The Means Whereby IT Managers as Purchasing Agents...

Table of Contents Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...........4 Decision Ethics The Means Whereby IT Managers as Purchasing Agents Participate in Fraudulent Activities †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦..†¦...5 Recommendations For Measures or Actions That Chief Information Officers (CIOs) or Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) Might Mandate to Reduce Fraud and Other Unethical Practices While Protecting the Reputation of the Organization and the Infrastructures of Computer Systems †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦.7 How These Measures Would be Useful and Reduce the Amount of Fraudulent Activities..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦......†¦........9 Conclusion ..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦........10 References †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦........11 Introduction It is challenging to acquire strategic information technology (IT) alliances properly. Devoid of appropriate outsourcing methods, the threat of occupational fraud escalates (Association of Certified Fraud Examiners [ACFE], 2006). Nevertheless, companies employ outsourcing for several strategic motivations (Bass, 2013). Outsourcing assists businesses to concentrate on core-competencies, increase performance, diminish capital investment expenses, and realize increased revenues (Ghodeswar Vaidyanathan, 2008). Any form of fraud or corruption in the selection or management of outsourcing arrangements is inefficacious (ACFE, 2006). Corruption schemes such as conflicts of interest,Show MoreRelatedInformation Technology Manager Acting As A Purchasing Agent1648 Words   |  7 PagesThe purpose of the study was to identify the means whereby a given organization’s Information Technology manager acting as a purchasing agent, participates in fraudulent activities, including obtainin g kickbacks from vendors. This study examined measures and actions that chief information officers or chief technology officers might mandate to reduce fraud or other unethical practices while protecting the reputation of the organization, and the infrastructure of the computer systems. The resultsRead MoreEvaluating Unethical Decision Consequences Of An Organization1732 Words   |  7 PagesEvaluating Unethical Decision Consequences This paper provides an identification of potential means whereby Information Technology (IT) managers, acting on the organization’s behalf as purchase agents with IT vendors, participate in fraudulent activities. Further included are a series of recommendations for measures and actions that chief information officers or chief technology officers should consider as mandates to reduce fraud and other unethical practices while protecting the reputation ofRead MoreManagement Antifraud Programs and Controls7356 Words   |  30 PagesMANAGEMENT ANTIFRAUD PROGRAMS AND CONTROLS Guidance to Help Prevent and Deter Fraud PREFACE Some organizations have significantly lower levels of misappropriation of assets and are less susceptible to fraudulent financial reporting than other organizations because these organizations take proactive steps to prevent or deter fraud. It is only those organizations that seriously consider fraud risks and take proactive steps to create the right kind of climate to reduce its occurrence thatRead MoreAccounting Information System Chapter 1137115 Words   |  549 Pagesprivate organization. Examples include the tax reports required by the IRS and disclosure requirements for financial reporting. 1.2 Can the characteristics of useful information listed in Table 1-1 be met simultaneously? Or does achieving one mean sacrificing another? Several of the criteria in Table 1.1 can be met simultaneously. For example, more timely information is also likely to be more relevant. Verifiable information is likely to be more reliable. However, achieving one objectiveRead MoreAccounting Information Systems Test Bank 10th Edition41120 Words   |  165 Pagescomposed of two types of activities known as a) primary and support. b) primary and secondary. c) support and value. d) technology and support. 36. Which of the following is a primary activity in the value chain? a) infrastructure b) technology c) purchasing d) marketing and sales 37. In value chain analysis, what is the activity of arranging the delivery of products to customers called? a) outbound logistics b) inbound logistics c) shipping d) delivery 38. An AIS provides value by a) improving productsRead MoreInternal Revenue Code 1939278050 Words   |  1113 Pagesembodying that codification, H. R. 2762, was introduced on January 18, 1939, by Mr. Doughton, of North Carolina, chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and vice chairman of the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation. Mr. Doughton submitted the unanimously favorable report of the Committee on Ways and Means on January 20. Unanimous consent for consideration of the bill was requested and objected to on January 23. It was called up on the following CalendarRead MoreAuditing Cases22626 Words   |  91 PagesReporting of Revenues and Key Financial Measures,† March 2003, prepublication draft (~.ruf.rice.edu/—bala/files/dharan-bufkins_ enronjed_flagsS4l 003.pdfl, p. 4. 1 2 177 178 Section Six Comprehensive Company Cases long-term â€Å"take or pay† contracts, whereby they paid for minimum volumes in the future at prearranged prices to protect against supply shortages. In early 1986 ]lnron reported a loss of $14 million for its first year. As a result, the company employed a series of cost-cutting measures, includingRead MoreProject Managment Case Studies214937 Words   |  860 PagesWiley Sons, Inc. All rights reserved. Published by John Wiley Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey Published simultaneously in Canada No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through paymentRead MoreBanking Laws and Jurisprudence Reviewer41247 Words   |  165 Pagesreach to the people the credit facilities at reasonable cost †¢ Includes: (1) savings and mortgage bank, (2) stock savings and loan associations and (3) private development banks †¢ Thrift Banks Act (RA 7906) 1. Negligence of Manager – employer is liable to the acts of the manager 2. Negligence of officer – general rule: tortious acts of officers within their scope of employment shall make banks liable 3. Negligence of tellers – tellers must exercise high degree of diligence †¢ Teller should not giveRead MoreManagement Control Systems Pdf115000 Words   |  460 Pagess of 09 ï›™ The Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India, January 2006. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, used in a spreadsheet, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise – without prior permission in writing from Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India. Fo ISBN 81-7881-995-3 Ref. No. PMCS/A 01 2K6 31 For any clarification regarding this book, the

