Ethical behavior and ethical perspective Research Paper

Ethical behavior and ethical perspective - Research Paper Example This research will begin with the statement that ethical-making decisions are very important and can affect the evaluation phase that it belongs to. Some of the ethical decision that is made keep ethical theories to the background and hence are used in the decision-making procedure of everyday life. Others do ignore the theories when they are making their decisions and only really on the theoretical approach that is cognitive moral development. Some studies have been on the fore front of examining the link between the theories and the way that most people make their decisions. These reasons are justified to belong to the criteria that are derived from the various stages in moral reasoning. Any ethics that has an action is solely determined by its end results or the consequences that are obtained in the end. This approach does look at the difference that is there between the good and the bad. Acts are considered to be good when they tend to have a positive effect and also in promoting human welfare. They are then considered to be harmful when they have a negative effect on individuals. This approach is thus referred to ass Teleological theory. Therefore, when one considers analyzing their ethical behavior, they ought to consider this theory. Teleological moral theories are accurately linked to the aspect of Hedonism. This aspect is able to connect the consequences that human behavior has to the foundation that is based on good and bad, right and wrong.

Customer Satisfaction, Loyalty, and Empowerment Essay Example for Free

Customer Satisfaction, Loyalty, and Empowerment Essay 1. Should a company be happy or concerned if most customers are satisfied? Satisfaction of the consumer is one of the main goals for a company to achieve. Customer satisfaction is defined as the feeling that results when an offering meets a consumer’s expectations. Companies around the world are doing many surveys, in order to measure the satisfaction of their consumers because the importance of consumer satisfaction is one of the main factors for a company. According to the question, should a company be happy or concerned if most consumers are satisfied, the answer is concerned. The reason of this answer is that if all consumers would be satisfied then it is okay, but in this case not all consumers are satisfied, so there are some consumers who are not satisfied. The company should work hard in order to not leave space for concerns for these people who would be unsatisfied. These unsatisfied consumers would have a big influence on the company because these consumers express their concerns to other people and then other people might not want to buy anything from that company. However, one of the main strategies that companies use to achieve their goals of satisfaction is to influence the consumer’s expectations. Customer’s expectations should be very high because if the product or service doesn’t meet their expectations they would be unsatisfied and have a negative perception. Marketers should make their expectations a bit lower so the service or product would exceed their expectations and then customers would be very satisfied. An example of consumer satisfaction would be like this: I usually order pizza at the restaurant called Extreme Pizza so then they deliver it at my home. They always bring it on time so they never are late, and also the food is warm. I am very satisfied with the product and service they provide to me. However, one day I heard my friend complaining about a restaurant service and then I asked him why so, and I realized that he was talking about the same restaurant that I order pizza. He said many bad things about that restaurant, then he told me that delivery is always late so then the food is cold. He also complained that he pays much more money because his house is far away from this restaurant. Therefore, I think that the reason of this problem between my friend and that restaurant is that the location of the house, so it is normal if the delivery is late and the food is cold. However, my house is near the restaurant, so I don’t face these problems. In the end, the difference is that I am very satisfied with their products and service but my friend is not satisfied and told everyone about the bad issue he experienced with that restaurant. To sum up in other words, all companies should be concerned with that percentage of people who are not satisfied even if the number of these people is low because negative things are spread much faster to others and positive ones. 2. Create a loyalty program for AUK with the 4 positive effects in mind Loyalty programs are a type of sales promotions defined as the efforts to reward frequent purchases or consumptions of customers. Anyhow, we have to point out the difference between loyalty and loyalty programs. Loyalty is the attitude of customers for a particular brand. It is divided in two dimensions, behavioral and attitudinal loyalty. Behavioral loyalty is a degree where customer buys the product regularly and does not respond to competitors. Attitudinal loyalty is the degree where customer prefers or likes the brand. There are four positive effects of loyalty programs longevity effect, the blocker effect, spreader effect, and the accelerator effect. Longevity effect is the process of lengthening of the lifetime value of customers by increasing their switching costs. Blocker effect is the process of blocking out marketing communications from competitors. Spreader effect is the willingness of customers to buy related products from a marketer. Accelerator effect is the process where customers speed up to make purchases in order to get to the next level of their loyalty program offers. AUK Loyalty Program The loyalty program tends to encourage customers to buy a product and make customers come again to buy the product. In AUK, students not only can pay for their tuition but also for extra lectures such as cisco, summer program etc. Moreover, AUK could have a loyalty program in a way from those students who come from the same family and town. When a student attends AUK, then he or she will have a 50% discount from the actual price for cisco. Also, summer program is one of them that make a discount for AUK students each summer. Furthermore, AUK provides a 15 % discount of price for a second person from the same family and 30% for the third. Even though, all students of AUK would have the opportunity of 20% reduction in price for work and travel during the summer in the Unites States, with the company called â€Å"Zip Travel†. Therefore, this loyalty program would have 4 positive effects. One of the longevity effects is that AUK attracts students from the same family to join AUK w ith a discount in price. For example, I have a friend who joined AUK last year, which he has a brother here at AUK who is going to graduate next quarter. He told me that, he did not even think to come at AUK but his brother convinced him to make such a decision and attend AUK. Also, he mentioned that AUK offers a 15% discount in price for the second person of the same family. Maybe the discount and quality that AUK provides encouraged my friend to register in. The blocker effect is also included to the loyalty program of AUK because it provides for its customers extra courses such as Cisco located in the Blue Building at AUK. All students of AUK would have 50% discount in price if they want to take those IT classes. Therefore, when students hear about this offer, they do not bother to go somewhere else and take these classes because this offer with a cheaper price is all right. Therefore, this is how AUK loyalty program blocks out marketing communication from competitors. The spreader effect would be also included to the loyalty program of AUK. For example, I know a friend who participates in every summer program that AUK offers. He told me that, he is very satisfied with the lectures and professors of AUK and that AUK offers a discount for its students who want to participate in the summer program. These are the reasons why he enjoys taking every year classes at AUK during the summer season. Therefore, he is loyal to AUK and does not want to take summer courses in other countries as some students do. The accelerator effect is also one of the loyalty programs included at AUK. An example that AUK offers would be that if in AUK are three students that come from the same family, the second would have 15% discount and the third would have 30% discount. By this offer AUK attracts its students to invite its family member attend at AUK because of the price discount they offer to them. If my brother would come next year at AUK, he would get 15% discount in price, but also if in the following year would come my sister then she would have 30% discount which is a very good offer in attracting more people. In other words, the more people of your family, much cheaper it would cost to you.

Thoeries Of Evolution Essay -- essays research papers fc

Thoeries of Evolution   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Evolution is the process by which living organisms originated on earth and have changed their forms to adapt to the changing environment. The earliest known fossil organisms are the single-celled forms resembling modern bacteria; they date from about 3.4 billion years ago. Evolution has resulted in successive radiations of new types of organisms, many of which have become extinct, but some of which have developed into the present fauna and flora of the world (Wilson 17).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Evolution has been studied for nearly two centuries. One of the earliest evolutionists was Jean Baptiste de Lamarck, who argued that the patterns of resemblance found in various creatures arose through evolutionary modifications of a common lineage. Naturalists had already established that different animals are adapted to different modes of life and environmental conditions; Lamarck believed that environmental changes evoked in individual animals direct adaptive responses that could be passed on to their offspring as inheritable traits. This generalized hypothesis of evolution by acquired characteristics was not tested scientifically during Lamarck's lifetime. A successful explanation of evolutionary processes was proposed by Charles Darwin. His most famous book, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection (1859), is a landmark in human understanding of nature. Pointing to variability within species, Darwin observed that while offspring inherit a resemblance to their parents, they are not identical to them. He further noted that some of the differences between offspring and parents were not due soley to the environment but were themselves often inheritable. Animal breeders were often able to change the characteristics of domestic animals by selecting for reproduction those individuals with the most desirable qualities. Darwin reasoned that, in nature, individuals with qualities that made them better adjusted to their environments or gave them higher reproductive capacities would tend to leave more offspring; such individuals were said to have higher fitness. Because more individuals are born than survive to breed, constant winnowing of the less fit-a natural selection-should occur, leading to a population that is well adapted to the environment it inhabits. When environmental conditions change, po... ...le in the short term have broad tolerances, which may better enable them to survive extensive changes. Human beings are uniquely adapted in that they make and use tools and devices and invent and propogate procedures that give them extended control over their environments. Humans are significantly changing the environment itself. The effects are most complex and cannot be predicted, and yet like the likelihood is that evolutionary patterns in the future will reflect the influence of the human species(Microsoft96). Works Cited Ardrey, Robert. The Hunting Hypothesis: A Personal Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Concerning the Evolutionary Nature of Man. New York:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Antheneum, 1976. Encarta 96. Computer Software. Microsoft, 1995. Gribbon, John and Cherfas, Jeremy. The Monkey Puzzle: Reshaping the Evolutionary Tree. Philly: Pantheon, 1982. Reader, John. Missing links: The Hunt for Earliest Man. Boston: Little, 1981 Schwartz, Jeffery H. The Red Ape: Orang-Utans and Human Origins.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  San Francisco: Houghton, 1987. Wilson, Peter J. The Domestication of the Human Species. Oxford:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Yale, 1991.

