Poetry Analysis - 1035 Words

Justin Gonzales A Promise to Return Poetry Analysis Essay 3-1-2013 A Promise to Return Is there anybody there? said the Traveller, knocking on the moonlit door; and his horse in the silence champed the grass of the forests ferny floor (De La Mare, 1-4) and in a dreamlike manner, the scene is set. The Listeners by Walter Del La Mare is a dark and spooky poem with an unexpected ending. It is about a traveller who rides through an eerie forest in the middle of the night in search of someone. His travels lead him to a quiet house where no one answers his call. However, he feels the presence of someone in the house and calls out to them, but the listeners dont budge to answer him. The poem is deep and dark, and leaves many†¦show more content†¦The poem is written in third-person. The reader is invited to watch the actions of the characters, but not let in on what the thoughts and feelings are of the characters and this also helps to create atmosphere. For me, this poem has undertones of death and war . There is a sense that the man came by before, hence the reason for the traveler knowing someone was there. There might have been a relationship with the people in the house, maybe his family or a mistress. He must have promised to protect them, maybe he left for war and promised he would return to save them from whatever the imminent threat that there might have been. The silence in the halls gives me the sense of death and loneliness in the halls of this once happy home. The traveler could have been a warrior of some kind. He returned and whispered a desperate response to the hallowing silence that even though he was late, he kept his promise. It is very strange to me that the traveler would come to the house in the middle of the night and knock on the door and quickly rode away without searching more aggressively through the house. Walter De La Mare wrote a beautiful and unforgettable poem. This poem will forever be interpreted in different ways and there will always be controversy as to what the author inte nded to mean with the beautiful words of â€Å"The Listeners.† Perhaps, there was no intendedShow MoreRelatedRule Analysis : Poetry By Poetry1353 Words   |  6 PagesRule Analysis: Poetry Introduction Poetry is a genre that expresses feeling through rhythm and tone, while creating a realistic vision of what the poet is imagining. Poems can either be short or could be lengthy, but they all have a meaning to them. A poem is often read for its message that it carries. The message is usually hidden in the context of the poem. Poetry is difficult because its language that is used is often indirect with the reader. There is no limit of subjects that can be used inRead MorePoetry Analysis of Introduction to Poetry837 Words   |  4 PagesPoetry analysis of ‘Introduction to Poetry’ The Poem â€Å"Introduction to Poetry† is by Billy Collins, an English poet, and it is about how teachers often force students to over-analyze poetry and to try decipher every possible meaning portrayed throughout the poem rather than allowing the students to form their own interpretation of the poem based on their own experiences. Throughout the poem, a number of literary devices are used. For example: â€Å"or press an ear against its hive†. Using this metaphorRead MoreEssay on Poetry Analysis926 Words   |  4 PagesIn the poem â€Å"An Echo Sonnet†, author Robert Pack writes of a conversation between a person’s voice and its echo. With the use of numerous literary techniques, Pack is able to enhance the meaning of the poem: that we must depend on ourselves for answers because other opinions are just echoes of our own ideas. At first glance, the reader notices that the poem is divided into two parts in order to resemble a conversation. When reading the sonnet for the first time the reader may make the mistakeRead MoreAnalysis Of The Poem Poetry 1177 Words   |  5 PagesPoetry is a reduced dialect that communicates complex emotions. To comprehend the numerous implications of a ballad, perusers must analyze its words and expressing from the points of view of beat, sound, pictures, clear importance, and suggested meaning. Perusers then need to sort out reactions to the verse into a consistent, point-by-point clarification. Poetry utilizes structures and traditions to propose differential translation to words, or to summon emotive reactions. Gadgets, for example, soundRead MoreTheodore Roethkes Poetry Analysis1598 Words   |  7 PagesAnalysis of Theodore Roethke’s Poetry Around the globe, there are a couple of authors who have been put into the limelight by the quality of their work. Authors of books and poems play a vital role in educating the community through communicating certain issues through writing. This paper focuses on discussing and analyzing Theodore Roethke, one of the poets who have been recognized all over the world and whose work has been read by many people from all over the world. The paper tries to analyzeRead MoreAnalysis Of The Poem Poetry 1596 Words   |  7 PagesPoetry is a beautiful way to express the subtext within it, using literary devices which enhances the poem s beauty. Poetry is considered to take distorted ideas and transforms it into beautiful words. Therefore, resulting the harsh truth being displayed in a form of a poem for readers to sink into another point of view. These creators called poets, are a group of people with a wide variety of experiences that an average person does not usually experience. They can c reate a more unified meaningRead MorePoetry Analysis : Extended Response1593 Words   |  7 PagesPoetry Analysis – Extended Response Worthwhile poetry does make the audience think, it impacts the ways individuals think and how they interpret the hidden messages and morals taught throughout them. Poetry is a point of interest for many people as it informs. This essay aims to explore and discuss two of the following poems that make the audience think about poetry. The essay will also compare and contrast the subject matter, themes, rhyme, forms and the poetic devices and features. These poemsRead MorePoetry Research And Analysis Essay1959 Words   |  8 PagesPoetry Research and Analysis Essay Persuasive Wouldn’t it be great if everything was just black and white, unfortunately that’s not always the case? To me, the answer to the question regarding song lyrics being poetry is more complicated than yes or no. I think it falls in the gray area in the middle. In respect to that, I will discuss the fact that poetry and songs can be different in structure yet very similar in meaning; that without the voice implemented in the music, songs loose poetic andRead MoreWar poetry analysis1992 Words   |  8 Pagesï » ¿Stage 2 English Communications – War Poetry War has an everlasting effect on the entire world, but the one group of people that have the worst experience are those that are on the frontline – the soldiers. They are often glorified and portrayed to be patriots for their country, which is frequently conveyed through poetry. I disagree with this view, and the following three poems written by past soldiers support my view on war. Siegfried Sassoon is a renowned World War 1 poet who was in serviceRead MoreGods Grandeur Poetry Analysis1460 Words   |  6 PagesGod s Grandeur Poetry Analysis Title: â€Å"God’s Grandeur† might be a poem about God, and his power. Paraphrase: The world is filled with God’s greatness and power, one day it will go out like a light. It gathers to a high point, and is then crushed. Why then do people not care about His authority; His wrath. Generations after generations have carried on in this depressing manner. Everything is ruined by trade; everything is blurry, being smeared by laborious work. Everything now is covered with

The Pattern Of Development In The First Three Years Of Life Free Essays

From birth to the age of 3 children progress greatly, considering they are born with only simple reflexes and are helpless and dependent on adults to feed and care for them. At birth babies are born with many actions that are done without thinking, these are called reflexes, and many of these reflexes are carried out in order to survive. To ensure a baby can feed they have a swallowing and sucking reflex. We will write a custom essay sample on The Pattern Of Development In The First Three Years Of Life or any similar topic only for you Order Now To help a baby find food they move their head to look for a nipple or teat if their cheek or mouth is touched this is called rooting. Babies have a grasping reflex by where they will automatically grab whatever is placed in their hand if it touches their palm. If there is a loud sound or bright light babies will perform their startle reflex, they will raise their arms and clench their fists. If a baby is held with their feet touching a hard surface they will perform the walking and standing reflex by making stepping movements. At 1 month babies change a great deal, they begin to settle into a pattern and still sleep a lot of the time but they will gradually begin to stay awake for longer periods. They cry to communicate their needs and may vary their cry dependant on a particular need. At this age babies are also learning about their parents or carers and may stop when they hear their voice, they coo when they are content. They can focus at a distance of around 20 -30 cm but try to focus on the face of who is holding them. While asleep they smile fleetingly, this is usually done when they are content. At 3 months they have grown a lot in both height and weight. Some babies may now know the difference between day and night and are able to sleep through the night. They are now able to lift and turn their head and begin to notice mobiles and other objects that are around them. They are now more alert and sleep less during the day. They now know their parents voice and smile quite a lot, especially when they see a smiling face. At 6 months babies have learnt many new skills. They are very alert and will move their head to see what is happening around them. When playing with their parent or carer they will smile and squeal to express their enjoyment. They can now focus on objects and toys and explore them by using their mouth and fingers. Babies start to show that they understand a little of what is been said to them and lift arms to show that they want to be picked up. They are beginning to try and feed themselves by grabbing the spoon and should be enjoying their food. Teeth are now beginning to come through which can be painful at times. By this age babies are getting stronger and should be able to sit with support and should be able to roll over form their back to their fronts. They should now be settled into a routine and will nap and play throughout the day. At 9 months babies should now be crawling or finding other ways of getting around, they will sit and spend a lot of time playing and exploring their surroundings, babies can now pick up and handle things and begin to feed using their fingers. Their language should now be developing; their babbling is now more tuneful and long strings of sounds are put together. They can now understand some simple words such as drink or bath and may get excited when they hear them. At around 8 months they may cry when they are left with a stranger and will try their hardest to be with their parents. Around this age babies will now understand that objects and people around them do not disappear but continue to exist when they can no longer see them. This development is important and explains why at around his age babies protest and become distressed about their parents leaving the room, as they now know they are still around and are desperate to be with them, unlike before when they thought they disappeared once out of sight. At 1 year babies have developed a great deal and are now mobile, if they are not already walking they may be on the verge of learning to walk. They can stand holding onto furniture and may walk holding onto things around them. They can now crawl very fast and their eyesight has developed to that of an adult. Objects can now be held, touched and moved, they enjoy putting things in and out of containers as well as dropping things to see what happens to them, they will enjoy doing things like this over and over again. By now babies should be able to sit unsupported and should be able to feed themselves with their fingers and should now know what foods they like and dislike so will only eat what they like. Babies now understand more of what is being said to them and long strings of babbling is still how babies of this age communicate but now they are beginning to try and say their first words. At 18 months they can now walk and are usually referred to as a toddler, they enjoy playing with adults but are still fascinated by other children, they take an interest in what older siblings are doing too. At this age they begin to want some independence, they start to develop a mind of their own , they cry and have temper tantrums if they cannot have their own way or what they want. They may now be able to use a few words but can understand most of what adults say to them, but this does not mean that they understand the meaning of sharing and how to wait for things. Toddlers can change their mood very quickly and fidgety, which can be tiring for parents, they get upset if they are left in unfamiliar surroundings or with people they don’t know. At 2 years toddlers are now showing their individuality, they know what they want and what they want to do. They can now walk confidently as well as run and climb, they are able to pick things up. They like to be independent and get annoyed or frustrated if they cannot or are not allowed to do things for themselves, these outbursts are known as the terrible twos. They can now say around 200 words and are beginning to enjoy pretend play such as giving a teddy a pretend drink, they will play with building blocks and simple jigsaw puzzles. At 2Â ½ years children are still happy to be independent and still find it hard to wait for things. Their communication skills are improving greatly and they can now put two words together, such as daddy gone, they may even manage short sentences. Their physical development is progressing and they are now determined to get things they want which could mean they put themselves in dangerous situations, such as climbing on chairs or standing on tables. They now begin to play more with other children rather than just alongside them. Pretend play and small world toys are now popular, as well as riding tricycles and climbing frames. Adult attention is still important and still enjoys cuddles and helping an adult, such as throwing paper in the rubbish bin. Been away from parents is still upsetting, unless they know who they are going to be with. At this age potty training may begin and may only take a few days to be out of nappies during the day, for some children. At 3 years children are making a big jump in development which is linked to their language skills, instead of them showing that they are upset they are able to tell us and temper tantrums begin to happen less often. They begin to understand more of what is happening around them and understand the needs of others. They are now able to play with other children and are able to share toys with ease, other children begin to be important to them and will look forward to going to nursery. Children of this age are now generally happy to be away from parents as they now understand that they will return and are able to talk to staff who are looking after them. How to cite The Pattern Of Development In The First Three Years Of Life, Papers

