The Philosophy Of Humanism During The Early Renaissance

A significant increase in secular art began in the early Renaissance because of an enormous gain of wealth by Florence in the early 15th century. The philosophy of humanism began, combining the values of both spirituality and the worth of the human mind and experience. The republics people valued the individualism in humanism, believing their society and its values to represent liberty and freedom. (Harris Zucker, n.d., para.6). As a result, wealth combined with an interest in portraying individual power, piety, and human experience created a thriving artistic market whose patronage was no longer confined to the exclusive domain of the church. Rather, wealthy private families and government officials began to hire artists with increasing†¦show more content†¦Beginning with the Renaissance, the dignity of individuals and importance of nature was explored in artistic design and specifics that strove for the deception of reality, inspired by human curiosity and scientific inter est. Artists as the periods went on got to the the level of theorists and intellectuals, their skills becoming a relation to their minds as opposed to their previous treatment in the middle Ages as craftsmen. For example, the subjects of sculpture and paintings often reflected â€Å"a growing interest in private meditation and prayer’(Harris Zucker, n.d., para 2), and the desire of important patrons to create powerful visual displays of wealth and imagery that cast themselves in a dignified light lead to growing numbers of artists being commissioned for portraits. During the 15th century, for instance, the Italian Renaissance resulted in wealthy, cultured Florentine families becoming frequent art patrons, desiring beautiful and tasteful art for their homes. â€Å"The Triumph of 0amillus†, painted by Biagio d’Antonio 1470-1475 was likely purchased as a panel to show in a domestic environment. The painting depicts a scene from the Roman author Livy’s writings of a triumphal parade for 0amillus after he and his troops saved Rome from invading Gauls (National Gallery of Art, n.d., para 2) For instance, the items paintings and ofShow MoreRelatedTaking a Look at the European Renaissance Essays1385 Words   |  6 Pagesfoundation for the concept of modern humanism was established during the Renaissance in Europe, which took place during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. The European Renaissance indicates a milestone in the shift of the human thought process. During this time period, people became less focused on matters of theism and more focused on exercising philosophies of reason, individuality, and learning. Numerous people developed an interest in a philosophy known as humanism, also referred to as humanisticRead MoreThe Middle Ages And The Renaissance1137 Words   |  5 Pagesinnovations that followed the Middle Ages and was branded as the Renaissance. There have been disagreements as to whether the Renaissance is actually a isolated time period, or instead, just a great point of the Middle Ages. The Renaissance was unquestionably a distinct time period. Wi th the ancient Greek and Roman people as their muse, it led to humanism views and stimulated man to become talented in multiple areas of life. Therefore, the Renaissance man, a man who surpassed in many areas, became protuberantRead MoreHow Humanism Affected Art in the Renaissance764 Words   |  3 PagesHumanism affected the art of the Renaissance because of how Renaissance artists became increasingly interested with humanist concepts, and because of how they tried to incorporate humanist beliefs into their art. Artists conveyed their humanist beliefs by using new techniques such as perspective, and by painting more realistic figures. In addition, humanism encouraged artists to paint using new secular themes that were rediscovered along with classical art and texts. The artists of the Italian RenaissanceRead MoreHistorical And Philosophical Movement Of The Renaissance1596 Words   |  7 PagesThe renaissance became a historical movement that marked the beginning of individualism and modernity through the unification of philosophers, artists, writers, and poets. Although it has no fixed beginning, most theories placed the beginning era in the early 14th century. The renaissance profoundly affected European Intellectual life through the introduction of different perspectives, ideas, innovations, literature, art, science, religion among many other aspects that continue to shape modern philosophyRead MoreThe Work Of A Vase Painter Of The Mid 400 s B.c1003 Words   |  5 Pagescolor, value, and texture. The fundaments of art originated from the Greeks and Romans. To achieve a realist image, the combination of the fundamentals of art creates the illusion of something real. Proportions of a human body were developed by a renaissance artist named Leonardo Divinci. Divinci was not the only historical figure who created the ideal proportions of a human body. Greeks used a system of measures when they made temples and used a standard unit of measure to draw the human body. PolykleitosRead MoreHumanism And Influence During The Renaissance1582 Words   |  7 Pages The Renaissance began in Italy during the 1300s in which a of rebirth of the arts, economy, science, and culture of Europe occurred. Before this time, during the Middle Ages, war and disease precluded advances in art and literature and the powerful influence of the Catholic church limited significant advances in science and philosophy. The Renaissance took influence from classical Greek and Rome and expressed and expanded upon many of the ideas of that time. Art became more realistic and focusedRead MoreHumanism and the Renaissance Arts1289 Words   |  5 PagesWhen discussing the Renaissance; the most intimate area of focus are, art and architecture. Although no one really talks about Renaissance being an obvious era of some of the greatest and most innovative masters of painting, sculptures and builders. Or even that It is also the most influential eras that marked the emergence of a great deal of Scholars, thinkers, writers and philosophers. Regardless the Renaissance (a French word for â€Å"rebirth†) was a much needed time for awakening, from the intellectualRead MoreThe Rebirth Of Ancient Cultures1462 Words   |  6 PagesRebirth of Ancient Cultures in Renaissance Florence Florence, Italy is known as the â€Å"cradle of the Renaissance† (la culla del Rinascimento). It is a city full of beautiful architecture, art, and history. The Renaissance was a powerful cultural movement that not only shaped all aspects of Florentine life, but eventually the rest of Europe. Science, art, literature, philosophy, religion, architecture, and politics have seen heavy influences by this movement. The term Renaissance literally means â€Å"rebirth†:Read MoreDante And The Road Of Humanism1347 Words   |  6 PagesDante and the Road to Humanism During the Renaissance, the ideology of humanism became extremely popular. After the black plague people presumed that God had abandoned them. As a result, they began to search for their own answers through observation and experimentation; this method was called empiricism. Through this, man began to place himself at the center of the universe instead of God. Individuals began to embrace their own talents and spend less time worrying about the next life and moreRead MoreEssay on The Renaissance Humanistic Concept of Man994 Words   |  4 PagesThe Renaissance Humanistic Concept of Man Each century brings something new into this world. Some ages thus become prominent, others don’t seem to contribute a lot to the humanity. The Renaissance became the symbol of awakening, the symbol of excellence and rebirth. It gave birth to the doctrines and principles that dominate the philosophy up until nowadays. Humanism developed as one of the principal philosophical concepts of Renaissance. What does this concept mean, why is it so crucial

The Discovery of Ebla and The Relations Between...

The discovery of Ebla gave us a wealth of information on the Near East in the 3rd millennium BCE but its greatest contribution is to our understanding of the complex and economic relationships between the cities of Mesopotamia and Syria. Ebla was a diplomatic based empire and due to its unique geographical location, it had a key role in managing and conducting relations between early North-West Syria and Upper Mesopotamia (Matthiae 1976, 112). Due to these active relations with other cities it was stimulated to absorb cultural elements from the Sumerian and Mesopotamian worlds (Matthiae 1980a, 161). Ebla’s political structure, language, religion and art all reflect evidence of intensive cross-cultural relations and our analysis of these†¦show more content†¦There is also an abundance of texts in the archives referring to Kish, Mari, and Emar, in particular, which indicates that there was contact between scribal circles in Northern Syria and Mesopotamia and that this c ontact was continuous (Matthiae 1980a, 159). The discovery of objects made in Ebla but found in places like Sumer, Ur, Mari and Kish such as composite statues and cylinder seals (Matthiae 1980a, 151) highlights once more that trade and contact between cities was an essential part of the Syrian and Mesopotamian culture and that Ebla itself was a booming economic centre. Ebla was an incredibly sophisticated city, located on the highest tell in the landscape to mark its dominance (Matthiae 1980a, 219). The actual extent of the city is unknown but it is suspected to have had a common frontier with Emar on the Euphrates to the north-east, and with Hamar in the south (Matthiae 1980a, 173). Its interaction with the near lesser cities isn’t precisely known but Matthiae (1980a, 170) speculates that it was a policy of control but not one that required the elimination of each cities individual culture. There were three different possible forms of control Ebla may have had over the surrounding territories (Matthiae 1980a, 187).Show MoreRelatedThe Birth of Civilization18947 Words   |  76 Pagesthe development of civilizations in Mesoamerica? 1 he earliest humans lived by hunting, fishing, and collecting wild plants. Around 10,000 years ago, they learned to cultivate plants, herd animals, and make airtight pottery for storage. These discoveries transformed them from gatherers to producers, allowing them to grow in number and to lead a settled life. Beginning about 5,000 years ago, a far more complex way of life began to appear in some parts of the world. In these places humans learned

Prices and Markets for Demand and Supply Shocks -myassignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about thePrices and Markets for Demand and Supply Side Shocks. Answer: Case study Analysis: Housing Price in Australia Description of demand and supply side shocks The housing market in Australia has recorded a slow-down in recent months. After experiencing a housing market boom just a few years back the recent slow-down in quite surprising. The population in Australia has accounted fastest ever growth rate of 1.61% since 2014. The expected high housing demand from higher population growth fails to bring a steady growth rate for housing market. The interplay of supply and demand shocks in the market is responsible for such an outcome (Mankiw 2014). On the demand side there is both positive and negative shocks. The positive shock is from the more than expected population growth. However, the tight macro-prudential measures taken by bank regulators has retrained investors activity in housing market. Another force that pulling down prices is excessive supply of new houses in recent year. Evaluation of shocks As evidenced from past data, housing price is positively associated with population growth. The faster population growth should bring a faster increase in housing price. Population in Australia has accounted a decent growth rate of 1.6%. Despite this, housing prices tend to be flat and even lower in the coming forces. This is for the two simple reason. In the real market, demand and supply forces act together. The effect on price and quantity depend on combined effect of two forces (Baumol and Blinder 2015). The fact that population growth pulls up housing price has an underlined supply side condition. The condition states price increases only when additional demand fell short of addition supply that is newly constructed houses. In Australia however, the construction of new houses exceeds that of housing demand. Estimates show that, since 2012 the construction of new houses has increased by 66% reaching the availability of new homes to 212,000. As against this new home requirement ha s declined by 8% reaching to 170,000 (businessinsider.com.au 2018). The second factor causing a decline in housing price is the constraint in credit availability imposed by higher interest rate and tight outlook for macro-prudential measures. These factor restrain housing demand and often offset positive demand side impact from population growth. Prediction of future outcome The future outcome in the housing market however depends on the relative strength of supply and demand side forces. The increase in population increases demand. This has an upward pressure on price. Construction of new houses raise supply of houses. The increased supply has a tendency to pull down prices. If the demand force dominates, then housing price will increase and if the supply force dominates then house price declines (Ashwin, Taylor and Mankiw 2016). At present, the supply force dominates the Australian housing market. The market now faces excess supply of housing and this will continue to be the case for the next four years (businessinsider.com.au 2018). Apart from excess supply the second possible factor pulling down housing market is constraint in available credit. Credit cost, available credit and economys health play important role in determining price . There is evidence that measures undertaken to restrict investors activity has contributed to a decline in housing pr ice in the last year. Illustration of market equilibrium mechanism Figure 1: Effect of increased supply and demand in the housing market (Source: as created by Author) The initial supply and demand curve in the housing market are given as SS and DD. At equilibrium E, the housing price is P1 and equilibrium number of houses is H1. An increase in housing demand caused by increasing population leads to an outward shift in demand curve from DD to D1D1. The new construction of houses shifts the supply curve from SS to S1S1. Consequently, price falls to P2. Figure 2: Effect of credit constraint in housing market (Source: as created by Author) The constraint in credit supply shifts the demand curve inward from D1D1 to D2D2. At new equilibrium E2, there is a larger fall in price to P2. References Mankiw, N.G., 2014.Principles of macroeconomics. Cengage Learning. Scutt, D. (2018).Population growth may not be enough to prevent a downturn in Australia's housing market. [online] Business Insider Australia. Available at: https://www.businessinsider.com.au/australia-house-prices-could-fall-despite-strong-population-growth-2017-12 [Accessed 19 Mar. 2018]. Ashwin, A., Taylor, M.P. and Mankiw, N.G., 2016.Business economics. Nelson Education. Baumol, W.J. and Blinder, A.S., 2015.Microeconomics: Principles and policy. Cengage Learning.

