3 and 4 Digit Division Worksheets with Remainders

Essay about Human Rights in Africa - 1855 Words

Introduction The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is an international document that states some basic rights and necessary or fundamental freedoms for every human beings. (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) It was created by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 10th December 1948. (The Foundation of the Human Rights law)It is made up of thirty articles which apply to everyone and this is the first time that countries agreed on a relating or comprehensive statement of inalienable human rights (UDHR Britannica). Angola has one of a fastest growing economy in the world and annual average GDP growth is 11.1%. However, they still have a higher rate of poverty and not many people are educated well enough. Since†¦show more content†¦(http://www.visionofhumanity.org/#page/indexes/global-peace-index/2013/AGO,MWI,ZMB/OVER) As I listed above human rights have continuously been violated in Angola, Malawi, Zambia in Africa. The article that have been violated in these 3 regions are their rights to freedom which is written in Article 9 and torturing or giving a cruel or degrading punishment to citizen which is written in Article 5 . For example, unlawful killings by police and military. Also torture or rape by security forces and especially life-threatening prison conditions are quite common in Africa. (Article 5) These are some of the human rights violated situation that I will be discussing and writing about in this report. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_the_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo) ( Violation Article 5 ) Article 5 on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that no one should be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. This basically means that people have their own rights so they can’t get tortured or subjected to murderous punishments without any reasons. Many of the victims were being hit without knowing why they were being punished and treated inhumanly. This is the common types of human violation that happens in Angola. In Angola, There were reports of overindulgent use of force and arbitrary arrests and confinements that is done byShow MoreRelatedHuman Rights Violations in South Africa733 Words   |  3 PagesEvery South African citizen is entitled to the human rights that are listed in the Constitution. Human’s rights are there to make sure that people get treated fairly and equally and protect people from dangers that they face. 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According to the lectures, most evidence trace to the first theory because of a few satisfying valid reasons. In the lectures it was told that â€Å"fossils of modern humans are particularly found in Africa† (Zeanah: lecture). In addition to this logic, it is also mentio ned that â€Å"DNA studies suggest a originating population in Africa† (Zeanah). AlthoughRead MoreDr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay1134 Words   |  5 Pageshistory have always evolved around human rights race relationships and power. In this paper, I will focus on the themes of racism, human rights, and power and how history makers such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Mahatma Gandhi (just to name these few) helped to redress them to an extent and how theirs efforts shape contemporary events. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on 15 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia and is one of the most remembered Human Rights Activists in America history. HeRead More The African National Congress and the Fight Against South African Apartheid1666 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"separateness† in Afrikaans Language. Human Rights, according to â€Å"Article 1, UN Declaration of Rights† states that â€Å" All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in spirit of brotherhood†. The native Africans were being segregated from the whites and were treated as second class citizens. The black residents felt that the apartheid policies violated their rights. Human rights of South African natives were violated

A study in contrast the views of catherine barkley Essay Example For Students

A study in contrast the views of catherine barkley Essay and brettA Study in Contrast:The views of Catherine Barkley and Brett Ashley in their perspective classesDuring the early 1900’s, after the death of Queen Victoria, the European world went through a great change under the influence of the Free Women’s movement and WWI. It was a time of great confusion, women were faced with choices unheard of before, and having to fight against what they had been taught their entire lives. Characters like Brett Ashley from Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises â€Å"presented the image of the short-skirted, shimmying, seductive, sleek femininity promising unprecedented freedom for the twentieth-century.† Others characters like Catherine Barkley, A Farewell to Arms, presented a more conservative Victorian way of life, akin to a male dominant world. These, Hemingway’s most famous female characters, are reflective in their contrast to the decaying Victorian society of the 1800’s and the feminist movement of the early 1900’s. Hemmingway’s attempt to create the perfect wife through Catherine, may have in fact been too successful, as he leaves the reader questioning whether she â€Å"is too idealistic, too selflessly loving and giving to be believed as a character.† This is no truer than at the hospital after Catherine informs Frederic (Tenente), that she is pregnant her only concern becomes his happiness despite his constant pleas that he is in fact happy about the pregnancy. This is only overshadowed by her constant reassurances that she will be a â€Å"good girl†, never failing to apologize hastily for any momentary lapse in judgement. In fact, Catherine never fails to support Frederic for any of the risks he takes with his health, through drinking or the operation. While this submissive support for Frederic may seem surreal, it actually reflects the women of the Victorian era. The concepts of Victorianism are in no way supportive of Catherine’s realism; they only provide a potential reason for her surreal personality. Brett, in contrast to Catherine is believable due to her faults. Brett is more human through her realization that she uses men like Count Mippipopulous and Pedro Romero, for wealth and lust. Brett’s understanding of her own nature is therefore more easily sympathized with and is what makes her character interesting. Brett’s morals are perhaps the most honest part of her character as they portray those ideals that directly conflict with the world around her. One example of this is her multiple relationships outside of her engagement to Mike, which would have been outrageous for the time. The Victorian family would look at her as nothing short of a prostitute and yet the male of a household would most honestly be attracted to her. The family belief that â€Å"a modest woman seldom desires any sexual gratification for herself† was just the double standard that Brett rebelled against. This shows strength in character, found in few others during the period and is what gives the reader a better understanding of why Brett is the way she is. Catherine’s desire to feel protected is a foil to Brett’s quest for freedom. Protected from the fear of abandonment and loneliness that come with failed attempts at love. Catherine’s previous marriage, which ended in the death of her husband, has left many emotional scars, making it difficult to deal with the stages of recommitting herself to another person. She finds her new relationship with Frederic difficult at first because she questions whether she is discrediting her previous husbands memory. Catherine’s desire for protection and companionship eventually overcomes her fear of commitment and she falls deeply in love. Frederic had to commit on a very strong level to Catherine, in order for her to get over her previous husband. This serious a relationship was not Frederic’s desire at first however; he was quick to feel the love for her that she proclaimed to him. Catherine ’s desire for protection is reflective of Victorian society in which women would marry older men for the protection that their status would provide. Although Catherine desires protection, she is not typical to the Victorian lifestyle in that she has a career, even as a nurse this was not common for the time. The irony in this is that Catherine shows a sense of independence that Brett has yet to achieve.Brett and Jake’s relationship shows yet another side of Brett, one in which love is the very source of her pain. This contrasts sharply to that of Frederic and Catherine who draw upon each other for strength. The cab scene in which Brett and Jake discuss their feelings for one another is perhaps the most revealing. â€Å"You mustn’t. You must know. I can’t stand it, that’s all. Oh, darling please understand!† â€Å"Don’t you love me?† â€Å"Love you? I simply turn all to jelly when you touch me.† Brett is so adamant about not committing to others because the only man she loves is unable to give her the affection she desires. Jake’s injury is cause to question that if Brett truly loved him, she would relinquish her own desires in order to consummate their love. However, it must be acknowledged that Brett is part of a social revolution in which women began to expect the same rights as men. Brett rebels against the undyingly faithful part of Catherine’s lifestyle, not purely for the right of being a free woman, but because she is physically unable to be with the man, she loves. Catherine and Jake actually share war scars that their partners have a difficult time dealing with; this was a major issue of the time, as many people had to deal with death or disfigurement. .uef46347e54b4d1100f85d643d25b6f47 , .uef46347e54b4d1100f85d643d25b6f47 .postImageUrl , .uef46347e54b4d1100f85d643d25b6f47 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uef46347e54b4d1100f85d643d25b6f47 , .uef46347e54b4d1100f85d643d25b6f47:hover , .uef46347e54b4d1100f85d643d25b6f47:visited , .uef46347e54b4d1100f85d643d25b6f47:active { border:0!important; } .uef46347e54b4d1100f85d643d25b6f47 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uef46347e54b4d1100f85d643d25b6f47 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uef46347e54b4d1100f85d643d25b6f47:active , .uef46347e54b4d1100f85d643d25b6f47:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uef46347e54b4d1100f85d643d25b6f47 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uef46347e54b4d1100f85d643d25b6f47 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uef46347e54b4d1100f85d643d25b6f47 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uef46347e54b4d1100f85d643d25b6f47 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uef46347e54b4d1100f85d643d25b6f47:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uef46347e54b4d1100f85d643d25b6f47 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uef46347e54b4d1100f85d643d25b6f47 .uef46347e54b4d1100f85d643d25b6f47-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uef46347e54b4d1100f85d643d25b6f47:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Alexander the Great4 EssayPerhaps Brett and Catherine’s only obvious similarity lies in their ability to deceive themselves. Brett is perhaps the more guilty, as she lies to herself in order to portray the image that she is the free independent, a woman of few constraints willing to braise the world. Brett is evidently not what she seems, in that she relies on men to pay for the lifestyle that she has grown accustom to. Her previous marriage into the British Aristocracy provides her with the status of â€Å"Lady† and an annual allowance that are in direct conflict with the image that she wishes to portray. Likewise, Catherine lies to herself about the loving relationship that she and Frederic seem to share at the beginning of the novel. Through an early, albeit untrue, declaration of love, Catherine and Frederic attempt to hide there true feelings. Catherine feels as though any attempt at a relationship will discredit her previous husband’s memory however, if she were to fall in love there would be less reason to feel guilty. Love is something that can not be avoided, this is what Catherine attempts to convince herself of in order to share a relationship with Frederic. Cetherine and Frederic shared what could be described as a Victorian marriage, in which husband and wife would willingly lie to one another as well as deceive themselves, if only to avert a potential argument or scene. There is irony in the fact that the only thing Brett and Catherine share is contentment to deceive themselves however, this reflects on how each generation shares at least some characteristics of the generation before. Though primarily diverse, the p re and post 1900 societies shared some of the issues surrounding war and revolution. This changing period in time showed the turn of a new generation of women whose labors and decisions became valuable through war. Through jobs like nursing, women like Catherine were able to experience a new feeling of purpose, and yet still retain the beliefs that gave them a feeling of safety. Consequently, the slow decline of Victorian beliefs due to the women’s movement gave women like Brett the chance to experience the world in ways unheard of before such as the bull fights and the chance to choose their suitor. The evolutionary gap between the Victorian society and the society of today may be smaller than it seems, many of the positive beliefs in family and commitment were retained from that time as seen through Catherine. Brett on the other hand shows where the lack of freedom has gone and where the choice for women now remains. Bibliography-The Sun Also Rises-A Students Companion to the Novel,-Michael Reynolds, (work study)-Published by twain publishers-Ernest Hemingway and the Arts,-Emily Watts-Copy right, Library of congress, 1971-Hemingway’s First War-Michael Reynolds-Published 1987, by Basil Blackwell ltd. -Hemingway: The writer as artist-Carlos Baker-First edition published 1952, by Princeton University press. -Critical Essays on Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises,-Edited by James Nagel-Published by Maxwell Macmillen Canada, inc. -Critical Essays on Ernest Hemingways A Farewell to Arms,-Edited by James Nagel-Published by Maxwell Macmillen Canada, inc. -Victorian England-W.J. Reader-Published 1964, by B.T. Batford-The Victorians: A World Built to Last-Edited by G. Perry and N. Mason-Published 1974

