Management of change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Management of change - Essay Example If the organizations fail to accomplish the two objectives they are often considered as â€Å"corporate dinosaurs† because they no longer fit to the current business environment (Ashkenas, 1999). In order to make the organizations change-capable there are some significant strategies that should be implemented. They are as follows: Determining the type of Change Perhaps the most difficult task that the organization needs to get involved in is to determine the type of change that it needs to accept. Precisely, in order to design the change-capable strategic issues it is worth to distinguish between two types of changes: Evolutionary Change and Transformational Change. Evolutionary change refers to the constant adjustments, product alterations and enhancements that an organizations need to make as per demanded by the customers. Transformational change refers to the dramatic change in the organization’s core competencies. For Example: Nokia becoming a wood supplier though h aving their expertise in telecommunications. With the advancements in technologies, organizations have to be capable of changing their core competencies. The best way to think of the need for a change capability is that at least most organizations should be capable of adapting an evolutionary change. But in some circumstances, the need for a transformational change could be vital; therefore it is important to take the necessary steps to prepare the organization accordingly. For this, financial processes should be planned under which funds would be offered to individuals, structures which include some special new ventures that have experienced a major change in past and the rewards system should be acquired under which rewards will be offered to those that contributed in a transformational change within an organization. What Aspects Should Be Kept Stable? In order to adapt a change it is very important to analyze what particular aspects should be kept stable and what aspects should b e allowed to change rapidly. This could certainly be a significant facilitator of change. It is partially determined by the type of change that the organization needs to make. Many aspects can be kept stable in case of an evolutionary change but it would be a completely different scenario while adapting to a transformational change. In the case of a transformational change, stability refers to the commitment towards a certain goal, way of communication with the individuals and moreover rewarding and appreciating them for their respective contributions. As aforementioned, much more can be kept stable in case of a continuous evolutionary change. For example, the Human Resources systems and the basic organizational culture can remain constant. Some of the key processes can also be kept stable such as communication with the staff and the measurement of the business success. Dealing with Internal Competition Internal and external competition can be significant in order to encourage a cha nge. It is quite obvious that the organization’s main focus would be to concentrate on its external competition. Competing against your external rivals would certainly be very supportive and helpful but resolving the issues of the internal competition is also very necessary. It is very important for an organization to maximize the focus and provide proper emphasis on internal competitors as well

Gender differences in the effects of divorce Essay Example for Free

Gender differences in the effects of divorce Essay Besides behaviour differences among children of divorced and intact families, there are also gender differences to consider. Hyatt suggests that boys and girls react differently to parental divorce. Boys tend to create more behavioural problems in school than girls do. Boys’ self-esteem tends to decline as a result of divorce and they seek constant attention from the teacher and disturb class with irrelevant talks. Their effort in school work also decline. Hyatt mentions that boys are more prone to difficulty of losing contact to their father hence regular communication with the father can help these adjustment problems. Girls’ behaviour in school after parental divorce is not as noticeable as boys because they do not manifest their difficulties by acting out in class. Rather, they tend to become more anxious or unhappy or showing over controlled good behaviour. Another findings concerning gender difference in the effects of divorce is that girls do accept help from their teachers unlike boys. This is because girls see their school as a place where they can be supported during divorce while boys conduct socially unacceptable behaviour. School Behaviour of Children of Divorced Families Human beings grow by constantly adapting to new environment therefore adapting to an environment is part of life cycle. Children’s educational place can be divided into home, school and the society. The child and environment continuously interact and the school takes over large part of a child’s life. Therefore as well as having a settled family life, school period is also important in determining how children might turn out in the future. School is a place where children enjoy, and gain sense of satisfaction by experiencing various activities and maintain harmonized relationships with the teachers and other students. Similarly, school adjustment is defines as taking interest in school environment and feel comfortable being in school with other children. This adjustment reflects on their school achievement and development. For instance, children who enjoy being in school and participate in school activities are likely to gain more educational experiences than those who have adjustment disorder. Liebman defines school adjustment disorder as excessive reaction where individuals are unable to harmonize with the school environment and other students which will prohibit individual development. Children of divorced families are likely to have more difficulties in school adjustment than those of children from intact families. Berbe suggests that children with adjustment disorder tend to attract teacher’s attention by inappropriate questions in class, distract other children and find it hard to pay attention in class. They also refuse teacher’s request and are often disobedient. And if they continue to show irresponsible academic behaviour, it leads to serious adjustment disorder. Heck’s idea is also similar to Berbe’s suggestion that children with adjustment disorder problems are frequently absent and tend to be oppositional in class. However, it is difficult to judge the cause of maladjustment solely on divorce. How children respond to above stress can vary from a child to child. It can differ according to their age, gender or disposition and the environment includes economic stature of parents, social approval rating of parents and family conflict. Variables are categorized as they may affect children’s school adjustment into demographic differences and family variables. Demographic differences include race, gender, and parental socioeconomic status and family variables include relationships, organisation, control, social support, mother rejection and father rejection. Behaviour of children of divorced in school As mentioned earlier, children from divorced families appear to have difficulty in academic achievement and relationship with other children at school than children from intact families. The cause of this should not be looked at solely on the primary factor which is divorce. Secondary factors are to be considered as well, such as the change in socioeconomic structure and resources after divorce. For example, as mentioned earlier, economic loss, poor parental adjustment, lack of parental competence and parental loss can cause behavioural problems. As mentioned in the section of ‘Comparison between children of divorce and intact families’, women’s standard of living is reduced by 29 % after divorce and absence of father can have negative influence on children more on boys than girls. Regarding studies on children’s maladjustment behaviour, Liner categorizes disorder behaviour as: ? action-out behaviour like hitting someone and being aggressive ? withdrawing behaviour: very quiet, sucking fingers, restricted behaviour ? defensive behaviour: lying, ignoring ? disorganised behaviour: escaping from reality Similarly, Wickman describes behaviour of children with adjustment disorder as: ? immoral, dishonest, in resistance to authority, stealer, cheater, disobedient, rude and rebellious ? often violates regulation of class, careless, loses interest in study, negligent and trustless ? exaggerated and offensive personality ? unsociable, overly sensitive, and liar Based on experience, as a teacher of young children, those from divorced families have lower academic achievement, are socially isolated, overly sensitive, either humiliate themselves or boast and show negative behaviour in class. Specifically, their academic grade is poorer than it used to be and they do not try to socialize with others in class. Further, they often seem absent-minded and tend to change their mood easily. If they are scolded for not doing their homework or asked to answer something they do not know, they use violent language in response. They also suffer from headache and easily get tired. This behaviour of children can also be explained by Rotter’s theory of locus of control. Locus of control refers to how individuals attribute the cause of their behaviour to internal or external forces. In applying to children of divorced families, children who have internal locus of control believe that if their parents are divorced, it is their fate. Therefore these children are able to handle any difficulties and feel less psychological distress. In contrast, children who have external locus of control believe that if they do not perform well in school, they tend to blame external factors such as parental divorce rather than blame themselves. Hence, these children are likely to suffer from severe distress than those who have internal locus of control. When elementary school children experience parents’ divorce, they can become aggressive and develop sense fear and sorrow. Some children also imagine reunion of their parents. And they also explain that children’s school behaviour depend on how they are treated at home. As per experience, the relationship between custodial parent and the child seem to have a large impact. Prior research says that the relationship between the behaviour of custodial parents and children’s school adjustment illustrate that the attitude of custodial parents has large influence on children’s school achievement. Mothers’ affection can influence enormously on developing children’s social skills. From mother-child relationship, children learn responsibility, self-control and social skills, hence, hostile attitude towards children can act as hindrance in developing social skills. Therefore one can learn that the attitude of custodial parent becomes important factor which influence children’s school adjustment.

Natural Religion Versus Revealed Religion Philosophy Essay

Natural Religion Versus Revealed Religion Philosophy Essay Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion is a religious philosophical work of the Scottish philosopher David Hume.  It is about the fight the three characters of Cleanthes, Philo and Demea about the nature of Gods existence. Hume began the process of dialogue later than in 1750, it was published only in 1779. Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, religion, philosophical works of David Hume, were published posthumously 1779.  The work is written as a fictional dialogue between the three main characters Cleanthes, Philo and Demea. Cleanthes argues for the existence of God.  He stresses the teleological sense, for example, that the worlds effectiveness suggests an intelligent designer. Demea can rather be characterized as a mystic, who claims that God is beyond reason.  The main reason for that belief is an internal feeling or certainty.  However, Demea is trying, at one point, to defend a version of the cosmological proof of God. Philo is the most skeptical of the three, and probably the most often seems to reflect the Humes own point of view, as described in Humes Dialogues as Philosophy of Science. Conversations about religion in the Dialogue concerning Natural Religion, is the literature on philosophy by the Scottish philosopher David Hume.  The publication consults together with three characters- Demea, Philo and Cleanthes, the nature of religion and the existence of God.  They all agree that God exists, but disagree on the nature and properties, and that they can ever gain knowledge of the gods.  Among the things they talk about is the design rationale for the existence of God. Hume started writing the Dialogues on religion in 1750, but did not finish with them until 1776, shortly before he died.  The publication is based in part on the publication of Cicero De Natura Deorum (On the nature of the Gods).  Conversations about religion came to Hume, after he died in 1779. 3. Give a complete account of the Argument from Design as stated by Cleanthes. In part I, the skepticism is discussed, which is made strong by Philo.  Cleanthes, however, rejects the global skepticism because it was not for pragmatic reasons, could be represented.  In Part II to VIII, the argument was put forward by Cleanthes, as the argument from design was discussed. Cleanthes believes that the world has similarity with the products of human activity and could be seen as a great machine.  Since similar effects could also lead to similar effects, it is permissible to infer by analogy that God to the man is similar.  God is a kind of exaggerated human being is, however, better and probably also was distinguished by the usual attributes of immortality, omnipotence, omniscience and benevolence. Thus, represented by Cleanthes anthropomorphism is criticized by the other two severely and extensively.  Demea calls for the incomprehensibility of God, pointing to the weak nature of the human spirit, which is composed of variable and  Philo designs also a long list of alternative conclusions, and describes the world that could not be excluded by Cleanthes: his argument still leaves many gods instead of one, also could the world be regarded as good as an animal, which enables a completely different description of God.  He also puts forward a variant of the theory of nature, passes after a series of finite worlds to each other the momentum of change.  In this theory, he is already approaching the Hume to as yet unknown theory of evolution.  Cleanthes can be traced from Philo provoking presentations and throws out any of his theories of the world, which were produced exactly as it is of necessity.  This philosophy applies, however, against the design argument for which th is is true either.  At the end of Part VIII, he claimed that there was the reluctance of any appeal, the only tenable position, as stated in How David Humes Critique of the Design Argument Survives for Three Centuries. Two of the experts involved in the dialogues represent two major trends of the Century of Enlightenment in the discussion of natural religion: one, Cleanthes, is a deist, a theist or perhaps better, not only argues for the existence of God but also of  His providence, the other Demea, is a defender of orthodox Christianity.  The third, Philo is the fencing of the skeptical point of view.  The theist Cleanthes claims arrogantly that the power of human reason is sufficient to reach, drawing on the experience of the world and the logic of the arguments, the authors knowledge of the universe.  The orthodox Demea insists, that it is not the strength, but the weakness of a man, and his reason which brings us to the infinity of God and his mysteries.  The skeptic Philo sometimes slyly encourages optimism for the Cleanthes and other pessimism of Demea, thus provoking the confrontation between the two.  This strategy paves the way to defending their thesis of the triumph of mode rate skepticism concerning natural religion.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: An Influential Leader Essay -- History Roosevel

