Create an argument (premise, evidence and conclusion) that will adress Essay

Create an argument (premise, evidence and conclusion) that will adress which policies you would use to FIGHT THE WAR ON TERROR - Essay Example There are two significant reasons for this approach and the first one is that if we go beyond our own laws in the search for terrorists, we would invite international criticism and perhaps even an erosion of support from our allies. The 9/11 attacks were an unjust act of war but as the experiences immediately after the 9/11 attacks show, this American issue NATO into action with the enactment of Article 5 of the NATO treaty (Burke, 2004). Nearly every country in the world wanted to help America and bring the terrorists to justice so much so that the few rouge nations who recognized the Taliban regime quickly became allies to the war against terror. Pakistan was one such country which quickly changed its loyalties from the Taliban to follow western dictates despite the objections which were made by their fundamentalist groups (Burke, 2004). All these things happened simply due to the world seeing that the attack was unjust and as a victim of terrorism, America received all the diplomatic and moral support that it needed to bring the terrorists to justice. Therefore, the American attack on Afghanistan was in line with the constitutional policies of the nation and the attack was supported by the United Nations as well as other international bodies. At that point in time, it was commonly accepted that the culprits of these attacks must be brought to justice. However, later actions taken by America against Iraq and threats against other countries in the Middle East were not seen in a positive light especially when it came to the Europe Union. For instance, the French government was very unhappy about the American decision to enter Iraq and this has weakened the long standing transatlantic alliance (Sterba, 2003). Such policies of not taking our allies into confidence can be quite damaging for our cause and we must continue to gather the support of our allied nations before taking

An analysis of the culture of an organization Essay - 1

An analysis of the culture of an organization - Essay Example 2- introduction of Apple Inc: Apple Inc. is one of the America’s leading multinational organizations. This company is the leading manufacturer of electronic products as well as softwares. Its key products are Macintosh computers and Apple iPods and iPhones. The Apple Inc. company was established in California in April 1976 with the name â€Å"Apple Computers†. As the company expanded its product range to a variety of consumer electronic products, it dropped the word â€Å"Computers† from its name. Now this company is having more than 35000 employees worldwide. In 2008 Apple Inc. did business of more than US$32. 48 billion. Therefore, fortune magazine has regarded Apple as the most admired company of 2008-2009. Apple Inc.’s first ever product was an Apple 1, which was a handmade computer kit made by the co-founder of Apple, Steve Wozniak. It was not introduced publicly as it was not provided with a good graphical user interface. Steve Jobs, another co-found er, convinced Wozniak to introduce this product as a commercial computer. Therefore first ever computer named Apple 1 was sold in1976. After that it passed through a number of stages of modification and got the shape of today’s Apple Computers which is entirely different from Apple 1. After the launch of Apple1 this company got fame and earned a good business. In mid 1980s Apple faced some critical time because of the launch of Apple Lisa which was flopped badly. Also Mac1 and Newton does not earn a good business and resulted in lowering the shares of the company. In 1985, Steve Jobs left Apple Inc. because of having clashes with the CEO of the company. He joined the company again after 14 years when the company was about to bankrupt and was facing many challenges. He came with the intention to save the company. After his return he introduced new organizational culture. Although the company was following the corporate culture but Steve Jobs applied few modifications to that c ulture in order to save the company. The company was facing a critical time due to a number of reasons caused by bad organizational structure. 3-Schein’s Theoretical Model of Organizational Culture: Schein defined culture as an abstraction in which various forces that are generated as a result of some specific situations that are arising in the organization as a part of culture are much more powerful. If these forces are not interpreted initially then they badly affect the structure of the organization. He explained that the culture of an organization is adopted with the passage of time; it is not the matter of days. Therefore, it plays a very important role in the well being of its structure as well as working. Schein’s theory of organizational culture is defined as (Schein, 2004): â€Å"A pattern of shared basic assumptions that a group has learned as it solved its problems of external adaptation and internal integration, that has worked well enough to be considered valid and therefore, to be taught to new members as the correct way to perceive, think, and feel in relation to those problems.† Schein basically developed a model of organizational culture defined in three levels(Hatch, 1993). Cultural Artifacts: This level is more concerned with the physical behavior

Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone

Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone Title: Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone This essay explores the concepts of fantasy in Lewis Carrolls ‘Alice in Wonderland and J. K Rowlings ‘Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone. Both authors include an emphasis on the genre of contemporary and juvenile fantasy, containing a main character travelling through a magical world different from their original settings. Their adventures do not begin until either character has entered into the fantasy world. Rowlings world is set adjacent to our own, creating a world within a world; the mysterious world of magic inside the mundane world of ‘muggles. In comparison Carroll takes his heroine Alice into Wonderland, a world where logic is turned upside down. The ‘Alice in Wonderland extract is placed near the end of the novel, as Alice discovers the power and madness of the Queen, taking place after Alice has attended the Mad Hatters tea party. Characters, for example, The Mad Hatter show different attitudes throughout so the reader isnt aware of their development. This is due to the (literal and figurative) change in maturity Alice undergoes. Alice experiences an inverted hierarchy, in which animals have a measure of authority, treating Alice as an inferior. Alice discovers that animals are the subjects of an inanimate object. Inanimate objects register below animals in a social hierarchy. The Queen acts as a ruthless ruler ordering her subjects beheadings. She utilises living creatures as objects, (playing croquet using hedgehogs, and flamingos). Wonderland reverses the conventions as inanimate objects rule the land while living creatures are tools. The ‘Harry Potter extract is placed towards the climax of the novel. Within this chapter Harry is serving detention, proving him to be a human hero through his faults and more relatable to a child audience. This significant extract comes after revealing the Forbidden forests mystery as students are prohibited, but are ordered to enter it now. The fantasy elements in ‘Alice are adapted from Carrolls humour and fantasy appealing to both children and adults. It appeals to children due to the fantasy creatures, (i.e. an anthropomorphic rabbit dressed in a waist coat, and playing cards given the ability to speak). Carroll uses mockery and fantasy to appeal to children; Generally Carrolls style does not seem to follow the fantasy genre conventions consist mostly of surreal features, strangely developed fantasy aspects and childhood games. In ‘Harry Potter, Rowling uses elements from the fantasy genre, in its purest form. Rowling incorporates a balance of mythical and traditional creatures strengthening the idea of the magical and mundane worlds co-existing. Incorporating mythical creatures (i.e. three headed dog, Centaurs and Unicorns); the forest becomes more secret, continuing the mood established. References in the extract carry a sense of mystery and mythological creatures are used to complement the European and Greek mythology. The extract also contains medieval references to weaponry following the medieval reference (‘He pulled out an arrow and fitted it into the crossbow). In medieval Europe, the unicorn was often a symbol of pure and selfless womanhood. Themes are presented to the reader, allowing them to understand what is happening. ‘Alice contains themes of manners and the ability of possessing common courtesy, dating back to the nineteenth century. Children in this era were expected to act as miniature adults; this reflects Alices tone of voice. Alice is an independent girl, making her own decisions, using polite expressions (‘its no business of mine.), also maintaining good manners. This indicates her social status, and ability to identify people within her social class and lower. Alice demonstrates a previously unseen courage. She talks to the Queen with great insolence, attacking the illusion of Wonderlands power. Themes within ‘Harry Potter tie in with the novel. Rowling presents a Hogwarts system of detention, (a form of punishment). Loyalty and friendship, (in spite of their circumstances) are shown. Firenze allows Harry to ride upon his back, showing disloyalty to fellow centaurs, however presenting himself as loyal to Harry. Rowling uses a theme of impassivity, when Harry is presented with a ‘hooded figure, through his belief that he is a mere observer. The use of death connects with the issue of ‘good verses evil during Hagrids search for the unicorns killer (Theres summat in here that shouldnt be), and the anonymity of the ‘hooded figure. The spectacle of the dying unicorn is shocking because it is the first death the reader actually witness, but also because the unicorn is a symbol of innocence and purity (‘Always the innocent are the first victims). Death is shown to be something wrongful and horrid whileevil is presented as ruthless and unfair. Voldemor t drinks the unicorns blood to sustain his own life. Characters in ‘Harry Potter address each other through typical twentieth century styles. (‘He walked forward and shook the centaurs hand). However the centaurs speech is formal, using old-fashioned language (‘Good evening to you, Hagrid), giving the impression of wisdom, linked with the mythical theme. The formality of Banes greeting is reinforced by the conventional interrogative, (‘I hope you are well?). Rowlings use of inverted syntax reinforce the archaic formality (‘Students, are you, Always the innocent are the first victims). Rowling uses idioms in narration (Hermiones jaw dropped) and in dialogue by Hagrid (‘Harry potter an Hermione Ganger, by the way. Students up at the school), the syntax in the extract strengthens the old-fashioned language used by Ronan (‘the forest hides secrets), giving the impression of knowledge reinforced by the balancing phrases by repetition and lack of contradictions. In the extract, the narration is omnis cient, with conventions of writing in third person. Neither author makes a personal comment, remaining neutral. However Rowlings use of a second person narrative, suggests internal thoughts of Harry. However in ‘Alice, narration dominates the extract. There is little dialogue compared to ‘Harry Potter. In these description there are few adjectives used. Whereas In ‘Harry Potter dialogue is frequently used, containing less narration compared to ‘Alice. More description can be found in the narration than the dialogue. Rowlings syntax use a balance of interrogative and directive, while simple sentences (due to the direct speech), are used more often continued by complex, minor and compound structures. This follows the conventions of the genre, and the set style. The majority of syntax used by Carroll consists of complex sentences. This is a style feature continued throughout the novel. Carroll rarely uses simple sentences, contrasting to Rowling. In ‘Alice Carroll uses a clear exploration of language when influencing the mood of the extract. Carrolls use of language shows Alice to be intelligent, while the simplicity in diction show her to be a little girl. Carroll explores the issue of identity through Alices ability to reason, even though she doubts herself. Carroll does this by placing Alice in different situations, demonstrating how she learns a new manner of conversation. In ‘Harry Potter Rowling‘s uses of syntax consists of simple sentence structures due to direct speech, continued then by complex, minor and compound. Throughout extracts there is a frequent use of complex while a rare use of simple structures. In ‘Alice it is Carrolls fascination with language and logic that influence the mood of the novel. In the extract Carroll presents suspense and tension, with the Queens arrival. While in ‘Harry Potter the language creates a sinister mood, carrying suspense, which is focused on, yet left unexplained in the extract. The lexis in ‘Alice is limited, compared to ‘Harry Potter. This is because there is a lack of actions through Carrolls vocabulary limited to descriptions (i.e. ‘suddenly). Conjunctions except for ‘and are used rarely, while adverbs are used, but varied. Adjectives appear not to use vivid descriptions, only limited to ‘small or ‘large. Verbs lack variety some used to reflect Alices childish nature. In language, ‘Harry Potter there is a variety of adjectives, verbs and adverbs to reinforce the vocabulary associated closely with the characters and their traits (‘said Hermione faintly, ‘Hagrid said irritably). The way the author sets apart characters dialogue, allow the readers to recognise the characters by their speech. When making Hagrids speech characteristics, Rowling uses omissions (‘cant be too careful, Ronan), use of contradictions (‘anythin) and phonetically speech through lexis (‘yerself, ‘bin hurt bad). Adjectives are grouped together in pairs (‘long reddish tail), while the comparative adjectives are grouped together in threes (black-haired and (black) bodied and wilder-looking). The uses of verbs are associated with characters or creatures. Personification is used to discuss the Forest, (‘Forest hides many secrets) and comparisons (‘sounded like a cloak trailing along the ground). The Graphology in ‘Alice follows the established convention in earlier chapters. Semi Colons are used in complex sentences, instead of full stop, separating clauses in a list. Colons are used to introduce further clarification (‘he was in livery: otherwise). Italics are used to emphasise a specific point, (‘For instance, if you were inside.), dashes are used to indicate pauses and clarification, and to introduce free indirect speech, sometimes an authorial voice. (‘extraordinary noise going on within- a constant howling and sneezing). Exclamation marks appear in Alices speech; elsewhere in direct speech, by the playing cards (‘your business!) as an emotive function of the language spoken in direct speech, but not in narration. Graphology in ‘Harry Potter follows the conventions of the genre. Question and exclamation are used due to the tense mood Rowling places her characters in, (‘Show yerself Im armed!). Dashes indicate further explanation in the extract, introduce free direct speech and to show hesitation (‘unicorn bin injured would yeh, ‘Erm). Commas, a conventional parenthesis, are used to separate adjective pairings, clauses, and add emphasis within a sentence. Apostrophes are used to explain Hagrids speech, (containing colloquialism) and the contradictions he uses. In ‘Alice apostrophes are used in narration and speech. However Italics are used by both authors to emphasise a specific point. (‘Are there many of them in here?). Finally both authors combine traditional and cultural themes. Stylistically ‘Alice appeals more to adults, due to its density in dialogue and morals; it highlights morals and childish logic which adults find amusing. ‘Harry Potter is widely accessible to many audiences, using fantasy to capture all readers attentions. Contextual Spelling Check 5 alerts Commonly confused words OK Spelling 5 alerts Grammar 56 alerts Use of articles 2 alerts Use of conjunctions OK Use of nouns OK Incorrect use of numbers OK Incorrect use of prepositions OK Pronoun agreement 1 alert Use of adjectives and adverbs 1 alert Comparing two or more things 2 alerts Faulty parallelism 2 alerts Confusing modifiers OK Incorrect use of negatives OK Use of qualifiers and quantifiers OK Subject and verb agreement 4 alerts Verb agreement OK Verb form use OK Modal verbs OK Conditional sentences OK Other 1 alert Sentence structure 4 alerts Wordiness 6 alerts Passive voice use 33 alerts Punctuation 14 alerts Punctuation within a sentence 12 alerts Closing punctuation 1 alert Formal punctuation OK Capitalization 1 alert Style and Word Choice 16 alerts Writing style 2 alerts Vocabulary use 14 alerts WordBooster Suggestions 202 WordBooster 202

