Brave New World By Aldous Huxley - 1023 Words

In the book Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley, the character John the Savage is brought from his homeland of Malpais to London. When he arrives he finds that this world is very different from his own. Saddened and angered by the injustice of the society, he attempts to isolate himself from the world. John the Savage’s experience of being exiled from Malpais was enriching in that it showed him the true nature of the Other Place and alienating in that he was separated from his culture and not able to integrate into the new one. This illuminates the meaning of the work in that it shows the negative side of the â€Å"utopian† society. John the Savage’s exile from his homeland was enriching in that it showed him the true nature of the Other Place.†¦show more content†¦Don’t you even understand what manhood and freedom are?’† (Huxley 212-213) This quote shows how he became aware of the injustice of the system. His discovery of the true natu re of the Other Place was an enriching experience. It allowed him to no longer wonder about what the outside world was like and to no longer hold an idea in high regard that was not worthy of it. The truth is better than the lie and in learning the truth, John was enriched by his experience of being cut off from his homeland. John the Savage’s exile from his homeland was alienating in that it separated him from his culture and he was not able to integrate into the new one. John the Savage grew up in a society with very different views from that of the society in London. It was very difficult for him to not be around other people who shared similar ideas with him. This is exemplified by the quote â€Å"‘... Listen, Lenina; in Malpais people get married.† â€Å"Get what?† The irritation had begun to creep back into her voice. What was he talking about now? â€Å"For always. They make a promise to live together for always.† â€Å"What a horrible idea! † Lenina was genuinely shocked.† (Huxley 191) He was unable to connect with anyone on a deep level because of this intrinsic difference between them. Therefore, this experience was alienating for him because he was set apart from the rest of the society. The experience was so alienating that John the Savage removed himself from the society around him. â€Å"‘I shall go away

Native American Wom Health Disparity - 1337 Words

Native American Woman: Health Disparity Kevin Villa Ramirez California State University, Sacramento As with many races and ethnicities, Native Americans have had the front row seat in social injustices related to gender and race from the social institutions in the United States. Native Americans faced much discrimination along with other groups when it came to educational institutions and businesses. In education, many young children had lower math and writing skills leading to fewer high school diplomas (Sarche Spicer, 2008). In labor, Native Americans had high unemployment rates and a lower labor force than the rest of the demographic population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2006). They also have problems with poverty since more than twenty-five percent of this group live below the poverty line (U.S. Census Bureau, 2006). Additionally, there are high rates of violent victimization and contributing factors such as childhood trauma that lead to overall high deaths. A major contributing factor to these deaths is alcoholism which exceeds the US rates by seven times (Sarche Spicer, 2008). Many of these statistics indicate great injustice. Furthermore, according to the Indian Health Services, American Indians have lower health and life expectancy when compared to the rest of America (2015). These staggering statistics point out some prevalent inequalities in modern social institutions that exist with Native Americans. At a more elaborate and specificShow MoreRelatedMedicare Policy Analysis447966 Words   |  1792 PagesI 111TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION H. R. 3962 To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OCTOBER 29, 2009 Mr. DINGELL (for himself, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, Mr. STARK, Mr. PALLONE, and Mr. ANDREWS) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education

Data Analysis-Assignments MyAssignmentHelp

Questions: 1. Other than the criteria identified in the problem, what other considerations should be considered in assessing a word processing package for an organization?2. What role do updates to the version of the word processing package play in making a choice?3. Use Excel to construct a line graph of the various packages on the x axis and the ease of use and facilities available on the y axis. Label each of the lines on the chart and provide a title. Copy and paste the chart into the Word document.4. Suppose that you judge that a switch from a package with the least facilities available to one with the most facilities is only 60% as attractive as a switch from a package which is the least easy to use to one which is the most easy to use. Assuming that mutual preference independence exists between the two attributes, which package would you choose? Why?5. After some reflection you realize that the extra facilities available on a package will be of little value to you if they are going to di fficult to use. What does this imply about your method of analysis for Question #4? Answers: 1. Consideration in assessing a word processing package for an organisation In the word processing package of an organisation, do not need to add any extra spaces between the two or more words in both cases including heading and body text. In order to check the line spacing under the current format of the word processing packages have to be set 0 for all options. For line spacing, inch line spacing is better rather than the double line spacing. Apart from that, need to use the tab button to start a new paragraph in word processing (Abdalgader Skabar, 2012). For introduction in word documents of an organisation, no need to make the introduction as a heading because people who are reading the word processing files assumed the first part as introduction of that particular word processor. After mitigating the formatting issues, the writers of the word documents for the organisation have to conduct a their statement in order to provide synthesized information to the readers with the capability of advancing point of view (BOONE, 2012). Through the statement, rea ders are able to understand the whole information that presented in the body of the word processing file. For example, of the management of the organisation tries to write a business letter in word processing package, they have to write a letterhead at the top of the word file. After that, they have to put the information about their organisation with details address (Brysbaert, Keuleers New, 2011). Then, need to write a subject that helps in clear understanding about the purpose of the business letter. At the end of word file needs to put the date and name to the recipients. 2. Role of update version of the word processing package plays in making a choice Recently, the corporate sector both public and private sector goes for digital. Word processing package is one of the useful and most important tools that help in doing work digitally. However, use of updates version of word processing packages plays the major role in making choice regarding business. The updates version of word processing package has better user interface rather than the old one. Apart from that, updates version of word processing package provides more security in protecting word file. Word processing package 2013 allows the user in setting password for individual word processor (Chanceaux et al., 2011). It can help in locked the file and allows the reader only view of the documents and protect the readers to edit the documents according to their needs and demands. The new updates version of word processing package helps in creating a link during setting of account with their address book. It helps in accessing details information about a particular word-processing file easily that is much required for business. Moreover, updates features of word processing package also allowed in accessing calendar resources of the office. Regarding business, word processing package bring a new revolution. For example, ot the budget of the company is tight then company is able to use free solutions such as online word processor like Google Docs, Zoho Writer, etc (Delhomme et al., 2012). Apart from that, the biggest word processing service providers Microsoft allows their account holders in accessing or using service of free online word process. This type of alternatives allows the company in saving documents in the rich text format that can access from any place regarding reading and writing (Eckerth and Tavakoli, 2012). 3. Construction of Line graph of various packages in excel Value of Word processing Package Package Ease of Use Facilities Available Super Quill 100 30 Easy Write 90 70 Word Write 50 20 Lexico 0 40 Ultra word 20 100 Key write 40 0 Fast write 85 55 4. Selection of packege according to judgement and justification Accrding to the above line graph regarding facilities ad easy of use of different word prcessor package, here Easy Write word processor package is selected. It is choosen by the analyst because, Easy Write is a multiple word document process with wide range of standard function such as spell checkers, automatic world replacement without retyping, customer the dictionary, use of different language according to the contry, different font size, alingment according to requirement, etc (Holland, 2013). Thee software has least facilities and least easy to use beacse wothin the word processing package, developer uses many complex functions that might create trouble for the user. On the other hand, Easy Write is also consider as the least faciluties because it is not allowee the user in setting up individual password in each documents file for data protecton (HIKI, BERTRAM HYN, 2011). However, analyst selected this word processor due to its wide raneg of faclities and easy to use. These are Word Wrap: This functions allows the user wrapping the word into a new line when it do not fit in the same line automatically. Thus, user can make the document more attractive regardung user interface. Find and Replace: This function in more attractable and useful of Easy Write word process. Within the document, this function allows the user in identifying the appropriate word quickly and easily (Liu et al., 2011). Spell and Grammer Checker: Easy Write word processor has more than 250000 word spell checker and custom dictionary functions that automatically detect the error in grammer and highligheted it in green or blue color (Lowe, 2014). Apart from that, this functions also allowed the user in avoiding the chance of wrong spelling. Standard Paragraphs and Mailmarge: In order to make the business letter, using Easy Write word processor can able to make a stadard format. Apart from that mail marge functions helps in inserting different fields into docuements from that database. Insert Image: This is an excellent function of Easy Wirte word processor in terms of making document. In order to enhanace the document, Easy Write allows in inserting images from other sources. It may helps in making the word document uniqueness (Mangalassary, 2012). For example, business organisation using Easy Write worrd processor is able send document with their unique logo in the word doucment file. Rich Text Format: use of Easy Write word procesor, it is one of the key aspects of sending documents to other in a separate format (ZOTOS, 2011). Easy Write word processor allows the user in saving the document in rich text format that helps in ensuring the avoidance of word puncutation for other user. Print Preview: The other word processor like microsoft word allows the user in preview before printing. Like other word processor, Eay Write also allows the user in print preview before printing the document. The unique fucntion of Easy Write raegrdaing print preview is that it allows the user a WYSIWYG print preview functon that atomaticaly setup the page for printig according to the print paper size such as A4, Large, etc (Parise et al., 2011). 5. Extra faciities that available in the package of Easy Write If the organisation or any firm in corporate sector uses Easy Write word processor in terms of making documents regarding their business, they can get several extra facilities such as Adjustment: Easy Write allows the user in realignment of text to tab setting and new margin. Deletion: Easy Write provides a function during deletion of text to user. When the user used Easy Write in making document and ned to delete word, deletion function ensure to delete the one word or the related word from whole documents (Sderstrm, Roll and Horne, 2012). This is also an extra facilities of using Easy Write word processor. Pagination: It is also an unioque feature of Easy Write word prpocessor. Pagination finction allows the user n automatic devision in pages according yo the specifued numbers of line. Reference List Abdalgader, K. Skabar, A. (2012). Unsupervised similarity-based word sense disambiguation using context vectors and sentential word importance. TSLP, 9(1), pp.1-21. Babar, E. (2007). The art of being a French elephant. Adventurous Cartoon Animals,19, 4319-4392. Retrieved from https://www.elephants104.ace.org BOONE, L. (2012). Contemporary marketing, 2013 update. [s.l.]: Cengage learning custom p. Brysbaert, M., Keuleers, E. New, B. (2011). Assessing the Usefulness of Google Books Word Frequencies for Psycholinguistic Research on Word Processing. Front. Psychology, 2. Chanceaux, M., Vitu, F., Bendahman, L., Thorpe, S. Grainger, J. (2011). Word Processing Speed in Peripheral Vision. Journal of Vision, 11(11), pp.552-552. Delhomme, N., Padioleau, I., Furlong, E. Steinmetz, L. (2012). easyRNASeq: a bioconductor package for processing RNA-Seq data. Bioinformatics, 28(19), pp.2532-2533. Eckerth, J. Tavakoli, P. (2012). The effects of word exposure frequency and elaboration of word processing on incidental L2 vocabulary acquisition through reading. Language Teaching Research, 16(2), pp.227-252. HIKI, T., BERTRAM, R. HYN, J. (2011). The development of whole-word representations in compound word processing: Evidence from eye fixation patterns of elementary school children. Applied Psycholinguistics, 32(03), pp.533-551. Holland, W. (2013). Office 2013 Digital Classroom. Hoboken: John Wiley Sons, Incorporated. Liu, Z., Zheng, Y., Xie, L., Sun, M., Ru, L. Zhang, Y. (2011). User Behaviors in Related Word Retrieval and New Word Detection. TALIP, 10(4), pp.1-26. Lowe, L. (2014). Word 2013 eLearning Kit For Dummies. Hoboken: Wiley. Mangalassary, S. (2012). In-package Pasteurization of Ready to Eat (RTE) Meat Products-an Effective Way to Control Post-processing Contamination. Journal of Food Processing Technology, 03(09). Parise, E., Handl, A., Palumbo, L. Friederici, A. (2011). Influence of Eye Gaze on Spoken Word Processing: An ERP Study With Infants. Child Development, 82(3), pp.842-853. Sderstrm, P., Roll, M. Horne, M. (2012). Processing morphologically conditioned word accents. The Mental Lexicon, 7(1), pp.77-89. ZOTOS, A. (2011). Preservation Time At 6 2c 8 2c Of Trout (Salmo Gairdnerii) Fillets Smoked By Steaming With Liquid Smoke. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 35(4), pp.533-541.