Franklin D. Roosevelt: An Influential Leader Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) was a man of unusual charm and great optimism, which he was able to communicate to others. He had a broad smile and was a charismatic optimist whose confidence helped sustain the nation through its darkest moments during crisis like the Great Depression and World War II. He became one of the most beloved of U.S. presidents for four terms in office. But beneath his outward friendliness was an inner reserve and an iron will. His admirers emphasized the way in which he met the nation's problems. They praised him for insisting that the federal government must help the underprivileged and that the United States must share in the responsibility for preserving world peace. Franklin Roosevelt made a profound and very important impact upon his times and his policies exerted great influence on the future (Freidel). Assuming the Presidency in 1932, at the depth of the Great Depression, Roosevelt helped the American people regain faith in themselves. He brought hope to the people when he promised prompt, vigorous action, and asserted in his Inaugural Address, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself" (The White House). FDR’s first one hundred days in office were known as "The Hundred Days" (The Great Depression). The main drive of Roosevelt's administration was toward a balance of economic interests. He believed that he should represent all the people--farmers, laborers, and white-collar workers as well as businessmen (The Great Depression). With this in mind, he presented a wide variety of legislation to Congress, which brought relief to the needy and helped improve the economy. This legislation gave authorization to a sweeping program that was designed to bring reform, recovery to business and agriculture, relief to the unemployed and to those in danger of losing farms or homes. "T he Hundred Days" set a new standard for Presidents and members of Congress that followed Roosevelt (The Great Depression). The first order of business for FDR tackled was the banking crisis. Since the start of the Depression, Americans had lost their life’s savings. Roosevelt recognized that if he kept the banks open, panicked depositors would withdraw their money and more banks would fail. FDR declared a â€Å"bank holiday† during which time a hastily prepared emergency banking bill gave the Secretary o... ...pe it needed to revive itself by delivering prompt and vigorous action. Roosevelt held office during two of the greatest crises ever faced by the United States: the Great Depression of the 1930s, followed by World War II. His domestic program, known as the New Deal, introduced far-reaching reforms within the free enterprise system and gave people a new perspective on government. FDR rallied the country after the near disaster of Pearl Harbor, mobilizing over ten million troops. His military and diplomatic skill as the Commander in Chief during World War II, won him an award in the hearts of many Americans. Both in peacetime and in war, his impact on the office of president was enormous, making him one of the most influential leaders in US history. Works Cited American Experience: The Presidents. September 7, 2004, Boorstin, D. J., Kelley, B.M., and Boorstein, R. F., A History of the United States. Boston: Pearson Custom Publishing, 2003. 624, 659-60. Freidel, Frank. †Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the New Deal.† The New Book of Knowledge. 2004 ed. September 7, 2004, The Great Depression: FDR and the Depression. September 7, 2004, The White House. September 7, 2004,

Brief Narrative Essay

Do you remember how our parents often tell us that age old adage of â€Å"Don’t judge a book by its cover† ? Have you ever noticed how, although we know that we are not supposed to do that, we still do it anyway? I have the guts to admit that I am guilty of judging my fellowman at least once. In fact, when I was in grade school, I had misjudged one of my classmates simply because of the way she looked and her station in life because I listened to and believed in the rumors that our classmates had spread about her.This girl was known to have been raised by two spinster aunts since her birth so her ways and mannerisms in public was not that of people her age. In fact, if we did not have her for a classmate, we could have sworn that she was home schooled. She possessed an aloof attitude, sometimes seemingly eccentric and weird in her ways as well. She never hung around after classes and always seemed in a hurry to go home. She simply had no time to socialize and was irrita ted when forced to stay late at school.So we all determined that she was either abnormal or just plain weird. She was a quiet person who usually kept to herself and could often be found in the library reading up on the days lessons or just reading the available newspapers and magazines. We laughed at her often because even though she was a voracious reader, she was terrible in the Math and Science area of lessons. We had known her since pre-school and knew that she had started failing those subjects when we were in grade 3.She was the butt of all the in-jokes and we gave her no respect at all when we spoke to her. We considered her the class clown and mascot because no matter what we seemed to do to her, she could simply ignore. We considered her a challenge whom we had to break down and make cry. Then one day in English class, we were assigned to pair up and do some role playing activity. A unanimous groan went through the classroom when the girls name was announced. All of us were dreading the possibility of being stuck with her for a partner.We were convinced that it would only mean a disaster for whoever was paired with her. We had 2 weeks to work together and come up with a properly enacted and costumed scene from one of Shakespeare’s plays. I dreaded having to work with her because the class made such a big deal out it by ribbing me in public about how I did not have a prayer of getting a passing grade in the project because of my partner. She made one request of me during our partner meeting in class.Could we do the rehearsals at her house instead? She had to stay home whenever possible she explained, because her elderly aunts needed help around the house and she was worried that something might happen if she left them alone. I found this of interest, an open invitation to come over to her house and see where she lived and how she lived would be my chance to understand what made her the way she was and also confirm or deny any of the rumors float ing about in school regarding her and her home life.On my first day of practice with her, I met her very accommodating aunts who thought of me as their nieces friend from school. They were glad that she finally brought a friend over to the house because she was a lonely young woman who just spent her days reading and fussing over them. I did not have the heart to tell them I was no friend of hers. But as the days of our rehearsals progressed, I got to know her and her family better and I realized how wrong we were to have judged her just because we did not understand why she was different.If only we took the time to actually talk to her instead of tease her, we would have understood that she was really a very caring and loving person who recognized her responsibilities in life and made extra efforts to insure that she could do what was expected of her properly. Due the school activity, I came to realize that she was a special girl. She was the kind of person whom one took the time t o get to know and nurture as a friend. I decided that I would continue to befriend her regardless of what the rest of the school thought of her.Guess what, now that I am in high school, most of my grade school friends have disappeared. But this girl has remained a true and steadfast friend to me all this time. And I have helped her come out of her shell and become more sociable. True, the bad rep that was spread about her is still mentioned from time to time. But at least, I helped her get to know some other people who could really be a true friend to her. Just like I am. Truly, â€Å"one cannot judge a book by its cover† and first impressions could be wrong. Just look at how wrong I was in this situation.

7 Department of Labor rules every intern should know

7 Department of Labor rules every intern should know Attention current and future interns! We know that this is an exciting time for you. You’re about to embark on the early stages of your professional careers- a journey that for most of us makes up a significant portion of our adult lives and contributes greatly to our sense of self, happiness, and fulfillment. Internships are great opportunities for you to begin figuring out your strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, interests and passions, and can really help guide you toward what you want to do with your work life. Yes, it’s an exciting time of personal exploration and discovery- but that doesn’t mean you should blindly race forward without knowing a few things first. Understanding some of the basic rules regarding internships- including your rights as an unpaid intern or paid employee- will help ensure that your work experience is as productive and impactful as possible, and that your hard work and efforts are rightfully respected and rewarded.The U.S. Department of Labor, in an effort to protect the rights of interns and employees across industries and job positions, have established regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to determine if the nature of the work an individual is performing qualifies them as an unpaid intern or an actual employee- which means that they qualify for FLSA employee protections and benefits, such as a minimum wage and overtime pay. In order to determine whether an intern or student is actually an employee, the FLSA lists the following seven factors to consider:1. The extent to which the intern and the employer clearly understand that there is no expectation of compensation. Any promise of compensation, express or implied, suggests that the intern is an employee- and vice versa.2. The extent to which the internship provides training that would be similar to that which would be given in an educational environment, including the clinical and other hands-on training provided by educational in stitutions.3. The extent to which the internship is tied to the intern’s formal education program by integrated coursework or the receipt of academic credit.4. The extent to which the internship accommodates the intern’s academic commitments by corresponding to the academic calendar.5. The extent to which the internship’s duration is limited to the period in which the internship provides the intern with beneficial learning.6. The extent to which the intern’s work complements, rather than displaces, the work of paid employees while providing significant educational benefits to the intern.7. The extent to which the intern and the employer understand that the internship is conducted without entitlement to a paid job at the conclusion of the internship.Once you determine if your position falls under the category of an unpaid internship or actual employment, you can then determine what rights you’re entitled to- either as an intern or as an employee. Ke ep in mind that your basic rights are also protected in the workplace, which includes your right to a safe environment that’s free from discrimination and harassment of all types. If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding your rights, either contact the HR department of the company you’re working for or speak to a parent, trusted friend, or mentor.If you’re about to start an internship, you should first know your rights in the workplace, to help ensure that you have a great experience. Use the information provided here, along with the United States Department of Labor’s website, to get informed and prepared for your first day on the job. Good luck!

