Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Taking a Look at Alzheimers Disease - 1015 Words

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative of the brain that causes dementia, which is a loss in memory. Besides it being a neurodegenerative disease, many other conditions can cause dementia. Another kind of dementia is nutritional dementia, also called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, or another which is alcohol syndrome, and it is caused by a lack of vitamin B1. Alzheimer’s disease usually appears in people over sixty-five years old. However, some cases of Alzheimer’s disease can happen at an early age of forty to fifty years old. This is called early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. It is caused by gene mutations that can be passed from parent to child. The most common form of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the inability to clear amyloid-beta protein from the brain. Cerebrospinal is what help clear out the bad things in the brain, like amyloid-beta. Alzheimer’s is a disease which causes the brain to lose its tissue over time. Doctors t hought that was a normal thing that happened as people get older. They didn’t think that it could be harmful, or in this case fatal. After the brain loses its tissue, it starts to destroy brain cells in the part of the brain that involves recent memories. The nerve cells slowly get attacked, and it causes the patient to slowly lose their memory, ability to control emotions, and their judgment. Some symptoms of Alzheimer’s are memory loss, challenges in planning things or solving problems, difficulty completing familiar tasks at home orShow MoreRelatedTaking a Look at Alzheimers Disease563 Words   |  2 PagesAlzheimers disease is a very progressive disease it destroys memory and other important mental activities. It’s a type of disease that causes many problems with memory, thinking and behavior. It gets worse over time and continues to progress for the rest of a persons life. It is important to recognize the symptoms of Alzheimers. The connection between brai n cells and the brain cells themselves generate and die causing a steady loss in memory and mental function. African Americans in the UnitedRead MoreTaking a Closer Look at Alzheimers Disease Essay784 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia known today. The term â€Å"dementia† refers to a variety of conditions that arise from the loss of nerve cell function and/or nerve cell death in the brain, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and other types of mixed dementia. Although all types of dementia arise from neuronal damage and/or death, each form of dementia is associated with distinct brainRead MoreThe Chronic Neurological Disease : Alzheimer s Disease1649 Words   |  7 PagesNeurological Disease: Alzheimer’s Hollie Haywood South Piedmont Community College Abstract Alzheimer’s disease has been around since 1901; a German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer was the first man to identify and follow a case that is now known as Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is involved in synaptic deterioration and neuronal cell death, and causes degeneration in the hippocampus and amyloid deposition in blood vessels, ultimately cell death is the cause of the disease. There areRead MoreThe Chronic and Incurale Disease of Alzheimers Essay649 Words   |  3 Pages What is Alzheimers? It is a disease that affects the central nervous system, digestive system, the neuromuscular system and is generally a disease that is chronic and incurable. 4.7 million people greater than the age of 65 live with the disease each and every day, which is approximately one tenth of the population for those over the age of 65. The most common questions are: what are the risk factors, which vary from person to person, whether or not there are signs and symptoms and has there beenRead MoreImagine One Day You Wake Up And Suddenly You Don’T Know1420 Words   |  6 Pagesall. You look around and your brain is making no connections for you, everyone is a stranger. This is what happens to Alzheimer’s patients: they slowly begin to lose their memory. In the beginning, it’s little things with memory, but they don’t seem to have a huge effect on everyday life. Then, it moves on to greater memory loss, beginning to affect daily tasks, causing them to ask multiple questions and take longer to complete daily tasks. As they continue to progress through the disease, they loseRead MoreAlzheimer s Disease And Its Relationship With Personality1235 Words   |  5 Pages Alzheimer’s Disease and its Relationship with Personality By: Kristen Hughes The point of this literature review is to explore the relationship that Alzheimer’s disease has with one’s personality. There are many changes that happen to a person as they age, a lot of which are considered a normal part of aging. Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is not one of those changes that is considered normal (Hoyer Roodin, 2009). Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a form of dementia that is characterized byRead MoreThe Role Of Gamma Secretase And Its Effects On The Disease Of Alzheimer s Disease895 Words   |  4 Pagespatients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease (Doody et al. 2013). Gamma secretase is a protease complex involved in the processing of amyloid precursor protein. Unfortunately, a phase III trial using semagacestat was stopped after worsening of cognition and the ability to do day-to-day activities was seen (Doody et al. 2013). This promising drug showed no benefit to participants with mild to moderate Alzheimerâ₠¬â„¢s disease for it did not slow the progression of the disease. There was also more skinRead MoreEssay on Informative Speech Alzheimer’s1316 Words   |  6 PagesSpecific Purpose: To inform my audience about Alzheimer’s disease. Central Idea: Alzheimers disease affects millions of Americans each year thus it is important to become familiar with the risk factors, symptoms and treatment options available for those living with the disease. Method of Organization: Topical. Alzheimer’s disease I. One year ago, my grandmother entered a state of rapid decline. A. She would get confused while out for a walk and forget how to get home. BRead MoreAlzheimer s Disease : The Neurological Thief822 Words   |  4 Pages Alzheimer’s Disease: The Neurological Thief Ashley E. Campbell Psychology 210 October 31, 2015 Malvereen Harris Alzheimer’s Disease: The Neurological Thief It is a wicked disease that slowly steals our loved ones memories, independence and eventually their lives. While no one knows the exact cause of Alzheimer’s Disease, it is the leading cause of dementia related deaths to date. It was first described in 1906 by Alois Alzheimer, a German psychologist and neurologist. Alzheimer’s DiseaseRead More Alzheimers Disease, Nursing Essay1477 Words   |  6 PagesUnderstanding of Alzheimer Disease Introduction nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Loss of memory, forgetfulness, personal change, even death, are common related disorders caused by a disease called Dementia or better known to most people as Alzheimer’s disease. This disease is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States in persons 65 and older. Alzheimer’s disease is, named for the German neurologist Alois Alzheimer, who first recognized the disease in 1907; Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by