The Caucasian Chalk Circle By Bertolt Brecht Essays -

The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Brecht uses epic theatre to bring forth an idea or meaning for the audience to consider while entertaining the audience. Epic theatre involves the use of alienation techniques to distance the viewer from the story but still concentrate on the overall meaning. The person who just views the story would likely take it as fantasy and not reach the true depth of the play. Brecht shocks the viewer by making the events and actions in the play "strange and abstract" this contrasts with dramatic plays where the audience sympathises and relates to the characters of the play. The theme throughout the play is natural justice versus class justice. The title has links to other parables and stories before it. The Chalk Circle, a Chinese play involved a legal action where the false claimant was granted custody due a bribe to claim her dead husbands estate. This however was overturned by the emperor, the guarantor of the law, in a retrial as the emperor was the father. This particular story is a whisper to the result of Grusha's trial. The emperor is portrayed as the epitome of justice and gives a true verdict. The trial scene is also adapted from the parable of King Solomon. Solomon the paragon of justice and truth oversees the trial of two mothers, one child is dead the other alive, they seek custody of the alive child. The king asks the child to be cut in half, the real mother relinquishes her claim and thus gains custody of her rightful child. In these two whispers the law is shown to be equated with justice, however Brecht seeks to highlight that within Grusinia this is not the case and it takes a greedy Azdak who despises the upper classes to give a just verdict. The class justice presented in the novel has close links to the Marxist view of the law, with the law serving all, but in reality it protects and secures the interests of the ruling classes. The play seeks to emphasise that within this class justice the poor can only gain justice under exceptional circumstances. Azdak as the judge and arbiter of justice has come to this position only through a matter of chances and mistakes. Firstly he harbours the Grand Duke from Shauva, then he confesses to the Ironshirts only to be made judge because the Duke escaped. Then through shear chance just before his execution the Duke redeems him and makes him judge, finally making him the arbiter of justice between Natasha Abashvilli and Grusha. This shows that the poor class can only get justice under a system of whims and extraordinary circumstances and that justice is intrinsically linked to a series of chances and not linked to the law as it should be in a feudal regime. Azdak finally decides in Grusha's favour on the spur of the moment, the chalk circle is a real test, and it is through this test that Azdak decides the child's fate. In order to entertain the audience, Brecht sought to keep the verdict in flux, keeping the audience in suspense as to the final outcome. Azdak although seen as the arbiter of justice between Natasha Abashvilli and Grusha is shown throughout the play as greedy and corrupt when dealing with the upper classes. The humour that Azdak displays toward the upper class is entertaining, he constantly refers to them as "arse-holes.. sows.. well-born stinkers." This anal imagery is continued right through the novel. Azdak is so disgusted by the odours the upper classes emit that he occasionally "before passing judgement, I went out and sniffed the roses." This helps Azdak give the verdicts he gives to the "monied classes" such as the Invalid, and the landowner. He swindles them into giving him money for a bribe then turns about and gives a contradicting verdict against the upper classes. This duplicity when passing judgement is seen by the audience but the lower classes see that for once the law is on their side. This is the final hint that Grusha will get the child, as she is good for the child and will continue to do good for the child, contrasting to Natasha Abashvilla's intent to get the child only to keep her late husband's estate. The singer sums up the meaning of the entire play, linking the prologue with the stories of Azdak and Grusha. "That what there is shall belong to those who are good for it, thus the children to

buy custom Educational Creed essay

buy custom Educational Creed essay I believe education should transcend all boundaries and give opportunities to all children to realize their maximum potential regardless of race, religion, disability or economic status. In the 21st century, it is hard to imagine that there are places in the world, where children have no opportunity to get a decent education. To feel oneself comfortable in the modern changing and complicated world, all individuals must have an access to different educational institutions in early stages of their life as well as throughout their whole lives. Having equipped by learning opportunities, children can realize their maximum potential in studying, development of their various skills and abilities that they will later can provide in their future life and work (Blum, 1998, p.28). Schools, colleges and universities must be perfect educational establishments for students of different backgrounds, religions, races, disabilities and economic status. For this reason, the USA is the best place for c hildren from any part of the world who are coming to live and study as immigrants and native citizens. Transcending all those boundaries, the educational system may help students to feel free and comfortable in the modern society that is an important tool for better education. Once the governments can provide these opportunities, they, therefore, protect their citizens and countries by learning how to live together in peace and harmony for better prosperity of their nations (Aleman, 2001, p. 485). I believe the school is a place where students` basic needs are met so they feel safe, secure and free to learn in an unbiased atmosphere that believes in their ability to reach their full potential and become life-long learners. Every educator needs to remember that students dont care about what they know until they know they care. The school is the first stage in children`s life where they may be responsible for their work, i.e. their studies. It is really very important for educators to help young people to feel themselves secure and protected in the course of their studies. Only feeling themselves protected and comfortable, individuals can possess their potential abilities, get necessary knowledge and skills from their studies. Creating friendly and peaceful atmosphere, teachers as well as students can master their studies in order to have perfect knowledge in different fields of studies and gain better grades that are also very important for their self esteem and satisfaction (B igler, 1999, p. 35). I believe schools have the responsibility to connect the social boundaries of the community with the developmental indicators that drive the social interactions of students. Schools cannot treat these two denominators as separate elements when educating youth. The social interaction of students in schools is an essential tool which makes the whole educational process effective. Connection of the social boundaries and development of students` skills and abilities can be the great instrument of the establishment of better education and understanding as well as communication among all the participants of the educational process, i.e. teachers, students and their parents. To learn how to exist, study, interact creatively among all those participants of the educational process, will lead to achieve better developing and understanding of students` origins, customs, traditions, history and backgrounds (Aleman, 2002, p. 491) I believe schools need to work diligently to see the forest beyond the trees. By focusing on where students need to be, schools can formulate detailed plans on how to get there. Governments and schools must provide honest and accountable programs in order to provide high quality training for their students. These programs may help children to study and develop their talents, skills and abilities according to their opportunities (Blum, 1998, p.30). Having such opportunities, give children the awareness of their human dignity and better future, which are based on their traditions, value of caring and responsibility. Buy custom Educational Creed essay

Potential Energy Definition and Formula

Potential Energy Definition and Formula Potential energy is that energy which an object has because of its position. It is called potential energy because it has the potential to be converted into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy. Potential energy is usually denoted by the capital letter U in equations or sometimes by PE. Potential energy may also refer other forms of stored energy, such as energy from net electrical charge, chemical bonds,  or internal stresses. Potential Energy Examples A ball resting on top of a table has potential energy. This is called gravitational potential energy because its energy the object gains from its vertical position. The more massive an object is, the greater its gravitational potential energy. A drawn bow and a compressed spring also have potential energy. This is elastic potential energy, which results from stretching or compressing an object. For elastic materials, increasing the amount of stretch raises the amount of stored energy. Springs have energy when stretched or compressed. Chemical bonds may also have potential energy, as electrons can move closer or further away from atoms. In an electrical system, potential energy is expressed as voltage. Potential Energy Equations If you lift a  mass  m  by  h  meters, its  potential energy  will be  mgh, where  g  is the acceleration due to gravity. PE mgh For a spring, potential energy is calculated based on Hookes Law, where the force is proportional to the length of stretch or compression (x) and the spring constant (k): F kx Which leads to the equation for elastic potential energy: PE 0.5kx2

Embedded Systems Engineering Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Embedded Systems Engineering - Assignment Example If the blood alcohol content (BAC) of the driver is more than the defined value, the system locks the ignition disabling he vehicle from starting. For many years the society has experienced drunk driving as a major problem which has claimed so many innocent lives apart from just the drunk drivers. The system not only prevent drunken drivers from driving while intoxicated, but also save many innocent lives who may fall victims of drunk driving. Executive summary An automated breathalyzer in most countries is fixed in convicted drunken drivers vehicles in order to control the vehicle ignition under the conditions that the driver’s blood alcohol content is from the sample breath is below a certain defined alcohol level. The automated breathalyzer engine ignition switch will act as safeguard ensuring that drunken drivers who are not fit to drive are out of the road. It is highly accurate as compared to the manual ways of preventing drunken drivers from driving in that it does not the ignite the car in case the blood alcohol content is above the defined amount. ... That is, if the level of blood alcohol content is higher than the defined value, then the system automatically locks the vehicle’s ignition preventing the engine from starting. It therefore ensures that drunken drivers who are not fit to drive are eliminated from the road thus prevent accidents. Problem statement Public safety calls for the elimination of drunken drivers from the road in order to reduce accidents mostly related to alcohol. Statistics indicate that about 38% of the road accidents are alcohol related. Loopholes exists in the current system used to test drunken drivers on their ability to drive in that a driver who might be breaking the legal limit for blood alcohol still has the potential to pass the roadside sobriety tests. This is because the roadside sobriety tests such as testing if the drunken driver can walk in a straight line are manually done and their accuracy is quite questionable. Objectives A general objective of the automobile breathalyzer ignition interlock system is to prevent drunk drivers who are not fit to drive from driver by automatically locking the car’s ignition system unless the driver’s BAC value is lower than the defined limit meaning that the driver is sober enough to drive. Nearly 38% of road accidents are alcohol related while curbing the problem of drunk driving has proved difficult through the use of the other manual ways, the automobile breathalyzer ignition interlock system precludes the possibility of an accident and other incidents related to drunk driving such as revoking offenders’ licenses altogether. The system should be able to disable the car’s ignition system should it be found that the BAC value of the driver is higher than the defined limit depending on the state or country.

