Beethoven and Schuman - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 5 Words: 1465 Downloads: 2 Date added: 2019/10/30 Category People Essay Level High school Tags: Ludwig van Beethoven Essay Did you like this example? As a result of the structural changes made, Beethoven was able to better project the type of emotion that he had intended to while composing. Gordon goes on to explain that the overall effect that is ultimately produced by these slow, repetitious triplets is an emotional one: One mood is thus sustained and unbroken throughout the movement, thereby establishing a serene but intense emotionalism. 24 Op. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Beethoven and Schuman" essay for you Create order 27, no. 2 provides evidence suggesting the possible beginnings of Beethovens attempt to clearly project a specific emotion or a definite state of mind in his sonata. The structure of Moonlight Sonata and the majority of the sonatas composed afterwards became subjected to the emotional content that was being projected. After the Moonlight Sonata, Op. 53 and 57, and Beethovens usage of experimentation has become all but uncommon, Beethovens late period of sonata compositions begins to take place. Beethoven has now broken so far away from the traditional, classical sonata form that his works are now widely considered by many to be romantic. It is no longer as simple to examine one of Beethovens sonatas which once so easy to compare to the other sonatas of the same time period. It is also interesting to note that some of these late compositions including Op. 109 are considered by some modern musicologists to not be sonatas at all. 25 In this final section of Beethovens sonata analysis, o nly a brief overview is offered. Most of Beethovens final piano sonatas all contain very detailed directions regarding tempo and expression that were written in German rather than the traditional ?at ease and ?sustained. In doing so, Beethoven, as a composer, is communicating to the performer the way in which the music should feel in a very clear and understandable way rather than including the standard, often vague allegro or allegretto. As mentioned in the introduction, the attempt to express emotion or lyricism better is definitely an aspect of romantic music. Many of the sonatas composed in the late period contain a type of lyricism that separates them from the earlier and middle sonatas and placing them into the romantic era of music. Similar to the problem we encountered when explaining the Moonlight Sonata, it is very difficult to explain how this type of lyricism is produced in Beethovens later piano sonatas. The opening movement of Op. 101 (1816) is an excellent example of Beethovens usage of musical lyricism. Gordon compares Op. 101 to Beethovens earlier Moonlight Sonata by explaining that both sonatas have an uninterrupted melodic intensity that is sustained from beginning to end. However , the musical structure of the first movement and those that follow it are very different from those found in his early and middle sonatas. Such structural differences include but are not limited to: a short development in the introduction of the second and last movements, abrupt changes in tonality and, most importantly, the usage of a style similar to the fugue of the baroque era. These final changes made to the sonata lead many people to consider them to be romantic. It can be understood from the evidence given in the previous section, concerning the musical changes that Beethoven made in his sonatas alone, that he was indeed a catalyst in the development of romantic music in Europe. This point can be found in countless essays, articles, and books on Beethoven and the role that he played in helping the transition. Many sources pay little or no attention to other pre-romantic composers. For example: The Development of Western Music, a text book in which the chronologically progre ssion of western music is examined, dedicates the entire section on the transition from classical music to romantic music to Beethoven only. But, should Beethoven alone receive credit for sparking the transition into the romantic era of music? Should the studies of the transitional period be limited to only Beethovens works? Is the time in which Beethoven composed the only time period that can be considered the transitional period? My answer to all of these questions is easy to anticipate: no. Beethovens significant contributions to the transitional period from classical to romantic music should not overshadow the contributions of other composers, Schubert in particular, working in the same time period and slightly after most what most would consider ?transitional. It can also be argued that the transitional period extends slightly beyond the time in which Beethoven was composing. Beethoven is necessary in understanding the development of romantic music but, studying his compositions, alone, is not sufficient in fully understanding the musical progression from classical to romantic. The first questions that this argument raises are, Who can also be credited with having helping move western music forward into the romantic era and when did this take place? The time period in which we are most concerned with in this situation will not be the period before Beethoven was composing but the period during and immediately after. The Sonata Since Beethoven, in a chart depicting the production spans of romantic composers , provides us with an idea as to when the most important composers of the now romantic era were producing their works. In the short time period before the greatest composers that we now recognize as romantic began writing† Liszt, Chopin, Schumann, Mendelssohn, and Wagner†and during the same time in which Beethoven was composing, we see afore mentioned Austrian composer, Franz Schubert. Of course, as is to be expected, there is a slight overlap between Schubert and these romantic composers. However, it is clear that Schubert was composing before all of them. This leads us to consider the possible influences that Schubert may have had on these composers and, quite possibly, Beethoven himself. In order for us to begin to understand the possible influences that Schubert had on the composers of the romantic era and the involvement that he had in creating the transition, it is importan t to very briefly examine some of Schuberts compositions. Unlike the previous section in which Beethovens sonatas were analyzed more specifically, however, a much broader, less specific overview of the changes that Schubert created is offered. Rockstros remarks that Schuberts method of working differed entirely from Mozarts and Beethovens. He never prepared a perfect mental copy, like the former.[He] wrote almost always on the spur of the moment, committing themselves on paper, as fast as his pen could trace them.Taking this into consideration, it is perhaps easier to understand why the works Schubert are considered to be different from those of Beethoven and the former composers of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century composers. It also helps further suggest that many of the changes brought forward by Schubert were, for the most part, very original thus making his contributions more meaningful. From the beginning of Schuberts compositions until the very end, we can view a type of evolution or progression similar to that of Beethovens as viewed in the prior analysis. The difference lies within what the two composers experimented and contributed during the evolution. One of the major contributions made by Schubert during the transition into the romantic era which is not found so much in Beethovens compositions pertains mainly to harmonics. Gordon comments on the contributions of Schubert by saying that Schuberts musical style contains a mixture of the traditional and the forward looking. When Gordon mentions the traditional he refers to the traditional musical structure established in the classical era; looking forward refers to Schuberts new harmonic experimentations. The other aspect of Schuberts musical compositions that has proven to be a critical part in the development of romantic music and very unique to his style is his creation of lyrical or songlike melodies in his piano and other non-voice compositions. Schubert went beyond Beethoven in creating very lyrical themes or melodies. Songs without words they are often referred to as. Similar to Beethovens case, it is difficult to analyze and explain exactly why these piano pieces and other works have such attractive, sweet melodies. W. H. Hadow (1859-1937), a critic of early and late romantic music, writes: In clarity of style [Schubert] was inferior to Mozart; in power of musical construction he was far inferior to Beethoven, but in poetic impulse and suggestion he is unsurpassed. Schuberts later piano sonatas present his lyrical melodies and unique harmonic experimentation and progression better than his early ones. His seventeenth piano sonata (D. 845, composed 1825) contains these strange harmonies and his romantic melodies. D. 845 received great attention in the beginning of 1826 with positive reviews by Schumann and Fink, a music critic from Frankfurt. Fink comments on sonata No. 17 in an article written in 1826 by saying, it moves so freely and originally within its confines, and sometimes so boldly and curiouslyIt is easy to see that these [original melodic and harmonic] inventions are often somewhat odd and that their exposition is even more curious.

How Hemingway Has Too Strong Opinions On Homosexuality

Hemingway has extremely strong opinions on homosexuality, which Gertrude Stein attempts to dissuade by convincing him that those who attempt to assault young boys are not well in their heads. While Stein attempts this, Hemingway proclaims that because homosexuality exists, â€Å"you [carry] a knife and would use it when you were in the company of tramps when you were a boy in the days when wolves was not a slang term for men obsessed by the pursuit of women† (Hemingway 16). It seems that Hemingway does not realize that, when objectifying women, he turns into one of the wolves of which he is so afraid. However, Hemingway maintains his fear of homosexuality; he â€Å"ridicules an effeminate homosexual named Hal, satirizes Fitzgerald’s sexual uncertainties, and professes disgust at the lesbian practices of Stein and Toklas† (Kennedy 187). Hemingway is horrified by homosexuals, because he is afraid that he will be objectified by homosexual men just as he objectifies the women in his own life. He believes that leering after unsuspecting partners is only okay when he is an active participant; he is just afraid of being objectified and therefore, forced into an action against his own will. However, â€Å"homosexuality disturbs Hem, less because it involves alternate erotic practices than because it subvert his fundamental assumptions about sex, gender, and desire† (Kennedy 191). He believes that men are only right to objectify, not to be objectified. He believes that the gender and sexualShow MoreRelatedLogical Reasoning189930 Words   |  760 Pagesby Wadsworth Publishing Company, Belmont, California USA in 1993 with ISBN number 0-534-17688-7. When Wadsworth decided no longer to print the book, they returned their publishing rights to the original author, Bradley Dowden. The current version has been significantly revised. If you would like to suggest changes to the text, the author would appreciate your writing to him at dowden@csus.edu. iv Praise Comments on the earlier 1993 edition, published by Wadsworth Publishing Company, which