buy custom The Special Society essay

buy custom The Special Society essay Advocacy in general terms means assisting or helping the special society in the community to get or acquire the services they need for their living. The most affected special groups in the society are mainly the people with disabilities. This is mainly due to their physical condition that makes them to be ever disadvantaged when it comes to various issues like the jobs or even some social amenities. I feel that the disabled group should be provided with all that they require equally with other people and even be assisted with whatever they need. The disability in someone should not be an excuse to deny someone a job under any circumstances. If at all someone can be able to perform the job required well, then there should be no need of not giving such a person that work. If at all someone cannot be able to earn or even cater for himself, then it is important for him/her to be assisted with the required care like being provided with treatment or medical care, housing education and even be protected from stigmatization from the society. All this is the work of the government as well as the community. Everybody is supposed to be part and parcel of taking care of these disabled people in the society. In order to make this possible, the governments should form various groups that will assist those people and look after their needs all through. The non-governmental organizations should come out strongly to assist those who are in need of this care. The government should provide with the required materials and equipment that can assist those people to continue well with their lives. The governments should also declare free medical care for these people as well as providing other required amenities like the wheels chairs for cripples, hearing devices for the deaf and other important gadgets that can assist the disabled. There should be free education for these people as well as training that may assist them in their lives. Therefore it is the role of the government to look after this part of the community. The individuals as well as non-governmental society should also play its part towards caring for the disabled. Buy custom The Special Society essay

The House of the Scorpion Essays

The House of the Scorpion Essays The House of the Scorpion Essay The House of the Scorpion Essay The house of the scorpion The term extraordinary can apply to many things. The definition of extraordinary is an object that is â€Å"very unusual and deserving attention†. The House of the Scorpion deserves to be called extraordinary because it spins a masterful literary web that will not set you free until you finish the last page with a satisfied sigh. Because of the moralistic issues she cunningly weaves into the book, the excellent literary language, and her cautionary take on the future, Farmer will never disappoint her readers as she spins her dispute between right and wrong. There is a thin line between good and evil. Farmer delves into morally wrong issues, and brings our twisted inventions to the light. She poses questions of right and wrong of topics discussed today. Is it ethical to clone human beings? Is a human suffering, even though they are not aware of it? Farmer brings our worst fears into view and dissects them one by one. Even though we clearly see some things as bad and others as good Farmer gives a second opinion on these issues and makes us rethink our answers. Her take on right and wrong is exemplified by El Patron and Matt. One is clearly right, and the other wrong. But the reader cannot but feel that El Patron was to be sympathized with, such as when he pitifully repeats the tale of his dead brothers and sisters. Matt on the other hand at some times was to be despised at, such when he forced Maria to kiss him. Readers will be kept to the edge of their seat as she presents questions and answers and while at the same time causing ourselves to delve deeply into our hearts and find what we believe in. Readers will not be able to put down this book because of the thoughtful questions it provokes. Another one of the reasons why readers are recommended this book is Farmer’s literary style. While the plot is the bare bones of the story, the meat is what really makes the book worth reading. Her characters are the veins that give the book life as they flow richly from the pages. You can hear Celia and Maria laughing with Matt while Tam Lin indulgently watches on. You can practically feel the love between them as Tam Lin befriends the lonely despised clone, as Maria bypasses prejudices to love him, as Celia bravely defies El Patron by poisoning Matt’s heart. She cleverly describes her tale of a futuristic landscape in sweeping imagery, so real you can join in Matt’s horror when he finds out what eejits really are. Farmer has effectively enthralled readers because of the life she breathes into the book, transforming a set of simple bones into an extraordinary literary tale by infusing it with flesh, blood and a heart. The heart is what keeps people reading, and convinces people to read them; it is the heart that pumps the blood through the veins and lends animation to the bones. Farmer captures the workings of a heart and imbues it into her book making it a worthwhile read. Farmer keeps a firm grip on reality while presenting a real and shocking view on our world a hundred years into the future. She looks at arguments that plague our world now and imagine what will happen hundreds of years later. Some authors may see science fiction as a way out of reality, because literally anything can happen in the future. Farmer, however, gives plausible views of what could happen to us in our civilization if things continue as they do now. What she foresees is economic disaster, whales dying and whole oceans choked with pollution. She sees a life where everybody is running away from their life because reality is too harsh to face. She sees countries crippled because of drugs, mindless slaves working in the poppy fields. She sees everybody unable to face the truth because sometimes the truth is too hard to bear. She has given us an entirely possible future, where everyone we know can be an eejit, every child we know could be starving because nothing is equal. This book will give readers a new view on what our world could become. Farmer presents cautionary tale of what could happen if it is too late to open our eyes and enslave millions of people to a miserable existence. Nancy Farmer’s work in The House of the Scorpion has entertained millions of readers because of the questions she cunningly weaves into the plot, the beautiful literary imagery, and the setting, which takes place a hundred years into the future. Her futuristic setting lends a sense of horror to the book as everything is dead or struggling to live. She has captured readers with her excellent plot which she fleshes out with believable characters. She has given the book a heart and thus it will capture generations of people because of the qualities she has written it with.

Information Systems in Organizations Assignment - 1

Information Systems in Organizations - Assignment Example My social class therefore affects even my dating process because I mostly interact with people of my social status My social class also affects my political interests in terms of the politicians I support and whether or not I vote (people of a lower social class are more likely not to vote) (Griffin, Larry, and Peggy 116). From the clips, I have seen and felt that it is better to be in the higher social class because those in the lower end have many problems that can be easily solved by those in a better class. I have observed that the lifestyles of people in the lower and upper social classes are disparate in many ways. While the those in the higher social class can choose the cars to drive, those in a lower class like Tammy have to walk to work because they do not even have functional cars and cannot fix the ones they have. I have learnt that people in a higher social class have a better image, purchasing power and ability to create their own lifestyles. I have also learnt that people can judge one’s social class from their image based on how they are dressed and look, for instance, Matt says that the way his mother dresses displays a lower social class. The names and things people surround and associate themselves with can reveal their social class. I liked the video clips because they give a clear and detailed picture of what life is like for those in the lower and higher ends of the social class in terms of the things they can afford physically, emotionally and

Health Care and Intellectual Property Laws Essay

Health Care and Intellectual Property Laws - Essay Example In a knowledge economy where knowledge is considered private property and is thus deserving of full protection under the law, Intellectual Property laws play a fundamental role in ensuring stability and predictability. However, it has been suggested that these laws undermine public health by tending to put the cost of essential medicines far beyond the reach of those who desperately need it most. Intellectual property ownership is a relatively new concept of ownership with staggering social implications. For large pharmaceutical companies investing billions of dollars to continually develop new medicines against diseases, it provides the necessary incentives in the form of patents to provide wider latitude in the development, promotion, and distribution of new drugs to recoup their investments and earn significant revenues for years of research and hard work. It also serves as an incentive for pharmaceutical companies to develop new products for the prevention or treatment of common as well as dreaded diseases. But for low-income countries struggling to provide basic healthcare services and affordable drugs to their citizens, intellectual property is an onerous imposition that threatens to wreck lives in the wake of killer diseases. The law on intellectual property rights allows pharmaceutical companies unrestricted rights to manufacture and distribute medicines at prices they command. Recent free trade agreements have extended extremely generous patent rights to multinational pharmaceutical companies, and have limited access to generic equivalent drugs. Analysis The first level of analysis is to ask whether or not it is actually necessary to prioritize patients' rights, and if the current system has indeed been inadequate in arresting the problem. Without access to the drugs in the treatment of HIV, for example, to combat the spread of the dreaded disease, people from many countries in Africa experiencing an HIV/AIDS pandemic will die in record number. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since it was first recognized on December 1, 1981, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in recorded history. According to current estimates, HIV is set to infect 90 million people in Africa, providing an enormous market for an anti-HIV medicine. There is currently no vaccine or cure for HIV or AIDS. The only known method of prevention is avoiding exposure to the virus. However, an antiretroviral treatment, known as post-exposure prophylaxis is believed to reduce the risk of infection if begun directly after exposure. Current treatment for HIV infection consists of highly active antiretroviral therapy, or HAART, an expensive procedure that many poor countries in Africa are forced to take. The second level of analysis is whether or not pharmaceutical drug companies can afford to take the pay cuts. It has been argued many times over that these drug companies need the money to innovate and to develop new techniques and new formulations. The evidence, however, militates against this. According to a paper written by Oxfam International: In 2000, for example, the ten biggest companies in the US spent more than twice as much on marketing and administration (34%) than on R&D (14%). Pfizer spent $22.2 billion on dividends and share buybacks in 2003 and the first half of 2004, over twice the amount spent on research. Merck returned $7.3 billion,