Pythagorean Philosophy and Its Influence on Musical free essay sample

New York: Dover Publications Ferreira, Lawrence (1991). Philosophy and the Analysis of Music. New York: Greenwood Press. Johnston, Ian (1989). Measured Tones. New York: IIOP Publishing. Rowel, Lewis (1983). Thinking About Music. Amherst: The university of Massachusetts Press. Music is the harmonistic of opposites, the unification of disparate things, and the conciliation of warring elements MusIc is the basis of agreement among things in nature and of the best government in the universe. As a rule it assumes the guise of harmony In the universe, of lawful government In a state, and of a sensible way of life in the home. It brings together and unites. The Pythagoreans Every school student will recognize his name as the originator of that theorem which offers many cheerful facts about the square on the hypotenuse. Many European philosophers will call him the father of philosophy. Many scientists will call him the father of science. To musicians, nonetheless, Pythagoras is the father of music. We will write a custom essay sample on Pythagorean Philosophy and Its Influence on Musical or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page According outshone, it was a much told story that one day the young Pythagoras was passing a blacksmiths shop and his ear was caught by he regular intervals of sounds from the anvil. When he discovered that the hammers were of different weights, It occurred to him that the intervals might be related to those weights. Pythagoras was correct. Pythagorean philosophy maintained that all things are numbers. Based on the belief that numbers were the building blocks of everything, Pythagoras began linking numbers and music. Revolutionize music.Pythagoras findings generated theorems and standards for musical scales, relationships, instruments, and creative formation. Musical scales became defined, and taught. Instrument makers began a precision approach to device construction. Composers developed new attitudes of composition that encompassed a foundation of numeric value In addition to melody. All three approaches were based on Pythagorean philosophy. Thus, Pythagoras relationship between numbers and music had a profound Influence on future musical education, instrumentation, and composition.The intrinsic discovery made by Pythagoras was the potential order to the chaos and pitches into distinct notes. Mathematically he divided intervals into wholes, thirds, and halves. Four distinct musical ratios were discovered: the tone, its fourth, its fifth, and its octave. Nonstop, 1989). From these ratios the Pythagorean scale was introduced. This scale revolutionized music. Pythagorean relationships of ratios held true for any initial pitch. This discovery, in turn, reformed musical education. With the standardization of music, musical creativity could be recorded, taught, and reproduced. (Rowel, 1983). Modern day finger exercises, such as the Hanson, are neither based on melody or creativity. They are simply based on the Pythagorean scale, and are executed from various initial pitches. Creating a foundation for musical representation, works became recordable. From the Pythagorean scale and simple mathematical calculations, different scales or modes Mere developed. The Dorian, Lydia, Logician, and Ecclesiastical modes were all developed from the foundation of Pythagoras. Nonstop, 1989). The basic foundations of musical education are based on the various modes of scalar relationships. (Ferreira, 1991). Pythagoras discoveries created a starting point for structured music. From this, diverse educational schemes Mere created upon basic themes. Pythagoras and his mathematics created the foundation for musical education as it is now known. According to Rowel, Pythagoras began his experiments demonstrating the tones of bells of different sizes. Bells of variant size produce different harmonic ratios. (Ferreira, 1991). Analyzing the different ratios, Pythagoras began defining different musical pitches based on bell diameter, and density. Based on Pythagorean harmonic relationships, and Pythagorean geometry, bell-makers began constructing bells with the principal pitch prime tone, and hum tones consisting of a fourth, a fifth, and the octave. Nonstop, 1989). Ironically or coincidentally, these tones were all members of the Pythagorean scale. In addition, Pythagoras initiated comparable experimentation with pipes of different lengths. Through this method of study he unearthed two astonishing inferences. When pipes of different lengths were hammered, they emitted different pitches, and when air was passed through these pipes respectively, alike results were attained. This sparked a revolution in the construction of melodic percussive instruments, as well as the wind different thickness stretched over altered lengths, and found another instance of numeric, musical correspondence. He discovered the initial length generated the strings primary one, while dissecting the string in half yielded an octave, thirds produced a fifth, quarters produced a fourth, and fifths produced a third. The circumstances around Pythagoras discovery in relation to strings and their resonance is astounding, and these catcalled the production of stringed instruments. (Bended, 1976). In a Nay, music is lucky that Pythagoras attitude to experimentation was as it was. His insight was indeed correct, and the realms of instrumentation would never be the same again. Furthermore, many composers adapted a mathematical model for music. According to Rowel, Schillings, a famous composer, and musical teacher of Gershwin, suggested an array of procedures for deriving new scales, rhythms, and structures by applying various mathematical transformations and permutations. His approach was enormously popular, and widely respected. The influence comes from a Pythagoreans. Wherever this system has been successfully used, it has been by composers who were already well trained enough to distinguish the musical results. In 1804, Ludwig van thieving began growing deaf. He had begun composing at age seven and would compose another twenty-five years after his impairment took full effect. Creating music in a state of inaudibility, Beethoven had to rely on the relationships between pitches to produce his music. Composers, such as Beethoven, could rely on the structured musical relationships that instructed their creativity. (Ferreira, 1991). Without Pythagorean musical structure, Beethoven could not have created many of his astounding compositions, and would have failed to establish himself as one of the two greatest musicians of all time. Speaking of the greatest musicians of all time, perhaps another name comes to mind, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Mozart is clearly the greatest musician who ever lived. Ferreira, 1991). Mozart composed within the arena of his own mind. When he spoke to musicians in his orchestra, he spoke in relationship terms of thirds, fourths and fifths, and many others.Within deep analysis of Mozart music, musical scholars have discovered distinct similarities within his composition technique. According to Rowel, initially Nothing a Mozart composition, Mozart introduces a primary different pitch using mathematical transposition. After this, a second melodic theme is created. Returning to the initial hem, Mozart spirals the melody through a number of pitch changes, and returns the listener to the original pitch that began their Journey. Mozart comprehension of mathematics and melody is inequitable to other composers. His is clearly evident in one of his most famous works, his symphony number forty in 3-minor (Ferreira, 1991). Introit the structure of musical relationship these aforementioned musicians could not have achieved their musical aspirations. Pythagorean theories created the basis for their musical endeavourers. Mathematical music would not have been produced without these theories. Without edibility, consequently, music has no value, unless the relationship between written and performed music is so clearly defined, that it achieves a new sense of mental audibility to the Pythagorean skilled listener..As clearly stated above, Pythagoras correlation between music and numbers influenced musical members in every aspect of musical creation. His conceptualization and experimentation molded modern musical practices, instruments, and music itself into what it is today. What Pythagoras found so Needful was that his elegant, abstract train of thought produced something that people everywhere already knew o be aesthetically pleasing.Ultimately music is how our brains interpret the arithmetic, or the sounds, or the nerve impulses and how our interpretation matches what the performers, instrument makers, and composers thought they were doing during their respective creation. Pythagoras simply mathematical a foundation for these occurrences. He had discovered a connection between arithmetic and aesthetics, between the natural world and the human soul. Perhaps the same unifying principle could be applied elsewhere; and where better to try then with the puzzle of the heavens themselves. (Ferreira, 1983).

Distance learning and telecommunications Essays

Distance learning and telecommunications Essays Distance learning and telecommunications Essay Distance learning and telecommunications Essay The process of writing a syllabus is quite an important one owing to the fact that it informs children about the policies that one must adhere to; it also gives details about the mode of operation and the assignments that are due. However, a distance learning syllabus unit requires much more detail than other usual classes in that there are no other ways in which usual learning objectives can be achieved directly. Core objectives The latter syllabus with certain information about when assignments will be handed in, classroom schedules, unanswered questions that is likely to crop up during the process of assigning these issues. The following are the major objectives of this syllabus unit; Clarifying class details Help students decide on staying within a certain lass Give details about the unit To serve as contract between the institution and the students In this latter syllabus unit, there will be details about the instructor. In this case there will be details about the department, fax, phone and fax number of the instructor. This syllabus will contain details about how to contact the instructor. (Pembrook, 2008) The syllabus unit Contact policy: The turnaround time for this course unit will be twenty four hours (i. e. the time that students can contact the instructor after giving notification. This rule applies within Mondays and Fridays. Over the weekends, twelve hour notices will be applicable. Course description: the description of this course in a full manner can be found on the registrar’s office and they are well written within the course catalog. Overly, the course unit will cover all the basic computer information. Required and course materials: the following textbooks will be required for this particular course O’Neil, K. (2008): the ABCs of computer instruction, New York, Routledge Mc Namara, T. (2008) Basic Computer skills, London, McMillan These textbooks will be the core texts and students can contact the instructor in order to know where thy can purchase. Their ISBN numbers will also be given upon contact and as they can be bought online. For this particular course, there will be a need to combine the core texts with other course information. In this case, students can log into my WPI site that will be indicated at the bottom portion of the book. Audio and video clips will be an important part of this course and they will be instrumental in ensuring the success of the program. (Pembrook, 2008) Class schedules: classes here will commence from Thursday and will progress until Sunday. Assignments will be due on Mondays at 1400 hrs GMT. Deadline extensions will be granted only after prior notice given to the instructor and they will lead to prior cancellation of work if done poorly. It should also be noted that all the files handed in must be in . doc format or in Microsoft Word 1997-2003 format. All files must be named in the following format; (number of assignment)-(name of the individual) Students can hand in their assignments in APA, MLA or Harvard referencing styles. They will be required to examine credible sources on how these can be achieved. Learning objectives: At the end of the course unit students need to be bale to do the following Open, create and store files Carry out the latter tasks in different programs Work with spreadsheets Create presentations on PowerPoint Know how to edit, format and add stylistic features in word documents Understand how to utilize other external features Utilize print options Start and run basic applications Assessment and grading: An excellent grad will be one in which all the assignments have been completed and one in which the final exam will be between 80-100 Good-79-60 Fair- 50-59 Poor -49- 0 The final exam will account for sixty percent to grade while the remaining percentage will be divided between the two assignments to be given i. e. twenty percent each. Late assignments will be penalized by ten percent of the overall grade. Technologies: the latter unit will entail use of a series of technologies to facilitate communication between the student and the instructor. Video conferencing will be important and this may involve about of countries. Correspondence will mostly be through mail between the students and the instructor. One way videos will be important too in that recorded material will be viewed across the internet. (Pembrook, 2008) Perhaps one of the most important modes of communication will be computer networking. Here, the internet and local area networks will be particularly useful. First of all, web pages will be important sources, additionally, emails and chat rooms will also be necessary to ask information about certain assignments. On top of these, databases about course contents, and course participants will be found in these respective areas. Reference Pembrook, C. (2008): Distance learning and telecommunications, NJ, Pearson Education

