Saturday, August 31, 2019

Anthem and Farenheit 451 Essay

Fahrenheit 451 and Anthem Comparison Essay When a person is entrapped within a society that dictates their behaviour, thoughts, and opinions they are unable to grasp the realization of their societies corrupt nature. However, there is always the odd individual who willing and capable of uncovering the truth of their society. In the novels Anthem by Ayn Rand, and Fahrenheit 451, written by Ray Bradbury the main characters of the novels were able to find truth by, forming friendships that are banned by their societies, rebelling against the grain of society to gain knowledge or form ideas, and finding flaws within their societies. Thus proving that, when one seeks truth within the confines of a controlling society it leads to self-discovery because they find the courage to escape. When one seeks truth within the confines of a controlling society by forming friendships that are banned it leads to self-discovery, because they find the courage to escape. For instance, Montag a character form the novel Fahrenheit 451. In the society that he lived in, any types of reading material was considered forbidden. Those who took it upon themselves to embrace the reading material were considered to be just as harmful as the material itself, because it lead people to believe â€Å"all the false promises, all the second-hand notions and time worn philosophies† that people had (Bradbury, 76). However, Montag intentially befriended an elderly man named Faber, who in his younger days, before the revolution, was an English professor. Montag know that Faber was knowledgeable in literature, but he became his friend regardless of this fact because he was curious of the forbidden treasures that his society kept from him. On the other hand Faber was aware of the glorious preachings, concepts, and ideas that literature held, and he was also aware of the error his society was making when it decided to eliminate reading material during its transformation. Although he was conscious of the valuable information that would be lost Faber did not speak out or fight against this decision, in turn he lost one of the most valuable things in his life: â€Å"I’m one of the innocents who could have spoken up and out when no would listen to the ‘guilty,’ but I did not speak and thus became guilty myself†¦ Now it’s too late† (Bradbury, 82). Faber’s misfortune friendship and his non-existent initiative to fight for literature inspired Montag to discover his true self, and his own beliefs that lead him to flee form his society in order to end up regretting the fact that he did not protest for his right to knowledge. Thus showing that by Montag forming a friendship that was not excepted by his society he found the courage to escape. A second example of one finding enough courage to escape a controlling society, because of a banned friendship is Equality 7-2521 of the novel Anthem. In the society in which Equality 7-2521 lives feelings and emotions that one may have towards another are forbidden, because it makes that individual different and unique from others within a society where everyone is to be considered equal. Although this is a main law Equality finds himself being drawn to a young girl by the name of Liberty 7-2000. With his new found attraction Equality 7-2521 reaches out to the girl in hopes of grasping a relationship, and this is exactly what he achieves. The relationship between Equaulity 7-2521 and Liberty 7-2000 helped him discover his true self. It made him realize that he was able to have love for someone else and that there was nothing wrong or improper about the feelings that he was experiencing and that this was not curse but an advantage, one that have him an individual. Equality’s self discovery, gave him the gallantry to escape form his society, because it made him recognize how corrupt and controlling his society was and it also made him realize that the only way he would ever truly be happy is if he were free. Both characters with in the novels Anthem, and Fahrenheit 451 discovered themselves by forming friendships that were not excepted in their society, an din both cases they gained enough courage to escape. Montag’s friendship with Faber inspired Montag to escape and realize his true self only because he was afraid to become what Faber was; a coward, not willing to fight for his beliefs. In contrast, the friendship that Equality 7-2521 and Liberty 7-2000 shared inspired Equality to discover his self, and escape, because he was different and enjoyed being unique from the rest of his society. This shows that although both characters were inspired by friendships, the reasons for their actions, and their self-discovery were different. Thus proving that, when one seeks truth within the confines of a controlling society it leads to self-discovery, because they find the courage to escape. A second factor that must be accounted for is the fact that when one seeks truth within the confines of a controlling by rebelling against the grain of society to form ideas or gain knowledge it leads to self revelation and it gives them the courage to escape. A good example of this is Equality 7-2521. In the novel Anthem Equality seeks and finds truth in his society by discovering a source of energy. The process of Equality’s discovery was very long and strenuous and it consisted of disobeying the rules that were set, on many given nights in order to sneak away and work in his secretive tunnel on his invention. Because of what his society preached, he instilled in his thoughts that he was, â€Å"born with a curse† (Rand, 13). Equality 7-2521 believed this because he was curious about the nature of things and broke rules to explore the world in which he lived. However, when he discovered that he was able to produce a light from a source other than a candle his thoughts and opinions towards himself and his society changed. His society did not want to recognize or accept the new energy that he discovered. The society’s ignorant towards Equality 7-2521’s discovery, that could have changed the way that the society lived and worked angered him. In result it made him discover that he was a unique individual that had thoughts that were far more indepth and surpassed the thoughts of others he was surrounded by. Equality 7-2521’s search to gain knowledge helped him build the strength to escape the controlling society that he lived in because he realized that it and the individuals that it contained were just holding him back form discovering his true self and environment further. Equality 7-2521 sought truth within his society by rebelling against it and forming a new idea and that gave him the strength to escape. In addition, Montag from the novel Fahrenheit 451 was also in search of truth and did so by rebelling against his society and gaining knowledge that resulted in courage to brake free. In the society of this novel people were restrained form reading literature, and to ensure that this law was not broken. It was the job of firefighters to burn and destroy all reading materials. Montag was a perfect example of a firefighter he ignighted books to ensure that the evil teachings that they held would never by absorbed by people of his society, until his curiosity overtook him: â€Å"there must be something in books, things we can’t imagine,†¦ there must be something there† (Bradbury, 51). This interest Montag had in hat his society withheld from it’s people soon overwhelmed him and he found himself rebelling by secretly recovering and protecting book form homes that were being destroyed because of the literature that they contained; â€Å"Montag felt the hidden book pound like a heart against his chest’’ (Bradbury, 39). Not only did Montag rebel by stealing books, but he embraced the knowledge inside. The wisdom that he acquired f rom these sources of knowledge lead him to self-discovery, because he realized the corrupt nature of his society. His society was so corrupt that he no longer wanted to take part and inhibit people form opening and expanding their minds. Montag’s self discovery is evident when â€Å"suddenly the odor of kerosene made him vomit,† although it was once such a great smell that only a true firefighter could love, and he could no longer fulfill his job as a firefighter and be happy (Bradbury, 49). Montag’s new found knowledge gave him the courage to escape because he recognized that if he stayed and continued to be controlled by his society that he would never be able to spread the knowledge and wisdom that he had gained. Both Equality 7-2521 and Montag rebelled within their society’s and in result formed ideas or captured some form of wisdom. Furthermore, both discovered themselves and recognized from their discovery that they needed to break free form their society in order to have freedom and the will to share their advanced knowledge and ideas. Montag and Equality 7-2521 both made discoveries that could have and would have changed the way their society’s functioned and thought. Although, what Montag realized had been recognized by individuals in his society before in contrast to Equality’s newly discovered light source that was unknown to his society. Therefore proving that when one seeks truth within the confines of a controlling society, it leads to self-discovery, because it gives them the courage to escape. The last factor that must be accounted for is the fact that when one presues truth within the confines of a manipulating society by finding flaws within, it leads to self-discovery, because they find the courage to escape. An example of this is Equality 7-2521. The society that he lived in is very narrow minded and believes that conformity is essential in order for all to be content. Their Motto: â€Å"We are one in all and all in one. There are no men but only the great WE, one, indivisible and forever,† is the basis of their ethics, and suppresses them form leading a typical lifestyle. No one within the society of the novel Anthem was permitted to have thoughts, pinions, or ideas of their own. Equality 7-2521 was silenced by the conformity that his society had. Finally he came to the realization that his society’s flaw was depriving him and others of their individuality. This realization gave Equality 7-2521 a better understanding of himself. Him recognizing his society’s flaw gave him the bravery to escape, because he realized that his society would never learn from it mistakes and frailties, and that he needed to take action in order to provide a better and more fulfilling life for himself and others. Therefore, Equality 7-2521 investigation for truth within his society led him to the realization of flaws that it contained, and gave him the courage to escape. In comparison, in the novel Fahrenheit 451 Montag uncovers imperfections within his society, that directed him to discover himself, because it gave him the courage to retreat. The society that Montag lives in confines the population by restraining them from any sort of reading material, in fear that the material will cause people to become unhappy, depressed, or angry, with the information that it consists of: â€Å"We stand against the small tide of those who want to make everyone unhappy with conflicting theory and thought†¦ Don’t let the torrent of melancholy and drear philosophy drown our world† (Bradbury, 62). This quotation proves that this society believes that it is truly making people happy by holding back, and not allowing them to have opinions and thoughts of their own, basically controlling them. Not only does the society of the novel control people by making it known that they can not enjoy the pleasure, and benefits of reading, but they also control them with parlor walls, which are giant televisions that take up an entire living room wall. These walls â€Å"tell you what to think and blasts it in. It must be right. It seems so right. It rushes you on so quickly to its own conclusions your mind hasn’t time to protest† (Bradbury, 84). Montag realizes that this is his society’s major fault, and the reason that they are in desperate attempts of controlling everyone is because they believe and want everyone to be alike: â€Å"We must all be alike. Not everyone born free and equal, as the Constitutions says, but everyone made equal† (Bradbury, 58). Montag’s recognition of his society’s flaw leads him to self-discovery ecause he realizes exactly what his society is doing, and knows that it is not mentally healthy for any individual. Montag breaks free of his society by escaping, because he yearns for the knowledge and independency that his society refuses to provide and except. Both characters apprehend that their society’s have major obstacles that they have to overcome before it could ever become a well functioning and productive society with well functioning individuals. They also escape the societies, because they realize that nothing will ever be done about the blunders that they hold. Furthermore, both Montag, and Equality 7-2521 conceive when free from their past societies that they want to take action, and establish a society of their own. Both societies in the two novels Fahrenheit 451 and Anthem find ways of controlling the humanity that it with hold by molding them into what them want them to be. Thus and thus proving that when one seeks truth within the confines of a controlling society it leads to self-discovery, because they find the courage to escape.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Euthymol Toothpaste