2 Questions in attachment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

2 Questions in attachment - Essay Example It is thus difficult to define ‘doing right things’ (Keown, Martin and Petty, 2008, p. 21). Simpson and Brown, president and secretary of two different companies marketing asbestos, acted presumably and they did right things especially when it is perceived from a business view point. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that can be used for electrical insulation and many other purposes, but it has a danger side that if one has exposed to it for long years, it is more likely that he may get chronic lung inflammation or chest cancer etc. though this is the fact, Simpson refused a newspaper from publishing an article regarding this product and its side effects. Brown’s words were that â€Å"the less said about asbestos, the better off we are†. Though these are legal as they wanted to maintain their business and profitability and it cannot be criticized on the grounds of good business practices, these can never be justified on the ground of ethical behavior. Their attempts not only caused blocking right information to the public, but also hiding the facts and thus makin g public less aware of the danger of asbestos and its side effects. As far as social responsibility and social values are concerned, Simpson and Brown were not ‘doing the right things’. Every society adopts a set of rules or laws that prescribe what it believes a doing right things. A business has social responsibility beyond the maximization of shareholder wealth (Keown, Martin and Petty, 2008, p. 21-22). Social responsibility of a firm or a person representing a business directs attention to invoke norms that can express legitimate and stable expectations respecting the conduct of persons in position of social trust (Wueste, 1994, p. 2). Sims (2003) argued that organizational management and business people that truly care about business and corporate social responsibility is proactive rather than becoming reactive in linking strategic actions, business practices and

'The global financial crisis (2007-2009) is an evidence of the Essay - 1

'The global financial crisis (2007-2009) is an evidence of the weaknesses of the existing international and national regulator - Essay Example An economy is a self-sustaining cycle with the financial activities in one sector rapidly spiraling its effects on many other industries thus crippling the economy1. The same was the scenario with the causes and rapid spread of the consequences of bad financial activities in some of the greatest economies such as the United States and the United Kingdom among others across Europe. Such ripple effects as increased unemployment and reduced government spending affects the purchasing power of the population thus resulting in the rapid collapse of economies as was the case during the financial crises. Major companies reduced their financial activities owing to the increasing cost of doing business. Most companies closed down while others reduced their sizes. Both the actions resulted in increased and prolonged joblessness that accounted for the breadth and depth of the crises both in the developed and developing economies. The Basel 2 accord provided for specific operational features of b oth investment and commercial banks. These included the amount of money that the banks ought to set aside for emergencies to cushion the economy from such shocks. Additionally, the regulations define the roles of both commercial and investment banks. Disregarding the laws including the repeal of the Glass-Steagall act in 1999 instituted by the Clinton administration was among the key causes of the crisis. The act sought to cushion from financial crises following the lessons learnt from the great depression. According to the provisions of the act, the government clearly distinguished commercial banks from investment banks. An effective regulation of the banking industry cushioned the economy from financial crises since banks could maintain appropriate financial activities2. By repealing the act, the government permitted commercial banks to take part in risky investments with the view of increasing their profitability. The repeal of the acct was an embodiment of the weaknesses of the regulation of the economy thus validating the escalation of the crises3. The liberation of the act, commercial banks began investing their money in the economy. Such big commercial banks as the Wells Fargo and the American Bank became active investors in the economy. Among the industries that appeared lucrative included the housing industry as the commercial banks increased their investments in the sector4. The American government for example, provided the citizens with incentives thus encouraging the citizens to acquire mortgagees and purchase homes. The banks saw that as an opportunity to invest in the industry and benefit from the increased financial activity in the market. Without any clear regulation, the government watched as commercial banks competed with the investment banks for the few investment opportunities. Before long, the economy began experienced declining liquidity as both investment and commercial banks both began lacking adequate money to stay operational. The deb t levels thus increased as most of the people who had acquired mortgages lost their jobs owing to the worsening economy and the increase in layoffs5. Commercial banks just as their names suggest make their profits from the financial transactions undertaken by their customers. They sustain the liquidity of the economy by availing the money whenever the customers want. This way,

Working with Federal Reserves Publications Essay

Working with Federal Reserves Publications - Essay Example In the past Central Bankers have traditionally been close-mouthed and the Federal Reserve was often reluctant to state publicly what its current policy directive is; what its idea about future monetary policy actions including its predictions in relation to general economic conditions or interest rates (Ehrmann et al 2007). Hence periodic or regular publications may provide some detailed analysis of monetary policies for the preceding moths or years but does not divulge any information details regarding current of future polices. The conventional or common practice of the Federal Reserve in keeping quiet about present and future monetary policies have change recently becoming more transparent such that after meetings the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) publicly relates monetary policy decisions and central bank forecasts, which also includes justifications for any changes that were or are made (Ehrmann et al 2007). The justifications include considerations taken that resulted to the decision over the changes done on the said monetary policies. The trend of the economy and financial markets generally rely on the monetary policy standpoint and balance-of-risks appraisal of the Federal Reserves or Central Bank’s public statements in connection to inflation and other forms of economic circumstances. The transparency adopted by the Federal reserve lessens market uncertainty with respect to any future monetary policy. However, the Federal Reserve has an option to change its perception and views after making a public announcement regarding its policies. But even with the data or information made available on prior and future monetary policies, a precise determination of the effects of such policies on the general economy and its financial markets can be hard to identify mainly due to other economic factors that can change overtime. 2. Explain the Federal Reserve’s current view about inflation Inflation usually occurs when there is an excess demand, when prices rise when total spending made by consumers, business firms and the government go beyond the value of the total amount produced within a given economy (Roberts 2006). In relation to this, changes in monetary policies as well as fiscal policies contribute greatly to the level of demand which is affected by government purchases, total consumption and investments made (Roberts 2006). However, this has no actual connection to the price level that is similar to the actual price of a single commodity; especially if all other changeable factors are constant like income (wages) and the prices of other goods. The collective price level normally indicates that all other prices are shifting as well. Therefore, incomes usually rise and fall with the level of prices because income is obtained from the price and quantity of goods sold (Roberts 2006). Issues regarding shifts or changes in the economy are quite complicated sine in real terms output in answer to demand cannot increase bey ond the full level of employment which triggers an increase in spending that can merely be attained at higher prices. This can be illustrated in the Philips curve where total demand can be slimmed down or increased in tandem with supply in order to attain full employment output with supply in order to attain full employment output with stable prices. Reality wise, demand is affected by difference in government spending and taxation (fiscal policy) or by the variation s in monetary factors that affects business investment spending. As a whole, it is difficult for the Federal Reser

UK TV drama analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

UK TV drama analysis - Essay Example t people would however like to change the cards that they were dealt, or at least sit down and have an eraser and be able to edit their lives and lead that which they feel to be the best; a life without struggle, pain or hardships. It is for this reason that the aim of this paper shall be to study the TV drama Misfits, and take a look at the way in which the characters react to life and the way in which they may be related pot real life experiences. Furthermore, the paper shall focus on the first two episodes of the series for a more in depth and precise look into everything. The plot of the story follows the lives of 5 teens that are caught for taking part in offences that have warranted them community service to the cut. These are Kelly Bailey, Curtis Donovan, Alisha Daniels, Simon Bellamy and Nathan Young. They are caught in a supernatural thunder storm that results in them gaining some supernatural abilities. The series was meant to follow the lives of the characters and mimic their characters in their behaviors so as to develop their powers. These powers are mean to focus on what the characters want from their lives but they are not able to get due to the decisions that they have made. However, not everything ends as they had wished. They are faced with decisions that are seen to follow them for the rest of their lives. These characters are drawn from the way in which teenagers and people in the world would love to be given another chance so as to ensure that the view that society has of them is different from what they are inside in terms of their character. Taking Kelly Bailey, played by Lauren Socha, is a character that is judged and feared buy society for having a body that is said to be manly and brute. She wishes that people stop looking at her through the scope of her physique but rather through the view that she is someone else that is different; she is not her skin or her body. In the storm, she gains the power of being able to talk and communicate

'The global financial crisis (2007-2009) is an evidence of the Essay - 1

'The global financial crisis (2007-2009) is an evidence of the weaknesses of the existing international and national regulator - Essay Example An economy is a self-sustaining cycle with the financial activities in one sector rapidly spiraling its effects on many other industries thus crippling the economy1. The same was the scenario with the causes and rapid spread of the consequences of bad financial activities in some of the greatest economies such as the United States and the United Kingdom among others across Europe. Such ripple effects as increased unemployment and reduced government spending affects the purchasing power of the population thus resulting in the rapid collapse of economies as was the case during the financial crises. Major companies reduced their financial activities owing to the increasing cost of doing business. Most companies closed down while others reduced their sizes. Both the actions resulted in increased and prolonged joblessness that accounted for the breadth and depth of the crises both in the developed and developing economies. The Basel 2 accord provided for specific operational features of b oth investment and commercial banks. These included the amount of money that the banks ought to set aside for emergencies to cushion the economy from such shocks. Additionally, the regulations define the roles of both commercial and investment banks. Disregarding the laws including the repeal of the Glass-Steagall act in 1999 instituted by the Clinton administration was among the key causes of the crisis. The act sought to cushion from financial crises following the lessons learnt from the great depression. According to the provisions of the act, the government clearly distinguished commercial banks from investment banks. An effective regulation of the banking industry cushioned the economy from financial crises since banks could maintain appropriate financial activities2. By repealing the act, the government permitted commercial banks to take part in risky investments with the view of increasing their profitability. The repeal of the acct was an embodiment of the weaknesses of the regulation of the economy thus validating the escalation of the crises3. The liberation of the act, commercial banks began investing their money in the economy. Such big commercial banks as the Wells Fargo and the American Bank became active investors in the economy. Among the industries that appeared lucrative included the housing industry as the commercial banks increased their investments in the sector4. The American government for example, provided the citizens with incentives thus encouraging the citizens to acquire mortgagees and purchase homes. The banks saw that as an opportunity to invest in the industry and benefit from the increased financial activity in the market. Without any clear regulation, the government watched as commercial banks competed with the investment banks for the few investment opportunities. Before long, the economy began experienced declining liquidity as both investment and commercial banks both began lacking adequate money to stay operational. The deb t levels thus increased as most of the people who had acquired mortgages lost their jobs owing to the worsening economy and the increase in layoffs5. Commercial banks just as their names suggest make their profits from the financial transactions undertaken by their customers. They sustain the liquidity of the economy by availing the money whenever the customers want. This way,