How to Define Value in Relation to Art

How to Define Value in Relation to Art As an element of art, value refers to the visible lightness or darkness of a color. Value is synonymous with luminosity in this context and can be measured in various units designating electromagnetic radiation. Indeed, the science of optics  is a fascinating branch of physics, albeit one to which visual artists typically devote little to no thought. Value is relevant to the lightness or darkness of any color, but its importance is easy to visualize in a work with no colors other than black, white, and a grayscale. For a great example of value in action, think of a black and white photograph. You can easily visualize how the infinite variations of gray suggest planes and textures. The Subjective Value of Art While value can be a technical term related to color, it can be a more subjective term related to either the importance of a work or its monetary worth. Value can also refer to the sentimental, cultural, ritualistic, or aesthetic importance of work. Unlike luminosity, this type of value cannot be measured. It is entirely subjective and open to, literally, billions of interpretations.   For instance, anyone can admire a sand mandala, but its creation and destruction hold specific ceremonial values in Tibetan Buddhism. Leonardos ​Last Supper ​mural was a technical disaster, but its depiction of a defining moment in Christianity has made it a religious treasure worthy of conservation. Egypt, Greece, Peru, and other countries have sought the return of significant cultural works of art that were sold abroad in earlier centuries. Many a mother has carefully preserved many pieces of refrigerator art, for their emotional value is incalculable.   The Monetary Value of Art Value may additionally refer to the monetary worth attached to any given work of art. In this context, value is pertinent to resale prices  or  insurance premiums. Fiscal value is primarily objective, assigned by acknowledged art-historic specialists who eat, breathe and sleep fine art market values.  To a smaller extent, this definition of value is subjective in that certain collectors are willing to pay any amount of money to own a particular work of art. To illustrate this seeming dichotomy, refer to the  May 16, 2007, Post-War and Contemporary Art Evening Sale at Christies New York City showroom. One of original Marilyn silkscreen paintings by Andy Warhol had an estimated (objective) pre-sale value of more than  $18,000,000. $18,000,001 would have been accurate, but the actual gavel price plus buyers premium was a whopping (subjective)  $28,040,000. Someone, somewhere obviously felt that hanging in his or her underground lair was worth an additional $10,000,000. Quotations About Value In preparing a study or a picture, it seems to me very important to begin by an indication of the darkest values... and to continue in order to the lightest value. From the darkest to the lightest I would establish twenty shades.(Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot) Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.(Albert Einstein) Its impossible to make a picture without values. Values are the basis. If they are not, tell me what is the basis.(William Morris Hunt) Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.(Oscar Wilde) Color is an inborn gift, but appreciation of value is merely training of the eye, which everyone ought to be able to acquire.(John Singer Sargent) There is no value in life except what you choose to place upon it and no happiness in any place except what you bring to it yourself.(Henry David Thoreau)

Entrepreneurship course work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5500 words

Entrepreneurship course work - Essay Example This is one of the most foundational benefits of offering organic food and skin care products to consumers: there is a pre-existing set of attitudes and beliefs that they are less harmful than non-organic products in many different consumer markets. Leonard (2011) illustrates that the organic cosmetic industry has moved from being a niche product line and is now available in more traditional channels such a major department stores and even hypermarkets. This has been a product of years of marketing distribution improvements and brand promotions. With more and more consumers linking quality with organic personal care products and more convenience by being available in multiple channels, companies now witness opportunities for higher profitability. The responsiveness of many companies offering organic products illustrate that the long-term opportunities for capturing broad target segments are significant. Worldwide, the organic skin care market was worth $7.6 billion USD in 2012 (Patterson 2015). The entire industry is expected to achieve a growth rate of 9.6 percent by the year 2018 (Pitman 2013). The UK, though a smaller market than Asia, ranks as the eighth largest market for organic cosmetics and personal care products. Falk and Benson (2008) asserts that the UK government has been instrumental in helping many consumer markets to understand the differences between chemical-based and organic-based personal care products which is creating higher levels of demand (and increased perceptions of value) for these products. Therefore, all indications is that the organic skin care and personal care product industry in the UK is favourable for achieving growth and profitability where there is measurable demand and beliefs about the quality of these products. Europe, as a whole, represents that second largest market in the world for organic skin care products. The organic skin care industry is moving toward double-digit growth as the

Major Research Project on SAP Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Major Project on SAP - Research Paper Example Systems Applications Products audit was originally developed to provide customers with an ability to socialize and interact with a common database for complex and comprehensive range of applications. The applications have been assembled from the original idea of SAP to fit the modern world, hence most of the largest companies such as Microsoft use SAP products in their businesses (Temponi, 2010). SAP comprises of several modules such as marketing and sales, product design and development, human resources, finance and accounting, utilities for marketing and sales and production and inventory control. Having all these modules combined in one software of which to some extent can be modified to fit the business targets, SAP ERP software collects, combines, analyses and generates data from the separate entities as one collective report that can easily be read and understood. The single generated report enables organizations or companies to have definite planning and overall scheduling of tasks. In a white paper review (2009), SAP is viewed by a number of scholars as a software that can be altered to suit different businesses, requires a system of order in that duties are well defined to avoid crashing of modules and programs as well as ensuring that data coming into the SAP is clearly mapped to ensure high levels of integrity. Due to high usage of software-related programs in running of businesses, the use of SAP requires high levels of control to ascertain the reconciliation with external environment as well as controlling the flow of information to avoid bursting the sensitive accounts that might lead to breakdown of the whole system (Ades & Glaeser, 1995). Companies or organizations using SAP require that they have the development system, the test system and the production system. This forms a definite data flow to ensure that in

Hemophilia Summary Essay Example for Free

Hemophilia Summary Essay Background -Hemophilia A is an inherited disorder in which one of the proteins needed to form blood clots is missing or reduced. This lacking protein is known as blood clotting factor 8. Without F8, the blood cannot clot properly to stop bleeding and can result in excessive bleeding or disabilities. Hemophilia A -When blood is not able to clot and allow wounds to heal, this is a result of Hemophilia A Symptoms Include: -Prolonged bleeding from cuts -Excessive nose bleeds -Many large bruisings -1 in 5,000 males are affected Blood Coagulation -Blood coagulation is the defensive process that causes blood to clot and helps prevent excessive blood loss when blood vessels are injured. -Coagulation is a complex process that involves 20 to 30 components, called blood coagulation factors, and a series of complex chemical reactions. -When a blood vessel is injured, platelets in the area of the damage clump together and stick to the edges of the cut to begin the coagulation process. -Platelets are fragments of cells containing clotting factors and play a major role in blood clotting. -These clotting factors help platelets stick together and activate fibrin. (These clotting factors combine with a protein called prothrombin in a reaction that converts prothrombin to thrombin. Thrombin then converts fibrinogen (a protein present in plasma) into long, sticky threads of another protein called fibrin) -The fibrin forms a mesh-like net over the opening and traps red blood cells as they try to leak out of the cut. -As the clot hardens, it forms a protective seal over the cut so that the injury can heal and the vessel wall can be restored. Factor 8 -One specific intrinsic clotting cofactor that stabilizes the fibrin clot is Factor 8. -F8 is activated by thrombin in the presence and is a cofactor in the activation of factor X (WHAT DOES X DO) -Ultimately Factor F8 cross-links fibrin polymers solidifying the clot. -Without this coagulation factor, vessels are not able to heal and therefore result in excessive bleeding (also known as Hemophilia A) Causes of F8 deficiency -Numerous mutations in the gene structure have been discovered. -Genetic abnormalities include genetic deletions of variable size, abnormalities with stop codons, and frame-shift defects. -Data suggest that 45% of severe hemophilia A cases result from an inversion mutation. F8 Gene -the F8 gene is located in the proximal part of chromosome X and is expressed in human liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and a variety of other tissues, -It’s one of the largest genes; it is 186 kilobases (kb) long and has a 9-kb coding region that contains 26 exons and 25 introns. -The shaded green region to a full blue and incomplete red displays that the gene gets transcribed into mRNA but not translated into proteins. Shaded green is the 5 and 3 untranslated regions that are able to bind to something else. -variant (1) consists of 26 exons and encodes the full-length isoform (a) -variant (2) contains an unique 5 exon located within intron 22 of transcript variant 1 Crystal Structure Is composed of a Ca Ion, Cu Ion, Alpha-D-Mannose N-Acetyl-D-Glucoamine. (Find out the importance/functions of these..?) Arrows = beta sheets Coils = alpha helix -how the F8 factor is incorporated / works in the overall protein. -responsible for generating the larger amounts of Xa and thrombin required for clot formation. -Covalent cross-linking of fibrin polymers by activated factor XIII (XIIIa) is required for adequate clot strength and normal wound healing. -How it works: catalyzes a transglutamination reaction that initially cross-links the C-terminal ends of the g chains on adjacent fibrin monomers. Intrinsic / Extrinsic It turns out that you actually need both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways in your body. In a test tube, you can form fibrin along either pathway. But in the body, the pathways are intertwined in such a way that if you’re missing something on either the extrinsic or intrinsic side, you won’t be able to clot properly. In our bodies, the thing that kicks off the clotting cascade is tissue factor â€Å"exposure.† Tissue factor is not floating around in the blood normally – or at least, it isn’t normally â€Å"visible† to the blood (it might be in little membrane fragments, but it’s not active until it’s needed). When you need to form a clot, tissue factor appears, and together with factor VIIa (which happens to be just floating around in the blood) it converts factor X to Xa (which then converts prothrombin to thrombin, which converts fibrinogen to fibrin). So: clotting initially begins along the extrinsic pathway. The weird thing, though, is that as soon as we make a little Xa, that Xa (along with the aptly-named tissue factor pathway inhibitor) turns off the extrinsic pathway! A little thrombin is formed, though, before the pathway gets turned off – and that thrombin kicks off the intrinsic pathway (the other side of the cascade, with factors VIII and IX). Fibrin formation then proceeds along this pathway until it’s no longer needed. The bottom line is: you need both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways to form fibrin in vivo. If you don’t have factors VIII or IX, you can’t utilize the intrinsic pathway – and you’ll have a very hard time forming fibrin! Intrinsic / Extrinsic Include the two different pathways that lead to the formation of a fibrin clot: the intrinsic and extrinsic pathway. Although they are initiated by distinct mechanisms, the two converge on a common pathway that leads to clot formation. Both pathways are complex and involve numerous different proteins termed clotting factors.