TNT Express Scenario Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

TNT Express Scenario - Assignment Example Review the issues involved in the strategic planning process of TNT.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In terms of saving the planet, this will be possible with the recent introduction of less carbon emission engines. As time goes by, more and more companies are coming up with cars that save in terms of fuel and reduce CO2 emissions. There has also been an introduction of electric powered cars; however, they are not fully designed in terms of efficiency as most of them have a problem when it comes to battery power.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is possible for them to be a leading company in the freight business as more and more people are now in a position to make purchases through the net and ship to them. They should tap into the upcoming e shops that are established daily and offer cheap but efficient services to its potential customers. They can also talk to the already established e shops to expand its services to them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In order to gain customers and add value to the business, they need to focus on customer satisfactory first. This is through ensuring that there are no loop holes in the system and have a great 24/7service to all its customers. Updating the customer about his/ her shipment will make them trust you that all is well and you care more about them than the money they bring in.

Hybrid electric vehicle Essay Example for Free

Hybrid electric vehicle Essay QD = f? P, PS, PC, Y, A, AC, N, CP, PE, TA, T=S †¦? [2. 1] where QD = quantity demanded of (e. g. , Toyota Prius or Chevy Volt) P = price of the good or service (the auto) PS = price of substitute goods or services (e. g. , the popular gasoline-powered Honda Accord or Chevy Malibu) PC = price of complementary goods or services (replacement batteries) Y = income of consumers A = advertising and promotion expenditures by Toyota, Honda, and General Motors (GM). AC = competitors’ advertising and promotion expenditures N = size of the potential target market (demographic factors) CP = consumer tastes and preferences for a â€Å"greener† form of transportation PE = expected future price appreciation or depreciation of hybrid autos TA = purchase adjustment time period T/S = taxes or subsidies on hybrid autos QS = f? P, PI , PUI, T, EE, F, RC, PE, T=S †¦? (Equation 2. 2) where Qs = quantity supplied (e.g. , of domestic autos) P = price of the autos PI = price of inputs (e. g. , sheet metal). PUI = price of unused substitute inputs (e. g. , fiberglass) T = technological improvements (e. g. , robotic welding) EE = entry or exit of other auto sellers F = accidental supply interruptions from fires, floods, etc. RC = costs of regulatory compliance PE = expected (future) changes in price TA = adjustment time period T/S = taxes or subsidies. Product A is more riskier as Std dev / mean = 0. 8 and for Product B it is 0. 5 thus A is more riskier Not yet rated Anonymous 1 hour later fot this we will calculate the coefficient of variation of both the product. coefficient of variation= SD/meanx100 coefficient of variation of Product A= 40000/50000100= 80% coefficient of variation of Product B= 12500/250000100= 5% higher the coefficient of variation higher will be the risk, therefore Product A is more risker.

Essay --

Disha Shah Email Id: disha.shah2015@sims.edu 1st year (2013-2015) K R Shyam Email Id: kr.shyam2015@sims.edu 1st year (2013-2015) Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Pune How good or bad is India's Food Security Bill The National Food Security Bill, a dream envisioned by Sonia Gandhi, has taken sail. However, what remains to be seen is whether this Congress dream-boat will succeed without sinking the entire country into a bottomless pit of debt. Intended to work as a firewall to the innumerable scandals the government has been embroiled in, it promises food: the roti component of the roti, kapda and makaan trio. It stands not just as a basic service but also as an emotional call for votes. Rahul Gandhi incorporates it into his political campaign saying, "Poori roti khayenge, 100 din kaam karenge, dawaiee lenge aur Congress ko jitayenge" (Eat full roti, work for 100 days, receive free medicines and vote for Congress). Food Security: The mother of all Vote bank schemes The Bill proposes to provide food grains at subsidised rates to two thirds of the country’s population. Poised to be a game changer for the Congress party in terms of garnering the favour of the electorate, the bill was brought into the picture right before the 2014 elections: a move that the Congress hopes will ensure a hat-trick. Sam tactic was applied previously in the 2009 elections through the MNREGA scheme. However, all this will come at a huge cost to the Indian economy which is already in deep crisis. Fig 1: Poll Math Source: Business Standard Journey: Initial Setbacks to Acceptance Amongst Political Class The Food Security Bill has seen its share of initial hiccups while it was tabled in front of UPA’s cabinet for approval. Sharad Pawar, the then a... ...security Bill. However, it needs to be seen if the Indian government can manage the world’s largest food security programme without getting entangled in another scam of sorts. References http://www.firstpost.com/economy/sc-backs-centre-on-cutting-diesel-subsidy-to-bulk-consumers-1112503.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Food_Security_Bill,_2013 http://www.firstpost.com/india/shocker-india-constitutes-40-percent-of-worlds-malnourished-children-916359.html http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-08-30/news/41583434_1_food-security-bill-current-account-deficit-food-subsidy http://www.firstpost.com/economy/food-bill-is-the-biggest-mistake-india-might-have-made-till-date-1062841.html http://forbesindia.com/article/special/the-good-and-bad-of-the-food-security-bill/35135/1 http://www.deccanherald.com/content/213752/food-security-bill-good-politics.html