on Ancient mariner Essay Example For Students

on Ancient mariner Essay The Rime of the Ancient MarinerThere is no explanation at all given of why the Mariner chooses the person that he does to hear his story. In fact, the poem is full of actions and events that are left unexplained; indeed, one can say that a principal theme in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is the ambiguity and ultimate mysteriousness of motive. The central crime of the poem, the Mariners killing of the Albatross, is a crime capriciously committed. What kind of poem is The Rime of the Ancient Mariner from the point of view of structure and style? To what extent is the Mariner believable as a character? Does he have the authenticity of identity that a reader would desire? What symbolic purpose does the Albatross serve in the poem?The poem is written as a ballad, in the general form of the traditional ballad or early Elizabeth times. Coleridge uses the ballad stanza, a four-line stanza, rhyming a b c b, but he varies it considerably, with some stanzas extending up to nine lines. He is able to achieve a richer, more sweeping sense of the supernatural through these expansions; he is able to move beyond the more domesticated kind of supernaturalism of the homey four-line stanza. He starts with the usual ballad stanza in the first of the poem, in order to make the reader acquainted with the verse form and with the poetic ethos of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. These early stanzas seem to anchor the readers mind. But in the twelfth stanza, the pattern changes to a a a b c b. By this time the reader has become at home in the poem. Interestingly, the change occurs, certainly by Coleridges deliberate intent, at the point in the poem when the Wedding-Guest makes his last major protest to the Mariner. The action of the voyage is about to begin. One example of the variation of the ballad form is that Coleridge throughout the poem will occasionally insert a line that does nothing to further the story ( see stanza three, Part 2) but that enriches the emotional texture of the poem. Coleridges attraction to the ballad form was probably owing in great measure to the liberation it afforded him from the confines of modern life, a freedom it gave him to move spaciously within the unbounded areas of imaginative creation. To what extent is the Mariner believable as a character? Does he have the authenticity of identity that a reader would desire?There is certainly behind the character of the Mariner in the poem the traditional story of the Wandering Jew, a figure that had considerable influence on Romantic literature, used by P.B. Shelly, for example, in the accounts of Ahasuerus in Queen Mab and the Revolt of Islam. The story has a Jewish tradesman refusing Jesus a moment of rest as He carried His cross to Golgotha; the Jew receives consequently condemnation to life-in death. He is condemned to wandering from place to place, where he must tell of his sin until the Second Coming of Christ. Coleridge used the story again in The Wandering of Cain.William Wordsworth was among the first to say that the Mariner has no character. But Charles Lamb, another contemporary of Coleridge, said the ancient Mariner as a character with feelings, faced with such happening as the poem tells about, dragged him along li ke Tom Pipers magic whistle. John Livingston Lowes in more recent times spoke if the real protagonist in the poem as the element Earth, Air, Fire, and WaterIrving Babbit echoed Wordsworths criticism in saying that the Mariner does not really act, but is acted upon only, and that the Mariner is an incarnation of the Romantic concern with the solitary. George Herbert Clarke has interpreted the ancient Mariner to be at one and the same time himself as a real character in the poem, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and all men; the Mariner is Representative Man, sinning, being punished, being redeemed. .u6fede72dec44b18e64e6f21d4cba4fa9 , .u6fede72dec44b18e64e6f21d4cba4fa9 .postImageUrl , .u6fede72dec44b18e64e6f21d4cba4fa9 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u6fede72dec44b18e64e6f21d4cba4fa9 , .u6fede72dec44b18e64e6f21d4cba4fa9:hover , .u6fede72dec44b18e64e6f21d4cba4fa9:visited , .u6fede72dec44b18e64e6f21d4cba4fa9:active { border:0!important; } .u6fede72dec44b18e64e6f21d4cba4fa9 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u6fede72dec44b18e64e6f21d4cba4fa9 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u6fede72dec44b18e64e6f21d4cba4fa9:active , .u6fede72dec44b18e64e6f21d4cba4fa9:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u6fede72dec44b18e64e6f21d4cba4fa9 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u6fede72dec44b18e64e6f21d4cba4fa9 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u6fede72dec44b18e64e6f21d4cba4fa9 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u6fede72dec44b18e64e6f21d4cba4fa9 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u6fede72dec44b18e64e6f21d4cba4fa9:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u6fede72dec44b18e64e6f21d4cba4fa9 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u6fede72dec44b18e64e6f21d4cba4fa9 .u6fede72dec44b18e64e6f21d4cba4fa9-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u6fede72dec44b18e64e6f21d4cba4fa9:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Parenting - The Irrational Vocation EssayOne possibility, perhaps the best one, is to consider the Mariner as poet more than character in the sense in which we associate personality with characters in literature. As a poet who speaks (I have strange

Oliver Cromwell Essays (843 words) - Stuart England,

Oliver Cromwell Oliver Cromwell, a Puritan fundamentalist and undefeated commander of the Ironsides, forever changed the history of England with, perhaps, what he did not do, rather than what he did do after the success of the insurrection he led against Charles. Though rather unsuccessful as a politician, Cromwell, single-handedly redefining the art of war and military strategy, proved to be one of the greatest military geniuses of all time. Despite the professionally trained forces that often outnumbered him three to one in battle, he struck fear in his opposition and maintained an untarnished record in battle that proved the degree of his skill. Historians traditionally fail to classify his genius because of a desire to try to accredit him with political gains and historical precedence he did not earn. Unfortunately, in these attempts to elevate his stature from godly to God, the positive affects on society he did attribute go seemingly untold and underscored. The most highly contested argument d ebated today revolves around the Oliver Cromwell's advancement of political freedom in 17th-Century England. Peter Gaunt, in his book Oliver Cromwell, and John Morrill, in the Introduction of the book Oliver Cromwell and the English Revolution, take sides and present their cases as to whether or not Cromwell advanced political freedom. Though, John Morrill asserts the most historically accurate answer, he is still equally as guilty of misrepresenting opinions as facts and offers great leaps in logic as does Peter Gaunt. Gaunt's logic develops on the assumption that never before had the world seen democracy and that people in general had no freedom before the rule of the Lord Protectorate. He also suggests that the English all enjoyed the same rights as citizens of England and the oppression of the reign of Charles I had ceased. However, none of these assertions was true. In fact, historically because of things did not change after the defeat of Charles I, the legacy Cromwell envisioned leaving the country never even formulated because of the corruption of others. Gaunt's work, a rather weak source to base such lofty claims as Cromwell's advance of the political freedom, lacked clear presentation and focused more on the appearance of Cromwell than his influence. At most, the only legitimate claim that can be made is that Cromwell served as a hero to the people and a man of God and he fought for a fair and just society in accordance to the word of God. Professor Blair Worden of the University of Susse x offers some clarification: For him the earlier Cromwell, the warrior-hero and agent of divine destruction, had transcended politics. As protector, charged not with destruction but with reconstruction, Oliver was obliged, as a merely mortal ruler would have been, to haggle with parliament... Cromwell merely as the most heroic representative of that heroic movement, which itself was the representative because it represented the best of England. Thus, it is clear that Cromwell commanded the respect of the people. Unfortunately, he also faced a political system unwilling to change. Essentially, John Morrill presents arguments that are just as unfounded; however, his overall conclusion provides a foundation for true insight into the situation. John Morrill makes preconceived judgments on the character of Oliver Cromwell. Throughout his introduction to Cromwell, Morrill focuses on undermining every aspect of Cromwell, all in order to make a seemingly well-founded conclusion. Because very little first hand information remains on Cromwell, Morrill makes belligerent assumptions of historically weak evidence. Such a strategy proves to only undercut the authors credibility to educated readers. Granted that the Cromwell's policies did not produce the results that he intended, his successes and influence on the government remain historically strategic in changing the ideology in the world, particularly in the New World where his ideals took shape in the forming governments. Oliver Cromwell did not advance political freedom. Rather than break down the authoritarian rule of the elite, Cromwell relied on it for support and charity. Although he generally looked out for the good of the common person, Oliver could not, or would not, control the caustic behavior of those in control under his rule. He attempt to adjust the system by disestablishing the Rump and creating the Protectorate Parliament but this

Business Case and Proposal for Project Selection of Company Centervale Apparel

Cost-benefit analysis The project has a ten-year lifecycle. Its implementation will require $ 1.2 million; furthermore, Centervale Apparel will need to spend $ 250,000 on annul maintenance costs. Therefore, its total cost will be $ 3.7 million. In turn, the annual savings will be $ 500, 000. Thus, this project will break even within 7 years and 5 months.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Business Case and Proposal for Project Selection of Company Centervale Apparel specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Moreover, in the course of ten years, it will bring the company $ 1.3 million of net revenues. Additionally, one should mention such improvements as the reduced time of delivery and enhanced satisfaction of clients. So, it is possible to speak about improved organizational and financial performance. Evaluation of alternatives A company can adopt several strategies that may serve as an alternative to this project. First of all, they can modify or upgrade existing order fulfillment technologies. The main justification for this initiative is that it will require a lesser amount of costs. Nevertheless, the management may not ensure that this strategy will help the company improve data accuracy and reduce the costs of inventory. Furthermore, this organization can invest in the training of employees so that they could better understand the work of the current technologies. This approach can also be beneficial because in many cases, the poor work of information technologies can be attributed to the lack of users’ skills. Nevertheless, it is only a conjecture, and one cannot say that current problems can be explained by the lack of training. These is the main limitation of this alternative. Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) model At first, it is necessary to identify the possible risks that this organization can face. First of all, Centervale Apparel may have to spend more time and capital in order to implement this project. Additionally, the company may have to spend more money on the annual maintenance of new technologies. Each of this risk is quite likely because even the most experienced business administrators can be too optimistic while estimating the timelines or costs of a project (Mankiw, 2007, p. 304). Provided that these risks are overlooked, they can completely undermine the value of project. To some degree, these risks can be mitigated by using both internal and external controls. For example, this project can be assessed by auditors, supply chain managers, and IT specialists who estimate the costs of this project.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Moreover, one should mention that the benefits of this project may not justify the expenses of the company. For example, this new supply chain management (SCM) system may not bring the expected sav ings. Again, this issue should not be disregarded because people are inclined to see the positive aspects of their initiatives, rather than their drawbacks (Mankiw, 2007, p. 304). These risks should be addressed with the help of internal and external controls. In particular, IT professionals and supply chain managers should closely examine the work of various technologies and determine how they can affect the cost-efficiency of the organization. Furthermore, Centervale Apparel should invest capital in the training of workers. Justification for the project Certainly, these risks are important, however, even despite these limitations, the company should implement this project. In this case, senior executives should focus on two important criteria. One of them is financial performance of the organization since this project will yield $5 million in ten years, while the cost of ownership will be 3.7 million. More importantly, the adoption of the system can lead to improved organizational performance, such as increased customer satisfaction, reduced delivery time, and competitive strength of Centervale Apparel. Reference List Mankiw, N. (2007). Principles of Macroeconomics. New York: Cengage Learning. This research paper on Business Case and Proposal for Project Selection of Company Centervale Apparel was written and submitted by user Cali Howell to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on Greek and Roman

Romans Did and Greeks Thought Life’s milestones have been passed through generations and to different cultures since the beginning of time. From the start, people have been able to put their minds together to come up with new and easier ways to do daily activities. These brilliant and determined minds brought forth everything from better technology, faster and more efficient food production and it all eventually led up to simply bettering the quality of life for people. The most dominating and daring cultures throughtout the world were centered in Athens, Greece and Rome, Italy. These two led the ancient world in the pursuit of expansion of their great empires as well as their desire to rule with their advanced ways of life. The Greeks, especially those in Athens, dominated the Mediterranean region. They consisted of many great minds that cultivated a time in which new ideas and inventions were being thought of and documented over and over. Although they never fully produced all that they had thought of: philosophy and arts, the Romans were not far behind with their tools to begin building upon the foundation with further advancements such as a channel of roadways, waterways, and improved architectual stuctures that allowed the Romans to further develop as an empire. The Greek Empire was full of people who enjoyed nothing more than a deep conversation full of ideas and opinions. The first pre-socratic Greek philopher was a man by the name of Thales. He pursued thoughts of mathmatics and astronomy. He constructed theories about solar eclipses and a deductive method of geometry. Not for another hundred years, would a man come along that could measure up to this philosphers ideas. But, a man named Socrates came to life and brought with him a determined mind in search of an â€Å"absolute truth†. He focused mainly on ethical and moral standpoints. Socrates was interested in Athenian justice, beau... Free Essays on Greek and Roman Free Essays on Greek and Roman Romans Did and Greeks Thought Life’s milestones have been passed through generations and to different cultures since the beginning of time. From the start, people have been able to put their minds together to come up with new and easier ways to do daily activities. These brilliant and determined minds brought forth everything from better technology, faster and more efficient food production and it all eventually led up to simply bettering the quality of life for people. The most dominating and daring cultures throughtout the world were centered in Athens, Greece and Rome, Italy. These two led the ancient world in the pursuit of expansion of their great empires as well as their desire to rule with their advanced ways of life. The Greeks, especially those in Athens, dominated the Mediterranean region. They consisted of many great minds that cultivated a time in which new ideas and inventions were being thought of and documented over and over. Although they never fully produced all that they had thought of: philosophy and arts, the Romans were not far behind with their tools to begin building upon the foundation with further advancements such as a channel of roadways, waterways, and improved architectual stuctures that allowed the Romans to further develop as an empire. The Greek Empire was full of people who enjoyed nothing more than a deep conversation full of ideas and opinions. The first pre-socratic Greek philopher was a man by the name of Thales. He pursued thoughts of mathmatics and astronomy. He constructed theories about solar eclipses and a deductive method of geometry. Not for another hundred years, would a man come along that could measure up to this philosphers ideas. But, a man named Socrates came to life and brought with him a determined mind in search of an â€Å"absolute truth†. He focused mainly on ethical and moral standpoints. Socrates was interested in Athenian justice, beau...