The Role of the Witches in the Downfall of Shakespeares MacBeth Essay

The Role of the Witches in the Downfall of Shakespeare's MacBeth MacBeth by William Shakespeare is a play which shows the uprise of MacBeth, the treachery and his eventual downfall. Witchcraft plays a major part in MacBeth's actions and his weak character is easily manipulated. Although being an honest and brave man earlier, his ambition clouds his judgement. His life is tragic and through some terrible deeds ends in catastrophe. MacBeth is Thane of Glamis and a highly honorable and respected man. He Is valiant and brave and was very successful fighting for his country. His honesty is unquestioned and he is looked upon favorably by the King. King Duncan awards MacBeth the title of Thane of Cawdor for his courageousness in battle. MacBeth doesn't seem to be one overwhelmed by his ambition but when met by the witches takes their ramblings to heart. 'Hail Thane of Glamis and of Cawdor and shalt be King hereafter'. These prophecies from three strangers are taken without question and probably without good judgement. Just the thought that he may be King clouds his thoughts and ambition take over. It is Lady MacBeth though who first schemes the treachery of murdering the King. But before the murder he is still a good man and his conscience is creating serious doubts. When contemplating the terrible deed he seems to be changing his mind. 'Prithee, peace: I'll dare do all that may become a man, who dares more is none' . But encouragement from his wife and an apparition probabl...

Commercial. An effective advertisement Essay

Commercial. An effective advertisement Introduction An effective advertisement appeals to the consumer. It should be able to capture and influence their perception of a product. This document evaluates a McDonald’s franchise advertisement and its effectiveness where it is able to capture the efficient working spirit in the staff and consequently the overall high service delivery to the customers. The various aspects that facilitate the effectiveness in the advert will be highlighted. The advert begins with the opening of a McDonald’s outlet early in the morning. One is able to deduce it is the morning since there is the scene of a rising sun and a clock reading six. The staff can be seen readying themselves to get into action. One’s curiosity is aroused as to what they are up to and then the action begins which in this case is the preparation of the various food products. The notable foods in the beginning include coffee and eggs which make one deduce that they are preparing breakfast. The action continues to increase with the next scenes showing the workers now in full swing each attending to their various tasks. Different foods can be seen and heard sizzling in their preparation areas as well as the cranking of the preparation utensils such as the deep frying grill. The various items being prepared include the foods McDonald’s is renowned for which in this case include fries and burger meat. After preparation of the food, the workers then p ackage the various foods. One is able to guess they are the different orders made by the customers. The orders are packed in trolleys to be taken to the counter and delivered to the customers. From packaging the scene changes to the counter where one can see a line of pay points each being manned by a staff. The staff can be seen executing the various orders in this case keying them into the cash registers. The customers then get served with their different orders and they can be seen enjoying. The staff action around the outlet continues up to the nighttime with customers coming in and going until closing time which is symbolized by a background of lights going out in a big city. Apart from being attracted to the frenzy of activity by the staff in the advert, one cannot miss other appealing aspects in this case the background music and the colors. All the action takes place with some instrumental background music. One is able to associate the same with the McDonalds’ stores. In the colors, McDonald’s stores use the red and yellow colors as their theme. The same has been well blended and distributed in the advert. The staff’s black uniform makes it hard for one to miss the yellow and red logo of the McDonald’s. The packaging of the foods also takes place in the famed McDonald’s red and yellow package boxes. With all the staff action, one is able to see that the advert clearly shows the product being advertised in this case the McDonald’s food outlets. The product is prominent in the ad as one is able to identify and see the various foods offered by the outlet such as burgers, fries, hamburgers, drinks such as coffee and ice-cream in their different stages such as preparation, packaging and even their consumption. The target market audience for the advert is the general population as one is able to see the children, the youth and the old enjoying the various foods offered in the outlet with the effective service of the staff. With the kind of business the McDonald franchise transact, in this case a food related one, one is able to identify the target market as the general population since food appeals to all. The customers’ base varies in this case the old, the young, the youth and the middle aged. The actors in the ad include people of different ages in this case the young, the middle aged and the old. The use of the same is significant in that the outlet wants to create an appeal to the different age groups seeing that food is a common aspect in all of them. Evaluating the ad and the objects in it, the ads duration is 54 seconds in which time I felt that it was effectively managed in sending out the intended message to the intended audience. With an ad, the main object being marketed should be well displayed throughout the ad. The same is effectively utilized with the objects in the ad depicting McDonald products and the effective service accompanying the same. For the product, there is a big McDonald’s sign at the opening seen of the ad, the clearly visible logos in the staff uniform, the foods being prepared, the use of McDonald’s theme colors in the packaging and the closing scene with a McDonald sign outside an outlet. For the service, the staff can be seen in their various work stations efficiently carrying out their tasks. I felt that the ad was able to effectively reach out to the intended audience. This is because the ad is able to focus on the specific product they want to market in this case McDonald’s food outlets in the hands of an effective staff. The execution of the same is carried out in a way that it is systematic as all the actions follow each other consequently. The opening of the outlets, the food preparation, the packaging and the consumption are actions that are able to appeal to one to try out the product in such a well-managed setting. References McDonald’s â€Å"Working Together† – To Make Your Day Better. Online video commercial. You Tube. You tube, 13 Aug 2012.Web. 27 Jan 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZCbvpJ4O6c Source document

Sredni Vashtar & the Lumber-Room Summary

A sickly ten-year-old boy lives a miserable life in the house of his domineering cousin guardian. However, He would not live another 5 years of his life because he is sick. He creates a fantasy religious cult in a garden shed, where his idols are a hen and a ferret. He is a lonely and imaginative young boy. One day he bought a polecat-ferret and named it Sredni Vashtar. Conradin lived with Mrs De Ropp, his guardian. She is the one who took care of Conradin and responsible to serve shelter, food and clothes for conradin. Although they lived together, Mrs De Ropp dislikes Conradin. She never shows her concern toward Conradin. In the story, Conradin keeps two animals in backyard shed which is a hen and a ferret. But, Mrs. De Ropp discovers the hen and told to Conradin that she has sold the hen to the butcher. When his guardian gets rids rid of his hen, he prays to the ferret for revenge. Then, Conradin turn his devotion to the Sredni Vashtar, a great ferret. It gives happiness to Conradin although he is sick. Sredni Vashtar is like a god for Conradin. One day, Mrs. De Ropp realized that Conradin was keeping something else from her in the shed where Sredni Vashtar stayed. She goes the shed again. At last she finds Sredni Vashtar while Conradin prays to his god for the safety of his ferret. She went there to check it but she was been bitten in the throat by the ferret and died. Sredni Vashtar bite Mrs. De Ropp. The maid went to the shed and shocked. She screamed out loud as she discovers the dead body of Mrs. De Ropp while Conradin enjoys toast in the kitchen. The Lumber-Room One morning, a boy called Nicholas doesn't want to eat his breakfast, and puts a frog in his bowl. His distant aunt gives out to him for this, and Nicholas's two cousins and younger brother are taken to the seaside at Jagbourough, while he has to remain at home as a punishment. When the other children have left, Nicholas's distant aunt goes to work in the garden and commands him to stay out of the gooseberry garden. Nicholas instead takes the key from a shelf in the library and sneaks into the lumber room, where he is never allowed to go. He has lots of fun in the lumber room. He sees lots of beautiful and strange objects, such as old ornaments, tapestries, and a teapot shaped like a duck. He finds a big book with pictures of birds in it. While he is looking at a picture of a duck, the aunt screams for him. Nicholas finds that she has fallen into a tank of water, and refuses to help her out on the grounds that she is an impostor. Nicholas's cousins and brother come back from the sea in a very bad mood. They have had no fun at all because the tide was in and one of them had sore feet. The aunt was rescued from the watertank by a kitchen maid after more than half an hour. Only Nicholas is happy because he is thinking of a tapestry depicting hounds and a stag.

Frederick Winslow Taylor essays

Frederick Winslow Taylor essays Taylor wrote about the inefficiencies in the management of unskilled workers, focusing on the steel industry in particular. He systematically identified the problems, which caused these inefficiencies to exist and then went about proposing a solution to make these operations run more efficiently. He coined these solutions his principles of scientific management; scientific management being the organization of a workforce that results in the maximum productivity from the workers. The first problem he addressed was the problem of soldiering. Soldiering is when workers would purposely work below their capacity for a variety of reasons. First, workers everywhere shared the belief that increasing their output would only create less of a demand for workers, which could potentially eliminate their job. Also workers often had no incentive to increase their output; if they worked harder they were still paid the same as if they had loafed on the job. There also was the fear that if they worked harder, they would set a new standard for the pace at which their job should be done, which was against the workers best interests. Pay incentives for workers who produced a larger quantity was a technique that failed because the workers wouldnt produce with the same quality that they previously had because they were more concerned with making a large quantity of goods in order to receive the pay incentives. Taylors solution to these problems was to create more direct i nteraction between supervisors and workers and have them observe what a good amount of work should be. Then the supervisor offers the worker the option of receiving more pay if he would work that way each and every day. Another problem Taylor discussed was the problem of poor organization and inefficient usage of time led to a productivity level far less than what could potentially be achieved. Taylor analyzed different methods of performing a certain t...