Indian Film Industry Bollywood Essay

The entertainment industry in India has outperformed the economy and is one of the fastest growing sectors in India. However, it registered a moderate growth of over 6 per cent in 200.The industry is expected to grow from Rs. 166 billion (U.S. $ 3.45 billion) to Rs. 419 billion(U.S. $ 8.72 billion) by the year 2007. Film entertainment is the most popular form of entertainment and it is this undiminished passion through the decades that has driven India to become the largest producer of films in the world. Since 1931, when talkies were introduced in the country, the film industry has produced more than 67,000 films in more than 30 different languages and dialects. The film industry recorded a loss of Rs. 3 billion (U.S. $ 62.5 million) in gross revenues of Rs 39 billion (U.S. $ 812.5 million) in 2002. But, it is expected to grow annually by 19 per cent to reach Rs. 93 billion (U.S. $ 1.93 billion) by 2007. The industry produced 1200 films in 2002, and 1,013 films in 2001, up from 855 films in 2000. While Hindi films continued to be the largest segment in 2001 (23 per cent share), south Indian language films (Telegu, Tamil and Malyalam) have seen growth in their shares. India’s movie industry is a great sector for foreign investment by corporatized entertainment companies. Though risks are high on a per-movie basis, the risk spreads out across a number of films. However, the domestic filmmaking industry, despite its profligacy, is yet to acquire the character of professionalism on a large scale. BRIEF HISTORY OF INDIAN MOVIE INDUSTRY When the Lumiere Brothers’ first films were shown at Bombay’s Watson’s Hotel in 1895 or when Dadasaheb Phalke released his epochal feature film Raja Harischandra in 1913, it is unlikely that either the exhibitors or the pioneer film maker realised they were unleashing a mass entertainment medium that would hold millions in sway for the next hundred years; that they were spawning an industry that in years to come would overtake the rest of the  world in film production! For most Indians, cinema is integral to their lives; it is not a distant, two to three hour distraction, but a vicarious lifestyle for them. The large screen provides an alternative, an escape from the realities of day-to-day life. The protagonists are totally identified with, the hero is applauded, the virtuous is worshipped and the villain is condemned. The actors and actresses are household names; there is no escaping their omnipresence, from the Paanwala (betel vendor) to the most revered Indian painter – they are all caught up with the magnetism of screen personalities. A study of the vicissitudes of Indian cinema would throw light on the progress of technology, especially cinematography, and the changing political scene and social mores and attitudes. The silent films launched by Phalke, which had titles in English, Gujarati, Hindi and Urdu, by and large related to myths and legends. The stories were familiar to the audience and required minimum commentary. Historicals also proved very popular; Harsh, Chandragupta, Ashoka and the Mughal and Maratha kings strode the silver screen amidst cardboard pillars and in tinsel costumes. Strangely enough, while in the nineties we are still arguing over whether or not ‘kissing’ should be shown on screen, in the first decade of Indian cinema, with the British paying scant attention to censorship except when the Establishment was attacked in any way; leading heroines of the day kissed their leading men without inhibitions, like Lalita Pawar in Pati Bhakti (1922)! With the advent of Gandhiji came the plea for according a better status to women, the removal of untouchability and a cry for religious harmony. The silent era of Hiralal Sen, Baburao Painter and R. Nataraja Mudaliar came to an end when Adershir M. Irani produced his first talkie, Alam Ara in 1931. If Phalke was the father of Indian cinema, Irani was the father of the talkie. The classic Hollywood musical Singing in the Rain exemplifies the cynicism with which people first regarded the talking movie and this holds good for India too. There were too many gargantuan problems to be tackled; there were no dialogue writers, no lyricists; songs had to be sung during the filming as prerecording facilities were yet unknown. Minimum instruments  were used as the instrumentalists had to be camouflaged behind the singer. A quaint story goes that during the filming of a song the actress was getting agitated as the tabla beat was too fast. Finally the shooting had to be stopped and a hapless tabla player was pulled out of the pool where he had been hidden. â€Å"What can I do,† he cried, â€Å"a fish got into my dhoti (loin cloth)†. But the talking film had come to stay. Considering that even the silent film had a preponderance of songs, the talkie came to be more of a single; the heroes and heroines sang their way through the three-four hour movie. Histrionics and appearances counted less; a singing talent was all that mattered. To this day the Indian film song has a unique thrall. The music director, the song writer and the playback singers have an unparalleled status in India’s cinema. If Bombay was the hub of early cinema the other centres were not far behind; Calcutta and Madras with their own patriarchs were also making path-breaking films. Chandidas a film glorifying the Bhakti movement and castigating casteism, directed by Debaki Bose in 1932 for New Theatres, was lauded for its use of background music and dramatic narrative. K. Subrahmanyam’s Thyaga Bhoomi (1939) and Seva Sadan both advocated women’s rights and self-dependence. Seva Sadan also introduced to the world through the silver screen, the great singer M.S. Subbalakshmi, who came to be immortalised for her role in and as the poet-saint Meera both in Hindi and Tamil. While it is almost impossible to even list all the luminaries of Indian cinema over ten decades, the Wadia Brothers deserve special mention, before going into the different genres. JBH and Homi Wadia were the forerunners of the stunt film – the thirties was a period in Indian cinema when ‘Wadia’ and ‘Nadia’ were synonymous. Australian by birth, Mary Evans came to India with a dance troupe. She was asked to do a number for JBH’s Noor-e-Yman; she changed her name to Nadia. â€Å"Besides being a lucky name, it rhymes with Wadia†, she is reported to have said, and through various circumstances she became stunt actress for the Wadias, earning the sobriquet â€Å"Fearless Nadia†. The Wadias had a fixation for trains and made a number of films titled,  Toofan Mail, Flying Ranee, Punjab Mail and so on. Nadia got so used to sitting on roof top of trains for her stunts that she became reluctant to step off and even demanded her lunch be sent up! The true stunt woman, she grappled with a lion, did the trapeze, carried a calf and a man over running trains – it is unlikely there could ever be another actress like Nadia. She married Homi in 1960, and breathed her last recently. The forties was a tumultuous decade; the first half was ravaged by war and the second saw drastic political changes all over the world. Film-makers delved into contemporary themes. V. Shantaram, the doyen of lyrical films, made Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani – a tribute to Dr. Dwaraknath Kotnis who went out with a medical team to China and died there. Shantaram’s other films were reformist but visually appealing, like, Do Aankhen Barah Haath, Pinjra, Chaani. But there were films where pure artistic merit supersedes social message as in Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje and Geet Gaya Pattharon Ne. South Indian films also gained great footing. AVM and Gemini were two of the most prolific producers turning out social drama in the South Indian languages as well as in Hindi. While the thespian actor Shivaji Ganesan delivered mind boggling soliloquies on screen, many of the politically inclined writers and actors of the south Indian screen began to use the medium for reaching out to people. The DMK stalwarts, Annadurai, Karunanidhi and MG Ramachandran did not even resort to subtlety. â€Å"Naan anaittal adu nadandu vital†¦Ã¢â‚¬  sang MGR, (if I could be the decision maker, the poor of this world will not suffer†¦.†). The very titles of the films were chosen with care; Rickshakaran (Rickshaw Driver), Muttukara Velan (cowherd Velan) and En Kadamai (my duty) to convey his identification with the masses. No wonder he was hailed Makkal Thilagam (gem amongst people). Just how effective was the use of the medium was amply proved with the party coming to power and MGR getting voted Chief Minister of the state. The other star who used the screen image to great advantage was N.T. Rama Rao of Andhra Pradesh. The veritable screen god, NTR played the role so often that he began believing in his divinity. Apparently so did a lot of other people in Andhra, which is why we had a second screen hero from south as Chief Minister. While the south was busy wooing the public for votes, Bombay was either turning out escapist fare, light, happy, musical films with Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor, Kishore Kumar, Nargis, Madhubala, Nutan, Geeta Bali, Mala Sinha and others or gave the audience absolute tear jerkers with social melodrama. This was the golden era of music. Shankar- Jaikishan, O.P. Nayyar, Madan Mohan, C. Ramchandra, Salil Chaudhury, Naushad, S.D. Burman – all had their distinctive sway. Each vied with the other to produce some of the most unforgettable melodies India has ever known. This was also the age of innocence; the screen was black and white, the vamp and the heroine did not merge, they had their domains, there were no shades to the hero, a man was all good or rotten to the core. No double entendres were woven into the songs and even the vamp was decently attired on the screen. This was the era of Raj Kapoor, of Shree 420, Awara, Boot Polish, Jagte Raho, Chori Chori and of course his magnum opus Mera Naam Joker – he was still making and acting in enduring films, the tramp who is not able to cope with the pace of the world. He caught up with times and his films changed with Sangam, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai, Satyam Shivam Sundaram and Ram Teri Ganga Maili. Dilip Kumar and Guru Dutt were excellent foils to the chocolate-faced heroes as tragedy kings. So were Meena Kumari and Bina Rai amongst the heroines. But such was their versatility that they could also carry off comedy effectively. Two outstanding Hindi films of the fifties that deserve mention are K. Asif’s Mughal-e-Azam (took 14 years to make and is one of the most lavishly produced historical of Indian cinema) and Mehboob Khan’s Mother India, which is said to have gained the status of Gone With the Wind. In the meantime in Bengal, the man who was to take Indian cinema to the international arena and win accolades from the greatest film- makers, Satyajit Ray, released his first film, Pather Panchali (1955). After his trilogy there was no looking back for him or for cinema from Bengal. Mrinal Sen conveyed his quiet commitment to socialism through films like Calcutta, Oka Orie Katha (Telugu) and Bhuvan Shome. Director Ritwik Ghatak gave us memorable films Meghe Dhaka Tara and Subarnarekha. Although Bengal also came up with films that asked for a willing suspension of disbelief, these were  exceptions rather than the rule as in Bombay films, where the Mukherjis, Sippys, Chopras, Chakraborty and Manmohan Desai produced one bonanza after another for the masses and laughed all the way to their banks. There was no market for serious films, it was felt, and the classics that failed to break even like Guru Dutt’s Kagaz ke Phool and Raj Kapoor’s Mera Naam Joker, only strengthened the conviction. The former committed suicide and the latter resorted to the populist fare with Bobby. It was only after the government set up the Film Finance Corporation (FFC, which in 1980 came to be known as NFDC i.e. National Film Development Corporation) that several small but serious film makers got the wherewithal to make films, notable among them being Mani Kaul, Kumar Shahani and GV Iyer (with his maiden venture in Sanskrit, Adi Sankaracharya). The Corporation also partnered the making of Attenborough’s Gandhi and financed Satyajit Ray’s Ghare Baire which was to be one of the last films of the master. Like cinema in Bengal, Malayalam cinema too was meaningful but it took a longer time to get noticed. In fact it was Ramu Kariat’s melodious tragedy Chemmeen winning the President’s gold medal in 1965 that drew attention to Malayalam cinema. Adoor Gopalakrishnan (Swayamvaram) and others all gained similar recognition in the years to come. With actor Prem Nazir doing stellar roles in a record breaking 600 films, Malayalam films have come to be characterised by simple narration of powerful stories, authentic locales and low cost production. The Karanth (BV) – Karnad (Girish) combine have produced two milestone Kannada films Vamsa Vriksha and Samskara, both essentially iconoclast in treatment. Though much talked about, the critique of caste brahmins, the theme of both films was later seen to be rather extreme. In this context it is worthwhile to mention two films made in Tamil on the same subject. Vedam Pudithu directed by P. Bharatiraja and Ore Oru Gramathile by K. Jyothi Pandyan. Both carried strong indictments against caste hierarchy and the common man’s struggle to overcome it, but retained a balance – rather unusual for Tamil films. With government funds available for making films, the seventies saw an unhealthy divide between the existing commercial or mainstream cinema and the new parallel cinema or art films. The former was condemned unequivocally by the critics but continued to fill the coffers while the latter got rave reviews, bewildered the masses and created deep dents in government resources. Fortunately this situation did not last long, for soon there came a crop of film makers who realised that meaningful films need not necessarily incur heavy losses. Shyam Benegal, (Ankur, Nishant, Manthan) proved that there was an audience for films without frills but with a strong story and interesting narration. Govind Nihalani, Jabbar Patel, Mahesh Bhatt, K. Balachander, Bharati Raja, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, all fell into this category. Around this time, the singular phenomenon, the angry young man with his dark looks, smouldering eyes and mesmerising voice, Amitabh Bachchan, began to stride the scene like a colossus. He introduced to cinema for the first time as a cult, the negative or the anti-hero. Special screen plays were written for this hero seeking vengeance and taking on single-handed an unsympathetic establishment and inadequate legal system. The eighties saw the advent of women film makers, Vijaya Mehta (Rao Sabeb), Aparna Sen (36, Chowringhee Lane, Paroma), Sai Paranjpye (Chashme Baddoor, Katha, Sparsh), Kalpana Lajmi (Ek Pal and, later the much acclaimed Rudali), Prema Karanth (Phaniamma) and Meera Nair (Salaam Bombay). The most commendable thing about these directors is their individuality. Their films have strong content and are told with passion, (only Sai has tackled light hearted subjects). In the nineties, Indian cinema faces tough competition from television; the cable network gives viewers any number of channels and though the most popular channels continue to be the film-based ones, the cinema halls have taken a beating. Nevertheless, films like Aditya Chopra’s maiden effort, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and Suraj Barjatya’s Hum Aapke Hain Kaun have broken all records, because they recall the innocence of the fifties, a novelty in this age of sex and violence. This gives hope. Cinema in India can never cease, it has gone too deep into our psyche. It may undergo several reverses in fortune. With other mediums opening up, there will be a smaller market for films. Living as we are in a global village today, we are becoming a more discerning audience. No longer are we going to lap up every mediocre fare dished out by the moghuls of cinema; only the best will survive. And this is just as well.

“A Doll’s House” by Katherine Mansfield Essay

â€Å"The Doll’s House† is one of the representative stories of Katherine Mansfield. Who is known for freshness of her approach and beautifully colored methods of presenting her ideas. The story basically gives us deep insight into the manners and behaviors of the aristocratic families. Here she ridicules the negative philosophy of social discrimination caused by uneven division of wealth. It beautifully brings out the emotional relationship between the three sisters and their friends. Moreover, it conveys an idea that parents attitude influence their children and deprive them of their natural goodness. In short in life-like manner Katherine tells us the hidden vices people belonging to higher society. From the very outset of the story we see that the girls of Burnell’s family received a beautiful doll’s house from Mrs. Hay. It was a charming house having a drawing room, a dinning-room, a kitchen and two bedrooms. All the rooms had tables, chairs, beds and carpets. The rooms were painted in different colors however Kezia liked the lamp very much, which was placed in the dinning-room. The girls were very excited and wanted to show it to their friends. So the next morning they rushed towards the school but the bell had rung and they could not disclose it to the girls. However, at the playtime, Isabel finally  disclosed the news of the house, which spread like wild fire. If was decided that two girls would see the house at one time. All the girls got an opportunity to see the doll’s house, except the Kelvey sisters, as they belonged to a poor family. So everybody teased them. Being the daughter of washerwoman and jailbird, they were  victim of the inferiority complex. However Kezia wanted then to see the house, so she asked her mother for permission but was harshly scolded. One day she saw the girls passing by the house. As the family was upstairs, she invited them to see the house. They Kelveys could not  believe but stepped into the courtyard, as they naturally wanted to see it.  Suddenly aunt Beryl’s came there and ordered them to leave the house in an insulting manner. They Kelveys ran away from there with the feeling of shame but they were happy to have seen the house. In the end, we can say that the writer has beautifully shown the attitude of the rich against the poor. It is the parents who are responsible for creating inequality in society. Children such as Kezia are scolded because they are innocent and cannot see the difference between the rich and poor.

Acid Drainage essays

Acid Drainage essays Acid mine drainage - causes effects and solutions For hundreds, even thousands of years, human beings have mined for metals and stones, and with the advent of greater technology as well as greater needs, the demands for these resources continue to grow. While these resources benefit our lives in many ways, the effects of mining can be detrimental, and one such effect is the topic of this essay, acid mine drainage (A.M.D.). The causes of A.M.D. will be discussed, along with some of the physical and biological problems associated with it. Some prevention and remediation treatments will also be considered. Acid mine drainage refers to water (leachate, drainage or seepage) that has come into contact with oxidised rocks or overburden that contains sulphide material (coal, zinc, copper, lead). (Keller, 2000; U.S.G.S.; U.S.E.P.A., 2002). A common sulphide is pyrite, or iron disulfide (FeS2), and throughout this essay it will be pyrite that will be the primary sulphide considered. Acid mine drainage is not a new phenomenon, early mining techniques utilized gravity to avoid water pooling, resulting in the water becoming polluted by acid, iron, sulphur and aluminium (U.S.E.P.A., 2002). It is most commonly associated with coal mining, especially with soft coal, coal that has high sulphur content. The pyrite that is present in coal seams will be accessible after surface mining when the overlying surfaces are removed or in deep mines that allow oxygen access to the previously inaccessible pyrite-containing coal (D.E.P. 1, 1997). After pyrite is exposed to air and water, sulphuric acid and iron hydroxide are formed, creating an acidic runoff (D.E.P. 1, 1997; 2 2002). When the water comes into contact with the pyrite, the chemical reactions that take place causes the water to increase in pH which will dissolve heavy metals which stay in solution. However, when the pH levels reach a certain stage, the iron can then precipitate out, coating sed...