Abstract: In this marketing report, I will analyse our product which call Euthymol toothpaste. Firstly, I am going to describe the background of Johnson and Johnson, Euthymol toothpaste is distributed by this company. After that, I will talk about how we did the survey about this product. Then I am going to focus on the product and analyse it by using secondary research and survey results, it includes product, price, place and promotion. Finally, I will give some suggestions to this product. Introduction: Euthymol toothpaste was marked by Warner-Lambert, but now it is distributed by Johnson and Johnson. J&J is an American public company.It was founded in 1886, there are three founders, they are Rober Wood Johnson, James Wood Johnson and Edward Mead Johnson. The initiative of this company is to encourage people to live healthy and helping the people who care about health, and it has widest health care product in the world. Euthymol toothpaste is an old brand toothpaste, it has strong taste and bright pink color. Most of the consumers are the older people and people who are in the army. On the other hand, there are many people do not like this toothpaste because its taste too strong or other reasons such as the color and the packaging of this toothpaste. Methodology:In my group, there were three people, Aliyu, Yuko and me. We did the survey of Euthymol toothpaste at Middlesex University, Hendon central and Cricklewood lane on 24 November. We have asked 30 people for answering the questionnaire, but 27 people answered it. There are 16 male respondents and 11female respondents. They came from 7 different countries, such as the UK, Japan, China, Canada and so on. Results and Analysis of Marketing Mix: We have done a survey of Euthymol toothpaste and some research on the internet. Now I am going to analyse Euthymol toothpaste by using the results and information of our secondary research from the internet.It includes product, price, place and promotion. Product: Euth ymol toothpaste is an old brand toothpaste, it was marked by Warner-Lambert, and now it is distributed by J&J. Nowadays, it is not a well know brand of toothpaste. From the results, there are 16 (59%) respondents have never used this toothpaste before, so we decided it is at the point of decline in the product life circle. Euthymol toothpaste has different taste and color between other brands of toothpaste. Most of the toothpastes taste like mints and the color is white.Euthymol toothpaste is one of the strongest tastes of toothpaste and there are no mints in it. Its color is bright pink, it makes this toothpaste special. As results of the survey, we can see that most of the respondents (48%) like the taste and color of this toothpaste, and some respondents do not care about them. Euthymol toothpaste has an old-fashion and elegant packaging, because this packaging, it stands out from others toothpaste. We found that from the results, there are 16 (59%)respondents do not like the pac kaging of this toothpaste and 11 (41%) like the packaging. Euthymol toothpaste has some competitor.As results of the survey, we can see that, Colgate toothpaste and Aquafresh toothpaste are the main competitors, especially Colgate. In the results, there are 12 respondents chosen Colgate toothpaste as their favorite toothpaste. It is about 44% of total respondents. Price: 75 ml of Euthymol toothpaste costs about 2 pounds in pharmacy, supermarket and local store, because it sole in different place, so the prices are slightly different. From the survey results, most of the respondents think this price is average. And there 7 respondents think it is cheap and 8 respondents think it is expensive.As this result, we can see most of the respondents would not consider the price when they buy this toothpaste, because it is cheap. For these reasons, we can found out that Euthymol toothpaste is an economy product. Place: Euthymol toothpaste only sold in the UK, it is not a famous brand of tooth paste. It sold in some of the supermarkets, local stores and pharmacy. There are 72% of the respondents usually buy this toothpaste in Pharmacy. It seems not easy to find it in the supermarkets and local stores. Promotion: Euthymol toothpaste has not much promotion such as advertising, sales promotion and direct mail.From the survey results, we can see that advertising is the main promotion of this toothpaste, because there are 13 (50%) respondents know this toothpaste from advertising. And there are 8 (30%) respondents selected other, it means there are quit a lot of people know this toothpaste in other ways. For example, some people started to know this toothpaste from friends’ recommendation. Conclusion: In conclusion, Most of people are satisfied with the taste and the color of this toothpaste, but there 59% of the respondents are not happy with the packaging of this toothpaste.If the company of Euthymal toothpaste wants to share more market, it has to solve packaging pro blem. In my opinion, the best solution is to invent other Euthymol toothpaste, it has different packaging and effects between the original one, so it can keep the old customers and attract new customers. The company did a good pricing of this toothpaste, because there are 10 people think this price of this toothpaste is average, even there are 8 people think it is cheap. The place and the promotion are the weaknesses of this toothpaste. Most of people think it is hard to find it in supermarket and local store. 2% of the respondents usually buy it in Pharmacy. I suggest that, this toothpaste should be sold in every supermarket, because people like shopping in supermarket. It could be the way to increase sales of this toothpaste. The other problem is the promotion, many people did not know what Euthymol toothpaste it is, Because they cannot see any promotion of this toothpaste now, such as advertising and billboard. The company should do more promotion on this toothpaste such as buy o ne get one free and advertising on TV and so on. It is the best way to let people getting to know Euthymol toothpaste and makes it popular.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Resource Management - Essay Example The use of the World Wide Web as a medium of communication has played a key role in dissolving the national and regional boundaries. The rise of information technology has brought with it the concepts of terms like outsourcing. It has also led to people and ideas coming together closer. Despite globalization being considered as a feature that intends to convert the entire world into a single global village, it has some negative effects as well. The spread of globalization has also adversely affected the trade interests of the poorer nations. Globalization has also lead to spread of many infectious diseases which may have been quarantined if the feature was absent. The term globalization was first coined in the year 1980. Globalization since then has been cited by different people in many ways. Gordon (1995) concluded that there are three distinct and different meanings of the term â€Å"globalization†. He also stated that these three terms have separate implications and meanings for different sections of the society. The three meanings are Multi-nationalization, Internationalization and Trans-nationalization. Multi-nationalization is defined as a phenomenon in which business houses tend to locate their business units in different nations with the help of information technology aided tools like internet and e-commerce. Internationalization is a term which refers to the expansion of the businesses of a firm into different and diverse geographical regions cutting across national boundaries. Trans-Nationalization is defined as a term which is better known as strategic alliance in which two or more business organizations from diverse countr ies share their experiences and expertise to develop new services and products on a joint basis. (Ashford, NA. n.d.). He also stated the role of information technology towards bringing about globalization. Information technology has brought with it tools like internet and e-commerce which have wiped away national and regional

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Production and Growth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Production and Growth - Essay Example On the other hand, explaining differences relating to growth and productivity among countries around the world required significant understanding of their determinants. It also important to note that, growth rates among different countries around the world are not constant; in fact, they are highly dynamic (Zhihua and Kai, 4). Moreover, countries that are considered poor are not destined to a state of poverty; for instance, countries such as Singapore had low incomes during 1960, but currently her incomes have significantly increased. Therefore, economic stability of a country is not taken for granted since; there are increased chances of being overtaken by other poorer countries that are growing more rapidly. FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTIVITY AND GROWTH GDP and income in a country increases due to workers’ productivity, thereby leading to increased living standards for the citizens. Productivity and growth rate in a given country is also facilitated by technological knowledge si nce it enhances the production process. Furthermore, in order to understand productivity and growth in a country, human capital is understood based on perspective through which people contribute to expansion of knowledge acquired in the field of production. Furthermore, there is need to understand policies, which influence determinants of growth in a country. Some of these growth determinants include international trade, health, nutrition, health, property rights and political instability and others; In fact, it is also vital to understand investment, savings and the policies that affect them. Output per unit labor is also one of the major determinants of living standards among citizens in a country. Therefore, the discussion in this paper focuses on comparing productivity in different countries depending on physical and human capital per worker, and natural resources. Moreover, evaluation of growth among different countries is based in technological advancement, which improves livi ng standards. INCOMES AND GROWTH AROUND THE WORLD Rates of growth among countries across the world are highly dynamic due to numerous underlying factors. Therefore, numerous changes occur over a period of time, whereby poor countries acquire chances of improving their productivity and growth to an extent of surpassing other countries. On the other hand, decisions made by various political actors in a given country can affect their growth negatively or positively; thus, leading to decline or increase of productivity. The graphs below show GDP per captial during 2009 and growth rate from 1970 up to 2009 for different countries in order to compare their growth and productivity rates. DETERMINANTS OF PRODUCTIVITY Physical Capital per worker (K/L) In any country, the physical capital refers to the tools and machinery used for production and infrastructure such as roads and ports, which facilitates mobilization of factors of production. In fact, physical capital is an attribute of growth and productivity in a given country since it is applied in production of output. However, there is a profound difference between physical capital and technology since it constrained, thereby being used by particular workers. In this case, productivity and growth is caused by substantial difference in physical capital between developed and developing countries. For instance, a survey conducted in 2000

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Two choose one. will upload later Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Two choose one. will upload later - Essay Example Internationalization, as a key current business trend is vital is promoting political reforms based on diverse perspectives. Further internationalization of business has environmental and political impacts. This paper provides a succinct discussion of the economic, political, social, and environmental implications of internationalization of business. Internationalization may be in diverse forms. A business can opt for foreign or direct investments in a foreign country and set up its subsidiaries from which it operations. A business may opt to form partnerships or business arrangements with interest business in a foreign country. It may involve allocation of subcontracts to foreign businesses or experts. It may also involve a business entity’s participation in foreign networks. Internationalization of business has accelerated economic progress in less-industrialized countries compared to any other development factor according to Penrose (1956). An example is the case of General Motors (GM). The firm started in Australia in 1926 and operated in the country until 1954. After 1954, the firm had plans to expand to other markets. In essence, GM’s operations in foreign markets outside Australia promoted industrial development, both in Australian and foreign destination markets. Growth of foreign investments through internationalization of firms contributes to economic progress. Hymer, Cohen and Dennis, 1979,  address the internationalization of capital by multinational corporations. Multinational corporations may engage in three key aspects. First, the can engage in capital movements across different countries. Second, multinational corporations can engage in capitalist production. The third aspect is engagement in international governments. All the three are vital to promoting economic progress by multinational corporations through internationalization of capital (Williamson, 1981). Improvement in