Emotional Intelligence Essay

The ability to express and control our own emotions is important, but so is our ability to understand, interpret, and respond to the emotions of others. Imagine a world where you couldn’t understand when a friend was feeling sad or when a co-worker was angry. Psychologists refer to this ability as emotional intelligence, and some experts even suggest that it can be more important than IQ. Learn more about exactly what emotional intelligence is, how it works, and how it is measured. What is Emotional Intelligence? Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to perceive, control and evaluate emotions. Some researchers suggest that emotional intelligence can be learned and strengthened, while others claim it is an inborn characteristic. Since 1990, Peter Salovey and John D. Mayer have been the leading researchers on emotional intelligence. In their influential article â€Å"Emotional Intelligence,† they defined emotional intelligence as, â€Å"the subset of social intelligence that involves the ability to monitor one’s own and others’ feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them and to use this information to guide one’s thinking and actions† (1990). The Four Branches of Emotional Intelligence.  Salovey and Mayer proposed a model that identified four different factors of emotional intelligence: the perception of emotion, the ability reason using emotions, the ability to understand emotion and the ability to manage emotions. 1.Perceiving Emotions: The first step in understanding emotions is to accurately perceive them. In many cases, this might involve understanding nonverbal signals such as body language and facial expressions. 2.Reasoning with Emotions: The next step involves using emotions to promote thinking and cognitive activity. Emotions help prioritize what we pay attention and react to; we respond emotionally to things that garner our attention. 3.Understanding Emotions: The emotions that we perceive can carry a wide variety of meanings. If someone is expressing angry emotions, the observer must interpret the cause of their anger and what it might mean. For example, if your boss is acting angry, it might mean that he is dissatisfied with your work; or it could be because he got a speeding ticket on his way to work that morning or that he’s been fighting with his wife. 4.Managing Emotions: The ability to manage emotions effectively is a key part of emotional intelligence. Regulating emotions, responding appropriately and responding to the emotions of others are all important aspect of emotional management. According to Salovey and Mayer, the four branches of their model are, â€Å"arranged from more basic psychological processes to higher, more psychologically integrated processes. For example, the lowest level branch concerns the (relatively) simple abilities of perceiving and expressing emotion. In contrast, the highest level branch concerns the conscious, reflective regulation of emotion† (1997).  What everyone needs to know. Emotional Intelligence Is the Other Kind of Smart.  When emotional intelligence first appeared to the masses in 1995, it served as the missing link in a peculiar finding: people with average IQs outperform those with the highest IQs 70% of the time. This anomaly threw a massive wrench into what many people had always assumed was the sole source of success—IQ. Decades of research now point to emotional intelligence as the critical factor that sets star performers apart from the rest of the  pack. Emotional intelligence is the â€Å"something† in each of us that is a bit intangible. It affects how we manage behavior, navigate social complexities, and make personal decisions that achieve positive results. Emotional intelligence is made up of four core skills that pair up fewer than two primary competencies: personal competence and social competence. Personal competence is made up of your self-awareness and self-management skills, which focus more on you individually than on your interactions with other people. Personal competence is your ability to stay aware of your emotions and manage your behaviour and tendencies. †¢Self-Awareness is your ability to accurately perceive your emotions and stay aware of them as they happen. †¢Self-Management is your ability to use awareness of your emotions to stay flexible and positively direct your behaviour. Social competence is made up of your social awareness and relationship management skills; social competence is your ability to understand other people’s moods, behaviour, and motives in order to improve the quality of your relationships. †¢Social Awareness is your ability to accurately pick up on emotions in other people and understand what is really going on. †¢Relationship Management is your ability to use awareness of your emotions and the others’ emotions to manage interactions successfully. Emotional Intelligence, IQ, and Personality Are Different. Emotional intelligence taps into a fundamental element of human behaviour that is distinct from your intellect. There is no known connection between IQ and emotional intelligence; you simply can’t predict emotional intelligence based on how smart someone is. Intelligence is your ability to learn, and it’s the same at age 15 as it is at age 50. Emotional intelligence, on the other hand, is a flexible set of skills that can be acquired and improved with practice. Although some people are naturally more emotionally intelligent than others, you can develop high emotional intelligence even if you aren’t born with it. Personality is the final piece of the puzzle. It’s the stable â€Å"style† that defines each of us. Personality is the result of hard-wired preferences, such as the inclination toward introversion or extroversion. However, like IQ, personality can’t be used to  predict emotional intelligence. Also like IQ, personality is stable over a lifetime and doesn’t change. IQ, emotional intelligence, and personality each cover unique ground and help to explain what makes a person tick. Emotional Intelligence Is Linked to Performance. How much of an impact does emotional intelligence have on your professional success? The short answer is: a lot! It’s a powerful way to focus your energy in one direction with a tremendous result. Talent Smart tested emotional intelligence alongside 33 other important workplace skills, and found that emotional intelligence is the strongest predictor of performance, explaining a full 58% of success in all types of jobs. Your emotional intelligence is the foundation for a host of critical skills—it impacts most everything you say and do each day. Emotional intelligence is the single biggest predictor of performance in the workplace and the strongest driver of leadership and personal excellence. Of all the people we’ve studied at work, we’ve found that 90% of top performers are also high in emotional intelligence. On the flip side, just 20% of bottom performers are high in emotional intelligence. You can be a top performer without emotional intelligence, but the chances are slim. Naturally, people with a high degree of emotional intelligence make more money—an average of $29,000 more per year than people with a low degree of emotional intelligence. The link between emotional intelligence and earnings is so direct that every point increase in emotional intelligence adds $1,300 to an annual salary. These findings hold true for people in all industries, at all levels, in every region of the world. We haven’t yet been able to find a job in which performance and pay aren’t tied closely to emotional intelligence. Emotional Intelligence Can Be Developed. The communication between your emotional and rational â€Å"brains† is the physical source of emotional intelligence. The pathway for emotional intelligence starts in the brain, at the spinal cord. Your primary senses enter here and must travel to the front of your brain before you can think rationally about your experience. However, first they travel through the limbic system, the place where emotions are generated. So, we have an emotional reaction to events before our rational mind is able to engage.  Emotional intelligence requires effective communication between the rational and emotional centers of the brain. â€Å"Plasticity† is the term neurologists use to describe the brain’s ability to change. Your brain grows new connections as you learn new skills. The change is gradual, as your brain cells develop new connections to speed the efficiency of new skills acquired. e. Generalization The student learns that Emotional Intelligence? Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to perceive, control and evaluate emotions. Some researchers suggest that emotional intelligence can be learned and strengthened, while others claim it is an inborn characteristic. Since 1990, Peter Salovey and John D. Mayer have been the leading researchers on emotional intelligence. In their influential article â€Å"Emotional Intelligence,† they defined emotional intelligence as, â€Å"the subset of social intelligence that involves the ability to monitor one’s own and others’ feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them and to use this information to guide one’s thinking and actions† (1990). The Four Branches of Emotional Intelligence Salovey and Mayer proposed a model that identified four different factors of emotional intelligence: the perception of emotion, the ability reason using emotions, the ability to understand emotion and the ability to manage emotions. 1.Perceiving Emotions 2.Reasoning with Emotions 3.Understanding Emotions 4.Managing Emotions What everyone needs to know. 1. Emotional Intelligence Is the Other Kind of Smart. Personal competence is made up of your self-awareness and self-management skills, which focus more on you individually than on your interactions with other people. Personal competence is your ability to stay aware of your emotions and manage your behaviour and tendencies. Self-Awareness is your ability to accurately perceive your emotions and stay aware of them as they happen. Self-Management is your ability to use awareness of your emotions to stay flexible and positively direct your behaviour. Social competence is made up of your social awareness and relationship management skills; social competence is your ability to understand other people’s moods, behaviour, and motives in order to improve the quality of your relationships. Social Awareness is your ability to accurately pick up on emotions in other people and understand what is really going on. Relationship Management is your ability to use awareness of your emotions and the others’ emotions to manage interactions successfully. 2. Emotional Intelligence, IQ, and Personality Are Different. 3. Emotional Intelligence Is Linked to Performance. 4. Emotional Intelligence Can Be Developed. â€Å"Plasticity† is the term neurologists use to describe the brain’s ability to change.

The Most They Ever Had Book Review

Cory W. Smith Mrs. Huskinsson English 101 18 November 2012 Book Review: The Most They Ever Had The Most They Ever Had is a story of suffering, hard work, and sacrifice. It is a collaboration of interviews conducted on the textile workers of the Profile cotton mill in Jacksonville, Alabama. The author of the book, Rick Bragg, compiles the stories of these people because he is one of them. He was raised in Jacksonville, Alabama. His older brother, Sam, worked at the mill. Bragg wrote this story of his people because it was a story that needed to be heard.The Most They Ever Had tells the simple lives of the men that just wanted to make a living to support a family and make it through this life to get to the next. The title is so fitting because they lived such simple lives that the mill coming to town meant survival. It meant having a somewhat stable job and the ability to buy a house and put food on the table. It was, in fact, the most they ever had. The job came with a price, however. The workers paid for their means of survival with their health. They worked unventilated rooms saturated with lint.The constant inhalation of these minute particles eventually caused damage to the workers lungs causing a disease called â€Å"brown lung. † Because the job was so sought after, the workers could lose their job for the smallest mishaps, even missing one day of work due to illness. The workers could be sick as dogs, but they would still clock in a put in their daily hours. Their daily struggles can teach the readers a lesson–to never take things in life for granted. These workers labor tirelessly day in and day out just to put a roof over their family’s head and food on the table.They worked in terrible conditions, but they rarely complained because they appreciated what they had. That, I believe, is a main purpose behind this book. Not only to tell the readers the stories of these true American heroes, but also to teach them this valuable lesson. T he Profile cotton mill opened its doors in Jacksonville, Alabama in 1905 and remained open until 2001 when it shut down without warning and left the workers still trying to pay off mortgages with no pension. Bragg tells the stories of the mountain people from this region just trying to get by paycheck to paycheck. He insights us on the tyrant mill owners and managers.He also informs us of the tragedies the workers endured like Charlie Hardy’s story of how he, â€Å"one of the best front-porch guitar pickers,† lost his â€Å"picking arm† to a machine in the mill and had to give up his talent. Or the tragic story of Leon Spears, the 65 year old man that began working at the mill when he was seventeen that has to carry an oxygen tank close by because of the damage done to his lungs by the cotton filled air of the mill. Bragg explains how the corrupt bosses would blame the workers’ troubled breathing on hangovers and laziness rather than inadequate working co nditions.Still, however, the workers would show up day after day because they knew that the mill gave them a means of survival. The workers of the mill never gave up hope, though, that things would get better, and, eventually, they did. Over time conditions improved. Profile mill workers, in time, earned â€Å"one of the best blue collar paychecks in the foothills. † The book is informative because it does exactly that–it informs. If I had not read this book, I would have never learned the stories of these brave Americans and their families. It tells you what life in a mid 20th century mill town was like.Bragg doesn’t stop at informative, however. He portrays the workers’ stories in a way that one becomes attached to them. Bragg writes in such an eloquent and descriptive manner that by the end of the book, one believes that he or she actually knows the mill workers of Jacksonville, Alabama. One of the most amazing components of this book, in my opinion, i s that the workers living this tragedy didn’t even realize that they were living one. It was just their life. They worked in such harsh working conditions and under such greedy bosses, but they didn’t look at themselves with pity. They didn’t complain.They did what they had to do to support their family and to make ends meet. Another intense part of the book for me was reading Charlie Hardy’s story. Charlie lost his arm to a machine and by result had to give up on his talent of guitar playing. Since I am a musician myself, I can hardly imagine what it would feel like to be told that I would never be able to play the guitar again. Rick Bragg’s The Most They Ever Had is amazing book of conquest over struggle. The mill workers of Jacksonville, Alabama gave life and limb to provide for their family and never gave up hope that someday things would get better.They never gave up on their families that depended on that paycheck. The Most They Ever Had show s that things in life don’t always come easy and that we must work hard for the things in life we love most. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes a good conquest story because that’s what this story boils down to. It’s the story of how the workers of the Profile cotton mill trying to overcame the struggles of everyday life in the textile mill of Jacksonville, Alabama. Works Cited: Bragg, Rick. the most they ever had. San Fransisco: MacAdam/Cage, 2009. Print.