The True Tragic Hero of Creon in Sophocles Antigone Essay -- Papers S

The True Tragic Hero of Creon in Sophocles' Antigone There has always been a great debate over who is the true tragic hero in Sophocles' Antigone. Many scholars would stake claim to Antigone possessing all the necessary characteristics of a true tragic hero, but many others would argue that Creon holds many qualities as well. It is hard to discount Antigone as a tragic hero, because in fact, the play bears her name, but from careful reading, Creon meets Aristotle's criteria exactly and fits perfectly into the role. In order to determine whether or not Creon is the true tragic hero, one must answer the question: 'What is a Tragic Hero?' In Aristotle's Poetics, he discusses the basic criteria regarding a tragic hero. Aristotle states that tragic heroes must have a 'high' status or social position; characters must not be perfect, although, the character is pre-eminently good; they must have a single flaw that brings about their own demise and that of the others around them. Aristotle also mentions another quality of a tragic hero , which is that the character arouses pity in the audience usually because the punishment exceeds the crime and the hero is alive to face his suffering in order to achieve some self-recognition. After reviewing all these critera, it should be clear that Creon is the true tragic hero. First, Aristotle suggests that a tragic hero must occupy a ?high? status position, but must also possess nobility and virtue as part of the hero's character. Creon fits this description quite accurately. At the beginning of the play; in the Time and Scene section, it says that, ?Creon, is now king of Thebes.? This quote shows that he occupies a strong status position and stature of nobility. Creon also pro... ...h ruler and should be punished in the same matter that he ruled. Creon made a choice, a choice he thought was the right one. It turned out that this choice warranted an unjustly punishment. Creon?s punishment exceeds the crime; is one who has excessive pride and arrogance, like many of us, to suffer a lonely and hated life? Should we pity him? Creon fits all of Aristotle?s criteria to perfection. He is a good king with a high stature, although he is not perfect in his actions. The excessive pride sets the stage for his major flaw. This pride leads to his downfall and that of his family. Creon reaches a period of recognition for his actions. Lastly, his punishment was overly harsh compared to his crime. According to Aristotle, Creon is a striking match to fit the role of a tragic hero. Works Cited: Sophocles. Antigone. Trans. D. W. Myatt. 1994.

A Fast Way to a Fast Food Essay

According to a recent survey, the UK is particularly fond of fast food. Many people turn to fast food as it is quick, convenient, and relatively cheap even though there are many concerns over public health and obesity. With a large number of fast food chains available, how do likes of McDonald’s, Subway, and Pret. A merger maintain their market share at a time when people are cutting back on their spending? In the 10 largest UK cities, the number of fast-food outlets increased by 8,2 percent, to 1.456 in 2009 (the highest growth occurred in London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow). Among the UK’s biggest chains, Subway grew faster than others. The number of Subway restaurants increased by 25,9 percent to 734 in 2009. In the same year, Domino’s pizza (DPZ) increased its outlets by 19,8 percent to 260 and E A T increased its outlets by 17,8 percent to 86. The growth of these chains is considered as a success particularly when competing against other giant chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, and Wimpy’s. Although fast food chains provide quick and efficient service, their operation models are different. In the traditional model, like Mc Donald’s, customers enter the restaurant, study the menu panels for a short period, and stand in the shortest line (behind the many counters). When the customer reaches the front of the line, he or she places an order, pays at the register, and collects the food within few minutes. When, a customer requests a nonstandard item, for example a burger with no tomatoes or extra bacon and cheese, the order is not available in the prestocked food area. The counterperson calls the order in to the production area. The item is then prepared to order as a priority. The waiting time is a bit longer in this case. Not all fast food chains in the UK follow the same customer service operational model. They have tried some innovative ideas to serve customers quicker and have more options and flexibility. In Subway, sandwich is prepared right in front of the customer, where the customer can select what type of bread, size, and sandwich fillings. The sandwich is normally ready in a couple of minutes and passed to the customer as soon as the customer pays for the food. Domino’z Pizza offers home delivery for a wide range of its pizzas, which can be personalized as well, in less than 20 minutes, while it does not charge for the delivery. Pizza Hut offers an open buffet as part of its service, to reduce the workload on its staff and give its customers more options with less price. In Pret A Manger and EAT, a set of sandwiches, salads, and desserts are assembled each day and stocked in the front of the shop where the customers select and pay for their meals. The stock level is then replenished during the day in line with demand. The aim is to continually meet the high quality and freshness standards. If any of the product assembled that day have not sold by the time the store closes, they are given to local charities rather than being stored and sold the following day.