The Secret Circle The Power Chapter Ten Free Essays

Cassie stared, beyond speech, beyond thought. Not believing – but inside her, something knew. â€Å"It’s true. We will write a custom essay sample on The Secret Circle: The Power Chapter Ten or any similar topic only for you Order Now He’s your father.† Cassie just sat. â€Å"And he wants you to be happy, Cassie. He wants you to be his heir. He’s got a lot planned for you.† â€Å"And what are you?† Cassie cried, outraged, pushed beyond the limits of her endurance. â€Å"My new stepmother?† Faye chuckled – that infuriating, lazy, self-satisfied chuckle. â€Å"Maybe. Why not? I’ve always liked older men – and he’s only about three centuries older.† â€Å"You’re disgusting!† Cassie couldn’t find the right words. None were bad enough, and she didn’t want to believe that any of this was actually happening. â€Å"You’re – you – â€Å" â€Å"I haven’t done anything yet, Cassie. John and I have a – business relationship.† Cassie felt as if she were gagging. For herself, for Faye . . . â€Å"You call him John?† she whispered. â€Å"What do you think I should call him? Mr. Brunswick? Or what he called himself the last time he was here, Mr. Blake?† Everything was spinning around Cassie now. The pale green cinderblock walls were whirling. She wanted to faint. If only she could faint she wouldn’t have to think. But she couldn’t. Slowly, the spinning steadied, she felt the floor solid beneath her. There was no way to escape this. There was no choice but to deal with it. â€Å"Oh, God,† Cassie whispered. â€Å"It’s true. It’s really true.† â€Å"It’s true,† Faye said quietly, with satisfaction. â€Å"Your mother was his girlfriend. He told me the whole story, how she fell in love with him when he went over to Number Twelve to borrow some matches. They never did get married, apparently – but I’m sure he didn’t begrudge her his name.† It was true †¦ and that had been what Cassie’s grandmother was trying to tell her when she died. â€Å"I have one more thing to tell you,† she’d said, and then Laurel had come in. The last words had only been a whisper, â€Å"John† and something else Cassie couldn’t make out. But she could recall the shape of her grandmother’s lips trying to make it. It had been â€Å"Blake.† â€Å"Why didn’t she try to tell me before?† Cassie whispered raggedly, hardly aware she was speaking aloud. â€Å"Why wait until she was dying? Why?† â€Å"Who, your grandma? She didn’t want to upset you, I suppose,† Faye said. â€Å"She probably thought you’d be – disturbed – if you knew. And maybe† – Faye leaned forward – â€Å"she knew it would bring you closer to him. You’re his own flesh and blood, Cassie. His daughter.† Cassie was shaking her head, blind, nauseated. â€Å"The other old women – they must have known too! God, everybody who knew him must have known. And nobody told me. Why didn’t they tell me?† â€Å"Oh, stop sniveling, Cassie. I’m sure they didn’t tell you because they were afraid of how you’d react. And I must say it looks as if they were right. You’re falling apart.† Great-aunt Constance, Cassie was thinking. She must have known. How could she stand to look at me? How can she stand to have my mother in her house? And Mrs. Franklin had been going to tell her, she realized suddenly. Yes. That had been what that last-minute scene in Aunt Constance’s parlor had been all about. Adam’s grandmother had been about to tell, about to say something to Cassie about her father. Granny Quincey and Aunt Constance had stopped her. They were all in a conspiracy of silence, to keep the truth from Cassie. Probably not the parents, Cassie thought slowly, feeling very tired. They probably didn’t remember anyway. They’d made themselves forget everything. But Aunt Constance had warned the Circle against stirring up those old memories, and her gaze had settled on Cassie when she did it. â€Å"Just think about it, Cassie,† Faye was saying, and that husky voice sounded reasonable now, not gloating or triumphant. â€Å"He only wants the best for you; he always has. You were born as part of his plans. I know you and I have had our problems in the past, but John wants us to get along. Won’t you just give it a try? Won’t you, Cassie?† Slowly, painfully, Cassie made her eyes focus. Faye was kneeling in front of her. Faye’s beautiful, sensual face seemed lit softly from within. She really means it, Cassie thought. She’s sincere. Maybe she’s in love with him. And maybe, Cassie mused dizzily, I should think about it. So many things have changed since I came to New Salem – I’m not at all the person I used to be. The old, shy Cassie who never had a boyfriend and never had anything to say is gone. Maybe this is just another change, another stage of life. Maybe I’m at the crossroads. She looked at Faye for a long moment, searching the depths of those amber eyes. Then, slowly, she shook her head. No. Even as she thought it, chill white determination flooded her. That was one road she would never take, no matter what happened. She would never become what Black John – what her father – wanted. Without a word, without looking back, Cassie got up and walked away from Faye. Outside, the melee was still going on. Cassie scanned the front entrance of the school and saw the weak November sun shining on a cascade of fair hair. She headed for it. â€Å"Diana. . .† â€Å"Cassie, thank God! When Nick told us you were alone in his office . . .† Diana’s eyes widened. â€Å"Cassie, what’s wrong?† â€Å"I have to tell you something. At home. Can we go home now?† Cassie was holding on to Diana’s hand. Diana stared at her for another moment, then shook herself. â€Å"Yes. Of course. But Nick will be looking for you. He had the idea that we should start a fight on the first floor as a diversion; just grab a bunch of people and start swinging. All the guys did it, and Deborah and Laurel. They’re all looking for you.† Cassie couldn’t face any of them, especially Nick. Once he knew what she really was – what he’d held in his arms, what he’d kissed †¦ â€Å"Please, can’t you just tell them I’m okay, but I need to go home?† Suzan was standing nearby; Cassie nodded at her. â€Å"Can’t Suzan just tell them?† â€Å"Yes. All right. Suzan, tell everybody I’ve taken Cassie home. They can stop the fight now.† Diana led Cassie down the hill to the parking lot. They had barely reached Diana’s car, though, when Adam appeared, running. â€Å"The fight’s breaking up – and I’m coming with you,† he said. Cassie wanted to argue, but she didn’t have the strength. Besides, Diana might need Adam there when Cassie told her the whole story. Cassie nodded at Adam and he got in the car without further discussion. They drove to Diana’s house and went up to Diana’s room. â€Å"Now tell us what happened before I have a heart attack,† Diana said. But it wasn’t that easy. Cassie went over to the bay window, where sunlight was striking the prisms hanging there so that wedges of rainbow light bobbed and slid over the walls. She turned to look at the black and white prints on either side of the window; Diana’s collection of Greek goddesses. There was proud Hera, queenly with her mane of pitch-black hair and her hooded, untamed eyes; there was Aphrodite, goddess of beauty, with her soft bosom exposed; there was fierce Artemis, the virgin huntress afraid of nothing. And here, on the other side, was Athena, the gray-eyed goddess of wisdom, and Persephone, fresh-faced and elfin and surrounded by blooming flowers. Last of all, in color, was the print of a goddess older than the Greek civilization, the great goddess Diana, who ruled the moon and stars and night. Diana, Queen of Witches. â€Å"Cassie!† â€Å"Sorry,† Cassie whispered, and slowly turned to face her Diana. Who just now looked sick with suspense. â€Å"I’m sorry,† she said, more loudly. â€Å"I just don’t know how to say this, I guess. But I know now why I was born so much later than all of you . . . or, actually, no, I don’t.† She pondered that a moment. â€Å"Not why I was so late. Unless he knew by then the coven was going to try to throw him out, so he thought he’d better have a back-up . . .† Cassie thought it over and shook her head. Adam and Diana were staring at her as if she’d gone crazy. â€Å"I guess I don’t know everything. But I’m not half outsider, like we thought. That isn’t why he’s been after me; it’s a completely different reason. We thought Kori and I spoiled his plans somehow . . . oh, God.† Cassie stopped, feeling a pain like jagged glass shoot through her. Her eyes filled. â€Å"I think – God, it must be. I know why Kori died. Because of me. If she hadn’t died, she would have joined the coven instead of me, and he didn’t want that. She was the one he hadn’t planned on. So he had to get rid of her.† Another spasm of pain almost doubled Cassie over. She was afraid she might be sick. â€Å"Sit down,† Adam was saying urgently. They were both helping her to the bed. â€Å"Don’t. . . you don’t know yet. You might not want to touch me.† â€Å"Cassie, for God’s sake tell us what you’re talking about. You’re not making any sense.† â€Å"Yes, I am. I’m Black John’s daughter.† In that instant, if either of them had loosened their grip on her or recoiled, Cassie felt she might have tried to jump out the window. But Diana’s clear green eyes just widened, the pupils huge and bottomless. Adam’s eyes turned silver. â€Å"Faye told me, and it’s true.† â€Å"It’s not true,† Adam said tightly. â€Å"It’s not true, and I’ll kill her,† Diana said. This, from gentle Diana, was astonishing. They both went on holding Cassie. Diana was holding her from one side and Adam was on the other side, holding both of them, embracing their embrace. Cassie’s shaking shook all three. â€Å"It is true,† Cassie whispered, trying to keep some grip on herself. She had to be calm now; she couldn’t lose control. â€Å"It explains everything. It explains why I dreamed about him – him and the sinking ship. We’re – connected, somehow. It explains why he keeps coming after me, like when we called him up at Halloween, and last night on the beach. He wants me to join him. Faye’s in love with him. Just like my mother was.† Cassie shuddered. Adam and Diana just kept hanging on. to her. Neither of them even flinched when she looked them in the face. â€Å"It explains my mother† Cassie said thickly. â€Å"Why he went to our house that night when he came back, when we let him out of the grave. He went to see her – that’s why she’s like she is now. Oh, Diana, I have to go to her.† â€Å"In a minute,† Diana said, her own voice husky with suppressed tears. â€Å"In a little while.† Cassie was thinking. No wonder her mother had run away from New Salem, no wonder there had always been helpless terror lurking at the back of her mother’s eyes. How could you not be terrified when the man you loved turned out to be something from a nightmare? When you had to go away to have his baby, someplace where no one would ever know? But she’d been brave enough to come back, and to bring Cassie. And now Cassie had to be brave. There’s nothing frightening in the dark if you just face it. Cassie didn’t know how she was going to face this, but she had to, somehow. â€Å"I’m okay now,† she whispered. â€Å"And I want to see my mom.† Diana and Adam were telegraphing things over her head. â€Å"We’re going with you,† Diana said. â€Å"We won’t go in the room if you don’t want, but we’re going to take you there.† Cassie looked at them: at Diana’s eyes, dark as emeralds now, but full of love and understanding; and at Adam, his fine-boned face calm and steady. She squeezed their hands. â€Å"Thank you,† she said. â€Å"Thank you both.† Great-aunt Constance answered the door. She looked surprised to see them and a little flustered, which surprised Cassie in turn. She wouldn’t have thought Melanie’s aunt ever got flustered. But as Cassie was going into the guest room, Granny Quincey and old Mrs. Franklin were coming out. Cassie looked at Laurel’s frail great-grandmother, and at Adam’s plump, untidy grandmother, and then at Aunt Constance. â€Å"We were – trying one or two things to see if we could help your mother,† Aunt Constance said, looking slightly uncomfortable. She coughed. â€Å"Old remedies,† she admitted. â€Å"There may be some good in them. We’ll be in the parlor if you need anything.† She shut the door. Cassie turned to look at the figure lying between Aunt Constance’s starched white sheets. She went and knelt by the bedside. Her mother’s face was as pale as those sheets. Everything about her was white and black: white face, black hair, Hack lashes forming crescents on her cheeks. Cassie took her cold hand and only then realized she didn’t have the first idea what to say. â€Å"Mother?† she said, and then: â€Å"Mom? Can you hear me?† No answer. Not a twitch. â€Å"Mom,† Cassie said with difficulty, â€Å"I know you’re sick, and I know you’re scared, but there’s one thing you don’t have to be scared of anymore. I know the truth. I know about my father.† Cassie waited, and she thought she saw the sheets over her mother’s chest rise and fall a little more quickly. â€Å"I know everything,† she said. â€Å"And †¦ if you’re afraid I’ll be mad at you or anything, you don’t have to be. I understand. I’ve seen what he does to people. I saw what he did to Faye, and she’s stronger than you.† Cassie was holding the cold hand so tightly she was afraid she was hurting it. She paused and swallowed. â€Å"Anyway, I wanted to tell you that I know. And it’ll all be over soon, and I’m going to make sure he doesn’t ever hurt you again. I’m going to stop him somehow. I don’t know how, but I will. I promise, Mom.† She stood up, still holding the soft, limp hand in hers and whispered, â€Å"If you’re just scared, Mom, you can come back now. It’s easier than running away; it is, really. If you face things they’re not as bad.† Cassie waited again. She hadn’t thought she was hoping for anything, but she must have been, because as the seconds ticked by and nothing happened her heart sank in disappointment. Just some little sign, that wasn’t much to ask for, was it? But there was no little sign. For what seemed like the hundredth time that day, warmth filled Cassie’s eyes. â€Å"Okay, Mom,† she whispered, and stooped to kiss her mother’s cheek. As she did, she noticed a thin string of some kind of fiber around her mother’s neck. She pulled, and from the collar of her mother’s nightgown emerged three small golden-brown stones strung on the twine. Cassie tucked the necklace back in, waited one more second, and then left. Can I face it if my mother dies like my grandma? she wondered as she shut the bedroom door. She didn’t think so. But she was beginning to realize that she might have to. In the parlor, Adam and Diana were drinking tea with the women. â€Å"Who put the crystals around my mother’s neck? And what are they?† The old women looked at each other. It was Great-aunt Constance who answered. â€Å"I did,† she said. She cleared her throat. â€Å"They’re tiger’s eyes. For keeping away bad dreams – or so my grandmother always said.† Cassie managed a small smile for her. â€Å"Oh. Thank you.† Maybe Melanie’s affinity for minerals ran in the family. She didn’t bother to tell Aunt Constance what Black John could do to those stones if he tried. â€Å"Bad dreams are a nuisance,† old Mrs. Franklin said as Adam and Diana got up to leave. â€Å"Of course, good dreams are something else again.† Cassie looked at Adam’s grandmother, whose disordered gray hair was coming uncoiled as she happily crunched cookie after cookie. Cassie had never known anybody who liked to eat so much, except Suzan. But there was more to Mrs. Franklin than you’d think at first sight. â€Å"Dreams?† Cassie said. â€Å"Good dreams,† Adam’s grandmother agreed indistinctly. â€Å"For good dreams, you sleep with a moonstone.† Cassie thought about that all the way home. She and Diana had dinner quietly, just the two of them, since Diana’s father was still at his law office. Adam had gone to talk to the rest of the Circle. â€Å"I can’t tell them,† Cassie had said. â€Å"Not tonight – tomorrow, maybe.† â€Å"There’s no reason you should have to,† Adam replied, his voice almost harsh. â€Å"You’ve been through enough. I’ll tell them – and I’ll make them understand. Don’t worry, Cassie. They’ll stick by you.† Cassie couldn’t help but worry. But she put it aside, because she had other things to think about. She’d made a promise to her mother. She lay in bed reading her grandmother’s Book of Shadows. Her book of shadows. She was looking for anything about crystals and dreams. And there it was: To Cause Dreams. Place a moonstone beneath your pillow and all night you will have fair and pleasant dreams which may profit you. She also found a passage about crystals in general. Big crystals were better than little crystals; well, she knew that already. Melanie had said so, and Black John had demonstrated it today beyond question. She put the book down and went to Diana’s desk. There was a white velvet pouch there, lined with sky-blue silk. Diana had long ago given Cassie permission to open it. Cassie took the pouch to the bed and poured the contents out on a folded-over section of the top sheet. The stones formed a kaleidoscopic array against the white background. Blue lace agate – Cassie picked up the triangular piece and rubbed its smoothness across her cheek. She saw light yellow citrine – Deborah’s stone, good for raising energy. And here was cloudy orange carnelian, which Suzan had once used for raising the passions of the entire football team. Here was translucent green jade, which Melanie used for calm thought, and royal purple amethyst – Laurel’s stone, a stone of the heart, Black John had said. There were dozens of others, too: warm amber, light as plastic; dark green bloodstone speckled with red; a wine-colored garnet; the pale green peridot Diana had used to trace the dark energy. Cassie’s fingers sorted through the clinking treasure until she found a moonstone. It was translucent, with a silvery-blue shimmer. She put it on the nightstand by her side of the bed. Diana came in, fresh from her bath, and watched Cassie putting the stones back into the pouch. â€Å"Find anything in your Book of Shadows?† she asked. â€Å"Nothing specific,† Cassie said. She didn’t want to explain what she was doing, even to Diana. Later, if it worked. â€Å"I’m beginning to think my grandmother didn’t mean there was anything specific in the book about Black John,† she added. â€Å"Maybe she just wanted me to be a good witch, a knowledgeable witch. Maybe she’d thought that way I’d be smart enough to beat him.† Diana got in bed and turned off the light. There was no moon; the bay window remained dark. It was peaceful, somehow, with the two of them lying in bed – like a sleepover. It made Cassie think of the old days, when she and Diana had first decided to be adopted sisters. â€Å"We need to find a way to kill him,† she said. A sleepover with a grim and bloodthirsty purpose. Diana was silent for a moment and then said calmly, â€Å"Well, we know two things that can’t kill him – Water and Fire. He drowned the first time when his ship went down, and he burned the second time, when our parents burned the house at Number Thirteen. But he didn’t stay dead either time.† Cassie appreciated the â€Å"our parents.† Her mother hadn’t been trying to burn anybody, she’d bet. â€Å"He said his spirit didn’t need to stay in his body,† she said. â€Å"I think he can make it go different places. Maybe when he died, he just sent his spirit somewhere else.† â€Å"Like into the crystal skull,† Diana said. â€Å"And it stayed there until we brought it and his body together. Yes. But what can we use against him?† â€Å"Earth †¦ or Air,† Cassie mused. â€Å"Though I don’t see how Air could kill anybody.† â€Å"I don’t either. Earth could mean crystals . . . but we don’t have a crystal big enough to use against him.† â€Å"No,† Cassie said. â€Å"It sounds like it’s the Master Tools or nothing. We’ve got to find them.† She could feel Diana nodding in the darkness. â€Å"But how?† Cassie reached over and felt for the moonstone. She put it under her pillow. Maybe it’s not the size, but how you use them, she thought. â€Å"Good night, Diana,† she said, and shut her eyes. How to cite The Secret Circle: The Power Chapter Ten, Essay examples