Andorra - Learn about the Geography and History of Europes Andorra

Andorra - Learn about the Geography and History of Europe's Andorra Population: 84,825 (July 2011 estimate)Capital: Andorra la VellaBordering Countries: France and SpainArea: 180 square miles (468 sq km)Highest Point: Pic de Coma Pedrosa at 9,665 feet (2,946 m)Lowest Point: Riu Runer at 2,756 feet (840 m) Andorra is an independent principality that is co-governed by Spain and France. It is located in southwestern Europe between France and Spain and it is entirely landlocked. Much of Andorras topography is dominated by the Pyrenees Mountains. Andorras capital city is Andorra la Vella and its elevation of 3,356 feet (1,023 m) makes it the highest capital city in Europe. The country is known for its history, interesting and isolated location and high life expectancy.History of AndorraAndorra has a long history that dates back to the time of Charlemagne. According to the U.S. Department of State, most historical accounts claim that Charlemagne grated a charter to the region of Andorra in return for fighting against the Muslim Moors advancing from Spain. By the 800s the Count of Urgell became the leader of Andorra. Later a descendent of the Count of Urgell gave control of Andorra to the diocese of Urgell led by the Bishop of Seu dUrgell.By the 11th century the head of the diocese of Urgell put Andorra under the protection of the Spanish, under the Lord of Caboet, because of growing conflicts from neighboring regions (U.S. Department of State). Shortly thereafter a French noble became the heir to the Lord of Caboet. This led to conflict between the French and Spanish over who would control Andorra. As a result of this conflict in 1278 a treaty was signed and Andorra was to be shared between Frances Count of Foix and Spains Bishop of Seu dUrgell. This led to a joint sovereignty.From this time until the 1600s Andorra gained some independence but control often shifted back and forth between France and Spain. In 1607 Frances King Henry IV made Frances head of government and the Bishop of Seu dUrgell co-princes of Andorra. The region has been ruled as a co-principality between the two countries ever since.During its modern history, Andorra remained isolated from much of Europe and the rest of the world outside of Spain and France due to its small size and the difficulty involved with traveling there because of its rugged topography. Recently however, Andorra has begun to grow into a tourist European center as a result of improv ed communications and transportation development. In addition, Andorra still has very close ties to France and Spain, but it is more closely tied to Spain. The official language of Andorra is Cataln.Government of AndorraToday Andorra, officially called the Principality of Andorra, is a parliamentary democracy that is governed as a co-principality. The two princes of Andorra are the president of France and the Bishop Seu dUrgell of Spain. These princes are represented in Andorra via representatives from each and make up the countrys executive branch of government. The legislative branch in Andorra consists of a unicameral General Council of the Valleys, whose members are elected via popular election. Its judicial branch is made up of the Tribunal of Judges, Tribunal of the Courts, the Supreme Court of Justice of Andorra, the Supreme Council of Justice and the Constitutional Tribunal. Andorra is divided into seven different parishes for local administration.Economics and Land Use in AndorraAndorra has a relatively small, well-develop ed economy that is based mainly on tourism, commerce and the financial industry. The main industries in Andorra are cattle, timber, banking, tobacco and furniture manufacturing. Tourism is also a major part of Andorras economy and it is estimated that around nine million people visit the tiny country each year. Agriculture is also practiced in Andorra but it is limited because of its rugged topography. The main agricultural products of the country are rye, wheat, barley, vegetables and sheep.Geography and Climate of AndorraAndorra is located in southwestern Europe on the border between France and Spain. It is one of the worlds smallest countries with an area of just 180 square miles (468 sq km). Most of Andorras topography consists of rugged mountains (the Pyrenees Mountains) and very small, narrow valleys between the peaks. The highest point in the country is Pic de Coma Pedrosa at 9,665 feet (2,946 m), while the lowest is Riu Runer at 2,756 feet (840 m).The climate of Andorra is considered temperate and it generally has cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summer s. Andorra la Vella, the capital and largest city of Andorra, has an average annual temperature range of 30.2ËšF (-1ËšC) in January to 68ËšF (20ËšC) in July.To learn more about Andorra, visit the Geography and Maps section on Andorra on this website.ReferencesCentral Intelligence Agency. (26 May 2011). CIA - The World Factbook - Andorra. Retrieved from: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/an.htmlInfoplease.com. (n.d.). Andorra: History, Geography, Government, and Culture- Infoplease.com. Retrieved from: infoplease.com/ipa/A0107276.htmlUnited States Department of State. (8 February 2011). Andorra. Retrieved from: state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3164.htmWikipedia.org. (2 June 2011). Andorra - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andorra

No fault divorce Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

No fault divorce - Essay Example It does not however mean that the repeal or reform of no-fault divorce will effectively reduce the rate of divorce generally. Indeed, at this moment in time, I really want to believe that at this moment in time a fault requirement would do more harm than good. In the short term, the need to establish a legal finding of fault may prevent some divorces from happening, and encourage couples that are contemplating divorce to work out their marital difficulties. But the deterrent effect is likely to be weak. A lot of people do not think of divorce until their marriage is in very bad shape; by which time, the marriage will be very difficult to salvage. Moreover, the fault requirement would also be indiscriminate in its deterrent effect. Some marriages especially those that involve physical violence and abuse that rightfully should end will be preserved. Unfortunately, fault is likely to be most successful in deterring socially isolated women, often-battered wives, from seeking divorce. It would be wrong indeed if a pro-marriage policy unintentionally became a pro-bad-marriage policy, giving aid and comfort to the critics of the institution. Fault law invites unending litigation, and thus intensifies and prolongs conflict. Requiring fault would be bound to hurt the children (if there are any) who will be caught in the middle. On thing we should have learned from thirty years of high divorce, is that: When divorcing parents have legal incentives to fight, they will. And fault gives them yet another incentive. Inevitably, children will be recruited as informants and witnesses in the legal battle to establish fault. The faultfinding may also be exploited to prejudice or interfere with the child's attachment to the parent who is at fault. Of course, this ugly practice of blaming and discrediting the other parent goes on under no-fault divorce law, but fault will provide legal justification for such behavior. Moreover, establishing fault in contested cases would require more aggressive and time-consuming litigation and thus more billable hours from lawyers, therapists, private investigators, pension specialists, expert witne sses, and all the others in the divorce industry. This will create financial constraints and burdens for those who can least afford it. The Ivana Trumps of this world may have the resources to fight a protracted fault battle (and to win some of its spoils) but not the average first wife, especially if she has spent her life as a full-time wife and homemaker. Since most legislation limits fault to contested divorces involving children, children are likely to be the biggest economic losers. Marital assets will be squandered and dissipated in fault battles, leaving fewer resources for the maintenance and care of the children after the divorce. Some proponents of fault argue for higher barriers to divorce, as this in their reasoning will increase commitment to marriage. They say the harder it is to get divorce, the more couples will try to maintain their marriages right from the beginning. This argument seems appealing viewing it on the surface, but it is not so persuasive when viewed c ritically, especially when we consider those that will be most heavily influenced by the reintroduction of fault: the young adults approaching marriage for the first time. Today's young adults, many of who are products of divorced marriages, are more ignorant and wary of marriage than the earlier

Developing a Research Hypothesis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Developing a Research Hypothesis - Essay Example 804). The study design that these researchers used was to review a series of research articles that described this phenomenon. They conducted cross-sectional empirical literature study. In doing so, they scoured PsycARTICLES database using a variety of keywords and then used two major databases, the Society of Personality and Social Psychology listserv and the Quality of Life Studies listserv. They found 225 articles that was comprised of 293 samples with over 275,000 participants. The results of their study found that happiness is â€Å"positively correlated† with â€Å"superior† mental and physical health. Essentially, they found that people who kept a positive affect were happier than those who did not. This suggests that there is truth in the idea that happy people are more successful in all aspects of their lives including family, work and health. In fact, there was a positive correlation with the immune system and happiness that showed that people who were happy w ere healthier most of the time. Research Hypothesis: People who are naturally happy are more successful in life than those who are not happy. Independent variable: Happiness Dependent variable: Positive affect There is a lot of talk about people who are happy having more in life than those who are unhappy.

Shard Tower Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Shard Tower - Essay Example Designing of the Shard tower was done in 2000 by Renzo Piano and in 2007 construction begun. In July 2012, the project was completed and opened by Prime Minister of Qatar, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani. The opening ceremony was also attended by Prince Andrew, Duke of York (Mace Group 2010). The tower is serviced and maintained by central London’s amenities, facilities and transport infrastructure. The tower is located next to London bridge station thus making it easier for people to connect from the station to work place (Sellar Group 2011). This paper will focus on the Shard tower project and the project management. The core objectives of the Shard project was to; make positive changes, improving one’s life chances, ensure development in growth areas and deliver quality and standard public service This paper aims to look at project management in the construction industry and the relationship between the levels of risk management and the different stages of a cons truction project. The conventional techniques of project management will be mentioned as well as the current innovations in the field. Moreover, the paper will discuss the benefits and costs, barriers, of the trends and finally discuss relevant recommendations. Projects within Shard programme 1. Southwark tower demolition Stephen Furnell assisted by Len Abbott in the year 1969 to 1970 designed the Southwark tower. The tower was the head quarter of price waterhouse. The tower had 25-storey office (The Rubble Club 2009). The building was demolished to allow construction of Shard tower. It was the tallest building to be demolished in the United Kingdom. They demolition was done behind acoustic screen so that they could reduce noise pollution levels. 2. Fixing glass The Shard tower is also known as the shard of glass. The reason behind the name it is because the tower is covered in glass, which makes it crystal. The developers designed a glass roofed, which was done by Renzo Piano build ing. The design included both the ceiling and floor, which brought light to the offices during dimmest days. 3. Sensors The sensors activate grey blinds on each glass panels. In 2009, Claxton gave advice operational and budget for developing blind control system. The blind system control was to take and avail readings from sensors. The sensors would communicate to shreds to either lower or raise heat entering the tower. The solar track servers were installed in the basement while photometer and radiometer sensors we installed on the roof. The sensors positioned at the roof are called level 96. Claxton were able to successfully install solarTrac system, which is a product of Mechoshade. 4. Kone jump lifts The first Kone jump lift was installed in Shard Tower in August 2010. The jump lift is a self-climbing system developed by Kone. The lift uses the building shafts during construction. The lift can accommodate 21 people and 1600kg. Its main use was to carry Shard site workers up and down the construction site. Mace, the Shard principal contractor, collaborated with Kone to ensure the jump lift meets the standards and quality of the delivery program. Tony Palgrave, the Mace construction director, suggested that the jump lift was a solution to transporting materials and people effectively and quickly. It has been the safest way to move up and down the building. Michael Williams, KONE U.K. managing director, said feel privileged working together with Mace in the Shard tower project. They ensure that the lifts were well installed to unsure they ran smoothly (Chatham 2010). Project management Robert Deatker was the project director at the London Bridge quarter and Shard Tower. Robert says the work of the project management is to knot thing