Effect of Stress on Memory

Question: Describe your research participants and identify any issues of generalization that could arise as part of your research design. Describe why an understanding of generalization and replication are essential in experimental research construction. Answer: The impacts of stress on memory incorporate impedance with an individual's ability to encode memory and the capacity to recover information. During times of anxiety, the body responds by emitting anxiety hormones into the circulation system. Stress can result in intense and interminable changes in particular cerebrum regions which can result in the long haul damages. The sample is going to comprise twenty adolescent learners between 20 to 23years old. The determination is focused around the learners who got extremely occupied with their exam and did not have rest, drained and needed to rest. Their memory is going to get tested prior and then afterward rest. Generalization is to see how much the results can be connected toward the rear to speak to the gathering of kids, overall and will be utilized in the study. The primary case, utilizing each sample, would be a solid representation, on the grounds that the extent and number of specimens is high. Testing one sample makes speculation troublesome and influences the outer legitimacy. One may find that the individual sample tried produces better results for youngsters utilizing that specific instructive project. Then again, a sample may contain kids who dislike the framework. The understudies may be from a totally diverse financial foundation or society. Commentators of your results will jump upon such disparities and inquiry your whole exploratory configuration. The study is going to assess how stress influences memory work that is activated by a learning test. With respect to outward stretch, the study concentrates on push that get not identified with cognitive assignment, however, is evoked by different circumstances. References Cavanagh, J. F.; Frank, M. J.; Allen, J. J. B. (7 May 2010). "Social stress reactivity alters reward and punishment learning". Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience 6 (3): 311320. Henckens, M. J. A. G.; Hermans, E. J.; Pu, Z.; Joels, M.; Fernandez, G. (12 August 2009). "Stressed Memories: How Acute Stress Affects Memory Formation in Humans". Journal of Neuroscience 29 (32): 1011110119. Smeets, T.,Giesbrecht, T., Jelicic, M., Merckelbach, H. (2007). Context-dependent enhancement of declarative memory performance following acute psychosocial stress. Biological Psychology, 76, 116-123.

Why These Students Chose UC Schools

Location is one of the most important factors students take into account when researching and applying to college. Most people already know about sunny California, but each of the UC schools offers something special. Hear what drew these students to attend the schools they are at: aliciashahz(UCSC ‘17):This school is the absolute best. The location as well as the natural beauty surrounding the campus had already made half of my decision to come here. The other half revolved around the great academics and ranking of several programs in this school. I am an economics major, and UC Santa Cruz is one of the top schools in the nation for this field of study. Companies literally recruit students right out of college because the program is so great. Along with this, the professors are the absolute best and I have never met one who was unwilling to help me to their fullest potential. The beauty of the campus, the success of its programs, as well as the wonderful academic staff makes my experience here so entirely worth it. Brittanybea: Berkeley is an incredible, bustling city with a fascinating and well-known modern history. In addition, the campus is in a very central location in the city, so it is easy to go out and have a good time just by walking (plus, the bus system/BART makes longer distance travel really easy). Being close to cities like Oakland and San Francisco is also great - the Bay Area has so many opportunities for education, employment, and entertainment. MirandaBlake2015(UC Santa Barbara ‘19): I love that my school is by the beach because the beach is one of my favorite places on the planet. I love that its in California because its close to snowcapped mountains and sun-bathing beaches. Its also not to far from home, so I can be near my little sister and other family members. The culture at my school is very laid back and outdoorsy. Everywhere you look, you see people outside, maybe playing beach volleyball or riding their bike. Its also highly academic, rating among the top marine biology schools in California, among other things.Whofan26: Animals, animals, animals! Well, agriculture anyways. Everyone in Davis has a connection to agriculture one way or another, and everything in Northern California is so much greener (literally) compared to SoCal. Davis is also extremely environmentally green, and while Downtown Davis is a literal small town, even nearby state capital Sacramento has a small town feel to italmost nothing but sm all businesses that close by 6pm and complete inactivity on Sundays. 10156039161580453FB(UC Irvine ‘16): Well I would say Irvine is pretty much in the middle of so many great places. You have LA up north, San Diego and Mexico down south. Disneyland is only 20 minutes away (yes im a disney pass holder). When you turn 21, Vegas can be a 5 hour drive weekend getaway/celebration. Newport beach is also absolutely amazing (as a current resident), a lot UCI students live there, go there (for the beach and for the bars). And Irvine itself is very well-planned organized, clean no bums, safe. Its the product of civil engineers land development planning (I took a design class for this) UCDScarlet(UC Davis ‘18): The city of Davis is a college town, and Im not going to lieif you want an exciting college experience, its not what youre going to get at Davis! There isnt a lot to dotheres a party scene (which Im not really involved with, so I cant tell you about that), and some theaters and pretty good food. However, Davis is one of those places where youd see a phenomenon and exclaim only in Davis!. As an animal science major, I am so grateful to be able to see cows and horses everyday. I also love being able to bike around the city and embrace the weirdness of everything around me. Its such a special place and you will certainly have a very different, although sometimes boring, experience here. Iron_Man: UC Berkeley is by the Bay area, overlooking the San Francisco bay. Its warm in Northern California, the fog is cool, and the rain provides a nice counter to the heat in the southwest US. Thanks to the big city just a few miles away from campus, the culture is diverse. However, you will learn to love Boba. Look it up before you blaspheme that you do not know what it is on campus. Its good though. Seriously. Whether you’re just starting your search or you’re looking for help applying, it’s never too early to make the college application process easier.Searchto find students like you orcontact a mentorfor help with the admissions process so you can narrow down your choices and get a head start.

Bismarck - How much did Bismar essays

Bismarck - How much did Bismar essays Bismarck - How much did Bismarck's success from 1862-70 depend on the errors and misjudgements of others? According to the traditional German view, German unification was achieved in 1871 as a result of the actions of one great man, Otto von Bismarck, the Minister-President of Prussia, who planned the events leading to unification in detail. However, more recent historians have argued that Bismarck had no such ``master plan''. Instead, Bismarck's success was a result of his flexibility as a statesman, combined with the advantages Prussia enjoyed both in its resources and its diplomatic situation, the latter of which was improved by the mistakes and misjudgements of others. There were essentially two halves to Bismarck's supposed master plan: defeat Austria, keeping her as an ally by treating her leniently, and defeat France. Defeating Austria required the neutrality of France and Russia, and a way in which to trick Austria into declaring war with Prussia, so that Austria would appear to be to blame. According to the traditional view, Bismarck planned ways in which to carry this out. Originally it was said that Bismarck's handling of the rebellion in Russian Poland resulted in Russian neutrality: the rebellion was a potential threat to Russia, so Bismarck offered the Tsar military help, thereby gaining Russia's friendship. However, this was not entirely the case, and Bismarck almost ruined the good diplomatic position he had inherited: There was almost a French, British and Austrian alliance of liberal opposition against Prussia over the matter, and Russia resented Prussian interference. In the end, Russia's friendship with Prussia remained intact, and the Prussian benefit was that Austria's relations with Russia had worsened over Austrian opposition to Russia's Polish policy. Furthermore, this could not have been part of a master plan since Bismarck had no way of knowing about the rebellion in advance. It is more likely that...

The Importance of Planning in Self-Publishing

The Importance of Planning in Self-Publishing Fiction writers are sometimes divided into â€Å"plotters† and â€Å"pantsers† depending on how much advance thought they put into the development of their novels. The â€Å"plotters† like to work everything out in advance. They may develop elaborate outlines, timelines, character portraits, diagrams of pivot points in their story, and know, even before they strike the first key, exactly what the story is and how it will develop. â€Å"Pantsers† get their name from â€Å"flying What about self-publishers? They can also be divided in terms of how they approach the publication of their books. Consider: Planners As soon as a planner gets going, they have specific dates for all their events. An author may have booked the blogs on which she’ll be appearing during her book launch several months away. She might locate vendors for the services she’ll need, set up a publishing company, and get all her â€Å"ducks in a row.† Although all this preparation is impressive, planners may be driven Free Spirits Free spirits approach publishing with a less structured approach, and are more concerned with the task in front of them, not with future events. A free spirit author may be so absorbed Although it sounds slower, these authors may be more open to serendipitous meetings and spur of the moment inspiration. Although they dont get the benefits of advance planning, they may have more fun in the process. Questions Arise Most people think that a book is a simple, commonplace object - words on a page, one page after another until you reach the end. What’s complicated about that? But then, when you decide to publish yourself, the picture becomes murkier. You begin to realize there are many decisions that go into making a book. The questions start, and never seem to stop:   Hardcover, paperback, ebook?   How big a book?   Where to sell, and for how much? Then it gets even more confusing:   What should I do first?   How long will it take?   How do I stay on track? Planning to Succeed Many authors are also teachers, business people, retirees, consultants, electricians, military, lawyers, doctors, and so on. They have expertise in their own field, but they don’t know how book publishing works. They have no grasp of the whole book publishing process. Ideally, you could have an expert sitting next to you as you plan your project to explain all the steps and when to do them. Thats a great solution, and some authors end up hiring a book shepherd or publishing consultant. But only a few do that. Most try to figure it out Understanding the sequence of events in publishing a book should be your first task when you decide to self-publish. So if youre thinking of publishing your own books, educate yourself first. Nothing will repay you as much as getting clear in your mind about how the process of turning a manuscript into a book works in the real world. Youll soon be a publishing pro yourself! NOTE FROM HOPE:  A new software program automates scheduling and tracking tasks for book projects. Its called  Book Planner  . A one-year subscription makes a great holiday gift for your favorite indie-publisher! Im a rabid fan of Joel Friedlander products, and this is a great way to jumpstart your own writing.