The Parthenon and Gould Memorial Library Essay Example For Students

The Parthenon and Gould Memorial Library Essay Even though the Golden Age of Greece only lasted 50 years, its effects can still be widely seen even today. Since Greece was the birthplace of democracy and we are a democratic nation, many of our government buildings draw inspiration from Greek architecture. The Greeks believed that man is the measure of all and in their art and architecture they constantly tried to achieve perfect balance, proportion, and unity. The Parthenon was the largest temple of the Acropolis in Athens. The Acropolis or â€Å"high city† was an elevated rock supporting several temples, precincts, and other buildings. It used to be a citadel during the Mycenaean period. The temple was designed by the architects Iktinos and Kallikrates and was constructed from 448 B. C. to 432 B. C. The Greek general, Perikles, initiated the architectural projects and vast rebuilding campaign to celebrate Athenian art and civilization which included the Parthenon, the Nike Temple, The Erechtheum, and The Propylaea. The Parthenon was built using the Doric order, however it has two ionic features included which expressed the Athenians interest in harmonizing the architecture of eastern and western Greece. We will write a custom essay on The Parthenon and Gould Memorial Library specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now The first Ionic feature in The Parthenon is the four Ionic columns inside of the treasury; the second feature is a continuous Ionic frieze around the top of the outside of the inside wall. The Temple is for Athena and the eastern pediment tells the tale of the birth of Athena which is utterly beautiful. The western pediment shows Athena contesting Poseidon for patronage of Athens. The Parthenon is of Doric Order, we can see this quite easily in many features such as the columns which are wide with no bases and plain column capitals. Atop the capitals are plain architraves which support the frieze which has metopes and triglyphs which are exclusive to the Doric Order. Finally at the very top are the two pediments on the east and west ends that told stories of Athena. Gould Memorial Library was built by the architect Stanford White and was completed in 1899. Until this assignment I never paid much attention to the library but after examining it, it is beautiful and you can plainly see the Greek inspiration behind the building and there are many similarities to The Parthenon. There are five which standout at first glance. The library has an even number of columns in the front and they are equally spaced apart with less length in between at the ends and more in the middle to give a sense of symmetry. The library has two pediments similar to the Parthenon sitting on top of the frieze. The material used for the building kind of looks like marble that the Greeks would use which adds to the feeling of Greece architecture. The stairs leading up to the columns are in similar style to all three Greek orders with steps that have stereobates and a stylobate at the top step. The final similarity is the designed entablature under the pediment. Even though Gould Memorial Library draws much inspiration from The Parthenon there are also obvious differences between the two buildings. The Parthenon has columns from the Doric Order and so the column has sections called flutes and is shaped like a Doric drum. The library however has Corinthian columns which are slimmer than Doric columns and has a base on the bottom unlike Doric columns. On top of the columns of the library is a capital designed with Acanthus leaves which is a dead giveaway the building is of Corinthian Order. Both buildings have pediments but the library has no carvings or anything being depicted in its pediment. The library also has a frieze but there are no carvings like the Greeks would make instead simply inscribed is the name of the building and the year it was built. The final difference between the two buildings is that at one point in time The Parthenon had a painted pediment while the one on Gould Memorial Library was never painted.

Quotes From Beloved by Toni Morrison

Quotes From Beloved by Toni Morrison Editors Note: Toni Morrison passed away on August 5, 2019. Weve gathered highlights from one of her most celebrated novels to help you honor her work. Beloved is a novel by Toni Morrison, who uses flashbacks and other devices to draw us through the tragic series of events in Sethes life. A moment of insanity shaped the rest of her existence. She and those around her would never be the same. Here are a few quotes from this dark novel, Beloved. Notable Quotes from Toni Morrisons Beloved 124 was spiteful. Full of a babys venom.- Toni Morrison, Beloved, Ch. 1My first-born. All I can remember of her is how she loved the burned bottom of bread. Can you beat that? Eight children and thats all I remember.- Toni Morrison, Beloved, Ch. 1a pool of red and undulating light that locked him where he stood.- Toni Morrison, Beloved, Ch. 1If a Negro got legs he ought to use them. Sit down too long, somebody will figure out a way to tie them up.- Toni Morrison, Beloved, Ch. 1I got a tree on my back and a haint in my house, and nothing in between but the daughter I am holding in my arms. No more runningfrom nothing. I will never run from another thing on this earth. I took one journey and I paid for the ticket, but let me tell you something, Paul D Garner: it cost too much! Do you hear me? It cost too much.- Toni Morrison, Beloved, Ch. 1the house itself was pitching.- Toni Morrison, Beloved, Ch. 1A man aint nothing but a man. But a son? Well, now, thats somebody- Toni Morrison, Belo ved, Ch. 2 The picture is still there and whats more, if you go thereyou who never was thereif you go there and stand in the place where it was, it will happen again; it will be there for you, waiting for you. So, Denver, you cant never go there. Never. Because even though its all overover and done withits going to always be there waiting for you.- Toni Morrison, Beloved, Ch. 3Would it be all right? Would it be all right to go ahead and feel? Go ahead and count on something?- Toni Morrison, Beloved, Ch. 3To Sethe, the future was a matter of keeping the past at bay. The better life she believed she and Denver were living was simply not that other one.- Toni Morrison, Beloved, Ch. 3Denver hated the stories her mother told that did not concern herself, which is why Amy was all she ever asked about. The rest was a gleaming, powerful world made more so by Denvers absence from it. Not being in it, she hated it and wanted Beloved to hate it too, although there was no chance of that at all.- Toni Morri son, Beloved, Ch. 6 Why was there nothing it refused? No misery, no regret, no hateful picture too rotten to accept? Like a greedy child it snatched up everything. Just once, could it say, No thank you? I just ate and cant hold another bite?- Toni Morrison, Beloved, Ch. 7I dont want to know or have to remember that. I have other things to do: worry, for example, about tomorrow, about Denver, about Beloved, about age and sickness not to speak of love. But her brain was not interested in the future. Loaded with the past and hungry for more, it left her no room to imagine, let alone plan for, the next day.- Toni Morrison, Beloved, Ch. 7Come on, you may as well just come on.- Toni Morrison, Beloved, Ch. 8Those white things have taken all I had or dreamed, she said, and broke my heartstrings too. There is no bad luck in the world but whitefolks.- Toni Morrison, Beloved, Ch. 9Bit by bit, at 124 and in the Clearing, along with others, she had claimed herself. Freeing yourself was one thing; claiming ownership of that freed self was another.- Toni Morrison, Beloved, Ch. 9 She had been so close, then closer. And it was so much better than the anger that ruled when Sethe did or thought anything that excluded herself. She could bear the hoursnine or ten of them each day but onewhen Sethe was gone. Bear even the nights when she was close but out of sight, behind walls and doors lying next to him. But noweven the daylight time that Beloved had counted on, disciplined herself to be content with, was being reduced, divided by Sethes willingness to pay attention to other things. Him mostly.- Toni Morrison, Beloved, Ch. 9Making them think the next sunrise would be worth it; that another stroke of time would do it at last.- Toni Morrison, Beloved, Ch. 10Only when she was dead would they be safe. The successful onesthe ones who had been there enough years to have maimed, mutilated, maybe even buried herkept watch over the others who were still in her cock-teasing hug, caring and looking forward, remembering and looking back.- Toni Morrison, Beloved, Ch. 10 Study Guide Questions for Study and Discussion This is worse than when Paul D came to 124 and she cried helplessly into the stove. This is worse. Then it was for herself. Now she is crying because she has no self.- Toni Morrison,  Beloved, Ch. 12She doesnt move to open the door because there is no world out there. She decides to stay in the cold house and let the dark swallow her like the minnows of light above. She wont put up with another leaving, another trick. Waking up to find one brother then another not at the bottom of the bed, his foot jabbing her spine. Sitting at the table eating turnips and saving the liquor for her grandmother to drink; her mothers hand on the keeping-room door and her voice saying, Baby Suggs is gone, Denver. And when she got around to worrying about what would be the case if Sethe died or Paul D took her away, a dream-come-true comes true just to leave her on a pile of newspaper in the dark.- Toni Morrison,  Beloved, Ch. 12If her boys came back one day, and Denver and Beloved stayed onwell, it would be the way it was supposed to be, no? Right after she saw the shadows holding hands at the side of the road hadnt the picture altered? And the minute she saw the dress and shoes sitting in the front yard, she broke water. Didnt even have to see the face burning in the sunlight. She had been dreaming it for years.- Toni Morrison,  Beloved, Ch. 13 It made them furious. They swallowed baking soda, the morning after, to calm the stomach violence caused by the bounty, the reckless generosity on display at 124. Whispered to each other in the yards about fat rats, doom and uncalled-for pride.- Toni Morrison,  Beloved, Ch. 15I would have known right away who you was when the sun blotted out your face the way it did when I took you to the grape arbor. I would have known at once when my water broke. And when I did see your face it had more than a hint of what you would look like after all these years. I would have known who you were right away because the cup after cup of water you drank proved and connected to the fact that you dribbled clear spit on my face the day I got to 124. I would have known right off, but Paul D distracted me. Otherwise I would have seen my fingernail prints right there on your forehead for all the world to see. From when I held your head up, out in the shed. And later on, when you asked me about the earrin gs I used to dangle for you to play with, I would have recognized you right off, except for Paul D.- Toni Morrison,  Beloved, Ch. 20 All the time, Im afraid the thing that happened that made it all right for my mother to kill my sister could happen again. I dont know what it is, I dont know who it is, but maybe there is something else terrible enough to make her do it again. I need to know what that thing might be, but I dont want to. Whatever it is, it comes from outside this house, outside the yard, and it can come right on in the yard if it wants to. So I never leave this house and I watch over the yard, so it cant happen again and my mother wont have to kill me too.- Toni Morrison,  Beloved, Ch. 21I am Beloved and she is mine. I see her take flowers away from leaves she puts them in a round basket the leaves are not for her she fills the basket she opens the grass I would help her but the clouds are in the way how can I say things that are pictures I am not separate from her there is no place where I stop her face is my own and I want to be there in the place where her face is and to be looking at it too a h ot thing.- Toni Morrison,  Beloved, Ch. 22 I see the dark face that is going to smile at me it is my dark face that is going to smile at me the iron circle is around our neck she does not have sharp earrings in her ears or a round basket she goes in the water with my face.-  Toni Morrison,  Beloved, Ch. 22I am not dead I sit the sun closes my eyes when I open them I see the face I lost Sethes is the face that left me Sethe sees me see her and I see the smile her smiling face is the place for me it is the face I lost she is my face smiling at me doing it at last a hot thing now we can join.- Toni Morrison,  Beloved, Ch. 22Quote 27: Seven-O! Seven-O!- Toni Morrison,  Beloved, Ch. 24Dirty you so bad you couldnt like yourself anymore. And though she and others lived through and got over it, she could never let it happen to her own. The best things she was, was her children. Whites might dirty her all right, but not her best thing, her beautiful, magical best thing the part of her that was clean.- Toni Morrison,  Belove d, Ch. 26 You your best thing, Sethe. You are.- Toni Morrison,  Beloved, Ch. 27Everybody knew what she was called, but nobody anywhere knew her name. Disremembered and unaccounted for, she cannot be lost because no one is looking for her, and even if they were, how can they call her if they dont know her name? Although she has claim, she is not claimed.- Toni Morrison,  Beloved, Ch. 28

The Eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815

The Eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815 The tremendous eruption of Mount Tambora in April 1815 was the most powerful volcanic eruption of the 19th century. The eruption and the tsunamis it triggered killed tens of thousands of people. The magnitude of the explosion itself is difficult to fathom. It has been estimated that Mount Tambora stood approximately 12,000 feet tall before the 1815 eruption when the top third of the mountain was completely obliterated. Adding to the disasters massive scale, the huge amount of dust blasted into the upper atmosphere by the Tambora eruption contributed to a bizarre and highly destructive weather event the following year. The year 1816 became known as ​the year without a summer. The disaster on the remote island of Sumbawa in the Indian Ocean has been overshadowed by the eruption of the volcano at Krakatoa decades later, partly because the news of Krakatoa traveled quickly via telegraph. Accounts of the Tambora eruption were considerably rarer, yet some vivid ones do exist. An administrator of the East India Company, Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles, who was serving as governor of Java at the time, published a striking account of the disaster based on written reports he had collected from English traders and military personnel. Beginnings of the Mount Tambora Disaster The island of Sumbawa, home to Mount Tambora, is located in present-day Indonesia. When the island was first discovered by Europeans, the mountain was thought to be an extinct volcano. However, about three years before the 1815 eruption, the mountain seemed to come to life. Rumblings were felt, and a dark smoky cloud appeared atop the summit. On April 5, 1815, the volcano began to erupt. British traders and explorers heard the sound and at first thought it to be the firing of cannon. There was a fear that a sea battle was being fought nearby. The Massive Eruption of Mount Tambora On the evening of April 10, 1815, the eruptions intensified, and a massive major eruption began to blow the volcano apart. Viewed from a settlement about 15 miles to the east, it seemed that three columns of flames shot into the sky. According to a witness on an island about 10 miles to the south, the entire mountain appeared to turn into liquid fire. Stones of pumice more than six inches in diameter began to rain down on neighboring islands. Violent winds propelled by the eruptions struck settlements like ​hurricanes, and some reports claimed that the wind and sound-triggered small earthquakes. Tsunamis emanating from the island of Tambora destroyed settlements on other islands, killing tens of thousands of people. Investigations by modern-day archaeologists have determined that an island culture on Sumbawa was completely wiped out by the Mount Tambora eruption. Written Reports of Mount Tamboras Eruption As the eruption of Mount Tambora occurred before communication by telegraph, accounts of the cataclysm were slow to reach Europe and North America. The British governor of Java, Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles, who was learning an enormous amount about the native inhabitants of the local islands while writing his 1817 book History of Java, collected accounts of the eruption. Raffles began his account of the Mount Tambora eruption by noting the confusion about the source of the initial sounds: The first explosions were heard on this Island in the evening of the 5th of April, they were noticed in every quarter, and continued at intervals until the following day. The noise was in the first instance almost universally attributed to distant cannon; so much so, that a detachment of troops were marched from Djocjocarta [a nearby province] in the expectation that a neighboring post was attacked. And along the coast boats were in two instances dispatched in quest of a supposed ship in distress. After the initial explosion was heard, Raffles said it was supposed that the eruption was no greater than other volcanic eruptions in that region. But he noted that on the evening of April 10 extremely loud explosions were heard and large amounts of dust began to fall from the sky. Other employees of the East India Company in the region were directed by Raffles to submit reports about the aftermath of the eruption. The accounts are chilling. One letter submitted to Raffles describes how, on the morning of April 12, 1815, no sunlight was visible at 9 a.m. on a nearby island. The sun had been entirely obscured by volcanic dust in the atmosphere. A letter from an Englishman on the island of Sumanap described how, on the afternoon of April 11, 1815, by four oclock it was necessary to light candles. It remained dark until the next afternoon. About two weeks after the eruption, a British officer sent to deliver rice to the island of Sumbawa made an inspection of the island. He reported seeing numerous corpses and widespread destruction. Local inhabitants were becoming ill, and many had already died of hunger. A local ruler, the Rajah of Saugar, gave his account of the cataclysm to British officer Lieutenant Owen Phillips. He described three columns of flames arising from the mountain when it erupted on April 10, 1815. Apparently describing the lava flow, the Rajah said the mountain started to appear like a body of liquid fire, extending itself in every direction. The Rajah also described the effect of the wind unleashed by the eruption: Between nine and ten p.m. ashes began to fall, and soon after a violent whirlwind ensued, which blew down nearly every house in the village of Saugar, carrying the tops and light parts along with it. I n the part of Saugar adjoining [Mount Tambora] its effects were much more violent, tearing up by the roots the largest trees and carrying them into the air together with men, houses, cattle, and whatever else came within its influence. This will account for the immense number of floating trees seen at sea. The sea rose nearly twelve feet higher than it had ever been known to be before, and completely spoiled the only small spots of rice lands in Saugar, sweeping away houses and every thing within its reach. Worldwide Effects of the Mount Tambora Eruption Though it would not be apparent for more than a century, the eruption of Mount Tambora contributed to one of the worst weather-related disasters of the 19th century. The following year, 1816, became known as the Year Without a Summer. The dust particles blasted into the upper atmosphere from Mount Tambora were carried by air currents and spread across the world. By the fall of 1815, eerily colored sunsets were being observed in London. And the following year the weather patterns in Europe and North America changed drastically. While the winter of 1815 and 1816 was fairly ordinary, the spring of 1816 turned odd. Temperatures did not rise as expected, and very cold temperatures persisted in some places well into the summer months. Widespread crop failures caused hunger and even famine in some places. The eruption of Mount Tambora thus may have caused widespread casualties on the opposite side of the world.

Simple Profit Maximizing Perspective Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Simple Profit Maximizing Perspective - Essay Example Firms use these strategies as the spring board for their activities towards profit realization. These strategies introduce both positive and negative results to the organization. Positivity arises when the firm meets its targets and rewards employees and shareholders. Negative results arise when managers concentrate on personal development instead of the firm’s goals. The firm may also engage in unethical practices in order to achieve its profit goals. Therefore, there is need for strategic management of the firm’s profit strategies to prevent the workers from going overboard to introduce negative impacts to the firm. Profit maximization perspectives Total revenue- total cost Total revenues are derived from the amount a firm receives from the sale of its output. Total costs include all expenses incurred by a firm in buying the inputs required in the production process (Grant, 2002). This perspective begins with determining the optimum quantity of output that will maximi ze profits. The quality of the output is also considered in the planning stage. Firms processing high quality products attract several customers, which increases their revenue. A firm is considered profitable when the total revenues exceed the total costs. As illustrated in the diagram below, the curve illustrates profit maximization point for a firm in a perfect competition market. The optimal level of output at which the firm should operate to maximize profits is point C. At this point, the total profit curve is also at its maximum; therefore the firm can maximize its profits. Figure 1.0 Total revenue-total cost curve Source: Journal of Political Economy, 108 (3): 604-631. Marginal revenue- marginal cost This perspective holds that for each unit sold, a deduction of marginal cost from the marginal revenue will result to a marginal profit. At a certain level of output, the marginal profit becomes positive when marginal revenue exceeds marginal cost (Smith, Ferrier & Ndofor, 2001). This firm can adopt this level as the optimum level of production and the number of units produced should not fall below this level. Where the marginal cost exceeds the marginal revenue, the firm is making marginal losses, and this is an indication that the firm should produce fewer units of output. When the marginal cost is equal to the marginal revenue, the marginal profit is zero and the firm is considered to be maximizing profits. The goals of a firm are crucial as they are the elements that lay a foundation for understanding, predicting and interpreting different profit behaviors experienced by different firms. Some profit maximization strategies may have a conflict with the employees of the firm leading to negative impacts. Profit maximization perspectives limit the ability to understand how the firms utilize different methods and techniques to achieve their goals and objectives. The agency theory gives the relationship between the ownership structure of a firm and the profit maximization objective. The theory demarcates ownership from control of corporate organizations (Berle, & Means, 2006). This leads to a nonprofit maximizing behavior if managerial and individual needs have a mismatch with the profit goal of the organizational. This is common in firms where the managers have different goals from those governing the entire firm. The managers strife to achieve and maximize personal utility and they end up compromising the profit targets of the firm (Gupta et al., 2004). In microeconomic theory, it is argued that only

Coursework Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Coursework - Essay Example The harshest reaction is a condition called coelliac disease. Some other forms of reactions include non-coelliac gluten sensitivity, gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity. Persons with coelliac disease and gluten sensitivity feel improvement when they pursue a gluten free diet. This Genius Gluten Free advert has presented this entire idea in a simple, attractive and tempting way, which has the potential to grab its target consumer within an instant. Meaning of the Advert Genius Foods has launched what it promises to be the first TV advert for a gluten free bakery brand in the United Kingdom. The theme of the advert offers a wholesome and tasty option for those looking for a gluten free diet. It has been presented with a quite homely touch, particularly with a mother expressing her delight in the product. The layout is attractive and appealing as consumers would love to try the product. The line at the bottom is convincing and drives the consumer to know more about gluten free prod ucts and related benefits and eventually end up in buying the brand. It is a very strong motivator for the consumers to try the brand after realising the importance of instilling gluten free products in their daily diet. The slogan ‘Surprise! I bake you a cake’, as pictured in the ad, is expressing a simple gluten free seeded loaf to be as tasty and tempting as a cake. There is a mother standing beside with a cake, and surprised expressions tell the audience about the goodness of the Genius Gluten Free brand, which is not only delicious but also wholesome (Locker & Kienzler 2009). Denotative and Connotative Meaning Genius Gluten Free bread offers full sized slices that are ideal for sandwiches. It has been created for people who rely on a gluten free lifestyle and can enjoy a pleasant tasting gluten free bread option. The advert has been expressed through a perception of a common consumer who lives on a gluten free diet and looks forward to having a daily diet free from gluten but does not want to compromise taste. This bread brand has delivered its message successfully to its target market, which is a common health conscious consumer. The meaning of a mother with a cake captures the common household attention to buy a better option of daily bakery requirements with a much better taste in comparison to other gluten free products available in the product (Martin & Chaney 2012). The advert also emphasises the fact that there are some people who wish to switch their diet to a gluten free one but are hesitant to bear the unpleasant taste it might offer. For these types of people, the Genius Gluten Free has offered a complete healthy solution with supreme taste and health at the same time. Moreover, a strong aspect in the advert is the information it is offering to its consumers to check further knowledge about the gluten free products through a website link provided (Mead & Andrews 2009). This enables the consumers, especially the dubious ones, to lea rn more about the special diet option, and what benefits a gluten free diet can offer them if they incorporate it in their daily diet plan. The complete advert is aimed to target its market with a convincing idea simple enough to understand and attractive enough to buy the brand. Most importantly, the advert is capable of retaining in the minds of those who watch it, which becomes a great factor in making an actual purchase by the consumer. Cultural Aspect and Consumer Accessibility The Genius Gluten F