Monday, December 23, 2019

Famine, Affluence, And Morality - 906 Words

Within â€Å"Famine, Affluence, and Morality† Peter Singer delves into the topic of famine; specifically, the moral obligations individuals in affluent countries have to those who are suffering. In his example, Singer focuses on the population of East Bengal, and their struggle with famine and extreme poverty. Singer proposes that with enough aid from both individuals and various governments extreme poverty can be eradicated. Therefore, the question he presents is why poor people are dying while affluent people are spending excess money on luxuries? Singer argues that affluent people, living in affluent countries, are not helping developing countries by failing to give enough to alleviate extreme poverty. Singer’s arguments rest on the simple assumption that suffering, from lack of basic resources, is bad. Accordingly, his argument is that the way people in prosperous countries respond to situations like that in Bengal is not morally justified. His argument is that if we have the power to prevent bad situations from occurring, â€Å"without thereby sacrificing anything of comparable moral importance,† (Singer, 231) then we have a moral obligation to do so. In order to get people to give the appropriate amount of money Singer insinuates that the social distinction between duty and charity must be reconsidered. Moreover, charity should no longer be seen as a supererogatory act, or rather an act that is socially perceived as virtuous but has no social consequences if ignored. Thus, hisShow MoreRelatedFamine Affluence And Morality1963 Words   |  8 PagesIn â€Å"Famine, Affluence and Morality,† Peter Singer emphasizes the potential revisionary implications of accep ting utilitarianism as a guide for conduct. The moral philosophy Singer conveys in this text are most closely related and comparable to the ideas of nineteenth-century English philosopher, John Stuart Mill as Singers’ approach is utilitarian rather than deontological. Despite their similarities, the ideas of Singer and J.S Mill contain many discrepancies, especially with regard to whether theyRead MoreFamine, Affluence and Morality1663 Words   |  7 PagesSinger’s Famine, Affluence, and Morality Ametra Heard PHI208 Ethics and Moral Reasoning Instructor Zummuna Davis January 14, 2013 Singer’s Famine, Affluence, and Morality In the Peter Singer’s article â€Å"Famine, Affluence, and Morality†, he discusses the way that people should take moral in their help toward the support of the Bengal famine crisis. Singer states three obligations that would help the Bengal region through the means of a wealthy person, and those individuals living life on a dayRead MoreFamine, Affluence, And Morality1555 Words   |  7 Pagesbetween numerous countries across the world, and enables people living in developed countries to help those who are experiencing famine, deaths and diseases in poor countries. However, the moral necessity of doing so has been controversial in human’s society for years. One philosopher named Peter Singer gives his opinion in the article â€Å"Famine, Affluence, and Morality†, and presents a powerful argument supporting his claim. In this essay, I will explain his conclusion and main argument, propose oneRead MoreFamine, Affluence, And Morality1991 Words   |  8 P agesWojtek Sokà ³Ã…‚ Phi 115-002 Ethics – Final Paper Famine, Affluence, and Morality Peter Singer Jimmy carter once said, We know that a peaceful world cannot long exist, one-third rich and two-thirds hungry. With the world now more interconnected than ever there might be a solution to world hunger by distribution of wealth. Peter Singer, in his article titled, Famine, Affluence, and Morality, takes this concept of unity that we have on a global scale and tries to tackle the issue of world hunger. BeforeRead MoreFamine, Affluence, and Morality Essay892 Words   |  4 PagesIn the article by Singer, P. (1972) â€Å"Famine, affluence, and morality† main argument is that to persuade his readers in what people of wealth and governments should help with famine relief, especially in East Bengal as one example given. Singer is furthermore also mention somewhat of and utilitarianism. Therefore, according to Mosser, K. (2010) â€Å"A concise introduction to philosophy† states that the â€Å"act utilitarianism applies the idea of utilitarianism to specific acts, emphasizi ng what moral isRead More Famine, Affluence, and Morality Essay2027 Words   |  9 Pagesâ€Å"Famine, Affluence, and Morality†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In â€Å"Famine, Affluence, and Morality,† Peter Singer is trying to argue that â€Å"the way people in relatively affluent countries react to a situation†¦ cannot be justified; indeed,†¦ our moral conceptual scheme needs to be altered and with it, the way of life that has come to be taken for granted in our society†(Singer 230). Peter Singer provides striking examples to show the reader how realistic his arguments are. In this paper, I will briefly give a summary ofRead MoreFamine, Affluence and Morality by Peter Singers929 Words   |  4 Pages In this essay I will be arguing why a utilitarian could possibly disagree with Peter Singers Argument presented in â€Å"Famine, Affluence and Morality.† After reading such an interesting paper I must say as much as I disagreed with Singers viewpoints I almost found it difficult to object them with support. From a utilitarian point of view we are to maximize Happiness by reducing suffering. How can Giving possible make someone unhappy? But as I was thinking a saying came across my mind, â€Å"Two steps forwardRead MoreFamine, Affluence, and Morality Essay1371 Words   |  6 PagesFamine, Affluence, and Morality Websters English Dictionary defines morality as: the conformity to ideals of right human conduct. With this in mind, I wonder who determines right human conduct? Religion aside, there is no literary context that strictly states the rights and wrongs of human behavior. So who decides? Who determines what we ought morally to do and what we are obligated to do as a society? An Australian philosopher, Peter Singer attempts to draw the line between obligationRead MoreFamine, Affluence and Morality by Pete Singer1045 Words   |  4 PagesIn the article, â€Å"Famine, Affluence, and Morality†, Pete Singer, a Utilitarian, argues that citizens in affluent countries such as the United States have a moral obligation to give up as much as they can for famine relief. Singer’s contention in his article is that the way we morally conduct ourselves ought to be reappraised. (Singer, 230). I Singer’s argument, and in this paper, I will examine the distinction between duty a nd charity, compare both deontological and consequential theories of ethicsRead MoreFamine, Affluence and Morality by Peter Singer1486 Words   |  6 PagesIn his own essay â€Å"Famine, Affluence and Morality†, Peter Singer puts forth some compelling arguments for affluent people to give what they have in excess, to the suffering people of the world. Before any criticism is made, here is the argument: - There are people suffering and dying from lack of food, shelter and medical care. - People suffering and dying from lack of food, shelter and medical care is bad. - If you have the power to prevent something bad from happening without sacrificing †¨anything

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Correlative Conjunctions Free Essays

Correlative Conjunctions They are defined as mechanisms that link only two balanced words, phrases, and clauses. The linked elements should be parallel or equal in terms of length and grammatical similarity. Verb agreement When two subjects are connected with a correlative conjunction, the second must agree with the following verb. We will write a custom essay sample on Correlative Conjunctions or any similar topic only for you Order Now Every single evening either the horned owl or the squabbling cats wake Sam with their racket. Every single evening either the squabbling cats or the horned owl wakes Sam with their racket. Pronoun agreement In the case of pronouns, the second antecedent must agree with the following pronoun. Neither Yolanda nor the cousins expressed their disappointment when blind Aunt Sophie set down the plate of burnt hamburgers. Neither the cousins nor Yolanda expressed her disappointment when blind Aunt Sophie set down the plate of burnt hamburgers. Primary correlative conjunctions in English: both . . . nd â€Å"It is difficult to produce a television documentary that is both incisive and probing when every twelve minutes one is interrupted by twelve dancing rabbits singing about toilet paper. † (Rod Serling) either . . . or Either John or George must have done this mischief. neither . . . nor â€Å"In nature there are neither rewards nor punishments; there are only consequences. † (Robert G. Ingersoll) not . . . but â€Å"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends. (Martin Luther King, Jr. ) not only . . . but also The Great Wall of China is not only up to 30 feet high and 32 feet thick, but also 1,400 miles long. Other pairs which can be used: as . . . as If you are as intelligent as your father, it will not be difficult for you to run your family business. just as . . . so Just as the holiday’s basis changed from a historical to a mythological one, so too is it now changing to become more political than anything else. the more . . . the less The more he eats, the less he puts on weight. the more . . . the more The more the building shook, the more we held on. no sooner . . . than No sooner had I finished the meal than I started feeling hungry again. so . . . as The movie is not so interesting as the book. whether . . . or â€Å"I couldn’t distinguish whether I was smelling the clutching sound of misery or hearing the cloying odor of death. † (Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, 1970) http://www. towson. edu/ows/exerciseparal4. htm How to cite Correlative Conjunctions, Papers

Friday, December 6, 2019

Poverty and Crime in America Essay Example For Students

Poverty and Crime in America Essay Crime in this country is an everyday thing. Some people believe that crime is unnecessary. That people do it out of ignorance and that it really can be prevented. Honestly, since we live in a country where there is poverty, people living in the streets, or with people barely getting by, there will always be crime. Whether the crime is robbing food, money, or even hurting the people you love, your family. You will soon read about how being a criminal starts or even stops, where it begins, with whom it begins with and why crime seems to be the only way out sometimes for the poor. The exact amount of poverty that exits in the United States are difficult to ascertain, since the manner in which poverty is measured determines the amount of poverty reported. The U.S. Bureau of the Census reported that there were about 33,100,00 persons classified as officially below the poverty level in 1985. Small children that live in low-income households, are vulnerable to a wide variety of problems, including poor nutrition, inadequate housing, substandard medical attention, lack of proper nutrition, and physical or emotional abuse. Adolescents from these backgrounds become part of cycle of low-income or unemployment. Black and Hispanic teenagers have particularly acute problems obtaining employment. The Presidents Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice recognized the role of poverty in producing delinquency and noted that the most serious forms of juvenile delinquencies are more prevalent between youths at the lowest socioeconomic levels. The fact that poverty is self-perpetuating is a documented fact. Criminal and delinquent activity may also be an accepted part of the total picture for deprived kids. Its h. .lewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc. Laub, J, Sampson, R. (2003). Shared beginnings, divergent lives: delinquent boys to age 70. The President and Fellows of Harvard College. Marcus, R. (2007). Agression and violence in adolescence. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press. Peterson, R, Krivo, L, Hagan, J. (2006). The many colors of crime. NY: New York University Press. Raphael, J. (2000). Saving bernice. Ann Arbor, MI: Edwards Brothers, Inc. Shover, N, Hochstetler, A. (2006). Choosing white-collar crime. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press. Smith, M. (2001). Sex without consent. NY: New York University Press. Thompson, W, Bynum, J. (1991). Juvenile delinquency. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon A Division of Simon Schuster, Inc. Wilson, H. (2007). Guns, gun control, and elections. Lanham, MD: Rowman Littlefield Publishers, Inc.