Civil engineeringredevelopment of ratho stationedighburgh Essay

Civil engineeringredevelopment of ratho stationedighburgh - Essay Example Further, the redevelopment project of Ratho station would also be very helpful as it would be capable to support wider choice of tram services and also helps the occupants in the neighbourhood residential area (Edinburgh, n.d.). The entire landscape of the region is expected to be developed by upholding the rich heritage and natural assets in the region (Edinburgh, n.d). Further, necessary precautions are also given to ensure the occupational safety and health of passengers and the employees in the station. Maximum utilization of renewable energy and also using natural means to give maximum comfort conditions would be the core elements in the architectural plan. Providing the right orientation to enhance the heat gain, passive cooling means to reduce the load on HVAC systems are the few essential interventions planned in this exercise. Providing adequate open spaces that would create more comfort for the passengers are the other key concerns addressed in the planning process. The redevelopment project shall also communicate the philosophy of protection of ancient monuments and buildings besides conservation measures adopted at the heritage locations. BREEAM standards would be followed closely in an effort t o promote the sustainable re-development process of the station. In addition the Ratho station shall act as the focal point of generating local employment. Guidelines of BREEAM. BREEAM guidelines gives the proper direction for the sustainable development initiatives that could be adopted in the design of energy efficient and environmentally safe infrastructure components. The major emphasis given is in the design of cycle ways and pedestrian tracks. Strengthening public transport systems with less dependence on private transport are the important options for providing better living conditions. They also take proper attention for effective implementation of the proposed the travel plans like special cycle ride ways. The important design considerations that need to be incorporated in the design of station facilities are as follows As the energy conservation is one the top most priorities in the redevelopment process, all the lighting systems used would be of the high efficiency lighting systems or low energy consuming units. Further, all the signals and related units too would be converted or replaced in these lines. Conversion of the railway station at Ratho into as an energy producing station , such that station is capable of generating its own power is one of the design objectives. The piezoelectric systems that use the mechanical energy from the movement of gate to generate voltage could be implemented. The successful implementation of such type of systems are claimed by East Japan railway Company. Based on the volume of the passengers expected at the Ratho station it is estimated that atleast 1000kW per second could be generated from Ratho station (Schwartz, 2008). The use of energy efficient LED lamps could be used to indicate the tram arrivals at the station which could lead to considerable reduction in the electric bill (Irani,2006). Further, using systems that minimizes the water consumption by implementing water reuse systems to conserve the water used for

Data Flow charts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Data Flow charts - Essay Example ss called decomposing, modelling hierarchy or leveling; this process of leveling is series of detailing diagrams until all the primitive functions are properly identified. When DFD fits on a single window is known as level 1 DFD. Level 2 is a DFD that expands the level 1 or top-level. All the levels below are level 3, level 3 and so on. A level that cannot be further be decomposed is called bottom-level process (Systems Analysis and Design, n.d.). Flowchart assists the auditors and accountants in analyzing the current system of the organization for the control loopholes and weakness ants the reporting the same to the management. This assists the auditors in defining the audit trail, follow it up and finally evaluate the system. Further it assists in assessment of the control risk of the company. The system analyst use the flowcharts to show how the information flows in an organization environment, thus each department is evaluated on the data is receiving and sending and makes sure only the valid and necessary data is

Environmental analysis Essay Example for Free

Environmental analysis Essay Rivalry Competition in the US video rental industry is fierce. There are actually several different segments of players within the industry, like rentals who establish physical store locations and rentals who serve mail-orders, but these different segments are competing to gain the same market share. Blockbuster reveled that the business actually has a small profit margin, due to the high cost of building and equipment maintenance. Furthermore, the movie rental industry has a stagnant market condition, or in simple words, the market does not reveal any meaningful growth within the years. This means the only way to grow is by taking away a piece of competitors’ market share. Thus, competition is s serious issue for Blockbuster because in one hand, the company cannot afford to loose more market share due to its minimum profit margin, and in the other hand, Blockbuster would also need to experience some kind of revenue growth. Ironically, competitors of Blockbuster also possess the same obsession. As a result, price war is the only way to determine which player would lead the market. Unfortunately, most of the players in the industry has already sustain heavy operational and maintenance that they cannot afford to reduce rental prices. In addition, most of these players have also minimum promotion budget because of the small profit margin. Today, competition industry enters a stage where all the players are stagnant in most of its departments (Brem, 2002). Not all movie rental industry can survive in a long term, especially if the industry is online. With the recent tightening in the market, some executive and investor are challenging Blockbuster.com to show some results: higher revenues, more customers, perhaps even a profit. This is should become tough news for Blockbuster. com who have spent most of their money on expensive advertisements, PR campaigns, or websites that look attractive. The full integration of Blockbuster. com online and in-store programs planned for next year will enable them to provide their customers, young and old, with unmatched convenience, service, selection and value. If a customer is in their store and wants to return a movie they rented online, Blockbuster.com will be able to accommodate them. If a member rents primarily in-store, but wants a hard-to-find title Blockbuster. com does not typically carry in store, they will be able to go online and get it. It is a matter of maximizing convenience and choice (â€Å"About Blockbuster. com†, 2006). Blockbuster has not been watching these developments lazily. It has launched its own online rental service in response to the competition, despite the set-up costs and the fact that it could take revenue away from its retail operation. It has also introduced a number of initiatives, such as a part-exchange deal on VHS tapes, and is currently exploring offering an in-store download service. †¢ Buyer Power Due to the stagnant market and the need for huge economies of scale to reach profit, buyers of the video rental industry has quite an influential power. In a nutshell, by choosing to go to which rentals, buyers will determine which one will reach profit within the financial period and which one will fall below targets. The increasing use of Internet becomes the power of buyers that soon force Blockbuster to provide online services. To change itself from a zone of movie rental store into an â€Å"anywhere-anytime† entertainment destination that eventually will enable customers to rent, buy or trade movies and games, new or used, in-store and online, Blockbuster initiatives to continues their accomplishment as the online rental service company (â€Å"Blockbuster goes broadband, streams movies to TV†, 2001). Blockbuster. com becomes the business through information technology (I. T. ) marketing. Because of the online marketing Blockbuster can live and breathe. They can get more competitive, lower their costs, and provide better service through continuous improvement of the I. T. marketing (â€Å"BBI: Profile for BLOCKBUSTER INC. †, 2006). However, as online retail, marketing efforts of Blockbuster. com could be even more effective if they asked the consumer for a dash of personal information. So far, businesses were hoping that personalization technology would serve as the equivalent of a best friend who just happened to have all the same tastes in products and services. More consumers are choosing to rent online, which has no late fees and have the movies mailed to them. It makes Blockbuster. com has increased their membership (â€Å"Blockbuster goes broadband, streams movies to TV†, 2001). The only way for movie-rental stores to continue operations is to rise to the challenge and shift their business model to stay practical. To develop a substantial share of the online rental business by the end of next year, Blockbuster. com is providing rental plan and their practical understanding marketing. It should help Blockbuster. com to be more successful in the next period. Movie distributors and the large chains, such as Blockbuster, Inc.directly negotiate revenue-sharing agreements covering most titles distributed by the upstream (â€Å"BBI: Profile for BLOCKBUSTER INC. †, 2006). Personalization and community features are very important. Blockbuster. com should allow film fans to rate films and write reviews to help inform other users. In addition, Blockbuster. com need to have a management team with bags of expertise, which they believe differentiates us from the competition. †¢ Supplier Power Suppliers of the industry generally have little power over the Blockbuster. The prices of inputs are nearly identical for most suppliers and there is no price discrimination because of the widely available substitutes. †¢ Threats of Substitutes The video rental industry is actually facing quite significant threats from various substitutes. Examples of substitutes are: pay-per-view, video-on-demand, streaming on-line videos, etc. All of these alternatives are delivering the same product in a quite similar quality, which means that they contribute notably to the tension within the video rental industry (‘Videotape Rental’, 2004). Barriers of EntryAnalysis of the industry indicated that Blockbuster is actually enjoying significant level of entry barriers. First, as mentioned earlier, the industry generally has a small profit margin, which means that a huge economic of scale is required to create a profitable business. This is caused by the high operational and maintenance costs, profit sharing agreement with studios, etc. Second, Blockbuster enjoyed a positive image due to its long-time presence and its popularity within the US market. Both of these factors ensured the triumph of Blockbuster against any newcomer. Most of these conditions however, are now becoming obsolete. This is true partly due to the presence of internet. As internet shopping becomes more popular, mail-order rentals like Netflix gain notable attention from the market. In addition, Blockbuster made the mistake of not providing enough copies of popular and recent movies, which ultimately get customers to think of going to alternative rentals. Another factor that reduces the entry barrier is the popularity of DCDs over the old VHS which no longer require negotiating revenue gain agreements with studios (Brem, 2002; Wagner, 2003).