Piano Critique Essay Example For Students

Piano Critique Essay Friday, February 21, 2014, was the first time that I had the pleasure of sitting in on a piano recital in Merrill Hall. It was a concert by Hye Jin Cho, a young lady from Korea, performing three extensive pieces of music for her graduate recital. I was fortunate enough to be present to watch this budding master at work. The pieces that she played were Joseph Haydns 52nd Sonata in E-Flat Major, Robert Schumanns Opus 11 Sonata in F-Sharp Minor (my personal favorite! and Lowell Liebermanns Gargoyles, Opus 29. As Hye Jin Cho ascended the stage, she bowed towards the audience in an introductory manner, sat down at the piano with a surprisingly hunched back, and began to play the opening of Haydns 52nd Sonata. Haydns Sonata in E-Flat Major, Hob. XVI: 52 (Written in 1794) As the recital commenced, Cho allowed her hands to fly across the keyboard with a quick tempo, evoking a sort of Tom and Jerry-esque image in my mind. Of course, having already done my homework by reading up on the pieces which I was going to be privy to during the performance, I was well aware that this particular sonata of Haydns was written in a contredanse style, meaning that it was, in all likelihood, intended for ballroom dancing. I couldnt quite imagine any aristocratic couple attempting to dance to the music, however, as the tempo was simply too quick for anyone to be able to move their feet about fast enough to keep pace with it! Playing in Allegro tempo, I was surprised to see Cho play the piece so effortlessly. Although there were a few minor hiccups during part one of Haydns piece, in which Cho seemed to slam her feet down a little too hard on the grand pianos pedals, hence causing odd loud clicks in time with her playing, she seemed to have everything else under control. Part one was played very cheerfully, and in a very upbeat â€Å"albeit irregular manner, causing the energy in the room to be magnified in intensity. As Part 2 of the piece came around, however, and was played at an Adagio tempo, I was better able to envision the pairs dance to the music. Cho displayed lots of emotion here, and the piece was filled with a lot more suspense as her fingers began veering towards the lower end of the keyboard, and she also began to hold down the keys for a quarter of a note longer than she did in part one. I could also detect quite a few keys being held down at once across several occasions. One small error was committed within this phase, as I feel that some of her notes were played a little too hurriedly â€Å"she should have held her keys down for two beats of four rather than one but other than that, she played the piece well. I could sense a conclusion arriving towards part 3 of Haydns piece, as she played in Presto. Although the piece assumed its quick tempo again, there were more definitive stops to the keys, and, as the piece ended, the last high note that was played hung in the air, and the audience clapped deservedly for Cho. Schumanns Sonata in F-Sharp Minor, Opus 11 (Written in 1835) When I first found out that Cho was going to perform this piece, I was overjoyed. I have been a fan of Schumanns work since I first began listening to classical music, and, since the age of 7, this particular sonata has been tabbed as one of my favorite pieces from the romantic era. The piece consists of four distinct movements: Introduzione (played in Allegro vivace tempo), Aria, Scherzo e Intermezzo (Played in Allegrissimo tempo), and the Finale (played in Allegro un poco maestoso tempo). The movement begins with an introduction played with a brisk, lively tempo, although played on deeper, heavier, bass-filled notes, which then flow into a much more beautiful, heart-wrenching melody. .u116aab02d7ea9ca92b7d5a0a5a680f1e , .u116aab02d7ea9ca92b7d5a0a5a680f1e .postImageUrl , .u116aab02d7ea9ca92b7d5a0a5a680f1e .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u116aab02d7ea9ca92b7d5a0a5a680f1e , .u116aab02d7ea9ca92b7d5a0a5a680f1e:hover , .u116aab02d7ea9ca92b7d5a0a5a680f1e:visited , .u116aab02d7ea9ca92b7d5a0a5a680f1e:active { border:0!important; } .u116aab02d7ea9ca92b7d5a0a5a680f1e .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u116aab02d7ea9ca92b7d5a0a5a680f1e { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u116aab02d7ea9ca92b7d5a0a5a680f1e:active , .u116aab02d7ea9ca92b7d5a0a5a680f1e:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u116aab02d7ea9ca92b7d5a0a5a680f1e .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u116aab02d7ea9ca92b7d5a0a5a680f1e .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u116aab02d7ea9ca92b7d5a0a5a680f1e .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u116aab02d7ea9ca92b7d5a0a5a680f1e .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u116aab02d7ea9ca92b7d5a0a5a680f1e:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u116aab02d7ea9ca92b7d5a0a5a680f1e .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u116aab02d7ea9ca92b7d5a0a5a680f1e .u116aab02d7ea9ca92b7d5a0a5a680f1e-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u116aab02d7ea9ca92b7d5a0a5a680f1e:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Historical Periods in Music EssayIt was played with so much passion that I got goosebumps. Instantly, I could sense the audience sit up a little straighter in their chairs and lean forward, enraptured. As the next movement, Aria, came around, I could tell that this had to be a piece heavily influenced by some female counterpart of Schumanns, as there was no way that so much magic, so much beauty, could be filled into a piece of music such as this sans love. There was such care with which Cho played the notes that I felt like she, too, was sharing a piece of herself while playing them. As Scherzo e Intermezzo â€Å"the third movement began to play, the notes became more playful, lighter, and happier. The song in its entirety began to seem more like a story being told, where, initially (in the first two movements), it felt like Schumann was talking about longing, and then finally, in this movement, he managed to get the girl he loved so much â€Å"and thus began a happier phase of his life. Played in forte and mezzo-forte, this movement caused an aura of happiness to resonate within the room. The Finale was the longest movement in Schumanns piece. It was filled with notes, again played in mezzo-forte, but, unlike in the third movement, the keys were played here in a very masterful, majestic manner. Towards the end of the finale, the notes dipped down to notes played with a piano ? volume, and then moved back to brisker, happier notes played in forte. Cho didnt seem to get anything wrong in playing Schumanns piece, which led me to believe that she spent more time perfecting this piece than the other two, and Im so glad that she did, because she did my favorite work of Schumanns justice. Liebermanns first of four movements, Presto, begins on a sinister note, but then, quite suddenly, evolves into a very fast-paced performance. Cho worked the piece at a rapid pace, her hands practically jumping across the keyboard from the bass notes to treble notes, and I felt like I didnt know what had hit me. The performance was such a contrast to either those of Haydns and Schumanns â€Å" whose pieces were so much easier to listen to because they were so much lighter. As the second movement, Adagio Semplice, was played, I started to believe that Liebermann was a somewhat troubled individual. The piece held an air of mystery and romance to it, but created a haunting effect, so it was very hard not to be enraptured at the same time by it. The movement was played in piano ?, which an Adagio tempo. As Allegro Moderato â€Å"the third movement was played, the piece shifted to a more beautiful melody, one which flowed seamlessly, and was played well with both hands together, to give me the impression that multiple hands were playing at once. I couldnt believe that all the sounds being projected were actually emitting from the piano â€Å" Id actually assumed that a harp was playing some of those notes, somewhere backstage! It was, possibly, my favorite movement within the piece, flawed only once when Cho played the incorrect treble notes during one phase of the movement. She didnt let the slip-up affect the rest of her performance though, although she looked a tad flustered. I gathered, by the name of the final movement, â€Å"Presto feroce, that this next movement was going to be filled with mezzo-forte notes, and played with a certain ferocity. I was right. There were quick changes in the direction of the keys played, and it was somewhat hard for me to keep up with the numerous beats and shifts in notes. I gather that the end of this tale was about the adventure coming to a close, and the mystery being solved. Cho rose from her seat and bowed to the audience once more, to a standing ovation. To sum the recital off, it was nothing short of fabulous. Cho inspired us all to want to learn how to play the piano with as much passion and grace as she herself did, and, although this is only one of the many piano recitals that I will attend, it will, surely, forever remain in my memory. A short analysis of the three pieces of music (Haydns, Schumanns and Liebermanns): .ue3cf05c93769e91f3fb74c76fbe79c24 , .ue3cf05c93769e91f3fb74c76fbe79c24 .postImageUrl , .ue3cf05c93769e91f3fb74c76fbe79c24 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ue3cf05c93769e91f3fb74c76fbe79c24 , .ue3cf05c93769e91f3fb74c76fbe79c24:hover , .ue3cf05c93769e91f3fb74c76fbe79c24:visited , .ue3cf05c93769e91f3fb74c76fbe79c24:active { border:0!important; } .ue3cf05c93769e91f3fb74c76fbe79c24 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ue3cf05c93769e91f3fb74c76fbe79c24 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ue3cf05c93769e91f3fb74c76fbe79c24:active , .ue3cf05c93769e91f3fb74c76fbe79c24:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ue3cf05c93769e91f3fb74c76fbe79c24 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ue3cf05c93769e91f3fb74c76fbe79c24 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ue3cf05c93769e91f3fb74c76fbe79c24 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ue3cf05c93769e91f3fb74c76fbe79c24 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ue3cf05c93769e91f3fb74c76fbe79c24:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ue3cf05c93769e91f3fb74c76fbe79c24 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ue3cf05c93769e91f3fb74c76fbe79c24 .ue3cf05c93769e91f3fb74c76fbe79c24-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ue3cf05c93769e91f3fb74c76fbe79c24:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Quadrat Summary EssayHaydns piano piece was more upbeat, happy and light, and evoked an image of a time long gone by. I felt like I had been transported to the early 1900s, where the bourgeois and aristocratic socialized within a ballroom of sorts. The happiness that resonated within the room was almost tangible. Schumanns piece had a strong, romantic element to it, and it was more of a story than that of Haydns. I felt a powerful connection with it, primarily because it has been a favorite of mine since I was a child. It held so much honesty and transparency in it, compared with the other two pieces. The melody was so prominent in all four movements, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Gargoyles was an unexpected addition to the recital. It certainly shook me out of my trance â€Å" induced by Chos performance of Schumanns piece â€Å" with its powerful play of keys and its surprisingly modern melodies. Compared with the other pieces, it was haunting, mysterious, heavy and filled with adventure, making it all the more enjoyable to listen to.