Globalization processes Essay Example for Free

Globalization processes Essay Globalization had brought different effects to the society. It had changed that world and how the world processes. Different states join together in creating a better world for humanity. Different businesses establish parts of their business in different parts of the planet in order to provide work for the underdeveloped or developing nations. Most of these nations profit from the globalization processes of the world because this is the way in which they acquire profit. Having a Multi-national Corporation (MNC) invest in one of those nations provides good opportunity not only for the government but also the people. Among the entities involved in the process of globalization, the people are said to profit most for the reason that they are given opportunities and jobs for their family. However in another perspective, the MNCs could be seen as the most profitable entity in the aspect of globalization. It is known to many that the labor pay for the people of the developed and underdeveloped nations are lower than the average labor wage of developed nations. Through investing in different developed and under developed nations, the MNCs are able to save more profit than they usually have. Within the process of expansion of these MNCs one of the most affected individuals are the women. Most underdeveloped and developing nations provide less labor pay for the women in comparison to men. Although now a days gender equality had been slowly implemented, most of these countries still adhere to their conservative perspective that men and women should not be treated or provided equal treatment. One good example is Bangladesh in which hosts different garment factories in the country (Sachs, 2004). It is known that the work of sewing is immediately associated with women. Therefore, they need women workers to be able to do the work on the garments. Most of the brands being produced by women are â€Å"GAP, Polo, Yves Saint Laurent, Wal-Mart JC-Penny and others† (Sachs, 2004). In support to the issue mentioned by Jeffrey Sachs (2005) in his book â€Å"The End of Poverty† other articles also stated the same concern in which Sachs had mentioned. Most corporations prefer having their businesses moved to underdeveloped or developing nations due to the factor of culture and specifically, â€Å"feminine† traits. It is said. In the written work of Thrift (1989) and Taylor (1992) it is specifically stated that Malay women are one of the races in which they prefer in working with some of their products, â€Å"fast fingers, fine eyes sight, the passivity to withstand low-skilled, unstimulating work are said to be biological attributes to be unique to ‘oriental’ women (Thrift and Taylor p. 134). In addition, a Chinese engineer stated that, â€Å"Our work is designed for females†¦ if we employ men, within two or three months they’d run away†¦ Girls under thirty are easier to train and easier to adapt to the job function† (Thrift and Taylor p. 134). Evidently, the MNC’s prefer women in comparison to men due to the personalities that they have. MNCs know that they cannot treat men like they could treat women therefore, making women the main target of these corporations. In the context of the cost of labor, most MNC’s prefer women because they are given less compensation compared to men. In countries such as Malaysia, men have provided higher salaries therefore making them less of a priority to be hired. It is also believed by most MNC’s that unschooled women in Malaysia could only use some training and after a while they will be more efficient to work in factories (Ong, 1987). This context is very degrading for men. Men are not preferred due to their nature and personality. In another side, women are more empowered because they are preferred by most companies. They are able to provide for their family’s needs without being dependent on men. But if seen in a cultural perspective, become the breadwinner of the family. Although it brings positive outcome for women, the changes in structure of the society will be present and slowly evident (Sachs, 2004). With these types of situation one may ask, how do these situations come about? Such situations become evident to the society of underdeveloped and developing countries due to their need to uplift the situation of their economy. Most of these nations are indebt with developed countries, the IMF (International Monetary Fund) or the (WB) World Bank. If one could recall, there had become a debt crisis during the 1980’s in which made many nations indebt to different monetary organization to be able to survive (Sachs and Collins, 1989). Until this very day, many nations are still struggling to create answered to the decade long debt that they have. One of the answers they have seen is Foreign Direct Investments (FDI). In this type of solution, the underdeveloped and developing nations call upon the developed states to invest business in their countries. These developing and underdeveloped countries create way in which they could invite foreign investors in their country. Few of those schemes are the free trade zones and their women workers. With this situation, most of the MNCs take advantage of the tax-free situations and the subsidies given by the host government (Arregui and Baez, 1991). With the studies done by Arregui and Baez, they stated that women workers is also one of the reasons in which transnational companies decided to invest in the specific underdeveloped or developing countries. In addition, it is also stated that in the history of the world, most women are given low compensation (Arregui and Baez, 1991). Most of the time, these women are the most vulnerable and exploited workers because they have no choice but to agree upon the compensation given to them. Although Thrift and Taylor indicated that the skills needed are less compared to other works, Arregui and Baez firmly stated that the internalization of work currently requires more skills than before. With their view of the gender aspects of men and women, the authors have identified that having higher wages for men is very important in order to provide for their family. (Arregui and Baez, 1991)Such situation must be taken into consideration given that men, in the norms of the society are immediately entitled to provide for his family. Women on the other hand are not required to do so because of their responsibilities in the home. In context, having high salary for men is positive while women having high salary imply negativity. Sachs also adheres to this type of idea. He stated that the relationship of the family members becomes different. If the women are given high salary, the men would immediately be regarded to take care of the children compared to the usual. There is a great tendency that the women would be working for the family while the men will work at home and handle the children (Sachs, 2004). However, the current economic situations of the families in the underdeveloped and developing countries are in need to have a better economic lifestyle than what they have at present. The current lifestyle of families is that the mother and the father work for their children but then the lack of emotional attachment becomes an issue. In Sachs’ opinion, such problem does not only affect the gender responsibilities of men and women but also the welfare of the next generation.

Ellen Franz: Using Community to Close the Cultural Achievement Gap Essa

One of the foundations of teaching that is currently lacking adequate implementation in the classroom is the ability to understand and use the cultural differences that exist within different communities in order to help individual students thrive. Not only is it important for teachers to cultural awareness, but also it is crucial for teachers to have the skills to utilize this awareness when forming relationships between the learner and the community. Thus they are able to promote the best learning environment possible. In other words, while it is both important to focus on the individual students and the overall culture it is important to connect both of them in order students to be successful in the classroom. Ellen Franz, an elementary school teacher in a small school in Sausalito Marin City School District, is able to seamlessly accomplish the daunting task. She does so by focusing on the individual students’ needs while keeping in mind the overall community by being aware of the cultural differences between her and her students. She is grounded in the culture and community which allows her to use the techniques of ZPD in order to bring all students to a level where they can expand their knowledge and learn what they are supposed to in order to thrive. However, this is not a magic formula and creating the relationships with both the students and the community is not enough. To assure that ZPD is being used as effectively as possible, everyday she must take control of the class and in order to do so she consistently uses pedagogical knowledge, engagement, formative assessment, and persistence. Her ability to use pedagogical knowledge effectively is very important because it allows her to stay in control of the classroom and m... ...chers to know what pay attention to and what to focus on. In addition, there are some basic things that could be taught such as the importance of forging relationships with parents and how to knowing how to approach parents that may not as assessable either because of language barriers or work More importantly it is crucial for teacher to be culturally aware before joining the field of teaching because there is a thin line between being aware and feeling bad for students. When working in a community that is underserved it could be easy to make up excuses for students or assume that parents don’t care about their education. However, this is not always the case and if teachers have an idea of the challenges that they will face and a understanding of how to deal with them then it may buffer against the instinct to not hold students accountable to the same standards.

Gender as a Dimension of Social Stratification Essay

Everyone knows and speaks about equality between men and women, and we just conclude that men and women are not equal. Gender is considered a major dimension of social stratification since the responsibilities of both men and women are different which can be traced since old times. The society provides more power to men rather than women resulted consider gender as an important dimension of social stratification. The family is considered as the basic unit of society and that the position of the family in society class is determined by the socio-economic status of the male as the head of the family. Women are denied to highly public resources since the society point out that the role of women as mother and wife are devalued even though women’s roles are vital to the well-being of society. Women are moving from being traditional wife facing new challenges of new corporate and societal responsibilities. When roles of a woman are thought to require male direction in an organization, the unequal treatment is directly related to gender roles. The roles of men and women are settled to amounts of income, prestige and power; these inequalities contribute to the system of stratification. When we talk about stratification it refers to the different layers or strata of social groups which are thought to be arranged, one on top of the other, in various human societies (Saunders 1990 p. 1). The role of age and gender in the social stratification and organizational structures are characterized by differentiation of status, activities, strengthening of organizational hierarchy and inadequate systems. Through the process of socialization, people incorporate gender into their own personalities as well as their actions. Many believe that inequality is the interlocked practices and processes resulted in continuing inequalities in work. Criticizing inequality in the context of work organizations is vital and essential for the investigation of continues creation of complex inequalities since societal inequalities originate in organizations. Women experience new types of exploitation that continue their low status. Women’s share of the labor force is less than and their unemployment is higher than for men, women also earn lower than the male. Women pay may be less than that of men, although organizations require similar education, skills and training. Immigrant women who are well educated and affluent, still experience racial and gender inequalities as the source of oppression. Women and men come up with assumptions about whom they interact with within the organization, gender differences provide clues to appropriate assumptions followed by proper behaviors. Studies of race inequality have examined the production in different work organizations of racial disparities that contribute to wide racial discrimination. Race when paired with ethnicity, encapsulates multiple social realities is always inflected through gender and class differences. This theory concludes that researchers should pay attention to the intersections of race, gender and class. These intersectional analyses became generally acknowledged among scholars, but how to create and develop analyses into clear ideas of how dimensions of difference or immediate inequality-producing processes work has been difficult (cited in Holvino & Acker 2006). Governmental and social policies also increases and decreases inequalities based in gender and race which intersect with and constitute a class, civil rights and different movements challenge racial and gender inequalities. The law does not present view on such gender difference as discrimination. There are proposal for the segregation of women into female-dominated occupations in which many scholars believed that these might be a major cause of gap in terms of gender earnings. Many organizations like cooperatives, voluntary or professional organizations guided by democratic goals find inequality unacceptable and they will try to diminish it. They are fighting and working to close the gap between the jobs of men and women.