The Causes of Poverty - Cultural vs. Structural Essay example -- Socio

Parsing out the influences of cultural and structural factors leading to differential behaviors among the poor and nonpoor is a difficult challenge for sociologists concerned with stratification and inequality. This is largely due to the fact that they appear to be so heavily intertwined. Structural and cultural factors reinforce each other in complex ways. Pervasive cultural elements such as ideologies and values are used to frame and interpret existing socio-economic structures and their effects on individuals. Structural forces such as access to resources such as information, education and employment shape cultural views and attitudes as well. STRUCTURAL AND CULTURAL FORCES Structural factors include the organizational and institutional forces in society that determine relative social position such as the prestige level of associations, roles and jobs, economic and labor market forces, technology and laws (Wilson 2009). Structural factors also affect access to resources such as housing and education. Cultural factors include pervasive narratives and interpretations as well as common understandings and applied meanings, within groups of people (Wilson 2009). Culture can be shared amongst varying size groups ranging from families to nations. Cultural sharing is generally limited to those who share a common physical space (Wilson 1996:66). Social interaction on the individual level leads to the sharing of cultural values, understandings and interpretations (Wilson 2009). Both structural and cultural factors have profound and complex effects on society, the individual and each other. The Relationship Between Structure and Culture The relationship between structure and culture is essentially reciprocal. Cultural changes... ...rty and revenue; the detailed statistics of cities, towns, and counties; being a compendium of the seventh census; to which are added the results of every previous census, beginning with 1790. DC: U.S. Census Bureau. U.S. Misery Index. 2010. â€Å"The United States Unemployment Rate: Unemployment Rate figures obtained from the U.S. Department of Labor.† Web. 15 March 2013. http://www.miseryindex.us/urbymonth.asp?StartYear=1970-01&EndYear=2011-01&submit1=Create+Report Wilson, William Julius. 1996. When Work Disappears: The World of the New Urban Poor. New York: Random House, Inc. _____. 2009. More Than Just Race: Being Black and Poor in the Inner City. New York: W. W. Norton & Company Inc. Young, Alfred A., Jr. 2004. The Minds of Marginalized Black Men: Making Sense of Mobility, Opportunity, and Future Life Chances. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

Breaking the Sheltering Bar: A Response Essay

African American literature has been prolific and appreciated especially during the early twentieth century, the time when discrimination was rampant and lynching and infanticide were the results of the racial supremacy of the White Americans. Literature was an important tool to voice out reactions, ideologies, representations, truths and suggestions about the state of the forthcoming changes in the American society.Through the anti-lynching literature of Georgia Douglas Johnson and the introduction of   African American culture in James Weldon Johnson, we will take an in depth look at literal and critical interpretations of a selection of poems and analyze intertextually how these literary selections merge and provide context about the African American heritage.James Weldon Johnson in his poem â€Å"The Creation† pictured God as someone people can understand or relate to. He was not depicted as an illusory idea, but humanized to an extent we can visualize God. It was writte n in a vernacular similar to a preaching, with some familiar language and style similar to African American lingo. It describes creation in a lyrical manner, with repetitive lines.The poem depicts not only a biblical story but also a tradition and a culture imbibed African Americans. The composition of the poem was written like a sermon. We can see that certain biblical styles present in the poem. This trend combined with the lyrical trend similar to gospel songs show a way of incorporating native oral traditions in African American cultures. In Rubà ©n Jarazo’s article James Weldon Johnson. The Black Bard, simplicity and clarity are present in James Weldon Johnson’s literary styles.African American culture and society had its roots from slavery and discrimination, caged in a mould that there is a superior, imperialist society over them. Such ideas of discrimination had developed into the use of literature especially in the early twentieth century to express and react and suggest what they feel in the scrutiny of other races.According to Rubà ©n Jarazo in his article James Weldon Johnson, The Black Bard, African American academics and the general voice of the society had placed their voices on paper, creating a boom of interest in African American writing. This is what they called the Harlem Renaissance. This movement gave way for the exploration of Black American’s past, and present, as well as representing their individuality and cultural distinction.The transition of the focus of racial purity became more complex with the concept of cosmopolitanism. In the case of White and Black Americans having children, there is a new wave of discrimination as to where to draw the lines of superiority. This created literature about cosmopolites.Georgia Douglas Johnson has always portrayed the power and importance of the cosmopolitanism. African American culture as embedded in the cultural roots of American society. She defined this concept in the p oem Cosmopolite.The African American race was depicted to be a mixture of different bloods, a product of the interplay in historical and social contexts. They are alienated but not alienated she stands comprehending; from the condition of her life she view earth’s frail dilemma she is a descendant of fused strengths.Nothing contains her. She established the concept of the cosmopolite as a merge between two bloods, and though the cosmopolite seems alienated, nothing contains her, for she has this new strength, a cultural marriage between the African and American sensibilities. The issue is not anymore about the distinction between the two but how the concept of being one is affective of the society they are in.These social and interracial contexts also appeared in Georgia Douglas Johnson’s poems. In â€Å"The Heart of a Woman†, she depicted the imagery of a woman, as a bird, in the strike of dawn a flying through turrets and vales, but still encaged in a concept of a home. As night falls, she becomes encaged in an alien plight, still in an inevitable seclusion.According to C.C. O’Brien in the article Cosmopolitanism in Georgia Douglas Johnson's Anti-Lynching Literature, women’s domesticism over the patriarchy and masculinity of imperialism connotes the status of African American status in society. As much as they wanted to be free, freedom is not absolute.The White patriarchy that assumes a kindling and protective shelter, prohibits people to grow and take part in society. This can be interpreted in a way as O’Brien depicted the desire of African American communities for equality in social and political facets.

Waste Water: Sources, Classes, Management

Waste H2O: Beginnings, Classes, Management Beginnings of effluent:Industrial EffluentsIndustrial effluent is the H2O or liquid-carried waste discharged from an industrial procedure generated from industry, production, trade, automotive fix, car wash, medical activity that may consists of lethal or harmful constituents. Industrial effluents can mean, hand in glove, an indispensable portion of municipal effluents and must be taken in to consideration in order to hold booming wastewater intervention system processes. In some topographic points, industrial effluent releases are gathered together with other community effluents and the assorted wastes are treated jointly. In other instance in point, the industry may afford some pretreatment or limited intervention of its effluents predating to dispatch to the urban cloacas. The sum and nature of the industrial waste is such that separate aggregation and disposal is indispensable. Industrial effluents differ extensively in composing, authority, flow and measure, based on the definite industry or fabrication constitution in the country. Common industries which manufacture considerable volumes of effluents comprises fiber and paper workss, steel Millss, crude oil refinement operations, fertiliser workss and others. Industrial discharges may incorporate really concentrated organic effluents with a great extend O demand, or consists of unwanted chemicals which may destruct cloacas and other composings. They may hold compounds which defend against biological debasement or toxic mechanism which hinder with suited operation of the effluent intervention works. A least common beginning which must be taken into consideration in an industrial waste, is thermic discharge because it reduces dissolved O values. Several industries make usage of immense sum of chilling H2O for case the electric power industry every bit good as the major chemical and metal industry besides uti lize considerable sum of chilling Waterss. Beginnings of industrial waste H2O are assorted, but the metal associated industries are the biggest subscribers. The creative activity ofiron from its ores engages influentialreductionreactions in blast furnaces.The transition of Fe or steel into useable stuff such as sheet, wire and rods necessitates hot and cold mechanical transition phases normally make usage of H2O as a lubricator and chilling agent. It may bring forth contaminations such as tallow, hydraulic oils, and particulate solids. Ending intervention of Fe and steel goods before forward sale into productions comprisespickling whereby in concentrated mineral acid to extinguish rust and creates the surface forchromium or Sn plating every bit good as for other surface interventions for case, galvanisation. Hydrochloric acid andsulfuric acid are the two acids widely used. Effluents contains acidic rinse Waterss added with waste acid. Although many workss manage to hold acerb recovery workss particularly the hydrochloric acid which includes the procedure of boling the mineral acidto take it from the Fe salts, but there is still presence of a immense volume of highly acidic ferric sulfateorferrous chlorideto be removed. Minesand preies industriesalso give rise to the production of primary waste H2O in the signifier of slurries of stone component parts in H2O. This phenomenon occur from rainfall rinsing draw roads and open surface and besides from stone lavation and grading actions. Great volume of H2O involved chiefly rainfall correlated originating on immense countries. Various specified divider operations, for case coal washingto split coal from inhabitant stone by using denseness gradients, can bring forth waste H2O contaminated particulatehaematiteandsurfactants. Effluent from ore resurgence workss and metal mines are surely polluted by the minerals exists in the native stone creative activity. Subsequent suppression and extraction of the wanted stuffs, unwanted stuffs might acquire become contaminated in the effluent. In metal mines industry, this can take history of unwanted metals such aszinc. Extraction of great value metals such asgoldandsilvermay green goods sludges holding bantam atoms wh ich make significant riddance of contaminations becomes on the whole complicated. The industrial effluent is greatly typical in both flow and pollution capacity. Hence, it is impracticable to consign lasting values to their constituents. On the whole, industrial effluents may dwell of suspended, colloidal and dissolved mineral and organic solids. These wastes might be discharged into the cloaca system every bit long as they don’t have any unwanted effect on intervention effectivity or unwanted effects on the cloaca system. It may be compulsory to hold a pretreatment system the wastes predating to dsicharge to the municipal system or it is important to a to the full treated when the wastes is traveling to be discharged unswervingly to come up or land Waterss. Classs of Effluenti?s Effluent can termed as municipal, industrial liquid, domestic, or liquid waste merchandises. Based on their beginning, effluents can be classed as commercial, industrial, healthful, or surface overflow.Sanitary sewerageThe used up H2O from residential countries and establishments, transporting organic structure wastes, ablution H2O, wastes derived from nutrient readyings, wastes from wash, and extra waste stuffs of common life, are classed as domestic or healthful sewerage. 2i?ZCommercial wastes Liquid-carried wastes from service houses and shops provides service to the nearby community, defined commercial wastes, are inclusive of domestic or healthful sewerage category if they posses features that are same to household flows. 3i?ZSurface overflow Surface overflow can be termed as overland flow, which is a fraction of precipitation that runs fleetly over the surface of the land to a definite channel.Gases and particulates from the environment, dissolved and leaches stuffs generated from dirt and flora, suspended affair from the terrain, washes spills and fragments from metropolis streets and main roads, carries all these pollutants as wastes to a aggregation terminal after absorbed by precipitation. Discharges are definedd as point-source when they originate from a pipe outfall, or non-point-source when they are diffused and generated from agribusiness or non channeled municipal land drainage overflow. 4. Storm H2O Stormwater discharges are prouced by overflow from land and impermeable countries such as cemented streets, parking countries, and building rooftops during snow events and rainfall. These discharges normally consists of extended pollutants that could unwantedly act upon quality of H2O. Polluted stormwater overflow is doing of injury to H2O organic structures. Numerous commercial or industrial stormwater discharges are regard as point beginnings The principal method to command stormwater discharges is through the usage of best direction patterns. Over land or via storm cloaca systems, polluted overflow is discharged, frequently unrefined, straight into local H2O organic structures. In unrestrained state of affairs, this H2O pollution can give rise to the devastation aquatic life home ground, a depletion in aesthetic significance and menaces to community wellness due to infected nutrient, imbibing H2O supplies, and recreational waterways. There are several types or categories of effluent that have been countrywide termed by the Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment:GraywaterGraywater is termed as sewerage that does non hold lavatory wastes and H2O from non-food readying sinks, showers, and watering place. A graywater sister is one that receives, procedure, spread merely graywater. Toilet wastes from the residential country or other estlablishment have to be treated with other peculiar system or the abode has to hold a toilet. 2.Garage i ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡oor drain liquid Liquid wastes generated from garages serves lone and multi-family places may incorporate precipitation run outing from cars and liquids from agencies of transit lavation, spillage of stuffs amassed or utilised in the garage such as dilutants, dissolvers, pigments, pesticides, cleaners every bit good as liquids from vehicle patch such as gasolene, used oil, antifreeze, other.Hence, there is a possible for parlous waste and other harmful waste inflowing to the i ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡oor drain system.Commercial KitchenA commercial kitchen can be defined as centre of nutrient readyings that prepares assorted repasts or groceries and normally green goodss elevated strength effluent. The nutrient service effluent from these centres is harmless, non-perilous effluent and have about same composing as domestic effluent, but which may seldom hold one or more of its constituents crossed the archetypical domestic scopes. Its takes into consideration of all the sewerage wastes from feasible nutrient readyin g, nutrient handling processes or nutrient fabrication resources. Restaurants and bars about at all times have high-strength waste that creates troubles in sewerage intervention. Best direction patterns can be carried out to smooth the advancement of intervention. For case, bound nutrient atoms, the usage of chemicals which may destruct the intervention system’s good bacteriums, and besides limit usage of degreasers, A lubricating oil interceptor, a watertight setup can mean in order to gaining control, coagulate and maintain or extinguish fats, oils, and lubricating oil from food-service effluents. Mentions: United State Environmental Protection Agency. ( 2008 ) .Waste Water Management.Available: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.epa.gov/tribalcompliance/wwater/wwwastedrill.html. Last accessed 21st Feb 2014. Tetra tech.Inc. ( 2003 ) .Water quality methods.Available: hypertext transfer protocol: //n-steps.tetratech-ffx.com/statisticalTool-waterMethod.cfm. Last accessed 3rd Feb 2014. Allison A.Lewinsky ( 2006 ) .Hazardous Materials and Wastewater Treatment, Removal and Analysis. New York: Nova Science Publisher. 131-132. Rein Munter. ( 2003 ) . Industrial Waste Water.Industrial Waste Water Characteristics. 1 ( 18 ) , 185-194. Abdulrzzak Alturkmani. ( 2004 ) . Industrial Waste Water.Industrial Waste Water Characteristics. 1 ( 1 ) , 1-32. Tetra tech.Inc. ( 2003 ) .Water quality methods.Available: hypertext transfer protocol: //n-steps.tetratech-ffx.com/statisticalTool-waterMethod.cfm. Last accessed 23rd Feb 2014.