30 Words Inspired by 29 People and An Elephant

30 Words Inspired by 29 People and An Elephant 30 Words Inspired by 29 People and An Elephant 30 Words Inspired by 29 People and An Elephant By Maeve Maddox Thousands of English words may be classed as eponyms, words derived from proper names. Many eponyms derive from deliberate choices to call a product, invention, or scientific discovery after the person most closely associated with it, for example: macadam, guillotine, pasteurisation. Sometimes scientific terms are coined to honor a famous person or a friend, for example, watt, ohm, and dahlia. Other eponyms derive from characters in fiction, mythology, or geographical locations, for example rambo, hermaphrodite, marathon. Eponyms I find especially interesting are those that derive not from a deliberate naming process, but from distinctive associations with specific individuals. Here are 30 eponyms that owe their existence to somethingphysical features, manner of dress, writing style, profession, or behaviorassociated with specific people (and one elephant). The People 1. bowdlerize [bÃ… dlÉ™-rÄ «z, boud-] remove sexually offensive words or passages from a written work before publishing it. From Thomas Bowdler (1754-1825) who published an edition of Shakespeare that left out such things as the porter scene in Macbeth. As preposterous as the idea may seem now, it was a boon to women who had previously been deterred from reading the plays by their parents, husbands, or dread of social disapproval. 2. boycott [boikÃ… t] refuse to do business with with someone. From Charles C. Boycott (1832-1897), the Irish land agent for an absentee landlord. Boycott refused to conform to land reforms supported by the Irish Land League. The League acted against Boycott by preventing his access to stores, postal service and other economic necessities. Boycotting is an important tool in campaigns of passive resistance to unjust social conditions. 3. cardigan [krdÄ ­-gÉ™n] style of sweater that opens at the front. From James Thomas Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan who is said to have worn a knitted waistcoat to keep warm on campaign. He was one of the commanders in the field on the day of the fatal Charge of the Light Brigade in the Crimean War. 4. casanova [kÄÆ'sÉ™-nÃ… vÉ™] This is one of those many euphemisms for a man who preys on women. One definition is a man gallantly attentive to women. Others are promiscuous man, or philanderer. From Giacomo Jacopo Girolamo Casanova de Seignalt (1725-98), an Italian adventurer who wrote a memoir in which he bragged about his conquests. 5. chauvinism [shÃ… vÉ™-nÄ ­zÉ™m] fanatical patriotism or an intense belief in the superiority of ones own gender, group, or kind. From Nicholas Chauvin, a soldier in Napoleons Army who was a by-word for stubborn loyalty to Napoleons Empire long after Napoleons defeat. Male chauvinism is the belief that men are congenitally superior to women and therefore have the right to set the standards for acceptable female behavior. The adjective is chauvinistic. 6. C-section (shortening of Caesarian Section) medical procedure in which a child is delivered by being cut from the mothers womb. Tradition traces the word to the belief that Roman Dictator Julius Caesar was so born. However, Roman doctors performed the procedure to save a child when the mother died before completing delivery. Julius Caesars mother, Aurelia Cotta, lived to raise her grand-daughter. The word Caesarian for the medical procedure may have more to do with the family name Caesar than with Aurelias son. Caesar comes from Latin caesus, past participle of caedere, to cut. 7. gerrymandering [jÄ•rÄ“-mÄÆ'ndÉ™r, gÄ•r-] practice of dividing voting districts to give unfair advantage to one party. From Massachusetts governor Elbridge Gerry (1744-1814). The shape of one of the voting districts suggested the body of a salamander, prompting a staffer at the Boston Gazette to coin the word Gerrymander. 8. leotard [lÄ“É™-trd] tights worn for dancing. From Jules Là ©otard (circa 1839-1870), French acrobatic performer who was the inspiration for the 1867 song The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze. 9. luddite [lÃ… ­dÄ «t] opponent of technological progress. From Ned Ludd, an English laborer who was supposed to have destroyed weaving machinery around 1779. Later on (1811-1816) a band of weavers calling themselves Luddites destroyed machinery in the Midlands and northern England. 10. lynch [lÄ ­nch] Originally lynching meant any kind of impromptu justice, chiefly flogging. Now it means to hang someone in a mob frenzy without a trial. From William Lynch, the author of Lynchs Law. The law was an agreement with the Virginia General Assembly in 1782 that allowed Lynch to capture and punish criminals in Pittsylvania County without trial. The county lacked official courts. 11. machiavellian [mÄÆ'kÄ“-É™-vÄ•lÄ“-É™n] characterized by expediency, self-interest, and deceit. From Niccolà ² Machiavelli (1469-1527), Italian political theorist who wrote The Prince (1513). In it Machiavelli argues that the most effective way for men and governments to achieve and maintain power is to act without regard to moral considerations. 12. Mae West [mÄ  wÄ•st] a type of inflatable life jacket. Named for buxom U.S. film star Mae West (1892-1980). 13. marcel [mr-sÄ•l] a hairstyle characterized by deep regular waves made by a heated curling iron. Named for Francois Marcel, 19th century French hairdresser who invented the process in 1872. Can be used as a verb. 14. martinet [mrtn-Ä•t] a military officer who demands strict obedience to regulations; by extension, anyone who demands absolute adherence to forms and rules. Coined from the name of Col. Jean Martinet, a French drillmaster during the reign of Louis XIV (1643-1715). 15. masochism [mÄÆ'sÉ™-kÄ ­zÉ™m] sexual pleasure in being hurt or abused. Coined in 1883 by German neurologist Richard von Krafft-Ebing (1840-1902), from the name of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch (1836-95). Sacher-Masoch was an Austrian novelist who wrote Venus in Furs, a novella about a man who enjoys submissive relationships with cruel women. The adjective is masochistic. 16. McCarthyism [mÉ™-krthÄ“-Ä ­zÉ™m] the practice of accusing people of political disloyalty without evidence; the use of unfair investigation methods to suppress opposition. From U. S. Senator Joe McCarthy (1908-1957). Playwright Arthur Miller allegorized McCarthy and his methods in The Crucible, a drama about the 1692 witch hunt and hangings in Salem, Massachusetts. 17. mirandize [mÉ™-rÄÆ'ndÄ «z] to read the legal rights to a suspect arrested on a criminal charge. From Ernesto A. Miranda (1941-1976), a laborer whose conviction on kidnapping, rape, and armed robbery was overturned because arresting officers had failed to inform him of his legal rights. Heres the rest of the story: Ernesto Miranda was retried after his conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court. In his second trial, his confession was not presented. Nevertheless, he was again convicted of kidnapping and rape based on other evidence. He served eleven years in prison before being paroled in 1972. After his release from prison, he made money by selling Miranda rights cards with his signature on them. In 1976, at the age of 34, he was stabbed to death in a bar fight. The man suspected of killing him invoked his Miranda rights and refused to talk to police. He was released and never charged with Mirandas murder. Mark Eiglarsh 18. Oscar statuette awarded for excellence in film acting, directing, etc., given annually since, 1928 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The name Oscar was first applied to the statuette in 1936. The story is that Margaret Herrick, the Academys librarian, reacted to her first look at the statuette with the remark: He reminds me of my Uncle Oscar. Her uncle was Oscar Pierce, U.S. wheat farmer and fruit grower. 19. pompadour [pÃ… mpÉ™-dà ´r, -dÃ… r] hair style in which the front of the hair is swept up and back in a large roll. Named for Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour (1721-1764) mistress of Louis XV. A masculine version of the pompadour brushes the hair up from the forehead. 20. Ponzi scheme [pÃ… nzÄ“] an investment scam by which early investors are paid off from the contributions of later ones. Named for Charles Ponzi, who perpetrated such a scam from 1919 to 1920. The name Ponzi may be eclipsed by that of Madoff to describe such a scheme. Ponzis scheme netted only a few million dollars. Bernard Madoff stole $50 billion from his investors over a period of several decades. 21. quisling [kwÄ ­zlÄ ­ng] traitor; turncoat; enemy collaborator. From Vidkun Quisling (1887-1945) a Norwegian politician who headed a puppet government for the Nazis during the World War II occupation of Norway. 22. raglan [rÄÆ'glÉ™n] having or being a sleeve that extends in one piece to the neckline of the garment, with slanted seams from the armhole to the neck. Named for Fitzroy James Henry Somerset, 1st Baron Raglan who was minus an arm. The special type of sleeve made his jacket fit better. Usually seen in the phrase raglan sleeve. 23. Reaganomics the economic policies of tax cutting and deficit spending. Named for Ronald Reagan, U.S. President from 1981 to 1989. 24. rubenesque [rÃ… «bÉ™-nÄ•sk] plump or fleshy and voluptuous. From Flemish painter Sir Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) whose paintings favor that particular female body type. 25. sadism [sÄ dÄ ­zÉ™m, sÄÆ'dÄ ­z-] love of cruelty. From Count Donatien A.F. de Sade (1740-1815), a.k.a. the Marquis de Sade. He wrote novels that, according to the Wikipedia article, explored such controversial subjects as rape, bestiality and necrophilia. He was a proponent of extreme freedom (or at least licentiousness), unrestrained by morality, religion or law, with the pursuit of personal pleasure being the highest principle. The adjective is sadistic [sÉ™-dÄ ­stÄ ­k]. 26. sideburns [sÄ «dbà »rnz] strips of hair at the sides of the face. The word began as burnsides and referred to a style of facial hair that consisted of flaring side whiskers joining in the mustache. The chin was clean-shaven. Named for U.S. Army Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside (1824-81) who wore them. The words elements changed places by the process of folk etymology (false etymology). 27. tattersall [tÄÆ'tÉ™r-sà ´l, -sÉ™l] a pattern of dark lines forming squares on a light background; type of fabric with small and even check pattern. From Richard Tattersall (1724-1795), founder of Tattersalls, a London horse market and gambling rendezvous he founded in 1766. The pattern was a traditional one for horse blankets. 28. Victorian [vÄ ­k-tà ´rÄ“-É™-nÄ ­zÉ™m, -tÃ… r-] In one sense, the adjective can refer simply to the period of history that corresponds more or less to the reign of Queen Victoria of Britain (1837-1901), a period during which Britain led the world militarily, industrially, and politically. In another sense it signifies prudish behavior and social attitudes typical of the time. The phrase Victorian London evokes the image of a city of extremes. On one hand middleclass morality was so uptight that the word limb was preferred to more graphic words such as leg and arm. Ive read that even piano legs were carefully clothed with ruffled coverings for reasons of modesty. On the other hand abandoned children slept in doorways in slums so depraved that police were afraid to go into them. 29. wellingtons [wÄ•lÄ ­ng-tÉ™n] waterproof boots of rubber or sometimes leather reaching to below the knee and worn in wet or muddy conditions. Named for Arthur, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852), who also in his lifetime had a style of coat, hat, and trousers named for him as well as varieties of apple and pine trees. ...and the Elephant 30. jumbo [jÃ… ­mbÃ… ] unusually large. In the 1880s jumbo was an English slang word for clumsy, unwieldy fellow. The famous elephant named Jumbo lived in the London Zoo for 17 years and was a great favorite with the English public. U.S. showman P.T. Barnum bought Jumbo for $10,000 in 1882. Thanks to circus advertising, the name Jumbo became a synonym for huge. In those days before animal protection laws, poor Jumbo did not have a happy life. Born in the French Sudan in 1861, he spent some time being exhibited in Paris before going to the London Zoo in 1865. When Barnum offered to buy him, 100,000 English school children wrote to Queen Victoria begging her to stop the sale. To no avail. Read Jumbos sad story at Wikipedia. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:30 Synonyms for â€Å"Meeting†What is Dative Case?10 Functions of the Comma