Chipmunk Facts (Subfamily Xerinae)

Chipmunk Facts (Subfamily Xerinae) Chipmunks are small, ground-dwelling rodents known for stuffing their cheeks with nuts. They belong to the squirrel family Sciuridae and the subfamily Xerinae. The common name of chipmunk probably derived from the Ottawa jidmoonh, which means red squirrel or one who descends trees headlong. In English, the word was written as chipmonk or chipmunk. Fast Facts: Chipmunk Scientific Name: Subfamily Xerinae (e.g., Tamius striatus)Common Names: Chipmunk, ground squirrel, striped squirrelBasic Animal Group: MammalSize: 4-7 inches with a 3-5 inch tailWeight: 1-5 ouncesLifespan: 3 yearsDiet: OmnivoreHabitat: Forests of North America and northern AsiaPopulation: Abundant, stable or declining population (depends on species)Conservation Status: Endangered to Least Concern (depends on species) Species There are three chipmunk genera and 25 species. Tamias striatus is the eastern chipmunk. Eutamias sibiricus is the Siberian chipmunk. The genus Neotamias includes 23 species, mostly found in western North America and collectively known as western chipmunks. Description According to National Geographic, chipmunks are the smallest members of the squirrel family. The largest chipmunk is the eastern chipmunk, which can reach 11 inches in body length with a 3 to 5 inch tail and weigh up to 4.4 ounces. Other species, on average, grow to 4 to 7 inches in length with a 3 to 5 inch tail and weigh between 1 and 5 ounces. A chipmunk has short legs and a bushy tail. Its fur is usually reddish brown on the upper body and paler on the lower body, with black, white, and brown stripes running down its back. It has pouches in its cheeks which are used to transport food. Chipmunks have cheek pouches they fill with food. Frank Cezus, Getty Images Habitat and Distribution Chipmunks are ground-dwelling mammals that prefer rocky, deciduous wooded habitats. The eastern chipmunk lives in southern Canada and the eastern United States. Western chipmunks inhabit the western United States and much of Canada. The Siberian chipmunk lives in northern Asia, including Siberia in Russia and Japan. Diet Like other squirrels, chipmunks cannot digest cellulose in wood, so they obtain nutrients from an omnivorous diet. Chipmunks forage throughout the day for nuts, seeds, fruit, and buds. They also eat produce farmed by humans, including grains and vegetables, as well as worms, bird eggs, small arthropods, and small frogs. Behavior Chipmunks use their cheek pouches to transport and store food. The rodents dig burrows for nesting and torpor during the winter. They do not truly hibernate, as they awaken periodically to eat from their food caches. Adults mark territory with cheek scent glands and urine. Chipmunks also communicate using complex vocal sounds, ranging from a fast chittering sound to a croak. Baby chipmunks are born hairless and blind. legna69, Getty Images Reproduction and Offspring Chipmunks lead solitary lives except for breeding and raising young. They breed once or twice a year and have a 28- to 35-day gestation period. A typical litter ranges from 3 to 8 pups. Pups are born hairless and blind and only weigh between 3 and 5 grams (about the weight of a coin). The female is solely responsible for their care. She weans them around 7 weeks of age. Pups are independent by 8 weeks of age and sexually mature when they are 9 months old. In the wild, chipmunks have many predators. They may survive two or three years. In captivity, chipmunks may live eight years. Conservation Status Most chipmunk species are classified as least concern by the IUCN and have stable populations. This includes the eastern and Siberian chipmunk. However, some species of western chipmunk are endangered or have decreasing populations. For example, Bullers chipmunk (Neotamias bulleri) is listed as vulnerable and Palmers chipmunk (Neotamias palmeri) is listed as endangered. Threats include habitat fragmentation and loss and natural disasters, such as forest fires. Some people keep chipmunks as pets. Carlos Ciudad Photos, Getty Images Chipmunks and Humans Some people consider chipmunks to be garden pests. Others keep them as pets. While chipmunks are intelligent and affectionate, there are some drawbacks to keeping them in captivity. They may bite or become aggressive, they mark scent using their cheeks and urine, and care must be taken to accommodate their hibernation schedule. In the wild, chipmunks generally do not carry rabies. However, some in the western United States carry plague. While wild chipmunks are friendly and cute, its best to avoid contact, especially if they appear sick. Sources Cassola, F. Tamias striatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016 (errata version published in 2017): e.T42583A115191543. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T42583A22268905.enGordon, Kenneth Llewellyn.  The Natural History and Behavior of the Western Chipmunk and the Mantled Ground Squirrel.  Oregon, 1943.Kays, R. W.; Wilson, Don E. Mammals of North America (2nd ed.). Princeton University Press. p. 72, 2009. ISBN 978-0-691-14092-6.Patterson, Bruce D.; Norris, Ryan W. Towards a uniform nomenclature for ground squirrels: the status of the Holarctic chipmunks. Mammalia. 80 (3): 241–251, 2016. doi:10.1515/mammalia-2015-0004Thorington, R.W., Jr.; Hoffman, R.S. Tamias (Tamias) striatus. In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.), 2005. Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 817. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0.

Moneyball Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Moneyball - Essay Example After three outs, the other team gets a chance to bat and the game goes on. At the end, the team grabbing the maximum number of runs wins. This is what the game is all about. A person can be known as a clean hitter and would have a clean chit for over 22 straight games. These are excellent statistics on the paper. But as soon as you step into the field, with over ten thousand pair of eyes gazing you with enthusiasm and envy, your hands will start sweating. Your heart beats increase and your mind races faster than a maglev train. You start thinking about the psychology of the pitcher, the manner he curves the ball in the air, the speed of around 100 miles an hour ball that approaches you like a meteor and the manner in which he last set you out. You gaze at his pasture at the mound and the tired look on his face after pitching for over four hours without a break. What is he going to ball today Will he rely on his best deliveries that he had bowled earlier, or has he experimented with his delivery this time. These are some of the different thoughts that engulf a hitter's mind. They think about the last time they did a clutch hitting. But how is it possible to hit a 100 miles per hour delivery without even looking at its trajectory for less than a micro second Baseball hitter can concentrate on the ball for loner than most oth... ds that are impossible to follow- a player can farthest follow the ball to 5.5 feet in front of the bat; or they watch the first few feet of the ball movement and latter on believed in their instincts to move to they place they expect the ball to go. So, the coach's advice of following the ball till it touches the bat is practically impossible. These are some of the ways that governed the rapid evolution of baseball hitters. The balers only keep one thing in mind- swing the ball in air, clutch it in a manner for the hitter to not understand the trajectory, keep it as close to the body of the hitter as possible and make him attempt the ball in an un orderly fashion to let him out. Getting a miss is like a bonus for them. Both the players have ample amount of challenges therefore. Their carrier can be mended or totally broke down by even one hit or a miss. The players deal with a lot of physical, mental and psychological pressures while playing and can commit mistakes in the interim. But there are no options left for them than not to make any. There is no security for a baseball player, neither of their health or their career nor to their families, if they get injured enough not to play again. The excessive fitness levels expected out of the players are really challenging and all have to abide by the game rules. This is the manner in which the game has progressed and taken this form since its inception in 1344. The baseball organization has a lot of politics involved within. They make offensive strategies and the coach is made to learn that they are not teaching baseball, but are training baseball players. So their main emphasis revolves around the fact that who is doing what, rather than what is done. A good understanding of the game situation is more important in

Charter Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Charter - Research Paper Example APEX brings together all business programs and units for efficiency in running the company as a whole. The Six Sigma Strategy is used by the company to improve its business operations. The improvement project as a whole aims at making sure that these best practices upheld by Raytheon function as they are supposed to for the general well-being of the company. The Program Management College is meant to provide training courses for the company managers and for other employees as well. Raytheon has always faced challenges in phasing out the start-up process of many of its running programs. To improve on this, it has established the Program Start-up process to ensure that every initiated program in the company has more than enough to see to it that it starts on a high note. The Program Management Forum aims at providing opportunities for managers to network and exchange ideas with managers of other companies on the best managerial skills. The management of the company has identified the existence of a gap in its business model whereby they report to the wrong people. This led to the creation of Program Structuring, Learning and Effectiveness to ensure more accountability on everybody’s part. This project is further based on a strong matrix model where reporting is done through integrated business models and cross business teams. These models are aimed at ensuring that the company is effective, efficient, and capable and utilizes its working capacity to the maximum. Raytheon has identified the need to improve its services and products. One of the major reasons for so doing is the rapid increase in the rate of competition for the services and products it offers. The company wants to become the best in the world of defense and information technology, hence the need to roll out a program that will help it to achieve this goal. The company has also established various goals that it wants to

African Masks in Pablo Picasso's Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

African Masks in Pablo Picasso's Art - Essay Example The paper "African Masks in Pablo Picasso's Art" explores the role of African art in Pablo Picasso's art and in the culture of the whole world. The history of African masks dates back to before the Paleolithic era. A major feature used by the Africans to represent culture was through the use of masks in ceremonies, feasts and rituals. Furthermore, the traditional African masks exemplified heroes, ancestors, spirits, codes of conduct and animals. Usually, the raw materials used to make the masks include wood, pottery, textile, bronze and copper. The substitute details in the masks would be made using sea shells, egg shells, animal feathers, horns, hair and bones. Because of the belief that the masks represented the spirits, the makers were regarded as superiors in the village. Also, the art and talent of making masks was believed to be passed in the family hence was considered a part of inheritance. On the other hand, the history of African art by Pablo Picasso dates back to the 19th century during the colonization of Africa especially the North and West coasts by France. The scramble and partition of Africa prompted the expeditions and the travels of West elites in search of riches and adventures which resulted to the promotion African art. After painting Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, Picasso’s paintings were influenced by the two figures on the right side which basically were based on African art. Most of the African arts at that time were being interpreted to be signs of slavery, cannibalism, and mistreatment.