Defining and Implementing Interfaces in Delphi

Defining and Implementing Interfaces in Delphi In Delphi, interface has two distinct meanings. In OOP jargon, you can think of an interface as a class with no implementation. In Delphi unit definition interface section is used to declare any public sections of code that appear in a unit. This article will explain interfaces from an OOP perspective. If you are up to creating a rock-solid application in a way that your code is maintainable, reusable, and flexible the OOP nature of Delphi will help you drive the first 70% of your route. Defining interfaces and implementing them will help with the remaining 30%. Abstract Classes You can think of an interface as an abstract class with all the implementation stripped out and everything that is not public removed. An abstract class in Delphi is a class that cannot be instantiated- you cannot create an object from a class marked as abstract. Lets take a look at an example interface declaration: typeIConfigChanged interface[{0D57624C-CDDE-458B-A36C-436AE465B477}]procedure ApplyConfigChange;end; The IConfigChanged is an interface. An interface is defined much like a class, the keyword interface is used instead of class. The Guid value that follows the interface keyword is used by the compiler to uniquely identify the interface. To generate a new GUID value, just press CtrlShiftG in the Delphi IDE. Each interface you define needs a unique Guid value. An interface in OOP defines an abstraction- a template for an actual class that will implement the interface- that will implement the methods defined by the interface. An interface does not actually do anything, it only has a signature for interaction with other (implementing) classes or interfaces. The implementation of the methods (functions, procedures, and property Get/Set methods) is done in the class that implements the interface. In the interface definition, there are no scope sections (private, public, published, etc.) everything is public. An interface type can define functions, procedures (that will eventually become methods of the class that implements the interface) and properties. When an interface defines a property it must define the get/set methods - interfaces cannot define variables. As with classes, an interface can inherit from other interfaces. typeIConfigChangedMore interface(IConfigChanged)procedure ApplyMoreChanges;end; Programming Most Delphi developers when they think of interfaces they think of COM programming. However, interfaces are just an OOP feature of the language- they are not tied to COM specifically. Interfaces can be defined and implemented in a Delphi application without touching COM at all. Implementation To implement an interface you need to add the name of the interface to the class statement, as in: typeTMainForm class(TForm, IConfigChanged)publicprocedure ApplyConfigChange;end; In the above code a Delphi form named MainForm implements the IConfigChanged interface. Warning: when a class implements an interface it must implement all its methods and properties. If you fail/forget to implement a method (for example: ApplyConfigChange) a compile time error E2003 Undeclared identifier: ApplyConfigChange will occur.Warning: if you try to specify the interface without the GUID value you will receive: E2086 Type IConfigChanged is not yet completely defined. Example Consider an MDI application where several forms can be displayed to the user at one time. When the user changes the application configuration, most forms need to update their display- show/hide some buttons, update label captions, etc. You would need a simple way to notify all open forms that a change in the application configuration has happened. The ideal tool for the job was an interface. Every form that needs to be updated when the configuration changes will implement IConfigChanged. Since the configuration screen in displayed modally, when it closes the next code ensures all IConfigChanged implementing forms are notified and ApplyConfigChange is called: procedure DoConfigChange() ;varcnt : integer;icc : IConfigChanged;beginfor cnt : 0 to -1 Screen.FormCount dobeginif Supports(Screen.Forms[cnt], IConfigChanged, icc) thenicc.ApplyConfigChange;end;end; The Supports function (defined in Sysutils.pas) indicates whether a given object or interface supports a specified interface. The code iterates through the Screen.Forms collection (of the TScreen object)- all the forms currently displayed in the application. If a form Screen.Forms[cnt] supports the interface, Supports returns the interface for the last parameter parameter and returns true. Therefore, if the form implements the IConfigChanged, the icc variable can be used to call the methods of the interface as implemented by the form. Note, of course, that every form can have its own different implementation of the ApplyConfigChange procedure. Ancestors Any class you define in Delphi needs to have an ancestor. TObject is the ultimate ancestor of all objects and components. The above idea applies to interfaces also, the IInterface is the base class for all interfaces. IInterface defines 3 methods: QueryInterface, _AddRef and _Release. This means that our IConfigChanged also has those 3 methods, but we have not implemented those. This is because TForm inherits from TComponent that already implements the IInterface for you! When you want to implement an interface in a class that inherits from TObject, make sure your class inherits from TInterfacedObject instead. Since TInterfacedObject is a TObject implementing IInterface. For example: TMyClass class(TInterfacedObject, IConfigChanged)procedure ApplyConfigChange;end; In conclusion, IUnknown IInterface. IUnknown is for COM.

Beccarias Criminal Justice Theories

This paper examines the role Beccaria played in shaping criminal justice. This paper studies the life of Beccaria and his theories on criminal behavior and justice. It analyzes his work, Essay On Crimes and Punishments, and its influence in criminal justice systems throughout the world. The paper looks at how Beccaria viewed the criminal and the crime and its overall effect (damage) to society.From the paper: `This paper examines the contributions of Beccaria in the context of his own time, the lasting effect that they have had on the jurisprudential and penological systems of the modern Western world. After a general introduction to Beccarias ideas and his model of crime, this paper looks at the results of three contemporary studies that incorporate the ideas and models of Beccaria. This examination of current research will allow us to evaluate the ways in which Beccarias idea, born in such a different historical context, may still guide us in attempting to guide us in creating ever more just, more fair and more effective means of punishing criminals and allowing all of society (including criminals, victims, and the rest of us) to prosper.` Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Beccarias Life and Timesand Theoretical Underpinnings 3. Beccarias Classical Theory of Crime 4. Three Modern Studies 5. Conclusion