Optical Disc Storage †Computer Science Essay (100 Level Course)

Optical Disc Storage – Computer Science Essay (100 Level Course) Free Online Research Papers Optical Disc Storage Computer Science Essay (100 Level Course) An optical disc is a storage media consisting of a flat, round, portable disc made of metal, plastic, and lacquer. Optic disc are written and read by a laxer. Different formats of optical disc are CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD+RAM. Optical drive(s) usually are a standard feature on today’s personal computers. Users can read but not write or erase a CD-ROM, which stands for compact disc read-only memory. Users record their own items such as text, graphics, and audio on a CD-R, (compact disc recordable). You can write on a part of the disc at one time and another part at a later time. Oce recorded, a CD-R can be read from as many times as necessary. However, each part of a CD-R can be written only one time. The disc’s contents cannot be erased. You need a CD recorded or a CD-R drive to write on a CD-R. On the other hand, a CD-RW, a compact disc-rewritable, is an erasable disc you can write and rewrite multiple times. Reliability of the disc tends to drop, however, with each successive rewrite. To write on a CD-RW disc, you must have CD-RW software and a CD-RW drive (Manzanera Brautigam 14-20). A DVD-ROM is extremely high-capacity optical disc that stores 4.7 GB to 17 GB. DVD-ROM means digital versatile disc-ROM or digital video disc-ROM. The goal of DVD’s is to meet the needs of home entertainment, computer usage, and business data and information storage with a single medium. DVDs store huge databases, music, complexes, software, and movies. You must have a DVD-ROM drive or DVD player to read a DVD-ROM. Newer DVD-ROM deives also can read audio CD’s, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs (High Capacity Storage Media). To write on DVD-recordable or DVD-rewriteable disc, you must have the proper type of drive. DVD-R and DVD+R are competing DVD-recordable formats. Each has 4.7 GB of storage capacity. Both allow users to write on the disc once and read it many times. DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD-RAM are competing rewritable DVD formats. DVD-RW and DVD+RAM allow users to erase and record more than 1,000 times. DVD+RAM allows users to erase and record on a DVD+RAM disc more than 100,000 times (Guzman Padilla). Encarta Dictionary. English (North America). 14 Sept. 2005. Microsoft Word Online Research. Guzman C C. Padilla. A Guide to DVD Formats. California: Mideast Publishing, 2006. High Capacity Storage Media. Shelly Cashman Series. Course Technology. 28 Dec. 2006. www.scsite.com/ed20032e.pr2/wc3.htm Manzanera, Dennis A Jeffery T. Brautigam. â€Å"Using Computer CD’s.† Internet Talk. November 2006: 14-20. Research Papers on Optical Disc Storage - Computer Science Essay (100 Level Course)The Project Managment Office SystemPETSTEL analysis of IndiaBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfStandardized TestingHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows EssayHip-Hop is ArtAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaThe Fifth HorsemanIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalTwilight of the UAW

Regenerative Braking

Regenerative Braking If you drive in an urban area, you probably realize youre continually stopping and starting on the road. Its a big waste of time, but you might not also realize that its a huge waste of energy. Making a car move forward requires needs a large input of power, and every time you step on the brakes, all the energy you built up dissipates. According to the rules of physics, energy cannot be destroyed. That means when your car slows down, the kinetic energy that was moving it forward has to go somewhere its lost in the brake pads and released as heat.  But what if you could store up this energy and use it when you next begin to accelerate? Thats the basic principle behind regenerative brakes, which are widely used in electric cars and trains. Definition Regenerative braking is a system in which the electric motor that normally drives a hybrid or pure electric vehicle is essentially operated in reverse (electrically) during braking or coasting. Instead of consuming energy to propel a vehicle, the motor acts as a generator that charges the onboard batteries with electrical energy that would normally be lost as heat through traditional mechanical friction brakes. As the motor â€Å"acts in reverse,† it generates electricity. The accompanying friction (electrical resistance) assists the normal brake pads in overcoming inertia and helps slow the vehicle. Traditional vs. Regenerative In a tr ­aditional braking system, brake pads create friction with the brake rotors which stop or slow the car. Friction is also produced between the wheels and the roads surface. Both create heat from the cars kinetic energy. However, with regenerative brakes, the system that drives the vehicle does most of the braking. When you depress the brake pedal on a hybrid or electric car, these brakes shift the automobiles electric motor into reverse which makes it run backward, in turn slowing the cars wheels. While running backward, the motor also acts as an electric generator by creating electricity thats delivered into the cars batteries. Best Situations Regenerative brakes are more effective at certain speeds. They are actually most useful in stop-and-go situations. Hybrids and electric cars also do have friction brakes that act as a type of back-up system in scenarios where regenerative braking cant supply enough power to stop. In these cases, drivers should aware that the brake pedal could respond differently to pressure. It will sometimes depress farther towards the floor than usual a feeling that can momentarily cause drivers to panic. Hydraulic Regenerative Braking Ford Motor Company and the Eaton Corporation have developed a newer type of regenerative braking system called Hydraulic Power Assist or HPA. When the driver depresses the brake with HPA, the cars kinetic energy powers a reversible pump which directs hydraulic fluid from a low-pressure accumulator (a type of storage tank) and into a high-pressure accumulator. Estimates for HPA indicate it could store 80 percent of the movements lost by deceleration and use it to move the car forward.

Tax law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Tax law - Case Study Example Jones to change Smithon from a fiscal year end to calendar year end and convert it to an S corporation. You asked that I give you definitive answers regarding the outright purchase of Smithon stock, as well as the potential merger or acquisition of Smithon by Johnson Services. Of these two main issues there are several minor points that need addressed? I will break each section down and answer those questions specifically, definitively responding for each. To be addressed first is, 1. the outright purchase of Smithon stock a. Should you purchase the stock of Smith outright, leaving Smithon intact? What about issuing debt in your Johnson Services company to pay for the Smith Company-would that raise debt to equity issues? It is sometimes better to purchase the stock of Smithon outright, however, in looking at the potential benefit of using the credit power of Johnson Services and issuing corporate bonds you would free up the cash necessary to make changes if they become a need. There is also the added benefit of the debt tax shield. IRC 514 expands on debt-finance income when one uses income gained by borrowing against investment property. (IRC 514) Obviously, an issue is the potential problem with debt to equity, however, given the losses posted by Johnson Services recently it seems expedient to explore corporate bonds or additional share opportunities and use the cash available to re-tool Smithon. By using the available debt tax shield, you stand to benefit in numerous ways from using Johnson Services as a backer for purchasing Smithon. One potential disadvantage is that issuing debt can increase the risk of bankruptcy. (Damodaran 9) b. Should I convert Smithon to an S corporation and change the fiscal year end to a calendar year end? c. What potential income tax ramifications exist for me if I purchase the stock of Smithon and convert it to an S corporation? If you use the credit available from Johnson to purchase Smithon it would be beneficial to retain the C status of that corporation and take full advantage of the corporate tax benefits resulting. However, if you decide to use cash to purchase Smithon and end up with a large personal liability then converting it to S status would become more beneficial. Due to increased taxes on a personal level with the utilization of â€Å"mean testing† it would seem more personally beneficial to retain the C status of the corporation and keep the potential income from that business out of the data included in the â€Å"mean testing.† The income of an S corporation is generally taxed to the shareholders of that corporation rather than the corporation itself. (IRS form 2553 1) As for changing from a fiscal to calendar year end, this would result in filing a short tax year, and additional expenses administratively with no real net benefit. d. Should I merge Johnson Services and Smithon? What type of merger or acquisition would be best (i.e., A type, etc.)? Because there are no available data sets as to the similarities between Smithon Widgets manufacturing and Johnson Services it would be necessary to further explore the ability for both companies to function together. If a merger becomes an option and is pursued successfully the most effective merger type given the information currently available would be the conglomeration merger. This type of merger is between two businesses that are involved in totally unrelated activities. There is the

Interest groups Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 10000 words

Interest groups - Dissertation Example This paper studies how the roles of the interest groups within the modern day American politics has shaped up, and how these roles are translated to bring out a true message for the Americans. What is even more significant here is the fact that this study aims to find which strategies are made use of by these interest groups to achieve their respective goals as far as the lengths and breadths of United States are concerned. Also the due role of the National Rifle Association as an interest group has been detailed within this discussion which only adds meat to it in the long run. ... inquire about the areas where interest groups have been able to provide their services and to see if these areas have any political perspectives present as well To explore the due role of the National Rifle Association as an interest group that has done much for the United States over a passage of time Methodology The methodology used within this paper is entirely dependent on the usage of secondary research which is the research that has been gained through evidence and available resources. The secondary research always comes ahead with the passage of time and is manifested through books, journals, newspapers, magazines, periodicals, TV interviews and reports, etc. The methodology lists down the areas from which information has been extracted for the completion of this study and the manner in which it has been done suggests the authenticity that is much required for this paper. The Role Played by the Interest Groups in American Politics Interest groups within the United States are b uilt up in such a way that they have their respective aims and objectives. The reasons why they exist are difficult to ascertain because they are serving the interests of varied stakeholders. The manner in which they operate is visible to everyone yet they exist to make sure that their interests are met in a priority basis. These interest groups have their own vested interests and they can go to any limit to make sure that they are recognized, their work done in a proper way and the results are such that nearly everyone can see and decipher easily. Now how these interest groups bring success is dependent on how well they have been devised in the first place. If these interest groups are working to satisfy a general audience, then the interests will remain broad but if these interest groups

Untitled (Society Portrait) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Untitled (Society Portrait) - Essay Example On the first gaze at the portrait, it seems that the lady definitely belongs to the aristocratic segment of the society. Lying half–seated on a couch, the lady seems a bit pensive in mood. The color of her skin, hair and eyes indicate that she is European by race. Interestingly, only very few colors are used in the portrait. Yellow, white, grey and shades of brown both deep and light are schematically used in the picture. At the same time, one can argue as that these coolers are building a theme for the portrait of the anonymous lady as well. Very interestingly, the background colors are very much different and the painter uses light and dark shades of blue along with tinge and shades of brown over it which is quite well synchronized and chosen deliberately as the color scheme of the portrait is on the lighter and drab side. Use of light is done meticulously throughout the portrait and the lines are so fine that nobody will ever find in determining the mood and gesture of the lady. The couch on the other hand is casted with the hue of red color and here too the use of brown both light and dark shades have been well organized keeping in mind the actual color scheme of the portrait. Taking a gaze at the socio-cultural aspect of the society portrait apart from its technical side, it can be well asserted that the hair style and the kind of wardrobe, the lady is putting up indicates a time frame of early half of the twentieth century. During that time, butterfly sleeves and use of shrugs, stoles and veils were very common. The lady is also putting up a necklace made of some yellow beads; the choice of simple yet exquisite jewelry in terms of both the necklace and the ear-ring and wristlet on the left hand is showing a mark of classy style. The lady is probably holding her bag or a veil black in color and very interestingly the side of the couch is having dark brown and black hues which is posited parallel to the lady’s black