Volvo Group Of Companies and the challenges it faces

Volvo Group Of Companies and the challenges it faces 1 Introduction AB Volvo is the mother company of the Volvo Group of companies with its head office in Gothenburg, Sweden. The company was formed in 1924, with the first Volvo truck rolling off the production line in Sweden in 1928. The Volvo Group is one of the worlds leading suppliers of transport solutions for commercial use, also providing complete solutions for finance and servicing. This mission statement for the company is ‘By creating value for our customers we create value for our shareholders. We use our expertise to create transport-related hard and soft products of the superior quality, safety and environmental care for demanding customers in selected segments. We work with energy, passion and respect for the individual (AB Volvo Group Presentation 2011). Volvo as a group is tremendously proud of the core corporate values of, Safety, Quality and Environment and has retained and lived by these values from the start of the organisation. These three values are evident in every aspect of the business. The Volvo Group has now grown to become the second largest manufacturer globally of heavy trucks, and as illustrated in Figure 1.1 incorporates many different brands. As illustrated in Figure 1.2 , the Volvo Group is separated into business areas and business units. The business areas are responsible for generating revenues for the company and the business units are the recognised support units to support all business areas. Volvo Information Technology (Volvo IT) is the recognised support business unit for information technology strategy and systems support. Volvo IT does not confine their business to the Volvo Group, outsourcing their expertise to such organisations as the Ford motor company and the Stockholm Government. This ensures the Volvo IT is continually benchmarking the Volvo Group to other businesses in the open market to stay in the market forefront. Volvo Group works with external interest groups to continue to develop and drive progress in the transportation industry, especially on projects that align with the corporate values of quality, safety and environmental care. An example project requiring the key involvement of Volvo IT is the Alternative Fuels project. This project is examining a viable replacement of fossil fuels for commercial applications (Alternative Fuels 2011). In the Alternative Fuels project, the Volvo Group is working with customers, suppliers and governments to investigate workable fossil free fuels, with all business areas and units working towards making this possible. Volvo IT is involved to introduce software changes for engine management systems to ensure clean burning of these fuels. The solution is to utilise a centralised and shared IT infrastructure, platform and software application serving content to authorised users over the web. In this report we discuss the IT infrastructure issues and challenges for the Volvo Group and the business benefits and costs of a modern IT model called Cloud Computing. Recommendations are provided as to the adoption of Cloud Computing by the Volvo Group followed by concluding statements. 2 IT Infrastructure: issues and challenges 2.1 IT infrastructure challenges Two of the major components {Laudon, 2010 #159}of an IT infrastructure that must be coordinated by a firm include computer hardware platforms and enterprise software applications ( Laudon Laudon 2010, p. 203). These two essential components of an organisations IT infrastructure ecosystem ( Laudon Laudon 2010, p. 203) are concentrated on in this report as they exhibit the most risk to the Volvo Groups business, but they also provide the most opportunities for an information technology strategy to add business value to the Volvo Group. An information system is defined by Laudon Laudon ( 2010, p. 46) as ‘a set of interrelated components that collect (or retrieve), process, store, and distribute information to support decision making and control in an organisation. In modern organisations, most information systems are implemented via IT infrastructure that includes computer hardware platforms and enterprise software applications. These systems are ‘typically the backbone of an organisations information flow and the main vehicle for consolidating business information ( Bisbal et al. 1999, p. 103) and their failure can have a significant impact on the business. 2.2 Legacy information systems Information systems that have been in existence for a long time and continue to be resistant to modification and evolution due to a high replacement or redesign cost are called legacy information systems ( Brodie Stonebraker 1995, p. 103; Laudon Laudon 2010, p. 634). The evolution or appearance of legacy information systems in an organisation can also typically occur due to mergers and acquisitions ( Macknight 2005, p. 14). As described by Bisbal ( 1999, p. 103), legacy information systems can cause an organisation a number of problems: Running on old or obsolete hardware. Expensive software maintenance. Inflexibility in extending the systems. Difficult to integrate with other systems. Long failure or disaster recovery times. Old and obsolete hardware can be power hungry. Replacement can be expensive or sometimes impossible due to lack of skills or unavailable parts. Some organisations need to maintain spares holding and skills within their organisation to mitigate such risks. Similarly skills in software maintenance and fault-finding may be hard to out-source or outsourced service levels may not align with the needs of the business. The system may need to be flexible and able to integrate with other systems in order to respond to changing business requirements ( Bennett et al. 1999, p. 153) 2.3 The evolution of Volvos global information systems strategy Volvo Group has seen an increase in their legacy information systems mainly due to the impact of company acquisitions over the years. Many areas in the IT infrastructure ecosystem ( Laudon Laudon 2010, p. 203) required particular attention during acquisitions to ensure compliance through coordination of the many components of the ecosystem. Hardware platforms differed as did internet platforms. Data management and storage needed to be centralised. The need to change and centralise was evident. Throughout these acquisitions, the focus of the information management strategy of the Volvo Group has been to ensure key enterprise systems are incorporated into the acquired organisations. The ERP system based on SAP is an example one of the key enterprise systems common throughout the entire Volvo Group. In contrast, supply chain systems have remained as point solutions unique to each business area and physically deployed on a geographically separated basis. As specified by ( Ives Jarvenpaa 1991, p. 34), a ‘global information technology application contributes to achieving a firms global business strategy by using information technology platforms to store, transmit and manipulate data across cultural environments. With AB Volvo being a true global corporation experiencing ongoing growth through acquisition, challenges have presented themselves in most countries with legacy systems across the supply chain. Cultural diversity such as different languages utilised from regional area to regional area continue to discourage the upgrade of legacy supply chain systems. Also, the resultant point solutions all require local IT support. Evidently, having multiple point solutions poses many challenges for the Volvo Group, but it also causes misalignment with their core corporate values. For example, the Volvo Group core value of environmental care leads to goals to reduce energy usage in efforts to reduce the companys carbon footprint. With the multiple point solutions, and many of these being legacy systems, there would be a propensity for excessive energy usage due to the hardware platforms not complying with environmental requirements and other inefficiencies. There are better solutions available. Hospitals in the USA have started to use energy efficient, environmentally friendly hardware, as well as using cloud like technology for patient files access and program access ( Does Green Really Pay Off? Ideas from Hospitals That Say Yes!   2009). 3 Cloud Computing and its business benefits and costs 3.1 Cloud computing explained Cloud computing is referred to as a ‘model of computing by Laudon Laudon ( 2010, p. 196) ‘where firms and individuals obtain computing power and software applications over the Internet, rather than purchasing their own hardware and software. Typically ‘cloud computing infrastructure resides in a large data centre and is managed by a third party ( Jaeger et al. 2008, p. 270). Gilbert ( 2010, p. 1) states that ‘Cloud computing has been recognised as one of the most important developments in information technology in the past 60 years. Globally, organisations are implementing cloud computing solutions in order to reduce costs; be more responsive to market demands; to share information more readily and rapidly; ( Gilbert 2010, p. 1); to provide better customer service, and much more. Cloud computing has been enabled through technological drivers such as reducing communication costs, the internet and its growing speed, smaller footprints required for more processing power and data storage, advances in internet security, virtualisation and much more. Figure 3.1 describes further characteristics of the cloud environment. 3.2 Cloud computing service models Cloud computing services can be provided in three models ( Gilbert 2010, pp. 18-9) Infrastructure as a service (IaaS), Platform as a service (PaaS), and Software as a service (SaaS). These models are described in more detail in Figure 3.1. For organisations such as Volvo, the cloud computing service models tend towards the use of IaaS and SaaS. The staff of Network World ( 2007, p. 28) quote eBays Paul Strong as stating ‘companies must decide what is core to their business and what can be commoditised as a utility served up by a SaaS (software as a service) provider. Cloud service providers are able to consolidate computing resources enabling cost reductions derived from centralised management and economies of scale, passing on these cost savings to the user of the cloud service who can utilise the service without the initial capital outlay and maintenance of a dedicated infrastructure ( Jaeger et al. 2008, p. 270). 3.3 Cloud computing delivery models Cloud delivery models can be public, private, hybrid or community ( Gilbert 2010, p. 19). These are described in more detail in Figure 3.1. For organisations, cloud computing ‘presents many major problems of information policy, including issues of privacy, security, reliability, access and regulation ( Jaeger et al. 2008, pp. 269-70) with legislation lagging commercial interest in this computing model. In evaluating their potential utilisation of a cloud computing service, organisations would need to consider a range of issues. Two typical issues revolve around trust in the integrity of the service provider. Organisations would need to trust in the ability of a cloud service provider to ensure the security of their valuable private information. There must also be trust in the business continuity of the service provider, along with the ability of the service provider to maintain their quoted service levels ensuring the appropriate access and reliability of the service. Subsequently organisations are more likely to take up a private cloud delivery model for enterprise software applications and computer hardware platforms. For larger global organisations with multiple business units, such as Volvo, a hybrid model of a private cloud and community cloud delivery model would be more desirable. Such a model is illustrated in Figure 3.2 3.4 Cloud computing business benefits to Volvo The Volvo Group can benefit greatly from the use of cloud computing. With the group having its own business unit that handles and manages IT requirements, Volvo Group has an opportunity to reduce costs from infrastructure and hardware duplications, have competitive advantage via speed to market of new services for customers and reducing the costs of good sold into markets via supply chains. Other benefits to the group include much lower cost of entry and capital expenditure, low and transparent cost of ownership, and tax advantages ( OSullivan 2009, p. 21). The supply chain systems within the Volvo Group are characterised as legacy point solutions with regionally located and managed data centres housing multiple software applications and hardware platforms, each providing the same business function. These legacy supply chain information systems would appear to be prime candidates for replacement by a cloud computing solution. Indeed, supply chain systems are one of the types of systems that are quickly moving from their traditional platforms to the cloud computing model ( OSullivan 2009, p. 20). 4 Recommendation of cloud computing adoption/adaptation 4.1 Volvos five year strategy The five year strategy from the Volvo Group is to continue to reduce their environmental impact, produce quality products in all areas of their business and continue to create value to customers and shareholders. A key aspect of the Volvo Groups five year strategy is to continue to reduce the carbon output in all areas of the business (Volvo Truck Corporation Sweden 2011). Laudon Laudon ( 2010, p. 223) provide six factors that should be used to answer the question â€Å"How much should our firm spend on IT infrastructure?†. They are: 1. Market demand for Volvos services These are ever increasing with more services being provided to Volvo Truck Customers through the complete life of the vehicle. 2. Volvo Business Strategy The group will continue to develop services and vehicles that reduce CO2 footprint and lead to better ways of commercial transportation. 3. Volvo information technology strategy, infrastructure and cost A cloud computing model should be considered for the replacement of supply chain information systems and considered for further system replacements and introductions. 4. Information Technology assessment The adoption of a cloud computing model would not be considered to be lagging behind the technology curve, nor would adoption at this stage be considered early. A review of the risks associated with policy associated with the implementation of a cloud computing model should be undertaken before adopting the model. 5. Competitor firms services Many other European competitors are experimenting with cloud computing. 6. Competitor firms IT Infrastructure investments Mercedes Benz are also investing in future services for customers, showing a trend of high IT infrastructure investment for the global market (Daimler Trucks Germany 2011). 7. Investment can be sought into cloud computing on a business case basis, generating revenues for Volvo IT, and reducing costs for Volvo business areas on a user pays system. Investment in IT infrastructure will give a competitive advantage to the Volvo Group. Investment can be sought into cloud computing on a business case basis, generating revenues for Volvo IT, and reducing costs for Volvo business areas on a user pays system. 4.2 Plan to consolidate of legacy supply chain information systems For the replacement of legacy information systems, Volvo Group Australia has the option to upgrade the current local legacy systems and servers. This would result in high upfront and ongoing costs. Another option is to move to centralised systems hosted by Volvo IT with all storage, maintenance and upgrading performed centrally for considerably less cost. Supply chain system workflows typically extend beyond the internal organisation, typically to dealers (retailers). A cloud computing model can connect entire networks of suppliers and service providers providing efficiency and cost savings ( Ford 2010, pp. 57-8). It is recommended that the Volvo IT department adopt a cloud computing model for the replacement of legacy supply chain systems. This model should be based on a global policy taking into account the issues surrounding cloud computing and its characteristic lag behind appropriate legislation and legal precedence. It is expected that the most appropriate model will be a SaaS service model delivered via a hybrid of a Private and Community model with the cloud service provider being Volvo IT. The cloud community members in this model would be the Volvo Groups Business Areas. The recommendation would be to identify all legacy supply chain information systems across the Volvo Group as candidates for replacement by a SaaS solution under the hybrid model. A business case aligning with the Volvo Groups corporate values should be completed for the replacement of each system or groups of systems. A pilot implementation of a cloud computing solution should be utilised as a proof of concept before a larger roll-out. The recommended pilot implementation is the TruckShop SaaS. 4.3 TruckShop SaaS Pilot Volvo Group Australia has the requirement to upgrade an online catalogue purchasing supply chain information system called TruckShop that allows dealers (retailers) to purchase truck parts via suppliers of the Volvo Group. The TruckShop SaaS model would represent the characteristics of Cloud computing, namely on demand service, internet accessibility, pooled resources, elastic capacity and usage based billing ( Goodburn Hill 2010). The service developed for the TruckShop project will be able to be sold to other business areas in AB Volvo to provide similar solutions. TruckShop is currently running on a legacy system platform with local servers in Sydney. Maintenance and upgrade costs are on the increase, with limitations also being evident on performance and capability to meet current user requirements. Energy consumption costs were noted as increasing due to more servers being required to store data. Whilst the costs of hardware had reduced in the last 10 years, the Volvo Group Australia wanted to capture more data to analyse business trends, something evident in most industries globally ( Tallon 2010). The legacy systems also are prone to downtime, costing thousands of dollars in lost revenue while not being available to the dealer network. 4.4 Post TruckShop pilot Should the TruckShop pilot prove successful the system is recommended to be rolled out into other business areas. The continuing success of the TruckShop roll out is expected to result in high availability, high reliability, low entry cost and ongoing cost effectiveness for all users of the system. All new supply chain enterprise system projects, and indeed other candidate enterprise systems within the group would be recommended to proceed with this cloud computing service and delivery model to ensure overall cost reductions, efficiency gains, centralising and amortising maintenance, upgrades and improvements across all business areas. 5 Conclusions For cloud computing solutions, Volvo IT would generate their revenue by charging the Business Area departments based on the number of users. Users could apply for only the access to systems that they required. System updates and improvements would be performed centrally in Sweden, and users would not have to concern themselves with updates nor have to present their hardware to IT to update. The pilot of TruckShop should prove to the company what cloud computing can achieve. Many other business areas in the Volvo Group can benefit from adopting cloud computing practices. With technology being built into Volvo Trucks, and the focus on providing business partnerships more online services will be developed into the future.  