Challenges for Measuring Fear of Crime

Challenges for Measuring Fear of Crime A case study on the difficulty and the progress of measuring fear of crime Fear of crime has been the centre of attention of scientific inquiry for nearly half a century. Scholars in this field have argued that fear of crime is directly correlated to experiences of deviant activity (Blakin, 1979; Skogan Maxfiend, 1981). Additionally, fear of crime was also reasoned in terms of the risk an individual is exposed to (Jackson, 2005). Others have focused on explaining fear of crime in terms of the influence of environmental factors (Wyant, 2008). Although there has been extensive research in terms of explaining fear of crime, contemporary scholars have recognised methodological limitations when analysing it (Farrall, 2005; Gray, Jackson and Farrall, 2008). For instance, fear of crime was measured as a dichotomous response (yes or no) to fear of crime. One example includes the questions that were asked in the British Crime Survey (BCS, now called the Crime Survey for England and Wales, CSEW): How safe do you feel walking alone in this area after dark?. Therefore, this paper will argue what limitations these old measurements have when measuring fear of crime, as well as discuss how the new methods of analysis contribute to the better understanding of fear of crime. Firstly, this essay will draw upon the limitations of measuring fear of crime. This includes discussing the problem with defining fear of crime. Secondly, this essay will explain what progress researchers in this field made in terms of measuring fear of crime. This i ncludes how and why these advances improved researchers understanding of fear of crime, as well as how these new methods improved the validity and reliability of measuring fear of crime. Lastly, this essay will identify some examples from the literature, in terms of how these new measures have enabled researchers to conduct better studies of measuring fear of crime. This includes the female and male paradoxes, among others. DEFINITION Although many attempts have been made by scholars to define fear of crime, there remains a confusion as to what fear of crime means, due to the reason that there is not a universal definition in place. Therefore, because there is no general agreed definition of fear of crime upon researchers, questions differ from survey to survey, serving as a limitation to the way it is measured. For instance, Ditton et al., (1999) defined fear as a term à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ encompassing a confusing variety of feelings, perspectives and risk-estimations and thus meaning different things to different people. Ferraro and LaGrange (1987) defined fear of crime as the negative emotional reaction generated by crime or symbols associated with crime. Ferraro (1995 cited in Gray et al., 2011) also defined it as emotional response of dread or anxiety to crime. From these two definitions, aside from the fact that they are both quite outdated definitions of fear of crime, they are also very simplified definitions, as they only focus on the term fear of crime, being generated only from criminal activity. However, more contemporary definitions of fear of crime were provided by Gray et al., (2010). They defined fear of crime by making two significant distinctions in terms of fear of crime as everyday worries and fear of crime as anxiety. The way they explained fear of crime, not only widens the spectrums in terms of what it is categorised as fear, but it also enables researchers to evaluate and conduct studies using more specific definitions, further allowing them to better understand this topic. OLDER MEASUREMENTS OF FEAR OF CRIME To begin with It is important to mention how the two way of measuring fear of crime had emerged from the theoretical point of view. Firstly, the old standard measurement of fear of crime, which started to emerge in the 1960s, developed from positivist ideas, by using data-driven models of research (Lorenc et al., 2014, p12). Additionally, it has also used observational research in order to identify factors which causes fear (Lorenc et al., 2014). Secondly, the new measurements, were developed on a more critical basis, using the foundation of sociology and criminology. Furthermore, the new development of measurement of fear of crime was also determined by the feminist ideas, as it explores a variety of attitudes and anxieties, that people experience in their daily lives fear (Lorenc et al., 2014). Although these two measurement of fear of crime, were developed from two different theories, the way they measured crime also different. For instance, the old positivist measurement, focused primarily on quantitative surveys, whereas the new critical measurements focused primarily on qualitative and ethnographic studies (Lorenc et al., 2014). With regards to, more recent research on the measurement fear of crime, both qualitative and quantitative research were used, in order to obtain more accurate and reliable data (Gray et al.,). The traditional single questions used to measure fear of crime is identified by researchers to be a formless measure, as it does not make any reference to real or specific offences. Therefore, it is still not certain if those question measured fear of crime, or measured any other approach (Ferraro LaGrange, 1987). For instance, on the British Crime Survey in 1995 questions such as How fearful are you when walking alone at night? were asked. Fearful is ambiguous in this question. The fear expressed by respondents may be about their physical or psychological circumstances, such as having a bad vision at night. In addition, the fear may also be expressed due to other factors, such as low street lightning. Therefore, it could be argued that those type of questions are mainly about fear of personal safety, rather than fear about crime (Radar, 2004). Questions about the validity of the instruments used to collect the data were also raised by various researchers (Gray et al., 1997 and Skogan Maxfiend, 1981). Additionally, the concept of fear of crime is being amplified from the research conducted via surveys (Farrall et al., 1997: 665-666). Furthermore, although some may argue that the traditional questions do measure fear of crime, those questions only measure general fear of crime, and not fear of certain type of offences (Gray et a.,). Therefore, participants might respond to questions based on offences they have experienced or offences they think about, rather than give specific, narrow answers. For instance, someone might think street robbery, while others might think of rape. It is important to specify the type of crime in questions about fear of crime, because the level of fear of crime that respondents experience, depend on different offences. One study shows that respondents expressed a higher level of fear of being a victim of burglary, when compared to the fear of being murdered (Warr and Stafford, 1983). It was also found that womens main reason of worry was being a victim of sexual attacks (Ferraro and Jackson, 1995). Nevertheless, the dichotomous single questions provide only two answers for respondents to choose from: yes or no. Therefore, it is difficult, if not impossible to precisely pinpoint the exact fears of crime experiences by the respondents. Additionally, because these questions measure broad areas, it is difficult to generalise different studies (Lane et al., 2014). For example, there is extensive research to show that females express a higher level of worry when are alone in the night, when compared to men (Ferraro, 1995). However, it can be argued that, the only reason women may express higher levels of fear is only because they are alone in the night, and not because females generally express a higher level of fear of crime. There is also a problem with perceived risk and fear of crime, in the formless measurements. For instance, LaGrange and Ferraro (1989) made a clear district ion between fear of crime and perceived risk. However, before this distinction, the surveys made no differentiation between these two concepts. Researchers who wanted to measure perceived risk of crime, used the same form of measurement used for fear of crime (La Grange and Ferraro, 1989). Also others have tried to measure fear of crime, as well as perceived risk of victimisation but they failed to distinguished between the two (Ferraro and Jackson, 1995). This could cause problems with the validity of the answers, as respondents might respond to experience of perceived risk, as fear of crime (Ferraro and Jackson, 1995). Various researcher also identified the problem with time. The earlier questions to measure fear of crime, does not include any time period; frequency (Farrall and Ditton, 1999). Due to this, some respondents might refer to their fear of crime, from an incident that happened years ago, while other might refer to an incident they witness recently (Nair, 1993). Problems with differentiating between frequency that fear of crime happens and the intensity of fear of crime also arises. These considerations are important because it is important to be able to make the distinguish between people who fear crime intensively and the frequency to which they experience those fears (Gray et al., 2008). Hough (2004) however opposes the view that these type of questions, require the need to know more about the frequency. He argues that researching the intensity of the fear is more important, than researching the frequency of the fear. He stated that: When we talk about mental states such as anxiety or worry, we are concerned with intensity, not frequency. Leaving aside acute anxiety attacks, anxiety is not comprised of a series of events that can be located in space and time (Hough, 2004, pp. 174). Although some researcher opposes the fact that frequency should be acknowledged when measuring fear of crime, Farrall (1997 cited in Jackson, 2008) found that when giving the respondents the opportunity to express their perceptions and feelings in detail (i.e. qualitative interview), showed that anxieties were happening rare. On the contrary, the old standard measurements revealed a more exaggerates image of the anxieties that respondents experience in their day to day life (Farrall, 1997 cited in Jackson, 2008). Old standard measures used to also ask respondents for a summary of the intensity of their worries. Researchers argued that, it is difficult to put emotions into writing, especially when the traditional questions were not clear, but where rather general (Jackson, 2005). Additionally, there is a problem with over-estimating the fear of crime. Researchers found that traditional measurements of fear of crime tend to exaggerate the results of the respondents. The reasons why this fear was amplified in the surveys, was because respondents summarised their most vivid and threatening experience of fear of crime as well as overestimated the frequency of those threatening experiences (Jackson, 2005). One example is from the 1995 British Crime Survey. it was found that there was a strong link between fear of crime, the experience of crime (which is either direct or indirect) and offences such a vandalism and drug use (Hough, 1995). Additionally, it was also found that fear of vehicle crime and mugging has increased since 1982 (Hough, 1995). It is difficult to say if those questions were accurately measured, due to the type of questions asked. NEWER MEASUREMENTS OF FEAR OF CRIME Various researchers have since modified the old standard questions used in the surveys such as British Crime Survey (Gray et el., 2008), as well as researchers who wanted to investigate fear of crime in their studies (Warr and Stafford, 1983, Fisher and May, 2008). For instance, Fisher and May (2009). They conducted a study, and asked questions about fear of four particular offences, rather than asking about fear of crime in general. By this, Fisher and May (2009) minimized the changes of obtaining measurement error, as respondents only had to measure fear of crime in relation to those type of crime. Furthermore, this type of questions not only diminishes the chances of measurement error, but also improves validity and reliability of data obtained from those responses (Jackson, 2005). Lastly, this also makes the questions clear and unambiguous, unlike the standard old measures of fear of crime. Other researchers such as Smith and Hill (1991) developed questions which have more specific context; such as: inside, outside, day, night, etc. These type of questions also adds to the validity and reliability of the questions, when compared to the non-specific questions. The scale of which the questions are answered was also modified in order to obtain more accurate and more unambiguous responses on fear of crime. For instance, the traditional questions used a two way answer (yes;no), whereas the new questions used the Likert-scale questions (Lane et al., 2014). For examples, researchers such as Fisher and Sloan (2003) used for their studies a 10-point scale (such as 1 being not afraid and 10 being very afraid). Gray et al., (2008) also used Liked scale (i.e. 1 being not worried and 5 being very worried). The new measurements of fear of crime also include questions about frequency and intensity of the fear/worry/anxiety felt by the respondents. These new questions were not taken into account when the old standard questions were used. However, when the new questions started to be integrated into the fear of crime measurement questions about the frequency and intensity of fear of crime, it could be seen that fear of crime was not as frequent as one might think, as often respondents answers using the traditional survey was exaggerated due to the measurement error caused (Farrall et al., 2004). Nevertheless, the standards question, never asked the frequency of the fear, until the new measurements of fear of crime started to take control (Gray et al.; Jackson, 2005). The newer critical measurements of fear of crime used in its questions terms such as worry, rather than fear of anxiety (Jackson, 2005). It is suggested that although it is difficult to predict how respondents understand these terms, terms such as fear or anxiety could have a negative impact, as well as ambiguous responses to questions. One reason for this could be because fear is understood, as a present respond to a stimulus, as well as anxiety. It is believed that these two words have a strong significance, which in turn could have a negative impact on peoples responses (i.e. exaggeration) (Jackson, 2005). However, the term worry could be a better word due to the fact that it includes a mental state, a concern about potential danger à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ a chain of thoughts and images about an unpleasant and uncertain outcome (Jackson, 2005, p. 301). Although it is believed by researchers (Farrell, 1997; Gray et al, 2008; Jackson, 2005) that the newer forms of measuring fear of crime are more accurate, some researchers still argue that even these measures have its flaws. Due to these flaws, these measures can lack validity and reliability. Some people might be more influenced, than other by certain factors, which in turn can make them report a higher level of worry (Jackson, 2005). For instance, those who reported the highest level of worry, were most likely to live in the low crime areas, experience fewer victimisation levels, as well as know fewer people who experience crime (Jackson et al, 2008 cited in Farrall and Lee, 2008). Media is also believed to be an important factor, which influences peoples perception of fear of crime, as well as perceived risk. Also, knowing people who have been exposed to victimisation can also increase respondents fear of crime. (Jackson et al., 2008 cited in Farrall and Lee, 2008). THE BENEFITS OF USING NEW MEASUREMENTS OF FEAR OF CRIME However, although researchers believe these new forms of measurements can also attract ambiguous responses, these measurements, are the most advanced and accurate methods that exist today to measure fear of crime. For instance, due to the advancements of measuring fear of crime, it allowed researchers to distinguish between experiential and expressive fear of crime (Jackson et al., 2009). The experiential being the former, whilst the expressive fear of crime being the latter. A research was conducted and it was found that on one hand lower income areas with more crimes, experienced more experiential fear of crime, whilst on the other hand it has was found the expressive far was correlated with the sympathy expressed for the victims (Jackson et. al, 2009). These conclusions were drawn using questions about experience of fear of crime, as well as the frequency of fear experience by the respondents (Jackson et al., 2009). Additionally, Jackson (2008 cited in Farrall and Lee, 2008) also identified functional fear. This is when individuals who are worried about crime, in order to protect themselves, take precautionary measures, which in turn it does not affect their daily life, but makes it better. The new methods of measuring fear of crime were also beneficial in terms of distinguishing between the levels of fear of crime amongst men and women. For instance, it is well known about the fear paradox. References Balkin, S. (1979). Victimization Rates, Safety and Fear of Crime. Social Problems, 26(3), pp.343-358. Ditton, J., Bannister, J., Gilchrist, E. And Farrall, S. (1999). Afraid or Angry? Recalibrating the fear of Crime. International Review of Victimology, 6(2), pp.83-99. Farrall, S. And Ditton, J. (1999). Improving the measurement of attitudinal responses: An example from a crime survey. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 2(1), pp.55-68 Ferraro, K. And Grange, R. (1987). The Measurement of Fear of Crime. Sociological Inquiry, 57(1), pp.70-97. Gray, E., Jackson, J. And Farrall, S. (2008). Reassessing the Fear of Crime. European Journal of Criminology, 5(3), pp.363-380. Gray, E., Jackson, J. And Farrall, S. (2010). Feelings and Functions in the Fear of Crime: Applying a New Approach to Victimisation Insecurity. British Journal of Criminology, 51(1), pp.75-94. Hough, M. (2004). Worry about crime: mental events or mental states?. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 7(2), pp.173-176 Jackson, J. (2005). Validating New Measures of the Fear of Crime. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8(4), pp.297-315. Jackson, P. And Ferraro, K. (1995). Fear of Crime: Interpreting Victimization Risk. Contemporary Sociology, 25(2), p.246. Lagrange, r. And ferraro, k. (1989). Assessing age and gender differences in perceived risk and fear of crime. Criminology, 27(4), pp.697-720. Lane, J., Rader, N., Henson, B. And May, D. (2014). Fear of crime in the United States: Causes, Consequences, and Contradictions. 1st ed. Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press. Nair, G., Ditton, J. And Phillips, S. (1993). Environmental Improvements and the fear of crime. British Journal of Criminology, 33(4), pp.555-561. Rader, n. (2004). The threat of victimization: a theoretical reconceptualization of fear of crime. Sociological Spectrum, 24(6), pp.689-704. Skogan, W. And Maxfield, M. (1981). Coping with crime. 1st ed. Beverly Hills: Sage Publications. Warr, M. And Stafford, M. (1983). Fear of Victimization: A Look at the Proximate Causes. Social Forces, 61(4), pp.1033-1043 Wyant, B. (2008). Multilevel Impacts of Perceived Incivilities and Perceptions of Crime Risk on Fear of Crime: Isolating Endogenous Impacts. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 45(1), pp.39-64.