Middle East Women Studying Abroad presents a potential Solution to Racism Essay

Middle East Women Studying Abroad presents a potential Solution to RacismIntroductionMiddle East is one of the regions that are known to steer racism, gender inequality, and religious prejudice with low concerted efforts to minimize the occurrences. This has been a problem to both the domestic populations and foreign populations living in the region. The racism exists in both lower social and higher social class and across different races. Citizens and political leaders play a major part in propagating racial prejudice across different races and particularly on women (Shalhoub-Kevorkian, 2004). Leaders use their selfish motives to gain power and in the end steer prejudice within societies (Price, 2003).   Citizens have always trusted their leader and tend to follow their ill promises ending up in hatred and sometimes mistreatment and brutality to other races. Traditional methods by leaders to solve conflict in Middle East have led to inconclusive outcome and attitudes colored by st rong emotions on populations (Saaty, & Zoffer, 2012). Arabs and Islamic quest for a conspiracy theory, explain the lack of development and rise of dictatorial regimes in the Middle East. This is evidence by the lack of western hallmarks for society development thus faulting Arabs themselves. This is a representation of intellectual and cultural affliction independent of any external forces (Ismael, & Measor, 2003). Middle East education system, religious platforms and leaders have shown no interest in ending the problem. The large group of victims of racial prejudice is females and children who experiences discriminations and denial to other basic human rights (Ruby, 2013). They are much hurt in cases of violence and are subjected to inhumane acts such as rape and murder. This shows there is need to find a solution to the problem and empower women through advocating their rights. The major contributor of racism has been linked by the high levels of illiteracy in the country (Golding, 2009). This hinders populations from knowing their rights and hence hard for them to fight and demand their rights through successive and peaceful negotiation forum with leaders and other stakeholders. People knowing their rights through education and other enlightening plat forms would achieve a solution to racism. Few women who have benefited from getting education abroad have been so vocal about bringing solution to racism in Middle East but their numbers and unsupportive illiterate women let them down. Illiteracy is one of the major sustenance of racism in Middle East (Golding, 2009). Thus, the problem ends propagating itself to worse levels. If such women could increase in number in the region, a solution to the eating racism problem would be found. This study will be very important to leader and especial women in leadership and those studying abroad. Through the study, they will realize their role in curbing prejudice through informed knowledge on human rights (Gordon, 2012). The government and leader will be important audience so that they can advocate for foreign education and put policies in place that would encourage women to study abroad. Education significance                      The solution of racism has always been linked to men and political leader in Middle East. However, they have continuously failed in addressing the matter comprehensively and bringing a long lasting solution. Few enlightened women who by luck had a chance to go and study abroad seem to understand their rights and the need of a lasting solution in Middle East. Studying abroad equip women with necessary human rights knowledge necessary to address the Middle East problem (Gordon, 2012). The research that have been done tend to address solution based on traditional methods such as diplomacy and face-to-face and leaders intervention (Saaty, & Zoffer, 2012). The resolution forums never advocates for the rights of citizens but only advocated for need of reconciliation and unity. This research will be a revelation to leaders, women and government in bringing a solution to Middle East racism. Western countries seem also to have firm human rights activist who women studying abroad can emulate. This will help them understand their human rights will then they can transfer to the wide population (Steinberg, 2012; Ruby, 2013). A higher number of men have studied abroad from Middle East but they have done very little on the issue. Thus, this study will be very significant to all its audience in empowering women to study abroad thus awareness of human rights and solution to Middle East bringing a new dawn to the populations. Literature Review                      Racism is one of the major problems in Middle East that causes conflicts and brutality within populations. Middle East has Arabs and Muslim religious and ethnic group. In this region, non-Arabs and non-Muslims people are faced with rejection and disapproval (Fluehr-Lobban, 2005). The region also has more 20 diverse ethnic groups. The discussion on the religious and ethnic groups in the area is a taboo in the society. The components that may help to discuss potential solution to racism by women include: According to Saaty, and Zoffer, (2012) dispute resolution in middle East has been on the routine cause where leaders (males), use traditional approaches such as face to face to engager to conflicting party. These means have not been fruitful at all and so, leadership should adopt more practical dispute resolutions approaches in Middle East, which focus on the rights of the people in their social, humanitarian, economic, geographic, and historical worth. This way will help minimize conflicts and racism. Skilled people who are aware of their rights would tend to concentrate on nation building rather than their differences. Medovoi, (2012) argues that religion has been of the group that has exemplified on racism dynamics. The author regards religion as one of the group that has supplemented the racial dynamics. From the perspective that most religions groups are headed my men, it is an obvious conclusion that men and other readers have failed to use their potential leadership and influential position to bring solution to the problem of racism in Middle East. This calls for a change in the ways of thinking and culture of Middle East to trust male dominated leadership in Middle East. Steinberg, (2012) view the cause of racism and other violence against human rights to originate from political selfish welfare. He refers the persistence conflicts between Arabs and Israel as a form of political involvement. The leadership rather than solving the problem on their citizens and populations have continued to instigate hatred among the citizens. It is worth noting that male characters dominate the leadership here. Therefore, the failure to resolve conflicts and racism issues heavily fall on them. Semati, (2010) argues that Islamic domination in the region is one of the key factors that have led to slow resolution of the problems differential racism in Middle East. He argues that Islamophobia is an ideological response, which conflates politics, societies, histories and cultures of the Middle East to a negative and unified attitude on Islam. This has led to incompatibility with other races thus propagating the racial prejudice. This can also be attributed to the failure of male leadership in Islamic religion. References Baker, J. (2013). Just Kids? Peer Racism in a Predominantly White City. Refuge, 29(1), 75-85. Chronology. (2011). Middle East Journal, 65(1), 103-131. Fluehr-Lobban, C. (2006). Why Muslims Rebel: Repression and Resistance in the Islamic World. Arab Studies Quarterly, 28(2), 72-74. Golding, A. S. (2009).  Multiculturism, America, and the Middle East. Bloomington, IN: Authorhouse. Hasso, F. S. (2005). Problems and Promise in Middle East and North Africa Gender Research. Feminist Studies, 31(3), 653-678. Ismael, T. Y., & Measor, J. (2003). Racism and the North American Media Following 11 September: The Canadian Setting. Arab Studies Quarterly, 25(1/2), 101-136. Medovoi, L. (2012). Dogma-Line Racism. Social Text, 30(2_111), 43-74. Price, R. (2003).  Fast facts on the Middle East conflict. Eugene: Harvest House Pub Rodenborg, N. A. (2013). Aversive Racism and Intergroup Contact Theories: Cultural Competence in a Segregated World. Journal of Social Work Education, 49(4), 564-579. Semati, M. (2010). Islamophobia, Culture and Race in the Age of Empire. Cultural Studies, 24(2), 256-275. Shalhoub-Kevorkian, N. (2004). Racism, Militarisation and Policing: Police Reactions to Violence against Palestinian Women in Israel. Social Identities, 10(2), 171-193. Treacher, A. (2007). Circulating Emotions, Beliefs and Fantasies: The Middle East and the West. Psychodynamic Practice, 13(4), 345-360. Gordon, J. (2012). Human Right Education?. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 41(4), 754-767. Ruby, T. (2013). The Question 0f Muslim Women’s Rights And The Ontario Shari’ah Tribunals. Frontiers: A Journal of Women Studies, 34(2), 134-154. Steinberg, G. M. (2012). From Durban to the Goldstone Report: The Centrality Of Human Rights Ngos In The Political Dimension Of The Arab–Israeli Conflict. Israel Affairs, 18(3), 372-388 Steinberg, G. M. (2012). International Ngos, the Arab Upheaval, and Human Rights: Examining NGO Resource Allocation. Journal of International Human Rights, 11(1), 124-149. Boothe, I., & Smithey, L. A. (2007). Privilege, Empowerment, and Nonviolent Intervention. Peace & Change, 32(1), 39-61. Cakir, S., & Yerin Guneri, O. (2011). Exploring the Factors Contributing To Empowerment of Turkish Migrant Women in the UK. International Journal of Psychology, 46(3), 223-233. Kim, L. M. (2001). ‘I Was [So] Busy Fighting Racism That I Didn’t Even Know I Was Being Oppressed As A Woman!’: Challenges, Changes, and Empowerment In Teaching About Women Of Color. Nwsa Journal, 13(2), 98. Reardon, K. M. (1998). Combating Racism through Planning Education: Lessons from the East St. Louis Action Research Project. Planning Practice & Research, 13(4), 421-432.Rubin, J. (2008). From Patriarchy to Empowerment. Women’s Participation, Movements, and Rights in The Middle East, North Africa, And South Asia. Middle East Quarterly, 15(3), 84-85. Salime, Z. (2010). Securing The Market, Pacifying Civil Society, Empowering Women: The Middle East Partnership Initiative Securing the Market, Pacifying Civil Society, Empowering Women: The Middle East Partnership Initiative. Sociological Forum, 25(4), 725-745. Zuhur, S. (2003). Women and Empowerment in the Arab World. Arab Studies Quarterly, 25(4), 17-38. Burtonwood, N. (1990). Inset and Education for Multicultural Society: A Review Of The Literature. British Educational Research Journal, 16(4), 321.Osler, A. (2002). Education For Citizenship: Mainstreaming The Fight Against Racism?. European Journal of Education, 37(2), 143.Pettijohn Ii, T. S. (2008). Reducing Racism, Sexism, and Homophobia in College Students By Completing A Psychology Of Prejudice Course. College Student Journal, 42(2), 459-468. Short, G. (1996). Anti-Racist Education, Multiculturalism, and the New Racism. Educational Review, 48(1), 65. Source document

The Microsoft Antitrust Case essays

The Microsoft Antitrust Case essays The case against Microsoft was brought buy the U.S. Department of Justice, as well as several state Attorneys General. Microsoft is accused of using and maintaining monopoly power to gain an unfair advantage in the market. The case has been under observation for a long time, but the Justice department is having trouble coming up with substantial evidence against Microsoft. Specifically, the Department must prove: That Microsoft has monopoly power and is using it to gain unfair leverage in the market. And that Microsoft has maintained this monopoly power through exclusionary or predatory acts(Rule). Some say that Microsoft is only taking advantage of its position in the market and using innovative marketing strategies to attract new customers. They have chosen to implement a market development strategy to attract new customers who are looking for a system that has Internet capability. Microsoft feels that by integrating their Internet Explorer web browser technology into Windows, they are only improving its overall functionality available to the customer. Microsoft began expanding into the browser area because of increasing threat from Netscape and Java. Java is the programming language used to make Netscape. Programs that are written in Java can work on any PC, whether it has Windows on it or not. That is why there is a great threat to the Windows environment. The more Netscape is used, the more other vendors will begin writing Netscape compliant programs and the more Java will be used, which puts a damper on Windows. So Windows introduced their Internet explorer to combat the increasing Netscape usage. It did not do this to create a monopoly, but to protect itself. If people realize that Java programs can be run on ANY PC, then they will realize that they do not need to buy Windows. Some say that Microsoft began its illegal̶...

Hack, Hacker and Hacking

Hack, Hacker and Hacking Hack, Hacker and Hacking Hack, Hacker and Hacking By Maeve Maddox A reader is puzzled by a new permutation of the word hack: The word hack, until recently, meant to break into someones Internet account or system. Now I see it meaning tips or suggestions.   Am I correct? Like this reader, the only meaning that hack held for me in regard to computers was as a verb meaning â€Å"to illegally enter a computer system.† I too was surprised to come across headlines like the following: 100 Life Hacks That Make Life Easier 23 Inventive Hacks That Every Parent Should Know Millennials Are Ditching Delivery for This Dinner Hack Best Travel Hacks 17 Thanksgiving Hacks For The Best Meal Of Your Life How did hack go from â€Å"illegal computer activity† to â€Å"a tip for making things easier to do†? Looking a little further, I find that hack and hacking to connote only malicious unauthorized access to computer files may reflect general usage, but not that of programmers who are proud to be known as â€Å"hackers.† The OED has ten entries for the word hack: five as a noun, four as a verb, and one as a combining form. The verb hack in the sense of â€Å"to cut with heavy blows† has been in the language since the early 13th century, but the use of hack in the context of computer programming dates from the 1970s. Note: Hack in the sense of â€Å"to cope with† dates from 1955: â€Å"I can’t hack all this extra work.† The etymology of the computer term hack is not certain. According to one theory, it derives from the noun hack used as tech slang for â€Å"one who works like a hack at writing and experimenting with software, one who enjoys computer programming for its own sake. (OnlineEtymologyDictionary). The noun hacker does not carry a connotation of illegal activity in the following OED citations from 1976: The compulsive programmer, or hacker as he calls himself, is usually a superb technician. The compulsive programmer spends all the time he can working on one of his big projects. ‘Working’ is not the word he uses; he calls what he does ‘hacking’. The earliest citation that associates the word hacking with illegal activity is dated 1983: Hacking, as the practice of gaining illegal or unauthorized access to other peoples computers is called. Because hack, hacker, and hacking have such varied connotations, writers should consider the intended audience when using them. In the programming community, hacker and hacking are good things, or at least neutral. Using an adjective to describe the bad kind might be useful when writing for programmers, for example, â€Å"malicious hacking† or â€Å"illegal hacking.† As for the noun hack meaning â€Å"tip,† â€Å"suggestion,† or â€Å"work-around,† I expect the usage will become embedded in computer-speak. The trendy use of hack in the context of cooking, parenting, and other non-computer-related fields, however, will probably eventually revert to tip or suggestion. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Possessive of Proper Names Ending in Sâ€Å"As Well As† Does Not Mean â€Å"And†The Difference Between e.g. and i.e.?