UK TV drama analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

UK TV drama analysis - Essay Example t people would however like to change the cards that they were dealt, or at least sit down and have an eraser and be able to edit their lives and lead that which they feel to be the best; a life without struggle, pain or hardships. It is for this reason that the aim of this paper shall be to study the TV drama Misfits, and take a look at the way in which the characters react to life and the way in which they may be related pot real life experiences. Furthermore, the paper shall focus on the first two episodes of the series for a more in depth and precise look into everything. The plot of the story follows the lives of 5 teens that are caught for taking part in offences that have warranted them community service to the cut. These are Kelly Bailey, Curtis Donovan, Alisha Daniels, Simon Bellamy and Nathan Young. They are caught in a supernatural thunder storm that results in them gaining some supernatural abilities. The series was meant to follow the lives of the characters and mimic their characters in their behaviors so as to develop their powers. These powers are mean to focus on what the characters want from their lives but they are not able to get due to the decisions that they have made. However, not everything ends as they had wished. They are faced with decisions that are seen to follow them for the rest of their lives. These characters are drawn from the way in which teenagers and people in the world would love to be given another chance so as to ensure that the view that society has of them is different from what they are inside in terms of their character. Taking Kelly Bailey, played by Lauren Socha, is a character that is judged and feared buy society for having a body that is said to be manly and brute. She wishes that people stop looking at her through the scope of her physique but rather through the view that she is someone else that is different; she is not her skin or her body. In the storm, she gains the power of being able to talk and communicate

The oxidation of ethanol Essay Example for Free

The oxidation of ethanol Essay The purpose of this experiment is to oxidize ethanol and then to test the product to determine whether it has been oxidised to ethanal or oxidised to ethanoic acid. Method We added 6cmi of water to a pear-shaped flask, then added 2cmi of concentrated sulphuric acid, and set up the apparatus as shown below, but with a stopper in place of the dropping funnel. We ensured that all the glass joints were greased. We then had to make up a solution containing 5g of sodium dichromate in 5cmi of water and add 4cmi of ethanol. We had tom pour this mixture into the dropping funnel. We heated the acid in the pear-shaped flask until it was almost boiling and then turned off the bunsen burner. We then had to carefully remove the stopper and put the dropping funnel into the correct position, as shown in the diagram. We then added the mixture containing the ethanol at such a rate to maintain the boiling of the mixture in the pear-shaped flask. We collected the distillate and recorded our observations. After collecting the distillate we had to do two tests to see whether we had oxidised ethanol into ethanal or ethanoic acid. The first test was to put 5 drops of the distillate into a test tube and 5 drops of universal indicator solution. The second test was to put 5 drops of the distillate into a test tube and add a small amount of sodium carbonate. Both of these tests were tests for carboxylic acids. The test for an alderhyde was replaced with sodium carbonate test as we didnt have the resources to carry out the test with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. Safety There were many hazards in the context of this experiment in some of the chemicals we used that we needed to be aware of. Using ethanol was a hazard as it was highly flammable above 13i C and had a narcotic effect as a result of inhalation of the vapour. It is also dangerous with oxidising agents as uncontrollable reactions take place. To prepare for these hazards we needed to keep the solution away from the bunsen flame and wear goggles in case any uncontrollable reactions happened. The sodium dichromate we used was very toxic and could cause cancer by inhalation and was harmful if swallowed or if contacted with skin sensitisation could occur. Ulceration also could have occurred on damaged skin. It is also dangerous with combustible materials as it forms explosive or vigorously burning mixtures. To prepare for this hazard we needed to be careful not to spill any and to wear lab coats and goggles. Sulphuric acid that we used is very corrosive and can cause severe burns. It is dangerous with sodium as dangerous reactions could take place and also water as vigorous reactions occur when the concentrated acid is diluted. To prepare for this hazard we needed to again make sure we wore lab coats and goggles to protect our eyes, skin and clothing. The sodium carbonate we used was an irritant on the eyes, skin and respiratory system so with this we needed to wear goggles to protect our eyes. With this experiment ethanal could have been formed. Ethanal is extremely flammable above -27i C and is harmful with risks or irreversible effects. It is dangerous with sulphuric acid as violent polymerisation reactions could occur. To prepare for this hazard we needed to keep the possible distillate away from the bunsen flame and wear lab coats and goggles. The other possibility was that ethanoic acid could have been formed. This is corrosive and can cause severe burns. It is flammable above 40i C and the vapour released is very irritating to the respiratory system. To prepare for this hazard we needed to again keep it way from the bunsen burner, wear goggles and lab coats. Observations Throughout the experiment there were many different observations. Whilst mixing the ethanol with the sulphuric acid and water solution the solution changed from clear to orange. It then changed to green and then to a very dark green. This therefore showed that an oxidation reaction was happening. The solution was maintaining boiling point throughout the experiment as it bubbled. To distillate we collected was a clear solution. The two tests we did with the distillate were to add the distillate to universal indicator. This turned the solution bright red. This therefore showed an acid was present. So according to this test we had produces ethanoic acid. The second test was to add sodium carbonate to the distillate. This showed a slight fizzing which also shows the distillate is an acid. Conclusion After doing the experiment my results show that a carboxylic acid has been formed. I have come to this conclusion as after doing both tests with this distillate my results show an acid has been formed. It was an oxidation reaction of a primary alcohol and with this reaction either an alderhyde or carboxylic acid can be formed. The carboxylic acid will have been formed as there would have been an excess of dichromate. The equation for this reaction is: CH3CH2OH + 2[O] CH3COOH + H2O I have made my decision as a carboxylic acid as two tests have shown this and test 1 with the universal indicator proved it was an acid by changing from colourless to red and test 2 showed fizzing which is also the sign of an acid being formed.