What strategies do cyber security use in order to avoid the hackers Essay

What strategies do cyber security use in order to avoid the hackers prevailing users of e-commerce websites - Essay Example About 52% of the UK consumers use online shopping as an opportunity to save cash. In 2009, an estimated 608 million card payments were made online, with  £47.2 billion being spent in 2011 around 74% of UK homes have internet access (Government of the United Kingdom, 2011). The cyber security departments need to have strategies that balances resiliency with focused, protection, risk-informed prevention and preparedness activities in order to manage and reduce the most deleterious risks in e-commerce. E-commerce is regarded as the wave of the future. However, as organizations come up with new web-based strategies so as align themselves with the future commerce, problems are expected on the way inform of cyber attacks. Cyber security is at a sensitive stage in the evolution of e-commerce. A major attack at this particular time, if successful, could significantly affect the future development of the e-commerce business model. This could result to harsh ramifications for the victimized organization(s) in particular. The paper will highlight the strategies used by cyber security in order to avoid the hackers prevailing users of e-commerce websites. The ever increasing roles of information technology as well as the growth of the e-commerce sector have made cyber security be very important essential to the economy. The cyber security standards are prevailing security standards that enable various organizations to practice safe security techniques so as reduce the number of successful cyber security attacks (Amoroso, 2012). The misuse of the online environment through hacking, fake websites and other means have threatened to undermine the social and economic benefits of the online environment by eroding confidence and trust in the security and safety of the online environment (Shoemaker & Conklin, 2011). This is what has necessitated the e-commerce industry to come up with strategies that will boost customer confidence in engaging in online transactions. These

The Arguments and Propels for Disciplining New Media Research Paper

The Arguments and Propels for Disciplining New Media - Research Paper Example Cinematic critic Lev Manovich has analysed the techniques of digital cinema and has argued that contemporary digital cinema is marked by the pre-cinematic movement of image techniques which shows a return to earlier cinematic methods. Contemporary digital cinema seems to be characterised by interactive narrative (Manovich, 1996). Manovich, however, claims that the digital media helps to present narratives in a new way yet considering the discussion of the central focus of digital media, narratives according to Manovich is far from the essential elements of digital storytelling (Manovich, 1996). Digital cinema seems to have redefined the identity of cinema as with digital cinema, simulation of all real events could be done without necessitating real physical space events to occur and be recorded within photographic limitations. Cinema has been seeing what is widely called a digital revolution in which the computer is used more extensively to create fictional forms and moving images in a specialised manner. According to Manovich, the essence of cinema is in ‘recording and storing visible data in a material form’ (Manovich, 1996). Just like a computer, a film camera records cinematic data onto a film and the film projector reads it as the computer is controlled by a program and records input data. To show the essential similarities between the cinematic process and the recording of data in a computer, Manovich has claimed that digital cinema thrives on these similarities as in case of cinematic techniques; distinct mages are recorded in celluloid strips whereas, in case of the computer, data is stored electronically in the form of a binary code.

Kinetics of Drug Degradation and the Effect of pH on Drug Stability Lab Report

Kinetics of Drug Degradation and the Effect of pH on Drug Stability - Lab Report Example This iodine level reading then indicates the amount of iodine and therefore the amount of the drug that had been degraded and subject to the reaction with the used up iodine (Yoshioka and Stella 2000, pp. 61-69; Cohen et al. 1984; Brucat n.d.; Laude 2011; Stretton 2004). The spectrophotometer was calibrated to 324 nm for wavelength, zeroed with the use of water, and set to absorbance recording. For the trial run, 250 mL capacity Flask 2 was used to hold 10 mL of the drug in aqueous solution making use of a pipette, together with 120 mL of water. 250 mL capacity Flask 1 was used to hold 10 mL of water, 50 mL of aqueous iodine solution, and 10 mL of H2SO4, 0.1 M, likewise making use of a pipette. All of Flask 1 was poured into Flask 2, and swirled, at the same time marking the start of the timer. Flask 2 contents were poured back into Flask 1. At the 30 second mark, the reading for absorbance is noted, and this reading is done for every 30 seconds up to the six minutes mark. The pH of the mixture is also noted. This is a run. The actual experiment is done in five iterations of this run, with the initial Flask 2 contents retained, while the Flask 1 acid and water levels were varied according to the table below (Yoshioka and Stella 2000, pp. 61-69; Cohe n et al. 1984; Brucat n.d.; Laude 2011; Stretton 2004): Using the data for the absorbance at different pH and time, the gradient is calculated with the use of LINEST and SLOPE to determine the rate of reaction. Both yield the same results. The derived rates of reaction are given below: The rate of decline of iodine concentrations is a function of the acidity of the solution, as can be seen in Graph 1. Where the pH is most acidic, which is experiment 5 at a pH value of 2.05, the rate of decline is fastest. This corresponds to the fastest rate of degradation for Drug X. Graph 2 is to be interpreted in the same manner. Where the slope is least negative

Origin of the Palestine-Israel Conflict

Origin of the Palestine-Israel Conflict Palestine In fact, the roots of the new movement of Zionism go back to the nineteenth century. The reasons for the foundation of such movement are secular nationalism as well as actions of persecution done against Jews in Europe especially in Germany (because of Hitler and the Jewish holocausts). Despite the fact that Zionism was a great step, at the beginning, for Jews to gain their freedom and civil rights, it hid another truth. In fact, there was a desire to create a whole new entity and settlement for the Jewish population in Palestine since it is considered the old chosen land by God. On the other side, a lot of people confuse between Zionism and Jewish religion. However, there is a difference: while Zionism looks forward to getting back to Zion, known as the land of Israel, Jews believed that only God can take a decision in this issue. Because many Jews believed that God punished their ancestors in the past because of their violation of His laws and committing sins, they have faith that their return back to Palestine would be a proof on Gods forgiveness towards their actions. On the contrary, Zionists refused to be part of the European community hence persecution against them continued in spite of issuing laws that prohibited Jewish violence. Thats why persecuted Jewish began to think of a new idea to have their own land where they can live freely and thats why they stated to take actions to achieve such dream. Ottoman Society, Palestine, and the Origins of Zionism (n.d.). . In Jews in Europe (p. 26) The following papers will discuss why Palestine managed to attract the attention of the whole world especially countries like Britain, France and the United States. They will also talk about strategies adopted by these countries to form settlements in Israel and why Jews succeeded in achieving their target of gaining back the lost land. Strategies implemented by countries to create Israel: As for Britain, it started to take Palestine and the Zionism movement into consideration since 1916. After the fall of the government of the British Prime Minister Asquith, David Lloyd George took over the position. In fact, George was really interested in Zionism and sensitive to this issue. In addition, he was very enthusiastic about including his government in any matter related to foreign policy. Moreover, the year of 1917 in Russia witnessed the arousal of a revolution which contributed in causing the fall of the tsarist government. Furthermore, such uprising helped Bolsheviks to take over the country and gain dominion. There were risks about the fact that Russia could abandon the idea of war leading to the obligation of the German policies to focus all their efforts and powers against British and French armies. Actually, these risks managed to spread awareness about the Zionism movement as a way through which Jews, who hold the Russian nationality, could be convinced to have a role in this revolution in order to enhance and foster the efforts implemented by their country in the war. Thats why Zionists who used to stay in London adopted this opinion so that they could be able to support the British tendency towards a declaration that agrees with Zionism. However, those Zionists believed that Jews who lived in Russia wouldnt support any kind of war effort. At the end, the British government was searching for getting aids and supplies from Americans. Therefore, British thought that their positive tendency towards Zionism would lead to forcing the American president Wilson to take part in the war on the British ally. Thus, all these reasons, along with the belief of Jews in their fate, have resulted in the Balfour Declaration announced on the second of November 1917. This declaration, in fact, granted Jews the right to stay and live in Palestine as if it is their home. Despite the fact that Balfour Declaration didnt achieve all the dreams of Zionists all over the world, it was considered as a first step towards forming a stable Jewish state in the chosen land and as recognition of the existence of a Jewish entity by the whole globe. Britain, Palestine, and the Balfour Declaration (n.d.). . In Jews in Europe (pp. 63-64) As for the United States, its interest in Palestine has increased after the Camp David accords between Israel and Egypt in 1978 in which the American president Jimmy Carter announced the outcomes of this agreement. According to this treaty, Egypt was able to oblige Israel to get all of its followers and citizens out of Sinai. However, some issues regarding Gaza and the West Bank werent solved resulting in the occurrence of a lot of conflicts between both countries. Regarding the resolution no. 242 stated by the United Nations, the American government believes that its pledge to foster such resolution wasnt changed. According to this resolution, Americans thought that founding settlements in Palestinian, Syrian and Jordanian lands by Israel is considered as a violation to Camp David treaty and an obstacle in the path of accomplishing peace in the Middle East. Despite the fact that Prime Minister Begin declared that Israel would no more found any settlements in Palestine after signing peace agreements, he announced later his abandon of this opinion after being pushed and driven by Likud. The role of the United States in the Arab-Israeli conflict appears in the fact that it supports the Israeli policy used to create settlements in Palestine although it is illegal and against the stipulated laws in the entire world. The Origin of the Palestine-Israel Conflict THIRD EDITION (including Intifada 2000). (n.d.). Retrieved 13 February 2017, from http://www.deiryassin.org/pdf/origin_booklet.pdf As for France, it all started in the campaign led by Napoleon in 1799 towards the Palestinian lands. In fact, he had the urge to attract the attention of Jews all over the world in order to be his allies to win the war. Thats why he began to declare his thoughts about reconstructing the Jewish Temple and encouraging Jews to go back to their original land. All of his thoughts were due to his desire to achieve certain political objectives. Such campaign managed to attract the attention of the British government since it started to feel threatened because of its routes towards Indian lands. Since then, France began to have interest in Palestine. Kayyali, A.-W. (2014). Zionism and Imperialism: The Historical Origins. Retrieved February 13, 2017, from http://www.palestine-studies.org/sites/default/files/jps-articles/Zionism%20and%20Imperialism-%20The%20Historical%20Origins.pdf Reasons for creating Israel: There are many reasons that contributed in the foundation of the Israeli state. One of them is that Arab countries didnt have the right leadership skills. As a matter of fact, Palestine was full of different groups which thought they would be able to prevent the settlement of Israeli citizens in their land by refusing to negotiate with them. However, after the failure of such point of view at the United Nations, they started to resort to another strategy which is force. They believed that cooperation between Arab armies would accomplish their target. Despite the fact that Arab countries had had many weapons and arms, they werent able to win the war. This is due to the lack of experience and sufficient training as well as the inability to test the skills of troops in reality. In addition, the war between Israel and Arab attracted the attention of the globe to an important flaw of Arabs which is their huge self-confidence. On the contrary, they didnt trust each other. For example, ther e were concerns and doubts about the interest of King Abdullah in the Palestinian cause. All of this has contributed in the failure of Palestinians to maintain their land more than the success of Israel to form settlements there. The Birth of the state (n.d.). . In WW2 and the Creation of Israel Reasons for choosing Palestine: According to Zionists, Palestine is the chosen land granted by God to their ancestors. Thats why no place could be better to gain back their glory and form their lost kingdom like Palestine. Furthermore, international organizations which supported Zionism called Lovers of Zion encouraged a lot of persecuted Europeans and Russians to resort to Palestine to find freedom and peace. Since then, the whole world began to form the idea of creating the Jewish kingdom. Despite the fact that Russians refused this solution, these opinions had contributed in increasing the interest towards Palestine and taking it into consideration as an important terrain. The Origin of the Palestine-Israel Conflict THIRD EDITION (including Intifada 2000). (n.d.). Retrieved 13 February 2017, from http://www.deiryassin.org/pdf/origin_booklet.pdf To conclude, Zionism movement was created because it managed to gain support and enhancement from different countries all over the world. These countries such as Britain, the United States and France figured out that in order to achieve their political interests and goals, they have to support this movement against the Palestinian cause. Despite the fact that all these countries had a huge role in the Israeli settlement, I believe that Britain is one of the main reasons that contributed in doing so. According to my opinion, Britain succeeded in officially proving that Israelis had the right to stay in Palestine because of Balfour declaration. Without such declaration, Israelis wouldnt have the audacity or the power to enter the Palestinian lands and the whole world, even the United States, wouldnt have been encouraged to support Jewish who wanted to go there. Thats why Arabs must drive the attention of international organizations interested in civil rights to give Palestinians back t heir lost land and freedom. References: Ottoman Society, Palestine, and the Origins of Zionism (n.d.). . In Jews in Europe (p. 26) The Origin of the Palestine-Israel Conflict THIRD EDITION (including Intifada 2000). (n.d.). Retrieved 13 February 2017, from http://www.deiryassin.org/pdf/origin_booklet.pdf The Birth of the state (n.d.). . In WW2 and the Creation of Israel Kayyali, A.-W. (2014). Zionism and Imperialism: The Historical Origins. Retrieved February 13, 2017, from http://www.palestine-studies.org/sites/default/files/jps-articles/Zionism%20and%20Imperialism-%20The%20Historical%20Origins.pdf Britain, Palestine, and the Balfour Declaration (n.d.). . In Jews in Europe (pp. 63-64)