Military intelligence ethicist Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Military intelligence ethicist - Essay Example The first solution, of taking no action, will leave tribal warfare unchecked and rampant in the area. Without a reason to stop, the warlords will continue raising armies, hording needed supplies, and violating international law. The second solution, of extensive intervention, leaves open the possibility of all-out warring between Americans and Kapawa fighters, with untold devastation on civilian populations. The third solution, a middle ground, will commit a small contingent of American troops to fighting the violence. However, this third option may do nothing more than put American forces in harm’s way for a mission that may end up being too small to be of great effectiveness. From the consequentialist point of view, the third option of engaging in limited strikes is out of the question, insofar as it does not solve the underlying problem of warlords. The problem in the case of Kapawa is institutional, not merely an armed conflict. There are deep political and ethnographic problems in the state, which cannot be resolved by a minimal engagement on the part of American soldiers. Deciding from there, the consequentialist looks at the first option: to take no action. Although this option saves the lives of American soldiers, the loss of Kapawa life and infrastructure may be far too great of a cost. If the commander leaves the Kapawa people to deal with warlords by themselves, people will continue to die from the fighting and the resulting famine. Although help can be delivered from non-governmental entities, the underlying problem remains Logically, the second option, of full-scale intervention, makes the most sense. It eliminates the institutional and political problems affecting the Kapawa people. It gives American the opportunity to establish a stable and functioning government, and settles disputes between the warring tribes. It reestablishes the opportunity for the fair distribution of resources inside the country and

The Role of Mainstream Media Limited in Contemporary Globalized Essay

The Role of Mainstream Media Limited in Contemporary Globalized Society - Essay Example The power today lands in the hands of people who have become both the architects and focus of media, and are redefining globalization. The key question that this essay, analyses and addresses, is whether the role of mainstream media, in light of that has been limiting in today’s globalized world and how the power-shift towards social-media is affecting mainstream media. Introduction Of the three dimensions of globalization: political, economical and cultural, cultural globalization has been the face of globalization. It is partly because of concerns with economic and political forms of globalization (Robertson and White) and partly because of the active role that media has played in it. The speech of Boris Yelsen on the fall of Soviet Union, broadcasted by CNN satellite has been identified as the decisive moment of advent of globalization (Beck). Since then, Media has played an important role in defining, shaping and amplifying globalization. Marx and Engels contemplated that print media, known as the Fourth Estate, would be an important piece in the establishment of a democratic public body that catalyzes social change (Kellner and Pierce). The rise of global media with cable television, news networks and privatization of media further brought the world together. A number of networks became global in their outreach like CNN, MTV, HBO, ESPN, TNT, Nickelodeon, the Cartoon Network, Discovery, Disney, and many of these channels were translated and adopted as per local languages and cultures. Some scholars, however, have criticized this influence, as cultural imperialism as Western culture has been dominant in private media networks (Jan)(Thussu). Technological advancesand socia media The communication ecosystem of the industrial globalized society has been traditionally built on mainstream mass media, principally television, radio and the print press. These technologies have adopted the mass dissemination of a one-way communication from one-to-many. Since t he late 90s, the extensive spread and diffusion of the Internet, mobile technologies, digital media and a diversity of social technological tools throughout the globe has transmuted the one-to-many communication network into interactive horizontal linkages that link the local with the global. New forms of social media (online media tools that enable people to communicate easily with internet to known people or a wider audience), such as text messages, tweets, blogs, communication forums, social networking sites, podcasts and wikis, tailor the flow of messages from many-to-many. This medium has provided alternative means for citizen communication, participatory journalism and globalization. Power-paradigm within mainstream and social media Power has played an important role for mainstream media to create an impact on the society. In his book, Why study the Media?, author Roger Silverstone states that media holds the power to influence and change the political processes(Silverstone). It is about the reach, representation – presenting, revealing and explaining, that gave mainstream media a commanding control over how things are perceived in different types of the world. Similarly, (Volkmer) in his book, News in the Global Sphere: A study of CNN and its Impact on Global Communication, asserts that global political communications such as that of CNN International have been a dominative force in creating a global public sphere and thereby a global civil society. However,

Analysis of the Sources that Explained Mesopotamia in Preindustrial Annotated Bibliography

Analysis of the Sources that Explained Mesopotamia in Preindustrial Era - Annotated Bibliography Example The problems will be linked to the economic and social wellbeing of the country. They will also be linked to the increasing settlement in the region with the focus being on how this article describes early settlement. The social problems experienced are directly linked to urbanization which will be detailed upon by the articles. The aim of the article will be to provide information that would describe earlier settlement. The article will give details on how the problems affected settlement in the city. This will also detail how it also affected the structural design of the city. The article also explores models designed by preindustrial Mesopotamia in curbing these social problems. The article also explores the manner in which the two rivers bordering the city where effecting while constructing the city and at the same time sustain life within the city. The focus will be to highlight the factors that contributed to the problems and the solutions offered by the dwellers within the cit y. There is a need to focus on human geography. This source will detail the population distribution of the region and at the same time focus on the economic activities of the region. The aim will be to determine the human element in the existence of the city and how different cultures coexisted within the city. The focus will be on how resources were distributed within the city. The aim would be discussed the population growth and to determine how this contributed to the expansion of the city. The connections between human population and the citizen of the city will be focused upon. The migration patterns and the population of the neighboring cities will be focused upon. The factors that enhanced the migration will be discussed. This will be compared to the available economic activities within the region. The article will detail what resources were utilized during the development of the city.  

The Anticipation Of Love English Literature Essay

The Anticipation Of Love English Literature Essay This touchy poem earned a lot of fame to the great Argentine poet, essayist, and short-story writer, whose tales of fantasy and dream worlds are classics of the 20th-century world literature. He was profoundly influenced by European culture, English literature, and thinkers such as Berkeley, who argued that there is no material substance; the sensible world consists only of ideas, which exist for so long as they are perceived. Most of his tales embrace universal themes the often recurring circular labyrinth can be seen as a metaphor of life or a riddle which theme is time. Although Borgess name was mentioned in speculations about Nobel Prize, he never became one. Jorge Luis Borges was born on August 24, 1899, in Buenos Aires. A few years later, his family moved to the northern suburb of Palermo, which he was to celebrate in prose and verse. He received his earliest education at home, where he learned English and read widely in his fathers library of English books. When Borges was nine years of age, he began his public schooling in Palermo, and in the same year, published his first literary undertaking, which was a translation into Spanish of Oscar Wildes The Happy Prince. In 1914 the Borges family traveled to Europe. When World War I broke out, they settled for the duration in Switzerland, where young Borges finished his formal education at the College in Geneva. By 1919, when the family moved on to Spain, Borges had learned several languages and had begun to write and translate poetry (Liukkonen and Pesonen, Jorge Luis Borges (1899-1986)). In Seville and Madrid, he frequented literary gatherings absorbing the lessons of new poetical theorists of the time-especially those of Rafael Cansinos Assà ©ns, who headed a group of writers who came to be known as ultraists. When the family returned to Argentina in 1921, Borges rediscovered his native Buenos Aires and began to write poems dealing with his intimate feelings for the city, its past, and certain fading features of its quiet suburbs. His early poetry was reflective in tone; metaphors dominated, usual linking words were suppressed, and the humble, tranquil aspects of the city that he evoked seemed somehow contaminated by eternity. With other young Argentine writers, Borges collaborated in the founding of new publications, in which the ultraist mode was cultivated in the New World. In 1923, his first volume of poetry, Fervor of Buenos Aires, was published, and it also made somewhat of a name for him in Spain. In 1925, his second book of poetry, Moon across the Way, appeared, which was followed in 1929 by San Martin Notebook -the last new collection of his verse to appear for three decades. Borges gradually developed a keen interest in literary criticism. His critical and philosophical essays began to fill most of the volumes he published during the period 1925-1940: Inquisitions (1925), The Dimensions of My Hope (1926), The Language of the Argentines (1928), Evaristo Carriego (1930), Discussion (1932), and History of Eternity (1938). Change in Style In 1938, with his father gravely ill from a heart ailment, Borges obtained an appointment in a municipal library in Buenos Aires. Before years end, his father died. Borges, himself, came close to death from septicemia, the complication of an infected head injury. This period of crisis produced an important change in Borges. He began to write prose fiction tales of a curious and highly original character. These pieces seemed to be philosophical essays invested with narrative qualities and tensions. Others were short stories infused with metaphorical concepts. Ten of these concise, well-executed stories were collected in Ficciones (1944). A second volume of similar tales, entitled The Aleph, was published in 1949. Borgess fame as a writer firmly rests on the narratives contained in these two books, to which other stories were added in later editions. After The Aleph, he published an important collection of essays, Other Inquisitions (1952); several collections of poetry and prose sketches, Dreamtigers (1960), In Praise of Darkness (1969), The Deep Rose (1975), and The Iron Coin (1976); and two collections of new short stories, Dr. Brodies Report (1970) and The Book of Sand (1975). Aside from these works, Borges wrote over a dozen books in collaboration with other persons. Foremost among his collaborators was Adolfo Bioy Casares, an Argentine novelist and short-story writer, who was Borgess closest literary associate for nearly 40 years. In 1961 Borges shared with Samuel Beckett the $10,000 International Publishers Prize, and world recognition at last began to come his way. He received countless honors and prizes. In 1970, he was the first recipient of the $25,000 Matarazzo Sobrinho Inter-American Literary Prize. Borges, who had long suffered from eye problems, was totally blind in his last decades. He had a congenital defect that had afflicted several generations on his fathers side of the family. However, he continued to publish several books, among them EL LIBRO DE LOS SERES IMAGINARIOS (1967), EL INFORME DE BRODIE (1970), and EL LIBRO DE ARENA (1975). To him, books meant everything. Philosophy and Theology Borgess fictional universe was born from his vast and esoteric readings in literature, philosophy, and theology. He saw mans search for meaning in an infinite universe as a fruitless effort. In the universe of energy, mass, and speed of light, Borges considered the central riddle time, and not space. He believed in an infinite series of times, in a growing, dizzying net of divergent, convergent and parallel times. This network of times which approached one another, forked, broke off, or was unaware of one another for centuries, embraces all possibilities of time (Hoffmann, pp 316). The theological speculations of Gnosticism and the Cabala gave ideas for many of his plots. Borges revealed in an interview that when he was a boy, he found an engraving of the Seven Wonders of the World, one of which portrayed a circular labyrinth. It frightened him and the maze has been one of his recurrent nightmares. Almost instantly, I understood: The garden of forking paths was the chaotic novel; the phrase the various futures (not to all) suggested to me the forking in time, not in space (Yates, The Garden of Forking Paths). Borges, who was a deep philosopher of poetry, presented each of his writings as an ontological enigma. Similarly, a borgesian story or poem would often assume the patterns of a treatise. The writings of Borges are full of emotions or are simply entertaining, also often characterized by fantastic ontologies, synchronic genealogies, utopian grammars, fictional geographies. In addition, he conceived philosophy has perplexity and poetry as the deepest form of rationality. The beauty of his poetry and the depth of his knowledge do great justice to the Spanish language and universal mind (University of Pittsburgh, . Conclusion Borges married Elsa Astete Millan in 1967, but was divorced in 1970. He married Maria Kodama in 1986, shortly before his death on June 14, in Geneva, Switzerland. In 1985, he moved permanently to Geneva, Switzerland. There he died of liver cancer on June 14, 1986, and was buried at the old Plainpalais Cemetery. The intellectual style of Borges presents each of his writings as an ontological riddle. His works offer exposure to interdisciplinary research and provide a treat to both the academic scholar and the ordinary reader.