To explore the association between congestive heart failure (CHF) and Essay

To explore the association between congestive heart failure (CHF) and household income at the federal poverty level in individuals between the ages 20 and Up - Essay Example Once an individual is poor, equitable access to preventive and remedial health for congestive heart failure (CHF) becomes a challenge (He et al, 2001). The emergence of limited small scale programs which target the address of social and health needs like CHF of the poor individuals in the society is encouraging. However the commitment of the national, state, provincial and local levels supposed to implement the policies has been inadequate (Walsh & Warren, 1980). These organs have failed to dedicate resources and funds required to expand such individual level interventions into comprehensive programs which can integrate preventions and services as well as deliver sustainable programs especially to patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) of the federal poverty level in individuals from the age of 20 and above (Braveman, 2010). People below 20 years living with this condition often receive free medical interventions from bodies like UNICEF and WHO because they are classified as ch ildren. Hence, those living with the condition and are 20 years and above have to struggle to meet their medical bills. It becomes a challenge to those from poor households because they cannot afford the costs (Lang et al, 1997). The long term solutions supposed to address the connection between poverty and CHF lie in eradicating poverty and reversing the tendency of our health care systems which discriminate against those from federal poverty levels. The mortality rates of the poor with CHF are estimated to be 3-5 times greater as compared to those with good income earnings. CHF is a major cause of mortality in poor adults from the age of 45 to 64 years (Singh & Singh, 2008). The rate is three times higher in poor individuals aged 20 to 44 years when compared to an age-matched population from good income earning population. Increased CHF mortality rates among the poor can be attributed to a complex chain between unique and traditional rates. Some

Business and its Impact on Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Business and its Impact on Society - Essay Example They are there to deliver the news to the general public. To keep the world connected; to keep the public updated and to communicate exactly what the public wants to hear, is what their function is all about. A few years back, it might not have been an industry but today it’s a business for many. Countless mediums of news media are now in action. Today, the news media has various mediums including the internet, broadcasting and the printed version. Just like in any other industry, there are different players in this field as well, fighting for the market share just like and willing to play dirty if they have to. But this industry has more at stake than in any other because it has a direct affect on the mentality and morale of the user. The players of this market now are even willing to go to an extent of being categorized as unprincipled due to their practices. Media is a very delicate medium of communication with the public. Whatever that is shown or communicated on the news media, becomes the public’s point of view. It can affect the thinking process and the perception of the community; leading them to prosperity or disaster, depending upon the way media portrays the happenings. This profession is something pious. It used to mean something to those who worked for it. They had strong and unwavering values on which they never compromised. But the development of it as a business industry has blown the whole sanctity of the profession. People have turned this profession into money machine, disregarding what affect it might have on public. The role of the participants in this industry is very vital. All the participants work together to put up the skeleton of the job. The public is the most vital participant because the news is about them and for them as well. Then, there are people who are working round the clock to get the news delivered on time and finally, there are those who in reality deliver the news to the public. Today’s era is ahead of the previous one; now people can even give their feedback. Public literally dictates the news media; if the public demands to remain in touch with all the bitter realties of their society, then the media would automatically present them with harsh truth. On the other hand, if the society wants to remain in their bubble of optimism, then their whole media would be in line with the cherry news. Management and journalists have always had a point of conflict on two main things. The first one being what sells the most. Secondly, how much of it is being backed up by the titans of the markets and society. The management looks for the benefits of the organization as a whole. They consider themselves as the profit making organizations, where as journalists believe that they are working for a better cause than just simple money. On this point, the management is even ready to mutilate the story as per required for the situation and the demands of the time. They can elaborate or hide the fac ts that can lead to severe consequences for some, out of plain need for finances for their organization. The management also looks forward to please the mighty in the society, be it the political gurus or business tycoons; they want to keep them in their good books for future needs. This might make them alter the truth, but the journalists want to provide the public with truth, without any sugar coating. In the 21st century, public controls the media. The public now, is highly aware. They want to hear the truth without any layers of sweetness over it.

Patient Satisfaction and Retention Strategies in Hospitals Thesis

Patient Satisfaction and Retention Strategies in Hospitals - Thesis Example This paper illustrates that the performance of any hospital is dependent on the patient satisfaction and retention strategies for hospitals. Studies have been conducted on how hospitals can improve their patient satisfaction and retention strategies, as well as, how hospitals can attract patients. However, the studies did not explain explicitly the tactics that can be implemented to help attract patients and retain them at the same time. Therefore, the need to understand and analyze various factors that can help in improving patient satisfaction and retention in hospital settings. Although studies have been conducted to establish why different hospitals perform better than others, employee satisfaction has always satisfaction has always been a very important tool for medical staff. Staffs who are content will be more productive than discontented staff and will also have the low turnover of staff. The question of why some hospitals perform better than others is asked by many and by co nducting a research on the patient satisfaction and retention strategies on Sheikh Khalifa some of the questions will be answered. Though sickness is not something that can be wished for it is foolish or naà ¯ve to ignore the fact that people fall ill. It is in this context that SKMC tries to understand that treating a patient does not necessarily mean he or she is satisfied with the services offered. SKMC was built in 2005 due to the merger of publicly managed health care providers in Abu Dhabi. It encompasses several ‘Centers of Excellence’ and it is run by the Cleveland Clinic. It functions as the leading institution in SEHAs system. It is overseen by its obligation to practice modern health care services to high standards as high as the world’s best medical facilities. SKMC’s broad healthcare services provide for the priorities of the people of Abu Dhabi. It ensures both the finest levels of patient satisfaction and care and promotes overall health th rough awareness and education. SEHA is standing for Abu Dhabi Health Services and Company. SEHA is the Arabic word for health. It was launched in December 2007 and it is owned and run by the Abu Dhabi government. SEHA was launched by the government has plans to reform the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi and represent a positive milestone in the provision of the best healthcare services in the world by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa.

Adequacy of Strong Improvement to Explain RAP

Adequacy of Strong Improvement to Explain RAP CASE STUDY OF APPROACH TO CONSIDER UNCERTAIN COMPONENTS FAILURE RATES IN SERIES-PARALLEL RELIABILITY SYSTEMS WITH REDUNDANCY ALLOCATION Abstract The principle reason for this review is to demonstrate the adequacy of strong improvement to explain RAP. The erlang distribution is used to implement robust optimization. The dynamic values attained by the failure rate is found to be a correct one. Another computation technique is introduced to consider dynamic qualities for failure rate in RAP. Also, because of complex redundancy Allocation Problem, two Simulated Annealing (SA) and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) calculations are intended to decide the strong framework regarding indeterminate qualities for parameters. Another presumption is that every subsystem can have dynamic excess systems. Keeping in mind the end goal to take care of this issue and demonstrate effectiveness of proposed calculations, an issue in writing is unraveled and talked about. INTRODUCTION of Articles The planning for a system to select the components simultaneously is called the Redundancy Allocation Problem. Here these components are joined by several types to maximize the system reliability including all the properties in the system which are obtained. The reliability range should be maximum for different products to design the best system for a problem. The series parallel system can be of three types such as reliability allocation, redundancy allocation, and reliability redundancy allocation. For the first type the reliability limit is reduced for the usage of the resources in components reliability. The other type contains the redundancy limit to increase the reliability of the system to maximize the system level constraints. The failure rate of every components is studied on the journal articles which were in a determinable surrounding. The failure rate is very difficult to determine to be a exact one in practical environment for various factors as it may vary. The failure rates under various factors are affected. The failure rates arent any specified values in this article. The robust optimization is used to solve the reliability allocation problem for failure rates. In this article, the robustness with the redundancy allocation problem is explained and the mathematical model is developed. There are two algorithms used to find the indeterminate qualities for the parameters. The Simulated Annealing and Ant Colony Optimization algorithm is used and tested by the problem. Nomenclature i : index of subsystems where i à ¯Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ½1,2,,si . ni: number of components used in subsystem i . nià ¯Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ­Ãƒ ¯Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  :set of components used in all subsystems expect subsystem ri,zi (t) : reliability of component i z for subsystem i at time t à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¬i,zi, Ki,zi : scale and shape parameters for the Gamma distribution of component i z in subsystem i à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¬i,zi(ni, ni-) : function of robust failure rate for component i z in subsystem i . C,W : system level constraint limits for cost and weight, respectively. R(t; z,n) : system reliability at time t for designing vectors z and n . Explanation of the work presented in journal articles ROBUSTNESS DEFINITION IN RELIABILITY ALLOCATION PROBLEM To maximize the total reliability of a robust system the following assumptions are considered Components failure rate are changed as a result of change in system structure The constraints of the problem are predetermined for any changes in system structure. The total components in the subsystem is increasing when we consider the failure rate of this component The increase in the reliability of the component is caused by the decreased failure rate. THE ROBUST MODEL IN RELIABILITY ALOCATION PRROBLEM It is conceivable to execute two unique systems for parts of subsystems in Reliability allocation problem. The first is dynamic methodology in which every single repetitive part will begin to work at the same time from time zero. Interestingly, there are three unique variations of the cool, warm and hot methodologies rather for the second technique which is known as standby technique. In warm variation and in contrast with cool one, it would be more conceivable that segments flop before beginning to work on system. In the event that we utilize hot variation, it would not be essential that segments are working or they are sit and their failure rates will be consistent any way. As indicated by these definitions, we can create same numerical model for two unique techniques of hot standby and dynamic repetition. The repetitive parts are consecutively utilized as a part of the system at segment failure times and each repetitive segment in the standby system can be worked just when it is e xchanged on. At the point when the segment in operation falls flat, one of the excess units is changed on to proceed with the system operation. The 1, 2 and 3 equations are as follows 4 5 As per these derivations, a model is introduced in which failure rates will be computed in light of condition (5). This condition helps us to consider new failure rate values instead of steady ones. In addition, these new proposed qualities are more down to earth for genuine issues and will help fashioners to reduce existent crevices amongst hypothesis and practice. Then again, we cover the existent deficiencies which have never been focused on in the writing by building up another technique to compute failure rates. The robust relations are solved by the two algorithms Simulated and Ant Colony Optimizing for the redundancy allocation problem. Discussion of Contributions SIMULATED ANNEALING ALGORITHM FOR RAP Simulated Annealing is a standout amongst the most well-known probabilistic meta-heuristics to locate an adequate answer for advancement issues which was essential proposed by Kirkpatrick, Gelatt and Vecchi. This calculation depends on the relationship between the way toward tempering of solids and the arrangement philosophy of combinatorial advancement issues. One the most essential invaluable of the SA is keeping from rapidly focalizing to nearby ideal arrangement. This normal for SA is multiplied by tolerating better arrangements as well as the more regrettable neighbor arrangements with a specific likelihood to escape from a nearby ideal. It is observable that the likelihood of tolerating a more regrettable arrangement relies on upon the estimation of temperature; thus, while the temperature diminishes, the likelihood of tolerating a more terrible arrangement diminishes too. ANT COLONY OPTIMIZING ALGOROTHM FOR RAP Truly, ACO was firstly presented by Dorigo, Maniezzo and Colorni [3]. Key thought of subterranean insect frameworks depends on conduct of characteristic ants that prevail to discover most limited way from their home to nourishment sources by imparting by means of an aggregate memory that comprises of pheromone trails. Ants have a tendency to take after a way with a high pheromone level when numerous ants move in a typical range and they move arbitrarily when no pheromone is accessible. Then again, ants dont pick their bearings in light of level of pheromone only, but instead consider nearness of home and sustenance source, individually. Discussion of Dificiency and Potential Improvements The improvements to be made on this article are to solve large sized problems the heuristic algorithms were not developed and the flexible model to consider the dynamic values can be improved. An another development to be made is to show a robust model for selecting different types of parts simultaneously. The graphical theory could be used to develop by a new model Summary In this review, a nonlinear numerical model is produced for powerful arrangement parallel system with excess portion issue where, it has never been focused on strong enhancement approaches for this issue. In this model, we show another technique to compute part failure rates which is more versatile to genuine issues. Additionally, we create two reproduced tempering and insect province streamlining calculations which brought about proper arrangements, speedily. The last outcomes demonstrate that ACO calculation can bring about happier arrangements in contrast with SA calculation. There are three major advantages of robust model, The first is that utilizing this model will help us to create adaptable arrangements which are more functional to cover deficiencies amongst hypothesis and practice. The second one is that this model produces arrangements with higher framework dependability as opposed to those ones which have been displayed in writing. At last, the third one is that the created arrangements will be powerful and by changing the conditions, they can even now be proper arrangements which are near ideal arrangements. References [1]Ali Ghafarian Salehi Nezhada,*, Abdolhamid Eshraghniaye Jahromib, Mohammad Hassan Salmanic, Fereshte Ghasemid, an approach to consider uncertain components failure rates in series-parallel reliability systems with redundancy allocation.International Journal of Industrial Engineering (2016) [2] S. Kirkpatrick, C.D.J. Gelatt, M.P. Vecchi, Optimization by simulated annealing, Science. 220 (1983), pp.671-680 [3]M. Dorigo, V. Maniezzo, A. Colorni, Positive feedback as a search strategy, Technical Report. (1991). [4]D.W. Coit, A.E. Smith, Optimization Approaches to the Redundancy Allocation Problem for Series-Parallel Systems, Cited as Proceedings of the Fourth Industrial Engineering Research Conference. (1995).