The Pitiful Campus Dining Experience Essay example -- Argumentative Pe

The Pitiful Campus Dining Experience      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When I was a waiter at a local pizza parlor, the area manager would come in once every two weeks and give the restaurant an inspection. He would watch us through the course of an evening, and when the crowds subsided, he would gather us all around and give us our review. At the onset of every debriefing, as they were called among the crew, the first words from his mouth would always be, "From the moment the customer enters those doors, his dining experience begins. He will form an opinion in his mind about us, and it is your job to make sure that opinion is good! If it isn't, I'll know about it, and then so will you." Even though my experiences at that restaurant are a year behind me, whenever I eat out I always keep in mind the customer's opinion -- especially when I am the customer. When  Ã‚   State students eat at the campus facilities, they form opinions about their dining experience just as any customer would, and whether that opinion is good or bad is the responsibility of the food service. Recently I conducted a survey to determine the student opinion of the food service at  Ã‚   State. My purpose was simply to see if the students were satisfied with the overall performance of Service America, the catering company that handles all of the campus dining facilities. I surveyed fifty students over a period of two days at different times and locations. All of those I surveyed ate at least occasionally at one of the dining facilities. The survey rated such aspects as variety, quality, and taste of the food offered as well as the student's opinion of the prices they paid and overall service they received. The ratings given were initially somewhat mediocre. ... ...ts known will have them resolved in one manner or another, and by solving the students' problems as best they are able, Service America will ensure good public opinion and keep its contract. This arrangement is beneficial for both parties involved, and since my results concluded that there is no widespread discontent with the food service, there is no real justification for procedures any more radical than those I have suggested. Perhaps a monopoly does exist at  Ã‚   State in the form of Service America, but it is a monopoly that is ultimately controlled by its patrons, who have the freedom and the power to act on their opinions. The choice for action lies in their hands.      Sources Cited Goodman, Stephanie. "Dinner Is Served--At the Mall." Adweek's Marketing Week 24 Ju1y 2013:30-34. Loprete, Michael. Personal interview. 26 Feb. 2014.   

Escapism and power as entwined themes in Anouilh’s Antigone and Ibsen’s A Doll’s House Essay

Escapism is the ability of a person to leave his or her physical surroundings, and transcend into a world of their own, in order to flee the harsh truth of reality. This ability can give an individual power, or make them lose it. This concept is highlighted in Anouilh’s Antigone and Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, through the subtle use of symbols, foreshadowing, and imagery. In this light, escapism and power can be seen as themes with a linked purpose; to drive the play forward by building up emotions that culminate in acts of rebellion at the end of each play. With reference to this, escapism as a means to gain and lose power, and power as a trigger for escapism will be analyzed in this essay. Escapism as a means to gain power is portrayed in Anouilh’s play Antigone through his protagonist. Although mentioned only once, the ‘grey world’ that Antigone is so fascinated with serves as a symbol for her escapist persona. She says ‘It was beautiful. The whole world was grey when I went out. And now – you wouldn’t recognize it. It is like a post card: all pink, green, and yellow.’1 The colour grey alludes to bleakness, imagery of a world without colour, which could connote to a world without men or human interference. Her dislike for the world with colour suggests that she is not content with the mortal world of man, and wishes to go beyond it. This idea is perpetuated when she says ‘Have you ever thought how lovely a garden is when it is not yet thinking of men?’ Hence, her longing to leave the world of men is one of the motivating factors towards her decision to defy her uncle Creon, bury her brother and thus make her uncle sentence her to death. Her strong will to die, indicated by her vehement assertion, ‘I want to die!’ gives her power over Creon, as he is helpless to change her decision. Indirectly, she brings about the death of Haemon and Eurydice, as her suicide causes Haemon to join her in death, which causes his mother Eurydice to commit suicide in turn. Thus, Antigone’s escapism defines and strengthens her will to die, which gives her considerable power over other characters in the play. However, in Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, Nora is seen to create an idealistic world which is filled with activity, colour and gaiety. This is her form of escapism, which contrasts to Antigone’s, as hers is grey, dull and empty. Nevertheless, both these forms of escapism serve to drive the play forward, although in different ways. Antigone’s escapist nature propels her power, while Nora’s escapism hampers her power. Escapism as a means to lose power is depicted in both Antigone and A Doll’s House, although in strikingly different ways. In Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, Nora’s escapism hinders her ability to accept the truth of her situation and achieve self liberation, and thus power. She envisions an idealist world of marital bliss, and in all but the end of the play, she constantly strives to uphold this facade. This is evident when she says ‘†¦ so snug and happy here in our peaceful home, and have no cares †¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ in Act II, during a conflict between herself and Torvald. She is trying to maintain her unrealistic world, as she is aware that this conflict is close to shattering it. This prevents her from gaining any sort of influence over her husband, as she is not able to assert her independence by breaking free of her idealistic, although restrictive world. Thus, by attempting to conform to the expectations of the rigid post war society that the play is situated in, Nora hampers her ability to gain power. This is similar to the loss of power in Antigone; however, it is brought on by Antigone’s absorption in the past which leads her to reject her maturity, and thus her power as an adult in society. This brings to light a minor, although significant undercurrent in both plays; the theme of childhood. This is linked to escapism, as it is a technique that Anouilh and Ibsen use to further their protagonists’ escapist natures, and thus restrict their ability to gain power. Both female protagonists are depicted as child women, although Antigone’s child like character stems from her reluctance to emerge from the past, Nora’s is imposed upon her by her domineering husband, Torvald. For both women, this image causes them to lose power by fueling their escapist tendencies. For Nora, it is part of the character she plays for Torvald, and thus a part of her unrealistic world. Hence, it is not her true character. Thus, she is able to overcome it to gain power, by abandoning her sense of idealism, and consequently the childlike image that her husband created for her. However, for Antigone, it is part of her innate persona, for she was never meant to be feminine, or adult -like. This is seen when she is described at the very beginning of the play, as a ‘thin little creature’. This aspect of her character is developed through the play, particularly significant during her conversation with her Nurse. The nurse addresses her as ‘my sparrow, my lamb’ and other such names appropriate to a child. This makes her yearn for her childhood even more. Her reminiscence makes her reluctant to die, and thus momentarily vulnerable. In stark contrast to this, escapism and power have a different function when manifested in the male characters of each play. Rather than escapism giving rise to or hindering power, power is seen to be a trigger for escapism. In A Doll’s House, Torvald is a man in a patriarchal society with considerable social standing. Despite this, he indulges in an idealistic world in which he denies his failing marriage, and at the very end of the play, struggles to hold on to it, even after being shattered by his wife’s departure. This is clear in his disbelief when he says ‘But to part! – to part from you! No, no, Nora, I can’t understand that idea.’ He fails to grasp the fact that the reality of his and Nora’s marriage has been finally revealed, as he has spent so much time absorbed in his unrealistic version of it, he has convinced himself it is real. Thus, his escapist world is shattered; this renders him powerless to cope with Nora’s dep arture. Although Torvald seems to enjoy his power, Creon does not. He makes an analogy of his role as King to the role of a manual laborer, someone who uses their physical strength for work that he describes as ‘dirty’. He deems it as something he is compelled to do, as he is responsible to the state by the power vested in him as a member of the royal family. His reluctant acceptance of power indicated by the line ‘God knows, there were other things I loved in life more than power’ leads him to advise his page ‘Never grow up if you can help it.’ This suggests a certain attachment to the past, when life was simpler and free of the constraints of responsibility. The page himself is a symbol of this attachment, as he represents Creon as a young boy. Additionally, he is always by Creon’s side, reinforcing his subtle connection with the past. Thus, he exhibits a minor form of escapism induced by the weighty responsibility of having the power of the state. The themes of escapism and power, when linked, can prove to be a powerful tool to convey thoughts, and foreshadow character development. When combined with hints of childhood as a sub theme, these two motifs are revealed to be effective literary techniques in both plays, unveiling aspects of character that would at first glance pass undetected. Ibsen and Anouilh have shown escapism to moderate and amplify power, and in relation to this, power as a trigger for escapism. It is this interweaving of themes through symbols and imagery that truly enhances a piece of literary work, and gives it layers of depth.