Beautiful Happiness In A Meaningless Life Short Story English Literature Essay

Beautiful Happiness In A Meaningless Life Short Story English Literature Essay I intend to write a short story featuring a few of the more potent themes present within the novelette The Outsider. This short story has simply been written to entertain, and explore the central themes and issues that I have chosen. The content of the story is gruesome and described with vivid details in some cases, so the target audience would be fairly mature, and have an orientation towards fanciful fantasy worlds. The story is set in a land where the local entertainment consists of arena type pit fights. These pit fights are similar to a council of the citys rich and wealthiest, with the lower classes also in attendance. These pit fights are also the place where status is gained and lost among these affluent members of society, with the slaves that compete being used as a means to this end. I have also interpreted the ending of The Outsider differently in my story, with my main character realising that he can make a difference with his life, and that he can live for other people rather than himself only. The content of the story is gruesome and described with vivid details in some cases, so the target audience would be fairly mature, and have an orientation towards fanciful fantasy worlds. The story is set in a land where the local entertainment consists of arena type pit fights. These pit fights are similar to a council of the citys rich and wealthiest, with the lower classes also in attendance. These pit fights are also the place where status is gained and lost among these affluent members of society, with the slaves that compete being used as a means to this end. I have also interpreted the ending of The Outsider differently in my story, with my main character realising that he can make a difference with his life, and that he can live for other people rather than himself only. The ring of steel on steel resounded around the arena, to join the din of gaudy music and jeering shouts ensuing from the on looking patrons of this violent event. The Slave Games took place every day, from the blaze of the new fire in the sky at its start, to its dying embers at dusk. The games consisted of slaves and a monster entered by the Games Keeper. Of course to make it more complicated, there were two different types of slaves, the ones entered by their master, and the ones donated. By a slave being entered it was similar to a bet being placed, with a small fee for entry paid to the games master, the fee also gave slaves the privilege of a weapon of choice. At the conclusion of the battle if the monster was the last one standing, the games master would keep the majority of the winnings, otherwise if a slave was the victor; their master was granted higher standing in society and a large sum of gold as their winnings. There was also an unspoken tradition, that the victorious s lave was granted freedom for their heroic deeds performed within the arena. The donated slaves on the other hand, were the unwanted outcasts of rich society that the Games Keeper bought for a small fee, to liven up the games as he would call it. The scything edge of an axe whistled overhead as the young man shied away from the maiming blow. He dodged left and ducked right, seemingly untouchable with his great agility, and quick mind. His short success ended with his impalement upon a long, unyielding, bronze tipped spear. He was dead before his knees buckled and his bruised and blood spattered head lolled to rest upon his chest. His limp body knelt upright, held there by the protruding spear. His dark, lifeless eyes stared unfocused at the floor of the arena, in a way which made it seem as if the poor boy was still in pain. Tayten observed this, in the moments after he had thrown the spear. But now the boy was dead, and the dead dont feel a thing. He retrieved his spear before turning to the frenzied sounds of battle nearby. The initially frantic fighting in the pit had collapsed in to smaller groups of the more skillful fighters that had survived the morning. Usually the donated slaves would be first to succumb as they main ly consisted of the old, the weak and the lame, though among these tribute slaves, were a handful of the forsaken; the brawlers, the thieves and those who had displeased their master. Tayten was of the forsaken, he was a free man captured, and bludgeoned into slavery. But he valued his freedom greatly, and he loved to journey even though he thought life was meaningless. How could one man make a difference, and be remembered after his death? He returned from his reverie with the great horn blast that signaled the release of the monster. The clash of steel ceased as the remaining slaves turned to face the monster. Usually it would take more than one slave to bring the monster down, so it was at this point that the slaves banded together in a bid to survive. Though if the monster was killed, the slaves would continue the fight between themselves, until a victor was eventually decided. A large iron gate slowly rose to reveal a dark entrance, for a moment nothing emerged, then with a roa r of rage, a full grown bull Minotaur emerged. Its pelvis covered in the blood marred rags of a loin cloth, and standing nearly half again the height of the tallest slave still alive. It carried a great jagged edged axe over its shoulder, mangled gore still present on its edge; it was truly a creature to instill fear into the hearts of even the bravest and most foolhardy of humans. One man turned tail and fled for the opposite side of the arena, sadly this drew the monsters attention and with two leaping bounds the Minotaur trampled the man under hoof. The other slaves charged, with shouts and battle cries, but Tayten held back, silently waiting to see what happened. The Minotaur spun with his deadly weapon, and cleaved in half the two fore runners with a single sweeping blow, seven slaves remained. The next slave, a burly man with a dusty orange beard and a balding crown, jumped with his two-handed sword held high, in an attempt to cut the Minotaur in half. But it simply bounced of f the thick hide and the Minotaur let out a deep rumble of hatred, before crushing the mans skull with the haft of the axe. Death was dealt instantly to the next three slaves, who all attempted a similar approach. The next slave attempted to go for the eyes, but with a sudden jerk, the Minotaur had thrust down with his head, skewering the adolescent upon his horns. Blood now ran down the Minotaurs face and muzzle, some even obscuring vision in his left eye. The sight of blood seemed to push the Minotaur into a frenzy, and he quickly dispatched the next closest slave, an older woman with a hard look in her eyes, and a slight scar running across the bridge of her nose. He was only able to see these finer details, when her head came to rest a foot from where he sat. The Minotaur lunged down with his axe in an attempt to kill the last slave opposing him. But the young boy was surprisingly nimble and evaded easily. A dagger flashed into the boys hand, and he slashed fiercely at the Minot aurs heel. Surprisingly the small blade cut deep, severing the tendon in the monsters leg. This time the Minotaur gave a cry of agony, and fell to one knee. Tayten watched again as the dagger flashed, realising that it must be made of glass; the only material hard and sharp enough, possibly capable of cutting through the Minotaurs thick hide. The Minotaur was too slow to catch the boy, and was obviously spiteful for it. With decisive slices, the Minotaur was unable to hold its axe, but the beast was still deadly. The boys overconfidence in his soon to be triumph over the beast ended with the bone crushing strength in the Minotaurs undamaged hand. The monster lifted the feeble body of the boy high into the air; the Minotaur stared hatefully at the corpse. In an eruption of still warm blood, a long hard shaft emerged from the boys chest. The Minotaur watched the silently in the instant before his death as the bronze tipped spear entered through his eye cavity, and ruptured his brain. Tayten registered the tearing peals of a bell tolling, and the deafening uproar that the crowd was making. None of this concerned him, not even the dead child he had plunged his spear through. Everyone died; it just so happened that they would be meeting her before he did. The crowd grew silent, all eyes watching him. The Games Keeper had risen, and it appeared that he was expecting an answer for an unspoken question. He turned to his peers and asked quietly, Is he not one of your slaves? Not a single one answered. Slaves were expendable, but keeping with his faà §ade of the generous benefactor for such events, he would need to keep the crowd and his rich friends happy. It was blatantly apparent though, that the previous master of the donated slave, expected retribution for the slaves survival. A solution came to mind. With a hollow cone of bronze pressed to his lips, his booming voice emanated out across the stadium, Our victor, Tayten is the champion of this day, and we acknowledge him for his deeds, he let the echo of his voice die before continuing. Never before has a donated slave won this tournament, but I have a solution. As I bought him from his previous master, it will be I who decides his fate, the crowd seemed hold its breath in anticipation of the Games Keepers verdict. The Games Keepers right arm shot out in front of him, with his fist clenched and thumb held horizontal. His thumb dropped slightly, and the crowd began to boo. But this was all part of the act, and before it got out of hand, his thumb shot up in definite sign of approval. The slave would be granted freedom. The crowd applauded with many shouts of joy, even jovial music could be heard in the background. The Games Keeper smiled as he watched the jubilation he had wrought within his crowd, before dropping his arm a moment later. His smile evaporated as he perceived the accusatory eyes of the contemptuous dark eyed noble boring into him. He bowed his head down next to the seated nobles ear, You know, the games keeper continued as if remembering something of importance, many unfortunate fates can befall a freed slave, once he has left the protection of the arena. As the Games Keeper marched off to oversee proceedings of the slaves release, the dark eyes of the noble brightened considerably, and a mean smirk marred his face. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ As Tayten walked beneath the low arch of the arenas gate, a smile caught upon his lips. The prospect of being free was a truly wonderful thought indeed, and the first place he would go was the local tavern. The smell of spirits wafted through the dark enclosed room, bringing back memories of times long past. He drank his fill, but a slave released from service has no money, so when the time came to pay he left promptly to the disgruntled shouts of the barman. He had no money to pay for lodgings, so he settled down in an alley way for the night. The comforting warmth from the liquor spread throughout his body, dulling his senses and propelling him over the edge into the blissful abyss of sleep. He wondered mildly in the moment before slumber came, whether death would be like this, the only difference being you never wake up. Once the mercenary was sure that his quarry would not be moving for the rest of the night, he disappeared back into the night to find his employer. Tayten woke with a start. Four tall dark figures loomed ominously about him, all wore deep set hoods. He realised then that they were only tall, because he was still sitting. Shakily he began to rise, but a heavy blow sent him back to the ground. The alcohol, still thick in his blood, was taking a heavy toll on his ability to comprehend what was happening. Who were these people? One of the men drew back his dark cowl to reveal his identity. The dark eyed noble stared malevolently down upon the man who had once been his slave. With a slight hand gesture from the noble, the three remaining hooded figures roughly seized the prostrate Tayten, hauling him upright to stand helplessly before his wicked enslaver. With a bitter smile, the noble spoke, I bet you thought it was your lucky day. Insult me and survive to tell the tale, I bet thats what you thought, the noble mistook Taytens drunken haze for impudence, and his next words were filled with venom as he sneered. Well you know what you poor dog; your worthless life will be cut to its wick this night, the nobles mouth formed an angelic smile, as he concluded. Not to worry, for I assure you, it will be painful, and before the end you will be begging for death. The sounds of voices approached, and a group of soldiers with lit torches past before the entrance to the alley, that the group was congregating within. The city was not without laws, and murder was punishable by death. The noble realised the vulnerability of his position, and decided to withdraw, leaving the hired mercenaries to dispatch the insolent slave. The three hired soldiers stood in silence as their hirer swiftly disappeared into the darkness. Making sure that the noble was definitely gone before speaking, the man to Taytens left spoke with a fairly high pitched voice, Well wasnt he a nasty one. The man to Taytens right replied simply, in what appeared to be a grumpy tone, They always are. The third soldier behind him, responded to this by saying, Yeah, that may be so, but they dont have the guts to do their own dirty work, and I guess we should be thankful for the work. The second soldier responded in a quietly outraged voice, WORK, you call this WORK!? We get paid so little by these rich bastards, when they have so much. The third answered, Youre right, but the rich only stay rich because theyre so selfish with their wealth. The second, Im sick of how bad were treated, after this Im going to get an honest job with honest pay, at least then Ill get the respect I deserve. The first cut in before the third could answer the seconds lamentations, Well you know we could make more money for these jobs, and still have the same end result. The other two soldiers turned, and in unison the third asked, How? a gleam sparkling in his eye, while the second stared blankly at the first and before asking an unintelligible, What? The first explained his idea, and the other two agreed upon it. They would take the man they were ordered to kill, and sell him to the pit master as a donated slave. Not only would they earn extra gold for this job, but they need not even get their hands dirty with the murder of another person. Taytens head had cleared slightly, and he was now partly focused upon the situation he was in. A voice spoke very close to his ear, As we move through the city, do not make a sound, do not make eye contact, and do not draw attention to yourself, otherwise we will kill you there and then, Tayten nodded, and the group set off. The journey was uneventful, and just before they reached the arena, they turned into a side alley. The soldiers had agreed that the slaves death needed to be assured, so they would slightly maim him, but not making it too visible so that he would still fetch a fair price. The second soldier came over, and with the pommel of his bastard sword, struck a blow that cracked a couple of ribs on the left side of Taytens body. Tayten keeled over from the pain, but he did not cry out. The troupe continued to the slave block built beside the arena, where they found the head slave master and bargained a good price for the slave they were donating. Tayten was then exchanged for the gold, and the trio of mercenaries departed. Two pit guards came to lead him down into the holding cells. As he was led to the entrance of a dark corridor trailing down into the depths of the earth, he remembered the circumstances of his last visit to this dank, moldy hole in the ground. When the noble had first brought him here, his hands had been bound, and a hessian sack had covered his face. As his eyes searched around the dark tunnel, he knew where he was. He remembered the smell and the feeling of oppression he had originally felt the first time he had come down this way, with his head concealed within the dark sack. But the aid of sight didnt help much, as it was hard to see in this dark, oppressive place, regardless of whether or not his sight had been obstructed. He looked at the faces of his escort, but he didnt recognise them, and it was probably the same for them. He was left alone within the dark holding cell for the night. He remembered from the first time, how his mask had been removed, and how he had been affronted with the sight of so many slaves in a single cell. It wasnt the fact that there were a lot of slaves; it was simply that his freedom was greatly restricted within such a tightly packed cell. Yet now he had his freedom within the cold dark cell, and it was eerily quiet. He had his freedom, and yet it wasnt what he remembered it to be. Tayten remembered freedom as warm and cheerful, but this freedom was the opposite. In fact, it had been in the crowded cell on the first night that he had experienced true warmth, nestled in with all the other slaves. He had also found the sounds of people in slumber, far more pleasant than the unearthly hush that had now settled over the chamber. Maybe freedom wasnt what he wanted anymore. He lay down, the cold leaving a bitter ache in his cracked ribs. It would be a long nightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Tayten must have drifted off, as it seemed to him that only moments had passed, since he had lain to rest upon the straw matted floor. But the morning bell was already tolling, signifying the start of the new day, and the opening of the arena gates to paying patrons. Taytens eyes drooped with exhaustion, as he stood up, but his mind was clear and his movements precise. He vowed never to drink alcohol again. His cracked ribs hindered his movements slightly, but as long as he protected that area, he could manage. Just then, a trio of pit guards entered the donated slaves holding chamber, one looked confused for a moment, before surprised recollection dawned upon his face, and he turn and ran out of the room. The two remaining guards shrugged their shoulders, and turned back to the only slave in the cell. The door was unlatched, and Tayten was led to the holding area, where many tunnels converged into a large central hall. The slaves would remain here, until the great gate at the far en d was opened, and the slaves would emerge into the arena. The entered slaves were already present, and Tayten was the only donated slave, so the games would begin at anytime. Taytens reticent nature had turned to mild annoyance for the noble who had imprisoned him, and then continually keeping him from his freedom. Tayten recalled the reason behind him becoming a donated slave in the pits; he had attempted to escape the nobles holdings, but had failed, and had been sentenced harshly by the noble for attempting to leave his service. This new found anger welled up within him, as the door on a side passage leading into the great hall, was thrust open by a tall, illustriously dressed man, stalking furiously towards the central holding cell. The fuming glare of the noble passed over the slaves and came to rest with livid hatred upon Tayten. Tayten smiled back, the nobles eyes darkened and a deep set frown embedded itself where his mouth used to be. Unsettlingly, a moment later, he in turn gave his own wicked smile to Tayten. Just then the bell tolled, to signal the start of the fight. As tradition would have it, the donated slaves were the first to enter the arena, followed a few moments later by the entered slaves. Tayten was happy to leave behind the demonic stare of the noble, so he quickly entered the field. The first thing he noticed, was that amazingly the arenas canopy had become a patchwork of mirrors joined together to form a shell between the spectators and the pit fight. It was obvious that the crowd could still see him from the excited shouts he received upon his entry, even if he himself couldnt see them through the mirrors reflective surface. Some members of the crowd let out surprised yells, as they recognised the victor of the previous day, but the initial surprise turned to angry confusion. Why was the victor (a free man) forced to fight in another round of the Slave Games? The entered slaves had been watching the interaction between the noble and the slave, so when the noble gestured that they should come closer, the entire group of entered slaves obeyed. When they had roughly formed a semi-circle along the wall of the holding pen, the noble spoke, Whoever kills that donated slave, he paused to gesture towards the open great gate, before continuing. Will be granted their freedom. The noble turned and left the holding area, the entered slaves looking at one another. A second smaller bell tolled within the holding area, to tell the entered slaves to cross the threshold into the arena. The slaves quickly departed and took up positions around the arena battlefield. The Slave Games were about to begin. The bell tolled and the fight began. The start of the fight wasnt as frantic as was usually the case. There were no other donated slaves, but Tayten knew that the fighting would be more intense sooner. A few slaves detached themselves from the main fighting, to single out the lone donated slave, this seemed odd to Tayten, as they usually focused on the more aggressive opponents. None the less, Tayten killed the first opponent who challenged him and took his blunt knife. The second enemy was of stocky build, and wielded an axe. But Tayten threw the dagger he had recently acquired, the tip catching the unprepared warrior in the eye. He fell dead, and Tayten retrieved his axe, improving his odds of survival by gaining a better weapon. The noble reemerged in the wealthy section of the spectator seats, and sat alongside the Games Keeper. The Games Keeper unhappily commented, I didnt expect you to bring him back here, when I told you about the unfortunate fates that can befall a free slave. The noble replied, Truly it was not my intention for him to be back here, but none the less, he will die today. Games Keeper, How can you be so sure, he survived once didnt he, why not again? Noble, He didnt have to fight much the first time through, lets just say Ive ensured that all those entered slaves will be hounding him like a plague of black flies to rotting meat. Games Keeper, What did you tell them? Noble, That the person who kills that slave of mine will be granted their freedom. Games Keeper, Never before has this happened, and I will not allow it today. Noble, Calm yourself, of course I lied. The dismayed expression upon the nobles face bespoke of his friends lack of trust. He finished what he intended to say with a mean smirk, I will grant them freedom by their own death, a moment of silence fell between the two, before the noble curiously asked, What monster have you decided to enter into this days Slave Games? Games Keeper, Ahh my friend, that is for me to know and for you to find out, but Ill give you a hint, I had this dome especially built for her unique ability, and I think I will be releasing her early, to give the slaves more of a fighting chance. Tayten was in the thick of battle, fighting two particularly vicious slaves at once. He had managed to acquire a short sword, and was duel wielding this with the axe he had, to keep the hungry weapons of his two adversaries at bay. One had a spear, while the other a scimitar. The man with the scimitar would attack at close combat, with a series of ripostes and thrusts that had Tayten moving back one step at a time. While beside the scimitar user, the woman with the spear was jabbing and thrusting brutally, in an attempt to skewer her foe, though not very skillful at her weapon, she was keeping him busy, as he couldnt move close enough to deal a killing blow, while still defending against the other slaves attacks. Unexpectedly a second bell rang clearly, and far too early. The monster had been released. Tayten had been distracted for only a moment, but that was all that was needed, for the scimitar warrior to lop half his left hand off. With his hand destroyed, he could no longer hold the weapon that was defending against the spear, and as this happened; the woman saw her opportunity and plunged the spear through his cracked ribs, and out the opposite side of his body. He was pushed back by the force of the spear, but then he fell forwards onto one knee, which yanked the spear from the womans grasp. He knelt there upon his heels, resting. He closed his eyes, and listened to the silence of the field, as most of the slaves turned to watch as the monster entered. Someone let out a scream, but Tayten didnt care, he gently grasped the shaft of the spear, and began to pull the shaft towards him, pushing it out the other side of his body. The pain was immense, and he struggled not to scream. It felt as if his left lung was filling with a warm fluid, and he was finding it becoming harder to breathe. He could hear people running about him, but it was in a disorganised fashion which meant that the slaves where in a state of chaos, and the monster was getting the best of t hem. Tayten used the blood covered spear that now lay behind him, as a support when he rose to his feet. He then opened his eyes, and found himself staring into the eyes of a statue. He spun around slowly taking in the sight; the battle field was littered with many statues, in the exact likeness of the slaves he had entered the arena with. He couldnt hear any movement, but he caught sight of what appeared to be the tail of a large snake, disappearing behind the obstructing statues. Tayten remembered the tale of the Gorgon, a woman with snakes for hair, and the lower body of a serpent, and possessed the ability to turn a human to stone by looking them in the eye. He immediately closed his eyes once again. He stood still listening for the faintest of sounds. The dry slithering rasp of something moving across the surface of the arena emanated from behind him, and in a single fluid movement, he turned and threw the spear. The chink of metal on stone told him he had hit a statue, and now weaponless and weakened, he knew he would soon be dead. He was half tempted to open his eyes, but he was unwilling to give up his life just yet. So he stood still and waited, while the rasp grew steadily louder. A dry whispery voice spoke close to Taytens ear, If you had thrown that spear a little higher, it would have cleared the statue, and killed me. A real shame too. Tayten felt something slither around his boots and slowly bind around his damaged body, he didnt need to guess that that this was the gorgons snake like body, constricting her victim. He was wrapped within her coils up to the base of his rib cage, but he removed his hands, before they were stuck tight next to his body. The voice came again, this time directly in front of his face, Why dont you open your eyes son of man, and stare into my eyes. The gorgon had noticed his wounds and knew well of his pain. Blood slid over her scales, dripping from Taytens hand and the still heavily seeping wound through his rib cage. Tayten spoke to the gorgon in a soft voice, What is your name gorgon? Surprised by the humans question, the gorgon replied easily, Medusa. Tayten replied with a smile, I am truly sorry Medusa, but I will not. Not until I have changed the world, and done something to be remembered by. Medusa, Silly human, one soul cannot change the world. Something brushed against Taytens face, and he recoiled slightly in shock at the unexpected feeling. More such light caresses came and went. All that Tayten cared was that they felt nice, and he began to slightly bob his head forward in search of more. Suddenly, unexpectedly, he felt his lips brush against Medusas own cold, yet subtly soft lips. Medusa hurriedly withdrew her face in alarm, her hair venomously hissing at the helpless human. The gorgons initial anger faded away to be replaced by inane curiosity, her hair had stopped hissing, and she moved in closer again. Her face was close enough to see the humans frowning brow, and once again she let her hair lightly caress his face as she easily came forwards to kiss the man. He had tensed his body in surprise, but it soon relaxed. She wrapped both arms around his neck, as to not aggravate his wounds. He also reached behind her and interlocked what was left of his hands. He could feel where the silky smooth human skin gave way to th e smooth scales of a snake. He also felt a strap running across her back, which undoubtedly held the metal breastplate to the front of her body that was now pressing lightly against his chest. The assuring pressure of the cool metal soothed Taytens body, and encouraged him to be conscious of how intimately entwined their two bodies were. Games Keeper, It appears as if your slave is dead. Noble, Not yet, I still havent seen his corpse or statue. Games Keeper, If you ask me, youve become obsessed with killing this guy, why cant you admit that he is dead yet? Noble, Maybe youre right, but you wouldnt believe how hard it has been for me to kill this man, just when you think he is dead; he jumps up and surprises you again. Tayten couldnt understand what he was feeling. What was this new unexplainable emotion? What was this word that was embedded within this emotion; love. He felt so happy and yet he was enslaved, it felt nice to kiss her and her gentle hair lulled him into bliss. Maybe life wasnt about living for yourself, maybe it was meant to be lived for others. Maybe if you live for others you will find that special happiness, that beautiful happiness, that you can only feel when you make another happy. Tayten asked happily, Do you think two souls can change the world? Medusa took a while to answer, I think we can. Tayten, Please release me, so that I can change the world and be remembered, I think Ill need your help though. Gasps from the crowd, made the noble and Games Keeper turn from their conversation, to see what had happened. Standing in the middle of the arena with the gorgon by his side, was the slave, and in his right hand he held a spear. He seemed to be orienting himself (taking care not to look at the gorgon), and when he had finished turning, he was looking directly at the noble. The noble turned to the Games Keeper, He cant see us can he? The Games Keeper replied unconvincingly, Not a chance, were behind a one way mirror, we can see him, but he cant see us. The noble countered fretfully, Then why the hell is he looking at us, and how on earth is he still alive!? Before the Games Master could reply, the slave took off running in their general direction. The noble stood, and with a horrified look on his face watched as the slave threw his spear, which shattered the mirrored glass directly before the wealthy spectator seats, and impaled the head board of the chair the Games Keeper had been sitting in. Frozen with shock, at the close call, the noble began to laugh. But it was short lived as moments later he fixed his gaze upon the most terrible set of eyes he had ever seen, and in that moment his body turned to stone. The same occurred to the Games Keeper, and the majority of the rich nobles who had been transfixed by the spectacle of the shattering mirror. The crowd was in chaos, their leaders were dead and the victor of the Slave Games from the previous day who had returned for a second time, was the direct cause for this. Fearing their own death, the crowd hurriedly exited the arena.