Friday, November 29, 2019

Analysis Of Two Market Models Essays - Economy, Business, E-commerce

Analysis Of Two Market Models As the Internet grows in popularity every day, so too does electronic commerce. Electronic commerce, simply put, is the exchange of money for goods and services via electronic means. In other words, electronic commerce is when you purchase something off of the Internet. Electronic commerce is often referred to as e-commerce, or e-business. In this paper I will be discussing the technical side of e-commerce, security, different points of view regarding e-business, and of course my personal opinion and experiences. First I would like to discuss the types of e-business. E-business can be anything from purchasing a toaster from a department store online to checking your bank statement online. All are examples of the many aspects of e-business. There are several aspects of e-business unique to it. When comparing traditional business to e-business, one can see several differences between the two. The most obvious difference when buying standard goods (such as a toaster, a book, or a new computer) is the store. When dealing with e-business there is no real store or merchandise to look at. It is all presented through the merchant's webpage, or by other electronic means. You will not be able to touch, or inspect potential purchases. All you will have to go on is perhaps a picture and a brief description of the item in question. This is obviously a big change from traditional store-based business practices. Why would any self-respecting consumer buy something via e-business if they were unable to touch, or inspect a potential purchase, and there is a real store just down the street? There are several reasons why e-business is appealing to a growing amount of people. For example, e-business is based on the Internet. If you are using the Internet, you are not bound by geography. You can access any site, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your computer chair. What does this mean to the consumer? Now the consumer has access to several things they didn't before. The consumer now has diversity. With the entire Internet at your fingers, in a matter of minutes you can browse several stores in several parts of the world without even leaving your home. This allows you to compare prices and products. With e-business you are not restricted to the prices and products of you local stores. You can easily choose the best price on the best product. Purchasing goods electronically is becoming easier by the day. The majority of e-businesses have software set up on their webpage to take and record your order as well as your credit card and personal information. The software is set up such that you can order anything you want without having to interact with anyone what so ever. You just have to enter your credit card number, address, and other personal information. Some people are not comfortable with the concept of sending their credit card number or other personal information to a potential merchant over the Internet, but are more comfortable using the telephone. Most businesses know this and have set up a special number or other means to talk to a representative from the company to settle any questions, and to accept credit card numbers or other means of payment. There are of course several security issues involved in both forms of commerce. I will discuss security in greater detail later in the paper. The popularity of e-business is growing almost as fast as the technology itself. More and more people are using their computers to buy what ever they want, whenever they want. Every day there is an increasing number of companies that join the electronic world of business. Companies spend millions of dollars a year to setup and maintain a website designed for e-business. Why are they willing to spend so much? Most business people have a good knowledge of how and why business works. It is not hard to see that there is a huge market in e-business. With the price of computers going down each day, more and more people have the opportunity to get in on their piece of cyberspace. A Typical E-business Transaction & Security Information A few methods in which e-business is conducted are shopping, and online banking. Let's examine

Monday, November 25, 2019

US Commerce Secretary Stresses Urgency of Winning Support for China in World Trade Organization essays

US Commerce Secretary Stresses Urgency of Winning Support for China in World Trade Organization essays AFP, (January 26, 2000), "US Commerce Secretary Stresses Urgency of Winning Support for China in World Trade Organization," US.Commerce_Secretary_stresses_Urgency_of_Winning_Support_for_China_in_WTO.htm The World Trade Organization (WTO) was formed on January 1, 1995, as successor to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which had regulated tariffs worldwide since 1947. The WTO regulates tariffs on services, intellectual property, food, and government purchasing. The Clinton administration has been working very hard to negotiate a deal with China, a nation we have given Most Favored Nation' status to, to enter into the World Trade Organization. After a long negotiation process, we have reached a deal with China. The conditions of the deal require China to open its markets to a wide range of US products and services and to permit increased investment in China by US firms. Of course the agreement has to be passed by Congress, which is bound to create a lively debate on the matter. US Commerce Secretary, William Daley, is trying to convince America that this deal with China is critical to their pocketbooks. He says, "If you enjoy this economic success we are participating in, this is an important piece of its future." I have a hard time seeing how things will change if China is admitted to the WTO. We already trade a great deal with China and have given them Most Favored Nation' status already. I think there are several reasons why we should not let China into the WTO. There are several political risks involved with this deal with China. Organized labor and environmental groups are using this deal to somehow introduce environmental conditions and labor rights into the WTO rules. Although they are in opposition to the deal right now, they will construct a bargain in which they will trade their support of Chinese membership for the rul ...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Project Proposal Hypertension in Saudi Arabia Research

Project Hypertension in Saudi Arabia - Research Proposal Example Thus for adequate health promotion, community participation, development of skills, supportive environments, health public policy and reorienting services are very essentiation. Of these, community participation plays a major role in the prevention, early detection and management of any disease. In this essay, the role of community participation in prevention and management of hypertension will be discussed in an effort to gain funds for accomplishment of project related to development and establishment of community awareness and community participation in hypertension, with intentions to decrease the incidence and prevalence of the disease and also reduce mortality and morbidity related to it. The main aim of this project is to enhance the knowlege of all Saudis above 30 years of age about the benefits of early detection and appropriate management of hypertension and thereby allowing the community to take part in various aspecting of decision-making in health care and services pertaining to health care. The objectives are: "Active involvement of people from communities preparing for, or reacting to, disasters" is known as community participation. "Involvement of the people concerned in analysis, decision-making, planning, and programme implementation, as well as in all the activities" is known as true participation. The WHO suggests community participation as one of the means of health promotion. Infact, one of the goals of primary health care movement is community participation at various levels of decision making in health like planning, evaluation and management of health services and also ones health. Community participation involves increasing the knowledge and awareness of the community pertaining to the pro grammes and projects concerned to the disease, empowerment of the people to exercise control in the process of decision-making

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

At Aetna, a C.E.O.s Management by Mantra Article

At Aetna, a C.E.O.s Management by Mantra - Article Example The significant HR function done very well in Aetna is employee motivation and encouragement. The article presents a relatively new approach that Aetna is using to motivate employees. Based on the interview, there have been changes noted since the employees started to take part in the Yoga classes. The success being experienced at Aetna starts with the company leadership and its view on employee motivation and management. Mr. Bertolini points out that the organization does not try to force employees to take part in things they do not want. The bottom line is that Aetna leadership does not endeavor to control employees. Instead, the management is working hard to encourage employees and make them feel part of the company. The approach taken by Aetna in managing its human capital is the reason the company has registered increase in output. The provision of Yoga classes and the pay increase for those earning minimum wage are clear indications that Mr. Bertolini views employees as human beings who have feelings and ambitions. During the interview, Aetna CEO, Mr. Bertolini keeps on repeating the importance of treating employees as human beings who have feelings (Gelles, 2015). He narrates how he was moved by an article on minimum wage that made him increase the salaries of the employees who were earning minimum wage. The transformational leadership approach taken by Mr. Bertolini has been the driving force of the changes being witnessed in Aetna. Mr. Bertolini has been able to inspire employees by showing them how it is done instead of just commanding. In the article, Mr. Bertolini discusses how he convinced the company doctor to create Yoga classes. He did not take a commanding approach. He found a way to convince the doctor by appealing to the doctor’s thirst for science. A critical review of Aetna’s success story shows that the form of the leadership used in the company has