Which Philosophy Best Suits You? :: Education Teaching Teachers Essays

Which Philosophy Best Suits You? Upon entering the field of education, I am faced with many questions. Will the students like me? Will I have a large class? Will I be a good teacher? A few of the questions that definitely need to be answered before I enter the classroom, are what methods should I use to teach? What aspects of which methods will work best for me? What philosophy best exemplifies the way I want to bestow the learning process to my students? In my quest to become an elementary teacher I shall use a variety of aspects from past philosophers of education. As long as each child is learning, I feel that I am fulfilling my goal, and a difference is being made, I am on my way to a successful classroom. Of all the philosophies that I have been taught and researched in my Education classes, I feel that I will probably use Essentialism, the most dominant and widely accepted philosophy currently in classrooms today. For example, I think that after a lesson is taught each student should have to take a test to evaluate how well they have understood the information, and hopefully, be able to demonstrate to me how well I have taught the information. Mastery of the material should be practiced in the classroom. The student may not go any further in a lesson until the proposed idea has been taught and mastered. My belief in Perennialism, the second philosophy of my choice, is not as strong as Essentialism, although I feel that I will use a few aspects, such as discussion in the classroom and writing of essays. I feel students are more open and opinionated when asked questions and may feel comfortable knowing that they can ask questions and discuss their answers freely. Two key points of this philosophy I find myself using even now within the classes I attend are time on task and precision. Dividing my time appropriately and allowing enough time to complete work, as well as goal of completion. Also setting a schedule so I know when I need to attend to certain tasks. The same idea will expectantly reflect on my students as they see that I set dates as a guideline to manage my time appropriately, as well as their classroom time.