Loneliness in Mice and Men essays

Loneliness in Mice and Men essays Essay on Loneliness in the book Of Mice and Man I would say that the whole story is mostly about loneliness. I am sure the author did it on purpose. Even though he wrote about feelings and emotions the characters in the book had, it applies to most ordinary people. Most of us feel lonely sometimes... There was a lot of characters that were lonely in the book. I would start with Lennie because I think he was a kind of a main character in the book. He certainly was lonely, but I am not really sure it made much difference to him, because he was a little bit insane. He didnt have any friends except of George. But he felt that he doesn't sometimes understand what George is talking about. From the book I got the impression that George is more like Lennies father than a friend. Gorge looked after Lennie all the time. Every time Lennie got into some trouble George always helped him out. George was lonely in a certain way too. Lennie wasnt actually Georges equal friend, Lennie was just someone he took care of. He was depending on him, and George knew it. I think he felt that Lennie was a kind of dead-weight for him. Of course he liked him, but they always lost their job, because Lennie had done something. And George just wanted to settle down, have a job and a girl-friend. There were other lonely characters in the book too. Curleys wife, who we mentioned in our previous essay, Crooks and Candy. The other ranch-workers never talked to Crooks, because he was black. They wouldnt event let him go to the bunk-house to play cards with them, because they thought that he stinks. Crooks felt of course miserable and embarrassed. The only thing he could do was to keep himself isolated from all the other people. That was his defence. Candy was old, thats why he was alone most of the time. Together with George and Lennie he dreamed of their own farm. ...

Man Forgets Daughter in a Sports Bag essays

Man Forgets Daughter in a Sports Bag essays In Russias Paper, Russia Makes it Funny, a man drunk off of vodka forgets that he placed his daughter in a sports bag. Someone else sees the bag, steals it, and finds the girl inside. He gives the bag to the police and the bag is returned to the mother. This paper will discuss how their view differs from an American view. I suppose since vodka is such a popular drink in Russia, the general community finds it humorous that this man was so drunk that he completely forgot about his daughter. It may have been a funny occurrence because maybe a lot of these other people have had similar experiences while being drunk and they can relate to this mans situation. Here in America though, our view of this would be slightly altered. In America, people leave their children unattended at home and we find it to be disturbing. If a man in America left his child in a duffel bag and someone stole it, then returned it to the police, I think the man would be arrested and child services would intervene. The American public would find this behavior unacceptable and we would wonder how this event could take place. We might also think that the child should be in custody of a different guardian. In conclusion, it is hard to believe that this article was made to be taken lightly and it is hard to believe that people arent thinking of what could have happened to the child if she wasnt brought to the police. ...

Branding Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Branding Marketing - Essay Example There is also the suggestion that the environments without harsh government restrictions like the U.S. market have been the avenues to favor the success of entrance of the new brands. The section has reviewed the history of the beer market and the current trends in the consumption that aid the progress of the Monterrey Beer product. Competitive Analysis The section has clearly mentioned the other products that offer competition to Monterrey Brewing Company. With the inclusion of the market share in the leading products, there is the realization of the scope of marketing need to advertise the product. The author has further compared the available brands of the advertised product to the competitors, which offer the needed analysis in the consumer trend. The competitors have been listed with the leading brand and the marketing strategy that they apply to gain the needed profit. The author should construct a table to compare the measures to be applied by Monterrey in advertising to be co mpared to the leading brands. With a chronological list of the brands within a table that accords comparison, the author is able to convince the target of the relationship of the brand with the competitors, and the needed measures for proper marketing (Pride, Hughes & Kapoor, 2012). However, there is a detailed account of the competitors and their prevalence within the market giving Monterrey an adequate position. Brand Strategic Plan Vision The vision of the beer holds all the components required for adequate marketing with the flavor included and the motive of the brand to consumers. However, the vision should mention the performance of the established brand as compared to the known beers. The phrase should include the provision of the Monterrey to offer the realized satisfaction as compared to the known brands in the market. Objectives The objective clearly outlines the motive of the company to enter into the competitive market with the two leading brands in Ale and Ginger Light. The author further lists the objective to strengthen relations in the market to the consumers by offering satisfaction. Strategies The 4Ps are accorded the needed definition to offer the proper marketing strategy in the market. The author gives detailed description of the product that is needed to accord the identity and distinction from the other brands. The mention of the pricing and the communication measures to be applied has been properly mentioned with Monterrey as a new product. The author has captured the section in detail, and this has completed the needed instructions to complete the strategy section to offer evidence of the marketing provision. Target Customer Segmentation Analysis The section contains the necessary information on the consumer demographic but the author should offer the listing on a table format. This is because tables are easier to interpret and allow for the analysis of the market condition with the changes made with market fluctuation. The author also issues explanation on the consumption trend that is affected with the existence of product variety. Consumer Insight The author has included the needed measures to communicate with the consumers. The strategy to include the updated communication channels for advertising and connection to the customers prove ideal in the modern society. Growth of new products within the market is supported by the application of modernized measures in connecting to the consumers that are faster and cheaper. Brand Essence The author has included the steps applied in manufacturing the finalized product to create assurance to the consumers of the product utilized. The Brand Essence section has been accorded the description to show the professionalism of the company and their ability to compete

Ethics assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ethics assignment - Essay Example have said that this serial has disregarded all forms of ethical values. According to virtue theories, virtuous character traits are developed in one's youth. Adults are responsible for instilling virtues in the young. (Ethics, excerpts from the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy). What are the serial teaching children It has portrayed a historical leader as a dubious, violent, rude and repulsive character! The character Mohandas thrives on slang! Even cursing has been uplifted by making use of a historical language like Sanskrit. (That is sheer blasphemy!) This view has been strongly supported by the PTA and PTC who specifically condemn the extreme violence. They further argue using Kant's categorical imperative1 which says "Treat people as an end and never as a means to an end" (qtd.in. Ethics, excerpts from the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy) saying that people's anger and the whole controversy is being used to make the serial popular. Is such a success morally right Duty theories consist of many duties, among which are duties towards others. German philosopher Samuel Pufendorf divided these duties2 into three; among which was-"avoid wronging others". The Indians are being wronged here by insulting their "Father of the Nation". The very fact that the character was named Mohandas Satyagraha in the original memo and made to act violently and regressively shows the deliberate attempt to make Gandhi a laughing stock! "Satyagraha" means the eternal follower of truth, whereas this character does no such thing! Why does the West repeatedly try to undermine the image of Gandhi, whether it is the MTV "Clone High" (Clone High, Wikipedia Encyclopedia) or "The Great Gandhi" Normative ethics says that we should do to others what we would want others to do to us.(Ethics, Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy) Would the West accept one of their leaders made fun of in this way and to this extent Gandhi stood for peace and non-violence. While the whole world admired this quality this serial is denouncing and making a mockery of that principle! India respects him even today and looks up to him. This act will not go unnoticed. People will definitely protest this. Citing the theory of Act-Utilitarianism3 the consequences of this action should have been considered. (Ethics, Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy). This great leader's memory has been damaged. Who will pay for it The recent list of duties given by British philosopher W.D.Ross, under Duty Theory includes Reparation or the duty to compensate others when we harm them. (Ethics, Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy) Who is going to compensate this moral damage caused This is merely an act of Ethical Egoism4. Only the profit of the production has been considered, completely ignoring people's sentiments. Gandhi is called the "Mahatma" in India. "Mahatma" means, 'the great soul'. People also called him "Bapu" or 'Father'. He was like God to Indians. Is this the way to treat such a revered figure Gandhi's character has been degraded and slurred. The same Gandhi who had introduced the term "Harijans" or 'people of God' to describe the lower caste people and abolish the caste system in India. It is as if, a deliberate attempt of racism. 'The great Gandhi' is like a blemish on the spirit of India! Counterviews 'The New Adventures of the Great Gandhi' is a comedy which revolves around the character Mohandas, based on the real Mohandas

Influencial Person during the American Revolution Essay

Influencial Person during the American Revolution - Essay Example He was born in Thetford, England, to a corset-maker father and a religious mother, both of whom were Quakers1. He enrolled in school, attending regularly until almost the age of thirteen, when he was forced to drop out and learn his father’s trade. Deciding that he disliked being a corset-maker, he tried a number of other trades, including teacher, grocer, and excise tax collector2. While he worked his best at these occupations, Paine really had no desire to make these occupations his for the rest of his life, and therefore fared badly in all of them. Paine came to the colonies in 1774, settling in Philadelphia after meeting with Benjamin Franklin in London. Franklin wrote what was known at the time as â€Å"letters of introduction† for Paine, and Paine left for the colonies to begin a new life3. Less than two years later, Paine found himself embroiled in the American Revolution. Many Americans believed, at first, that the fight with the British was not about independen ce or gaining any sort of freedom, but rather to plead with the King for a redress of grievances4. In 1775, when the revolution had progressed as far as the Battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill, four of the Founding Fathers, including John Adams, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington, met to review dispatches, during which time Paine entered the room5. After being introduced by Franklin, Paine states frankly, â€Å"These States of America must be independent of England. That is the only solution to this question!†6 Though most of the men felt that this was, in essence, a shocking statement, they all realized that Paine was right, and that independence must be achieved if they were to live freely from England7. Paine proceeded, not long after, to write the pamphlet that would energize the American people, entitled Common Sense. In this pamphlet, he addressed the problems of the English monarchy, the advisability of separation from England and gaining American independence, the nature of the American colonists as a society, and also made some modest proposals for a new form of government8. His motive, in writing the pamphlet, was not only to plant the idea of independence in the minds of the colonists but to turn the anger of Americans away from particular parliamentary measures and towards what he considered the root of the problem, which, in his mind, was the English constitution itself9. Common Sense sold more than 100,000 copies in only a few months, and helped to create a rapid growth of support for the idea of independence in the early months of 177610. One of the reasons for its success was that, by coincidence, it was published first on the same day that a speech from the King of England reached the United States, denouncing all Americans in the colonies as traitors and rebels, and stating frankly that it would be the right of England to bind the colonies forever11. Though at first it was read with a wide amount of alarm, as most colonists knew from almost the first words that it was a statement against the grain of normal thought at the time, after taking many pauses and re-reading it over and over again, most of the American public came to realize that Paine was right, and that independence would be the only way to free themselves from English tyranny forever12. Paine had an audience ready to listen to him and hail him as a prophet not because of his words, but