Letter requesting OPT addressed to DSO Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Letter requesting OPT addressed to DSO - Essay Example Some of the concepts that I have acquired through the course include management information systems, business strategies, finance, law, marketing and accounting among others. These concepts and other concepts in business administration are closely related to the role of a business analyst in various ways. Firstly, business administration provided one with a foundation for understanding business processes, strategies, and the general business environment. The course has also familiarized me with the methodologies, tools, and processes involved in the successful analysis of businesses. I possess great leadership skills having held numerous leadership positions at school. I cherish teamwork and collaboration in order to achieve a common objective. I have the ability to learn fast and develop competencies in very diverse areas including financial modeling, comparative analysis, comparative analysis, tax planning, and investment strategies. In addition to my analytical skills, I also possess advanced computer skills. I have expertise in various computer programs including MS office suits and programing languages such as SQL, VB, and HTML. I have attaches a sample of my resume for consideration. I would appreciate the opportunity to come at your premises for an interview where I can elaborate more on my skills I relation to the

Org behavior Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Org behavior - Assignment Example Less-sophisticated technological systems may allow for a flatter, horizontal structure that provides employees with more autonomous function. Employees in the organization may not have the tacit knowledge that some experts in the organization hold and do not always have access to face-to-face interventions with knowledge experts. Therefore, they become dependent on data from technology systems in order to guarantee effective knowledge transfer, such as using enterprise resource planning software to gain valuable real-time data occurring in the organization. For instance, customer service can access software to determine current inventory levels in order to ensure order fulfillment. This knowledge source (CSR) now holds knowledge no other individual in the organization carries from external sources. They can take this technology-driven knowledge to consult with production to temporarily double output in order to meet future demand. Technology maintains â€Å"a crucial role in enabling knowledge-centric practices† (Dataware Technologies, 2008, p.2). Having an understanding of the external market is one competency providing competitive advantage. Many organizations rely on differentiation strategies in order to build a brand that stands out uniquely from competitors. In order to create a more effective service model or product concept, the organization needs to conduct market research on consumer attitudes, behaviors, and needs to align operations and service to deliver these outputs. Another core competency is creating a unified organizational culture, using transformational leadership to gain commitment, loyalty and employee satisfaction (Fairholm, 2009). Human capital development in terms of coaching and training using elements of transformational style can give employees more transferrable knowledge within the organization and attitude that focuses on service excellence and total quality management of outputs. Being

Letter requesting OPT addressed to DSO Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Letter requesting OPT addressed to DSO - Essay Example Some of the concepts that I have acquired through the course include management information systems, business strategies, finance, law, marketing and accounting among others. These concepts and other concepts in business administration are closely related to the role of a business analyst in various ways. Firstly, business administration provided one with a foundation for understanding business processes, strategies, and the general business environment. The course has also familiarized me with the methodologies, tools, and processes involved in the successful analysis of businesses. I possess great leadership skills having held numerous leadership positions at school. I cherish teamwork and collaboration in order to achieve a common objective. I have the ability to learn fast and develop competencies in very diverse areas including financial modeling, comparative analysis, comparative analysis, tax planning, and investment strategies. In addition to my analytical skills, I also possess advanced computer skills. I have expertise in various computer programs including MS office suits and programing languages such as SQL, VB, and HTML. I have attaches a sample of my resume for consideration. I would appreciate the opportunity to come at your premises for an interview where I can elaborate more on my skills I relation to the

PEEST factors that have impacted on your selected product line Essay

PEEST factors that have impacted on your selected product line recently - Essay Example Because of the increasingly competitive environment in the smart-phone market, Samsung has been aggressive in ensuring that the phone’s related intellectual properties are protected from suing competitors like Apple (Naidu-Ghelani, 2014: p1). The Samsung S5 faces political pressures in the West African market due to the Ebola virus and terrorism, especially as it opened Samsung Electronics West Africa just this year to increase market share in the lucrative market. In the immediate future, sales of the Samsung Galaxy S5 will also be influenced by the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership between the US and EU, whose new tax policies and tariffs could impact significantly on price and sales (Mundy & Thomas, 2014: p1). The economic dimension is particularly critical for the Galaxy S5 because increased market liberalization in China, as well as increasing incomes and GDP growth in African countries is opening up new markets for the company (Jung-a, 2014: p1). However, the slow economic recovery in the EU is expected to continue into the foreseeable future, denting purchasing power for European consumers. The EU and other developed and developing countries in the EU have also recorded minimal decline in unemployment rates, which means that their purchasing power will remain low for the near future. However, unemployment levels in the Caribbean, Latin America, and South East Asia have fallen significantly, opening up new avenues of expansion (Thompson, 2014: p1). The rise of the ethical consumer internationally who wants products that are sourced and manufactured in a responsible and sustainable manner will be an important factor for the Galaxy S5, which they need to be aware of in order to satisfy the ethical consumer (Giles, 2014: p1). As a result, Samsung has to ensure that its marketing strategy includes steps taken in making their operations responsible and sustainable. Increased pressure from eco-friendly groups like Green Peace will also

Catcher in the Rye Plot Essay Example for Free

Catcher in the Rye Plot Essay When someone is young, they tend to have innocence about them. As children grow up, they no longer possess this natural innocence. Exposure to all of the hatred in the world causes this loss. Holden Caulfield realizes this simple fact, as he himself grows up, and has a difficult time with the change. He experiences problems with communication as well as his school work. A common theme used throughout The Catcher in the Rye has to do with contradictions Holden makes. In J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, first person point of view is used to highlight contradictions Holden makes throughout the novel. Holden’s first contradiction becomes clear in the first few chapters of the book. When it comes to attending movies, he claims that he does not enjoy the company of Robert Ackley or going to see movies. Yet, he attends a show with Ackley. On Friday night, while Stradlater was on a date with Jane, Holden made his own plans. Holden, Mal Brossard, and Ackley went out for a burger and a movie. â€Å"†¦ decided we’d take a bus into Agerstown and have a hamburger and maybe see a lousy movie.†(36) Due to the use of first person point of view, we find out Holden’s inner thoughts instead of just relying on his actions. Also, later on in the novel, Holden goes to yet another movie, despite his claim of not enjoying them. While in the theater, he becomes extremely annoyed with the woman sitting next to him. She cried throughout the entire movie over, in Holden’s words, phony stuff. â€Å"†¦ there was a lady sitting next to me that cried all through the goddam picture. The phonier it got, the more she cried.†(139) We learn about Holden’s inner thoughts because of first person point of view. We can find another contradiction dealing with Holden’s hatred of movies. When he attends the first movie, he goes with Robert Ackley, despite the fact that Holden previously told us that he dislikes him. Holden says that he finds Ackley to be completely annoying. However, he was the one who invited Ackley along. â€Å"I asked Mal if he minded if Ackley came along with us†¦ Mal said he didn’t mind but that he wasn’t too crazy about the idea.†(36) This quote helps show another contradiction of Holden’s through Salinger’s use of first person point of view. Holden also sought out Ackley as a form of comfort after his fight with Stradlater. Holden had no one else to turn to after the fight except for Ackley. â€Å"I had a feel Ackley’d probably heard all the racket and was awake, so I went through the shower curtains and into his room† (46). Salinger again uses first person point of view to show even more of this contraction. Another contradiction that can be found has to do with Sally Hayes. Although Holden calls Sally a phony, he still decides to spend a night with her. In his head, he continues to say how much he hates Sally and how much she annoys him, yet he expresses that he loves her. Holden extends his contradiction by necking with Sally in the back of the cab, and still continues to think about the fact that he hates her. â€Å"I told her I loved her and all. It was a lie, of course.†(125) Holden’s actual thoughts about Sally stick out from the other statements through the use of first person point of view. Holden even goes as far as trying to run away with Sally. He expresses a want of running away and living on their own, right after calling her a pain in the ass. â€Å"I was getting excited as hell the more I thought about it, and I sort of reached over and took old Sally’s goddam hand. What a goddam fool I was.† (132) This contradiction was shown through the use of first person point of view. First person point of view is used by J.D. Salinger to show Holden’s contradictions in the Catcher in the Rye. Holden contradicts himself on a regular basis; it leads him to believe that he is crazy. Due to the fact that he has a problem with communicating to others, letting his feelings out became a challenge. His biggest battle involved his inner thoughts, and the words he actually expressed out loud. We can find most of his contradictions through this battle of words.