Hybrid technology Essay

Rising oil prices, relatively rigid mileage limits, and a huge oil imports have forced the world to search for alternate and efficient transportation technologies. A number of options have been searched and looked for in this respect that range from electric, ethanol, fuel cell to solar energy operated vehicles. Among all the technologies developed and tried, one of the most promising and industry popular technology is hybrid vehicle technology that is finding support among government and public as well for its environment friendly and economic advantages. Hybrid Technology. As the name suggests, hybrid technology combine dual technologies in vehicles for their operation. Technically they are hybrid electric vehicle with an electric motor that drives the vehicle (Hoogma, Kemp, Schot and Truffer, 2002, 41 ). In the case of a typical electric vehicle, hydrogen fuel cell or chemical batteries such as advanced sealed lead battery, nickel cadmium and lithium ion are used for auxiliary power (Aldrich, 1996). However in the hybrid electric vehicles, the electric drive technology is combined with a gasoline-based power generator for running the electric motor and charging the batteries. Hybrid vehicles are either full hybrid or mid hybrid. A full hybrid vehicle can move forward from standstill purely on electric power while a mid hybrid requires gasoline power for initial movement, although both technologies concentrate on maximum utilization of electric motor power while reducing the use of gasoline as far as possible (Hoogma, Kemp, Schot and Truffer, 2002, 41). The electric motor and internal combustion engine (ICE) are connected either in parallel or in series in a hybrid vehicle. In parallel hybrid cars, power to engine is supplied by both the electric motor and internal combustion engine while in the series hybrid car the gasoline engine powers the electric motor and batteries to generate electricity, without directly providing power for the vehicle (Aldrich, 1996). There is another category of hybrid vehicles, called as ‘plug-in hybrid’ that can operate as a full electric vehicle. They require some additional batteries and use electricity net to charge the batteries thereby minimizing gasoline use to its lowest possible levels (Aldrich, 1996). All hybrid electric vehicle use computer that constantly monitors speed, power required and charge conditions of batteries (Aldrich, 1996). Hybrid vehicles offer numerous benefits over the conventional gasoline based ICE, some of which are (; Sanna, 2007, 12; Aldrich, 1996, 88 ) 1. Hybrid vehicles are extremely fuel efficient, with most of the driving thrust coming from electric power. 2. Unlike electric cars, they offer unlimited range of traveling and transportation 3. Hybrid technology is combination of the proven technology of ICE with electric motors, thus giving it reliability in the market. 4. Hybrid technology can be used in various sectors of transportation, from personal vehicles to heavy duty vehicles. In fact, both the major US car manufacturers, GM and Ford have come out with a range of hybrid vehicles, that are successful in market. 5. Plug in -Hybrid technology is even more fuel conserving and environmentally benign, cutting down CO2 emission by more than 30 % while using minimum possible use of gasoline. Hybrid vehicles offer the most reliable alternate technology which US can capitalize upon without risking any major upheaval in its current fuel-technology structure. These vehicles promise to drastically reduce fuel oil consumption, reducing the needs of oil imports, meanwhile purchasing time for completely oil free technology. Reference Aldrich, Bob.. ABCs of AFVs: a guide to alternative fuel vehicles. California Energy Commission, Sacramento-CA. April 1996. 1st Feb 2007 http://www. p2pays. org/ref/26/25156. pdf Sanna Lucy. Driving the Solution: Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles. EPRI Journal. 1st Feb 2007. Hoogma Recmo, Rene Kemp, John Schot, Bernhard Truffer. Experimenting for Sustainable Transport: The Approach of Strategic Niche Management. : Spon Press: New York: 2002. 36.

Educating Rita Essays

Educating Rita Essays Educating Rita Essay Educating Rita Essay Essay Topic: Literature Educating Rita is a play about a woman who is determined to get a liberal education which will open a full new life for her. Educating Rita was a play written by Willy Russell in 1985 and the play is set at a university in the North of England. There are many themes that run through the play including: Personal relationships, Educating, Contrasts and clashes of culture and Differences. Willy Russell was born in Liverpool from a working class background. As a youngster Russell first was a hairdressers apprentice but later made and ran his own salon. Only when Russell became an adult did he begin to think about further education. Now Russell is a very famous play write and novelist and has constructed many fine plays and novels throughout his career including: the blood brothers, our day out and many more. The leading characters in the play Rita follows Russells background we know this because Russell before himself was a hairdresser and then though about further education as does Rita. The Play has only two characters Frank and Rita and only one setting; Franks office at the Open University. This unique feature of Russells play is very effective in building a relationship between the audience and his main characters. By having only two characters he allows the audience to fully engage themselves in the lives and personalities of each character and understand them in depth. Furthermore by have only two main characters this makes the whole play easier to follow and understand since having several characters can be confusing. This is an example of visual humour. When Rita bursts through the door, it is very loud humour, and quite dramatic. There is no way that you could miss the hilarity of it. When Rita opens the door to find Frank surrounded by tea chests, it is bittersweet humour. Frank looks lost, and apart from the initial humour of the amusing picture of him surrounded by tea chests, there is sadness behind it. The entrances represent the power switch from Frank to Rita. When Rita cannot open the door, it shows the class barrier that she has to break through to follow her dream. When she manages to get through the door and bursts through it, it shows her eagerness to get started. The way that she was not used to the handle on Franks door shows the way that she was in new surroundings, which she is not yet comfortable in. When she confidently opens the door in the final scene, it shows that as she has become more confident and comfortable with her surroundings, Frank has continually become more lost. He is now the one who needs help, not Rita. Man who shifts a lot of booze and the quote from Rita from 2,7 is If you had threepence back for all these bottles, you could buy Australia! When reading the stage directions, you have to remember that the audience watching the play would hear the slurred voice of Frank, and not just be told how it would sound. When the audience saw Frank in 2,7, it would be funny for them to see all the empty whisky bottles hidden amongst his bookcase. This is an example of visual humour. This shows the change in relationship. In 1,1 we are laughing light-heartedly at Frank in his drunken state, but n 2,7 we are laughing ironically at Frank, as we cannot help thinking about what Rita said. We know that if he had not drunk all the bottles of whisky in the first place, then he would not be going to Australia in the first place. In some of the play, humour comes from confusion. It also comes from Rita being uneducated, ignorant and having a limited vocabulary. An example of this is when in 1,1, Frank asks for Ritas name using the phrase You are? Rita replied with Im a what? . Rita also confuses Forster with Foster. In 2,7 Frank says that Fosters lager is named after H. E Forster, but spelt wrong. When Rita is being laughed at, the humour comes from confusion, and the audience can understand the mistakes being made. When Frank makes the joke about Fosters beer, its fully intentional, and we laugh, unusually, at someone other than Frank or Rita. We laugh at the Australians. This reflects the power share because in 1,1, we laugh at Rita because she is neither sure of herself nor educated. When we laugh at Frank it is because he is beginning to become out of place where we believed he belonged. The mistakes, which Rita made, were written in this way because of her background. Willy Russell believes that The masses have not accepted literacy. This applies to Rita because what she reads may be classed as trash by some, and would not be classed as literature by anyone else. As far as Willy Russell is concerned, she is one of the masses who is trying to accept literature. This accounts for her lack of knowledge. Painting mental pictures also plays a part in the humour in Educating Rita. In 1,1, Rita allows us to paint a mental picture of her swearing at her customers Y know when Im in the hairdressers- thats where I work- Ill say something like, Oh, Im really fucked, y know, dead loud. It doesnt half cause a fuss. In 2,7, Frank describes to us his very drunken night out. When the audience are watching the play, this is the type of humour, which allows them to do the imagining for themselves. In 1,1, they laugh at Rita because of her unsophisticated ways in her old life, just how she is at the beginning of the play. When Frank tells them the story of his drunken night out, our immediate reaction is to laugh at a Geriatric Hippie out on the town. Once this initial picture has left the minds of the audience, they realise it is a weak Frank, sinking down in the world. Sex and swearing also created humour in Educating Rita. In 1,1 you hear Ritas reaction on observing a painting, and bluntly saying Look at those tits! When she hears the book title Howards End she thinks that it sounds rude. In 2,7 she uses the phrase Bugger the bursar. They are both the humour of embarrassment. We still get embarrassed when others talk about sex and swear, especially in a formal setting such as a theatre, where we would be in front of others. Even though we are happy enough to talk about sex, and swear amongst ourselves. Even the two examples in 1,1 are different. The first quote is open and direct. It leaves little to the imagination. The second quote is a sexual innuendo, which we have to work out ourselves. In 2,7 the phrase Bugger the bursar may cause a giggle from the audience as they see a picture of this in their heads. This shows the change in relationship, as in the beginning Rita spoke her mind outright. Towards the end, she began to think more about what she was saying. And even though the phrase about the bursar she used sounds like something she may have said in the beginning, one has to remember that in a sense she is just quoting Frank from 2,3,, Willy Russell shows the difficulties that lower class citizens faced when trying to get an education. He believed that there was with-holding of culture carried out by the upper class towards the lower class. In this play, he shows the success of a lower class woman, two factors which would have provided a hindrance to Rita at the time, in getting a good education, and whilst doing this, showing the failure of a well educated upper class man, who would have been thought of at the time as at the top end of society. This play shows Willy Russell trying to break the mould of who could get an education, and similarly that just because you have a good education, it doesnt mean that you will be a success. I think that these two scenes, even though they use similar types of humour, are extremely distanced, both in content and in the roles of the characters in the scene. This is because the humour is changing direction from one scene to the other. In both of the scenes, the type of humour the character uses expresses their personal feeling successfully. In the first scene, we laugh at Rita because she seems so out of place. In 2,7 we laugh at Frank ironically, because he seems to have lost everything. The tone of the humour also changes. In 1, it is light-hearted and fun. In 2,7 it is ironic, bittersweet and more serious humour, which even though we laugh at, we know we should be feeling sorry for Frank, even though he has bought everything upon himself.