Monday, August 26, 2019

Disability and education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Disability and education - Essay Example The most eminent AS characteristics include, Seizures, which start showing at the age of 2 to 3 years affecting approximately 80% of all children experiencing AS (Clayton-Smith, 2010). Speech impairment, which ranges from little to no words at advanced stages. Consequently, this forces some victims end up using gestures or picture communication systems while conversing with other people (Clayton-Smith, 2010). In adult stage, people experiencing AS usually develop facial distinct features commonly described as â€Å"coarse† Victims of this disorder exhibit hyperactivity and in some cases stiff limbs, which become hindrance to their mobility. Sleep disorder. Imbalance state especially when one is walking or trying to undertake certain personal tasks. Exuberant behavior coupled with happy demeanor (Dan, 2009). b. Incidence/prevalence Studies so far contacted cite AS is among the rarest diseases not only in US but also globally. Its prevalence is about one person in every populati on ranging from 12,000 to 20,000 people (Panayiotopoulos, 2010). However, this prevalence only represents estimates because the disorder’s exact data up to date is still unknown. ... d. Etiology Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a disorder normally caused by the anomalous functioning of the UBE3A gene, located on chromosome number 15. A child inherits a copy of the gene from each parent. The two copies are active in nearly all the body tissues but only the gene replica attained from the mother is active in the brain. The disorder occurs due to four major genetic mechanisms, which include chromosome 15q11 –q13 deletion. It involves deletion of a very small piece of DNA missing from the chromosome. The number of Angelman Disorder due to deletion range from 65% to 75% and the risk of recurrence rate being 1 %(Cassidy & Allanson, 2011). The second mechanism is the paternal uniparental disomy (UPD) whereby the patient posses two copies of the chromosome 15 and no copy of the same chromosome from the mother. The number of AS cases due to UPD accounts for 3 to 5 %of all reported cases where chances of recurrence is below 1 percent. The third mechanism encompasses Imprint ing Center (IC) mutations, which account for about 7% to 9% of the reported AS cases and has a significant recurrence of 50%. The IC works like a switch. It turns on the UBE3A gene copy inherited from the mother while at the same time turns off the copy of the gene inherited from the father in the central nervous system tissues. The fourth mechanism is the UBE3A mutations. It occurs irregularly in patients suffering from it and accounts for an approximately 6% to 20% of the total AS cases. Normally, the risk of recurrence is less than 1% but increases to 50% if the mother of the affected person has the UBE3A mutation on her inherited paternal chromosome 15. However, in

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Government is a Trust Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Government is a Trust - Essay Example These needs can be very different. People depend on the government to provide a good infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and utilities. They also depend on the government to provide a good and stable economy that can provide jobs and housing. Education is an important need that the government helps to fulfill, and the judicial system establishes laws to protect the people. These things are provided for the whole of the people, not just groups or individuals. But the government also provides needs to groups and individuals. Elderly people in the United States depend on the government for Social Security and Medicare to help them survive their senior years. The poor rely on the government to assist them with money, food, and housing when needed so that they too can live. The trustees of the government are those who are elected by the people. They are endowed with a very important responsibility because their mission is to take the money and services that the Trust contains and be sure that it is distributed properly so that it does indeed benefit all the people who need it. These trustees also have the responsibility of appointing people in the judicial branch of the government, who will make decisions that affect the lives of the people. But beyond providing tangible needs for the people, the government and its trustees must also provide intangible elements such as tru

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Additional products offering that foreign bank could offer once CNAPS Research Paper

Additional products offering that foreign bank could offer once CNAPS has been implemented - Research Paper Example As with HVPS, BEPS caters to both in-city and cross-city transactions. Sending and receiving banks with direct membership in and connectivity to CNAPS will be able to process and receive inward collections in a real time and straight-through process. After the implementation of CNAPS, a foreign bank will be able to offer additional services that would be faster, and even offer real-time transactions. The bank may offer services in investments, though it may be hindered by limitations set by local regulations. Such services may include local currency contract saving, local currency or foreign currency call deposits,local or foreign currency time deposits, and treasury products like structure deposits. The bank may also offer in-city and cross-city local currency payments through CNAPS and alliance banks. In addition to that, in terms of receivables, the bank may offer shorter receivables collection cycles and provide information for reconciliation. This solution will allow customers to outsource their accounts receivable reconciliation and management to the

Evaluation of Cheryl Beck's Postpartum Depression Theory using 2 Essay

Evaluation of Cheryl Beck's Postpartum Depression Theory using 2 methods - Essay Example It is full of evolving and receding paradigms. The new millennium has brought us forward into a new era of Nursing – the Socialization of era of Nursing Science. Thus the 21st century saw monumental changes taking place in Nursing. In lieu of this, an extensive and comprehensive research on â€Å"The Postpartum Theory of Depression† was carried out by Cheryl Beck (1993) (Beck, Reynolds and Rutowski) and they built a background with strong analysis to support it. They soon had a theory on Postpartum Depression. They followed a specific theory approach which was used to formulate this theory. The sole aim and purpose of this theory was to provide enlightenment and insight into Postpartum Depression. The various stages or concepts of Beck’s theory (1993) was defined in different ways, such as – This theory was implemented in the nursing sector and was used to alert nurses on the incidence, recurring and impact of Postpartum Depression. Beck stressed the importance for the need to identify new mothers and render assistance to those suffering from Postpartum Depression through various support groups (Beck, et al., ) Though Beck’s theory is relatively new, still it has been implemented and used in a number of Nursing Studies. The concept of Postpartum Depression (Beck, 1995, 1998) was further examined by carrying out a meta- analysis to test and document its efficacy. The information gathered from the Meta analysis (Beck and Gable 2000) served as a basis which led to the development of the â€Å"Postpartum Screening Scale† to enhance detection of this particular disorder. This tool was then used by nurses in their studies. Clemmens, Driscol and Beck, 2004 took a survey after using this tool on 150 mothers and reported data which determined that the tool was effective in identifying and diagnosing those mothers with Postpartum Depression. Walker and Avant in their book on growth and evolution on the philosophy of nursing theory give us a

Friday, August 23, 2019

Compare and contrast ideas developed in Crime and Punishment, and The Essay

Compare and contrast ideas developed in Crime and Punishment, and The Trial - Essay Example In The Trial, by Franz Kafka, the defendant, K, is put through an ordeal that has no meaning attached to it because his crime is not revealed to him. The nature of crime is in the knowledge of it, but often the concept of crime is divorced from society through an inability for the people within a society to connect to it. Crime can be defined, then, as the acts of individuals that are against the desires of the authority and elite of society. The nature of crime is controversial. According to Henry and Lanier (2001), when asked about the nature of crime one of the burning questions is whether or not a crime is a crime if the law that designates it a crime is repealed. There was a time when racially motivated actions, domestic abuse, and white collar crimes were not designated as crime through law. Did this mean that they were not crimes? If it was legal to beat one’s wife, was it criminal to do so? By defining crime through strictly law structured contexts, then anything not d efined as illegal is not a crime. The definition of crime is then seen as something that defies a law. Crime can be defined by looking at the context of an action as well. ... Few, however, would define theft of food as anything other than a crime. Taking resources that belong to someone else is considered theft, even when one party has abundance and the other is in need. Defining crime is important because, as Henry and Lanier (2001) write, â€Å"policy decisions concerning social control are made based on a particular definition of crime† (p. 1). An example can be seen through defining what is considered to be a right within a society. In American society there are no rights to food, shelter, or health care. In other societies there are a number of rights afforded to human beings through various structures that entitle them to those rights. If someone were denied health care in the United Kingdom where healthcare is socialized it might be considered a crime under the right circumstances. In the United States, if a doctor refuses to see a patient who cannot pay it is simply considered good business. Crime, then, is defined by the social priorities of a society as they address their beliefs and needs in relationship to how they structure their law. There are a number of approaches through which law is addressed. The first is through the consensus view of crime. This view suggests that crime is defined by what all members of a society designate as criminal. Victimless crimes, such as drug abuse, are defined as crime because the belief systems in society have determined that such an act deserves attention by the courts and is criminal. Society chooses to address the actions of people that are believed to be harmful, even when harm is individual. The conflict view sees society of a number of groups that are in conflict with one another. In this case â€Å"Criminal laws†¦are viewed as acts created to protect the haves from the

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Should Children Be Tried as Adults Essay Example for Free

Should Children Be Tried as Adults Essay There is a saying â€Å"If you do the crime, you must do the time†. But does that apply to children. Should children be tried as adults?. While some people praise this as a means of stopping young offenders before they start on a â€Å"career† of crime, others find it very inappropriate and unjust. This paper will examine questions, pros and cons of whether children should be tried as adults. Discussion I will view both sides to whether children should be tried as adults. The rate of murders by juveniles and children has skyrocketed across the country. There are many people who feel that children should be tried as adults due to the popular saying â€Å"If you do the crime, you must do the time†. According to many sources it is believed that it will make them understand the consequences of their actions and deter them from committing any further crimes. However, there is also the view that many individuals feel that Children should not be tried as adults. They should be nurtured and protected rather than completely responsible and punished for their crime. Children/juveniles it said that they do not possess the emotional maturity to control their impulse, or to fully understand the consequences to their actions. Therefore stating that their brains are not to be developed and can in neither way nor fashion adds up to an adults, making an exception. The truth of the matter is who is right and who is wrong? Both have valid points as to why not have the child tried and why not just seek other means besides having a child tried. This is a debate that will continue with time. In conclusion my view is that kids should not be tried as adults at age 7 but should be giving help. I feel that more facilities that are not an adult based would be more sufficient. Because really no one knows all the reason why kids commit crimes it could be they were bullied, having psychological problems at home or school. The possibilities are endless if reasons I think that juveniles need to be charged as adults, they are so close to adulthood that they know what they are doing more so a little child.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Liquefied Natural Gas Lng Economics Essay