Simple Sammy :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In John Updike’s short story â€Å"A&P†, small town New England life is teeming with a whole lot of nothing. Sammy, the man who tells all, seems very uninterested in his job as a check out boy at the local A&P, yet very interested in the people who shop there. He uses his boredom as a vehicle of his imagination that allows him to pry his customers open and expose their true selves. Updike’s Sammy shows himself as an observant, critical and very bored young man through his first person narration.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Updike’s choice of first person perspective lends Sammy the ever powerful ability to quietly but relentlessly gather observations of the people and things around him. The first characters encountered are â€Å"three girls in nothing but bathing suits†(369). This scene would obviously catch the attention of any breathing male. But Sammy first takes in â€Å"the one in the plaid green two-piece. She was a chunky kid . . . [with] a sweet broad soft-looking can†(369). With these quick and most likely mindless observations, Sammy exposes himself as a person who judges others based on appearances. As he takes note of the three girls, he sees â€Å"the queen†¦ [with] a kind of prim face. Walking into the A&P with your straps down, I suppose it’s the only kind of face you can have†(370). Sammy’s observations of the girls in bathing suits are not the only ones made throughout the story. However, the notice taken of the girls i s the most kind.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Perhaps through his mindless job of ringing up items, Sammy finds that making quick judgments of his customers through brief interactions is quite entertaining. He sees one female customer as â€Å"one of those cash-register-watchers, a witch about fifty with rouge on her cheekbones and no eyebrows†¦she’d been watching cash registers for fifty years and probably never seen a mistake before†(369). Sammy gathers this unfair judgment coarsely and without much thought. He uses this same technique while watching the girls in bathing suits, for example, he thinks the older woman is a witch while he thinks that the girl with her straps down is the queen of her group. And why? Because it’s easy for him to assume these things based on what he sees. He also sees a man â€Å"in baggy gray pants who stumbles up with four giant cans of pineapple juice† and wonders to himself â€Å"what do these bums do with all that pineapple juice?