Technological Innovations of the Civil War

Technological Innovations of the Civil War Edward Cordero The American Civil War is known for being the most ruthless battle ever fought in American History. The outcome of the war continues to review the disturbing nature that many individuals endure for the unity of our nation. Despite its downside, the Civil War is also regarded as the first modern war.[1] During the Civil War, the improvement of weapons and technologies shaped the way Union and Confederate soldiers approached the front line.   The technological innovations also triggered the surge in death tolls and casualties of many soldiers, which justifies the reason as to why the Civil War currently leads the number of deaths in all American wars. Weapons, communication, transportation, and documentation were all challenging for both the Union Army and Confederate States Army prior to the advancement of technologies. This ultimately made the battles extremely tough and the hardship that soldiers faced is something that would be impossible to imagine in wars that are fought t oday. Therefore, the innovations of the repeating rifle, hot air balloon, telegraph, submarine, railroad, and camera all had an immediate impact on how the Civil War was fought. One of the most outstanding technological innovations of the Civil War was the repeating rifle. At the beginning of the Civil War, soldiers were forced to cope with various type of rifles until it eventually progressed to the repeaters. Soldiers from both the north and south were first given the smooth-bore muskets. The smooth-bore musket had a long barrel that was ineffective because it had a maximum range of about 300 feet.[2] Accuracy was not the only issue, but the amount of time required to reload the muskets caused frustration. Only the most well-trained soldiers will be able to load, aim and fire their weapons three times in one minute.[3] In addition, the smooth-bore muskets could only take in round shaped bullets that were nearly the same size as the diameter of the barrel, making the accuracy of the shot less effective. For soldiers to hit their target successfully, they would have to run closer to their enemies. To improve the accuracy, soldiers turned their interest to ri fled muskets or rifling. Rifled muskets are like the smooth-bore muskets, but the only difference were the design of their barrels. The rifled muskets were designed with a barrel that had grooves[4] that would allow the bullet to spin, which will result in the bullet spiraling its way to the enemy. It did not only cause intense damage to an enemy, it also extended its accuracy up to 500 yards when firing with a conical Minià ¨ ball bullet.[5] Although, both types of musket were still considered ineffective because it could only fire one bullet at a time. Thanks to Benjamin Tyler Henry, the first repeating rifle to be used in the Civil War was invented. Around 1863, Benjamin Tyler Henry invented the Henry Rifle that was capable of firing twelve shots in the span of one minute.[6] The emergence of the repeating rifles was only made available for the Union Army because the Confederates did not have the equipment nor did they have the knowledge on how to produce the rifles. This weapon made it possible for Union soldiers to fire rounds repeatedly, making it a convenient tactic when approaching enemy at a close distance. The only downside to the Henry Rifle was the time-consuming process to reload. Following the invention of the Henry Rifle was another type of repeating rifle called the Spencer Rifle. Christopher Spencer developed another version of the repeating rifle, but his invention could only fire seven rounds.[7] The Union soldiers admired the Spencer Rifle because it was much easier to reload and it could fire seven shots in 30 second.[8] One of the most famous quotes that was written by a Union Soldier in response to the development of the Spencer Rifle is, we have guns that we load up on Sunday and shoot all the rest of the week.[9] Both repeating rifles played an important role during the war, but it was the Henry Rifle that garnered most of the interest of the Union soldiers because of its higher ammunition capacity. The improvements from the rifled mu sket to the Spencer Rifle changed the way soldiers fought the war. Union soldiers were much more capable of causing immediate death to their enemy, making it possible for them to keep pressing forward. The innovation of the repeating rifles is just the beginning for the Union Army. The Union Army continued to improve their military tactics with the aid of the hot air balloon. Professor Thaddeus Lowe innovated the first ever hot air balloon that was used in the Civil War. Despite seeing success in his work, he must first demonstrate his balloon to President Abraham Lincoln.[10] On June 17, 1861, Lowe lofted upward to a height of 500 feet in his balloon- the Enterprise- from the Washington Mall in the vicinity of where the National Air Space Museum now stands.[11]After a successful demonstration, President Lincoln established a Balloon Corp in which Lowe was appointed as commander. Lowe received funds on August 2, 1861 to construct the Union, which was the first hot air balloon to be used in a military combat.[12] The purpose of incorporating the hot air balloon during the Civil War was to provide aerial reconnaissance [13]for the Union Army. The intended strategy that Lowe suggested is to ascend into the air while carrying a telegraph, another technological adv ancement for the Union Army, throughout the trip. By being 1000 feet high in the air, Lowe will be able to examine every movement the Confederate soldiers made. He would then use the telegraph to send back information to the Balloon Corp, stating the locations of the Confederate Soldiers. Easily, the Union soldiers would be able to fire accurately at the locations of the Confederates, without actually seeing them.[14] The hot air balloon provided aerial advantage for the Union Army. Technological innovations continue to be outpouring for the Union Army, following the invention of the telegraph. During the Civil War, the telegraph proved its value as a tactical, operational, and strategic communication medium and an important contributor to Union victory.[15]Samuel Morse invented the telegraph in 1844 and continued to progress until he sent the worlds first telegraph message from Washington D.C. to Baltimore, Maryland.[16] The telegraph is a machine that made long distance communication possible by sending electric signals over a wire. Prior to Civil War, telegraph lines were seen scattered throughout the East Coast. The Western Union Telegraph Company managed to spread around 15,000 miles of telegraph cable, which was used primarily for military communication.[17] Similar to the innovation of the hot air balloon, the telegraph had to be demonstrated in order to get the approval to be utilize in war. In 1843, Morse made his first demonstration by sending the mess age, What hath God Wrought!, from Washington D.C. to Baltimore.[18] The original document that hold these historic message is located in the Library of Congress. The telegraph played a major role in the Civil War because it made communication much easier. It was used to transmit and receive important messages about the war. It was a necessary device for the Balloon Corp because in order for Professor Thaddeus Lowe to send messages to Union soldiers from the air, he must use the telegraph. The telegraph was also responsible for keeping the media up to date. Without the telegraph, the Union Army would not have that much advantage over the Confederate States Army. The Union Army had greater advantage over the Confederate States Army, but with the innovation of the submarine, the Confederate soldiers found themselves in the process of retaliating. At the beginning of the Civil War, the Union Army already had naval advantage by incorporating the ironclad warships. The ironclad warships were remarkable because it was equipped with armor-cladding[19] and for its ability to destroy while staying afloat on water. The primary purpose of the ironclad warships was to create a barrier to prevent the Confederates sailors from leaving their ports. The innovation of the submarine gave the Confederates the ability to sneak up on the ironclad ships while underwater, which was considered one of the most celebrated tactical innovations of the war.[20] There were many submarines that were developed by the Confederacy, but the most significant creation was done by William Cheeney and Horace Hunley.[21]Hunley created many submarines throughout the Civil War, but he felt the urge to continue improving the features of his submarines. The most outstanding submarine he created was called CSS H.L. Hunley. On February 1864, Hunley was ready to make the first attack with the CSS H.L. Hunley. Lieutenant George Dixon, along with his crew, set out and found the Unions USS Housatonic, an ironclad warship. At this point, Dixon and his crew submerged away from the enemy and rammed the Housatonic with a spar torpedo protruding from the front of the sub.[22] The torpedo managed to hit the side of the enemys ship and was sunk within five minutes. Hence, the CSS H.L. Hunley secured a spot in history as being the first submarine to destroy an enemy ship.[23] Unfortunately, hours after the successful attack, the CSS H.L. Hunley sunk and was never seen again. The submarine played a major role in the Civil War for the Confederates because it gave them the greater advantage in naval warfare. Despite the Union Armys aggression on land, the Confederate States Army were establishing their dominance underwater. Technological innovations seem to be a competition, but the innovation of the railroad was impactful for both the Union and Confederates. Prior to the innovation of the railroad, it was difficult to transport reinforcement troops, weapons, and other military resources. Railroads dramatically increased strategic (and often operational) mobility and armies due to their ability to carry large amount of troops and supplies rapidly.[24] The innovation of the railroad differs between the north and south. The Union Army still had the greater advantage because it constructed 20,000 miles of track, compare to the Confederates 9,000 miles of track.[25] This resulted in the Union Army scattering equipped troops throughout the northern region rapidly. Since the railroad was seen as an advantage for both sides, it made sense that they will try to destroy each others railroad operation. The Union Army created a strategy to attack and divide the Confederacy into non-supporting and isolated zones by cutting water and existing rail transportation line.[26] The Confederate Army wanted to play equal by destroying fixed rail facilities[27] in which the Union Army needed in order to transport troops and supplies. Although, the Confederates did not have that much advantage with the railroads, but they were the first to use trains to their advantage.[28] Since the production of military equipment were increasing during the Civil War, it would be considered useless without a large system to transport and distribute. In addition, without the railroads, animals would be the only option for the means of transportation. The technological innovation that made the Civil War the first war to be documented,[29] was the innovation of the camera. The camera differs from other technological innovations of the Civil War, only because it was not used for military purposes. The camera played a major role during the Civil War because it allowed the horrors and glory of war to be seen by the public for the first time.[30]   One of the most famous photographers during the Civil War was Mathew Brady. Brady did not capture most of the images himself, but he did hire Alexander Gardner and Timothy OSullivan to work in his studio.[31]Capturing photographs during the Civil War was a difficult process because the equipment was heavy and it was time-consuming. Hence, there were no action captured images of the war. It was also a dangerous process because the chemicals that were necessary involved sulfuric acid[32]and it had to be mixed by hand. Wet-plate photography and stereo views photography were two types of method used to capture gruesome images of dead soldiers, as well as the locations where battles had taken place.[33] The stereo views photography was the most popular because it created three-dimensional images. The innovation of the camera made it possible for the memory of the Civil War to live on forever. Without the camera, primary sources of the Civil War would be limited to written documents and artifacts. The photographs captured from the Civil War reveals the technologies that were used and it also give a glimpse of the life soldiers endure. This advancement did not only affect how the war was viewed, but it also inspired future combat photographer[34] to take their camera and venture out to other battlefields such as the Vietnam War and WWII. [1] The US Civil War, the First Modern War, Aeragon, accessed March 5, 2017, http://www.aeragon.com/03/, Par. 1. [2] Civil War Innovations, PBS, accessed March 3, 2017, http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/feature/civil-war-innovations/, Par. 6. [3] The US Civil War, the First Modern War, Aeragon, accessed March 5, 2017, http://www.aeragon.com/03/, par. 19. [4] Civil War Innovations, PBS, accessed March 3, 2017, http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/feature/civil-war-innovations/, par. 6. [5] Richard Moorehead, Technology and the American Civil War, Military Review, vol. 84, no. 3 (2004), last modified June 2004, https://www.questia.com/library/journal/1P3-665061951/technology-and-the-american-civil-war, par. 2. [6] The US Civil War, the First Modern War, Aeragon, accessed March 5, 2017, http://www.aeragon.com/03/, par. 20. [7] Ibid., par. 21. [8] Civil War Technology, A+E Networks, accessed March 9, 2017, http://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/civil-war-technology, par. 5. [9] Ibid., par. 6. [10] Army Balloon Corps, Genesee Country Village and Museum, accessed March 3, 2017, https://www.gcv.org/Historic-Village/The-Intrepid/Army-Balloon-Corps, par. 2. [11] Ibid. [12] Ibid., par. 4. [13] Ibid., par. 1. [14] Ibid., par. 5. [15] David Hochfelder, The Telegraph, Essential Civil War Curriculum, accessed March 3, 2017, http://www.essentialcivilwarcurriculum.com/the-telegraph.html, par. 1. [16] The US Civil War, the First Modern War, Aeragon, accessed March 5, 2017, http://www.aeragon.com/03/, par. 36. [17] Civil War Innovations, PBS, accessed March 3, 2017, http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/feature/civil-war-innovations/, par. 1. [18] Morse Code the Telegraph, A+E Network, accessed March 11, 2017, http://www.history.com/topics/inventions/telegraph, par. 6. [19] Civil War Innovations, PBS, accessed March 3, 2017, http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/feature/civil-war-innovations/, par. 8. [20] David Stauffer and Lewis West, The Civil and early submarine warfare, The Gilder Lehrman: Institute of American History, accessed March 3, 2017, https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/american-civil-war/resources/civil-war-and-early-submarine-warfare-1863, par. 1. [21] Civil War Submarines, American Civil War Story, accessed March 12, 2017, http://www.americancivilwarstory.com/civil-war-submarine.html, par. 19. [22] Ibid., par. 31. [23] Ibid. [24] David Hollis, The Impact of Railroads on Warfare During the American Civil War, Tocwoc, last modified February 16, 2010, http://www.brettschulte.net/CWBlog/2010/02/16/the-impact-of-railroads-on-warfare-during-the-american-civil-war/, par. 4. [25] Civil War Innovations, PBS, accessed March 3, 2017, http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/feature/civil-war-innovations/, par. 3. [26] David Hollis, The Impact of Railroads on Warfare During the American Civil War, Tocwoc, last modified February 16, 2010, http://www.brettschulte.net/CWBlog/2010/02/16/the-impact-of-railroads-on-warfare-during-the-american-civil-war/, par. 6. [27] Ibid., par. 7. [28] Civil War Innovations, PBS, accessed March 3, 2017, http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/feature/civil-war-innovations/, par. 4. [29] Rebecca Brooks, Civil War Photography, Civil War Saga, Last modified August 9, 2011, http://civilwarsaga.com/civil-war-photography/, par. 1. [30] Ibid. [31] Ibid., par. 4. [32] Ibid., par. 7. [33] Ibid., par. 6. [34] Photography and the Civil War, Civil War Trust, accessed March 3, 2017, http://www.civilwar.org/photos/3d-photography-special/photography-and-the-civil-war.html, par. 12.