Warfare During The Crusades Essay Example for Free

Warfare During The Crusades Essay Medieval warfare is the combat of the middle Ages. In Europe several changes like technological, cultural, and social developments had brought about a dramatic alteration in the nature of warfare from ancient times, altering military procedures and the function of cavalry and artillery. Analogous transformations in patterns of warfare as well were introduced in other parts of the world. The Crusades were a succession of military conflicts of a religious nature which took place in the years 1095–1291, more often than not authorized by the Pope in the name of Christendom. The Crusades in the beginning had the purpose of recapturing Jerusalem and the consecrated Holy Land from Muslim canon and were instigated in rejoinder to a call from the Eastern Orthodox Byzantine realm for help in opposition to the spreading out of the Muslim Seljuq dynasty into Anatolia. The European and the Muslim styles of warfare during the time of the First and Second Crusade had developed several distinct characteristics which decided the success of the crusades. The warfare of middle ages demonstrated the superiority of mounted cavalry over traditional ground forces, which helped to set the nature that medieval warfare that would maintain for the next several centuries. According to The Second Crusade and the Cistercians by Gervers the perchance the most significant technological change in warfare in Europe was the introduction of the stirrup, which was introduced in Europe in the 8th century, but was previously in use in the Middle East. The stirrup, accompanied with horse breeding and more sophisticated iron and steel working, helped in development of far more powerful cavalry. In European warfare, the heavily-armored knight became central where as in Muslim warfare lightly armored horse archers did so. The book The Invention of the Crusades by Tyerman describes that it is almost certainly a mistake to have a discussion of medieval European armies during the middle ages, as Europe was culturally varied continent and each region in it had their characteristic style of warfare. Medieval Anglo-French armies could be divided into three segments termed as battles or battalions such as the vanguard or forward, the center or main-battle, and the rearguard or backward. The front line was often composed of archers and other elective long-range weapons, like slings and stones and the rare lightweight simple catapults, while the center was composed of infantry and armored cavalry (knights), and the rearguard was sometimes comprised of more nimble cavalry. The usual order of March was front line, center, and rearguard, and the three battles took their position on the battlefield with the vanguard on the right, the center in the center and the rearward on the left. On the other hand, as armies grew larger and more cumbersome they often positioned as they arrived on the field. Each section in European army were positioned in either linear or block formation Where as, in the countries of the Middle East following Muslim tactics of warfare, the main forces were positioned in the battle field somewhere in the between. The main determinant of the Muslim tactics during the crusades was the predominant position of the horse archer in their army. As a light cavalry, the horse archers that made up the bulk of the Islamic armies were highly mobile. This mobility was used in four ways which gave the Turks an advantage over the European armies which could be highly dangerous when they approached for close combat. Where as, the Eastern European armies were in general high in horse archers and noble cavalry. The nobles were light lance cavalry in armor, until the armies were westernized, like the Polish knights. The light cavalry were also effective against similar cavalry deployed by the Muslims and, afterward, the Golden Horde. The heavy cavalry wore brigandine, and later on, plate armor. The light cavalry were dressed in leather or brigandine if they could afford it. Eastern Europe as well produced decent foot archers, because of the horse archer custom, but they usually had poor weighty infantry, more often than not spear or axe-armed levies. In European army cavalries were made depending on the situation. While a group of horsemen was undoubtedly efficient, cavalry in tight formations wielding lances became devastating forces. The most ordinary formation was the line or linear form. The horsemen arranged themselves in a long line, commonly three or four ranks deep and then charge. On the other hand, in Muslim cavalry a well-trained infantry force capable of withstanding any attack employed forces in a wedge formation. The horses were arranged in a large triangle, with the most heavily armored cavalry at the front. When the wedge came into contact with the infantry line, customarily it used to cave in on itself, allowing an infantry charge to move in and scatter the remaining forces. According to Medieval Canon Law and the Crusader by Brundage, as a light cavalry, the horse archers that made up the bulk of the Islamic armies were highly mobile. This mobility was used in four ways which gave the Turks an advantage over the European armies which could be highly dangerous when they approached for close combat. As Muslim cavalry became the prevailing force on the battleground, it in addition became necessary for European forces to come up with ways to counteract them. One accepted method was the use of pikes, which were spears that sometimes reached lengths of twenty feet. As the cavalry charged, the pike men arranged themselves in a tight square or orb formation, which prevented the horses from penetrating too deeply into the infantry line. With a large block of pikes shielding the stern and flanks, armies could move into an effective position without being routed. The experience level and tactical choreography aptitude of medieval armies different widely, were depending on the period and region. For larger battles, both in European and Muslim warfare pre-battle planning characteristically consisted of a council of the war leaders, which could either be the common laying down a plan or a loud debate between the different leaders, depending on how much authority the general possessed. Battleground infrastructure previous to the advent of strict lines of announcement and were naturally very difficult. Interactions often took place with the help of standards, oriflammes, banners, flags, etc. The book Medieval Canon Law and the Crusader by Brundage provides that the infantry, including missile troops, were typically employed by the European army at the onset of the battle to break open infantry formations while the cavalry shot to defeat its opposing force. When one side acquired superiority in cavalry or had it at the onset of battle it attempted to make use of the loss of cohesion in the conflicting infantry lines caused by the infantry conflict to hit the opposing infantry and attempt to rout it. This was often difficult, and careful timing was essential for a direct cavalry assault, as an ordered infantry line may often be able to beat off the cavalry attacks. Where as Muslims used to fight with arrows. The mobility of the Muslims helped them in attacking the enemy and forcing him to fight on the march. Instead of the Europeans sitting in a circle and gradually being killed by arrows, they marched toward either safety or where they supposed the enemy to be. This allowed for even greater possibilities of the use of the Muslims mobility in battle to come into distance, attack with arrows and move back away from the distance in which the slower loading crossbow could be used against them. Cannons were introduced to the battleground by European cavalry in the later medieval period. The Invention of the Crusades by Tyerman describes that on the other hand, their very poor rate of fire, which over and over again meant that only one shot was fired in the course of an entire battle and their imprecision, made them more of psychological force multiplier than an effectual anti-personnel weapon. Later on in medieval warfare, the rate of fire improved only to some extent, but the cannons became far easier to aim, mainly since they were smaller and much closer to their wielder. Their users could be easily protected, because the cannons were lighter and could be moved far more quickly. Arab warriors respected archery as a valuable skill for war and even as a sport in times of peace. The great number of archers in the armies of Islam often gave them a decisive advantage and helped them win in the wars. According to The Second Crusade and the Cistercians by Gervers the flights of arrows were used mostly by the Muslims to obliterate any consistency that the Europeans possessed, and cause them to lose horses on top. This loss of horses was a major blow to the main weapon of the Crusaders especially to the heavy cavalry charge with lances in rest. The horse archers themselves could loose their arrows from the saddle without halting or dismounting, and even shoot backwards while in retreat. The complex bow was a light weapon which frequently did not penetrate the armor far enough to cause injury to the wearer. Because of thick pads of felt and the mail worn by knights, the arrows were often seen sticking out of warriors who just continued on their way. Breakdowns in federal states resulted in the rise of a number of Muslim groups that turned to large-scale pillage as a source of income. As these groups were by and large small and required to move quickly, building defenses was a good way to endow with refuge and defense for the people and the wealth in the region. In the Medieval period surrounding armies used a wide diversity of siege engines as well as scaling ladders, battering rams; siege towers and different types of catapults like the mangonel, onager, etc. Advances in the action of sieges gave rise to the development of an array of defensive counter-measures. According to Medieval Canon Law and the Crusader, by Brundage, in particular, medieval fortifications in Muslin warfare became increasingly stronger for instance, the arrival of the concentric castle from the period of the Crusades and more hazardous to attackers, witness the rising use of machicolations and murder-holes, also the preparation of boiling oil, molten lead or hot sand. Arrow slits, hidden doors for sallies, and deep water wells were also integral to oppose siege at this time. Constructors of castles paid meticulous attention to shielding entrances, protecting gates with drawbridges, portcullises, etc. Wet animal skins were frequently draped over gates to hold back fire. Moats and other water military protection, whether natural or increased, were also imperative to protectors. In the European Middle Ages, practically all large cities were encompassed within city walls. Dubrovnik in Dalmatia is a remarkable and well-preserved instance and more vital cities had citadels, forts or castles. Great endeavor was expended to make certain an excellent water supply inside the city in case of blockade. In some cities, long tunnels were built to carry water into the city. According to Anatomy of a Crusade by Powell, the main determinant of the Muslim strategy during the crusades was the prime position of the horse archer in their army. As a light cavalry, the horse archers that made up the bulk of the Islamic armies were highly mobile. This mobility gave the Muslims an advantage over the European armies which could be highly dangerous when they approached for close combat. High mobility allowed the Islamic army to maintain a distance from the enemy and choose the moment at which they would close with them. Use of this mobility was the feigned retreat which allowed them to lead the Europeans into ambushes or to cause a fake retreat to last for some days to tire the enemy. Good mobility allowed them to attack the weakest points in the enemys army. This caused chaos while traveling, and in a battle it allowed the Muslims to attack the crusaders without ever coming into a pitched battle with the main body of the Europeans until they were worn-down and had lost all support from the flanks of the attack in battle. Another positive side of Muslim warfare was well built fortification system. These factors facilitated the Muslims in the battle. The Crusaders Kingdom by Prawer defines that the infantry, including missile troops, were typically employed by the European army at the onset of the battle to break open infantry formations while the cavalry shot to defeat its opposing force. Another method utilized by the English was the use of massed archers. The English longbow was a particularly devastating weapon of warfare. With the invention of gunpowder, the traditional methods of defense of the Muslims became less and less effective against a determined siege. Cannons were introduced to the battleground by European cavalry in the later medieval period. These factors gave the European side an advantage in the battle. In conclusion it could be mentioned that history helps out us to identify ourselves, recognize who we are and be acquainted with the origin where we come from. We over and over again shrink back from hearing about our chronological times of yore for the reason that so much of it is excruciating. The European and the Muslim styles of warfare during the time of the First and Second Crusade had developed several distinct characteristics like modification in cavalry, invention of gun powder, canons, new methods of fortification, etc. Instead of all developments it could only be concluded that battles in all ages have brought only destruction. References: Brundage, C; Medieval Canon Law and the Crusader (HBT Publishers Pvt.Ltd. 2000) Prawer, H A; The Crusaders Kingdom (Allied Publishers 1998) Powell, M; Anatomy of a Crusade (ABP Ltd 2001) Gervers, V; Second Crusade and the Cistercians (HBT Publishers Pvt. Ltd. 2000) Tyerman, J; Invention of the Crusades (Allied Publications 2001) Kar, P; History of Europe; Vol. III (Dasgupta Chatterjee 2005) King, H; Introduction to War; Vol. II (HBT Brooks Ltd. 2005) Lamb, Davis; Cult to Culture: The Development of Civilization on the Strategic Strata. (National Book Trust. 2004)

Between Utopias Essay -- Literary Analysis, Thomas More

Although comparing one society to another does not require them to be different in government or human behavior, it does necessarily weight one’s faults against its victories to render it better or worse than the other. This comparative structure, found between Thomas More’s two books of Utopia, poses the country of Utopia opposite the broader communities of world civilization. Despite the comparison of Utopia as distinct from and morally better than widespread society, in truth Utopia is, at best, an extension. The sloth of governments abroad have led Utopians to pursue lives of group work rather than personal property. In Book I, Hythloday confronts the wealthy as "rapacious, wicked, and useless, while the poor are unassuming, modest men who work hard" (36). The duality of the claim of wealth versus work makes them appear dichotomous, not to mention cruel, and results in the desire of the Utopians to be free of not only "private property," but of laziness. Thus they partake of group labor, but wherein "every person learns a second trade, besides agriculture" (45). This appears fair and useful, especially when coupled with how "Utopians do not work very long hours, for to "exhaust himself with endless toil" is "such wretchedness, really worse than slavery" (45). Yet In Book I, Hythloday makes a positive example of the Persian Polylerites, whom, "apart from their constant work, they undergo no discomfort in living" (23). This contradiction of values is met with another: their own enslavemen t of others. Though the struggles of the poor amid the wealth of leadership motivate the Utopians to abolish money, it is not to the effect of equality. Hythloday is critical of "a solitary ruler who enjoys a life of pleasure...while all abou... ...uble with working for princes in the common world of government: "You must openly approve of the worst proposals, and consent to the most vicious policies" (35). In Utopia, while opposing the openness of the plans, do in subtle, frightful subjugations control their people in a remote society. While the character of More often argues with Hythloday in Book I for his opposition to wealth and government, by the end of Book II his primary concern is the same, glossing mindset of the loss of beautiful possessions and rule with their "splendor and majesty" (97). Although this position is deliberately focused on the monetary absence in Utopia, his listing of their observances shows acknowledgement; and while Utopia would itself never acknowledge its nearly Spartan oligarchy, between Books I and II it is clear that through comparison, its digression is anything but ideal.