The Next Alternative Fuel

Biodiesel This domestically formed fuel produces uncontaminated burning effect and thus a renewable alternative for the petroleum products. It mainly comes from vegetable oils and fats from animals (Dale, p 14). The effectiveness is measurable by the energy security, health or environmental protection, safety and performance of the engine.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Next Alternative Fuel specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Benefits of biodiesel U.S. imports a surplus of 60% petroleum energy majority of which is gasoline and diesel for vehicles. The political volatility of the petroleum producers means that the source is insecure thus the high venerability to disruption of supplies (Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC), p 4). With domestically produced biodiesel as a substitute, the insecurity of supply becomes less. During combustion, biodiesel does not emit hydrocarbons and other harm ful products like carbon monoxide, greenhouse gases, sulphites and particulate like the mined petroleum products. Scientifically it reduces carbon dioxide emission by over 75%. The bio fuels improve engine performance by providing the lubricating effects, thus preventing the engine parts from wearing out (Dale, p 15). Diesel fuels have reduced sulphur thus the low lubricating ability. Lastly, the non-toxic nature of biodiesel enhances user and environmental protection in cases of spills. It is also less combustible and therefore enhances more safety during handling, transportation and storage. Hydrogen Hydrogen is scientifically the most abundant and simple element of the earth. It emanates from the biomass, fossil fuels and ionized water. These are renewable sources, thus the probability of having non-pollutants and alternative for the imported petroleum products (Hordeski, p.2). Benefits of Hydrogen Its greenhouse and exhaust gas emission is almost zero and is a domestic product f rom natural sources such as wind, biomass, coal, solar, natural gas or nuclear energy. The fuel is thus safe for the environment and users due to none emission property especially when production is from low or none-toxicant sources such as nuclear energy, fossil fuels, solar or wind. The hydrogen fuel provides ways of utilizing the renewable energy sources. Electricity With the high number of electric or hybrid vehicles, there are high probabilities of use particularly for the short distance drives (Simon, p 74). Other alternatives are the fuel cells for converting hydrogen chemicals and storing electric energy production from the vehicle’s board.Advertising Looking for essay on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Benefits of Electricity The electric vehicles have no exhaust carbon emissions. The cost of electricity varies depending on the location, source and time of usage thus more reasonable than the petroleum products. There is also easy access due to generalized outlets from various locations including home. Natural Gas This is the naturally available burning fuel commonly compressed for household use (Hordeski, p.2). Its usage for vehicles would secure the fuel energy due to local production and improve environment and public health due to lack of substance emissions except water. It reduces dependency on foreign imports thus increasing security. Production of natural gas causes zero emissions as well. Propane Propane is ‘liquefied petroleum gas’ (LPG) for high levelled energy requirements such as in flights. The use of this source would increase fuel security and promote zero emissions due to clean burning or provision of high performance benefits. Best alternative for the future Hydrogen fuel is the most preferable future fuel because of its availability, high power efficiency especially for the ‘fuel cell vehicles’, as well as low intoxication to people and the environment. Beside vehicles, hydrogen fuels are also sources for stationary applications such as generators for electric production, thus a fuel for the entire economy. Hydrogen technologies will give U.S. benefits that are more economical. According to Hordeski (p.2), hydrogen is better than electric fuel because production of electricity causes carbon emissions. As an alternative, propane production is more expensive and requires engine conversions to accommodate propane combustion. Works Cited Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC). Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy. U.S. Department of Energy, 5 April 2101. Web.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Next Alternative Fuel specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Dale, Bruce. Thinking clearly about bio fuels: ending the irrelevant ‘net energy’ debate and developing better performance metrics for alternative fuels. 1 (1), 14-17. September 2007. Print. Hordeski, Michael. Alternative fuels: the future of hydrogen. Georgia, GA: Fairmont Press Inc. 2009. Print. Simon, Christopher. Alternative energy: political, economic, and social feasibility. Plymouth, U.K: ROWMAN LITTLEFIELD Publishers, Inc. 2007. Print. This essay on The Next Alternative Fuel was written and submitted by user Deborah Vega to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Top 20 Best Summer Jobs for Recent Graduates

Top 20 Best Summer Jobs for Recent Graduates looking for a way to maximize your hireability come graduation time? the best strategy is to get a job or an internship related to the field you want to work in. but if that isn’t an option for you, then you want to maximize learning stuff and making money- while still leaving you time to, you know, have a summer. some of the most successful people in the world have a story or two about the crappy job they worked over a summer or two of their adolescence. here are 20  of the best possible options for you to mull over as you dust off your summer wardrobe:sales- no matter what you’re selling, these skills will come seriously in handy over the course of your career.post office worker- this one comes with surprisingly good pay, and guaranteed time outdoors!national park servicescamp counselors- pay isn’t great, but accommodation and food (and beautiful natural surroundings!) are usually freeresort or country club- you get paid to be by the beach or the pool or the golf course.tour guiderestaurant jobsweb designtutoring- set your own hours and make bank.telemarketing- same as sales; you do have to be that annoying person on the phone, but if you have a knack for it, you’ll  earn a lot of cash.campus jobs/working in the labs or libraries- check your university for openings.construction workervaletpet and house sittingwriting articles for sites that will pay youconvention worker- anything cool coming to your town? get involved.landscapinglifeguardsdog walkerbarista

