that you’re not a great photographer, and well hopefully you know it and are able to admit it. If this is the case then you’ll want to stop at some of the postcard stands that you’ll see along the way on your trip through Barcelona and pick out a couple of good ones that will go nicely in your memory album.

In taking photos on your own, you’ll notice that much of Gaudi’s work is brighter in color therefore you’ll want to capture this by being prepared with the correct film or having a sufficient amount of pixels on your digital camera.

If you just can’t seem to get enough of Gaudi’s work and you would like to see more then you’ll be doing yourself a favor by visiting Guell Park. This is a great starting point that will let you greet the integration of modernism in architecture of Barcelona. Within this park you’ll see the great sculptures of Gaudi scattered about letting you capture the essence of which this artistic genius worked.

You’ll not want to leave Barcelona without first visiting the Coast and the beautiful beaches where you can find beachfront hotels in towns such as Sitges as well as others. You’ll surely get some memorable pictures from this area where you’ll be able to snap shots from rocky cliffs looking over the ocean as you find yourself in the middle of a medieval setting.

Concentrating on latest news in travelling in Spain, the columnist writes first and foremost for barcelona-information.com barcelona-information.com . Writing for writings, the columnist improved his experience on news corresponding to barcelona-information.com Barcelona Spain.

Li Songsong, a young artist in the 70s, has been in recent years investigating the relation between public images and their transposition onto canvas. In the shift to painting these pictures, which are mainly old photos related to historical characters and facts, he hasn’t protracted the cognitive style as for some previous artists’ practice of criticizing, exposing, questioning, or satirizing and propagandizing about a certain historical period, but has used a kind of imagery enacting an objective approach. In other words, in the use of the historical image-material that interested him, Li Songsong hasn’t made any seemingly solved judgment of the historical value, on the contrary it is just from a visual point of view that has to be sensed the objective, simple and direct power of history as shifted or transplanted onto canvas.

This transposition is not only providing us a renewed point of view in pondering historical memories, but also one of memories identification within an historical language context. Here emerge the artist of a young generation approaching the collective and personal memory of history, and together with it the discrepancy of an artist of a previous generation with a different behavior and standpoint. This position at least to a greater extent decided to self-recount its actual state and depth, so for the observer to grasp a better understanding of the boundary relation between a public non-specific and actual historical image.
Li Songsong paints large format paintings in oils, and his paintings are based on the photographs of political incidents in Chinese history. There lie personal intents rather than political messages, even to search and confirm his origin through his own eyes.

PROFILE

1968

• Born in Beijing, China

EDUCATION

1996

• Graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Department of Oil Painting, Lives and works in Beijing

His Selected Exhibitions

1. Public Action Work “Horse” Qinghua University Insitute of Fine Arts, Beijing

2. 99 Gallery, Aschaffenburg, Germany

3. “Li Songsong Works 2001-2004″ CAAW, Beijing

4. “The 3rd National Exhibition of Oil Painting” China National Museum of Fine Arts, Beijing

5. “Left Hand, Right Hand: China-German Exhibition of Contemporary Art″ 798 Space Art & Culture, Beijing

6. “China’s Photographic Painting” China Art Seasons Gallery, Beijing

7. “Summer Show 2004″ Hanart TZ Gallery, Hong Kong

8. “Multiple Definitions -Imaginary Community” Tianjin Crystal City, Tianjin

9. “Democracy Forever″ Plumblossums Gallery, New York

10. “Welcome, Welcome: Art-Beijing-Contemporary” Base Gallery, Tokyo

View more information about Li Songsong paintings, biography and Exhibitions at The Saatchi Gallery - London contemporary art gallery. saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artists/li_songsong.htm Li Songsong

All of us are familiar with what does gambling stand for. But the fact is that gambling is not just of one kind. There are several types of gambling. In other words, there are various ways to steer and plunge yourself into disaster.

Gambling ranges from card games, lotteries, incompetent video poker, slots to betting on games, blackjack and skilful poker. The odds of winning in slots, which is a matter of sheer luck, are more than any other table game, which requires little skill. An in experienced person who wants to try his hand at gambling should read the game first. Like if it is slots, gather the requisite information about them first. Talk to someone who has ample of adequate knowledge about the winning strategy and loopholes of the game. This facility is also available online. If it is the game of Black jack that you want to hit at, observe the game prior to making any move. Don’t hesitate in talking to the dealer there for perhaps he can tell you the best. Initially you should try and imitate the dealer for he will not make a deliberate wrong move. Remember nothing is learnt instantly, it takes time to win the race.

If taken in a positive sporty spirit, gambling can be a good change to refresh oneself. Nowadays many casinos, resorts, tourist destinations have various set ups for gambling lovers, at times with special provision of demonstration for the new comers.

However the truth is that gambling addiction like every other addiction is detrimental. Surveys on gambling addicts reveal that addicts are of different types. Those who madly gamble on skilful games are termed as Action Gamblers. While the ones who go in for the destiny driven slots etc. are the Escape problem gamblers. There are also those who hide from the rest and gamble online.

The gamblers not just gamble with their money but with their lives. The hunger to win more or to recover that which is lost so far, drives one crazy and out of his senses. Gamblers go out of their ways to gamble and become desperate just to have a single win.

For this they are ready to compromise on their friends, family and health. The situation worsens more when they stoop to illicit means (theft, hold ups etc.) in order to obtain money to gamble. They even get addicted to drugs in the illusion of getting satisfaction and as a means to overcome (forget) their losses.

Gambling has drastic socio-economic effects. That is why the common consensus is that gambling should not be legalized. Often thoughts are made in the direction of banning lotteries, casinos etc. globally but no concrete step is taken as yet.