Affirmatvie Action :: essays research papers

The History of Diversity in America Known as the  ¡Ã‚ §Melting Pot ¡Ã‚ ¨, America is a country with a more diverse population than any other. But America also has a long, painful past of discrimination that has been based on sex, race, color, disability, religion, sexual orientation and various other characteristics that stray from the average white American citizen. Through the years, government has played a major role in trying to correct the past wrongs due to discrimination by enacting legislation and adding amendments to the Constitution. The primary purpose of these measures is to enforce non-discriminating employment practices and to encourage, and sometimes force, companies to increase their representation of women and minority group members in the workplace. This move toward equal opportunity has come about through numerous measures enacted throughout our history. A few of those policies, such as  ¡Ã‚ §Affirmative Action ¡Ã‚ ¨, contain very controversial issues that many employers hope to see changed, or done away wi! th all together. For the present time, however, the trend continues in most every state and is enforced by law. The effects of diversity on our nation can be traced back to the civil war period. This period of upheaval is a perfect example of the struggle many Americans went through to free black slaves. The blacks were made slaves in the states for a number of reasons. The blacks were a representation of difference, therefore the whites viewed them as being unequal. We also seem to fear that which is different, so we try to keep them down. The blacks represented such a small percentage of the population that it was easy for the white slave owners to control them. The diversity issue among the blacks and whites created a civil war within our nation that pitted friends and family against one another, and our whole nation was in turmoil. Many lives were lost fighting for the freedom of the slaves. On September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery and declared all slaves free by issuing the Emancipation Proclamation (the thirteenth amendment to our constitution).(! Sandburg, 17) An excerpt from the proclamation follows:  ¡Ã‚ § . . . That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty three, all persons held as slaves within any state or designated part of a state, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever, free; .

History of computing Essay

Way back in early history, when people relied mainly on their brains to perform calculations, people used their fingers, pebbles, and tally sticks for computing purposes. Various attempts were made to build general-purpose programmable computers from the same mechanical devices used in calculators. But the problems posed by the lack of technology at the time were not satisfactorily solved until the introduction of electronic computing techniques in the mid-20th century. Between Pascal’s invention and around 1820 there were about 25 manufacturers of calculating machines; most of them were the work of one man. Few of them worked correctly and even less actually reached the manufacturing line. In the mid-19th century Charles Babbage, a visionary British mathematician at Cambridge University, designed the first computers to perform multistep operations automatically. The technologies were entirely mechanical. He called this first computing machine the Difference Engine, and it was intended to compute and print mathematical tables automatically. The Difference Engine performed only one arithmetic operation: addition. Babbage constructed a small portion of his first Difference Engine in 1832, which served as a demonstration prototype. The first widely known general-purpose electronic computer was the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC) that John W. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert built at the University of Pennsylvania. The primary motivation for the ENIAC was the need to construct ballistic tables for the U. S. Army. Work began on the ENIAC in 1943 and in 1946 it was completed. It was an enormous machine weighing about 30 tons and filling a 30 by 50 foot room. It contained 1,500 electromechanical relays and over 18,000 vacuum tubes and when it was switched on it consumed 150,000 watts of energy. Despite its enormous size it stored only the equivalent of 80 characters of information. However, it was substantially faster than any previous computer. The idea of storing programs and their data in the same high-speed memory – the stored-program concept – was first put forth by von Neumann in a publication entitled, â€Å"First Draft of a Report on the EDVAC† (Electronic Discrete Variable Computer). The IAS machine in its overall design is quite modern, and can be regarded as the prototype of most subsequent general-purpose computers. It had the general structure depicted in Figure 4. It had a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for executing instructions, a main memory for storing active programs, a secondary memory for backup storage, and miscellaneous input-output equipment. The IBM PC series was introduced in 1981 and quickly became the de facto standard for this class of machine. IBM made a smart decision by making the architecture of the PC open, meaning its design specifications were available to other manufacturers of computers and software. As a result of this decision the IBM PC became very popular and many versions of it, PC clones, were produced by others. Many other significant achievements have occurred in the PC era and continue to occur with the widespread use of the Internet and networked computers. Here are a few other notable historical achievements having to do with PC’s: o 1976 – The Cray 1 Supercomputer was the first commercially developed supercomputer. It contained 200,000 IC’s and was cooled by Freon. o 1977 – Apple II computer introduced. o 1979 – Commodore Pet released, with 1 MHz computing power, 8K RAM, cassette deck, and 9†³ monitor displaying monochrome text. o 1979 – The compact disk was invented. o 1982 – The TCP/IP network communications protocol was established and the â€Å"Internet† was formed as a connected set of networks using TCP/IP. o 1982 – Commodore 64 released, costing just i 595. o 1982 – Compaq releases their IBM PC compatible, the Compaq Portable. o 1983 – The IBM XT is released. This machine had a 10MB hard disk, 128KB of RAM, one floppy drive, a mono monitor, and a printer, all for i5000. What a bargain! o 1984 – Apple Macintosh released. o 1985 – Microsoft Windows launched, but not really widely used until version 3 in 1990. o 1987 – IBM introduced its PS/2 System which was very successful, selling over 2 million machines in less than 2 years. o 1989 – The World Wide Web (WWW) is invented by Tim Berners-Lee who saw the need for global information exchange that would allow physicists to collaborate on research. The Web was a result of the integration of hypertext and the Internet. Hyperlinked pages could not only provide information but could provide transparent access to other pages of information as well as other Internet facilities such as ftp, telnet, Gopher, WAIS, and USENET. The Web started out as a text-only interface but NCSA Mosaic, an early browser, later presented a graphical interface for it and its popularity exploded as it became accessible to the novice user. The explosion of the Web started in earnest during 1993 and in a single year Web traffic increased by 300,000%. o 1990 – Windows 3. 0 introduced by Microsoft. This graphical user interface OS offered true multi-tasking, meaning you could run multiple programs at the same time. o 1993 – The Pentium microprocessor released by Intel. It was only available at that time in 60 and 66 MHz versions. o 1995 – Windows 95 operating system released by Microsoft. o 1995 – Pentium Pro microprocessor released. o 1997 – Pentium MMX (166 and 200 MHz) released. o 1997 – Pentium II (233, 266, and 300 MHz) released. o 1998 – Windows 98 released. o 1999 – Linux, a free alternative operating system to Microsoft’s Windows, is estimated to be running on over 10 million computers worldwide.