Analysis, segmentation and marketing mix of Apple

Analysis, segmentation and marketing mix of Apple Introduction The aim of this report is to analyse the current position of the company which includes the products, current strategic position, and current financial strength. Different types of marketing tools are used in this report. PEST analysis and Porter’s five force model for looking into the external environment. SWOT analysis for looking into the internal environment of the organization. This report also looks into market segmentation and the marketing mix of the product. Apple was first introduced by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne on April 1, 1976 to market and sell the Apple personal computer kit. The first computer kits were hand built and was kept for a public display first at the homebrew computer lab. This computer kit consisted of Motherboard with RAM, CPU, and some video chips. Since then apple have come a long way in the market all over the world and they are one of the leading companies in electronic products. This can be known with the informat ion given below: Current Strategic Position Apple believes in continuous improvement and they look into all the key sectors like environment, health and safety management systems and the quality of our products, processes and services. Looking into the Principle and goals of Apple, Apple has set out their own principles where they look to meet all the health and safety requirements, promote energy efficiency, and their main goals are; innovation is the most important thing for apple, to increase the number of sales of the product in the education field, providing new and user friendly software for the customers, and last but not the least providing high quality products to the customers. Looking into the current strategic position of Apple, with the introduction of its own operating system, hardware, software application, and with a completely new design, Apple looks to meet all the customer requirements like new products, ease of use, and an innovative design of the product. Apple is currently focusing on, brand awareness and improving the product by increasing the financial investment on marketing and advertisement, they are looking at expanding the retail segment by opening more number of stores all over the world, they are looking at keeping it up with the competition by implementing a cost leadership strategy, and they are looking to continue the reputation of being the leader in innovation for new technology by implementing product differentiation strategy. Looking into the current finance position of Apple, on October 19, 2009 Apple announced the financial results for the year 2009. The company posted revenue of $9.87 billion and a net quarterly profit of $1.67 billion. These results can be compared to the revenue of $7.9 billion and net quarterly profit of $1.14 billion in the previous year quarter. International sales also helped 46% of the quarter’s revenue. Gross margin is 36.6% when compared to the previous year quarter which was 34.7%. Appl e reached 17% increase when compared to the previous year quarter by successfully selling 3.05 million Mac computers during the quarter. PEST analysis and Porter’s five forces are very important tools to establish the external environment of Apple:

John Adams Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

John Adams - Research Paper Example His family was rather modest, and his simple habits were typical for Massachusettsian farmers of that time (McCullough 18). Adams was a devout believer, but he still valued Greco-Roman literature and political theory: he was an ample reader of works by Cicero, Tacitus, Plato, Thucydides, and other political writers and philosophers of Ancient world (McCullough 19). Adams did not belong to learned or commercial elite of the Colonial society and was proud of his personal qualities such as eloquence. As a lawyer, he earned recognition of local community, yet his social ambition led him to view political career as his true destiny (McCullough 20). Adams first became an important figure during the campaign against the Stamp Act of 1765, as the decision of the British government to impose a direct tax on printed materials enraged the Americans. Adams played a prominent role in this campaign by drafting the so-called Braintree Instructions, a document presented by Massachusettsian citizens to the General Court of the colony. The Braintree Instructions presented such basic principles of future American political system as the connection between taxation and representation, and the necessity of trial by jury and independent judiciary (McCullough 61). The campaign against the Stamp Act would thus become the first contribution of Adams to the fight for independence of the future United States. The second important contribution of Adams to the cause of independence was his participation in the first and second Continental Congresses of 1774 and 1775. As the most prominent of representatives of Massachusetts, Adams possessed great influence among his fellow members of Congress, and his struggle for transformation of the colonies into independent states played an important role in convincing Congress of the necessity of independence. Adams played a key part in drafting the Congressional resolutions of 15 May 1776, which became a basis for the future draft of the Declaration of Independence (Wood 176). The most important work of Adams, Thoughts on Government (1776), had a decisive influence on the political thought of American Patriots (Wood 177). By arguing in favor of rule of law, Adams laid the foundations for American system of government. In Thoughts on Government Adams displayed a concern about the necessity of political balance between various branches of government in order to avoid possible abuses of power. The effect of Adams’ Thoughts on Government was extensive, as the principles he proclaimed received a wide audience (McCullough 103; Wood 178). This allowed Adams to become a respected figure in constitutional affairs. Despite the dominant role of Jefferson and Madison in drafting the Declaration of Independence, Adams played important role in proclamation of independence itself. He supported the Lee Resolution on 7 June 1776 that was to proclaim the United States â€Å"free and independent states†, and participated in the deba te in Congress that followed it (McCullough 118). The fruitful participation of Adams in the affairs of Congress, and his positive standing at the negotiations with General Howe in September 1776 allowed him to become a first representative of the USA in the European countries. Adams’ diplomatic career proved extremely fruitful for the United States. Even though his missions to

The Problem of Evil in a Divinely Created Reality Essay

The Problem of Evil in a Divinely Created Reality - Essay Example So, why do animals should feel pain and suffering? Why humans have to feel pain and suffering, even if their grand grandmother Eve was tempted by the Devil and now other people have to pay for her sins? Is God so cruel that he cannot forgive and forget? Why did he create a divine world, full of glory and bless if it is accessible only for those people, who did not make any sins? Evil is juxtaposition to deity. If there was no evil, people would not be able to compare it with the goodness or deity. Moreover, God created Heaven and Hell, life on the Earth and afterlife. There is an evident binary development of divine reality. Moreover, there are two types of evil: moral and physical. When committing a moral evil, a human being is committing it willfully (abortion, theft, murder etc); when committing physical evil, a human being commits it in the result of natural harm (such as famine, illness etc). The question is what for God created morally ill people or people, who are able to act in a morally evil way (Rachels and Rachels, 2008). Still, humans make their choice themselves. Moral evil is not instilled into people by God. God gives humans an opportunity to make a choice whether to commit evil or not; it is a test for morality and spiritual obedience. Therefore, moral evil is the result of our choice and it is another side of free will. Every person can make his own choice how to live, how to behave and if to commit evil or not. And of course, the further life of the person depends on the choice made. There are many other questions with respect to this issue, which deserve special attention and should be discussed. Now, let us consider whether suffering and pain are the same or different for people and animals (DeGrazia and Rowan, 1991). First of all, let us discard the notion that God is blamed for the existence of evil in the world. There was an intention creation of moral agents of God, who would supposedly create evil, but still these agents exist and for t heir evil deeds they suffer or experience pain. People may experience either physiological or psychological pain. These types of pain are different. The former kind of pain can be experienced by both humans and animals, while the second type of pain can be experienced only by humans. The concept of suffering has a more general meaning and it encompasses negative content of unpleasant emotions, anxiety, anger, fear, confusion etc (Derbyshire and Jones, 2011). Though suffering can be experienced without pain, it may trigger numerous factors of negative emotions or feelings. The scope of suffering is more impressive than the scope of negative experience, caused by pain. Therefore, God triggers negative emotions of humans in order to manipulate their actions and to direct the society in the right moral direction. At the same time he shows an option of deviance, which will lead to suffering and pain. There is no intention to punish humans or non-humans, there is an intention to support b inary relations on the Earth, which are determined between deity and evil. Life of humans and animals is a constant struggle for their existence and struggle against the surrounding dangers and threats. Thus, God does not intend to intimidate or destruct the humans and non-humans. He intends to make them use to realities of divinely created life in order they could survive in the real world. Works cited 1. DeGrazia, David and Rowan, Andrew. â€Å"Pain, suffering, and anxiety in animals and humans.†

Effects of Child Abuse Essay Example for Free

Effects of Child Abuse Essay Child abuse is a prevailing problem in society that must be addressed at the soonest possible time. However, it is one of the most difficult problems to address as well since there are only certain ways by which it can be monitored. What makes it even harder is the fact that the parents themselves are sometimes the abusers. Thus, it sometimes difficult to help the child since his primary guardian is the abuser himself. Child abuse by parents can be extremely detrimental to children. The effects of such abuse may become evident during their childhood or when the child grows up and enters adulthood. The long-term consequences of child abuse are sometimes grave enough that they ruin the life of the adult. Experiences of child abuse as a child affect not just the personality of the adult but his relationship with his parents as well. For obvious reasons, when parents abuse their children, they strain their relationship with the children. One cannot expect an adult, who was abused by his parent as a child, to maintain a close relationship with them. Child abuse has psychological effects that may hinder the development of the person’s character and identity. This is especially true the abuser is the parent. For instance, the abused child is expected to have low self-esteem that stems from the fact that his own parents do not love him. Abusing him is a clear sign to him that they do not love him. Thus, without his parents’ love, the individual may lack the self confidence and self esteem to function in society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The abuse causes the child to distance himself from the parent. Later on, as he grows up, this often translates to difficulty in forming attachments with other adults and his peers. The child’s insecurity and lack of self-esteem can extend to his adult life. Thus, when the child becomes an adult, he does not feel secured and more importantly, he lives a restrained life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   These consequences and effects of child abuse do not only affect the individual’s life. These consequences challenge the very ideals upon which the American way of life is built upon. Americans believe that they have the right to have a family who enjoys security and freedom. However, the mere fact that the children are abused within the confines of their very own homes and within their own families, the idea of being secure is greatly eroded. Moreover, the abuse hinders the freedom of the child. As the child grows up, he does so with such American ideals left in ruins. In a way, the abuse he experienced as a child may reflect on how he treats his own children as he forms a family of his own.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The effects of parental child abuse of any kind exhibit themselves as the child becomes an adult. It is an experience that the individual bears with him long after the acts were committed. Not only does the abuse mold his personality, it affects his ideals in life as well. His ideals on family, society, and relationships are changed and may transfer to his own family. Such transfer may become chain reaction which will be to the detriment of society in general. It is for this reason that the problem must be acted on and must be prevented as much as possible.