Liquefied Natural Gas Lng Economics Essay Liquefied Natural Gas forecasts are highly-structured and capital intensive in order to protect the investment return that projects developers conventionally covered all their future LNG. The past years have witnessed a dramatic development in LNG industry which is under metaphases from an infant towards a maturing industry with the ongoing process of slackening in the world market, LNG plays an increasingly important role in meeting the rapid gas demand worldwide by offering its merits of diversification and flexibility for securing gas supply of price signals cross isolated regions. According to BP 2010 So far, LNG accounts for 30.5% of world trade volume and the figure is expected to be growing. Over the past five years it has became acceptable industry practice for even contractually committed LNG with a specified destination to be diverted to another market with mutual agreement of both the seller and the buyer. The financial incentives to benefit from market in efficiency and regional supply-demand motivated market players to allow ad-hoc cargo diversions, sharing the profit resulting from the arbitraging between the respective parties. With a careful study of the process of arbitrage from school of thought: Prof. Dr. Hasret B. and others; I have been privileged to understand the nature of LNG and why is not neglected. This same study put up a questions: who are the arbitrageurs, what are the constraints and limitations they fall, and why arbitrage can fail to bring prices close to the fundamental value which implied by standard models. However, the focus of this article on the nature of LNG arbitrage and its theoretical growth in global markets reveals theoretical development within a simple model and also suggest directions for future research. According to Zhurravleva (2009), he pointed out why the LNG project is still in existence In 2007, the Equatorial Guinea LNG project sold its entire LNG output on a FOB (Freight On Board) basis to BG for 15 years, without incorporating a destination clause in the contract. Now what she actually meant here is that the business has enabled the buyer (BG) to divert the cargoes and act as aggregators (arbitrageur), effective and monetizing their delivery. Other significant sources of flexible cargoes are Qatar, Trinidad and Tobago, Algeria and Egypt. The classic destination and the availability of non-committed shipping capacity are not the only barrier towards the LNG arbitrage rather than other factors such as; technical and market restrictions, high transaction costs which hinder LNG diversions. The significance of these barriers varies overtime and differs from market to market; however it is important to understand the aforementioned theoretical importance and the extent to which they may constrain the development of the global LNG arbitrage market. Therefore with a clear observations of The Unique Features of the LNG Shipping Market: A Study of Ship-owners Structure and Fleet Distribution by Wang, S. et al 2011; a common assumption refers to the spending race in which high frequency traders employ LNG trading to execute orders as fast as possible in other to gain an edge in trading. This is because LNG arbitrage was viewed as natural conventional evolution that eventually would translate into more efficiency in the market place as the speed down to all investors in the markets. The past years of a close witness of how LNG industry put up a dramatic development still remain green in my mind till today. This because I was present creating inspirations with mine Late Timothy O. Anyanwu.; he gave breath to me and nurtured me towards the business in sub-region at Enugu, Nigeria. From a clear concept of it is being characterised with a high-structured and capital intensive one which is tied with a long-term contracts for years or more. He maximized a transparent and profitable annual return for Oando Nigeria Plc till present. 1.2 LITRATURE REVIEW With the general growth of LNG arbitrage research in business and financial project sectors, it would be glare to put a distinct relationship or differences between a considerable attention I recent years. In some research attempts to go beyond the project assumptions about how is being created for several years, they focused on point of context from one point of view which uses conversation analysis, such as LNG arbitrage, barrier and other interactional features. It inter-related some research which has focused only on the description of differences, other work has shown clearly how LNG projects reflect and reproduce financial differences. Accordingly, Zhuravleva (2009) pointed that the significant of barriers towards LNG varies overtime and differ from market to market. He pointed also that is important and to the extent to which they may constrain to the development of the global LNG arbitrage market. According to Mazighi (2003) considered that the globalization of LNG markets requires four conditions to be met; the natural, the economic, the technical and the institutional conditions. Much of the earlier work emphasized dominance. Neuhoff Hirchhausen (2008) suggested that assets-specific investments and uncertainty along with the LNG supply chain imply high transaction costs. He went further to point that long-term contracts can however help to minimize the transaction costs for two parties engaging in the commitment. According to an empirical analysis of Ruester (2006) it showed that in response to market deregulation, vertical integration was driven by upstream producers moving downstream with ownership of transportation capacities to exploit arbitraging possibilities and distribution and power companies moving upstream to ensure margins and security of supply. While some of the more popular work of this type, such as Jensen (2004), there are some potential similarities between the oil market and the natural gas market, however the way a global LNG market will set up is found to be different. The high cost of LNG transportation is one of the main reasons preventing the LNG market to be as flexible as oil market. He went further to point out that; long-term contracts in LNG have been the vehicle for sharing the large up-front investment risk characterize LNG projects, the short-term trading had been growing fast in recent years given the declining costs along the supply chain, the growing diversity of supply sources and loosening of the conventional rigid industry structure. Thus, the long term contract still remains a mainstay of international trade, and the growth of short-term trade volume and price arbitrage are limited accordingly. Although Zhuravleva (2009) distinction is clearly a useful one, it is also seems evident that the some useful approaches are by no means mutually exclusive. While is important on one hand, therefore, it is important to focus on the development of LNG arbitrage even when there is constrains. It also pointed out some conversation support on (P.2) clearly there is scope with great deal to expand in the area of this topic research Is based on embryonic stage of development Establish more insight on a clear formation of LNG arbitrage. Distinguish between LNG arbitrage with other trade activities relating to LNG markets. 1.3 METHODOLOGY This article is based on primary research. It involves three components: online questionnaires, interviews, mine experience in the business in Nigeria and feedback from the presentations of the research referring to Zhuravleva (2009) Oxford Institute of Energy Studies (OIES) The target group for the research was carefully selected to provide an informed range of insight. Thus, among the participant were natural gas and LNG traders, leading independent consultants, senior figures from several of the major energy companies and publishers of LNG journals and bulletins. The surveys sample size is relatively small due to the highly specialized nature of the topic, the dearth of trusted specialists in the LNG arbitrage trade and the difficulty in accessing experts. Nevertheless, the profiles and experience gathered by mine self and the participants were representative of the best in the sector. The data for the qualitative analysis was obtained with the help of the online questionnaires. When all the responses were collected, each participant were interviewed to assist in the qualitative analysis of the data. 2.1 Defining LNG Arbitrage Arbitrage is defined as the simultaneous purchase and sale of the same tangible goods in two different markets for advantageous purpose of different prices; but here such arbitrage required no capital and entails no risk Thus, referring to LNG arbitrage it means a physical cargo diversion from one market to another or re-experts of cargoes to spot gas market in markets in which gas prices are as much as high that covers the costs and profit remains. According to Zhuravleva (2009) defined LNG arbitrage as a physical cargo diversion from one market to another, which offers a higher price. He explained further that the diversion of the cargo can be regarded as arbitrage if the cargo was initially committed to the first market and to the initial buyer in a commercial contract. Two key drivers for arbitrage are commercial and operational. Commercial Driver: This is the ability to take advantage of price differential between the markets, which arise due to differing pricing structures, variations in the relative balances between supply and demand and market inefficiency. Operational Driver: This is the financial lose minimization in case of plant outages overfill storage tanks or force. However, advocates of unique world market for gas has to take into account that arbitrage are costly, and thus can lead only in some convergence of prices between different regional markets but not to the full price. According to Ikonnikova (2009), it makes the market flexible option and allows market players to benefits from arbitrage opportunity playing on price differential across regional market. 2.2 Models of LNG Arbitrage These are the three main models used in LNG trading; Models I: Seller Arbitrage: Here seller and buyer are used to indicate the seller of LNG cargo and the buyer of the LNG cargo. Initial buyer is the customer for whom the LNG has been initially contacted, while End Buyer is the purchaser of the diverted LNG. Model II: Initial Buyer Arbitrage: This model points out that the initial buyers market prices remain stable due to players profits from the arbitrage and replaces the LNG by spot cargoes later. Commonly used by Spanish Importers. Model III: Independent Trader Arbitrage: In this model another player called Independent Trader appears in the transaction. He buys the cargo from the initial buyer (Seldom from LNG Seller) and gets the right to divert the cargo to another customer offering a higher price. E.g., Garpron and Gas De France 2004. 2.3 Barriers to the Growth of LNG Arbitrage in Global Market After a qualitative analysis from the questionnaires of this article, the growth of the LNG arbitrage market implies an increase in the number of arbitrage transactions annually and the increase in the volumes that are being diverted one market to another. They are more than 12 barriers towards the growth of LNG arbitrage in global market but few will be mentioned here. They are as follows; The Price Differential Between Markets is Not Great Enough: Price spread must be great enough to cover the transaction costs and be a sufficient incentive for the aggregator, who often has to share the profit with another party. Without a price spread that allows the trader to profit, no arbitrage transaction will take place. Small Number of Players in the LNG Market: If two buyers are present for transaction in market then an arbitrage deal should be potentially possible. But they are rarely scarce for transaction. Lack of Price Transparency: Lack of price transparency complicates arbitrage trade and demand quickness of wit and good connections between the traders. In relations to countries involved in LNG trade, the US and UK gas market are the most transparent and liquid in the world while in continental European gas market where LNG is important Spain, France and Belgium. 3.1 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS With clear evidence on todays LNG world, it has been argued that it will drive the world markets for natural gas from region to unique world price but with a qualitative observation, the growing role of LNG arbitrage opportunities between countries differ from each other. And at the same time, the price gap between countries also differs because of its landing cost (transportation cost). We suggest a positive recommendation which could guide the global world at large which is UNIFORMITY in terms of LNG arbitrage operation. More research need to be done to enable expand this article aforementioned toward; its embryonic growth development, clear formation of LNG arbitrage and trade activities relating to LNG markets. REFERENCES Billingsley, R. (2005), Understanding Arbitrage: An Intuitive Approach to Financial Analysis. Wharton School Publishing, US BP Statistical Review, 2010. Chabrelie, M. (2003) A new trading model for the fast-changing LNG industry, first Asia Gas Buyers Summit. Clarkson research services (2010) Report of LNG Trade and Transport 2010. Facts Global Energy (2008), East West LNG Pricing Comparison: New Trends. New Frontiers, And Future Price Markets, Presented at Gastech, March 12th 2008, Bangkok, Thailand. Ikonnikova S., 2009, Strategic model of LNG arbitrage: analysis of LNG trade in Atlantic Basin, in 32nd International Association for Energy Economics Conference Proceedings. Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (2008), Natural Gas and LNG Supply/Demand Trends in Asia Pacific and Atlantic Markets. Tokyo, Japan. Jensen, J.T. (2004), The Development of a Global LNG Market. Oxford: Alden Press. Neuhoff, K., von Hirchhausen, C., (2005) Long-term vs. Short-term Contracts: A European Perspective on Natural Gas. Ruster, S., and Neumann, A., (2006) Corporate Strategies along the LNG Value Added Chain An Empirical Analysis of the Determinants of Vertical Integration. Wang, s., Notteboom, Theo E. (2011). The Unique Features of The LNG Shipping Market: A study Of ship-owners Structure And Fleet Distribution. Paper presented at IAME 2011, Santiago de Chile, 25-28 October 2011.World Bank Commodity Price Data, March, 2012. Zhuravleva. P. The Nature of LNG Arbitrage, and an Analysis of the Main Barriers for the Growth of the Global LNG Arbitrage Market, Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, NG 31, June 2009. TABLE OF CONTENTS Cover Page i Abstract ii Key words ii I.1: INTRODUCTION 1 : LITERATURE REVIEW 4 : METHODOLOGY 5 2.1: DEFINING LNG ARBITRAGE 6 Commercial Driver 7 Operational Driver 7 2.2 Models of LNG Arbitrage 8 2.2.1 Model I: Seller Arbitrage 8 2.2.2 Model II: Intial Buyer Arbitrageur 8 2.2.3 Model III: Independent Trader Arbitrage 9 2.3 Barriers to the Growth of LNG Arbitrage Global Market 9 3.1 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 9