20 Essay Topics on Microeconomics

20 Essay Topics on Microeconomics Understanding Microeconomics is almost as daunting as composing an argumentative essay on it. But it becomes close to effortless to compose one if you have an opportunity to choose from a coherent list of options   which is what this guide is all about. In this second guide, we have not only included 20 microeconomics essay topics, but also a sample essay that’ll allow you to understand how an argumentative essay should be structured. But before you head on, we strongly recommend you to check out our first guide, 10 facts for an argumentative essay on microeconomics, where we have shared some credible facts on the subject. These ideas will definitely help you to compose your argumentative essay as you’ll be using them as information and references. Furthermore, after you are done reading this guide, we recommend you to read our final guide before you start writing. Our third/final guide, writing on point argumentative essay on microeconomics, is all about the methodologies and techniques of how an argumentative essay is outlined, structured and composed. By reading all of the guides, before you start writing, you’ll yield a beautifully sublime argumentative paper, which   your professor, instructor or teacher will admire. We are ready to present you our choice of Microeconomics topics: The Impact of Supply and Demand on Prices How Does Economy Change With the Change of Seasons An Argumentative Essay on the Microeconomic Market Structures How Do Different Microeconomic Market Structures Affect Supply? The Impact of Labor Market and the Labor Union on Supply and Demand. How Does Consumer Purchasing Ability Affect Pricing System? The Use of Advertising in Microeconomics and How it Affects Customer’s Decisions The Benefits of Creativity and its Significance to Lead a Company to Success The Advertising Problems Leading to a Company’s Demise. What are the Pros and Cons of Starting a Company in the Modern Market? An Argumentative Essay on Privatized Health Care Centers – The Pros and Cons Does the Cost of Health Care Affect Taxes? The Economic Struggle for Maximal Use of Natural Resources and its Reasons Why Nature is the Biggest Victim of Industrialization and How it Affects Economics Natural, and Industrial and Household Interactive Conditions Required for a Practical Implementation of the Microeconomic Model The Influence of Ecological Costs on the Principles of Industry Location How â€Å"Dirty† Industries Gain Profit by Moving into a â€Å"Clean† Area or Location. The Modern Ecological Problems that U.S. and Europe Are Facing with Planned Economies Today. The Microeconomic Problems and Their Correlation with Pollution. The Impact of a Local Industry on the Society and the Environment Finally, now you have 20 relevant microeconomic topics from which you can choose whichever suits you best. We have composed   these topics to be complementary to your essay by making sure that their tone is argumentative. Furthermore, we have included the references from where we have chosen these topics. Not only that, we have also written a sample essay on one of the topics above, so you can have a deeper understanding of how an argumentative essay should be constructed. A Sample Essay on the Microeconomic Problems and its Correlation with Pollution Between 1970 and 2012 the U.S. economy has doubled, but this profit led to some troublesome issues, and pollution was one of them. Although the United States came up with   several anti-pollution policies, which resulted in 12% reduction (approx. 730 metric tons of air pollutants a year from 2007 to 2012) of carbon dioxide emissions, pollution remains a major problem. But still, other problematic environmental issues are left untouched. Before we head on further, we should know how microeconomics considers pollution in its terms, which is why we have to know what an externality is. In economic terms, there are two types of an externality: positive externality and negative externality. Externality basically is the effect that affects third-party individuals who are not a part of the action. For example, if you live in a neighborhood, where, most of the time, country music concerts are held; and you don’t even   take part in them,   but still hear the music (due to its loudness) – you are considered to be an externality. Based on your preference, this externality can be positive (if you like country music) and negative (if you don’t like it or if it disturbs your sleep). Pollution is considered to be a negative externality because it doesn’t have any positive effect on humans, animals or the planet in general. On the other hand, it has a substantial   negative impact. Today, the production of demanded products has led to the inevitable production of pollution, and it was   passed on society. The contamination can be suppressed if the production is lowered, but in the current consumer-oriented economy it’s not gonna happen. . Economists have theorized that the cost of production should include the cost of pollution, which is: the impact of pollution on human health, property values, recreation possibilities, wildlife habitats, etc. Let’s consider the following example: If a firm produces a refrigerator, which costs about $600 per production (including all the expenses), and it costs about $100 more to produce the product without causing pollution, the quantity of the production would significantly decrease   as the prices would be high i.e. $700 per product. Now, if an individual has to compare a $600 refrigerator to a $700 one that has the same specs, but it’s only about minimizing the pollution – chances are, that particular individual would go for the cheaper one. So the reality is that this negative externality exists in economics. To reduce or completely exterminate the production of pollution, all of the microeconomic firms have to take an anti-pollution step, which would equalize the costs of the production, globally. It will   lead to a better, and healthier environment. That’s it! Now you have almost exhaustive list of topics, along with a sample essay that can help you start writing immediately. References: David Besanko, Ronald R. Braeutigam, (2011) â€Å"Microeconomics, 4th Edition† – John Wiley and Sons, Inc. http://econ.tu.ac.th/archan/supawat/EE311/2.%20%5bDavid_Besanko,_Ronald_Braeutigam,_Ronald_R._Braeu.pdf Libby Rittenberg, Timothy Tregarthen, Untitled Document – Saylor.org https://ocw.mit.edu/ans7870/14/14.01SC/MIT14_01SCF11_rttext.pdf Hugh Gravelle, Ray Rees (2004) â€Å"Microeconomics, 3rd Edition† – Pearson Education Limited.  https://ignorelist.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/microeconomics-gravelle-and-rees.pdf Gilpin, Alan. (2000). Environmental Economics: A Critical Overview. Chichester, UK: John Wiley Sons. Pearson, Charles S. (2000). Economics and the Global Environment. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. Baumol, W. J., Blinder, A. S. (2015). Microeconomics: Principles and policy. Cengage Learning. Bowles, S. (2009). Microeconomics: behavior, institutions, and evolution. Princeton University Press.

Most vs. Almost

Most vs. Almost Most vs. Almost Most vs. Almost By Maeve Maddox A reader wonders why some speakers write â€Å"most everybody† when what they mean is â€Å"almost everybody.† For example: Most everyone agrees that children benefit from living with two caring parents. â€Å"Most everyone† is commonly heard in colloquial speech but is avoided in formal speech and writing because most is a superlative. Most refers to the greatest part, number, amount, or extent of something: I have finished most of my chores. Most dogs have tails. That’s the most awesome song on the album. Almost is used to convey the idea of something nearly completed or close to being finished: Mr. Henry has almost finished building the bridge. We almost won the game. Almost everyone agrees that children benefit from living with two caring parents. The objection to â€Å"most everyone,† and â€Å"most anyone† is that most applies to quantities capable of being separated. One can say â€Å"Most dogs have tails,† but not â€Å"Most dog have tails† or â€Å"Most dog have a tail.† Apart from surgery or mutilation, dog is not divisible. Neither are words like everybody, everyone, all, and any. The use of most in the following examples is nonstandard because the word is being used to qualify something that is not divisible: Incorrect: Most everyone agrees that cheating is bad. Correct: Almost everyone agrees that cheating is bad. Incorrect: I think most everybody will agree that summer flies by too fast. Correct: I think almost everybody will agree that summer flies by too fast. Incorrect: I feel like most all of my friends are fake. Correct: I feel like almost all of my friends are fake. If you find yourself writing most when what you mean is nearly or approximately, change it to almost. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:How to Structure A Story: The Eight-Point ArcDoes "Mr" Take a Period?What’s the Best Way to Refer to a Romantic Partner?

Religious-Discrimination Claims on the Rise Article

Religious-Discrimination Claims on the Rise - Article Example Managers are torn between respecting strict religious doctrines observed by employees and balancing between codes of dressings as envisaged in the firm’s organizational culture. The continued intermixing of work and faith creates a complex scenario for managers. The situation is worse when employees are expected to perform their duties that contradict with their faiths. For instance, transportation companies are finding it difficult to have Muslim and some Christians drivers transport alcohol and other products that contradict their faith. One of the factors that have been said to lead to employees’ increased advocacy for their rights is increased immigrants in the country. As people sharing a similar faith increase, they gain power and courage to sanction managers to respect their religious rights in organizations. This explains the doubling of religious discrimination cases in the last 15 years, as reported by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. However, cons idering that most religious discrimination cases are brought by immigrants, the reported cases are way below other discriminations based on age and sex. The low figures may also be explained from the view that most people are afraid of negative publicity and losing their jobs. Employees in such a case will carry out their duties to maintain their careers. On the same, note most reported cases involve the code of dressing and objection to carrying out duties that contradict with one’s faith of allegiance, compared to a case that involve refusal to observe worship days. This is because organizations do try to observe days of worship for different employees, though the code of dressing affects the company’s looks to its clients, and refusals to carry out allocated duties may imply absconding from duties. For instance, a Muslim faithful expected to transport alcohol from one point to the other is deemed by the company to have absconded from duty if he/she refuses to comply with such orders. This is the reason behind increased cases of religious discrimination reported to the EEOC. Federal court rulings have increased managers’ dilemmas as they have interpreted the law against discrimination in favor of the complainant, requiring companies to pay fines for not respecting people‘s beliefs. For instance, Abercrombie was required to pay a $71000 fine for refusing to hire two women wearing a hijab. To the company, such hijab were against their culture but to the federal courts, the company discriminated against the two women. This has added to the precarious situation that most managers face today. However, though EECO has tried to minimize such cases by talking to companies about the right to observe religious beliefs, companies have found a loophole to win these cases. Abercrombie got a reprieve from the Federal Appeals Court, which observed that the complainants had not indicated in writing that the head scarfs were of religious significan ce. Therefore, the company had not discriminated against the two. Therefore, the main requirement for such employees to get the right to exercise their religion is to request for accommodation, which the company would consider granting or not based on written submissions. Though the Civil Right Act of 1964 requires that employees accommodate employees from different faiths unless such accommodation may lead to hardships, the act is vague in the description of hardships. Consequently, it is upon the company to advance enough