Old Major :: Free Essays

Old Major Comrades of before the Rebellion, you know me. For the new animals here I am Old Major. As you well know the Rebellion has caused a great change to our farm. I must say you have done exceedingly well on the upkeep of this farm. Isn't the rebellion about being free? Also, did you not get rid of Jones so that we could all feel equal? Be treated equal, share the work equally? Tell me who under these current conditions is benefitting? I have spoken to a few of you and now know how the initial plan went so very wrong. You listened to the pigs, they seemed smart, and some of them would have had good ideas. One pig Napoleon had an idea, and made promises to the rest, so they followed. All but Snowball. Snowball was chased away by the vicious dogs Napoleon raised and he himself took Snowballs plan to use in his own beneficial way. Those pigs care only for themselves and because of their intelligence, they have taken full advantage of you. You now see that you are working for them. They are the ones benefitting, they have all the apples and milk for themselves. They don't do much work and they don't care about you animals as long as they have the power. You will not now let these unfair conditions continue will you? For you have done so much, and received so little in return. I forward my idea of a new revolution. This new revolution will be gone with all unequal facts. Food, working and living conditions will all be fair and you shall not be ruled over by one kind of animal. A committee of two of each animals on this farm will represent and give forward your ideas to each other. Everyone is invited to the meetings so you all know what is happening and you an be involved in the planning for your future, as it is your future! You have been pushed over though, by the pigs, just because they seem

Case Study: Orange Electronics Ltd. Essay

After studying this case study, we end up in the next key points: Orange Ltd is a TV producer and needs a strategy in order to maintain its market share, given that the MNCs may work as threaten due to their global financial strength and network. As the TV market has been very volatile and the customers keep on choosing what to buy considering of price value and special features of the products, Orange Ltd has to overcome the challenge of bringing new products in a very short time to the market at attractively competitive prices. The process involved in the cabinet production, which is the component responsible for the delay of the new product release is now taking 18 months. The company’s goal is to reduce this time by 4-5 months. According to the case study, the 2 different options involving process reengineering and location of component sources were considered as follows; either finished moulds sourcing or base moulds sourcing and finishing thereafter. In the first option, where the company imports ready moulds to produce the plastic cabinets, it has to consider of many parameters such as reducing the lead time, the quality of the product that is outsourced, and of course the reliability with the supplier, so that they save money in the end. In order to make this reality, Orange Ltd will have to make extended research on the market and find the appropriate supplier of moulds that produces them up to their final form. In the second option, where the company imports semi-finished moulds in their base form and, as it has the equipment of building modes, Orange Ltd will have to take into consideration the same parameters as for the first option, including the extra work the mould would want to be finished and ready for use. For both options, it is crucial for Orange Ltd to coordinate with other companies that will act as suppliers, in order to reduce the time among the release of new products. Different coordination modes between firms are required to synchronize interdependent activities, ensure visibility to match supply and demand, align actions and decision with the chain profitability, and acquire new capabilities from joint efforts. These modes help the participating members, which are here Orange Ltd and the supplier of moulds, to advance supply chain profitability by reducing lead times. In this specific case, it would be crucial for Orange Ltd to find suppliers with the appropriate know-how  within the borders of India and sign a long-term contract (which means trust between the two parts), in order to minimize the transportation costs and of course not reduce the quality of the outsourced product, which here is the mould, either finished or not.

Lady in Her Bath

The Renaissance began in the late 15th century and spanned from Italy to throughout Europe, and it was a rebirth of everything ranging from economy to art. Francois Clouet was a painter to the Kings and his work â€Å"Lady in Her Bath†, embraced this new form of artistic expression. In this paper I am going to explain how the â€Å"Lady in Her Bath† painting reflects the culture and ideology of the Renaissance Era and as well, explain some of the values, influences, themes, and techniques used. I will also provide information about the social, political and religious history of the Renaissance Era that influenced its art and artists. The Lady in her bath was painted in 1571 and is said to be the most interesting painting by Clouet; he is also said to be the first ever artist to use the bath as a setting for a portrait (Answer. com). The painting has all the classical signs of Renaissance art, and is secular in theme and emphasizes the grandeur of the individual. Clouet’s painting shows the culture and ideology of the Era by showing how wealthy the woman was and that she must have come from a wealthy family. It was said at one time that the painting of the woman in this picture was one of the mistresses of Henry II, but that has now been ruled out. She (the woman in the painting) is wearing what looks to be a couple of expensive pieces of jewelry, which in the Renaissance Era, it wasn’t normal for individuals to wear jewelry because most of the people were too poor to buy things that weren’t a necessity to support themselves or their families. Another sign that the woman must be wealthy or from a wealthy family is that she has a fresh bowl of fruit sitting next to her while she is bathing. To the poor, baths were to clean themselves up not for relaxation. Some of the techniques Clouet continued to use were the conventions of the international portrait style which was prevalent throughout the courts of Europe. These techniques were passed down from Clouet’s father, Jean Clouet (Answer. com). Oil painting and water color was also other techniques Clouet used. The term Renaissance is French for â€Å"rebirth†, and it was the rebirth of Europe from the 14th through the early 17th centuries. Europe emerged from the economic stagnation of the Middle Ages and experienced a time of financial growth. This Era turned artistic, social, scientific and political thoughts in new directions. The Renaissance generated three ideas that were frowned upon during the Middle Ages; secularism (the belief that religion has no place in the day to day activities), humanism (the cultural and intellectual movement that emphasized secular concerns as a result of the discovery of literature and art), and individualism (belief in the importance of the individual and the virtues of self reliance and personal independence) (Wikipedia. om). Writers and artists began to focus on the individual and their potential. During the time of the Renaissance Era, people were becoming more aware of Christianity and the Catholic religion was being pushed aside. Religious books were being rewritten and new laws were coming into order as well. The wealthy people were the ones keeping the Catholic religion alive while the poor were the ones converting to Christianity. The â€Å"Lady in her Bath† painting by Clouet is not only a beautiful example of Europe’s rebirth, but of art and the artists during that time; from the new techniques that were being used to the different types of paints from oil to water color. And most significantly, it shows the transition from religious only paintings to more secular paintings that depict just how beautiful the human body is; transforming embarrassment and shame to embracement. References Answer.com. Francois Clouet. Retrieved on 01/16/2013 at: http://www.answers.com/topic/jean-and-fran-ois-clouet French Renaissance. Retrieved on 01/16/2013 at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Renaissance History of the Renaissance, Retrieved on 01/15/2013 at: http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=ac88 National Gallery of Art: The Collection (2008). Francois Clouet, A lady in her Bath. Retrieved on 01/15/2013 at: http://www.nga.gov/collection/gallery/gg41a/gg41a-46112.html