Zen in the Art of Archery Essay -- essays research papers

Zen in the Art of Archery, by Eugen Herrigel describes the ritualistic arts of discipline and focus that the Zen religion focuses around. In this book, Herrigel describes many aspects of how archery is, in fact, not a sport, but an art form, and is very spiritual to those in the east. The process he describes shows how he overcame his initial inhibitions and began to look toward new ways of seeing and understanding. In the beginning of the book Herrigel tells us that he is writing about a ritual and religious practice, â€Å"whose aim consists in hitting a spiritual goal, so that fundamentally the marksman aims at himself and may even succeed in hitting himself.† (Herrigel p. 4) Through his studies, the author discovers that within the Zen ritual actions, archery in this case, there lies a deeper meaning. Herrigel explains throughout this book that it is not through the actual physical aspect of shooting arrows at targets that archery is Zen, but through the art and spiritual ity through which it is performed. It is not merely shooting an arrow to hit a target, but becoming the target yourself and then, in turn, hitting yourself spiritually. By meeting this spiritual goal, you will then meet the physical goal. The struggle then is, therefore not with the arrow or the target but within oneself. Archery, in this book, was the way that the author found his way into Zen Buddhism. One of the most important lessons that Herrigel’s master taught him was, to correctly master the art of ar...

The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle Chapter Seven

â€Å"Next time,† Stefan said quietly, â€Å"I won't leave.† Elena knew he meant it, and it terrified her. But just now her emotions were quietly coasting in neutral, and she didn't want to argue. â€Å"He was there,† she said. â€Å"Inside an ordinary house full of ordinary people, just as if he had every right to be. I wouldn't have thought he would dare.† â€Å"Why not?† Stefan said briefly, bitterly. â€Å"I was there in a ordinary house full of ordinary people, just as if I had every right to be.† â€Å"I didn't mean that the way it sounded. It's just that the only other time I've seen him in public was at the Haunted House when he was wearing a mask and costume, and it was dark. Before that it was always somewhere deserted, like the gym that night I was there alone, or the graveyard†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She knew as soon as she said that last part that it was a mistake. She still hadn't told Stefan about going to find Damon three days ago. In the driver's seat, he stiffened. â€Å"Or the graveyard?† â€Å"Yes†¦ I meant that day Bonnie and Meredith and I got chased out. I'm assuming it must have been Damon who chased us. And the place was deserted except for the three of us.† Why was she lying to him? Because, a small voice in her head answered grimly, otherwise he might snap. Knowing what Damon had said to her, what he had promised was in store, might be all that was needed to send Stefan over the edge. Then he'll never know, she promised herself. No matter what I have to do, I'll keep them from fighting each other over me. No matter what. For a moment, apprehension chilled her. Five hundred years ago, Katherine had tried to keep them from fighting, and had succeeded only in forcing them into a death match. Butshe wouldn't make the same mistake, Elena told herself fiercely. Katherine's methods had been stupid and childish. Who else but a stupid child would kill herself in the hope that the two rivals for her hand would become friends? It had been the worst mistake of the whole sorry affair. Because of it, the rivalry between Stefan and Damon had turned into implacable hatred. And what's more, Stefan had lived with the guilt of it ever since; he blamed himself for Katherine's stupidity and weakness. Groping for another subject, she said, â€Å"Do you think someone invited him in?† â€Å"Obviously, since hewas in.† â€Å"Then it's true about – people like you. You have to be invited in. But Damon got into the gym without an invitation.† â€Å"That's because the gym isn't a dwelling place for the living. That's the one criterion. It doesn't matter if it's a house or a tent or an apartment above a store. If living humans eat and sleep there, we need to be invited inside.† â€Å"But I didn't invite you intomy house.† â€Å"Yes, you did. That first night, when I drove you home, you pushed the door open and nodded to me. It doesn't have to be a verbal invitation. If the intent is there, that's enough. And the person inviting you doesn't have to be someone who actually lives in the house. Any human will do.† Elena was thinking. â€Å"What about a houseboat?† â€Å"Same thing. Although running water can be a barrier in itself. For some of us, it's almost impossible to cross.† Elena had a sudden vision of herself and Meredith and Bonnie racing for Wickery Bridge. Because somehow she had known that if they got to the other side of the river they'd be safe from whatever was after them. â€Å"Sothat's why,† she whispered. It still didn't explain how she'd known, though. It was as if the knowledge had been put into her head from some outside source. Then she realized something else. â€Å"You took me across the bridge. You can cross running water.† â€Å"That's because I'm weak.† It was said flatly, with no emotion behind it. â€Å"It's ironic, but the stronger your Powers are, the more you're affected by certain limitations. The more you belong to the dark, the more the rules of the dark bind you.† Stefan looked at her. â€Å"Yes,† he said, â€Å"I think it's time you knew. The more you know about Damon, the more chance you'll have of protecting yourself.† Of protecting herself? Perhaps Stefan knew more than she thought. But as he turned the car onto a side street and parked, she just said, â€Å"Okay. Should I be stocking up on garlic?† He laughed. â€Å"Only if you want to be unpopular. There are certain plants, though, that might help you. Like vervain. That's an herb that's supposed to protect you against bewitchment, and it can keep your mind clear even if someone is using Powers against you. People used to wear it around their necks. Bonnie would love it; it was sacred to the Druids.† â€Å"Vervain,† said Elena, tasting the unfamiliar word. â€Å"What else?† â€Å"Strong light, or direct sunlight, can be very painful. You'll notice the weather's changed.† â€Å"I've noticed,† said Elena after a beat. â€Å"You mean Damon's doing that?† â€Å"He must be. It takes enormous power to control the elements, but it makes it easy for him to travel in daylight. As long as he keeps it cloudy, he doesn't even need to protect his eyes.† â€Å"And neither do you,† Elena said. â€Å"What about – well, crosses and things?† â€Å"No effect,† said Stefan. â€Å"Except that if the person holding onebelieves it's a protection, it can strengthen their will to resist tremendously.† â€Å"Uh†¦ silver bullets?† Stefan laughed again shortly. â€Å"That's for werewolves. From what I've heard they don't like silver in any form. A wooden stake through the heart is still the approved method for my kind. There are other ways that are more or less effective, though: burning, beheading, driving nails through the temples. Or, best of all – â€Å" â€Å"Stefan!† The lonely, bitter smile on his face dismayed her. â€Å"What about changing into animals?† she said. â€Å"Before, you said that with enough Power you could do that. If Damon can be any animal he likes, how will we ever recognize him?† â€Å"Not any animal he likes. He's limited to one animal, or at the most two. Even with his Powers I don't think he could sustain any more than that.† â€Å"So we keep looking out for a crow.† â€Å"Right. You may be able to tell if he's around, too, by looking at regular animals. They usually don't react very well to us; they sense that we're hunters.† â€Å"Yangtze kept barking at that crow. It was as if he knew there was something wrong about it,† Elena remembered. â€Å"Ah†¦ Stefan,† she added in a changed tone as a new thought struck her, â€Å"what about mirrors? I don't remember ever seeing you in one.† There was nothing to do but hold on to him, and Elena did. â€Å"I love you,† she whispered. It was the only comfort she could give him. It was all they had. His arms tightened around her; his face was buried in her hair. â€Å"You're the mirror,† he whispered back. It was good to feel him relax, tension flowing out of his body as warmth and comfort flowed in. She was comforted, too, a sense of peace infusing her, surrounding her. It was so good that she forgot to ask him what he meant until they were at her front door, saying good-bye. â€Å"I'm the mirror?† she said then, looking up at him. â€Å"You've stolen my soul,† he said. â€Å"Lock the door behind you, and don't open it again tonight.† Then he was gone. â€Å"Elena, thank heavens,† said Aunt Judith. When Elena stared at her, she added, â€Å"Bonnie called from the party. She said you'd left unexpectedly, and when you didn't come home I was worried.† â€Å"Stefan and I went for a ride.† Elena didn't like the expression on her aunt's face when she said that. â€Å"Is there a problem?† â€Å"No, no. It's just†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Aunt Judith didn't seem to know how to finish her sentence. â€Å"Elena, I wonder if it might be a good idea to†¦ not see quite so much of Stefan.† Elena went still. â€Å"You, too?† â€Å"It isn't that I believe the gossip,† Aunt Judith assured her. â€Å"But, for your own sake, it might be best to get a little distance from him, to – â€Å" â€Å"To dump him? To abandon him because people are spreading rumors about him? To keep myself away from the mudslinging in case any of it sticks on me?† Anger was a welcome release, and the words crowded in Elena's throat, all trying to get out at once. â€Å"No, Idon't think that's a good idea, Aunt Judith. And if it were Robert we were talking about, you wouldn't either. Or maybe you would!† â€Å"Elena, I will not have you speaking to me in that tone – â€Å" â€Å"I'm finished anyway!