Coca-Cola HBC Case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Coca-Cola HBC Case - Essay Example al understanding on giving high importance for customer value, CCHBC was able to formulate essential moves in order to achieve its strategic aims through its operations management practices. In great detail, the success of CCHBC in achieving its strategic aims includes its operation strategy, operation model, operation process and supply network. One important reason why operations management practices of CCHBC enabled it to achieve its strategic aims is simply made possible by activating control within its target market, an integral part of its supply network operation. This is made evident by ensuring that its supply chain management (SCM) could function efficiently. When it comes to what is efficient, CCHBC was able to invest in technology, infrastructure and organisational practices especially in its demand-driven SCM. The main point of CCHBC is to reach its target market at a highly affordable cost so it is important that its service delivery together with its associated custome r value is controlled through its efficient SCM. Product availability, operational performance and reliability, the nature of demand are some of the most important factors to be considered in understanding the nature and implementation of efficient SCM (Mentzer, 2001; Li, 2007). For instance, CCHBC wants to optimise positively some certain costs associated with inability of certain products so it is important that primary attention should be focused on product availability and monitoring. In fact, this is one of its reasons why there is a need to diversify its product offerings up to certain range anywhere and at any time ensuring availability whenever customers would need them. Its operation management practices enabled the company to put everything in order to meet the organisation’s... The intention of this study is Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CCHBC) as a company that essentially looks forward to how it could present the best part it could offer to its customers. In today’s highly advanced economy, every firm or organisation is faced with the need to achieve their competitive advantage through giving focus on providing value for customers and ensuring teamwork and efficient working organisational structure and system. This paper tries to establish some important strategic issues associated with Coca-cola HBC (CCHBC), one of the largest bottlers of non-alcoholic beverages in Europe. In this paper, the proponent discusses relevant issues concerning how CCHBC provides value for its customers, its capacity management, issues concerning its suppliers, and the role of management information system and data mining in improving its effort to increase the value it provides for its customers. Creating the best value for customers is therefore tantamount to ac hieving the right possible approach within the bound of both internal and external business environment and including economic and non-economic factors and other related business concerns. It is therefore recommended that CCHBC has to explore further in great detail other relevant strategic moves that could help enhance its capacity of creating the best value for its customers. At some point, it is important on its part to explore more about the impact of MIS and sophisticated data mining approach on its strategic objectives prior to understanding its customers and creating a need and value for them.

Textbased Reading Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Textbased Reading Assignment - Essay Example And upon this departure, "happiness" is coined up as the response to its inquiring mind as its ultimate end of its quest for truth. The Epicurean teaching of happiness as described in the study of philosophy entails the idea or that collaborates with the theory of "imperialism" (i.e. a form of knowledge acquired or is that knowledge perceived by the use of our senses or the process called sensation). It is by the reason of providing the idea of "casualty" (The principle of cause and effect relationship) in viewing or in understanding the concept of happiness in the Epicurean teaching, as of that which is motivated by the direct encounter to the corporeal world (material world) or the things seen or being felt present in the reality. And thus, this encounter with the corporeal world gives us the effect or the idea of both "pleasure and pain". Moreover, in realizing what does Epicurus mean by saying that pleasure is our "primary native good" connotes of that "good" in relation to "feeling" as a means or tool of its criterion for happiness. In this manner, the role of sensation provides as the key to understand in having the concept of "pleasure" as that which satisfies one's (individual) need. Pleasure then takes place upon describing certain stances that serve as an appetite towards living or its existence. Thus, the Epicurean concept of pleasure as a "primary native good" gives us the idea of understanding as the first step of its hierarchy of attributing towards a self fulfilment or a happy life. According to the Epicurean teaching, pleasure should not always be the choice or our option to select at. It is because it entails (in Epicurean concept) the idea of consisting "Primary and Congenital good". To illustrate such concept, in understanding the idea of "primary good", it gives us the thought of a skin form or level of understanding the concept of "pleasure" as a matter of "feeling". And thus it leads us to the idea of "sensation" that construct upon this concept of primary. The Congenital good persuade upon the concept or the idea of understanding to what is there seen not present in the reality but only find in its existence in the "world of forms or ideas" (the word "world of form" originates in the Platonean Concept). Thus, its essence (the nature of its being) provides us the thought of that is innate to its characteristics. And thus, evaluating these two factors (Primary and Congenital good) speaks of a subjective interpretation or judgement because of its approach of arriving of its own idea. As stipulated in the Epicurean doctrine, "A person who does not have a pleasant life in not living sensibly, nobly and justly, and conversely the person who does not have these virtues cannot live pleasantly (Epicurus, Leading Doctrines, p. 53, 5th paragraph). In view to this quotation, indicates that the Epicurean teaching doesn't agree that it is possible to lead a virtuous but unpleasant life. To depart from these lines, pleasure connotes a connection to moral virtues of man or a person that is associated to hi being. Moral good then construct a definition towards a good life. Therefore, such concept perceives or illustrates an idea that it is impossible "to be" and "not to be" at the same place and at the same time. The researcher's analysis unto this study to the Epicurean way of teaching of understanding pleasure relating to morality, as with regards to the impossibility of having virtuous and yet

Crime Scene Report Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Crime Scene Report - Term Paper Example The investigators arrived at the scene and commenced the process of investigation as required. There was division of roles and each investigator carried out his or her role. Specialists also were given the special task like blood testing and fingerprinting in order to identify the perpetrators. The crime took place on March 26, 2015 and investigation process took place up to 10:55 am of March 26, 2015. The crime scene was located in a Parking Lot F at ERAU. The investigators were informed in order to visit the scene. The crime was committed and the perpetrator could not be found. At the time when the investigators arrived in the scene the suspect had escaped. The crime involved a murder which was suspected to have been caused by shooting. In order to identify the person who committed the act, the investigator collected evidence from the scene and recorded the events which took place. At the time when the investigators were carrying out the investigation, weather condition was sunny and temperature was 550c. The light condition was also good for the investigators to carry out investigation effectively. The light condition was favorable for photograph taking and the investigators could take clear photos without difficulties (Dutelle 78). A number of events took place at the scene of crime. The investigation was taking place in March 26, 2015 starting from 90:33 am. The investigators arrived at the scene at 09:33, 09:34 am and the Coroner arrived at 10:02 am. Coroner left the scene before the investigator at 10:37 am. The investigators left the scene at 10:55 am. Different materials were collected from the scene in different times. The investigators noted that 4 bullets scattered near the drive side at 09:30 am. Investigator Alex noted red pill at 10:03 am and it was collected to help in investigation. Sierra identified ticket at 10:10 am male blood from the victim at 10:33. The blood was collected for testing in order to identify if it was

Medical Image Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Medical Image Marketing - Essay Example Reports are ready immediately, which reduces turnaround time and greatly increases the ability of the radiologist professional to self-edit reports. In one study, turnaround time was reduced from 20 hours to less than 6 hours. For the ordering doctor and the patient this means a quicker response to time sensitive medical issues. For the hospital and administration there is a cost savings involved over the traditional hand transcription, as it eliminates the need for contracted transcription services. RadWhere can be customized to utilize individual radiologist templates as well as a standard template set. It has an accuracy rate of 99 percent and is compatible with a wide variety of accents and foreign dialects. The ability of the radiologist to self-edit markedly decreases the time from the imaging to the final report, and the archiving and retrieval versatility makes the report available to large scale integrated systems (Industry-wide Focus on Cutting Transcription Costs). Computed Tomography (CT) Scan is an x-ray technique that uses digital imaging to create and reconstruct cross-sectional pictures of the heart. This system is used by doctors in the identification and treatment of heart disease and abnormalities. Traditionally, viewing inside the heart could be accomplished by cardiac catheterization, a slow and invasive process. CT scanning of the heart allows multiple cross section x-rays to be taken, which are then reconstructed into a 3 dimensional image. One of the obstacles to this process has been that the heart is in continual motion and the resulting image is reduced in resolution and accuracy. The Toshiba CT Scanner 64 Slice with Cardiac software overcomes these obstacles. Higher resolution imaging and enhanced software allows the CT operator to get high quality 3 dimensional images of hearts with rates as fast as 140 beats per minute. Toshiba states that the software "facilitates cardiac CT angiographic reconstruction when the heart is in the best cardiac phase with minimum motion" (Staffordshire General Hospital). Additionally, the Toshiba CT Scanner and software renders true cardiac function analysis, as a beta blocker is not required for its use. It has the ability to deliver sufficient resolution to image coronary arteries and soft plaque structures. Patient care quality is improved as the process is quick, non-invasive, and provides early warnings of problems that may exist within the cardiac system. Doctors benefit from the improved imaging and the ability to see the multi-dimensional rendering, which allows them to more thoroughly examine the heart's activities and the associated problems of plaque buildup (Staffordshire General Hospital). "On Guard": Chest X-ray CAD by Riverain Medical The most critical component driving improved prognosis in lung cancer patients is early detection. Riverain Medical has improved the ability of doctors to diagnose patients for lung cancer with it "On Guard" Chest X-ray Computer Aided Detection (CAD) technology. The system utilizes existing and traditional x-rays to aid the radiologist in locating and identifying early stage actionable nodules that may be early stage lung cancer. In addition, it interfaces with Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) technology to easily integrate into a hospital's existing system.

HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY QUESTION ASSIGNMENT

HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY QUESTION - Assignment Example Cystic Fibrosis that is not showing or dominant is said to be recessive. The parents thus are carriers since they appear normal yet they have a child that shows the deformity. It’s justified to say that the parents are carriers since for cystic fibrosis to manifest, like any other trait it requires two genes, one from each of the parents. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is connoted as the building block of an organism. It is known to be host to information that is crucial for a cell functioning for example protein synthesis as well as replicating itself. It contains four nucleotide bases namely: RNA appears same way as the DNA In that the two are nucleic acids with bases comprising of nitrogen and brought together by a sugar- phosphate. There are however divergences of the structures as well as functions characterizing RNA and the DNA. 6. In your own words, describe the process of protein synthesis, starting with the DNA, stored in the nucleus, and ending with the completed protein. Be sure to mention the terms code, codon, anticodon, mRNA, tRNA, amino acids and ribosomes in your answer. During protein manufacture, RNA kinds that play various roles include one, Messenger RNA referred as mRNA that is tasked with ferrying genetic message or information. A package of 3 mRNA bases within a row constitutes a codon which then defines an amino acid. The second is the Ribosomal RNA, referred as rRNA contained in ribosomes where the actual protein manufacture occurs. The third is the RNA tasked with transfer, tRNA that piles an amino acid on a developing protein. Since the DNA keeps genetic information, then the RNA ferries that message all the way to the cytoplasm, where it is utilized to manufacture proteins. Genetic counseling is a process that involves advising a couple about genetic conditions and to that effect taking a keen examination of a couple’s family back ground (OToole & Marie, 755). The doctor orders the carrying

Medical Image Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Medical Image Marketing - Essay Example Reports are ready immediately, which reduces turnaround time and greatly increases the ability of the radiologist professional to self-edit reports. In one study, turnaround time was reduced from 20 hours to less than 6 hours. For the ordering doctor and the patient this means a quicker response to time sensitive medical issues. For the hospital and administration there is a cost savings involved over the traditional hand transcription, as it eliminates the need for contracted transcription services. RadWhere can be customized to utilize individual radiologist templates as well as a standard template set. It has an accuracy rate of 99 percent and is compatible with a wide variety of accents and foreign dialects. The ability of the radiologist to self-edit markedly decreases the time from the imaging to the final report, and the archiving and retrieval versatility makes the report available to large scale integrated systems (Industry-wide Focus on Cutting Transcription Costs). Computed Tomography (CT) Scan is an x-ray technique that uses digital imaging to create and reconstruct cross-sectional pictures of the heart. This system is used by doctors in the identification and treatment of heart disease and abnormalities. Traditionally, viewing inside the heart could be accomplished by cardiac catheterization, a slow and invasive process. CT scanning of the heart allows multiple cross section x-rays to be taken, which are then reconstructed into a 3 dimensional image. One of the obstacles to this process has been that the heart is in continual motion and the resulting image is reduced in resolution and accuracy. The Toshiba CT Scanner 64 Slice with Cardiac software overcomes these obstacles. Higher resolution imaging and enhanced software allows the CT operator to get high quality 3 dimensional images of hearts with rates as fast as 140 beats per minute. Toshiba states that the software "facilitates cardiac CT angiographic reconstruction when the heart is in the best cardiac phase with minimum motion" (Staffordshire General Hospital). Additionally, the Toshiba CT Scanner and software renders true cardiac function analysis, as a beta blocker is not required for its use. It has the ability to deliver sufficient resolution to image coronary arteries and soft plaque structures. Patient care quality is improved as the process is quick, non-invasive, and provides early warnings of problems that may exist within the cardiac system. Doctors benefit from the improved imaging and the ability to see the multi-dimensional rendering, which allows them to more thoroughly examine the heart's activities and the associated problems of plaque buildup (Staffordshire General Hospital). "On Guard": Chest X-ray CAD by Riverain Medical The most critical component driving improved prognosis in lung cancer patients is early detection. Riverain Medical has improved the ability of doctors to diagnose patients for lung cancer with it "On Guard" Chest X-ray Computer Aided Detection (CAD) technology. The system utilizes existing and traditional x-rays to aid the radiologist in locating and identifying early stage actionable nodules that may be early stage lung cancer. In addition, it interfaces with Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) technology to easily integrate into a hospital's existing system.

Networks classification Essay Example for Free

Networks classification Essay In the world of computers, networking is the practice of linking two or more computing devices together for the purpose of sharing data. Networks are built with a mix of computer hardware and computer software. Networking software applications are available to manage and monitor networks of all sizes, from the smallest home networks to the largest enterprise networks. Networks classification 1. Local Area Networks (LANs): These connect over a relatively small geographical are, typically connecting computers within a single office or building. In most cases they connect to a common electronic connection- commonly known as a network backbone. LANs can connect to other networks either directly or through a WAN or MAN. Most LANs connect workstations and personal computers. 2. Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs): These connect networks around a town or city. Short for Metropolitan Area Network, a data network designed for a town or city. In terms of geographic breadth, MANs are larger than local-area networks (LANs), but smaller than wide-area networks (WANs). An example of a Man is the Eastman (Edinburgh and Stirling MAN) network that connects universities and colleges. 3. Wide Area Networks (WANs) : These connect networks over a large geographical area, such as between different buildings, towns or even countries. 4. A campus area network (CAN) is a computer network made up of an interconnection of LANs within a limited geographical area. In the case of a university campus-based campus network, the network is likely to link a variety of campus buildings including, for example, academic colleges or departments, the university library, and student residence halls. 5. A personal area network (PAN) is a computer network used for communication among computer and different information technological devices close to one person. Some examples of devices that are used in a PAN are personal computers, printers, fax machines, telephones, PDAs, scanners, and even video game consoles. A PAN may include wired and wireless devices. The reach of a PAN typically extends to 10 meters Topology Network topology is the arrangement of the various elements (links, nodes, etc.) of a computer or biological network. Essentially, it is the topological structure of a network, and may be depicted physically or logically. There are two basic categories of network topologies: 1. Physical topology refers to the placement of the networks various components, including device location and cable installation, 2. logical topology shows how data flows within a network, regardless of its physical design. The study of network topology recognizes eight basic topologies: †¢ Point-to-point = the simplest topology is a permanent link between two endpoints. †¢ Bus = A linear bus topology consists of a main run of cable with a terminator at each end (See fig. 1). All nodes (file server, workstations, and peripherals) are connected to the linear cable. Advantages of a Linear Bus Topology †¢ Easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a linear bus. †¢ Requires less cable length than a star topology. Disadvantages of a Linear Bus Topology †¢ Entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable. †¢ Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable. †¢ Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down. †¢ Not meant to be used as a stand-alone solution in a large building. †¢ Star = A star topology is designed with each node (file server, workstations, and peripherals) connected directly to a central network hub, switch, or concentrator (See fig. 2). Data on a star network passes through the hub, switch, or concentrator before continuing to its destination. The hub, switch, or concentrator manages and controls all functions of the network. It also acts as a repeater for the data flow. This configuration is common with twisted pair cable; however, it can also be used with coaxial cable or fiber optic cable. Advantages of a Star Topology †¢ Easy to install and wire. †¢ No disruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices. †¢ Easy to detect faults and to remove parts. Disadvantages of a Star Topology †¢ Requires more cable length than a linear topology. †¢ If the hub, switch, or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled. †¢ More expensive than linear bus topologies because of the cost of the hubs, etc. †¢ Ring = A network topology that is set up in a circular fashion in which data travels around the ring in one direction and each device on the right acts as a repeater to keep the signal strong as it travels. Each device incorporates a receiver for the incoming signal and a transmitter to send the data on to the next device in the ring. The network is dependent on the ability of the signal to travel around the ring. When a device sends data, it must travel through each device on the ring until it reaches its destination. Every node is a critical link. †¢ Mesh = The value of fully meshed networks is proportional to the exponent of the number of subscribers, assuming that communicating groups of any two endpoints, up to and including all the endpoints Advantages of Mesh topology 1) Data can be transmitted from different devices simultaneously. This topology can withstand high traffic. 2) Even if one of the components fails there is always an alternative present. So data transfer doesn’t get affected. 3) Expansion and modification in topology can be done without disrupting other nodes. Disadvantages of Mesh topology 1) There are high chances of redundancy in many of the network connections. 2) Overall cost of this network is way too high as compared to other network topologies. 3) Set-up and maintenance of this topology is very difficult. Even administration of the network is tough. †¢ Tree = A tree topology combines characteristics of linear bus and star topologies. It consists of groups of star-configured workstations connected to a linear bus backbone cable (See fig. 3). Tree topologies allow for the expansion of an existing network, and enable schools to configure a network to meet their needs. Advantages of a Tree Topology †¢ Point-to-point wiring for individual segments. †¢ Supported by several hardware and software venders. Disadvantages of a Tree Topology †¢ Overall length of each segment is limited by the type of cabling used. †¢ If the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down. †¢ More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies. †¢ Hybrid = Hybrid networks use a combination of any two or more topologies in such a way that the resulting network does not exhibit one of the standard topologies (e.g., bus, star, ring, etc.). For example a tree network connected to a tree network is still a tree network topology. A hybrid topology is always produced when two different basic network topologies are connected. Two common examples for Hybrid network are: star, ring network and star bus network †¢ Daisy chain = Except for star-based networks, the easiest way to add more computers into a network is by daisy-chaining, or connecting each computer in series to the next. If a message is intended for a computer partway down the line, each system bounces it along in sequence until it reaches the destinati on. A daisy-chained network can take two basic forms: linear and ring. o The straight-through cables are used when connecting Data Terminating Equipment (DTE) to Data Communications Equipment (DCE), such as computers and routers to modems (gateways) or hubs (Ethernet Switches). The cross-over cables are used when connecting DTE to DTE, or DCE to DCE equipment; such as computer to computer, computer to router; or gateway to hub connections. The DTE equipment terminates the signal, while DCE equipment do not. †¢ RJ stands for Registered Jacks. These are used in telephone and data jack wiring registered with FCC. RJ-11 is a 6-position, 4-conductor jack used in telephone wiring, and RJ-45 is a 8-position, 8-conductor jack used in 10BaseT and 100BaseT Ethernet wiring. †¢ UTP stands for Unshielded Twisted Pair. It is the cabling system with one or more pairs of twisted insulated copper wires contained in a single sheath. It is the most widely used cabling system in telecommunications and data communications environment today.