Monday, November 18, 2019

Mutual Funds Articles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Mutual Funds Articles - Essay Example In many cases, it is seen there has been a change in investing styles. Suppose, suddenly a fund manager leaves a company and joins another company and two new fund managers takes his place. It is quite obvious they would change some things or make some moves to make the working pattern according to their style. It can be quite possible that some of their initial moves may backfire. Many companies keep bench strength by keeping upcoming managers as trainees so that they can tackle emergency situations. At the Pioneer (TAHYX) High Yield fund, the managers are hopeful. Outflows have slowed, and when no manager expects a quick turnaround to the credit crisis, they also note that junk bond investors are being paid for taking on risk. Fund manager transitions can often be a little shaky or rough, especially if the previous manager had achieved great results. The main lesson for investors must be that they should not flee when a star manager moves on but they must make a more informed decision by being aware of challenges a new manager might face. The firms can bench strength of upcoming managers to avoid the transition phase problem, or create terms of managers. Even a planned transition can go wrong but that must not mean that the companies would stop planning about the transition phase well in advance. The article â€Å"Equities In Disguise?† by Greg Miller says that the main component of convertible security is coverable bonds. Other components may include preferred stocks and other hybrid convertible securities. The word â€Å"bond† mainly refers to safety, security, stability, and income. Most of today`s bonds are not true bond funds neither are they return focused. The term â€Å"absolute return† refers to positive returns through both bull and bear markets. Similarly, many convertible funds are not bond funds either. There are many examples that can be cited to prove the validity of this statement. For example, one can take a look at the top

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Strategy of Channelization in River Systems

Strategy of Channelization in River Systems The purpose of this essay is to analyze the strategy of channelization in river systems in order to reduce flooding, and other purposes such as navigation. Also the importance of channel forms and the value of the systems approach are evaluated within this essay when considering the pros and cons of restoration activities and whether these schemes are beneficial to the environment. Overall this essay will look at the environmental degradation caused by channelization and determine whether channelization is the most beneficial strategy in reducing flooding or are there alternatives that lead to less environmental degradation. Channel forms: Channel forms help humans comprehend the behaviour of rivers. This is vital as one can foresee how rivers may be affected by various changes and restoration schemes. Thus, the ability to protect and restore river health is enhanced. Channel forms are regulated by convoluted interactions between profuse environmental variables. This is why the systems approach is a useful method when analysing channel systems, as it does not just look at one variable but all of the linked variables involved. Even with this system shaping channel forms is highly dependent on geology; directly and indirectly over a prolonged period. Human interactions have also had an impact on the change of channel form for instance channelization (Water and river commissions, 2002). Channelization and its implementation: Human interaction with river systems is both the reason why channelization was implemented for example as a result of flooding and the cause of environmental degradation of the river systems. Humans interact with river systems in many ways and have impacted flooding of river channels due to increased population pressure, which has put a growing demand on water supply systems leading to environmental degradation. Deforestation around river channels have also increased flooding as deforestation impacts the interaction between precipitation and the drainage basin response. Due to increased awareness of river behaviour and dynamics new strategies were implemented and overtime humans modernised engineering structures and built broad structures to control and regulate river flows, such as channelization. Channelization according to Brookes is a type of â€Å"river engineering whereby the natural river channels are modified to control flooding, drain wetlands, and improve river channels for navigation, control stream-bank erosion and to improve river alignment† (Brookes, 1988). River channelization has seven types of alterations (Gregory, 2006). These are â€Å"(1) re-sectioning and realignment, (2) Dredging, (3) Snagging and clearing, (4) Levees or artificial embankments, (5) Bank protection, (6) Bed protection and (7) River training† (Charlton, 2008). An example where these alterations have been implemented is during the channelization of the River Raba in Carpathians, Poland (Wyzga, 1993). However, these engineering structures tend to have a large impact on river and the natural ecology and hydrology of the channel system. For years humans have interacted with channels and altered the natural geology of the systems and thus have lead to severe impacts on the â€Å"physical, chemical and ecological condition of the channel systems† (Brookes, 1988). The impacts of channelization usually involve the alteration of river hydraulics and the decrease of instream habitat. Other impacts discovered as a result of these alterations include increased water temp, erosion, elimination of bankside habitat. These impacts can cause severe environmental degradation (Gregory, 2006). Environmental degradation: The deterioration of systems within the environment by either natural or human influence is considered environmental degradation and as channelization alters the natural river system it leads to extreme environmental degradation. Impacts on the environment associated with human interference are usually quite complex and are mostly long term effects. Nevertheless, few studies have been conducted on the long term effects of channelization (Brooker, 1985). Swales (1982a) however inspected several environmental effects on channel engineering systems, in particular the impact on stream habitat and discovered that channelization has a major impact on instream and bankside habitat (Brooker, 1985), as well as the hydrology, aspects of flow and suspended sediment within river systems (Wilcock, 1991). Effects of channelization can also occur downstream in a channel system which broadens the extent of ecological disturbance (Brooker, 1985). The increase of flow velocity and its carrying capacity as a result of shortening and straightening the channels has an immediate ecological effect on instream habitat as many ecosystems need particular conditions in terms water velocity (Gore, 1978). This destruction within the channel systems leads to erosion of bankside vegetation which increases sediment loads in the channel (Keller, 1976; Karr and Schlosser, 1978). Sediment loads in channel systems are usually low (Lewin, 1981), however, in channelized rivers se the loads are increased as bed/channel wall sediments are scraped up. This release of sediment has major effects on the ecology of the river (Wilcock, 1991) as removal of bankside vegetation leads to temp changes and in results affects the ecosystem as well as reducing energy flow (Brooker, 1985). In some cases channel slopes have also seen as increase whilst channel roughness is seen to reduce. An example of environmental degradation was shown in Gregory (2006) which involved the Channelization of the Blackwater River in Johnson County, Missouri. This channel was shortened in 1910 in order to reduce flooding by deepening and widening the channel by â€Å"up to four times its original size† (Emerson, 1971). This subsequent lowering and increase of channel width lead to increased erosion in the river system, also bridge repairs have had to be carried out and there has been a severe loss of farmland. â€Å"Downstream reduction in channel capacity has caused suspended sediment in turn increased flooding rather than reducing it due to termination of dredging† (Emerson, 1971). Alternatives: Channelization was initially implemented to straighten and shorten river channels to reduce flooding. It was also implemented to decrease flow velocity and prevent flooding, however, this lead to environmental degradation which resulted in the depletion of instream habitats and depleted drainage function. As channelization has had problems leading to environmental degradation, alternative channel schemes have been developed to enhance water quality functions whilst preserving drainage function and lessening environmental degradation (Evans, Bass, Burchell, Hinson, Johnson and Doxey, 2007). There are many alternatives to channelization that environmentalists could install; one such method is stream renovation which has been implemented on â€Å"streams in Charlotte, North Carolina† (Nunnally, 1978). Unlike channelization stream restoration aims to decrease the risk of flooding and drainage problems â€Å"by employing channel design guidelines that do not destroy the hydraulic and morphologic equilibria that natural streams possess† (Nunnally, 1978). Minimal straightening which promotes bank stability by leaving trees is employed in this scheme. Also the reduction of channel reshaping and the use of bank stabilization techniques are used here to reduce flooding and control erosion as well as sedimentation problems (Nunnally, 1879). Other alternatives involve the formation of in-stream wetlands and â€Å"lowering of the floodplain to reconnect the channel with the floodplain, redesign of channels using natural channel design principles, and establishment of conservation easements† (Evans, Bass, Burchell, Hinson, Johnson and Doxey, 2007). Restoration: Recognising channel forms and understanding how they behave and change is crucial for managing and protecting channel systems, especially for river restoration activities. Due to severe environmental degradation restoration schemes have been implemented. Though, it is not known whether these schemes are beneficial. Restoration activities generally improve bank stabilization (Florsheim, Mount, and Chin, 2008) and have positively increased depth and flow variety and velocity as well as increasing habitat diversity in channel systems (Pretty, Harrison, Shepherd, Smith, Hildrew and Hey, 2003). Other benefits include the protection of infrastructure around river channels, and in relation to instream habitat it guarantees overall ecological system. Restoration schemes allow the natural process in the channel systems to redevelop and surrounding landscapes to restore. Restoration schemes are constructive in counteracting the environmental degradation caused by channelization; yet there are a few cons. For instance natural processes may not necessarily be enhanced. Also a clear understanding of channel process is important in implementing these schemes, as they may sacrifice natural conditions in order to protect infrastructure. Restoration schemes are extremely expensive and very complicated therefore it is generally impossible to remove all human influences meaning restoration may not lead to higher biological diversity. Channelization is commonly used to prevent flooding of channel systems; however, it has been found that the adverse impacts created by channelization projects far outweigh the benefits they intend to create. It is for this reason that alternative strategies are being developed so that in the long run creates less environmental degradation. The use of the systems approach is important as the use of all variables regulated by channel forms is necessary in making the new strategies environmentally acceptable. Also increased knowledge of channel systems and its dynamics have helped better restoration schemes and thus leading to the recuperation of many already channelized systems.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