Televisions Should Be Unplugged :: essays research papers

Why Televisions Should Be Unplugged   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I believe all the televisions in America should be unplugged, and we should become a nomadic, goat-herding race- well, maybe not the part about the goat herding. Anyway, television programming is corrupting our youths' minds; they are being stupefied and are becoming virtual vegetables as they are molded by the programs they view to be lazy, selfish, and to forsake all their moral and ethical values. The so called â€Å"entertainment value† to the shows is what's hurting us; kids mimic what they see on t.v., which includes violence, murder, rape, etc.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Children's grades drop drastically when tuning in to their favorite cartoon takes priority over completing their math or other schoolwork. The effects may also carry over into the next day, when they re-enact their favorite scene of the previous night's episode of Power Rangers on the playground, often resulting in the injury of several poor kids. Obviously such programs are counter-productive to the educational process.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Teen violence is on the rise at an exponential rate. Many teens watch action movies such as Terminator and its sequel or the Die Hard trilogy and conjure up bright ideas to go vandalizing or attacking innocent people. This is especially true when speaking of the gang situation that is currently plaguing our nation. Before the era of the television, crime like the kind we now have was virtually non-existent.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Obesity is another indirectly related effect of television on our bodies for people of all ages. The term â€Å"couch potato† adequately suits people who would rather watch Cindy Crawford tone and firm her buns than get off theirs. If there's a welt in you favorite spot on the couch that is a perfect outline of your backside, it's a good indicator that you need to get out and do something.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  An awkward issue I want to discuss deals with programs with adult content and their accessibility to children. They are learning vitally important issues like the â€Å"bird & bees† and other things regarded as taboo from the â€Å"boob tube.† That's not the problem, though.