Humang Genome Project :: Science Genetics Technology Papers

Humang Genome Project The Human Genome Project (HGP) is an internationally collaborative venture to identify and mark all the locations of every gene of the human species. The HGP in the United States was started in 1990 and was expected to be a fifteen year effort to map the human genome. There have been a number of technological advances since 1990 that have accelerated the progress of the project to a completion date sometime during the year 2003. The U.S. HGP is composed of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) which hopes to discover 50,000 to 100,000 human genes and make them available for further biological study (1). There are a number of other countries that are involved in the project, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom (1). Besides numerous countries involved in the project there is also a number of commercial companies that are involved in sequencing (6). The collaborative 3 billion dollar price tag will be us ed to sequence the possible 3 billion DNA base pairs of human DNA. The possibilities from the information that will be obtained from the project are virtually endless. It will most likely change many biological and medical research techniques and many of the practices used by our medical professionals today. The knowledge that will be obtained will help lead to new ways of diagnosing, treating, and possibly preventing diseases. Through the discovery of the human genome, the possibilities are endless for agriculture, health services, and new energy sources also. The end result of the HGP will be information about the structure, function and organization of DNA, as we know it today. Technical Aspects of HGP There are a number of goals that have been set forth by the HGP that they hope to have finished by their completion date in 2003. One of the first goals of the project is to identify the 50,000 to 100,000 genes that are found in DNA (2,3,4). The second goal of the HGP is to sequence the 3 billion chemical bases that make up human DNA. DNA sequencing is the process of determining the order of the chemical building blocks "bases" that make up the DNA of the human chromosome. This information will then be stored into a large database so that information can be used by other individuals'. The HGP hopes to then be able to develop tools for the analysis of this data.