Succubus Heat CHAPTER 23

Dante wasn't around when I got home, nor was he reachable by phone. That relieved me of any guilt I had about going out with Seth, meaning my only other obstacle was the accusatory look Roman gave me when we parted. I had no idea how he would spend his evening, and honestly, I didn't really want to know. The problem Seth and I had with going out was that we pretty much had to avoid the city. We knew people in the suburbs too, but the odds of running into anyone were a lot smaller. The rainy weather Roman and I had experienced in the afternoon had blown over, and we suddenly found ourselves in semi-warm conditions that made it almost possible to go without a coat. I would have read the fortuitous weather as a divine blessing, if not for the fact that I'd given up on such beliefs long ago. To my astonishment, though, Seth said he wanted to go downtown and felt pretty confident we wouldn't be spotted. He drove us over to Belltown, parking underneath one of the many high-rise apartment buildings that seemed to be sprouting up there every day. A mysterious key let him inside, and the elevator took us all the way to the top floor. â€Å"What is this?† I asked when we entered a sprawling penthouse suite. It kind of made me wonder if I should have been setting my real estate aspirations in a different direction. I gave him a startled look. â€Å"You don't own this, do you?† Seth having a secret vacation home wasn't entirely improbable. â€Å"Belongs to someone I know who's out of town. I called in a favor.† â€Å"You have friends I don't know?† He gave me A Look, and I let the matter go. Besides, the place was so beautiful that I had plenty of distraction. The colors were all done in shades of navy and gray, and the furniture was plush and expensive. I especially liked the fact that the walls were decorated with huge reproductions of pre-Raphaelite work. Nowadays, abstract art was the trendy way to go, and it was nice to see something a little different. â€Å"Wait'll you see the rest,† said Seth, beckoning me out to the balcony. Or, well, â€Å"balcony† was the closest word I could come up with. It was practically half the size of my apartment and faced west, showing part of downtown's glittering array of lights and all of Puget Sound. I stared in wonder, watching a ferry move across the dark expanse of water. â€Å"Wow.† That about summed it up. We stood there for a few moments, and Seth's arm slipped around me. This high up, the unseasonable warmth had turned to seasonable gusts and coldness. I shivered, and Seth draped me in a blanket that had been neatly folded on a wrought-iron chair. â€Å"Have a seat,† he said. â€Å"I'll be back with dinner.† I grinned at the gallantry and sat at an ornate, candlelit glass table that still allowed me to take in the view. Waiting for Seth, I felt all sorts of strange feelings stir to life within me. This was it, I realized. I didn't know how I knew, but this was the end of whatever it was that we had right now. Maybe something new would take its place. Maybe we'd never have anything again. Regardless, this moment was crystallized in time for me. Nothing like it would ever come again. Dinner turned out to be an array of tapenade and bread, as well as-to my shock-a bottle of wine. â€Å"Is that whole thing for me?† I asked. He shook his head. â€Å"I'll have a glass.† â€Å"What? Starbucks, now this?† I peered at the bottle to make sure it wasn't some kind of weird alcohol-free kind. Nope. â€Å"It's a special occasion,† he said with a smile, and I knew he'd gotten the same vibe that I had, that this was the end of something. â€Å"Besides, how can I live out the Rubaiyat if I don't have all the accoutrements?† â€Å"Of course. Your uber-romantic date would be based on a poem.† I could already see him getting into quotation mode. He cleared his throat to speak. â€Å"Here with a Loaf of Bread beneath the Bough A Flask of Wine, a Book of Verse-and Thou Beside me singing in the Wilderness- And Wilderness is paradise enow.† I tsked. â€Å"You've got the bread, wine, and me†¦but no bough. And hardly the wilderness.† â€Å"It's the urban jungle,† he argued. â€Å"And no book of verse,† I continued, liking my contrary role. Then I reconsidered. â€Å"Although, I did finish All Fools Night .† Seth's expression immediately grew serious. â€Å"And?† â€Å"You already know. It was beautiful.† â€Å"No, I don't. It's a mystery every time-no pun intended. The words come out, but in the end†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He shrugged. â€Å"You never know how they'll be received, what people will think. I'm always kind of surprised.† â€Å"What did the opening quote mean? The Kate Bush lyrics about making a deal with God?† â€Å"You should hear the cover of that song that Placebo did. It'll blow you away.† Seth gave me a knowing look. â€Å"You think there's some hidden meaning?† â€Å"There's always a hidden meaning. You added it in after you met me, didn't you?† â€Å"Yeah†¦I mean, it relates to the book obviously†¦to O'Neill's revelation at the end. But I guess it relates to us too.† His eyes drifted away, lost in the vista around us. â€Å"I don't know. We've had to deal with so many complications. We're still dealing with them. And what can we do? Nothing-well, unless we take your side's point of view and make deals with the devil. But why? Why can't we make deals with God?† â€Å"People do all the time. ‘God, if you do this for me, I promise to be good.' Stuff like that.† â€Å"Yeah, but I don't see any contracts like you guys have. No hard evidence that it works.† If I wasn't mistaken, there was a little bitterness in his voice. â€Å"How come we can only get the things we want by being bad? Why can't we get them by being good?† â€Å"I'll ask Carter the next time I see him,† I said dryly. â€Å"But I have a feeling he'd say goodness is its own reward.† We'd picked over the tapenade by now but hardly touched the wine. His claims aside, I wasn't sure Seth had even sipped his. He turned back toward me. â€Å"You and I aren't being very good, are we?† he asked. That was an understatement. â€Å"You and I are the victims of unfortunate timing.† I paused. â€Å"And a lot of other unfortunate things.† â€Å"Would have been a lot simpler if this stasis thing had happened when we were dating. Or if we'd just given in then.† â€Å"No,† I said. â€Å"No way. I don't care if this is a mess. It's worth it that I didn't end up hurting you.† You spared him physical pain , a nasty voice inside me taunted. But what about Maddie? Pain isn't always physical, you of all people know that. What about the heartache you've caused her? I ignored the voice. â€Å"I don't care,† said Seth. â€Å"I would have done it. I would have sold my soul for you. You and me†¦I told you. Something's always going to keep us near each other†¦even if we aren't together.† I rose from my chair and sat on his lap, wrapping my arms around him and wondering how it was possible that my heart was both swelling and breaking at the same time. I leaned my head against his shoulder. â€Å"I love you,† I said softly. â€Å"And I forgive you.† Something weird about those words made me shiver, as though I'd never said them to anyone. â€Å"And I understand now why you did what you did.† I didn't elaborate on the â€Å"what.† I didn't need to. Seth kissed my cheek. â€Å"Do you ever feel like†¦we're reliving this moment over and over?† I thought about our troubled past. â€Å"If we are, I don't want to worry about it. Not right now.† I think he was going to say more, possibly even correct me, but I didn't give him a chance. I kissed him, and like every other time, it was sweet and powerful and the most right thing in the world. We wrapped ourselves together, and somehow, despite the cold weather, we got enough clothes off and made love with the wind whipping our hair and the stars shining down on us. And like that first time, I still had that sense that we weren't close enough. Even when our bodies joined and he moved in me, it still felt like I could never, ever be close enough to him. Maybe it was this mystical connection he kept talking about. Or maybe it was just a metaphor for our lot in life. We sat together for a long time afterward, draped in blankets and saying little. I wanted to stay there all night. Forever, even. In this affair, it was the one thing we hadn't done: spend the night together after sex. We always had to part and go on to the rest of our lives. He finally dropped me off at my car, and we kissed for a long time before I could finally extricate myself. Seth ran his hand along my cheek and hair, reluctant to let me go. I shared the sentiment. â€Å"What will you do now?† he asked. â€Å"I don't know. One more search tomorrow, I guess. If there's even time. I expect Ephraim to name somebody any minute now.† Seth nodded, eyes dark and thoughtful. â€Å"Well, if you need company again†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I smiled, unsure if that was a smart idea or not, but it wasn't a decision I wanted to make tonight. I didn't know if I wanted the balcony to be our last moment together in this fling or if I wanted to cling to another few precious seconds, even on the beach. â€Å"I'll let you know,† I promised. I kissed him one last time and then left to find my own car. I had just unlocked it when a voice spoke to me out of the darkness. â€Å"Can you give me a lift?† I sighed. I really didn't like the way everyone could sneak up on me lately. Of course, with Carter's sick sense of humor, I wasn't entirely shocked. He'd lurked while hiding his aura plenty of times in the past because he liked the element of surprise. Still. I didn't even have a fighting chance now. I opened my door. â€Å"Sorry. I don't pick up hitchhikers.† Undeterred, he slid into the passenger seat and put on his seat belt. â€Å"Did you have a good evening, madam?† He spoke in an old-fashioned, genteel sort of way. â€Å"Don't take that tone with me.† â€Å"What tone? I was being polite.† â€Å"You know exactly what I've been doing, so don't act like you're making pleasant conversation.† â€Å"Why are they mutually exclusive?† I refused to look at him. â€Å"I don't want to be judged.† â€Å"Am I judging you? Sounds more like you're judging yourself, which really, is the way it should be. The best jury of your peers that you'll ever find is†¦well, you. Only you know what you're capable of and what you want to be.† â€Å"Did you find me just to delve into the philosophy of my morals?† I grumbled. â€Å"Nah,† he said. â€Å"Whenever I find you, I just sort of go with this free-form thing and see where the mood takes me.† â€Å"Maybe the mood could take you to Jerome.† â€Å"That's your quest, not mine. Any luck?† Again, I faced that dilemma. Who could I tell what? Grace, Roman†¦so many players on the board now and no clear opponent. â€Å"Some,† I said at last. â€Å"Oh-ho,† he laughed. â€Å"You could be an angel with an answer like that.† â€Å"Well, I don't think it's going to be enough to find Jerome, not unless a miracle happens.† The drive was short. I pulled up outside my building, getting a lucky front spot. Carter turned and winked at me. â€Å"Well, you know my take on those. Thanks for the lift.† â€Å"Wait,† I said, realizing he was about to teleport away. â€Å"I have a question.† He arched an eyebrow. â€Å"Oh?† â€Å"How come when mortals want things, their only option is to make a deal with Hell and sell their soul? Why can't they make deals with God in exchange for good behavior?† It was another of those rare moments when I'd surprised Carter. I waited for the glib answer I'd mentioned to Seth, something along the lines of goodness being its own reward. The angel considered for several seconds. â€Å"Humans make those deals all the time,† he said finally. â€Å"They just don't make them with God.