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Effect Of The Peloponnesian War On Greek Art

Effect Of The Peloponnesian War On Greek Art In this lecture the topic of Greek art and the Peloponnesian War will be discussed. The Peloponnesian War lasting from 432-400 BC did have an effect on Greek art, and for that reason, it should be referred to by separating and marking a major break in the history of Greek art. The division should portray where the war changed Classical art and how it shifted away from the Classical standard or ideal. One must also understand that although there is a break in style and composition from the Classical ideal, it never completely vanishes, nor does it ever completely perpetuate through history. This lecture will talk about what the Classical ideal means, what was the Peloponnesian War; it will focus on the art of sculpture, and then briefly touch upon later works of art that followed the Fourth Century to get a better understanding of why the Classical form continues to be part of Greek history and even contemporary history. CLASSICAL IDEAL Perhaps the best way to examine how there exist a break between the High Classical 450 to 430 BC and the Late Classical 430 to 400 BC periods, the time of the Peloponnesian War, is to clarify what constitutes the Classical ideal style in sculpture. Then, one can examine how the later periods moved away from this ideal. The development of the Classical style originated from as early as the end of the Archaic period, however, the basis for the ideal form was not fashioned until the period of High Classical art and architecture. Made famous by Pericles, the elected leader of the Athenian military until his death in 429 BC, the Parthenon became the symbol of Athens and High Classical art. Pericles plan for the Parthenon was to propagate unity of the Greek Empire and to have Athens as its leader and demonstrate the power that came with winning the war against the Persians. The message spread was clear; the Parthenon was built to remember Athenian victory over the uncivilized Persians and as a symbol for self-confidence and admiration. In Greek Art and Archaeology John Pedley describes Pericles views: The exceptional character of the democracy was at the bottom of Perikles belief in Athens, according to Thucydides, who has him speak in the following terms: We are a democracy in which a citizen is advanced as a reward of merit; a spirit of reverence pervades our public acts; we love the beautiful; we cultivate the mind; Athens is the school of Hellas. For Perikles, the Parthenon may have stood as an emblem of the democracy and as an instrument for the education of Greece. It is this attitude and way of thinking, as well as the physical forms of the architecture of the Parthenon that brought about the idea of the perfect model. Polycleitos of Argos is considered responsible for the construction of the standard form in sculpture. He is famous for his Canon, which illustrates the forms of symmetria, or commensurability, through actual proportions and set measures for the human body in sculpture. Although, much of the Canon is lost and none of his bronze sculptures survive there is still evidence in numerous Roman copies of his work. The most popular copies are those of the Doryphoros [4] or the spear bearer. The structure of the Doryphoros is what makes is unique compare to earlier sculptures, like the Kritios Boy. The form of Polycleitos work shows what might have been written in his Canon; a walking stance, distant stare, and contrapposto composition all aligned by symmetria. According to Pedley, the walking stance is categorized as such because of the way one leg is raised, thus the weight of the body goes to the other leg as if about to step forward. The expression on the face is still distant and relaxed, like those figures found in the Parthenon. The contrapposto, formed by raising the hip with the leg bearing the weight and slightly skewing the shoulders, creates a balance between tense forms and relaxed one. The balance of the body as well as the detail of the bone and muscle, sinew and vein, and hair and flesh help create the ideal shape of the human body. It all works with the proper application of proportionality created by Polycleitos, which strives for an element of perfection. This is the structure and composition one must keep in mind when thinking of the Classical ideal. PELOPONNESIAN WAR Some may say that in examining works of art from the start of Classical ideal to the beginning of the Fourth Century, which is from the time of the Parthenon all the way to 400 BC, there is continuity in style and form. However, if one reads about the war that lasted for thirty years between Athens and Sparta one might begin to see the design and construction of a new form of art in relevance with what was happening between the periods of 430-400 BC. Therefore, it would be better to break down the classical period into separate parts, thus having a split between High Classical period 480-450 BC and the Fourth Century, called the Late Classical period when the Peloponnesian War occurred. Donald Kagan in his book The Peloponnesian War, talks about the conflicts and battles prior, during and after the war. The war between Athens and Sparta started from conflicts between cities and alliances. For many years prior Athens and Sparta had been rivals, but neither wished to go to war with each other, for different reasons. Sparta was afraid that if they left their land to fight at Athens other major states, like Argos, and their helot subordinates would attack their weakened city and form a rebellion against them. And self-confident Athens just had won the war against the Persians, and thus wanted no more quarrels. Nonetheless, their reluctance did not stop either of the states from forming alliances. The Peloponnesian League, or the Spartan Alliance, was majorly formed by Sparta, Elis, Megara, and Mantinea and sometimes Thebes and Corinth. The Athenian alliance is modernly called the Delian League, formed by the region of Attica and surrounding islands; though some regions maintained autonomous. Nevertheless, these allies soon became the great Greek Empire with Athens as its leader and Sparta did not like this. Prior to the outbreak of the major war in 432 BC there were shorter yet significant conflicts and battles with different states from both leagues. For example, when Magara and Corinth went to war the Spartans denied Magaras request for help against Corinth, and instead asked Athens for help. Athens knowing that an alliance with Magara would be a great advantage agreed to help. However, that decision created hostility from Corinth against Athens, which will play a greater role in future conflicts. Donald Kagan explains that this first war ended when the Magarians defected from the Athenian alliance and returned to the Peloponnesian League, opening the way for the Spartan king Pleistoanax to lead a Peloponnesian army into Attica. But at the end Sparta retreated perhaps due to Pericles offer for a peace treaty. The treaty recognized Spartas hegemony on the mainland and Athens in the Aegean both accepted the dualism into which the Greek world had been divided. Also, it reassured that sta tes already in the alliances of the two parties could not change sides once in a league, like Magara had done and neutral states could choose either side. There were still some conflicts through the years always threatening Athens and Spartas treaty, but the two state leaders maintained peace for as long as they could. It was not until the war between Corinth and Corcyra over Epidamnus, according to Kagan, that the matter became more complicated. Corcyra, a neutral state at the time asked Athens for their aid against Corinth. Corinth tried to convince Athens that if they accepted that it would be a breach of the peace treaty for Corinth would have to ask Sparta to join as well. Both Sparta and Athens were hesitant of joining either party, but at the end Athens did accept Corcyras request, with the condition that it would only be defensive aid; Sparta denied Corinth. But Corinths continued to seek vengeance and tried to convince Sparta to get involved. In addition Athens had passed a decree barring the Megarians from the harbors of the Athenian Empire and from the Athenian agora, and scholars believe it was a device intended as a delibe rate provocation to war, a statement of defiance to the Peloponnesian League, an attempt to enrage the Spartans into violating the treaty. No matter the reasons after many negotiations and deliberation Sparta and Athens waged war. It was a war that lasted too long and cost Athens many losses along with some victories. The overall effect of the war left Athens destroyed, divided, demoralized and with limited resources. The plague also took about a third of the Athenian population including its most admired leader, Pericles; bringing new politicians and therefore new strategies to the war accordingly. But it was when the Persians joined the Peloponnesian League that Athens completely fell. Although, around 403 BC when Sparta left Athens and a new democracy was reinstated, Athens was never the same, as it was during its High Classical period. This realization and devastation left a mark on the formerly confident Greek psyche, consequently revealing itself through art. SCULPTURES For the rest of this lecture sculptures of the Late Classical through the Fourth Century will be discussed in terms of how it shifted to a different form of expression and style from the Classical standard, and one will examine other popular mediums of art which rose in popularity at the end of the Late Classical and early Fourth Century. Portraits of busts from the Late Classical period will be compared to those of the early Fourth Century. These two portraits are, respectively, a Herm with Portrait Bust of Perikles (Roman copy) [1] and Double portrait of Sophocles and Aristophanes [2] and [3]. In terms of contrasting body sculptures the Statue of Ares from approximately 430 BC [5] and the Nike by Paionios, in original [6] and [7] and reconstructed forms [8], from about 420-10 BC will be evaluated. In addition to the latter work certain trends in art will be mentioned which relate to the psychological toll of the Pelopennesian War perceived in some work of art. Statues barring simil arities to the Nike by Paionios will be analyzed; these include the Statue of Aphrodite [9] and Victory: Akroterion [10]. Then, later artist from late Fourth Century to the Hellenistic period, like Proxiteles, Skopas and Lysippos will demonstrate where the transition in style after the Peloponnesian War resonated and continued to grow after the fall of Athens. PORTRAITS The Herm with the portrait bust of Pericles is a Roman copy of its Greek 431 BC bronze said to be made by Kresilas, a native of Crete but who worked mainly in Athens. He follows the patterns of the idealistic shape. He is described by Pliny to have the skill of which can make famous men even more famous. This is a good example of the ideal expression that is found in figures at the Acropolis. It is ideal, young, and tranquil and it does not show the heavy responsibility that the general Pericles has to carry. The helmet represents who he is and his importance as a leader. On the other hand there is the Double portrait of Sophocles and Aristophanes also a Roman copy but from the early fourth century. There is a distinct contrast between these two portraits, and this is to represent how far apart these two styles separate in a short period of time. The ideal face of Pericles perhaps was used more to send a message that he is ideal for the job that has been entrusted in him and could ha ve been frequently replicated in large numbers and distributed throughout [his] respective [states]. But the faces of the writers Sophocles and Aristophanes are more realistic, showing their furrowed brows and wrinkled forehead, as if they were thinking about what to write next and also indicative of their age. No longer worried about the ideals of the Fifth Century these portraits show more expression and naturalism than realism as an ideal. The Statue of Ares about 430 BC portrays the same if not similar characteristics of Polycleitos Doryphoros. As it has been mentioned the Doryphoros was subject to many copies, but so were other statues from the same school of art or followers of Phedias, sculptor and seer of the project of the Parthenon; and Alcemenes was one of them. This statue follows the classical proportions and characteristics of the contrapposto and a slight walking stance. His expression is too distant as if lost in his own mind. Symmetria is most definitely present in the composition of the musculature and balance of the body. One expects to see these same features in later works of sculptures, lets say a decade apart, like one sees in the Doryphoros compare to the Diadoumenos also by Polycleitos. However, only ten years apart at about 420 BC the Nike by Paionios could not be compared as similarly. The akroteria of Victory is shown at the moment of touching down, still hovering in flight and with wings (now lost) unfolded. Her bared limb and breast contrast against her body by the rush of her flight, accentuates her anatomy. This statue clearly wants to give a wow effect to the viewer, and perhaps to lift the spirits of the people of Athens and those states fighting the war. It was dedicated to celebrate [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] a victory of the Messenians and Naupaktians over the Spartans. This very big flowing drapery is a style at the time becoming more popular as the appearance of expression becomes more prominent during and after the war with the Peloponnesians. One knows because of the inscription on the Nike by Paionios that this statue is specifically connected to the Peloponnesian War. Therefore, why could one not assume that the war was on everyones mind and causing a change in the style of art? Certainly, the Doryphoros or the Statue of Ares do not represent such troubled times. They are still stuck in the past trying to reach an ideal that is not representative of the time; but they were still being made. For this reason, one must understand that major events, like catastrophic war and plague, takes time to set in peoples consciousness and thus will not be characterized until later years. One does not see the change of style until later in the period, at around 420-410 BC. There is another reason why the Classical ideal might have continued through the time of war. That is artists were following certain trends. Discussed in another lecture, characteristic trends of pursuation, escapism, and soberness can be found in arts associated wi th the Peloponnesian War. The figure in flight of the Nike of Paionios has an illusionistic quality of persuasion, something like a miracle, which could aid Athens end the war. But the war continued and perhaps people wanted to forget about their troubles and tragedies of the war. Art created another world for people to escape to. Though not illustrated in this lecture, the Vase by the Meidias painter was at odds with the implied tension of the activities shown and with rigor of the Peloponnesian War then engulfing Athens. The third trend, soberness, tends to follow the realistic effects of the war on people. As the casualties of the war increased so did the use of grave stones as burial markers, known as stele. These steles were the expression of sorrow and sadness and used to commemorate Greek losses. Unfortunately for the Greeks, the steles are also evidence of their economic decline as well as fall from power. From the faces and postures of the steles of the young woman [11], th e woman [12], and the family [13], the viewer can see and feel the sadness emanating from these work of art. The stillness, quietude and sober contemplation are all confirmation of the grim statues of Athens. The arts of the stele from the Fourth Century foreshadow the style attributed to the Hellenistic period, that of drama and expression. However, before this time period the aftermath of the war left Athens lost. Works of art started to look Classical again. This archaism of the late Fourth Century reflected a need for order from chaos and revival of the Greek world, to recapture something of the confident humanism and harmony of forces. Lysippos, working around 370-300 BC, concerns himself with the principles of symmetria and looks back at Polycleitos and Proxiteles for guides. And from them he develops his own style. His work is more slender, with long limbs and small heads, and give the illusion of being taller. Limbs often extend away from the body so that Lysipposs figures occupy more physical space.And perhaps this search for classicismafter the fall of Athens and prior to it make is harder to see where there is rupture and where there is continuity in the beginning and the end o f the classical era. As a conclusion looking at the style and form of the Nike by Paionios in comparison to later works of art like the Statue of Aphrodite and Victory: Akroterion, as well as late Fourth Century sculptures, like Artemis Brauronia copy of Proxiteles [16] and Niobid and Youngest Daughter Roman copy from ca. 300 BC [17], one sees more similarities (in drapery and movement) between all these rather than the classical ideal of the Statue of Ares or the Doryphoros. Therefore, is it more practical to assume that the Peloponnesian War did have an effect on Greek art and that it should be classified as its own period? It is better to understand it in this fashion rather than trying to argue for continuity in style and composition or worse to ignore the subject all together. War is a very influential catalyst, and like the division between Early Classical and High Classical when Athens grew from the power of winning a war, so should there be a division between High Classical and Late Classical fol lowed by the Fourth Century for losing a war.