A Sense of Hope in Miltons Sonnet XIX Essay -- Sonnet essays Milton 1

A Sense of Hope in Milton's Sonnet XIX      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   John Milton's contemplative "Sonnet XIX" reveals the idea of man in adversity coming to terms with fate. Milton reflects upon the condition of his own soul in physical blindness through his ideas of service, duty, and talent in order to explore his relationship with God and his art: writing. Milton's use of diction and structure provide clues to the sonnet's interpretation and help resolve the thematic dilemma presented. The sonnet's imagery connotes multiple meanings. An examination of Milton's allusions to biblical verse and historical parallels help give important insight towards understanding the sonnet. Milton divides this sonnet into two structural parts of iambic pentameter in the Petrarchan style. The octave is concerned with Milton's contemplative state which flows from, "When I consider how my light is spent" (line 1). Milton links the words spent, light, death, and soul through the heavy stress of their syllables. According to Steven Wigler, the egocentric tone of the octave is revealed in the use of the pronouns I, me, and my, which appear eight times in the first eight lines (Wigler 156). Milton's obsessive concern with whether he will be expected to fulfill the demands of his service builds until the first part ends with his question, "Doth God exact day-labor, light denied," (line 7) followed by, "I fondly ask but Patience to prevent"(line 8). Milton has capitalized the word patience. He is deifying the word to help transform the tone in the sestet. Milton foreshadows a resolution by associating the qualities of patience with God. Milton seems consumed with emphasizing his serious intention and concern for himself as a writer in the octave, but later balances ... ...necessarily imply extinguished light. It can simultaneously represent the burning of light in the present. Milton has left his reader with a sense of hope.    Works Cited Honigmann, E.A.J. "Sonnet XIX." Milton's Sonnets. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1966. 169-76. Nardo, Anna K. Milton's Sonnets & the Ideal Community. Lincoln: U of Nebraska P, 1979. 145-51. Parker, William R. Milton: A Biography. Vol. 1. London: Oxford UP, 1968. 2 vols. 469- 72. Stringer, Gary A. "Milton's 'Thorn in the Flesh': Pauline Didacticism in Sonnet XIX." Milton Studies 10 (1977): 141-54. Wigler, Steven."Outrageous Noise and the Sovereign Voice: Satan, Sin, and Syntax in Sonnet XIX and Book VI of Paradise Lost." Milton Studies 10 (1977): 155-65. Wilcox, Joel F. "'Spending the Light:' Milton and Homer's Light of Hope." Milton Quarterly. 18.3 (1984): 77-8.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Ethan Frome Essay

Ethan Frome had nothing but sickness and trouble. His life revolves around taking care of one invalid after another, from his father, his mother to his hypochondriac wife and finally ending up as a disfigured and very image of â€Å"ruin of a man†. He failed to achieve any of his ambitions to leave town and become an engineer and did not succeed even in his desire to run away with Mattie Silver. Aside from poverty, the rigid moral character of Ethan prevents him from going against the social conventions in favor of his personal ambitions and fulfillment. Set in New England, in the rural town of Starkfield, Massachusetts, this literary piece was written by Edith Wharton in 1922. The bleak environment of seemingly endless winter aptly sets the tone of the story and the fate of Ethan Frome. A narrator who was forced to stay in Starkfield because of a workers strike was instantly fascinated by Frome’s appearance that looks quite old for a man of fifty-two and disfigured since an accident twenty-four years ago when he first saw him outside of the post office. He went on to find out more about him as he â€Å"had the story, bit by bit, from various people, and, as generally happens in such cases, each time it was a different story† (1). The story of Ethan Frome is a portrayal of a passive and unhappy man who is weighed down by his duty to his wife and his bitter existence as a poor farmer. Ethan had been in Starksfield since his youth when his father died and he had to come home to take care of his ailing mother and their farm. Prior to this event, he was taking a technological course in Worcester but the lack of money prevented him from realizing his dream to become an engineer. He decided to marry Zenobia Pierce or Zeena, his cousin who came to help him care for his mother, after the burial as he was afraid to spend the winter alone. Though Zeena was lively and cheerful at first, she later on fell silent and sickly. He woulf often think that had his mother died in the springtime he would not have thought of offering marriage to Zeena. Her illnesses became her obsession as she would go on a monthly trip to Bettsbridge to see her doctor. For rural towns like Starkfield, people with sickness or complications are common topic for conversations and are â€Å"singled out for a great fate†. Zeena’s illness became her weapon that she uses to take control of the household and of Ethan. Mattie Silver actually came to the Fromes to do the household chores in exchange for the food and shelter as she was also destitute after the death of her parents. Since she was not used to doing housekeeping, Ethan would help her out in doing her chores just so she would not incur the wrath of Zeena. Ethan eventually fell in love with lively and cheerful Mattie who gave Ethan respite from the isolation and loveless match with a sickly and whining woman. The illicit relationship however advances to no more than holding of hands as both Mattie and Ethan are too afraid to defy the forces of social and marital duties. The time came though that Zeena decided to send Mattie away because of a broken red pickle dish that is symbolic in the story of the marriage of Ethan and Zeena. The idea of living apart from each other was unbearable for Mattie and Ethan that upon the suggestion of the former, they went on to take a sleigh ride that would crash them into the big elm tree. The attempted suicide failed leaving Ethan disfigured and Mattie a paralyzed woman. The irony of the story is that in the end Zeena seem to overcome her illness and became the caregiver of the now invalid, whining Mattie and the lame Ethan. The entire life of Ethan Frome had been a series of dreams destroyed because of the circumstances of him being poor and his adherence to social duty. His opportunity to leave town and finish education to eventually become an engineer was hindered when his father died and he has a farm and an ailing mother to take care of. Their farm as he said was â€Å"side-tracked† when the railroads where put up and no more people came to town. He blames this as the cause as to why his mother’s condition deteriorated. It could also mean the lost opportunities for the town and also to him as the place got left behind in the course of development. Ethan was one of the people stuck in Starkfield, a place where â€Å"most of the smart ones get away†(14) as Harmon Gow, the stage driver in the story, aptly puts it. The bleakness that surrounds Starkfield, for one thing, is not an environment that would nurture youth and create a field for dreams to come true. The narrator in the story noted that although he initially felt invigorated by the clear blue skies and shocking white of snow, this was soon followed by long periods of cold and darkness that he begun to understand the â€Å"deadness of the community† (15). In an environment that was neither nurturing nor bountiful, Ethan is further subdued into the tangled web of harshness and scarcity. The Fromes practically had to eke living from what little they could get from their farm for their survival. The connection between the land and the people is symbolic in the story. The environment made life for the townspeople difficult such as when Ethan and another man had to struggle in the sleet just to be able to transport logs. Starkfield is isolation in itself, with the places beyond it seen as a place to â€Å"get away† so as to seek a different fortune or freedom from the drab and coldness of the place. The limitations of the environment coupled with poverty further intensified the lost potentials of Ethan Frome. There was the poignant scene where the narrator accidentally left his biochemistry book in the sleigh and later on sees it in Frome’s hand. Ethan was both fascinated and humbled by the book as he exclaimed, â€Å"There are things in that book that I didn’t know the first word about† (18). It shows that Ethan’s curiosity and intellect had very few outlets in that kind of environment. For a fifty-two year old man who found excitement in a book, it is painful to think of what he could have been had he got the chance to explore his potentials. The conflict between personal passion and social convention is another theme portrayed in the story. The character of Zeena and Mattie were so different that the reader would readily understand the choice of Ethan between them. Mattie symbolizes beauty and energy in her ways, in the colors that she uses from the ribbons in her hair to the dish that she illicitly uses whereas Zeena possesses the deathly and sickly qualities in life. The sexual and emotional frustration in the marriage of Zeena and Ethan is symbolized by the unused pickle dish. Though shown as Zeena’s most prized possession, it remains at the topmost of the china closet left and unused. The barren relationship that they have is further portrayed with them not having children and hardly ever sharing a conversation. Ethan fell in love with Mattie and had come to hate Zeena but his strong sense of marital duty prevents him from deciding to be with Mattie. He acts with uncertainty and frustration under the looming shadow of his obligation to Zeena that it created a conflict in him. Ethan is also hesitant to leave his sickly wife for he believes that if he went away it would leave Zeena alone and penniless. Even in the moment when Zeena went away, her presence was greatly felt in imagined visions and in the symbol of the cat. Conventionally, the society upholds marriage as a sacred bond and is, in fact, at the apex of the set social orders. A man and woman are joined in marriage; it is protected by the norms of the society to keep the union intact. The critical eyes of the society is so that it could even permeate walls of intimate moments like the evening that Ethan and Mattie spent together when Zeena went away from the town to see a doctor. Their excitement though withered when the cat broke the dish and the looming figure of Zeena in their minds. Zeena’s absence bear more weight that her presence that conversation became impossible. The circumstance does not allow them to attempt to recreate a fantasy of life together, spending an evening as a husband and wife would. Their passion was shrouded by guilt and the unseen eyes of the society that both of them felt in the situation. As Ethan noted † in the warm lamplit room, with all its ancient implications of conformity and order, she (Mattie) seemed infinitely farther away from him and more unapproachable† (54). Conformity and order in the living room reminded Ethan that it belongs to Zeena and Ethan and could never be Mattie and Ethan. And when Ethan crossed the line when showed the slightest act of passion by kissing a piece of cloth that she was sewing, Mattie was spurred into retreating, scared of the repercussions with the transgression made. Poverty also limited the illicit lovers from taking serious step in pursuing an adulterous affair. Mattie, for one, was in a very precarious condition being dependent on the Fromes for her daily sustenance. Having nowhere else to go, she is also afraid of going into that kind of relationship with Ethan that could take away the refuge that she now has. Ethan, on the other hand, his duty to his wife and even to the Hales prevents him from acting on the situation like the loan that he planned to take from the Hale in able to elope with Mattie. Ethan did not only sacrifice his chance on love but he also sacrificed his ambitions just so he can fulfill his social duties. He had to give up his dream to move out of Starkfield and of becoming an engineer to care for his father, his mother and the farm. And upon the death of his mother, he end up in frustrated desire to fulfill his dreams for he was trapped in a marriage with a sickly wife whom he cannot bear to leave because of her condition. Though a sympathetic character, Ethan Frome can be also frustrating because of his lack determination to change the course of his life. He allows circumstances to take over him and did not decidedly pursue his interests and ambitions. Like the epitaph of the original Ethan Frome in the graveyard with his wife Endurance, he endures rather than act on his fate in pursuit of happiness and fulfillment. In his relationship with Mattie, instead of finding the courage to address his dilemma he opted for suicide with his lover, which he did not even decide on but took on upon the suggestion of Mattie. This was his only bold decision in the entire novel but this too ended up as a failure leaving him ruined and destined to live his entire life with an invalid lover and a controlling wife. Though Ethan is a sensitive and decent person he lacks emotional strength and determination. Instead of mustering enough courage to defy conventions, he chose not to take decisions and face the consequences of it, The deadened vitality of Ethan Frome from the decades of frustrations and his inability to rise up beyond the circumstances had left him in a situation where is â€Å"not much difference between the Fromes up at the farm and the Fromes down in the graveyard†.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay on Cultural Relativism