Khotan - Capital of an Oasis State on the Silk Road

Khotan - Capital of an Oasis State on the Silk Road Khotan (also spelled Hotian, or Hetian) is the name of a major oasis and city on the ancient Silk Road, a trade network that connected Europe, India, and China across the vast desert regions of central Asia beginning more than 2,000 years ago. Khotan Fast Facts Khotan was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Yutian, beginning in the 3rd century BCE.It is located at the western end of the Tarim basin in what is today Xinjiang Province of China.One of a handful of states who controlled trade and traffic on the Silk Road between India, China, and Europe.  Its main exports were camels and green jade. Khotan was the capital of an important ancient kingdom called Yutian, one of a handful of strong and more or less independent states who controlled travel and trade throughout the region for well over a thousand years. Its competitors at this western end of the Tarim basin included Shule and Suoju (also known as Yarkand). Khotan is located in south Xinjiang province, the westernmost province in modern China. Its political power was derived from its location on two rivers in the southern Tarim Basin of China, the Yurung-Kash and the Qara-Kash, south of the vast, nearly impassable Taklamakan Desert. According to historical records, Khotan was a double colony, settled first in the third century BCE by an Indian prince, one of several sons of the legendary King Asoka [304–232 BCE] who were expelled from India after Asokas conversion to Buddhism. A second settlement was by an exiled Chinese king. After a battle, the two colonies merged. Trade Networks on the Southern Silk Road Endless dune in Taklamakan desert, in southern Xinjiang province of China.   Feng Wei Photography / Getty Images The Silk Road should be called the Silk Roads because there were several different wandering pathways across Central Asia. Khotan was on the main southern route of the Silk Road, which began at the city of Loulan, close to the entry of the Tarim River into Lop Nor. Loulan was one of the capital cities of Shanshan, a people who occupied the desert region west of Dunhuang north of Altun Shan and south of Turfan. From Loulan, the southern route led 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) to Khotan, then 370 mi (600 km) further to the foot of the Pamir mountains in Tajikistan. Reports say it took 45 days to walk from Khotan to Dunhuang; 18 days if you had a horse. Shifting Fortunes The fortunes of Khotan and the other oasis states varied over time. The Shi Ji (Records of the Grand Historian, written by Sima Qian in 104–91 BCE, implies that Khotan controlled the entire route from Pamir to Lop Nor, a distance of 1,000 mi (1,600 km). But according to the Hou Han Shu (Chronicle of the Eastern Han or Later Han Dynasty, 25–220 CE) and written by Fan Ye, who died in 455 CE, Khotan only controlled a section of the route from Shule near Kashgar to Jingjue, an east-west distance of 500 mi (800 km). What is perhaps most likely is that the independence and power of the oasis states varied with the power of its clients. The states were intermittently and variously under the control of China, Tibet or India: In China, they were always known as the western regions, regardless of who currently controlled them. For example, China controlled traffic along the southern route when political issues cropped up during the Han Dynasty about 119 BCE. Then, the Chinese decided that although it would be beneficial to maintain the trade route, the territory was not critically important, so the oasis states were left to control their own destiny for the next few centuries. Commerce and Trade Trade along the Silk Road was a matter of luxury rather than necessity because the long distances and limits of camels and other pack animals meant that only high-value goods- in particular in relation to their weight- could be economically carried. An Imperial Khotan-Green Jade Seal from the Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period.   Marco Secchi / Getty Images The main export item from Khotan was jade: the Chinese imported green Khotanese jade beginning at least as long ago as 1200 BCE. By the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), Chinese exports traveling through Khotan were primarily silk, lacquer, and bullion, and they were exchanged for jade from central Asia, cashmere and other textiles including wool and linen from the Roman empire, glass from Rome, grape wine and perfumes, slaves, and exotic animals such as lions, ostriches, and zebu, including the celebrated horses of Ferghana. During the Tang dynasty (618–907 CE), the main trade goods moving through Khotan were textiles (silk, cotton, and linen), metals, incense, and other aromatics, furs, animals, ceramics and precious minerals. Minerals included lapis lazuli from Badakshan, Afghanistan; agate from India; coral from the ocean shore in India; and pearls from Sri Lanka. Khotan Horse Coins Six Zhu Sino-Kharosthi coin with the image of a horse surrounded by Kharosthi script, circa 1st-2nd century CE. Gohyuloong One evidence that the commercial activities of Khotan must have extended at least from China to Kabul along the Silk Road, is that indicated by the presence of Khotan horse coins, copper/bronze coins found all along the southern route and in its client states. Khotan horse coins (also called Sino-Kharosthi coins) bear both Chinese characters and the Indian Kharosthi script denoting the values 6 zhu or 24 zhu on one side, and the image of a horse and the name of an Indo-Greek king Hermaeus at Kabul on the reverse side. Zhu was both a monetary unit and a weight unit in ancient China. Scholars believe Khotan horse coins were used between the first century BCE and the second century CE. The coins are inscribed with six different names (or versions of names) of kings but some scholars argue that those are all differently-spelled versions of the same kings name. Khotan and Silk Khotans best-known legend is that it was ancient Serindia, where the West is said to have first learned of the art of silk making. There is no doubt that by the 6th century CE, Khotan had become the center of silk production in Tarim; but how silk moved out of eastern China into Khotan is a tale of intrigue. The story is that a king of Khotan (perhaps Vijaya Jaya, who reigned about 320 CE) convinced his Chinese bride to smuggle seeds of the mulberry tree and silkworm pupa cases hidden in her hat on her way to Khotan. A fully sizeable silkworm culture (called sericulture) was established in Khotan by the 5th–6th centuries, and it is likely to have taken at least one or two generations to get it started. History and Archaeology at Khotan Documents referring to Khotan include Khotanese, Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese documents. Historic figures who reported visits to Khotan include the wandering Buddhist monk Faxian, who visited there in 400 CE, and the Chinese scholar Zhu Shixing, who stopped there between 265–270 CE, searching for a copy of the ancient Indian Buddhist text Prajnaparamita. Sima Qian, the writer of the Shi Ji, visited in the mid-second century BCE. The first official archaeological excavations at Khotan were conducted by Aurel Stein in the early 20th century, but looting of the site began as early as the 16th century. Sources and Further Information Bo, Bi, and Nicholas Sims-Williams. Sogdian Documents from Khotan, II: Letters and Miscellaneous Fragments. Journal of the American Oriental Society 135.2 (2015): 261-82. Print.De Crespigny, Rafe. Some Notes on the Western Regions  . Journal of Asian History 40.1 (2006): 1-30. Print.è ¥ ¿Ã¥Å¸Å¸Ã‚  ; in Later HanDe La Vaissià ¨re, Étienne. Silk, Buddhism Bulletin of the Asia Institute 24 (2010): 85-87. Print.and Early Khotanese Chronology: A Note on the Prophecy of the Li Country.Fang, Jiann-Neng, et al. Sino-Kharosthi and Sino-Brahmi Coins from the Silk Road of Western China Identified with Stylistic and Mineralogical Evidence. Geoarchaeology 26.2 (2011): 245-68. Print.Jiang, Hong-En, et al. A Consideration of the Involucre Remains of Coix Lacryma-Jobi L. (Poaceae) in the Sampula Cemetery (2000 Years Bp), Xinjiang, China. Journal of Archaeological Science 35 (2008): 1311-16. Print.Rong, Xinjiang, and Xin  Wen. Newly Discovered Chinese-Khotanese Bilingual Tallies. Journal o f Inner Asian Art and Archaeology 3 (2008): 99-118. Print.

A girl named Maria Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

A girl named Maria - Essay Example It has been believed that certain individuals have specific roles to play in society. During the ancient times, males were already considered as the providers and protectors of their families and their tribes. Females had the role of taking care of the children and the home.Patriarchy, which was the setup during the olden days up until centuries ago, is the sociological condition wherein the males are considered to be more dominant than the females. More often than not, in this particular type of social setup, males are those in positions of power and enjoy more rights than the females. The society is said to be reigned by either a single male or a group of males. Females, including children, as a result of this type of social organization, are then forced to assume subordinate roles.In Latin America, the culture has been influenced by several other cultures, mainly by the Europeans and the Africans. Nonetheless, just like any other society and culture, which have the tendency to evo lve through time, patriarchy in Latin America has already experienced a decline, giving females much more power and responsibility, somehow offering them a more solid stand as to their place in society.On the other hand, another pressing issue worldwide, which also takes place in Maria's story, is political corruption. In its very sense, political corruption is the improper use of government or political power, usually for personal gain. No form of government is safe from corruption. Though it may display itself in different manners, the most common manifestations are "patronage, bribery, extortion, influence peddling, fraud, embezzlement, and nepotism" (Wikipedia, 2006). When a country is experiencing political corruption, it will be much more difficult for the country to progress, including its citizens. Not only does it compromise the general development of the country, but its development in all other aspects as well. With the political and economic status of Colombia, it is imminent that its citizens will suffer the consequences of other people's actions, with Maria being one perfect example of such an individual. Living in a patriarchal society, she is unable to exercise her rights in the fullest sense, as women are not given that much power, voice, and opportunities. Coupled with the kind of poverty that Maria and her family are experiencing, it is not surprising that she will want to look elsewhere for other opportunities, in order to give herself, her future child, and her family a better life than what they have at present, and something that they most definitely deserve. Just like any other person who is under extreme poverty, Maria made a quick life-changing decision without weighing the consequences and understanding the possible risks involved. She was only focused on the goal of earning more money through a seemingly easy job in order to uplift herself and her family's status in life. The film Maria Full of Grace gives an initial impression of the movie being of a religious sort. However, when one takes a second look at it, realizations of the real meaning and the true story come out. Maria Full of Grace is a story of a young woman who embarks on a journey from her present life at Colombia to the possibility of a better life in New York. Maria Alvarez, the heroine of the story, is a newly-pregnant 17-year-old who lives with her family in Colombia. With her job removing thorns off roses in the farm, she supports those in her family who are financially dependent on her, what with her meager wage. However, just like any other person who is experiencing poverty, she wants more out of life. She wants to be able to escape the life that she is currently experiencing and move on to greener pastures, so to speak. Not only for

Robotics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Robotics - Research Paper Example Plurality of identity refers to chosen or multiple identities (Miller 2013, 2). Real identity is an aggregate of selves or identity aspects in various contexts and real identity is not subject to manipulation (Cocking 2009, 127; 135). Online identities might correspond to real identity and multiple identities are virtually possible on the same or different online platforms (Ellison 2013, 10; 14). Basically, social media enables users manipulate, diversify or distort identities for legitimate reasons such as privacy or deliberate misinformation. Cocking (2009) asserts that computer-mediated communication enables showcasing of users, entrance and contribution to interest groups and communities (123). Digital technologies have enabled modification of identity or creation of several identities (Ludovico, n.d.). Miller (2013; Ludovico, n.d.) refers to the 1993 New Yorker cartoon of a dog telling another that virtually, nobody knows it is a dog to explain virtual identities (3). The dissolution of the real life identity by technological advances results in fragmentation illustrated by multiplicity of identities and interconnections in various digital media. Private content postings results in partial representations of real life identity which is disjointed and rarely matches the original. Ludovico likens the phenomenon to opening up to strangers not likely to be met again. These online identities are unpredictable since they are constantly updated to create fictitious characters and exaggerate of real ones in identity experimentation. In pre and post web 2.0 standards, social media influenced formation of plural identities. The web 2.0 sites enable user generated content as opposed to the preexisting commercially and institutionally generated content (Vallor 2012; Pasquier 2010, 21). Vallor 2012 asserts that early use of these sites linked

Hacking Attacks on Websites and Mobile Commerce (M-commerce) Crime Essay

Hacking Attacks on Websites and Mobile Commerce (M-commerce) Crime - Essay Example Malwares can be used to get onto FTPs or web servers, which is to attain useful information like credentials. This information attained by hackers is then further used for accessing the website personal information which only belongs to a company’s profile or business. Vulnerability of servers has invited hackers to access website’s secret information. This has also become a major threat for website owners today who provide enough space for hackers to get in (Rodriguez and Martinez). Likewise cybercrimes, crimes on M-commerce are also on the parallel side of distinction. Due to much dependence of retailers and consumers on M-commerce, big ratios of crimes on M-commerce have come to the sight. Malware provides easy access to mobile hackers especially in phones which carry computer or web applications. Smart phones or I phones are common in such threat as they carry a high vulnerability for malwares to persist. According to McAfee Inc malwares are approachable to smart phones which are common in use of unit sales trade by the retailers (Woodward). Rodriguez, Chris and Richard Martinez. "The Growing Hacking Threat to Websites: An Ongoing Commitment to Web Application Security." 2012. www.htbridge.com. 4 October 2012