† â€Å"Then who are they making them with?† I exclaimed. â€Å"Themselves.† He vanished. â€Å"Fucking angels,† I muttered. I arrived in my apartment only minutes before Dante showed up. â€Å"Oh, I'm in luck,† he said, seeing me on the couch with Aubrey. â€Å"You seem to always be busy lately.† I felt a small pang of guilt at what I'd done tonight. A lie was still a lie, no matter who you were lying to. â€Å"I'm saving Seattle,† I explained, making room for him beside me. He sat down, clean-shaven for a change and looking good in his usual jeans, thermal shirt, watch, and boots. His insecurity was driving him to buy me gifts lately, but I realized I'd need to step it up and get him some wardrobe variety once all this madness ended. â€Å"And how's that going exactly?† Everyone kept asking me that. Seth. Carter. Dante. And my answer was lame each time. â€Å"Not so great, actually. I think tomorrow'll be the day it all resolves, and Jerome's going to be lost forever. Even if he's not, it'll be too late for him to get his old position back. His best-case scenario'll be someone's lieutenant in northern Michigan.† Dante put his arm around me and his feet on my coffee table. â€Å"Well, succubus, don't take this wrong way, but I'll be glad when this is over, new archdemon or no. I'm tired of you being stressed all the time, and I'm tired of not getting any face time with you.† He toyed with the strands of my hair. â€Å"I'm also kind of tired of how frizzy this is. Isn't there some product you can use?† â€Å"Hey,† I said. â€Å"Not funny. What happened to internal beauty?† He seemed undaunted. â€Å"You've got plenty of that. I just want the whole package. Besides, the look on your face was great when I said that.† His hand slipped from around my waist to trace patterns between my hip and thigh. It wasn't overtly sexual but I had a feeling that between that and his good mood-which I was happy for, don't get me wrong-there was an amorous advance in my future. â€Å"Will you read my cards?† I asked abruptly. He gave me a shocked look. â€Å"Tarot cards?† â€Å"Yeah.† â€Å"You know that's all bullshit.† â€Å"It is when you bend the truth for your clients. Please? Just do a quick one.† â€Å"Fine. I'll give you a card-of-the-day one. All the mysteries of the universe in one card.† I could hear the eye roll in his voice as he got up to get his cards out of his satchel. He usually kept them on him in the event of an impromptu client opportunity. â€Å"Don't lie to me,† I warned. â€Å"I know more than your clients.† â€Å"Wouldn't dream of it,† he said, deftly shuffling the cards. I'd seen him scam clients plenty of times, telling them what they wanted to hear. Seeing as I didn't know what I wanted, I supposed that excluded me from that category. After the cards were thoroughly randomized, he had me cut them, and then he neatly restacked them. â€Å"Draw.† I took the first card off the top and flipped it over. â€Å"Fuck.† The Five of Cups. Spilled chalices. Lost hopes and dreams. Dante affirmed as much. â€Å"Disappointment's ahead, the loss of something you had. It can be a failure or inability to resolve a recurring problem. Pretty typical reading for you.† â€Å"What's that supposed to mean?† â€Å"Doom and gloom always surround you. I didn't make up that palm reading for you.† That had been even worse than this. â€Å"It's probably just verifying that Jerome's gone for good-if you even want to believe in this. And, hey, look.† He tapped the card. â€Å"One cup stayed upright. Not all hope is lost.† I wondered about that as I thought about losing Seth and the man in the dream. I wondered also if Roman was right, if it was true that I wouldn't know what to do if I ever was actually happy. As I suspected, Dante did make sexual moves on me, but I demurred as I had all week. I knew it didn't matter at this point. My cups had emptied, and the ride with Seth was over. Yet, our time on the balcony had been so sweet and so powerful that once again, I couldn't be with someone else after an encounter like that. Soon enough my sex life with Dante would return to normal-but not tonight. He didn't seem angry at being turned down, so much as hurt. I felt a little bad about that but realized I'd rather feel guilty about betraying him than Seth. Dante was up and gone before me the next morning, but Roman was sitting in my living room eating cereal and generally making himself at home. He had to know I was standing there, but he kept his eyes on the morning news. When he finished the cereal, he clicked for Aubrey and set the bowl down for her. â€Å"Hey,† I said, scooping it up. â€Å"Milk's bad for cats.† â€Å"You need to let her live a little,† he protested, still watching the news. â€Å"So what's the plan today?† â€Å"I don't know. I'm still in stasis, so I guess that gives us time. Want to throw a dart at the map and go somewhere?† I gestured to the atlas of the Pacific Northwest lying on my coffee table. â€Å"Might be the most productive method we've tried,† he mused. He had that light tone he often used, but I could hear the disappointment too. It was still a mystery to me as to why he'd be so into helping find Jerome. It was a mystery best solved with coffee, I decided, and while the pot brewed, I rummaged for my own breakfast. I unearthed Pop-Tarts and again wondered about weight gain. â€Å"Um, Georgina†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"If you're asking if you can feed her anything else, the answer is no.† â€Å"You need to come see this.† His voice was deadly earnest. The hair on the back of my neck stood up, and I hurried back into the living room. Roman pointed at the TV. â€Å"You have got to be kidding me,† I groaned. The Army of Darkness had struck again. We were watching a Seattle station, but apparently, this north-of-the-border escapade had been deemed newsworthy. The prank had actually taken place over in Victoria, a city on an island just west of Vancouver but still in British Columbia. There were some very famous and very beautiful gardens there, and the Army had apparently broken in at night and done their best to clip a pentagram into a huge expanse of bushes. They'd enhanced it with spray paint. â€Å"Jesus Christ,† I muttered. The pentagram job was bad, but the group had been savvy enough to get out of there without being caught. One shot of a courtyard there showed where they'd spray-painted: ALL HAIL THE ANGEL OF DARKNESS . â€Å"Glad to see they haven't lost their touch,† Roman said wryly. I sank down onto the couch beside him, my mind spinning. Why? Why now? I'd toyed with the theory that the Army's activities had been an absurdly elaborate distraction to take everyone's attention away from Seattle. By that reasoning, their shenanigans should have stopped once Jerome was summoned. Yet here they were again. Had they acted on their own, just for the fun of it? Had Blake discovered a spray-paint sale? Or had Grace directed them again-and if so, why? Most of their other activities had lined up with some other significant part of the seal's creation or Jerome's summoning. Without wasting another moment, I picked up my cell and called Cedric. I actually got through to him rather than Kristin. â€Å"What?† he demanded when he answered. â€Å"This is Georgina. I just saw the news.† â€Å"Look, I do not have the time for you. In fact, you're the last person I want to talk to right now, seeing as how none of this would have happened if you'd done your job in the first place.† â€Å"Yeah, yeah, I know, but listen†¦was anything important going on today?† His voice was incredulous. â€Å"What, you mean aside from those idiots embarrassing me again ?† â€Å"No, I mean†¦any events or, I don't know†¦just anything important, um, demonically†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Well, if you consider my evaluation with Ephraim important, then yes.† The sarcasm dripped through the phone. I froze. â€Å"Thank you. That's all I needed to know.† He actually seemed surprised by that. â€Å"Really?† â€Å"Yeah, no, wait-when I talked to Kristin the other day, she said that you came to Seattle the day Jerome was summoned, but then Ephraim said when you got here, he was already gone. Is that true?† â€Å"Yes, of course. Do you doubt him?† â€Å"No, no†¦just making sure I heard right. And you were in Seattle for a while?† â€Å"Yeah, was with Grace and Mei dealing with the aftermath. Look, if you want to track my activities, wait until Kristin's back in the office.† He sighed in frustration. â€Å"Fuck. I wish she was here now.† I hesitated, then figured I couldn't make things worse. â€Å"Hey, just some friendly advice†¦but the next time you're looking at Match. com or asking out succubi, why don't you look a little closer to home?† â€Å"What the hell are you talking about?† â€Å"Kristin. If you're looking for someone who ‘gets' you, you've already got her. See you later.† I hung up before I could hear his response. Roman gave me a bemused look. â€Å"Are you matchmaking in the middle of this crisis?† â€Å"Just doing a good deed.† I tossed my cell phone from hand to hand, thinking. â€Å"Okay, so. The Army did a prank today-while Ephraim was interviewing Cedric. Not good for Cedric.† â€Å"Which is going to ruin his candidacy for Seattle.† â€Å"Likely, even though he claims he doesn't want it. Still, it makes sense that Grace would have them do it today†¦ if she had them do it and they didn't act randomly†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He shrugged. â€Å"Makes sense, but what's it matter? You already know she's got a role in this. All this does is clear him.† I frowned. I had the same sense I had the other day while analyzing the cult's activities, like I was so close but couldn't grasp all the threads. Against my better judgment, I dialed Evan. He flipped out when he realized it was me. â€Å"Georgina! We've been wondering what happened to you. Man, you will not believe what we did today, it was this-â€Å" â€Å"I already know,† I interrupted. â€Å"It was on the news down here.† â€Å"What? Holy shit. Hey! You guys!† I pulled the phone away as he yelled at whoever was with him. â€Å"We made the Seattle news!† A moment later he returned to me. â€Å"Wow, that's awesome. International recognition!† â€Å"Look, Evan. I need to know something. Did the Angel actually tell you to do this? And when I say that, I mean, did she actually appear in one of those visions or did you presume she wanted this?† â€Å"She was here. Told us to leave our mark at Butchart Gardens, so the world would know her glory. Cool too, since you know, it's a powerful place and all. No wonder it's having such far-reaching effects.† â€Å"Powerful place†¦Ã¢â‚¬  My fist closed around all the threads. â€Å"Evan, listen to me. Are you familiar with other places of power around you?† I'd always dismissed this group's arcane knowledge, never considering they might know a few things about the unseen world. â€Å"Of course.† Roman's eyes were fixed on me so hard, I thought they'd shoot lasers right through me. He could tell I was on to something. I took a deep breath. â€Å"Do you know of any place up there that's by a beach-on the ocean-that has white rocks or gravel or sand or anything like that? That's infused with power?† â€Å"White rocks?† he asked. There was a few second's silence. â€Å"Well†¦there's White Rock.† â€Å"What?† â€Å"It's this town that has, well, a giant white rock. Some kind of glacial thing, but the Indians thought it came from the gods or something. Always been a holy place.† â€Å"White Rock,† I repeated flatly. â€Å"Yup.† No, no. It could not be that obvious. Balancing the phone with one hand, I opened the atlas with the other and flipped to the section on British Columbia. There it was, on the coast, just barely north of the American border. White Rock. â€Å"Son of a bitch,† I said.