Monday, August 19, 2019

The Fiscal Deficit Crisis in the United States :: Government Politics Political Bush Essays

The Fiscal Deficit Crisis in the United States Since the inauguration of George W. Bush as the president of the United States in January 2001, a series of issues and problems have appeared. President Bush created problems in education, finance, medicare, social security, as well as foreign affairs. In addition, he has turned a 500 billion dollar surplus into a 500 billion dollar deficit (â€Å"Historical Tables† 2004, 21-22). We must ask how he could do this. Were funds spent on improving education, social security, or healthcare? No, in fact these areas were under-funded. Rather the deficit is a result of over-spending on defense, homeland security, and tax cuts across the country. In the 20th century, there were 73 years with a deficit in the government budget. The problem has become a very serious issue since 1958, since which there was a deficit in the fiscal budget nearly every year (â€Å"Historical Tables†, 2004, 21-22). During the mid-1990's, when Bill Clinton was the president, the deficit was reduced and net surplus occurred in 1998 and 1999. After George W. Bush had taken office, the trend of having surplus in fiscal reports couldn't continue. During every year of his term, George Bush increased the United States debt significantly. One hundred-fifty-seven billion dollars was the deficit in 2002, while 521 billion dollars was the deficit in the fiscal year of 2004 (â€Å"Historical Tables†, 2004, 21-22). The American government's debt is increasing at $20,000 per second. A person with an average-income will lose his annual salary in a matter of few seconds due to the rapidly increasing debt (US Debt Clock). This is a very important issue to teenagers and college students, as they will soon have to carry the financial burden from the United States government. The underlying reason for the deficit in the budget is due to the mismanagement in the spending and taxing policies adopted by the President. The terrorist attack on September 11th, 2001, the crash of the stock market after that event, the war on Iraq, and the increased homeland security aggregated the problem of the budget deficit. If President George W. Bush is re-elected and continues to ignore this problem, the United States will continue to build up its huge debt. By 2009, the Gross Federal Debt will be over one thousand billion dollars, and that would transfer to every person living in the United States to have a debt of about $36000 (â€Å"Historical Tables†, 2004, 118-119).

Sunday, August 18, 2019

No title :: essays research papers

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Civil War :: essays research papers

The Civil War is widely believed to be the necessary evil our country had to go through in order to come to a common understanding and abolishment of slavery. Yet the slavery had existed in our lands since before our country was even established, so what made us examine it closer so as to see that its nullification was required? Between the years of 1850 to 1861, our country ¡Ã‚ ¯s eyes were turned toward slavery by the major reform movements in the north, the discrepancies that came with the westward expansion, and the dispute over what rights a state was truly granted. The main movement that occurred primarily in the north was the Abolitionist Movement, the goal of which was the eventual emancipation of slaves. This faction began from a moral standpoint, but quickly transformed itself into a political one when it received so much attention. It was also spurred on to new heights when Uncle Tom ¡Ã‚ ¯s Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe, was published, which turned the north ¡Ã‚ ¯s attention to the sensitive (and less spoken of) conditions of slavery. The south saw the Abolitionist Movement as an attempt to displace them by jeopardizing their way of life. The south had come to depend on slave labor, they had actually grown accustomed to the ideas that blacks were complete subordinates to whites and should be happy to serve such a great purpose as being slaves (Document C). Not only were slaves technically owned, they were considered chattel to their masters, even those who belonged to masters living in a state in which slavery had been abolished (Doc ument B). Most southerners were of the opinion that, since they did not infringe on the north ¡Ã‚ ¯s economy of textiles and factories, the north should not contravene on their economy of cotton. Meanwhile, the north has a rather base opinion of the south as a whole, thinking of it as archaic society that was holding them back. The sectionalism was not helped any by the educational reforms taking place in the north. These movements helped education become more accessible to all citizens, while in the south education was  ¡Ã‚ °put on the back burners ¡Ã‚ ±. The movements that occurred during the antebellum of the Civil War simply increased the sectionalist divide of the northern and southern societies, which threw their differences into greater light including slavery. The idea of manifest destiny stimulated the westward expansion of the United States, but the expansion was a divisive factor when considering the issue of slavery.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Conflict in the Workplace Essay