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay on Cultural Relativism If you are tasked with drafting a compare and contrast essay on cultural relativism, it is imperative that you review the instructions with precision so as to determine whether you have to cover a comparison, a contrast, or both. In most cases, teachers will ask that one area be emphasized over the other, which is why it is best to review instructions prior to starting the bulk of the work. 1. The Pre-write Phase During the pre-write phase, you are preparing yourself for a simple writing process on cultural relativism. It is here that you want to refine your topic to ensure it can be adequately covered in the length of pages you have. For example: If you want to compare rites of Catholicism with Protestantism within the boundaries of the church for your cultural relativism essay, you may need to refine the topic to focus on demographics or a specific area rather than both men and women, for the entire world. It would be pretty difficult to write a 3-5 page essay on all of the rites for both confessions, both genders, and the entire world. The pre-write is where you research. Research means reviewing the following sources for facts, data, quotes, or other useful material: Newspapers Academic journals Books Peer reviewed journals Magazines Primary or secondary sources might be appropriate, depending on your cultural relativism topic. When reviewing sources, be careful about internet based items. Refrain from them if: There is no author listed for the content The website is clearly sponsored or paid for by a biased organization The work is not well researched, has no credible data The outline for cultural relativism comes next. This is where you write out each of your main ideas and the supporting evidence. Generally it looks something like this: Body Paragraph 1 Claim Supporting evidence Introduction Thesis statement Body Paragraph 2 Claim Supporting evidence Body Paragraph 3 Counterpoint Refutation Conclusion 2. The Writing Phase Here is where you take your outline and expound upon it using the data you want to include. Support each paragraph with good points, cite your sources, and ensure you have a well-balanced argument for your teacher’s approval. With a comprehensive outline, the majority of the work is done and all you need do is sit down and write it out. 3. The Post-Writing Phase This is where you edit and proofread. *NOTE*: These are two separate things, yet many students confuse them. A proper edit for an essay on cultural relativism is when you review for content, the bigger picture. This is where you look not for line-by-line mistakes but for flow, supporting evidence, structure, etc†¦ With this done, you can proofread. This is where you should have a double spaced printed copy in your hand with a red pen. You want to read through the essay one time for each of the following things: Spelling mistakes Grammar Punctuation This means you should read over the content three times before you send it to your teacher. This guide should lead you through the writing process for a compare and contrast essay. Don’t forget to also check our 10 facts on cultural relativism along with 20 topics and sample essay writing along with it.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Quotations About Fun by the Famous

Quotations About Fun by the Famous Fun is a state of mind. If you have a zest for life, you will wont miss out on making the most of the  good times. Do you go through life uptight and worried and need the  inspiration to chill out? These quotes will remind you of the fun moments in your life and that the key to a good life is to have fun. Quotes From Famous People About Having Fun Katharine Hepburn If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun. Dr. Seuss Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one. Albert Einstein Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Sid Caesar In between goals is a thing called life that has to be lived and enjoyed. Alfred Souza Dance as though no one is watching you; love as though you have never been hurt before, sing as though no one can hear you, live as though heaven is on earth. Bob Basso If its not fun, youre not doing it right. Walt Disney Its kind of fun to do the impossible. TS Eliot If you havent the strength to impose your own terms upon life, you must accept the terms it offers you. Randy Pausch I am going to keep having fun every day I have  left​ because there is no other way of life. You just have to decide whether you are a Tigger or an Eeyore. Albert Einstein Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves. Thomas A. Edison I never did a days work in my life. It was all fun. Woody Allen Man consists of two parts, his mind and his body, only the body has more fun. Fred Couples Golf is supposed to be fun, but I dont think anything is fun if youre not doing it reasonably well. Jerry Seinfeld The Four Levels of Comedy: Make your friends laugh, Make strangers laugh, Get paid to make strangers laugh, and Make people talk like you because its so much fun. Adam Carolla If you want to have a good life, you should focus on your family, on your business, on your dog, on your fun, and youll have a good life. Rickey Henderson Once you can accept failure, you can have fun and success. Herodotus If a man insisted always on being serious, and never allowed himself a bit of fun and relaxation, he would go mad or become unstable without knowing it. Tom Wilson About the only time losing is more fun than winning is when youre fighting temptation. Jimmy Fallon Have fun is my message. Be silly. Youre allowed to be silly. Theres nothing wrong with it. Nancy Mitford I love children, especially when they cry, for then someone takes them away. Mark Twain Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen. James Hetfield Its all fun and games till someone loses an eye, then its just fun you cant see.