Microcontrollers In Wireless Sensor Networks

Microcontrollers In Wireless Sensor Networks ABSTRACT: Now a days wireless sensor networks have been gaining interact with physical in world. Whereas these can be used in different applications in medical, military, roadside, industrial etc .In the wireless sensor network reducing power is the main importance. In wireless sensor network, which are using battery operated sensors need low-power component devices to increase the life time of the sensors and also gives rise for wireless sensor networks which prolongs the life time for sensor nodes. In this we explore about the three different microcontrollers in wireless sensor and also we discussed about the characteristics of the typical wireless sensor network application. They are Microchip, AVR and MSP430 series. By comparing this we conclude which is best for the wireless sensor network. Now a days these microcontrollers are commercially using in sensor nodes. 1. INTRODUCTION: A sensor node is a node which is able for performing some processing, collecting sensor informations and communicating with other connected nodes in a sensor network and it is also called as mode. These sensor nodes usually have very small computers and storage capability compared to desktop computers. This can be attributed to their use of very low power microcontrollers. Microcontrollers perform the main task in the sensor nodes i.e. processing the data and controlling the functions of the other components. These are some of the controllers using as Digital Signal Processors, Field Programmable Gate Array and applications. So microcontrollers are more suitable for sensor nodes. The best choice for embedded systems is to use microcontrollers because of the services providing by them, like it can connect to other devices more flexible and the power consumption is less. Digital Signal Processing is commandeering for broadband wireless communication, but according to wireless sensor networks the communication should be simple and easy to process. Field Programmable Gate Array are not used in wireless sensor network because it should required more time and energy for the reprogrammabling and reconfiguring to their usage. Application-specific Integrated circuits are performing as hardware where as microcontrollers are providing as softwares.So a wireless sensor network mostly uses microcontrollers. In this wireless sensor network we uses so many microcontrollers with different companies they are Microchip, Atmel etc. There are three different typical micro controllers which are used in wireless sensor network applications .they are Microchips, AVR series MSP430 series. 2. TYPICAL MICROCONTROLLERS USED IN WSN APPLICATIONS: 2.1. Microchips: PIC microcontrollers are made by microchip technologies limited. These are mainly used in industrial development due to their low cost and it has serial programming capability. The features for microchip are explained below. 2.1.1. Interrupt structure: In the PIC microcontroller interrupt structure is very simple but powerful, we can set the priority levels to the interrupts i.e., high or low and also these are useful for real time interrupts. 2.1.2. Instruction set: For the lower end PICs it varies about 35 instructions and for higher end PICs it varies about 80 instructions.pic micro controllers called as 8bit micro controllers because we have different PIC series for example PIC12 series size varies from 12bit and 30bits in the PIC30.in this single cycle execution with single delay cycle. 2.1.3. Memory architecture: PIC microcontrollers follow Harvard architecture nothing but separate code and data space. This microcontroller have number of register files which works as general purpose ram some of special purpose control registers for on chip researches. In this memory is divided in to banks. 2.1.4. Input and output features: For every microcontroller we have I/O ports, which are used for transceiver and analog to digital conversion interfacing. But for some of the PIC series microcontrollers have on-chip ADC, due to this we used direct for analogy data from the transducer.PIC series also having the hardware which can carry SPI out. 2.1.5. Applicability of low power techniques: These microcontrollers are able to operate over a wide frequency and voltage range which makes frequency scaling possible. Some of PIC series dont support frequency scaling but due to the external hardware they can support they are PIC12 and PIC16.but some PIC series supports the frequency scaling because of having the internal RC oscillator which can be used as clock. Due to this clock switching it takes time for result. 2.1.6. Low power sleep mode: By comparing the microcontrollers the PIC series microcontrollers are simplistic. Due to this lower end PICs doesnt have sleep modes. But for PIC16 microcontrollers it has only one sleep mode which was placed on processor core, for PIC18 series have two sleep modes if the peripherals are running then the core is shut-off and it is vice versa for second sleep mode. 2.1.7. Pipelining: PIC instruction takes one machine to execute i.e. 4 clock cycles. For execution it takes two phases fetch and execute. This is a two stage pipeline. 2.1.8. Shortcoming: PIC microcontrollers have a small set of instruction set but these are best comparing to RISC devices. But PIC architecture doesnt have more advantages compared to RISC.They are, it doesnt have load-store architecture, due to this the memory direction refers in arithmetic and logical instructions. By comparing to RISC processor, this PIC has only a single register but for RISC typically includes 16. 2.2. AVR series: The AVR series microcontroller is also fallows the Harvard architecture.ATMega128L microcontroller is widely used in sensor nodes. The features for AVR are explained below. 2.2.1. Interrupt structure: AVR microcontroller is a powerful interrupt structure for AVR interrupt execution is enabled for four clock cycle minimum. Then the program is executed. 2.2.2. Instruction set: The AVR ISA is more suitable than 8-bit microcontroller. The ATMEGA128 offer 133 powerful instructions. Each instruction takes one or two 16bit words. In this instruction set arithmetic operations work ob register R0-R32, but not directly on RAM. 2.2.3. Memory architecture: The Harvard architecture type AVR is based with programs and is stores data separately for performing and parallelism. Flash, EEPROM, SRAM are single integrated chip. The register file, input out registers, and SRAM are data address space. 2.2.4. I/O features: General purpose I/O ports are bi-directional. These AVRs has a built in ADC and Analog comparators. In AVR on Chip Debugging (OCD) support through JTAG.The flexible communication in AVR is serial peripheral interface and a two-wire serial interface and these are analog comparators. 2.2.5. Applicability of low power techniques: In this the low voltage is operating down to 1.8v.in this voltage is available and also frequency scaling also provided. 2.2.6. Low power sleeps modes: It also fix power sleep modes they are Idle, ADC noise reduction, power-save, power-down, stand by and extended stand by. 2.2.7. Pipelining: In this microcontroller each instruction occupies one or two cycles and it also consists of fetch and the execute cycle. It also has single level pipeline design. 2.3. MSP430: These types of microcontrollers are by Texas instruments. It is one of the lowest power consuming processor in the market at present. It is ideal for wireless applications and embedded systems. The features for MSP430 are explained below. 2.3.1. Interrupt structure: In the MSP430 microcontroller interrupt structure provides two timers and a watchdog timer. It is also a power interrupt structure. In this interrupts have fixed priority by ordering. 2.3.2. Instruction set: The MSP430 is a 16-bit RISC processor and it has common RISC features in ISA. in this controller it has 27 core instructions and 7 addressing modes are present. These are having three core instructions format they are operand, operands or a jamp.In this both dedicated stack and stack are available. 2.3.3. Memory architecture: These microcontrollers are also uses same space and data as per above discussed controllers. In this the entire ROM and RAM a single 16-bit pointer is used. This processor contains 16-bit register.R0 is a program counter,R1 is a stack pointer,R2 is a status register and R3 is a special register i.e. nothing but a constant generation.R4 to R15 is for general use. 2.3.4. I/O features: The host of I/O features are built in msp430.for interfacing devices like radio and transducers it has 10 I/O ports. UART and SPL support are available on the type of models. 2.3.5. Applicability of low power technique: For low power applications the msp430 is neutral. With the help of its supply voltage supervisor it can sample input voltage and at each time it can set below a software programmable threshold. 2.3.6. Low powers sleep modes: Six different power modes are available for msp430. Wakeup time is 6micro sec with the use of digital oscillator. 2.3.7. Pipelining: It is not a pipelining architecture. There is no pipeline because they have different number of cycles in instruction but the positive is the most instructions run in one cycle which doesnt make the processor too down. The maximum clock frequency is slower when compared to other because of it lack of pipeline and division of instruction cycle. 2.4. Comparison between PIC and AVR microcontrollers: In PIC microcontroller the memory architecture requires bank register to access 256 bytes of memory but for AVR no need of bank to access the data memory.PIC has only one general purpose register but AVR has 32 general purpose registers.PIC doesnt have SRAM where as AVR has SRAM that the stack is contained within SRAM in order to build the hardware stack.PIC18F and AT Mega having hardware multipliers where as AT Tiny and PIC16F dont having hardware multipliers.PIC is having high clock speed but it is divided by four to give the actual instruction rate. By comparing ATMega128L and MSP430 have rich instruction set and also it has a wide range of arithmetic instructions sets, many addressing modes. But in PIC18 and 8051 microcontrollers are limited. But PIC16 has add with carry instructions. The MSP430 has 40 digital pins, ATMega128L has 53 pins, PIC18 has 36, and PIC16 33 and 8051 has 37. 3. CONCLUSION: These microcontrollers are the central parts of any kind of sensors nodes. We have different types of microcontrollers in the present market which have almost same feature with the life of battery we can know the lifetime of the node. With the kind of memory access, instructions we known, how the execution of code is performed. The processing task can be done with more complex instructions, allowing more sleeping time to the system. It has the ability for self programming which is a useful feature. The efficient code will be generated with a well optimised version. But it doesnt deal well with the accumulator. Finally by comparing these three different microcontrollers MSP family series microcontrollers are better than the others. Because, its work better than the older microcontrollers and it completely dominates or rectifies the problem and works.