However the government promulgates the serious implications of gambling and prohibits it. Government has also opened certain rehabilitation centers to help people move out of this addiction. Besides this there are some non-government organizations that have done remarkable work in this area by drifting people away from this disaster, saving their lives.

Ultimately it is the individual who has to rationally decide what is good and bad for him. But it should be borne in mind that life and wealth are precious which is not meant to ruin in gambling.

Mansi gupta writes about intlbetting.com International Gambling topics.

It is imperative that anyone who plays online casino games must first understand money management. Before you start playing you must be clear about how much money you can afford to play with and how much you can afford to loose should your luck turn bad. Set yourself a budget and do not get tempted to exceed that budget no matter what, even if you are on a winning streak. Most importantly, do not let your emotions control your purse strings.The temptation to push your luck during a winning streak in the hopes of making an even bigger win, or to bet big during a loosing streak can spell disaster for your pocket and your game play. Being able to control these urges is the secret of having a successful and enjoyable time. Betting erratically can quickly turn moderate wins into big losses and moderate losses into even bigger losses. Not the way to go unless you have very deep pockets.You should plan ahead and prepare for the game. Think to yourself, “how would I handle a big win?” “How would I handle a big loss”. And most importantly “how do I keep my head straight so I don’t loose control of my budget?”

In any casino game played for money where luck plays a role, fluctuations in winnings and losses are to be expected. It’s your ability to successfully deal with these ups and downs that will ultimately determine how well or poorly you do at the tables. Below are what we at Jackpot consider to be the three most important rules of money management when playing any online casino games.

What can you afford to loose?
Never play with money that you can’t afford to loose. Do not gamble with money allocated to other things, no matter how much you think you can win. Remember, no bet is ever sure or else it wouldn’t be called a bet. Loosing big when you can’t afford it can cause all sorts of problems.

Set a budget
Budget properly and make sure you allocate enough to spend moderately. Under funding yourself can leave you open to incurring big losses. If you had very little money deposited at the casino a normal downward trend can wipe out your money leaving you with very little or no money to recoup your losses. More importantly, a small budget may make you feel pressured by your shortage of funds and therefore play less aggressively than you perhaps should do. That said; only ever play at betting levels that you feel comfortable with. Remember, if the amount staked on a bet is above your head, you are playing in the wrong game. Get out while you can.

Knowing when to walk away
What often separates the winners from the losers in online casinos is winners know when to leave the game when their pockets are full and losers know how to restrict their losses to affordable amounts. Savvy online casino players never ever allow themselves to get financially broken at the tables. Minimising losses is the key. You can not and will not always win. If you are on a loosing streak, keep it affordable – take a break.

Don’t drink
You should only ever play with a clear head. Never ever play when you are tired or drunk as it can blur your perception.

Keep two piles
Another good tip is that when you are winning big you should put a good chunk of these winnings in a ‘do not touch’ pile, and play only with the remainder of your money. The last thing you want is to give all of your winnings back to the casino. If a loosing streak does creep up on you, you will still have some of your previous winnings set aside. Get out of the casino site when you are still ahead and live to play another day! Follow these simple rules and you’ll ensure that your time in any online casino is a safe and enjoyable one.

Michael Hawthorne is the editor of Jackpot.co.uk, the UK’s premier online casino and gambling web site resource.

For more information on online casinos check out jackpot.co.uk” target=”_blank Jackpot.co.uk

The Phoenix is an example of the staying power of symbols of that time through today. Here is an overview of its use and symbolism in ancient Greece.

The Role of the Phoenix In Ancient Greece

In Greece history, there are many different figures that play important roles. At the top of these creatures spoken of in Greek writings are the gods and goddesses, who live on Mount Olympus and oversee many aspects of everyday life. Then there are the creatures, beasts and mortals that fill out the rest of the roles in the myths. One of these creatures is the phoenix, a most famous bird.

The phoenix is a mystical firebird that is seen in many cultures, not just Greek society. The originating culture that started the myth of the phoenix is the ancient Egyptian culture – and all other myths regarding the phoenix seem to have sprung from this one. The phoenix is a sacred creature, a firebird that is said to live for 500 (or 1461) years, depending on the specific culture. It is colored crimson and gold, and is much larger than other birds. At the end of its life span, the phoenix, Greek bird of regeneration, is said to build a nest of cinnamon sticks, and light them on fire; consequently, both the nest and the bird burn to ashes.

A new baby phoenix rises from these ashes, and embalms and stores the ashes of the old phoenix in an egg of myrrh. This egg is then deposited in the Egyptian city of Heliopolis (Greek for the “city of the sun”). The phoenix can also regenerate parts of its body when wounded, further continuing the properties of regeneration and rebirth. The Egyptians closely associated the phoenix with fire and the sun, and he was often seen with the sun god Ra.

The Greeks adopted the phoenix from the Egyptians, first using their term for the bird, bennu, and then adapting their word for the color crimson (and the name of a city) Phoenicia, into the name phoenix for the bird. They associated the bird with their sun-god, Apollo, and said that the bird resided in Arabia next to a well, where it bathed and sang. The Romans also continued the tradition of the phoenix – they changed the image of the bird to look more like a peacock or eagle.

While the Greeks were not the first culture to have the phoenix featured in their myths, they were also not the last. The Romans, later Greeks and even Russians all revered this bird. Hypothesized to represent either a true bird that lived on hot salt flats (said to be to hot to survive on) or the total eclipse of the sun, the phoenix is a major part of many myths and legends.

Richard Monk is with Facts Monk - a site with factsmonk.com facts about everything.