Monday, November 4, 2019

Strategic Management and Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Strategic Management and Leadership - Essay Example The major businesses of this conglomerate include electronics, entertainment, electronic games and most recently financial services. This paper will focus on analysis of the major factors that have propelled the company to such growth in an industry which requires one to be very innovative in order to remain relevant as the risk of being outshined is ever increasing. The paper will also seek to analyse the strategies that could be utilised in order to ensure that the company remains competitive. Success Measures The success of the Sony Corporation can be measured in terms of the growth that it has realised over the years. At the onset of its inception, there was a view of Japanese companies as simply businesses skilled at copying the technology used in the West rather than making products of their own (Beomish, 1999). The business shunned the existing Japanese business networks. As a startup company, the Corporation did not have a big market share as compared to other business that w as in the entertainment industry at the time. The Corporation at its beginning had minimal capital and was at the same time limited in its ideas. Sony has in the last year of operation realised profits of about 6.5 trillion Yens. According to Gunther (2001), this is a far cry from the time it was beginning when it barely had enough capital to finance its operations. The market share of the Corporation has also grown from the simple voltmeters that were produced during its inception in a whole range of products that include entertainment gadgets, mobile phones and even financial services. The Corporation has a wealth of resources that it can use to finance all its business ventures. The corporation has around 55 plants used for manufacturing its good and these are spread all over the world. On top of these the Corporation has 12 other manufacturing plants that are based in its home country of Japan. These physical resources that are the disposal of the Corporation are able to give it a competitive advantage which it can use as strength. On top of the physical resources the Sony also enjoys a wealth of technological resources which gives the opportunity to leverage on these as it competes in the technology industry where innovation are made on a daily basis. The technology can also be utilised well to enable the company to produce high quality products that fetch good prices in the market hence increasing the revenues for the corporation. According to Gunther (2001), the corporation also enjoys what can be termed as â€Å"reputational resources.† This comes in the form of a good name resulting from the numerous awards that it has fetched over the years as the best consumer-electronics company. Reasons for success Exploitation of Opportunities The success of the Sony Corporation is attributable to various factors. First the Corporation has proved over the years that it is able to identify opportunities and seize them (Beomish, 1999). For example during its inception, when the founders came across a tape recorder they got interested and went ahead to buy the patent and this formed the basis for their product that were later produced in the same line. The managers also have ventured in different areas since they were able to identify business opportunities, a factor that has really enhanced the growth of the company over the years. This has propelled the Corporation to be a market leader in its own right and also to enjoy the opportunity to

Saturday, November 2, 2019

The Intel Pentium Issue Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Intel Pentium Issue - Essay Example However, the microprocessor's flow in calculating long divisions causes minor errors not usually noticeable to most computer users. For example, the accurate answer for a division equation should be 2.345678, but P5 will come up with the answer of 2.345699. (1) The error is very minor, come to think of it, and Intel testers have realized and reported this problem to the Intel managers even before the microprocessor was released in the market that year. However, there was no significant reaction from the Intel managers to resolve the issue because â€Å"no one would really notice the slight error.† Months after, math professor Thomas Nicely of Lynchburg College noticed an error during the calculation of â€Å"reciprocals of a large collection of prime numbers on his Pentium-based computer.† (2) The professor wrote to Intel but did not receive any response from them, which prompted him to post on the internet about the issue. It then became a global issue against the corp oration. Obviously, bylaws seven and nine of the IEEE code of ethics were broken in various ways. Bylaw nine states that every member of a corporation must, in all cases â€Å"avoid injuring others, their property, reputation, or employment by false or malicious action.† (3) Intel failed to act along this bylaw by deciding to release the flawed chip in the market despite previously knowing of its problem. Furthermore, Intel's decision to replace processors would have resolved a big chunk of the problem had they not insisted the customers to prove their eligibility for that. Intel should have taken into consideration that several of the Pentium-based computer users invested their hard-earned dollars for the device. It is very true that Intel would not intentionally desire harming the customers by the defective chip, however, even minor errors could affect the customers in several ways. For example, those who deal with numbers on a regular basis like brokers, economists, or eve n bankers would require accuracy in every number calculation that they do. Even professors like Thomas Nicely and drug companies who tests new drugs could be adversely affected by what Intel deemed as â€Å"slight error.† Additionally, bylaw seven states that every member of corporations must exhaust all means to â€Å"seek, accept, and offer honest criticism of technical work, to acknowledge and correct errors, and to credit properly the contribution of others.† (3) When Intel testers informed the managers of the problem, the response did not go along what is stated in bylaw seven. They refused to admit making the mistake because it would definitely cause their company to lose millions of dollars. It was a total act of dishonesty to hope that the users of the newly released chip would not notice the flaw. It appears as if the managers decided to disregard the issue until problems become obvious. Doing this placed several users of the Pentium-based computers at the ris k of putting their crucial work at the hands of a flawed device covered-up by dishonesty. Had Intel decided to act under the guideline provided by bylaw ten, the global issue against the company would not have happened. Bylaw ten states that â€Å"

Thursday, October 31, 2019

My Ethical System and Its Justification Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

My Ethical System and Its Justification - Essay Example Faith is good because it serves as an unseen yet strong force that compels me to reject evil and choose good. Prudence is good, because it helps me become wiser. Justice is good, because it brings harmony to society as it ensures fairness. When everything is fair, resentment and retaliation could hardly win, which results to peace and order, thus making people’s lives happy and contented. Compassion is good because it awakens our responsibility to care for others. An act that could also help others becomes better persons. The more this world has better persons, the better place this world will be. Humility is good because it frees me from guilt and makes me feel good. Self-control is good because it restrains me from my ill desires while realigns me to what I ought to be. Fortitude is good because it gives me the strength to stand for what is right, whatever the consequence. And hope is good because it keeps me does what is good even in darkest hours. ... My philosophy resembles that of Aristotle’s Nichomachean ethics, which belief is that man ought to live a virtuous life to achieve genuine happiness (Pakaluk 49). We similarly share this belief added to the fact that we both believe in the four cardinal virtues that define what is good. However, unlike Aristotle’s, I believe that added to the four cardinal virtues, which speaks for intellectual virtue, emotional virtue, volitional virtue, and social virtue, there is a need for spiritual virtue like faith – the strongest weapon man can hold onto. II. Justifying my ethical system My ethical system is grounded on my belief that man’s being – as being the master creation and the highest form of creation – must live a virtuous life. This is what differentiates man from animals; this is the way by which man can achieve the task to which his/her being rests – the steward of creation. In man lies the progress and doom of the world; in man lies the future of humanity. The world can only be a happy place to live in if man truly lives a virtuous life, because by living a virtuous life, as defined above, man is not only able to better his/her self, but is also giving others the opportunity to see the difference between good and evil. Thus they can have an enlightened choice. Moreover, it is only in living a virtuous life that man can bring harmony to society and to humanity, thereby achieving genuine happiness in life. It is no secret that what make life in this world miserable and what makes this world chaotic are man’s evil ways, as most are blinded with power, fame, material gratification and selfishness. Man’s evil ways is also dehumanizing – something that is against man’s

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Ho Chi Minh Essay Example for Free