Succubus Dreams CHAPTER 17

The next day was only a partial shift at work for me, but when I saw how busy things were, I suspected I'd have a hard time dragging myself away. Seth wasn't working in the caf? ¦, but I found a note on my desk. He'd apparently already been there earlier. Thetis – Have some errands to run, but I'd like to see you later. I miss you and don't like how we left things. Come on over later when you get the chance. I'll be home all night. Love, Seth I had some things of my own to take care of, and after reading his note, I suddenly wanted them done as soon as possible so that I could go see him. As I was about to leave, Maddie caught a hold of me and covertly led me into the history books. To my astonishment, she pushed down her shirt collar, baring her shoulder. â€Å"Whoa,† I joked. â€Å"Don't you think things are moving kind of fast?† â€Å"Look,† she whispered, pointing at the lacy bra strap that had been revealed. â€Å"It's red.† â€Å"That it is,† I agreed, still a little puzzled. â€Å"It's number one.† â€Å"What?† â€Å"My three adventurous things. I bought a red bra.† I stared in astonishment. â€Å"I thought†¦I thought you said my idea was ridiculous?† She averted her eyes. â€Å"I thought it was†¦but then, well†¦I heard about Seth. What happened to him. You were there, right?† My favorite topic. â€Å"Yeah, I was there.† â€Å"Didn't it freak you out? I mean†¦right there in front of you: life and death.† â€Å"Yeah. Kind of.† Shaking her head, she looked back up at me. â€Å"Hearing what happened to him just kind of shook me up. I told you it wasn't that easy to be adventurous, but suddenly I decided that maybe it was. I just had to take control.† I smiled. â€Å"With a red bra.† She flushed. â€Å"Hey! All your lingerie may be red and edible, but this is the first bra I've ever bought that isn't white or black.† I reined in my humor and gave her a genuinely pleased smile. â€Å"I'm proud of you, Maddie. I really am.† â€Å"Don't patronize me,† she warned. â€Å"I'm not. It looks great. You get matching underwear?† Now she really looked embarrassed. â€Å"A thong.† I repressed the urge to whistle. â€Å"Nice work, soldier.† She wandered off, back to the registers. Moments later, I felt an immortal signature and a touch on my shoulder. Spinning around, I found Tawny's enormous chest practically shoved into my face. I'd heard little from the succubus since I'd called to tell her she had a job at Simon's. Niphon's presence at the poker game had been the only indication that she still hadn't bagged a guy. â€Å"Georgina – † she wailed, lower lip trembling. â€Å"No, no,† I interrupted. I grabbed her arm and dragged her toward my office. â€Å"Not here.† I managed to close the door just before she burst into tears. I groaned. â€Å"Now what's happened?† â€Å"I met a guy last night.† She flounced into my chair, and it was a wonder her breasts didn't hit her in the face. I leaned against the wall, crossing my arms over my own chest in a sort of protective gesture. â€Å"Okay†¦that's not a bad thing.† She swallowed a sob, and it was all I could do not to clean up the mascara smudges on her face. Honestly, how much did that woman wear? â€Å"We had a great time†¦had drinks and talked and all that.† â€Å"That's not a bad thing either.† She shook her head. â€Å"But at the end of the night, he told me he just wanted to be friends.† â€Å"He – wait. You got the friends line from someone you just met?† Tawny nodded. â€Å"What did you say to him? Like†¦did you proposition him?† â€Å"Yeah†¦I asked him if he wanted to meet me in the bathroom and try out this edible mint chocolate warming gel I have.† â€Å"You – what?† Tawny reached into her purse and started to pull out a tube of something. I waved her off. â€Å"No, no. I don't need to see it.† â€Å"What went wrong?† she cried. â€Å"Well†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I wasn't sure if I should laugh or weep. Tawny was never going to pull this off. Never. â€Å"You might have come on too strong. And honestly†¦that gel thing? That's just weird.† â€Å"I thought guys were into that kind of thing.† â€Å"Some are†¦but, I don't know. What kind of guy is he? What's he do for a living?† â€Å"He's a cashier.† â€Å"Hmm. Okay. That's not too bad.† â€Å"Over at Blessed Images.† â€Å"Over at – you propositioned a guy who works at a religious supply store?† I exclaimed. â€Å"I wanted a good one,† she told me. â€Å"There's no better place.† â€Å"Oh my God. Tawny†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I didn't even know where to start. There were so many nuances to seduction, so many tactics and strategies. She didn't know any of them, and seriously, I didn't even know if she could learn. â€Å"I got you the strip club job†¦why are you trolling religious supply stores? Guys should just be coming up to you after your sets.† Something troubling occurred to me. â€Å"You do still have the job, don't you?† I believed Simon would stick to his word, but one never knew for sure with his type. â€Å"Yeah†¦Ã¢â‚¬  she mumbled. â€Å"But those guys aren't – â€Å" â€Å"For the last time! Forget the good ones. You can't afford to be choosy.† I studied her. She was clearly low on energy again. Frowning, I recalled my date with Liam. â€Å"So†¦Tawny†¦things really didn't work out with Nick the auctioneer?† She took a tissue from the box on my desk and blew her nose loudly. â€Å"Nope. I told you. I called, and he said he wasn't interested.† I was good at reading people, very good. It was, well, what made me a star succubus. And looking into those teary blue eyes, I searched for some sign of deceit. Any sign. I found nothing. So who was lying? Tawny or Liam? And why would either one of them lie? Liam had no reason to – not about Tawny. Tawny, I supposed, could be in league with Niphon. Maybe he wanted to prolong things simply to annoy me. That was a dangerous game for both of them. His animosity couldn't be strong enough to risk pissing off Jerome. And I knew Jerome would be pissed off if he found out Tawny's orientation was being used for ulterior motives. There was also the fact that Tawny's energy had shown no post-sex glamour the day after Liam saw her and Nick together. She hadn't gotten any. That was my only hard evidence in all of this. All of these thoughts flitted through my mind in a heartbeat. If Tawny really was pulling a poker face on me, she'd soon learn that she wasn't the only one who could do it. Keeping my expression exasperated and unsuspecting, I said, â€Å"Tawny†¦I†¦I just don't get this. Any of this.† â€Å"That's it?† she asked. â€Å"You're my mentor, and that's all you've got for me?† â€Å"I got you the job! I don't know what else to do. Maybe we can go out together and†¦God help me†¦do a three-some or something.† I could imagine few things more horrible than that, but these were desperate times. The expression on Tawny's face showed similar sentiments. â€Å"I don't know about that,† she said. â€Å"I don't think I really do that.† I rolled my eyes. â€Å"In another century or so, you'll find you do everything.† She blew her nose again. â€Å"Well†¦I want to keep trying on my own before anything like that. Until then†¦do you think†¦do you think you could†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Could what?† â€Å"You know.† â€Å"No, I really don't.† From her, a request could be anything. Tawny gulped. â€Å"The kissing thing again.† â€Å"No! I told you that was a one-time deal.† â€Å"But†¦but†¦I'm so low†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She burst into tears again. And yeah, she was low on energy. Really low. By tomorrow morning, she could be in danger of losing her shape again. Fuck. This wasn't possible. I had to be getting played here, but why and how? Was all this hassle worth it to Niphon, just to keep irritating me? Fuck. â€Å"This is the last time,† I growled. She stopped mid-sob. â€Å"Really?† I sighed. â€Å"Come here.† With a sense of dread, I kissed her again. My discomfort had less to do with the act of kissing her than it did with me realizing I'd just pushed myself into dangerous energy limits. I was the one who'd need a fix before morning now. And if I got an energy fix, it was likely my dream stalker would return†¦. With the influx of life, Tawny was able to shape-shift away her disheveled appearance. â€Å"Thanks, Georgina! You're the best!† She started to hug me, and I jerked away. â€Å"Just go out and get laid, okay?† Doug stuck his head in just then, asking for my help. He didn't seem to have heard my charge to battle, thankfully. His eyes widened when he saw Tawny. I shooed her out, warning her not to forget what we'd talked about. â€Å"Is she single?† he asked, watching her walk away. Her pleather pants were riding up. â€Å"Yeah,† I said. â€Å"Very. But she's high maintenance.† After I finished my survey of the bookstore, I went off to take care of assorted errands. When I finally made it to Seth's place, I found him lying lengthwise on his couch, laptop open as usual. He sat up and closed it when I stepped inside. â€Å"Hey, Thetis,† he said. â€Å"Hey,† I said. I sat down beside him, and silence fell as we regarded each other. The air between us wasn't angry, but it wasn't bursting with love either. It was speculative. We were sizing each other up. He reached into the V-neck collar of my sweater, and I flinched. Then, I felt his fingers brush by the chain I'd been wearing his ring on. He pulled the ring out and ran his fingertips over the dolphin. â€Å"Around your neck, huh? What is this, high school?† â€Å"Might as well be,† I said, â€Å"seeing as how we haven't even made it to second base yet.† He smiled and released the ring, moving his fingers up to my cheek. â€Å"Yes, we have.† He sighed. â€Å"We sure do seem to be fighting a lot lately, huh?† â€Å"Yeah.† I settled back into the couch's softness. â€Å"It's not even about sex anymore.† â€Å"I noticed that. It's boring stuff, actually.† â€Å"Boring?† He shrugged. â€Å"You know. Typical relationship stuff. Spending time with each other. Trust. Communication. Love isn't always about grand forces of the universe keeping us apart.† Unless, I thought, you considered the difference in length between a mortal life and an immortal one. I didn't know why Seth's lifespan was bothering me lately. I'd understood the complications on an intellectual level when we'd first started dating, but I hadn't really had such visceral reactions until recently. Him getting shot hadn't helped, I supposed. And speaking of which†¦ â€Å"I never thanked you,† I told him. â€Å"For what?† â€Å"For risking your life for mine.† â€Å"But you can't di – â€Å" â€Å"Yeah, yeah. We've already established that, like, a hundred times. And the wisdom – or lack thereof – of your actions aside, it was sweet and brave and†¦and, well, thank you.† Seth moved his hand over mine and squeezed it. â€Å"There's nothing to thank me for.† I stood up. â€Å"Well, now that we've got the sentimental stuff out of the way, let's get down to business. Take off your clothes.† Seth started. â€Å"Wai – what?† â€Å"Well,† I amended, â€Å"except for your boxers.† â€Å"Are we going to second base after all?† â€Å"Just do it.† While he stripped, I gathered some things from his kitchen, as well as from a tote bag I'd brought. When I returned to the living room, he was sitting in the center of the couch in boxers only. They were soft gray flannel. Adorable. I sat down on the floor in front of him, moving a bowl of warm water beside me. After dipping a washcloth into the water, I slowly began rubbing it over his feet. Seth was quiet for several moments. Then: â€Å"You getting Biblical on me? Didn't somebody wash Jesus' feet?† I rewet the cloth and began moving up one of his legs. â€Å"Don't worry,† I told him. â€Å"I don't expect you to turn this water into wine. At least not until I'm done.† I moved the washcloth over Seth's calf. It was leanly muscled, covered in tawny brown hair. â€Å"The foot washing tradition is bigger than the Bible. You find it everywhere, long before New Testament times, in lots of other cultures. Kings. Generals. They all got this treatment.† â€Å"You wash a lot of kings' and generals' feet?† he teased. â€Å"Yeah, actually.† â€Å"Oh. Well. I don't think I'm really in that league.† I smiled and moved on to the other calf. â€Å"Not true. Poets and bards used to have as much prestige as kings. Lots of them got this too.† â€Å"I miss the good old days. Now we're lucky if we get paid.† I washed his thigh, careful to avoid the bandaged wound. â€Å"Yeah, true. But people also don't threaten to behead you if they don't like what you wrote.† â€Å"You obviously haven't read some of my reviews.† â€Å"I only read the good ones.† I finished both legs and dropped the washcloth into the water. I scooted the bowl away. Seth started to get up, but I shooed him back down. â€Å"Nope. Not finished.† I reached for a bottle of massage oil I'd brought and poured some on my hands. It smelled like almonds. â€Å"That was just to get you clean.† With as much deliberation as I'd performed the washing, I massaged the oil into his skin, starting with his feet once again. Washing can be sensual, but rubbing someone with oil is doubly so. Triple, even. The light banter faded between us. Seth simply watched, wonder and arousal on his face as I worked my way up. And as I met his gaze, I saw more than just those feelings. The love in his eyes was so powerful, I needed to look away. Seth had an amazing grasp of the English language, but there were days when that skill was nothing compared to what he told me in his looks. When I finished his legs, I climbed up behind him on the couch and worked on his back and chest too. I'd been giving massages almost as long as I'd been dancing. I knew exactly what to do, knew where all the muscle groups were and how to unkink them. Seth had a lot of stiffness and knots in his back, either from bad laptop posture or stress. Maybe both. At last, the job was complete. Heedless of oil on me or the couch, he leaned back and pulled me to his chest. My cheek rested on his smooth, slick skin, and the scent of almond and Seth enveloped me. â€Å"Ah, Georgina,† he sighed. â€Å"I wish I could return that.† â€Å"I'll just pretend you did.† He sighed again. â€Å"I hate the pretending.† â€Å"Yeah.† â€Å"I mean it. Really hate it.† The vehemence in his voice startled me. I lifted my head up. â€Å"You okay?† â€Å"Yeah†¦I'm just†¦I don't know.† He shook his head. â€Å"Frustrated, I guess.† â€Å"Sexually frustrated?† â€Å"Sure†¦but it's more than that. Do you ever think about us†¦just, you know, doing it maybe once?† â€Å"No,† I said immediately. â€Å"Absolutely not.† â€Å"I'd take the risk.† â€Å"The shooting addled your brain. You've always been the strong one, remember?† â€Å"The shooting's made me think about what life means, that's all.† He sounded just like Maddie. How could such a foolish gesture on his part be inspiring so many people? Was I too jaded? Could I no longer relate to humans? â€Å"And I mean, I can't even reciprocate a simple massage. You perform all the time for me†¦but what do you get? You must be the one who's sexually frustrated. The stuff you do on the side†¦well, that doesn't matter. Sometimes I think Hugh was right. You do suffer more than me.† â€Å"No, I don't. The sex stuff bugs me, but I can handle it.† â€Å"I hope I can,† said Seth. â€Å"When I was in the hospital, I had this weird moment where I started thinking about how I write about all these action-packed things but don't live any of it. O'Neill has dozens of great romances, but me? I can't even have one.† â€Å"It sucks,† I agreed. â€Å"But with the risks†¦well. We know this is how it has to be.† â€Å"What about the rest?† â€Å"Hmm?† Seth shifted slightly so that he could look into my face. â€Å"Do you really think about me dying? Do you worry about me?† â€Å"Sometimes.† â€Å"Am I going to cause you pain in the end?† â€Å"No,† I said breezily. â€Å"Of course not.† He pulled me back to his chest. â€Å"I love you, Georgina. You give me more joy than I ever expected to find in this life. I want to be with you†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He ran a hand through my hair, tangling it in his fingers. â€Å"But not if it's going to do more harm than good. I don't want you to hurt. I don't want you to spend the rest of my life worrying about my body and my soul. I don't want you to cry when I'm gone.† A lump formed in my throat, and I thought I might actually start crying then and there. There was something in his voice, a strange and ominous note that scared me for reasons I couldn't entirely explain. I dug my fingers into his skin and pressed myself closer to him. â€Å"No more,† I whispered. â€Å"I don't want to talk about this anymore. It isn't relevant.† Seth tightened his grip on me and didn't respond. We went to bed after that, speaking little. He snuggled against me, resting his head on my chest. I ran my fingers through his hair, taking in his scent and his feel. As he slipped into sleep, I thought about what he'd said about what puts meaning into life. I thought about wanting and needing. And what I needed right then was energy. Tawny'd wiped me out, and there was no way I was going to start shifting back to the body I'd been born with. Still touching Seth's hair, I thought how easy it would be to just lean down and kiss him. Really kiss him. And kiss him and kiss him†¦ Wanting and needing. Regretfully, I slipped out of bed. Seth was a heavy sleeper and simply rolled to his side, never coming close to waking. With a wistful look, I left the condo and used my last bit of energy to put on a different shape. Finding a victim wasn't hard – further reinforcing how absurd the whole Tawny thing was – and in less than two hours, I was back in bed with Seth and recharged. That creepy voice didn't speak to me, for which I was grateful. Sad but sated, I fell asleep. And I dreamed.