Grandpa - The Life of a Golfer and Great Man :: Biography Biographies Essays

Grandpa - The Life of a Golfer and Great Man As I got to know my husband's family, I knew golf was the one thing I eventually was going to have to learn. To them golf is more than just a sport, it is a way of life. Every summer they gather on the golf course for at least one round of golf a week and it always made me wonder, what is it about the game that has got them this hooked? Is there something about it I am just not getting? Every holiday, birthday or major occasion, there is always someone who will happily accept any gift related to golf. So one day, I began to ask questions, and eventually I found out the person they have to thank for this wonderful vice is Grandpa Luke. Luke Sutton is an 80 year old man who has played many roles. As you see him standing on the green, you see a man covered with the suntan of many summers spent outside playing golf. You see big rough hands, worn down from years of factory work, and the grey hair and many wrinkles he has earned. But you also see the twinkle in his eyes and the great big smile on his face that always invites you to come and talk with him for a while, since he has many stories to tell. I would like to tell you the story of how he became the golfer that he is, since it is an accomplishment of his no one knows much about. Luke Sutton was born in 1915 and grew up during the Depression Era in Henry, Illinois, a small suburb of Chicago. At age 9 he and his older brother found jobs as caddies at the Ravisloe Country Club. He was two years younger than the age limit for caddies, but he persuaded management to allow him to caddie for the ladies in the club. He was such a small boy and their golf bags were not as heavy as the men's golf bags. He was paid one dollar for each round played and when it was time to go home, he would walk the four miles back home. "Don't break the dollar for bus fare," his mother would say. It was a rough time financially and every little bit helped the whole family. It was through caddying that he developed his love for the sport.

Analytics exercise: Quality Management †Toyota Essay

Discussion Questions: Develop diagram that summarizes what Toyota has done in response to it recent quality recall problems. Focus on the changes by functional area (i.e. Management, Product Design, Quality, and Manufacturing). Functional Area Actions Management Name a managing director to oversee all safety-related issues. Quality Launch a global database to track vehicle repairs and cut reporting times about customer complaints from months to days. The foundation of Toyota Advanced Quality Information Center. Extend deployment of rapidresponse teams to determine the causes of accidents beyond the US and Japan to other major markets, including China and Europe. Swift Market Analysis Response Team that they rolled out globally Manufacturing Assign 1000 engineers to spot-check quality and add at least four weeks to its new-car development scedules. Evaluate the statement in the case made by Toru Sakuragi. Is this a realistic strategy? Do you have suggestions for how the strategy might be improved? The strategy to balance between pursuing the need to cut costs to overcome the strong yen and the need to improve quality to prevent recalls is a realistic but difficult strategy if you look at the long-term. Cutting costs and improving quality are both decisive factors for Toyotas survival. Toyota first built its reputation on quality, but seen the damage it suffered years ago, this strategy is determining if Toyota can make a remarkable recovery or not. Firstly, it needs to insure that quality is settled across all makes and models. They can continue to look for cost savings, but do so without sacrificing that baseline set of customer expectations. Secondly it should look for features that are no longer relevant, that customers no longer care about, and use this as a basis for cost cutting features. And finally it should look for points of innovation across its portfolio and it continue its role as a auto technology innovator, to stay competitive. Suggest improvements that you feel could be made to Toyota’s quality program. Also, what might Toyota do to improve its image to the consumer relative to quality.

Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story Chapter 29

Chapter 29 Paying Respects Gilbert Bendetti liked his job, really liked his job. It was a government job, of sorts, so the benefits were good and the work easy. He liked working nights, too, it was quiet and he was usually in the morgue by himself, so he didn't have to feel self-conscious about his weight or his bad skin. He liked playing with computers and the lab equipment, and he liked answering the phone and acting official. Being the night man at the coroner's office would have been a great job even if he didn't get to fuck the dead, but with that, it was heaven. Tonight Gilbert was bubbling with anticipation. They had wheeled Miss Right in that afternoon and left him explicit instructions not to put her away, but to let her sit out to thaw for the autopsy. Some psycho had put her in a freezer. Sick bastard had put TV dinners under her arms. Now she was curled up on a gurney, teasing him. That cocktail dress, that red hair – he could hardly wait. He checked the log and locked his skin books in the desk drawer, then loosened his lab coat and went down the hall to test her for flexibility. The last time he checked she'd started to get a little flexibility, but he knew that inside she was – well – frigid, despite the Salisbury-steak gravy dripping from under her arms. He pushed through the glass door into the holding room and there she was, just as he had left her, her pouty lips beckoning to him, her lovely legs curled up behind her. â€Å"My angel,† Gilbert said, â€Å"shall I help you with those pesky panty hose?† He straightened her legs on the gurney and pushed her skirt up. She was still a little chilly, but she was movable. Good, once rigor mortis set in, passion could put you into positions that would challenge a yoga master. Gilbert had thrown his back out more than once. Her panty hose were sheer black, but except for her right big toe, her feet were dusty. She must have been walking in her stocking feet. Indulging himself in some foreplay, Gilbert had sucked her big toe clean shortly after they brought her in. Foreplay, sorta. He considered testing her with the meat thermometer, but she was so perfect, he didn't want to mark that lovely body. He reached up under her skirt, grabbed the waistband of her panty hose, and began to work them down. â€Å"Black lace panties, my goodness†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He tried to remember her name, then checked her toe tag. â€Å"My goodness, Jody, how did you know I liked black lace?† He peeled her panty hose off, stopping to loosen the toe tag first, then ran his hands up her thighs after the lace panties. â€Å"And a natural redhead,† Gilbert said, dropping the panties on the floor. He stepped back a moment to admire her and slip out of his lab coat. He locked the wheels on the gurney, pulled the TV dinners out from under her arms, and unzipped his pants. â€Å"This is going to be so good. So good.† He climbed over the end of the gurney, careful to stay balanced. Nothing ruined the mood more than toppling to the linoleum and bashing your skull. He licked a path up the inside of her leg. â€Å"Tommy, that tickles,† she said. Gilbert looked up. No, it's my imagination. He returned to his pleasure. â€Å"No, let me shower first,† she said. She sat up. Gilbert pushed himself backward so violently that the gurney went up on its end, dumping Jody on the floor. Gilbert backed away from her holding his chest, his breath refusing to come, bis withering willy waving in front of him. Jody climbed to her feet. â€Å"Who are you?† Gilbert couldn't talk. He couldn't breathe. It felt as if barbed wire had been looped around his heart and was being yanked by a team of horses. He backed into a rack of drawers, banging his head. Jody looked around. â€Å"How did I get here? Answer me.† Gilbert gasped and fell to his knees. â€Å"Where's Tommy? And where the fuck are my panties?† Gilbert was shaking his head. He rolled on his side, took two more tortured breaths, and died. â€Å"Hey!† Jody said. â€Å"I need some answers here.† Gilbert didn't answer. Jody watched the black aura of his dying fade away, leaving only the residual heat signature of his body. â€Å"Sorry,† she said. She looked around: the gurney, the big file drawers of the dead, the instruments of dissection – this sure looked like the morgues in the movies. Something had gone seriously wrong while she slept. She checked her watch, but it was gone. The wall clock over Gilbert's body read 1 a.m. Why did I wake up so late? I've got to find Tommy and find out what happened. She picked up her panties from the floor and wiggled into them. The panty hose she left where they lay, instead looking around for her shoes. She didn't see them. She didn't see her purse anywhere either. Money. I'm going to need cab fare. She crouched by Gilbert's body and rifled through his pockets, coming up with thirty dollars and some change. Almost as an afterthought she tucked his exposed member back into his pants and zipped him up. â€Å"I did that for your family, not for you,† she said. Then thought, I'm getting worse than Tommy, talking to dead people. She started toward the door, then stopped and looked at the wall of drawers. The scenario cane over her like a sudden sneeze. Tommy is probably in one of those drawers. The vampire killed him, and when the coroner came, they thought I was dead too. But why did he spare me? And why did it take so long to wake up? Maybe it was that med student. Maybe when I missed the meeting he told the cops when to find me. But he didn't know how to find me. She went though the glass doors and down the hall where she stopped at the phone and called the loft. No answer. She dialed the Marina Safeway's number. â€Å"Marina Safeway.† She recognized Simon McQueen's drawl. â€Å"Simon, this is Jody. I need to talk to Tommy.† â€Å"Who? Who did you say you were?† â€Å"It's Jody. Tommy's girlfriend. I need to speak to him.† Simon was quiet for a moment. When he finally spoke, his voice was an octave lower. â€Å"You don't know where Flood is?† â€Å"He's not there?† â€Å"Nope.† â€Å"Is he okay?† â€Å"In a manner of speakin', he's okay. What about you? You feelin' all right?† â€Å"Yes, Simon, I'm fine. Where's Tommy?† â€Å"Well, ain't you a wonder. You're sure you feel okay?† â€Å"Yes. Where's Tommy?† â€Å"I can't tell you over the phone. I'll come get you. Where are you?† â€Å"I'm not sure; just a second.† Jody ran to the front door. The address was printed on the glass. She went back to the phone and gave Simon an address two blocks away. â€Å"Let me get someone to cover my section. I'll be there in a half hour.† â€Å"Thanks, Simon.† Jody hung up. What in the hell was going on? While she waited for Simon to arrive, Jody parried the propositions of two guys in a Mercedes who had mistaken her for a hooker. Not an unreasonable mistake considering she was standing barefoot on a back street in a low-cut cocktail dress on a cold San Francisco night. Finally, when she told them she was an undercover cop, their resolve softened and they drove off hanging their heads. Simon rounded the corner five minutes later and skidded to a stop in a cloud of smoking rubber and testosterone. He threw the door open for her. â€Å"Get in.† Jody leaped into the passenger seat. Simon seemed a little surprised that she hadn't used the two steps mounted under the door. â€Å"You're steppin' high tonight, darlin',† Simon said. Jody closed the door. â€Å"Where's Tommy?† â€Å"Hold your horses, I'll take you to him.† Simon put the truck in gear and roared off. â€Å"You sure you're feeling all right?† â€Å"Yes, I'm fine. Why couldn't you tell me what happened to Tommy on the phone?† â€Å"Well, he's hiding out. Seems the police want him for some murders.† â€Å"The Whiplash murders?† â€Å"Those be the ones.† Simon looked at her. â€Å"Ain't you cold?† â€Å"Oh, I lost my coat.† â€Å"And shoes?† â€Å"Yes, and shoes. Some guys were chasing me.† Jody knew she didn't sound very convincing. They were headed down Market toward the Bay Bridge. Simon grinned and pushed his black Stetson back on his head. â€Å"You don't get cold, do you, darlin'?† â€Å"What do you mean?† Simon hit the electric-lock button; Jody heard the lock go thunk at her side. Simon said, â€Å"You don't get hot either, do you? Or sick. Do you get sick?† Jody hugged the door handle. â€Å"What are you getting at, Simon?† Simon reached inside his jacket and came out with a Colt Python revolver. He pointed it at her and cocked it. â€Å"Now I know bullets might not kill you, but I'll bet they hurt like hell. And I put some little wood pegs in the hollow points just in case that does the job.† Jody had no idea what a bullet would do to her and she didn't want to find out. â€Å"What do you want, Simon?† Simon pulled the truck into an alley and switched off the engine. â€Å"Couple of things. I don't know which I want first until you answer some questions.† â€Å"Whatever you want, Simon. You're Tommy's friend. You don't have to be a hard-ass, just ask.† â€Å"That's right sweet of you, darlin'. Now tell me, do you get sick?† â€Å"Everybody gets sick, Simon. I get a cold every now and then.† Simon dug the gun into her ribs. â€Å"Don't bullshit me now. I know what you are.† Jody looked closely at Simon for the first time. He was burning up, the heat coming off him in red waves, even in the relative warmth of the truck cab. But below the heat aura she saw something else that she hadn't seen the first night she'd met him. Maybe because she hadn't known what to look for. Under the heat signature Simon was ringed by a thin black corona, as she had seen on other people – the death aura, but thinner, as if it was just growing. She said, â€Å"Are you sure you're not just being an asshole again, Simon? Holding up your friend's girlfriend?† â€Å"Don't get slippery on me, Red. I saw you sleeping that day we partied at your house. I touched you. You're cold as a witch's titty. And Flood always complainin' about you sleeping all day. And how he had to have them turtles alive. But I didn't put it all together until the Emperor started screaming about vampires and the cops took Flood away.† â€Å"You're nuts, Simon. None of that proves anything. There's no such thing as vampires.† â€Å"Oh yeah? Well, you know why they arrested Tommy?† â€Å"No, I didn't know†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Because they found you dead in the freezer, that's why. He's in for your murder, missy. I still had some doubts until you called just now. You'll be my first dead piece of ass, not counting the time I choked my chicken over a picture of Marilyn.† Jody was stunned. A wave of panic swept through her, the inner voice shouting, Kill him, hide; kill him, hide. She fought it back. â€Å"You're doing this because you want sex?† â€Å"Well, that's part of it. You see, I ain't been well laid for five years – since I picked me up this bug. It's kinda hard to get yourself into a good three-toweler when you got the dick of death. I ain't no ass bandit, though. I let some whore from Oakland fix me up with a speedball. Six of us shared the needle.† â€Å"You're dying of AIDS?† Jody asked. â€Å"No need to candy-coat it, darlin'. Just come right out and say it.† â€Å"Sorry, Simon, but when someone has a gun on me and tells me he's going to rape me, I forget my manners.† â€Å"Ain't going to be no rape unless you want it. The other thing is more important.† â€Å"Other thing?† â€Å"I want you to change me into a vampire.† â€Å"No, you don't, Simon. You don't know what it's like.† â€Å"I don't need to know, darlin'. I know I'm going to die if you don't. It ain't just HIV anymore, it's full-blown. I can hardly get my boots on and off from the sores. The doctor's got me on enough pills to choke a horse. Now do it.† Jody felt for him. For all his arrogant cowboy panache, she could tell he was afraid. â€Å"I don't know how, Simon. I don't know how I was changed. It just happened.† He dug the barrel of the gun up under her breast and slid across the seat next to her. â€Å"You just bite my damn neck. Now do it!† â€Å"That doesn't work. That would just kill you. I don't know how to turn you into a vampire.† Simon took the gun out of her ribs and held it against her thigh. â€Å"I'm going to count to three, then I'm going to shoot you in the leg if you don't start turning me. Then I'm going to count to three and shoot you in the other leg. I didn't want to do this, but you got to see.† Jody could see tears welling up in Simon's eyes. He didn't want to do this, but she knew he would. She wondered even if she knew how to turn him if she would do it. â€Å"Simon, please, I really don't know how to turn you. Let me go. Maybe I'll find out.† â€Å"I don't have the time, darlin'. If I have to trade the daylight for a lifetime of nights, I'll take the nights. I'm counting now. One!† â€Å"Simon, don't. Just wait.† â€Å"Two!† Jody watched a tear roll out of his eye. She felt his body tense and looked down at the gun. The tendons in his hand were tightening. He was going to do it. â€Å"Three!† Jody shot out her right hand, palm open, and hit Simon under the chin while sweeping the gun away from her leg with her right. The gun went off, sending a bullet through the floorboard. The explosion covered the noise of Simon's neck snapping but she could feel the crunch against her palm. Simon slumped back in the seat, his head thrown back and mouth open as if he were frozen in a laugh. Over the ringing in her ears Jody could hear his last breath squeaking out of his lungs. The black aura around him faded away. She reached over and straightened his Stetson. â€Å"God, Simon, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.† Rivera drove. Cavuto sat in the passenger seat smoking and talking on the radio. He keyed the mike. â€Å"If anyone sees the Emperor tonight, detain him and call Rivera and Cavuto. He's wanted for questioning but he's not, I repeat not, a suspect. In other words, don't scare him.† Cavuto hung the mike on the dash and said to Rivera, â€Å"You really don't think that this is a waste of time?† â€Å"Like I said, Nick, homicide and the coroner are the only ones who know about the blood loss. Our guys wouldn't leak, but even if there was a leak in the coroner's office, I can't imagine anyone telling the Emperor. Whoever did these murders is behaving like a vampire. Maybe he thinks he's a vampire. So to catch him, we have to pretend we're tracking a vampire.† â€Å"That's bullshit. We've got enough evidence on the kid to get an indictment right now, and by the time forensics gets done with his apartment we'll have enough for a conviction.† â€Å"Yeah,† Rivera said, â€Å"except for one thing.† Cavuto rolled his eyes. â€Å"I know, you don't think he killed anyone.† â€Å"And neither do you.† Cavuto chomped his cigar and looked out the car window at a group of winos milling on a corner by a liquor store. â€Å"Do you?† Rivera insisted. â€Å"He knows who did. And if I have to walk his cute little ass right up to the chair to get him to tell, I will.† A call came over the radio. â€Å"Go ahead,† Cavuto said into the mike. The dispatcher's voice crackled over the speaker. â€Å"Unit ten is holding the Emperor at Mason and Bay. Do you want them to bring him in?† Cavuto turned to Rivera and raised his eyebrows. â€Å"Well?† â€Å"No, tell them we'll be there in five.† Cavuto keyed the mike. â€Å"Negative, we're on our way.† Three minutes later Rivera pulled the unmarked Dodge into a red zone behind the cruiser. The two uniformed officers were playing with Lazarus and Bummer, whose armor rattled and clanged as they frisked. The Emperor stood by, his wooden sword still in hand. Rivera got out of the car first. â€Å"Good evening, Your Majesty.† â€Å"Give me a fucking break,† Cavuto said under his breath as he hoisted his bulk out of the car. â€Å"And a good early morning to you, Inspector.† The Emperor bowed. â€Å"I see the fiend has us all burning the midnight oil.† Rivera nodded to the uniforms. â€Å"We got it, guys, thanks.† One of the uniforms was a woman. She shot Rivera a dirty look as she headed for the cruiser. Rivera turned his attention back to the Emperor. â€Å"You've been busy calling in reports of a vampire in the City.† The Emperor frowned. â€Å"And I must say, Inspector, I'm a bit disappointed with the lack of promptness of your response.† â€Å"Eat me,† said Cavuto. â€Å"We've been busy,† Rivera said. â€Å"Well, you're here at last.† The Emperor waved to Bummer and Lazarus, who were waiting at his heel. â€Å"You know the men?† â€Å"We've met,† Rivera said with a wave. â€Å"Your Majesty, you reported seeing a vampire† – Rivera pulled a notebook out of his jacket pocket – â€Å"three different times over the last month and a half.† Rivera took a copy of Tommy's mug shot from his notebook and held it out to the Emperor. â€Å"Is this the man you saw?† â€Å"Heavens no. That's my friend C. Thomas Flood, aspiring author. A fine, if confused, lad. I arranged for his employment at the Marina Safeway.† â€Å"But he's not the man you reported as being a vampire.† â€Å"No. The fiend is older, and has sharp features, of Arab descent, I would guess, if he were not so pale.† Cavuto stepped up and took the picture from Rivera. â€Å"You reported the body they found in SOMA, but you said you didn't see anything. Did you see this man anywhere near the scene?† â€Å"The victim was a friend of mine, Charlie. He left his mind in Vietnam, I'm afraid, but a good soul just the same. He had been dead for some time when I found him, though. The fiend left him there to rot.† Cavuto bristled. â€Å"But you didn't see this vampire guy at the scene either.† â€Å"I have seen him in the financial district, once in Chinatown, and at the marina last night. In fact, that young man gave me sanctuary at the Safeway.† Cavuto's beeper went off. He ignored it. â€Å"You saw Flood and this vampire guy together?† â€Å"No, I ran from the wharf when the fiend materialized out of mist.† â€Å"I'm outta here,† Cavuto said, throwing up his hands. He checked his beeper and went back to the car. Rivera held his ground. â€Å"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, my partner needs to learn some manners. Now, if you can just tell me†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Cavuto beeped the horn and hung his head out the window. â€Å"Rivera, come on. They found another one. Let's go.† â€Å"Wait a second.† Rivera took a business card out of his wallet and gave it to the Emperor. â€Å"Highness, could you call me tomorrow, around noon? I'll come get you wherever you are – buy you and the men some lunch.† â€Å"Of course, my son.† Cavuto yelled out the car window, â€Å"Let's go, this one's fresh.† â€Å"Be careful,† Rivera said to the Emperor. â€Å"Watch your back, okay?† The Emperor grinned. â€Å"Safety first.† Rivera turned and walked to the car. He was still shutting the door as Cavuto pulled away from the curb. Cavuto said, â€Å"Another snapped neck. Body's in a pickup off of Market. Uniforms found it five minutes ago.† â€Å"Blood loss?† â€Å"They knew enough not to say over the radio. But there's a witness.† â€Å"Witness?† â€Å"Homeless guy sleeping in the alley saw a woman leaving the scene. There's an all-points out for a redheaded female in a black cocktail dress.† â€Å"You're bullshitting.† Cavuto turned and looked him in the eye. â€Å"The Laundromat ninja returns.† â€Å"Santa Fucking Maria,† Rivera said. â€Å"I love it when you speak Spanish.† The radio crackled again, the dispatcher calling their unit number. Rivera grabbed the mike and keyed it. â€Å"What now?† he said.