† Elena cried, and whirled blindly for the stairs. She managed to keep the tears back until she was in her own room with the door locked. Then she threw herself on the bed and sobbed. She dragged herself up a while later to call Bonnie. Bonnie was excited and voluble. What on earth did Elena mean, had anything unusual happened after she and Stefan left? The unusual thing was their leaving! No, that new guy Damon hadn't said anything about Stefan afterward; he'd just hung around for a while and then disappeared. No, Bonnie hadn't seen if he left with anybody. Why? Was Elena jealous? Yes, Elena immediately deduced that Alaric Saltzman's eyes were hazel. She got off the phone at last and only then remembered the note she'd found in her purse. She should have asked Bonnie if anyone had gone near her purse while she was in the dining room. But then, Bonnie and Meredith had been in the dining room part of the time themselves. Someone might have done it then. The very sight of the violet paper made her taste tin at the back of her mouth. She could hardly bear to look at it. But now that she was alone shehad to unfold it and read it again, all the time hoping that somehow this time the words might be different, that she might have been mistaken before. But they weren't different. The sharp, clean block letters stood out against the pale background as if they were ten feet high. I want to touch him. More than any boy I've ever known. And I know he wants it, too, but he's holding back on me. Her words. From her diary. The one that had been stolen. The next day Meredith and Bonnie rang her doorbell. â€Å"Stefan called me last night,† said Meredith. â€Å"He said he wanted to make sure you weren't walking to school alone. He's not going to be at school today, so he asked if Bonnie and I could come over and walk with you. â€Å"Escort you,† said Bonnie, who was clearly in a good mood. â€Å"Chaperone you. I think it's terribly sweet of him to be so protective.† â€Å"He's probably an Aquarius, too,† said Meredith. â€Å"Come on, Elena, before I kill her to shut her up about Alaric.† Elena walked in silence, wondering what Stefan was doing that kept him from school. She felt vulnerable and exposed today, as if her skin were on inside out. One of those days when she was ready to cry at the drop of a hat. On the office bulletin board was tacked a piece of violet paper. She should have known. Shehad known somewhere deep inside. The thief wasn't satisfied with letting her know her private words had been read. He was showing her they could be made public. She ripped the note off the board and crumpled it, but not before she glimpsed the words. In one glance they were seared onto her brain. I feel as if someone has hurt him terribly in the past and he's never gotten over it. But I also think there's something he's afraid of, some secret he's afraid I'll find out. â€Å"Elena, what is that? What's the matter? Elena, come back here!† â€Å"Okay,† said Meredith loudly, â€Å"senior privilege. You!† She rapped on the only closed door. â€Å"Come out.† Some rustling, then a bewildered freshman emerged. â€Å"But I didn't even – â€Å" â€Å"Out. Outside,† Bonnie ordered. â€Å"Andyou ,† she said to the girl washing her hands, â€Å"stand out there and make sure nobody comes in.† â€Å"But why? What are you – â€Å" â€Å"Move, chick. If anybody comes through that door we're holding you responsible.† When the door was closed again, they rounded on Elena. â€Å"Okay, this is a stickup,† said Meredith. â€Å"Come on, Elena, give.† Elena ripped the last tiny shred of paper, caught between laughter and tears. She wanted to tell them everything, but she couldn't. She settled for telling them about the diary. They were as angry, as indignant, as she was. â€Å"It had to be someone at the party,† Meredith said at last, once they had each expressed their opinion of the thief's character, morals, and probable destination in the afterlife. â€Å"But anybody there could have done it. I don't remember anyone in particular going near your purse, but that room was wall-to-wall people, and it could have happened without my noticing.† â€Å"But why would anyonewant to do this?† Bonnie put in. â€Å"Unless†¦ Elena, the night we found Stefan you were hinting around at some things. You said you thought you knew who the killer was.† â€Å"I don't think I know; Iknow. But if you're wondering if this might be connected, I'm not sure. I suppose it could be. The same person might have done it.† Bonnie was horrified. â€Å"But that means the killer is a student at this school!† When Elena shook her head, she went on. â€Å"The only people at that party who weren't students were that new guy and Alaric.† Her expression changed. â€Å"Alaric didn't kill Mr. Tanner! He wasn't even in Fell's Church then.† â€Å"I know. Alaric didn't do it.† She'd gone too far to stop now; Bonnie and Meredith already knew too much. â€Å"Damon did.† â€Å"That guy was thekiller ? The guy thatkissed me?† â€Å"Bonnie, calm down.† As always, other people's hysteria made Elena feel more in control. â€Å"Yes, he's the killer, and we all three have to be on guard against him. That's why I'm telling you. Never, never ask him into your house.† Elena stopped, regarding the faces of her friends. They were staring at her, and for a moment she had the sickening feeling that they didn't believe her. That they were going to question her sanity. â€Å"Yes. I'm sure. He's the murderer and the one who put Stefan in the well, and he might be after one of us next. And I don't know if there's any way to stop him.† â€Å"Well, then,† said Meredith, lifting her eyebrows. â€Å"No wonder you and Stefan were in such a hurry to leave the party.† Caroline gave Elena a vicious smirk as Elena walked into the cafeteria. But Elena was almost beyond noticing. One thing she noticed right away, though. Vickie Bennett was there. Vickie hadn't been to school since the night Matt and Bonnie and Meredith had found her wandering on the road, raving about mist and eyes and something terrible in the graveyard. The doctors who checked her afterward said there was nothing much wrong with her physically, but she still hadn't returned to Robert E. Lee. People whispered about psychologists and the drug treatments they were trying. She didn't look crazy, though, Elena thought. She looked pale and subdued and sort of crumpled into her clothing. And when Elena passed her and she looked up, her eyes were like a startled fawn's. It was strange to sit at a half-empty table with only Bonnie and Meredith for company. Usually people were crowding to get seats around the three of them. â€Å"We didn't finish talking this morning,† Meredith said. â€Å"Get something to eat, and then we'll figure out what to do about those notes.† â€Å"I'm not hungry,† said Elena flatly. â€Å"And whatcan we do? If it's Damon, there's no way we can stop him. Trust me, it's not a matter for the police. That's why I haven't told them he's the killer. There isn't any proof, and besides, they would never†¦ Bonnie, you're not listening.† â€Å"Sorry,† said Bonnie, who was staring past Elena's left ear. â€Å"But something weird is going on up there.† Elena turned. Vickie Bennett was standing at the front of the cafeteria, but she no longer seemed crumpled and subdued. She was looking around the room in a sly and assessing manner, smiling. â€Å"Well, she doesn't look normal, but I wouldn't say she was beingweird , exactly,† Meredith said. Then she added, â€Å"Wait a minute.† Vickie was unbuttoning her cardigan. But it was theway she was doing it – with deliberate little flicks of her fingers, all the while looking around with that secretive smile – that was odd. When the last button was undone, she took the sweater daintily between forefinger and thumb and slid it down over first one arm and then the other. She dropped the sweater on the floor. â€Å"Weird is the word,† confirmed Meredith. Students crossing in front of Vickie with laden trays glanced at her curiously and then looked back over their shoulders when they had passed. They didn't actually stop walking, though, until she took off her She did it gracefully, catching the heel of one pump on the toe of the other and pushing it off. Then she kicked off the second pump. â€Å"She can't keep going,† murmured Bonnie, as Vickie's fingers moved to the simulated pearl buttons on her white silk blouse. Heads were turning; people were poking one another and gesturing. Around Vickie a small group had gathered, standing far enough back that they didn't interfere with everyone else's view. The white silk blouse rippled off, fluttering like a wounded ghost to the floor. Vickie was wearing a lacy off-white slip underneath. There was no longer any sound in the cafeteria except the sibilance of whispers. No one was eating. The group around Vickie had gotten larger. Vickie smiled demurely and began to unfasten clasps at her waist. Her pleated skirt fell to the floor. She stepped out of it and pushed it to one side with her foot. Somebody stood up at the back of the cafeteria and chanted, â€Å"Take itoff! Take itoff!† Other voices joined in. â€Å"Isn't anybody going to stop her?† fumed Bonnie. Elena got up. The last time she'd gone near Vickie the other girl had screamed and struck out at her. But now, as she got close, Vickie gave her the smile of a conspirator. Her lips moved, but Elena couldn't make out what she was saying over the chanting. â€Å"Come on, Vickie. Let's go,† she said. Vickie's light brown hair tossed and she plucked at the strap of her slip. Elena stooped to pick up the cardigan and wrap it around the girl's slender shou lders. As she did, as she touched Vickie, those half-closed eyes opened wide like a startled fawn's again. Vickie stared about her wildly, as if she'd just been awakened from a dream. She looked down at herself and her expression turned to disbelief. Pulling the cardigan around her more tightly, she backed away, shivering. The room was quiet again. â€Å"It's okay,† said Elena soothingly. â€Å"Come on.† At the sound of her voice, Vickie jumped as if touched by a live wire. She stared at Elena, and then she exploded into action. â€Å"You're one of them! I saw you! You're evil!† She turned and ran barefoot out of the cafeteria, leaving Elena stunned.