A Game of Thrones Chapter Eighteen

Catelyn We will make King's Landing within the hour.† Catelyn turned away from the rail and forced herself to smile. â€Å"Your oarmen have done well by us, Captain. Each one of them shall have a silver stag, as a token of my gratitude.† Captain Moreo Turnitis favored her with a half bow. â€Å"You are far too generous, Lady Stark. The honor of carrying a great lady like yourself is all the reward they need.† â€Å"But they'll take the silver anyway.† Moreo smiled. â€Å"As you say.† He spoke the Common Tongue fluently, with only the slightest hint of a Tyroshi accent. He'd been plying the narrow sea for thirty years, he'd told her, as oarman, quartermaster, and finally captain of his own trading galleys. The Storm Dancer was his fourth ship, and his fastest, a two-masted galley of sixty oars. She had certainly been the fastest of the ships available in WhiteHarbor when Catelyn and Ser Rodrik Cassel had arrived after their headlong gallop downriver. The Tyroshi were notorious for their avarice, and Ser Rodrik had argued for hiring a fishing sloop out of the Three Sisters, but Catelyn had insisted on the galley. It was good that she had. The winds had been against them much of the voyage, and without the galley's oars they'd still be beating their way past the Fingers, instead of skimming toward King's Landing and journey's end. So close, she thought. Beneath the linen bandages, her fingers still throbbed where the dagger had bitten. The pain was her scourge, Catelyn felt, lest she forget. She could not bend the last two fingers on her left hand, and the others would never again be dexterous. Yet that was a small enough price to pay for Bran's life. Ser Rodrik chose that moment to appear on deck. â€Å"My good friend,† said Moreo through his forked green beard. The Tyroshi loved bright colors, even in their facial hair. â€Å"It is so fine to see you looking better.† â€Å"Yes,† Ser Rodrik agreed. â€Å"I haven't wanted to die for almost two days now.† He bowed to Catelyn. â€Å"My lady.† He was looking better. A shade thinner than he had been when they set out from WhiteHarbor, but almost himself again. The strong winds in the Bite and the roughness of the narrow sea had not agreed with him, and he'd almost gone over the side when the storm seized them unexpectedly off Dragonstone, yet somehow he had clung to a rope until three of Moreo's men could rescue him and carry him safely below decks. â€Å"The captain was just telling me that our voyage is almost at an end,† she said. Ser Rodrik managed a wry smile. â€Å"So soon?† He looked odd without his great white side whiskers; smaller somehow, less fierce, and ten years older. Yet back on the Bite it had seemed prudent to submit to a crewman's razor, after his whiskers had become hopelessly befouled for the third time while he leaned over the rail and retched into the swirling winds. â€Å"I will leave you to discuss your business,† Captain Moreo said. He bowed and took his leave of them. The galley skimmed the water like a dragonfly, her oars rising and falling in perfect time. Ser Rodrik held the rail and looked out over the passing shore. â€Å"I have not been the most valiant of protectors.† Catelyn touched his arm. â€Å"We are here, Ser Rodrik, and safely. That is all that truly matters.† Her hand groped beneath her cloak, her fingers stiff and fumbling. The dagger was still at her side. She found she had to touch it now and then, to reassure herself. â€Å"Now we must reach the king's master-at-arms, and pray that he can be trusted.† â€Å"Ser Aron Santagar is a vain man, but an honest one.† Ser Rodrik's hand went to his face to stroke his whiskers and discovered once again that they were gone. He looked nonplussed. â€Å"He may know the blade, yes . . . but, my lady, the moment we go ashore we are at risk. And there are those at court who will know you on sight.† Catelyn's mouth grew tight. â€Å"Littlefinger,† she murmured. His face swam up before her; a boy's face, though he was a boy no longer. His father had died several years before, so he was Lord Baelish now, yet still they called him Littlefinger. Her brother Edmure had given him that name, long ago at Riverrun. His family's modest holdings were on the smallest of the Fingers, and Petyr had been slight and short for his age. Ser Rodrik cleared his throat. â€Å"Lord Baelish once, ah . . . † His thought trailed off uncertainly in search of the polite word. Catelyn was past delicacy. â€Å"He was my father's ward. We grew up together in Riverrun. I thought of him as a brother, but his feelings for me were . . . more than brotherly. When it was announced that I was to wed Brandon Stark, Petyr challenged for the right to my hand. It was madness. Brandon was twenty, Petyr scarcely fifteen. I had to beg Brandon to spare Petyr's life. He let him off with a scar. Afterward my father sent him away. I have not seen him since.† She lifted her face to the spray, as if the brisk wind could blow the memories away. â€Å"He wrote to me at Riverrun after Brandon was killed, but I burned the letter unread. By then I knew that Ned would marry me in his brother's place.† Ser Rodrik's fingers fumbled once again for nonexistent whiskers. â€Å"Littlefinger sits on the small council now.† â€Å"I knew he would rise high,† Catelyn said. â€Å"He was always clever, even as a boy, but it is one thing to be clever and another to be wise. I wonder what the years have done to him.† High overhead, the far-eyes sang out from the rigging. Captain Moreo came scrambling across the deck, giving orders, and all around them the Storm Dancer burst into frenetic activity as King's Landing slid into view atop its three high hills. Three hundred years ago, Catelyn knew, those heights had been covered with forest, and only a handful of fisherfolk had lived on the north shore of the Blackwater Rush where that deep, swift river flowed into the sea. Then Aegon the Conqueror had sailed from Dragonstone. It was here that his army had put ashore, and there on the highest hill that he built his first crude redoubt of wood and earth. Now the city covered the shore as far as Catelyn could see; manses and arbors and granaries, brick storehouses and timbered inns and merchant's stalls, taverns and graveyards and brothels, all piled one on another. She could hear the clamor of the fish market even at this distance. Between the buildings were broad roads lined with trees, wandering crookback streets, and alleys so narrow that two men could not walk abreast. Visenya's hill was crowned by the Great Sept of Baelor with its seven crystal towers. Across the city on the hill of Rhaenys stood the blackened walls of the Dragonpit, its huge dome collapsing into ruin, its bronze doors closed now for a century. The Street of the Sisters ran between them, straight as an arrow. The city walls rose in the distance, high and strong. A hundred quays lined the waterfront, and the harbor was crowded with ships. Deepwater fishing boats and river runners came and went, ferrymen poled back and forth across the Blackwater Rush, trading galleys unloaded goods from Braavos and Pentos and Lys. Catelyn spied the queen's ornate barge, tied up beside a fat-bellied whaler from the Port of Ibben, its hull black with tar, while upriver a dozen lean golden warships rested in their cribs, sails furled and cruel iron rams lapping at the water. And above it all, frowning down from Aegon's high hill, was the Red Keep; seven huge drum-towers crowned with iron ramparts, an immense grim barbican, vaulted halls and covered bridges, barracks and dungeons and granaries, massive curtain walls studded with archers' nests, all fashioned of pale red stone. Aegon the Conqueror had commanded it built. His son Maegor the Cruel had seen it completed. Afterward he had taken the heads of every stonemason, woodworker, and builder who had labored on it. Only the blood of the dragon would ever know the secrets of the fortress the Dragonlords had built, he vowed. Yet now the banners that flew from its battlements were golden, not black, and where the three-headed dragon had once breathed fire, now pranced the crowned stag of House Baratheon. A high-masted swan ship from the Summer Isles was beating out from port, its white sails huge with wind. The Storm Dancer moved past it, pulling steadily for shore. â€Å"My lady,† Ser Rodrik said, â€Å"I have thought on how best to proceed while I lay abed. You must not enter the castle. I will go in your stead and bring Ser Aron to you in some safe place.† She studied the old knight as the galley drew near to a pier. Moreo was shouting in the vulgar Valyrian of the Free Cities. â€Å"You would be as much at risk as I would.† Ser Rodrik smiled. â€Å"I think not. I looked at my reflection in the water earlier and scarcely recognized myself. My mother was the last person to see me without whiskers, and she is forty years dead. I believe I am safe enough, my lady.† Moreo bellowed a command. As one, sixty oars lifted from the river, then reversed and backed water. The galley slowed. Another shout. The oars slid back inside the hull. As they thumped against the dock, Tyroshi seamen leapt down to tie up. Moreo came bustling up, all smiles. â€Å"King's Landing, my lady, as you did command, and never has a ship made a swifter or surer passage. Will you be needing assistance to carry your things to the castle?† â€Å"We shall not be going to the castle. Perhaps you can suggest an inn, someplace clean and comfortable and not too far from the river.† The Tyroshi fingered his forked green beard. â€Å"Just so. I know of several establishments that might suit your needs. Yet first, if I may be so bold, there is the matter of the second half of the payment we agreed upon. And of course the extra silver you were so kind as to promise. Sixty stags, I believe it was.† â€Å"For the oarmen,† Catelyn reminded him. â€Å"Oh, of a certainty,† said Moreo. â€Å"Though perhaps I should hold it for them until we return to Tyrosh. For the sake of their wives and children. If you give them the silver here, my lady, they will dice it away or spend it all for a night's pleasure.† â€Å"There are worse things to spend money on,† Ser Rodrik put in. â€Å"Winter is coming.† â€Å"A man must make his own choices,† Catelyn said. â€Å"They earned the silver. How they spend it is no concern of mine.† â€Å"As you say, my lady,† Moreo replied, bowing and smiling. Just to be sure, Catelyn paid the oarmen herself, a stag to each man, and a copper to the two men who carried their chests halfway up Visenya's hill to the inn that Moreo had suggested. It was a rambling old place on Eel Alley. The woman who owned it was a sour crone with a wandering eye who looked them over suspiciously and bit the coin that Catelyn offered her to make sure it was real. Her rooms were large and airy, though, and Moreo swore that her fish stew was the most savory in all the Seven Kingdoms. Best of all, she had no interest in their names. â€Å"I think it best if you stay away from the common room,† Ser Rodrik said, after they had settled in. â€Å"Even in a place like this, one never knows who may be watching.† He wore ringmail, dagger, and longsword under a dark cloak with a hood he could pull up over his head. â€Å"I will be back before nightfall, with Ser Aron,† he promised. â€Å"Rest now, my lady.† Catelyn was tired. The voyage had been long and fatiguing, and she was no longer as young as she had been. Her windows opened on the alley and rooftops, with a view of the Blackwater beyond. She watched Ser Rodrik set off, striding briskly through the busy streets until he was lost in the crowds, then decided to take his advice. The bedding was stuffed with straw instead of feathers, but she had no trouble falling asleep. She woke to a pounding on her door. Catelyn sat up sharply. Outside the window, the rooftops of King's Landing were red in the light of the setting sun. She had slept longer than she intended. A fist hammered at her door again, and a voice called out, â€Å"Open, in the name of the king.† â€Å"A moment,† she called out. She wrapped herself in her cloak. The dagger was on the bedside table. She snatched it up before she unlatched the heavy wooden door. The men who pushed into the room wore the black ringmail and golden cloaks of the City Watch. Their leader smiled at the dagger in her hand and said, â€Å"No need for that, m'lady. We're to escort you to the castle.† â€Å"By whose authority?† she said. He showed her a ribbon. Catelyn felt her breath catch in her throat. The seal was a mockingbird, in grey wax. â€Å"Petyr,† she said. So soon. Something must have happened to Ser Rodrik. She looked at the head guardsman. â€Å"Do you know who I am?† â€Å"No, m'lady,† he said. â€Å"M'lord Littlefinger said only to bring you to him, and see that you were not mistreated.† Catelyn nodded. â€Å"You may wait outside while I dress.† She bathed her hands in the basin and wrapped them in clean linen. Her fingers were thick and awkward as she struggled to lace up her bodice and knot a drab brown cloak about her neck. How could Littlefinger have known she was here? Ser Rodrik would never have told him. Old he might be, but he was stubborn, and loyal to a fault. Were they too late, had the Lannisters reached King's Landing before her? No, if that were true, Ned would be here too, and surely he would have come to her. How . . . ? Then she thought, Moreo. The Tyroshi knew who they were and where they were, damn him. She hoped he'd gotten a good price for the information. They had brought a horse for her. The lamps were being lit along the streets as they set out, and Catelyn felt the eyes of the city on her as she rode, surrounded by the guard in their golden cloaks. When they reached the Red Keep, the portcullis was down and the great gates sealed for the night, but the castle windows were alive with flickering lights. The guardsmen left their mounts outside the walls and escorted her through a narrow postern door, then up endless steps to a tower. He was alone in the room, seated at a heavy wooden table, an oil lamp beside him as he wrote. When they ushered her inside, he set down his pen and looked at her. â€Å"Cat,† he said quietly. â€Å"Why have I been brought here in this fashion?† He rose and gestured brusquely to the guards. â€Å"Leave us.† The men departed. â€Å"You were not mistreated, I trust,† he said after they had gone. â€Å"I gave firm instructions.† He noticed her bandages. â€Å"Your hands . . . â€Å" Catelyn ignored the implied question. â€Å"I am not accustomed to being summoned like a serving wench,† she said icily. â€Å"As a boy, you still knew the meaning of courtesy.† â€Å"I've angered you, my lady. That was never my intent.† He looked contrite. The look brought back vivid memories for Catelyn. He had been a sly child, but after his mischiefs he always looked contrite; it was a gift he had. The years had not changed him much. Petyr had been a small boy, and he had grown into a small man, an inch or two shorter than Catelyn, slender and quick, with the sharp features she remembered and the same laughing grey-green eyes. He had a little pointed chin beard now, and threads of silver in his dark hair, though he was still shy of thirty. They went well with the silver mockingbird that fastened his cloak. Even as a child, he had always loved his silver. â€Å"How did you know I was in the city?† she asked him. â€Å"Lord Varys knows all,† Petyr said with a sly smile. â€Å"He will be joining us shortly, but I wanted to see you alone first. It has been too long, Cat. How many years?† Catelyn ignored his familiarity. There were more important questions. â€Å"So it was the King's Spider who found me.† Littlefinger winced. â€Å"You don't want to call him that. He's very sensitive. Comes of being an eunuch, I imagine. Nothing happens in this city without Varys knowing. Oftimes he knows about it before it happens. He has informants everywhere. His little birds, he calls them. One of his little birds heard about your visit. Thankfully, Varys came to me first.† â€Å"Why you?† He shrugged. â€Å"Why not me? I am master of coin, the king's own councillor. Selmy and Lord Renly rode north to meet Robert, and Lord Stannis is gone to Dragonstone, leaving only Maester Pycelle and me. I was the obvious choice. I was ever a friend to your sister Lysa, Varys knows that.† â€Å"Does Varys know about . . . â€Å" â€Å"Lord Varys knows everything . . . except why you are here.† He lifted an eyebrow. â€Å"Why are you here?† â€Å"A wife is allowed to yearn for her husband, and if a mother needs her daughters close, who can tell her no?† Littlefinger laughed. â€Å"Oh, very good, my lady, but please don't expect me to believe that. I know you too well. What were the Tully words again?† Her throat was dry. â€Å"Family, Duty, Honor,† she recited stiffly. He did know her too well. â€Å"Family, Duty, Honor,† he echoed. â€Å"All of which required you to remain in Winterfell, where our Hand left you. No, my lady, something has happened. This sudden trip of yours bespeaks a certain urgency. I beg of you, let me help. Old sweet friends should never hesitate to rely upon each other.† There was a soft knock on the door. â€Å"Enter,† Littlefinger called out. The man who stepped through the door was plump, perfumed, powdered, and as hairless as an egg. He wore a vest of woven gold thread over a loose gown of purple silk, and on his feet were pointed slippers of soft velvet. â€Å"Lady Stark,† he said, taking her hand in both of his, â€Å"to see you again after so many years is such a joy.† His flesh was soft and moist, and his breath smelled of lilacs. â€Å"Oh, your poor hands. Have you burned yourself, sweet lady? The fingers are so delicate . . . Our good Maester Pycelle makes a marvelous salve, shall I send for a jar?† Catelyn slid her fingers from his grasp. â€Å"I thank you, my lord, but my own Maester Luwin has already seen to my hurts.† Varys bobbed his head. â€Å"I was grievous sad to hear about your son. And him so young. The gods are cruel.† â€Å"On that we agree, Lord Varys,† she said. The title was but a courtesy due him as a council member; Varys was lord of nothing but the spiderweb, the master of none but his whisperers. The eunuch spread his soft hands. â€Å"On more than that, I hope, sweet lady. I have great esteem for your husband, our new Hand, and I know we do both love King Robert.† â€Å"Yes,† she was forced to say. â€Å"For a certainty.† â€Å"Never has a king been so beloved as our Robert,† quipped Littlefinger. He smiled slyly. â€Å"At least in Lord Varys's hearing.† â€Å"Good lady,† Varys said with great solicitude. â€Å"There are men in the Free Cities with wondrous healing powers. Say only the word, and I will send for one for your dear Bran.† â€Å"Maester Luwin is doing all that can be done for Bran,† she told him. She would not speak of Bran, not here, not with these men. She trusted Littlefinger only a little, and Varys not at all. She would not let them see her grief. â€Å"Lord Baelish tells me that I have you to thank for bringing me here.† Varys giggled like a little girl. â€Å"Oh, yes. I suppose I am guilty. I hope you forgive me, kind lady.† He eased himself down into a seat and put his hands together. â€Å"I wonder if we might trouble you to show us the dagger?† Catelyn Stark stared at the eunuch in stunned disbelief. He was a spider, she thought wildly, an enchanter or worse. He knew things no one could possibly know, unless . . . â€Å"What have you done to Ser Rodrik?† she demanded. Littlefinger was lost. â€Å"I feel rather like the knight who arrives at the battle without his lance. What dagger are we talking about? Who is Ser Rodrik?† â€Å"Ser Rodrik Cassel is master-at-arms at Winterfell,† Varys informed him. â€Å"I assure you, Lady Stark, nothing at all has been done to the good knight. He did call here early this afternoon. He visited with Ser Aron Santagar in the armory, and they talked of a certain dagger. About sunset, they left the castle together and walked to that dreadful hovel where you were staying. They are still there, drinking in the common room, waiting for your return. Ser Rodrik was very distressed to find you gone.† â€Å"How could you know all that?† â€Å"The whisperings of little birds,† Varys said, smiling. â€Å"I know things, sweet lady. That is the nature of my service.† He shrugged. â€Å"You do have the dagger with you, yes?† Catelyn pulled it out from beneath her cloak and threw it down on the table in front of him. â€Å"Here. Perhaps your little birds will whisper the name of the man it belongs to.† Varys lifted the knife with exaggerated delicacy and ran a thumb along its edge. Blood welled, and he let out a squeal and dropped the dagger back on the table. â€Å"Careful,† Catelyn told him, â€Å"it's sharp.† â€Å"Nothing holds an edge like Valyrian steel,† Littlefinger said as Varys sucked at his bleeding thumb and looked at Catelyn with sullen admonition. Littlefinger hefted the knife lightly in his hand, testing the grip. He flipped it in the air, caught it again with his other hand. â€Å"Such sweet balance. You want to find the owner, is that the reason for this visit? You have no need of Ser Aron for that, my lady. You should have come to me.† â€Å"And if I had,† she said, â€Å"what would you have told me?† â€Å"I would have told you that there was only one knife like this at King's Landing.† He grasped the blade between thumb and forefinger, drew it back over his shoulder, and threw it across the room with a practiced flick of his wrist. It struck the door and buried itself deep in the oak, quivering. â€Å"It's mine.† â€Å"Yours?† It made no sense. Petyr had not been at Winterfell. â€Å"Until the tourney on Prince Joffrey's name day,† he said, crossing the room to wrench the dagger from the wood. â€Å"I backed Ser Jaime in the jousting, along with half the court.† Petyr's sheepish grin made him look half a boy again. â€Å"When Loras Tyrell unhorsed him, many of us became a trifle poorer. Ser Jaime lost a hundred golden dragons, the queen lost an emerald pendant, and I lost my knife. Her Grace got the emerald back, but the winner kept the rest.† â€Å"Who?† Catelyn demanded, her mouth dry with fear. Her fingers ached with remembered pain. â€Å"The Imp,† said Littlefinger as Lord Varys watched her face. â€Å"Tyrion Lannister.†