Abstract Organizational conflict is a state of disagreement brought on by the real or saw resistance of requirements, values, and investment between individuals cooperating. Conflict takes numerous structures in association. There is the certain clash between formal authority and power and those people and gatherings influenced. There are disagreements regarding how incomes ought to be separated, how the work ought to be carried out and to what extent and hard individuals ought to work. For some individuals, clash is negative, troublesome, and unwanted, for example, a contention with one’s mate or with a companion. In any case, others discover conflict fun and stimulating; they revel in the energy and incitement that conflict can give. At the point when conflicts are left uncertain they have a tendency to have an antagonistic outcome for associations and the individuals working in them. It is vital to figure out how to resolve a conflict in a way that amplifies its potential profits an d minimizes its potential damage. In the ideal situation, appropriately determined conflict enhances benefit, work fulfillment, particular prosperity, and the clashing parties’ relationship. Defining Conflict The term conflict has no single, clear definition. Be that as it may, in the setting of association conduct, conflict may be characterized as a condition in which one gathering contrarily influences or looks to adversely influence an alternate gathering (Thomas, 1992). Conflict might be discernible or saw (Wall & Callister, 1995), which implies that somebody may accept a clash exists actually when it would be hard to bring up as a recognizable even. Conflict and arrangements are nearly related ideas, in that both recommend that two gatherings are included, and both try to force their will or pick  up in a questioned circumstance. Conflict can run from inviting rivalry to great roughness. Conflict has several starting points before it becomes an issue; it starts with conflict within the workplace, different levels of conflict, resolution for conflict, and the outcome from the resolution of conflict. Conflicts at Work When you work in an environment with numerous egos it is hard not to clash with each one in turn. Individuals who procure inner selves to perform an occupation title or who pick up a self image after advancements are tricky to work with and under. Individuals with inner selves likewise tend to control everything and everybody that works with and for them. When I worked for the State of Tennessee, the Assistant Commissioner over my specialty had an exceptionally extreme time working with individuals who had a supposition that clashed with hers. My executive at the time was attempting to change the arrangements inside the office to help it run all the more viably. They would meet on various events with case burdens and approach changes that she denied each time on the grounds that it didn’t fit into what she needed for her specialization. Seeing that she contracted him for that reason, to change arrangements, you would have suspected that she would regard his position and endorse each change; particularly on the off chance that it was a positive change for the division. As time went on, she quit corresponding with him and started to speak with the associate chief of our specialty. He started to understand of the circle of what was going on and felt like his position was not regarded by her or his different associates. In the end, he surrendered from his position and was offered a superior position with an alternate division. Levels of Conflict Not all conflicts are the same. Administrators ought to be mindful that four levels of clash happen in the working environment. Determining clash can’t happen until the level has been legitimately recognized. The four levels of conflict are as takes after: intrapersonal, or intrapsychic conflict, interpersonal conflict, intragroup conflict, and intergroup conflict. Intrapersonal conflicts happen inside a single person. Plans, musings, qualities, and feelings can clash with each other. Interpersonal conflicts happen between people. Commonly, two people in an organization enter into clashes. Identity conflicts regularly come about because of work environment incivility. Illustrations of incivility incorporate sexually unseemly remarks, racial or ethnic slurs, mocking of more seasoned/more youthful laborers, ridicule focused around sexual introduction, and obtuse remarks about physical or mental incapacity (Blau & Anderson, 2005). Intragorup conflict alludes to episodes between p arts of a gathering. Differences about objectives, strategies for operations, and authority make intragroup clashes. At the point when conflicts are not appropriately overseen and determined, the deciding results could be poor choices and inadequate gathering working (Bazerman & Neale, 1992). Intergroup conflict happens between different gatherings, for example, between divisions inside an organization, or between factions, for example, ethnic gatherings or female and male workers. Intergroup conflicts develop when contradictions about objectives, contrasts of conclusion about which gathering ought to be appointed an undertaking or errand, or plan portions turn into the center of consideration. The level of conflict that took place between the two parties was the interpersonal conflict. The wellspring of the conflicts in this circumstance was the absence of correspondence, authority, and techniques for operations inside our nature. A large portion of the conflict that emerged between my executive and the Assistant Commissioner was from contradictions about them not meeting division objectives in an auspicious way. Another conflict that the two shared amongst one another is the fact that one felt like they were more mentally capable than the other to finish the task. Being that both of these two individuals had solid assessments on how things ought to be carried out they were not able to complete the cycle with a sound answer for their issues. Resolution for the Conflict Conflict triggers solid feelings and can prompt, frustration, and uneasiness. At the point when taken care of in a bad way, it can result in hopeless fractures, feelings of hatred, and break-ups. However when conflict is determined in a solid manner, it builds our understanding of each other, forms trust, and fortifies our relationship bonds. At the same time when there is no positive determination made between two conflicting parties negative practices begin to emerge. Since there were no steps taken to resolve the issues that happened between the two parties, I would make proposals on what I felt would have worked in stopping the progressing conflict. Before offering a resolution for any conflict, I feel that it is important to understand the relationship before the conflict took place. After the identifying factors have been made, I would then suggest that they look beyond the incident and find the source of the conflict; which would be the egos more so than the people involved. After bringing the source of conflict to light, then it would be imperative to suggest solutions that would make both parties happy. In this particular scenario, I would suggest that both parties put their egos to the side and work on getting things done in a timely matter. I would also suggest that since she hired him to change policies for the department that she should allow him to do his job. After both parties agree to disagree, I would make sure that I implement positive rules for the future so that this scenario won’t affect them again in the long run. Three Outcomes from Conflict One of the most common outcomes of conflict is that it upsets parties in the short run. However, conflict can have both positive and negative outcomes. On the positive side, conflict can result in greater creativity or better decision making. For example, as a result of a disagreement over a policy, a manger may learn from an employee that newer technologies help solve problems in an unanticipated new way. There are many positive things that come from conflict after a conflict has a resolution. In the conflict describe, the three outcomes that can come from the resolution I suggested are: consideration of a broader range of ideas, resulting in a better, stronger idea; increased participation and creativity, and clarification of both individuals views that build learning. A broader range of ideas can help cease conflict among both parties and future parities. When a superior considers other people and their ideas you get a better sense of what your employers needs are. It is very hard to work under a person who feels that he/she has a bigger need in the company/business than the others. This will not only fix many problems within the workplace but it will also increase the moral and productivity within the workplace. When your team has a supportive superior you will notice a difference in how they work and the way they work. Clarification is a very essential key in any work environment. Clarification and communication go hand in hand.  Clarification involves offering back to the speaker the essential meaning, as understood by the listener. Thereby checking that the listener’s understanding is correct and resolving any areas of confusion or misunderstanding. In Conclusion Everybody needs to feel comprehended, sustained and upheld; however the routes in which these needs are met shift generally. Contrasting requirements for feeling great and sage make probably the most serious difficulties in our particular and expert connections. The needs of both parties assume a critical part in the long haul achievement of most connections, and each one merits appreciation and thought. In work environment conflicts, contrasting needs are regularly at the heart of sharp debate, now and then bringing about broken arrangements, less benefits and lost employments. When you can perceive the authenticity of conflict needs and get eager to inspect them in an environment of caring comprehension, it open pathway to imaginative critical thinking, group fabricating, and enhanced connections. References Baac, D. (2012). Organizational behavior. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Bazerman, M. H., & Neale, M. A. (1992). Negotiating rationally. New York: Free Press. Blau, G., & Anderson, L. (2005). Testing a measure of instigated workplace incivility. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 72(4), 595–614. Thomas, K. W. (1992). Conflict and negotiation processes in organizations. In M. D. Dunnette & L. M. Hough (Eds.), Handbook of industrial and organizational psychology (2nd ed., Vol. 3). Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Black People in Usa Essay

I have chosen this course because in my opinion Afro-American People’s history is very interesting. It reveals both how cruel human beings can be and how a discriminated â€Å"population† can all the same produce wonderful things. I. The discrimination that Black People have suffered and continue suffering in the USA. 1 °/ In the Past A.The Slavery. I don’t think one can discuss the suffering of this population without talking about Slavery. This abomination has lasted several centuries and has consisted of kidnapping innocent African and bringing them in a far country. They were deprived of their names, languages, religion, cultures †¦ As a result; one may say that they weren’t considered as human beings. They have had to do a hard work in the cotton fields, and their living conditions got closer to animals way of life. Actually, there were even some men who were called and used as reproductive. For the women, rapes weren’t punished. B.The Segregation After the Slavery was abolished, Black People even if they were free, have faced an other terrible discrimination: the Segregation. It took place in the Southern States, where the Black community was very important. Perhaps, it came from a fear of White people. It was written in the Law and as a consequence for instance Black people haven’t the right to sit or eat in the same places than White people. In the Northern States, even if it wasn’t written in the law there was a tacit rule. 2 °/ Nowadays A.Not really equal in front of Law Actually, it is said that a Black men has seven more chance to condemn to death penalty than a White men. So even today they are prejudiced. Moreover, the media reveals regularly some police atrocities against Black people. So even today, the law is double faced and it’s better to be White if one has any problem with the justice. B.Not the same Education Black pupils are concerned by the discrimination too. They are often sent to school in very poor areas. Thus, they don’t benefit from the same education’s level than the White pupils. Their chance to access to a good university is seriously reduced. There, it’s again a piece of evidence of discrimination. Until today, there is no significant action from the USA government to solve this problem, this unfair phenomenon. II. Some good things emerged from a catastrophic history 1 °/ A culture A. Music Today, nobody can deny the influence of Black community on the music. Several famous kinds of music as Rap, Jazz, R’n’B for instance are the direct product of this community. It all begins with the work songs by the Slave, the Negro Spiritual and the Gospel by the victims of segregation. Their music is spread all over the world and paradoxically without the terrible history which is behind I don’t think they would have done such wonderful music. It entails a artistic creativity in this community. B.Fashion Afro-American people also contributed to the fashion. In fact, in Harlem particularly in the nineties, the people’s clothes have been taken as model by some garment firms. Nowadays, one can notice that the Rappers’ or R’n’B singers’ way of being dressed is imitated all over the world. A huge part of them are developing their own clothes’ lines; 2 °/ Last but not least: the Individuals A. Rosa Parks In the sixties this courageous woman contrasted against the Segregation. In a bus, she has refused to leave her place to a White man. This act which can be perceived as common today is the origin of a huge movement’s success. She has showed the way to several Black-American and emphasized an injustice. B.Martin Luther King Jr. He was a Reverend who has leaded the Civil Right’s Movement in the sixties and died, murdered, in 1968. He started to have a great success after the bus story. He has supported Mrs. Rosa Parks. He also has fought against the discrimination without any violence. He has defended the equality between Black and White People and inspired people who were discriminated against all over the world. His most famous speech named â€Å"I have a dream† is known by everyone within it he advocated the brotherhood. Even after his death, some people remained animated by his struggle. As a conclusion, I think that the terrible history of the USA entails some very good things but the price for benefiting from them has been very important.   The question is how and when the USA’s authorities will admit that they have to do something. We know that the Affirmative Action measure hasn’t really been efficient so which measures can be enforced to help Black-American people. In my opinion, compelling firms to hire Black people is not a good idea and the better is to educate younger generations by teaching them to be more tolerant.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening Chapter One