1880 Halloween Riot Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

1880 Halloween Riot - Essay Example The violence swelled with two or three thousand Colorado residents begun throwing bricks and breaking into Chinese owned establishments. The police was not able to stop the mounting riot due to its sheer number and they were tremendously outnumbered until finally, Chinese homes and business were destroyed by the angry mob despite the Mayor’s call for the mob to disperse. The riot culminated when they broke into Sing Lee’s laundry business where he was dragged down the street and was attempted to be hung on a lamp post. He eventually was beaten to death. Other Chinese nationals would have suffered the same fate but some residents were able to stop them. Police also kept the Chinese locked in their county jails to protect them from angry mob. When the mob was finally over, Chinese businesses and homes were destroyed and the people who were jailed for the killing of Sing Lee were acquitted for lack of evidence. Despite this, Chinese nationals remain in Colorado and rebuild their business and

Approaches To Teaching Listening

Approaches To Teaching Listening Through the time there has been a shift in language perspective. Listening as a skill takes priority over details of language content. Along this shift different approaches were chosen to teach listening. In late 1960s and in the early 1970s comprehension approach was used. It was a teacher centered approach in which no attention was given to mistakes or what may cause these mistakes. Teachers focused upon the outcome of listening rather than upon listening itself, upon product rather than process. Learners kept experiencing the same difficulties in same listening exercises as they were not taught how to deal with them. Comprehension approach provided practice in listening but failed to practice it. To make listening more effective it is necessary to judge understanding not only by the number of learners who answered the questions correctly but also to follow up responses in order to understand where understanding broke down and to put things right. This happens if the listening less ons are seen as diagnostic activity. Diagnostic approach requires teachers to identify and redress learners weaknesses as listeners. According to Brown: Until we have some diagnostic procedures the teacher can only continue to test comprehension not to teach it. We need to move to a position where the teacher is able to recognize particular patterns of behavior manifested y an unsuccessful listener and to provide exercises for the students which will promote superior patterns of behavior. More listening does not necessarily mean better listening. Breaking listening into sub skills and planning series of short listening exercises can ensure better listening as it supports diagnostic approach, making it easy to identify the failure. More recently as listening takes the priority it should be seen as form of expertise. This requires intensive practice to become more automatic and exposure to real life experiences where taught practice have to be used appropriately and under the pressur e of time. Process in understanding spoken discourse There are two kinds of processes involved in understanding the spoken discourse. These are generally referred to as Top down and Bottom up approaches. Bottom up refers to using the incoming input as the basis for understanding the message. Top down method on the other hand, uses background knowledge in understanding the meaning of the message. There have been several arguments about the use of these two methods. According to Vandergrift bottom up help learners to develop word recognition skills, whereas top down method help learners to develop real life listening skills. But alone its not adequate for developing word recognition skills. Tyler (2001) suggested that Bottom up method can be used for long term language retention but top down method can be used for quick acquisition by learners such as travelers, as it provides insufficient basis for communication. As a result it can be seen as a matter of the aim of the listening. At the same time its been clearly stated that effective l istening occurs when Top down(meaning to language) and Bottom up (language to meaning) approaches occur together. Appropriate Tasks for effective listening The nature of comprehension is one of the main concerns to think before choosing the listening task Hundred percent correct and objective answers should not be expected form learners during the listening activity as what they understand recall or pay attention to are depend on the factors like their interest background and purpose in listening. ( Sheerin) Complete recall of all the information in an aural text is an unrealistic expectation to which even native speakers are not usually held. Listening exercises should be success-oriented and help students to build up confidence in their listening ability. The aim of the teachers should be making listening in second language (L2) as easy as listening in first language (L1). It is possible to make listening activities more effective by choosing appropriate tasks. Appropriate listening tasks must provide learners with necessary background knowledge and also cultural context when its needed, to make learners memory load less. Listening wi th more language knowledge make learners have more room in work memory to retain all information and make necessary revisions or inferences as they listen(Vandergrift). Listening task become more effective as listeners become more familiar with what they are listening. Tyler (2001) also supported this view by stating: Topic familiar-texts may inhibit the development of bottom up skills. Moreover listening tasks must have a purpose. As different listening tasks require different kinds of listening behaviors, learners need to know the purpose of the listening task to be able to choose the appropriate listening behavior. Shorter is easier to process principle rather than longer texts must be adapted as L2 listeners who can remember what they have heard perform more effectively (Brown). Effective listening materials consists of three parts; Pre listening, While Listening and Post listening and contain activities that link bottom up and top down listening (Field 98). Each part has specif ic aim therefore in an effective listening task; these three parts must be identical. Pre listening stage is used to activate knowledge, make predictions and reviewing key vocabulary. This stage must be used to simulate the appropriate background knowledge and to help learners to identify the purpose of the listening activity. While listening activities focuses on comprehension through exercises whereas Post listening generally involves response to comprehension. They all must be treated equally. All above these one of the main concerns about the listening task is authenticity; whether to provide L2 learners with the real life like listening materials or not. While some researchers support the use of authentic listening materials, others argue. Field suggested the use of authentic materials as they offer examples of hesitation, false start and pause, which characterizes the natural speech. Ur also emphasizes the importance of having listening instruction resemble real-life listening which makes the listener to built a sense of purpose and expectation for listening. These views match with the recent listening materials as its obvious that recent materials are trying to adapt more authentic tasks than before. In spite of these still there are some opponent views of the usage of authentic materials. Namely, Karen suggested that the authenticity might be a goal but not a starting point for learners. And Rosts view supported Karens as he stated that authentic materials are difficult both for learners and teachers and planning is necessary to be able to use them. Teachers must ensure that learners adopt their inference strategies they use in L1 to L2 listening. Using authentic materials are popular and believe to be effective however there is no proof that they are inherently superior to pedagogic recordings. The important thing is to use the one which is effective for learners to get better. Along authenticity discussions, simplicity is yet another concern for rese archers and teachers. Learners, when they are children, initially receive simplified input in learning their first language. There are some advantages of simplified language for L2 learners such as providing greater ease of comprehension for L2 learners and greater initial self competence in protected classroom environment. However it can cause learners to create unrealistic expectations that all L2 should be simple and easy to understand and it may cause to lose self esteem outside the classroom environment when learners cannot understand unsimplified speech. Hence activities must use authentic language without significantly slower or simpler speech than would normally be used in real life. Consequently it can be said that meaningful, interesting listening tasks using ordinary ,unsimplified, second language speech are effective. Importance of support in teaching environment. Importance of support in teaching L2 listening cannot be underestimated. Along appropriate tasks teachers still need to provide support during listening (Sheerin). This support can be in the form of a visual, transcript and/or positive feedback. In real life generally listeners have the opportunity to see the speaker. This supplies cultural information and so enable learners to predict more accurately. Visual aids such as maps, diagrams, pictures, or the images in a video help contextualize the listening input and provide clues to meaning. Moreover visuals reinforce the aural message and focus learners attention on the most important information. They are useful way of setting context which makes the activity more meaningful (Turner). Despite of the arguments about the necessity of them, transcripts are still thought to be other important support for learners. As use of the written record of the tasks are discussed, Sheerin supported the idea of transcript use by saying full and accu rately written transcript is important source of support for learners. It makes learners aware of the fact that they dont have to focus on every single word they hear. When examined Sherrins words carefully it can be clearly seen that use of transcripts not only help learners to improve themselves but also affect learners psychologically. Learners improve their listening if they have opportunity to see the whole text they heard. This enables them to see the use of the words. Moreover they feel that they dont need to afraid of missing some of the words as they listen. Transcript use is a beneficial learning activity which must be provided as a supplementary activity at the end of the listening, after students made some effort. Furthermore easiest and widely use form of support is positive feedback. Positive feedback is very important in listening as it is a demonstrative skill and repeated failure can cause panic and psychological barrier to effective listening. Therefore it must be ensured that positive feedback is provided during the learning process as a mean of support. Strategies and Strategy training Strategies and strategy training are most demanding and discussed issues about teaching effective listening. First of all the definition of the strategy and the distinction between the strategy and sub skill must be understood. Sub skills are competencies which native listeners posses and which non-native listeners need to acquire. Strategies, by contrast, are strictly compensatory. They are already available in L1. The goal in effective listening is to ensure that they are transferred into L2. Moreover strategies defined by Rost as; Some aspects of listening are under conscious control of listener while others are automatic and not under direct control. The conscious aspects of any goal oriented behavior are viewed in psychology as strategies. (Rost) Listening strategies can be thought of the way learners approach and manage the task. The effect of different types of listening strategy was investigated by Rubin (1988) with high school learners of Spanish. The performance of three ex perimental groups was compared with that of two control groups in the comprehension of video. Although not all the hypotheses were confirmed, results demonstrated that the use of some listening strategies can help students work with more difficult material (Vandergrift).Buck suggested two types of listening strategies; cognitive and metacognitive. Cognitive strategies are mental activities related to comprehending and storing input in working memory or long-term memory for later retrieval and metacognitive strategies are those conscious or unconscious mental activities that perform an executive function in the management of cognitive strategies. A lot of different researches have been done to find successful strategies. (Buck). As a result of these researches five commonly used successful strategies are defined as; Prediction, Making inferences, Attempting to clarify areas of confusion, Monitoring ones own listening process and Responding to what one has understood( Vandergrift 96,9 8,99). Despite of the fact that there are different strategies available for L2 learners, they often do not approach the listening tasks in the most effective way despite what they may do in their L1 ( Mendelsohn). Therefore it is necessary to help learners to find the correct strategy. With this view, some researchers suggested strategy training. According to Mendelsohn strategies can and must be taught as training students about how to listen leads to improvement in their listening ability. Training effective listening requires identifying ones goals in listening situation and act appropriate skills and strategies for ones listening goals. ( Rost) As learner centered models of L2 instructions became the focus of attention, teachers became the trainers of listening strategies rather than simple providers of comprehensible input.. Learners are made aware of the possible strategies through the use of strategy training and this leads to teaching and learning effective listening.