Strategy Amidst Tactics Essay -- Military Science

World history has given people numerous amounts of lessons to learn from and has shown perfect examples of ideal decision making and terrible decision making. One outstanding detail is the fact that history has displayed that war is inevitable. Rationally, war seems as if it can be avoided, especially because it usually begins over disputes, ranging from territorial ones or over resources. However, war traces back to civilization, and a number of the most intellectual leaders in the world resorted to declaration of war to resolve matters of territorial gain, nationalism, resources, and a variety of other reasons. War therefore has been established as a fragment of life, with countries consistently developing their militaries and weapons. Consequently, a strong, successfully military is ideal with the threat of war always on the horizon. But what makes a military successful? War simply has no rules; there are no limitations on weapons or damage that can be done or how many people are to perish before it is all over, so what does every military need? â€Å"The suprerior fighter does not rely on his powerful punch or quick reflexes. Instead he creates a rhythm of the fight that suits him, advancing and retreating at a pace he sets†¦ He wins not with his fists but by controlling the ring† is a quotation that sheds light on the solution. The solution: strategy. For example, there have been moments in history in which a country should lose because they were outnumbered militarily or in terms of resources, but strategy allowed them to prevail as the victors. The United States is a country that has a successful military, but has also relied on a few consistent strategies during its establishment and development as a nation. Throughout America... ...rnes and John Daniel Hayes. The battle of Port Royal, S.C.: from the journal of John Sanford Barnes, October 8 to November 9, 1861. Kimmett, Larry, and Margaret Regis. U.S. submarines in World War II: an illustrated history. Seattle, Wash.: Navigator Pub., 1996. Mark Parillo, "The Imperial Japanese Navy in World War II," in Reevaluating Major Naval Combatants of World War II (New York, Greenwood Press, 1990), p. 64. Painter, David S. 2009. "The Marshall Plan and oil." Cold War History 9, no. 2: 159-175. Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed April 20, 2012). Parillo, Mark P.. The Japanese merchant marine in World War II. Annapolis, Md.: Naval Institute Press, 1993. Rickard, J.. "Battle of Port Royal, 7 November 1861." Military History Encyclopedia on the Web. http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/battles_port_royal.html (accessed February 11, 2012).

Go Ask Alice By Anonymous Essay -- essays research papers fc

Teenagers of every race, religion, and clique relate deeply to the words of the anonymous teenager within the book Go Ask Alice, by an anonymous girl whose life enters a place where, as most teenagers, she has no idea who to turn to, or where to go. "Oh dear god, help me adjust, help me be accepted, help me belong, don't let me be an outcast and a drag on my family," (Anonymous, 13). With these words, we are accepted into the girl's life, and into her heart and mind. I chose this quote because it is one quote that I think relates to the theme. She writes in her diary about her life, and her diary is like a best friend. It is someone she can spill all of her secrets to and something to express her feelings. Everyone needs to share his or her feelings in order to live a healthy life. This anonymous girl is a normal fifteen year old teenager who just wants to be popular and fit in. In this book, she goes through many different so-called friends, or people who she thinks she likes. Many of her friends at first, were just plain ordinary kind of dorky kids and she wanted something new. She discovered a new crowd who she thought she could be popular with, but they only lead her to make the wrong decisions and to ditch the good friends that she had before. They brought her into the seductive world of drugs. She kept all of her secrets in her diary and she never thought to tell anyone. Not only did she hide it from her good friends, but also she hid it from her parents, who...

Stefan’s Diaries: The Craving Chapter 29

Her name was the Mina M. She was a speedy ship and a thing of beauty, with sleek lines and white sails. Her wooden mast was oiled to a sheen, boasting smart red flags that snapped in the breeze. I stood at the prow and closed my eyes, imagining our journey. The stinging salt air and the bright yellow sun would whip my cheeks red as the Mina cut through waves, leaving white foam and spray in her wake. Little silver fish would glint in the water below in their hurry to get out of the way. On our travels we would see tiny skiffs cross the water loaded up with bananas and rum in the West Indies. We'd trade for spices in India. I'd finally see Italy, walk through the Sistine Chapel, marvel in front of the Duomo, and drink Chianti straight from the vineyard. Maybe†¦ maybe this would be a new way of life for me. Traveling at the speed of water rather than confining myself to the shadows. I'd never stay in one port for too long, outrunning death and my curse. Sailors usually had no friends but the men they crewed with – I would fit right in. But then I opened my eyes, my fantasy evaporating into the heavy midnight that surrounded me. A dense cloud cover obscured the sky and any stars embedded there failed to shine through. The Mina slipped silently out to sea, cutting the oily water with barely a hiss. This was the vampire's realm. Though my ring allowed me to walk in the daylight, my world existed in darkness. It was then, while the sun slumbered, that I hunted, evaded enemies, spewed curses, broke promises, and gave myself over to hate. We had escaped Klaus's minion, but we hadn't defeated him. He and his master were still out there, somewhere, planning on future torture and death for me and Damon. Lexi came up on deck behind me and touched my shoulder. â€Å"We're en route to San Francisco,† she said quietly. â€Å"I've not been there†¦ in a while. But you'll love the fog and dismal weather. Great for brooding.† She gave me a thin smile. â€Å"And I can tell you're going to be quite the brooder.† I leaned against the deck rail. I didn't have the heart to tell her that there would never be a place for me, that I would never fit. And I didn't deserve to, after all the lives I'd ended. The night wind tousled my thick brown hair and Lexi tucked it behind my ear. â€Å"He said an eye for an eye,† I began. â€Å"Yes. Well.† Lexi took a deep sigh and looked serious for a moment, eyes narrowing. â€Å"This is a fast ship and it will take him time to figure out our manifest. Besides the legal cargo of tea and coffee, there's a sizable shipment of opium they're planning to pick up in Frisco. The captain failed to register with the dock master, so it will be a while before anyone figures out where we turn tail to.† â€Å"No. I mean yes, that's good.† I rubbed a sudden spray of water from my eyes. â€Å"But I meant†¦ he killed the people that were supposed to be our wives, because his Katherine was killed.† Lexi nodded, shivering. â€Å"And then he grabbed you†¦ and was going to kill you and me, and probably Damon, in a church, just like Katherine was killed.† Lexi narrowed her eyes. â€Å"I'm not sure I understand where you're going with this.† â€Å"If he was being so particular about whom he killed and in what manner, why didn't he set the place on fire?† Lexi blinked. I saw her work through the logic. She stayed silent for a long time. I couldn't read her eyes, but still I felt embarrassed to be thinking of Katherine at a time like this. â€Å"Stefan,† she began. â€Å"Please listen to me. There are all levels of evil among our kind. From that old thing that commits great atrocities to†¦ minor, horrible little things that exist just for their own pleasure, regardless of whom it hurts. â€Å"Katherine wanted you to become a vampire. And look at the results. Do not weep overmuch for her, Stefan, or search for clues to her death or existence. Let her go. It is truly the best thing you can do.† I turned my head away from her and looked toward the only star bright enough to shine through the cloud cover – the North Star. Katherine was like that star: fixed in place, a silent specter hanging above me, a benchmark against which to measure my progress. No matter my feelings toward her, she had made me, and she would be with me always. â€Å"We're not all evil,† I said, putting my arm around her. â€Å"You're not.† â€Å"I'm a lot older than you,† she said gently. â€Å"And who I am now isn't who I've always been. You're not the only one with things to atone for, Stefan. But I've made a vow to myself to be different.† â€Å"Oh, ugh. Vows.† Damon stumbled onto deck loudly. â€Å"By Our Lord, haven't we made enough vows for a lifetime?† â€Å"The marriages were your idea, not mine,† I pointed out. â€Å"Waah, wahh, I'm a vampire, I had a really great wedding, great champagne, my brother rescued me, and I'm still tortured.† He bounced off the deck rails, palming the smooth wood and propelling himself back to the other side, port to starboard back and forth until he reached us. The untrained eye would have marked him as drunk, but there was a telltale crimson smear in the corner of his lips. He was drunk with our escape, with our rescue, with the lifeblood of some poor cabin boy – but not with drink. Not yet, at least. â€Å"Yes, and speaking of rescues, Margaret†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I prompted. Damon sighed. â€Å"When I confronted her about being able to withstand compulsion, Margaret admitted she was a witch and said she would help me.† â€Å"Just like that?† I asked skeptically. Damon rolled his eyes. â€Å"In return for us leaving New York and never coming back – in her lifetime, at least. And, this is the part that kills me, returning the dowries.† â€Å"Aw, Damon. I'm so sorry,† Lexi said, her sparkling eyes belying her serious tone. â€Å"Your plan to fleece the rich didn't work out. Better luck next time.† She punched him lightly in the shoulder. â€Å"We owe her our lives,† I said seriously. â€Å"She didn't have to help us at all. By all rights, she shouldn't have. The protection spell she cast around her and her husband – do you think it will really keep them safe?† â€Å"I have to believe. Either way, she's a better soul than you lot,† Lexi pronounced. â€Å"And speaking of better souls†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I said, barely suppressing a smile, â€Å"what made you come back and rescue me? I thought you were hell-bent on ‘never forgiving me' and ‘punishing me until the end of my days.'† Damon's blue eyes were veiled. â€Å"Yes. Well, I meant every word. I will never forgive you. I will torture your every living moment.† I shook my head, tamping down the stirring of black rage inside me that wanted to shout to Damon that he may have lost the love of his life, but I lost a life that I loved. And a father, and a home. And a brother. But as quickly as the rage flowed in, it ebbed back out again, leaving me hollow. How could I expect my brother to forgive me for turning him into a vampire when I couldn't forgive myself for it? He had once loved me, as I had once loved Katherine, but I would never, ever forgive her for making me what I was now. Damon took me by the shoulders. â€Å"Besides,† he added, the corners of his lips turning up, â€Å"if anyone is going to kill you, it's going to be me.† Then, without another word, he leaped with vampiric speed to the deck rail itself, balancing without moving a muscle as the boat dipped and rocked in the water, as though he were the ship's figurehead, carved in cold marble. He lifted his hand in salute. â€Å"I'll be seeing you, brother.† Then, before I could even utter his name, he stepped off the rail and plunged into the dark water below. I raced to the edge of the boat and looked at the churning water. But my brother didn't resurface. Lexi and I stood there for what felt like an eternity, until we were so far from shore and sky that it felt as though we were suspended in blackness. Then, when the sun finally peeked its red head over the watery horizon, we went inside the dimly lit cabin to face our future.