â€Å"Are you having a good time?† Elena asked. I am now . Stefan didn't say it, but Elena knew it was what he was thinking. She could see it in the way he stared at her. She had never been so sure of her power. Except that actually he didn't look as if he were having a good time; he looked stricken, in pain, as if he couldn't take one more minute of this. The band was starting up, a slow dance. He was still staring at her, drinking her in. Those green eyes darkening, going black with desire. She had the sudden feeling that he might jerk her to him and kiss her hard, without ever saying a word. â€Å"Would you like to dance?† she said softly. I'm playing with fire, with something I don't understand, she thought suddenly. And in that instant she realized that she was frightened. Her heart began to pound violently. It was as if those green eyes spoke to some part of her that was buried deep beneath the surface-and that part was screaming â€Å"danger† at her. Some instinct older than civilization was telling her to run, to flee. She didn't move. The Awakening Chapter One September 4 Dear Diary, Something awful is going to happen today. I don't know why I wrote that. It's crazy. There'sno reason for me to be upset and every reason for me to be happy, but†¦ But here I am at 5:30 in the morning, awake and scared. I keep telling myself it's just that I'm all messed up from the time difference between France and here. But that doesn't explain why I feel so scared. So lost. The day before yesterday, while Aunt Judith and Margaret and I were driving back from the airport, I had such a strange feeling. When we turned onto our street I suddenly thought, â€Å"Mom and Dad are waiting for us at home. I bet they'll be on the front porch or in the living room looking out the window. They must have missed me so much.† I know. That sounds totally crazy. But even when I saw the house and the empty front porch I still felt that way. I ran up the steps and I tried the door and knocked with the knocker. And when Aunt Judith unlocked the door I burst inside and just stood in the hallway listening, expecting to hear Mom coming down the stairs or Dad calling from the den. Just then Aunt Judith let a suitcase crash down on the floor behind me and sighed a huge sigh and said, â€Å"We're home.† And Margaret laughed. And the most horrible feeling I've ever felt in my life came over me. I've never felt so utterly and completely lost. Home. I'm home. Why does that sound like a he? I was born here in Fell's Church. I've always lived in this house, always. This is my same old bedroom, with the scorch mark on the floorboards where Caroline and I tried to sneak cigarettes in 5th grade and nearly choked ourselves. I can look out the window and see the big quince tree Matt and the guys climbed up to crash my birthday slumber party two years ago. This is my bed, my chair, my dresser. But right now everything looks strange to me, as if I don't belong here. It's me that's out of place. And the worst thing is that I feel there's somewhere I do belong, but I just can't find it. I was too tired yesterday to go to Orientation. Meredith picked up my schedule for me, but I didn't feel like talking to her on the phone. Aunt Judith told everyone who called that I had jet lag and was sleeping, but she watched me at dinner with a funny look on her face. I've got to see the crowd today, though. We're supposed to meet in the parking lot before school. Is that why I'm scared? Am I frightened of them? Elena Gilbert stopped writing. She stared at the last line she had written and then shook her head, pen hovering over the small book with the blue velvet cover. Then, with a sudden gesture, she lifted her head and threw pen and book at the big bay window, where they bounced off harmlessly and landed on the upholstered window seat. It was all so completely ridiculous. Since when had she, Elena Gilbert, been scared of meeting people? Since when had she been scared of anything ? She stood up and angrily thrust her arms into a red silk kimono. She didn't even glance at the elaborate Victorian mirror above the cherrywood dresser; she knew what she'd see. Elena Gilbert, cool and blond and slender, the fashion trendsetter, the high school senior, the girl every boy wanted and every girl wanted to be. Who just now had an unaccustomed scowl on her face and a pinch to her mouth. A hot bath and some coffee and I'll calm down, she thought. The morning ritual of washing and dressing was soothing, and she dawdled over it, sorting through her new outfits from Paris. She finally chose a pale rose top and white linen shorts combo that made her look like a raspberry sundae. Good enough to eat, she thought, and the mirror showed a girl with a secret smile. Her earlier fears had melted away, forgotten. â€Å"Elena! Where are you? You're going to be late for school!† The voice drifted faintly up from below. Elena ran the brush one more time through silky hair and pulled it back with a deep rose ribbon. Then she grabbed her backpack and went down the stairs. In the kitchen, four-year-old Margaret was eating cereal at the kitchen table, and Aunt Judith was burning something on the stove. Aunt Judith was the sort of woman who always looked vaguely flustered; she had a thin, mild face and light flyaway hair pushed back untidily. Elena landed a peck on her cheek. â€Å"Good morning, everybody. Sorry I don't have time for breakfast.† â€Å"But, Elena, you can't just go off without eating. You need your protein-† â€Å"I'll get a doughnut before school,† said Elena briskly. She dropped a kiss on Margaret's tow head and turned to go. â€Å"But, Elena-† â€Å"And I'll probably go home with Bonnie or Meredith after school, so don't wait dinner. Bye!† â€Å"Elena-† Elena was already at the front door. She closed it behind her, cutting off Aunt Judith's distant protests, and stepped out onto the front porch. And stopped. All the bad feelings of the morning rushed over her again. The anxiety, the fear. And the certainty that something terrible was about to happen. Maple Street was deserted. The tall Victorian houses looked strange and silent, as if they might all be empty inside, like the houses on an abandoned movie set. They looked as if they were empty ofpeople , but full of strange watching things. That was it; something was watching her. The sky overhead was not blue but milky and opaque, like a giant bowl turned upside down. The air was stifling, and Elena felt sure that there were eyes on her. She caught sight of something dark in the branches of the old quince tree in front of the house. It was a crow, sitting as still as the yellow-tinged leaves around it. And it was the thing watching her. She tried to tell herself that this was ridiculous, but somehow she knew . It was the biggest crow she had ever seen, plump and sleek, with rainbows shining in its black feathers. She could see every detail of it clearly: the greedy dark claws, the sharp beak, the single glittering black eye. It was so motionless that it might have been a wax model of a bird sitting there. But as she stared at it, Elena felt herself flush slowly, heat coming in waves up her throat and cheeks. Because it was†¦ looking at her. Looking the way boys looked at her when she wore a bathing suit or a sheer blouse. As if it were undressing her with its eyes. Before she realized what she was doing, she had dropped her backpack and picked up a stone from beside the driveway. â€Å"Get out of here,† she said, and heard the shaking anger in her own voice. â€Å"Go on! Getaway !† With the last word, she threw the stone. There was an explosion of leaves, but the crow soared up unharmed. Its wings were huge, and they made enough racket for a whole flock of crows. Elena crouched, suddenly panicked as it flapped directly over her head, the wind of its wings ruffling her blond hair. But it swooped up again and circled, a black silhouette against the paper-white sky. Then, with one harsh croak, it wheeled away toward the woods. Elena straightened up slowly, then glanced around, self-conscious. She couldn't believe what she had just done. But now that the bird was gone, the sky felt ordinary again. A little wind made the leaves flutter, and Elena took a deep breath. Down the street a door opened and several children poured out, laughing. She smiled at them, and took another breath, relief sweeping through her like sunlight. How could she have been so silly? This was a beautiful day, full of promise, and nothing bad was going to happen. Nothing bad was going to happen-except that she was going to be late getting to school. The whole crowd would be waiting for her in the parking lot. You could always tell everyone you stopped to throw stones at a Peeping Tom, she thought, and almost giggled. Now,that would give them something to think about. Without a backward glance at the quince tree, she began to walk as quickly as she could down the street. The crow crashed through the top of the massive oak, and Stefan's head jerked up reflexively. When he saw it was only a bird, he relaxed. His eyes dropped to the limp white form in his hands, and he felt his face twist in regret. He hadn't meant to kill it. He would have hunted something larger than a rabbit if he'd known how hungry he was. But, of course, that was the very thing that frightened him: never knowing how strong the hunger would be, or what he might have to do to satisfy it. He was lucky that this time he'd killed only a rabbit. He stood beneath the ancient oak trees, sunlight filtering down onto his curly hair. In jeans and T-shirt, Stefan Salvatore looked exactly like a normal high school student. He wasn't. Deep in the woods, where no one would see him, he'd come to feed. Now he licked at his gums and lips painstakingly, to make sure there was no stain on them. He didn't want to take any chances. This masquerade was going to be hard enough to pull off as it was. For a moment he wondered, again, if he should just give it all up. Perhaps he should go back to Italy, back to his hiding place. What made him think that he could rejoin the world of daylight? But he was tired of living in shadows. He was tired of the darkness, and of the things that lived in it. Most of all, he was tired of being alone. He wasn't sure why he'd chosen Fell's Church, Virginia. It was a young town, by his standards; the oldest buildings had been put up only a century and a half ago. But memories and ghosts of the Civil War still lived here, as real as the supermarkets and fast-food joints. Stefan appreciated respect for the past. He thought he might come to like the people of Fell's Church. And perhaps-just perhaps-he might find a place among them. He'd never be accepted completely, of course. A bitter smile curved his lips at the idea. He knew better than to hope forthat . There would never be a place where he could belong completely, where he could truly be himself. Unless he chose to belong to the shadows†¦ He slapped the thought away. He'd renounced the darkness; he'd left the shadows behind him. He was blotting all those long years out and starting afresh, today. Stefan realized he was still holding the rabbit. Gently, he laid it down on the bed of brown oak leaves. Far away, too far for human ears to pick up, he recognized the noises of a fox. Come along, brother hunter, he thought sadly. Your breakfast is waiting. As he slung his jacket over his shoulder, he noticed the crow that had disturbed him earlier. It was still perched in the oak tree, and it seemed to be watching him. There was a wrongness about it. He started to send a probing thought toward it, to examine the bird, and stopped himself. Remember your promise, he thought. You don't use the Powers unless it is absolutely necessary. Not unless there is no other choice. Moving almost silently among the dead leaves and dry twigs, he made his way toward the edge of the woods. His car was parked there. He glanced back, once, and saw that the crow had left the branches and dropped down on the rabbit. There was something sinister in the way it spread its wings over the limp white body, something sinister and triumphant. Stefan's throat tightened, and he almost strode back to chase the bird away. Still, it had as much right to eat as the fox did, he told himself. As much right as he did. If he encountered the bird again, he'd look into its mind, he decided. Just now, he tore his eyes from the sight of it and hurried on through the woods, jaw set. He didn't want to be late arriving at Robert E. Lee High School.