Bite Me: A Love Story Chapter 5

5. The Further Chronicles of Abby Normal, Miserable, Broken-hearted Emo-ho of the Night ‘Kayso, who is outside my door but Baroness Buzzkill herself, the Motherbot, accompanied by those most crapacious homicide cops, Rivera and Cavuto. So I'm all, â€Å"Oh joy, does this caffeine fresh clusterfuck come with donuts?† Which it turned out, it didn't, so really, WTF is the point of bringing cops? And the Mombot is all, â€Å"You can't do this, and who is this boy, and where have you been, and you have no right, and blah, blah, blah, responsibility, worried sick, you're a horrible, horrible person and you ruined my life with your platform boots and your piercings.† Okay, those weren't her exact words, but the subtext was there. And in retrospect, I may have erred in using the â€Å"I'm sleeping over at Lily's house† gambit for two months running, when I was, in fact, living in my own trs cool love lair with a mysterious love ninja. So I decided to turn the tables on her by asking questions, before she got in the rhythm of grilling me and heaping me with mom guilt. So I'm all, â€Å"How did you find me?† And the dark, Hispano cop steps up, and he's all, â€Å"I called her.† So I rolled up in his grill. Well, up in the knot of his tie, because he's taller than me. And I'm all, â€Å"I can't believe you ratted me out. You traitorous fuck!† And the cop gets all chilly and he's all, â€Å"I'm not a traitor because I'm not on your side, Allison.† Using my day-slave name, just to fuck with me. So I'm all thinking, Okay, cop, I can see that you believe that your shit cannot be shaken, and you are totally trying to come off all sly and badass in front of the Mombot so she might do you a good long time? I know-mating rituals of the ancient and crusty-makes you barf in your mouth a little, huh? So I go over to the big gay cop, and I'm all soft-spoken little-girl voice, â€Å"I thought we were on the same side because-well-because we know about the nosferatu, and all that money you got from his art collection. We're not? I'm crushed.† Totally hand to forehead, fake-heartbreak fainting. I was going to cry a little, but my mascara was lined up like the spikes on the gates of hell, and I didn't want it to go raccoon on me so early in the day, so only a sniffle. I wiped my nose on the big gay cop's sleeve. And the Momster is all, â€Å"What? What? Nosferatu? What? Money? What?† And Rivera is all, â€Å"Excuse us a moment, Mrs. Green, we need to have a word with Allison.† So the Mombot starts to go into the bedroom and I'm all, â€Å"Oh I don't think so. You can wait outside,† or something like that, because it turns out I didn't want her to see the inner sanctum of our love nest, because she's a nurse and seeing the dog collars, test tubes, centrifuge, and whatnot might give her the wrong idea. (Foo and I like to get our mad scientist freak on in the privacy of the boudoir.) So Mom steps outside. And Foo is all, â€Å"Owned, bitches!† And he did a pathetic imitation of my own superb booty dance of ownage, and I was, at once, touched by his support, yet embarrassed by his tragic lack of rhythm and booticuity. And Rivera is all, â€Å"Allison, how did you know about the money and the old vampyre and the yacht and you have no proof and blah, blah, I so can't decide whether I'm the good cop or the bad cop, or if I'm going to still pretend to be badass or totally crap my pants from the verbal death grip you just put on my man sac, blah, blah.† And I'm all, â€Å"I know it all, cop,† popping the p in cop because it makes both of them flinch a little. â€Å"You need to exit and take the Mombot home or I will be forced to expose your evil shit to your masters, and not in the fun way.† And the Hispano cop was all chill, nodding and smiling, which harshed my confidence somewhat. And he's all, â€Å"That so, Allison? Well, Mr. Wong here is twenty-one, and you are still a minor, so among other things, we can take him in for contributing to the delinquency of a minor, kidnapping, and statutory rape.† And he folds his arms all, â€Å"Take that, bee-atch.† Hip-hop superior. So I'm like, â€Å"You're right, he is totally taking advantage of my innocence. Foo, you ginormous perve!† Then I slapped him, but for the drama, not because he might think I was a slut. â€Å"I should have known when you had me shave my va-jay-jay into the shape of a beaver!† And Foo's all, â€Å"I did not!† â€Å"Pervy and redundant, don't you think?† I asked the big gay cop, who wouldn't know a va-jay-jay if it bounced up to him and sang the â€Å"Star-Spangled Banner.† (You ever notice that hardly anything besides the â€Å"Star-Spangled Banner† is spangled? There's no, like, the Raisin-Spangled Scone, or the Flea-Spangled Beagle. I'm just saying.) So, I, like, start to pull up my skirt to further freak him out, like I'm going to flash the beav, which was a bluff, because I am totally trimmed bat-shape and dyed lavender and I was wearing my hot-pink fishnets, which are full-on tights and put the PG-13 on my no-no place. But instead of hiding his head and screaming like a little bitch, which is what I was going for, the big gay cop is across the room and has Foo in handcuffs in like seconds, cranking them down tight. So Foo is all, â€Å"Ow! Ow! Ow!† And I'm heartsick at his suffering, so I'm like, â€Å"Unhand him, you fascist-ass bear.† And Rivera is all, â€Å"Allison, we need to come to an understanding, or your boyfriend is going to jail, and even if the charges don't stick, he can kiss his master's degree good-bye.† Powned! I was forced to lower my skirt in defeat. Foo's eyes were all anime-huge and started to get tear-spangled, and my noble love ninja looked all pleading to me like, â€Å"Please, do not abandon me, despite my obvious emo tendencies.† So I'm like, â€Å"We'll give you a hundred thousand dollars to leave our love lair like nothing happened.† And Rivera is like, â€Å"We're not interested in your money.† And gay bear cop is like, â€Å"Wait, where did you get that kind of money, anyway?† And Rivera is like, â€Å"Never mind, Nick, it's not about money.† And I'm like, â€Å"OMG Rivera, your bad cop skills suck ass. It's always about the money. Don't you have a TV?† And he's like, â€Å"What happened out there this morning?† And I'm all, â€Å"You know, vampyre kitties, meter maid sucked to dust, samurai in orange socks, Abby's kung-fu of solar ass-kicking.† Then to Foo: â€Å"Foo, the jacket is the sickest shit ever!† â€Å"Which is a good thing,† Foo translated for the cops. And Rivera is all, â€Å"Vampyre cats? That's what the Emperor said.† ‘Kayso, it's clear that the cops have doubts, so I explain the whole battle, and Foo's theory of how Chet is making vampyre kitties, and how we are pretty much fucked nine ways to Kwanzaa because it's the end of the world and whatnot, and there are metric buttloads of kitties in the City, and only two fly, vampyre-frying solar jackets, mine and Foo's, and we are being detained by law enforcement assbags instead of saving humanity. So Rivera's all, â€Å"What about Flood and the redhead? You helped them, right?† Kudos to Inspector Obvious, we're only living in their loft, spending their money, and hanging our damp towels on their bronzed bodies. I was all, â€Å"They left. All the vampyres left. Didn't you talk to the Emperor? He saw them get on a boat at the Marina?† â€Å"The Emperor isn't the most dependable witness,† Rivera says. â€Å"And he didn't say anything about those two, but I find it hard to believe that a cat, even a vampyre cat, even a gang of vampyre house cats took down a full-grown parking enforcement officer.† So I was like, â€Å"Chet is not a normal vampyre kitty. He's huge. More huge than normal. He's getting huger. If you don't let Foo work his mad science skills to cure him, by next week Chet might be dry-humping the Transamerica Pyramid.† Foo was nodding like a manga-haired bobblehead. He was all, â€Å"Truth.† The big gay Cavuto cop is all, â€Å"Can you do that, kid? Can you put this shit storm back in the box?† â€Å"Absolutely,† says Foo, when he totally has no clue how to catch Chet. â€Å"I'll need some time, but leave the handcuffs on, because that's how I work best.† Foo can be most sarcastic when faced with day dwellers less intelligent than himself, which is almost everyone. ‘Kayso, Rivera takes the sleeve of my jacket and starts turning it over, looking at it, all Neanderthal discovers fire face. And he's all, â€Å"Can you make one of these in a leather sport coat? Forty long?† And I'm all, â€Å"Are you coming on to me?† And he gagged a little (which was mean), and he's all, â€Å"No. I am definitely not coming on to you, Allison. Not only are you the most irritating creature on the planet, you are a child.† And I'm all, â€Å"A child?! A child?! Do these belong to a child?† And I pulled up my top and flashed him. And not just a flash, a full, glorious boobosity. And he didn't say anything. So I turned my headlights on Foo and the big gay cop. And they're all, â€Å"Um-uhr-uhr-um-â€Å" I'm like, â€Å"Et tu, Foo?† Which is Shakespearean for, â€Å"You traitor!† And I ran into the bedroom and locked the door. I was kind of wishing I'd taken a hostage, except really the only weapon I had was a jacket with little light warts all over it, so I was limited to being dangerous to vampyres and emos who get their feelings hurt really easily by my snarky wit. ‘Kayso, then I stared into the dark abyss that is the meaninglessness of human existence, because there was nothing on cable. And in searching the depths of my soul, I saw that I must stop using sex as a weapon, and that I must only use my powers of seduction for good, unless Foo wants to do something freaky, in which case, I can have him sign a waiver. Now, I realize that the only way for me to righteously explore my strength as a woman is to become nosferatu. And since the Countess and Lord Flood wouldn't bring me into the fold, I must find my own way to the blood power. ‘Kayso, in a few minutes Rivera's at the door all, â€Å"Allison, I think you'd better come out here.† And I'm all, â€Å"Oh no, Inspector, I can't open the door. I've taken all these pills and everything's all wiggly. You'll have to break the door down.† Then Foo's all, â€Å"Abby, please come out. I need you.† He used his I'm sad, wounded, and locked in the castle tower with all my powers gone voice, which I didn't even know he had, but it was tragic and I had to come out and humble myself before the cops like a little bitch, despite my new resolve to partake of the dark gift. So I'm all, â€Å"What?† And Rivera is all, â€Å"Allison, we have an agreement with Mr. Wong. He will stay here and work on a solution to the cat problem, and in return for our not filing charges, you both will say nothing to anyone about our previous-uh-adventures, with Mr. Flood, Ms. Stroud, and any other persons of the blood-drinking persuasion. Nor will we mention any funds that may have changed hands, and who may be in possession of said funds. Agreed?† I'm all, â€Å"Sweet!† â€Å"And you have to go home and live with your mother and sister,† the evil Hispano cop continued. And I'm all, â€Å"No way!† And all three of them are shaking their heads at me. And Foo, who is out of handcuffs now, is all, â€Å"Abby, you have to go with them. You're still a minor and your mom will chuck a spaz if they don't bring you home.† â€Å"And if that happens, we'll have no choice but to drop a hammer on Mr. Wong,† said Cavuto. And Foo's all, â€Å"And to defend ourselves we'll have to tell everyone about everything. So we'll all be hosed and meanwhile, Chet the huge shaved cat will own the City, plus our relationship and stuff would be strained.† And by â€Å"and stuff,† Foo meant that we would lose the love lair and no one would take care of Tommy and Jody, and Foo would have to become love ninja to some big guy in prison. We were owned. I was all, â€Å"I blame my mother.† I offered my wrists to Rivera for the cuffs. And they were all nodding, and â€Å"Sure,† and â€Å"That works for me.† And â€Å"Yeah, I'm good with that.† But Rivera didn't put the cuffs on me. And I'm all, â€Å"Can we have a minute to say good-bye?† And Rivera nods, so I start to lead Foo into the bedroom. And Rivera is all, â€Å"Out here.† So I unzip Foo's pants. And Cavuto grabs my arm and starts to drag me away, so I was forced to give Foo only a minor good-bye kiss that brushed his lips like a breeze from the tomb and left a little bit of a black lipstick streak on his cheek. And I'm all, â€Å"I will never forget you, Foo. They may tear us asunder, but our love will endure for eternity.† And he's all, â€Å"Call me when you get home.† And I'm all, â€Å"I'll text you on the way.† And he's all, â€Å"Abby Normal, you rock my stripy socks.† Which was totally romantic, because he doesn't wear stripy socks. I cried and my mascara melted in sorrow. Then Cavuto's all, â€Å"Oh for fuck's sake.† And he starts to lead me out the door, but turns to Foo and goes, â€Å"Is that your tricked-out yellow Honda downstairs?† And Foo is all, â€Å"Yeah.† And Cavuto's all, â€Å"You know it's full of rats, right?† And Foo's all, â€Å"Yeah.† And so I am a prisoner of the dreaded Motherbot and Foo faces the menace of Chet alone. Gotta jet, my sister, Ronnie, is asleep and I'm going to Magic Marker a pentagram on her shaved head. L8erz. RIVERA As they were walking away from delivering Abby Normal and her mother to the apartment building in the Fillmore, Cavuto said, â€Å"You know, if I'd had Allison there around when I came out to my dad, I think he would have understood a lot more why I like guys.† â€Å"If the vampire cats' victims turn to dust, most won't even be reported unless someone sees the attack,† Rivera said, hoping Cavuto's train of thought would head on to the next station. â€Å"She's so obnoxious,† said Cavuto. â€Å"Like a whole Saturday night drunk tank full of obnoxious packed into one little body.† â€Å"Maybe if we get a cadaver dog,† said Rivera. â€Å"Okay, but don't bitch about how the car smells later, because I want chili and onions.† â€Å"What the fuck are you talking about?† â€Å"Cadaver dogs. You were saying we should go to the ballpark and get cadaver dogs for lunch.† â€Å"I was saying no such thing. I was saying we should get a dog that's trained to sniff out cadavers to help us find the clothing of the victims.† â€Å"Oh,† said Cavuto, who didn't want to think about vampires. â€Å"Sure, that makes sense. So, Barney's Burgers for lunch then?† â€Å"You buy,† Rivera said, as he popped the locks on the unmarked Ford and climbed in. They drove eight blocks down Fillmore Street toward the Marina, before Cavuto said, â€Å"She's right, you know? I am a bear.† Rivera put on his sunglasses and took a few seconds adjusting them on his face to buy time before he answered with a sigh. â€Å"I'm glad you decided to come clean about that, Nick, because observing your six-foot-three-inch, two-hundred-and-sixty-pound, growling gay personage for the last fourteen years would have never betrayed your true identity, given my dull, homicide detective powers of observation.† â€Å"Your sarcasm is the main reason Alice left you.† â€Å"Really?† Rivera had wondered. Alice had said because he was too much of a cop and not enough of a husband, but he had suspicions about her testimony. â€Å"No, but I'm sure it was on the list.† â€Å"Nick, in all our time as partners, have I ever indicated that I wanted to discuss your sexuality?† â€Å"Well, not beyond using it to threaten suspects.† â€Å"And have I ever offered to share the details of my sex life with Alice?† â€Å"I just assumed you didn't have one.† â€Å"Well, that's not really relevant. I'm just saying, I'm fine with you just the way you are.† â€Å"Mantastic, you mean?† â€Å"Sure, go with that. Although I was thinking more of large and furry, yet afraid of tiny girls.† â€Å"Well, you can't hit her, she's a kid,† Cavuto whined. They found parking in a garage near Barney's. Rivera pulled into a no-parking spot (because he could) and shut off the engine. He sat back and looked at the wall in front of them. â€Å"So, vampire cats,† Cavuto said. â€Å"Yeah,† said Rivera. â€Å"We're fucked,† said the big cop. â€Å"Yeah,† said Rivera.