Ho Chi Minh Essay Within his years of living, he had shaped and changed Vietnam to the country he dreamed it to be by truly being a great leader of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh had been interested in Vietnam’s wellbeing from a young age. He did not jump straight into action and instead stood back and examined the necessities of gaining such rights, waiting for the moment to stand up for his country. His father believed that French education was only the best. Therefore in 1907, Ho passed an exam to enter the National Academy of Hue. He was made fun of because he came from a poor background, and the only reason why he was at the academy was because he had received a scholarship. His motivation was not wavered. In 1908, protests were held by farmers from nearby villages. They protested about the excessive taxation that the French were asking for, and Ho translated the Vietnamese language for the French. This was his first colonial encounter. The next day he was expelled for aiding the Vietnamese. As time went on he understood the concept of Marxism and strongly believed in it. In 1911, Ho boarded a ship set for France and took small jobs, all the while trying to gain knowledge about the world. His ideas for Vietnam’s independence and what it could someday be developed during his trips. In 1914, Ho Chi Minh began to build networks in the outside world and talked to his fellow Vietnamese about the French colonial rule. And in 1918, Ho Chi Minh wrote a letter to the President of the United States about how world peace could be achieved. This was the fourteen-point peace plan. Besides thinking of Vietnam, he also put the rest of the world into mind. This shows that Ho Chi Minh is thoughtful and avoids reckless tactics. After WWI he was engaged in Communist activities and was in the founding group for the French Communist Party. ? In his later years, Ho Chi Minh began to develop more plans. He soon became frustrated and indignant at the treatment that the Vietnamese were getting from the French. He heard about the Russian Revolution while living in France, and it offered millions of people living under colonial rule hope. Ho Chi Minh took inspiration from the Russian Revolution. He used it as a helping hand, for great leaders take ideas from elsewhere and use those to their best advantage. During his later years, Ho Chi Minh learnt of Stalin and Mao Zedong, who quickly became his role models. He believed the Communism would be what would allow Vietnam to gain true independence. Ho Chi Minh went to China and Hong Kong to spread the word about Communism and form Communist Parties. He was forced to leave when local authorities drove him out. He returned because he wanted the ideas of Communism, of the Vietnamese, and of his ideas to be known throughout. Ho Chi Minh was arrested in Hong Kong and remained in prison until 1933. Yet these roadblocks did not slow the motivated leader down. When Japan occupied Vietnam in 1941, Ho Chi Minh organized the Vietminh that caused the Japanese to surrender in 1945. Ho Chi Minh went on and declared Vietnam’s independence from the Japanese. At this point, Ho only needed to be rid of France to succeed entirely. Ho Chi Minh signed an autonomous agreement with the French in a conference. But his success was worth nothing when he returned home to find that the agreement was not effective. The French had already began bombing Vietnam to try and reoccupy the country. As Vietnam was low on resources, they took to fighting guerilla warfare and used a hit-and-run tactic. The USA and Europe backed France, while China, being a Communist country, backed Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh was grateful for China’s support and won the guerilla war. Independence was proclaimed. Post-war Vietnam was split up into two, yet the Vietnamese did not get a say in this. Ho Chi Minh did not like the idea of fellow Vietnamese turning on each other, the South on the North and visa versa. He wanted unity between the entire Vietnam, and secession was the last thing they needed. Though Ho Chi Minh allowed his people to take part in various risky and violent events, he only did so because he thought it best. He had confidence that his people would win their battles and indeed they did. Though he was anxious and worried when the US arrived in North Vietnam to chase out the Communists, he helped North Vietnam hold together like a rock and won the battle doing so. He did not risk using proper warfare because he knew that Vietnam was low on those resources. Instead he took to hit-and-run, and the Vietnamese depended on surprise and speed. After all their hardships, they were rewarded with the unification of the North and South Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh was a great leader because he was willing to do anything to help Vietnam. He was expelled the next day of his first colonial encounter. He travelled to France and to the United States to gain knowledge. He wrote letters to important figures that would be able to assist them in making a change. No one was more motivated than Ho Chi Minh. Throughout the years, Ho Chi Minh held on the hope that Vietnam would someday be free from colonial rule. He pushed many Vietnamese to follow dreams, in more ways than one. He was the inspiration of his people. No man, woman, or child under his leadership detested his choices, for they understood that he knew best. In overall he did many things for Vietnam, and the people were grateful for each and every little detail. When Ho Chi Minh died due to heart failure, everybody cried. For a whole week, it rained, and the people said that the sky itself was crying too. Ho Chi Minh was a great leader, a father figure, and a role model to many Vietnamese.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Reflective assessment on health and well-being

Reflective assessment on health and well-being References Care Council for Wales (CCW) (2002). The Code of Practice for Social Care Workers. Cardiff: Care Council for Wales. Care Council for Wales (CCW) (2003). National Occupational Standards for Social Work. Cardiff: Care Council for Wales. Douglas, T. (1978). Basic Group Work. London: Routledge Department of Health (DoH, 1998). Partnership in Action: New opportunities for jointworking between health and social services –A discussion document. London: Department of Health Healy, K. (2005). Social Work Theories in context: Creating frameworks for Practice. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. Johnsson, E. Svensson, K. (2005). Theory in social work – some reflections on understanding and explaining interventions. British Journal of Social Work. Vol 8 (4) pp. 419-433. Maclean, S. Harrison, R. (2008) Social Work Theory A straightforward Guide for Practice Assessors and Placement Supervisors. Staffordshire: Kirwin Maclean associates Ltd. Payne, M. (2000,a). Team Work in Multi-Professional Care. Basingstoke: MacMillan. Payne, M. (2005,b). Modern Social Work Theory 3rd Edition. Hampshire: Palgrave MacMillan Vigars et al. (2008). Faculty of Health and Social Care: Aids of Practice Cards. The Open University. West Turner (2009) Understanding interpersonal Communication 3rd edition. USA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Wright, S, et al. (2012). Evaluation of Early Parental Intervention Pilot Project. XXXXX. Welsh Assembly Government. Retrieved from: http://www.scie-socialcareonline.org.uk/profile.asp?guid=13a77ca2-2f61-4dbc-a8b0-368ff694ffe1 [Accessed 23/10/2012]. Lindsey, T. Orton, S. (2008). Group work Practice in Social Work: Transforming Social Work Practice. Exeter: Learning Matters Lang (1981) .Welsh Government. (2010). Fulfilled Lives Supportive Communities. Cardiff: Welsh Government Welsh Government (2013) Stats Wales. Persons with learning disabilities by LA, service and age range. Retrieved 27/04/2014 from https://statswales.wales.gov.uk/Catalogue/Health-and-Social-Care/Social-Services/Disability-Registers/PersonsWithLearningDisabilities-by-LocalAuthority-Service-AgeRange

Friday, October 25, 2019

Prejudice: A Worldwide Problem :: essays research papers

Prejudice: A Worldwide Problem There is a dangerous and often deadly problem in the world today. It reaches beyond political and religious boundaries and spans across all economic and social statuses. It affects the homeless, middleclass, and the richest people in society. The problem is prejudice. In America, when we think of prejudice we often think of it in terms of Black and White. However, prejudice is much more than that. It is a broad term that can encompass things like racism, sexism, and religious persecution. The Encarta World English Dictionary defines prejudice as "a preformed opinion, usually an unfavorable one, based on insufficient knowledge, irrational feelings, or inaccurate stereotypes" and "the holding of opinions that are formed beforehand on the basis of insufficient knowledge". When I read those definitions, I have to wonder why prejudice still exists today. If it really is based on "insufficient knowledge", then it seems to me that there is no logical reason why prejudice is still so prevalent. Throughout our entire lives we are exposed to issues dealing with prejudice. In school we study history, geography, government, and psychology, and at some point in each of those subjects, the issue of prejudice is more than likely discussed. In the corporate world we attend countless classes and seminars on discrimination, and sensitivity training on issues that could be deemed prejudicial. The issues are well known and a vast amount of information is ava ilable on the subject, so how can "insufficient knowledge" and "preformed opinions" still be a factor? I believe it is because when we discuss prejudice or any other similar issue, we tend to discuss it at a societal level as opposed to a personal level. We discuss the history of prejudice and talk about things like slavery in America and Hitler's persecution of the Jews, but we never discuss the prejudice that we, as individuals, experience everyday. Certainly, no one would stand up in a classroom, point a finger at a student, and ask accusatively, "What act of prejudice did you commit today?" That would not be "politically correct". How then, can we bring this issue down to a personal level? Someone once said to me, that if I didn't like jelly donuts, then I was prejudiced. The issue of whether or not I like jelly donuts is not an issue of prejudice, but rather a personal distaste for jelly donuts, based on the fact that I have tried several different types and determined that I do not like them.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

The Hobbit Double Entry Journal Prompts

Nicholas Gangone Ms. Sottas Double Entry Journal Prompts March 20, 2013 â€Å"But men remembered little of all that, though some still sang old songs of the dwarf-kings of the Mountain, Thror and Dragon, and the fall of the lords of Dale. † (Tolkien 176) â€Å"I hope I never smell the smell of apples again. † (Tolkien 179) â€Å"But the Master was not sorry at all to let them go. They were expensive to keep, and their arrival had turned things into a long holiday in which business was a standstill. † (Tolkien 185)Although the men keep alive old traditions in a new era, this quote symbolizes how the majority of things have changed in this world. This excerpt situates the dwarves in the present time frame where power has shifted to evil forces, how the dwarves lost control of their mountain city, and also how old legendary maps don’t so well in a new environment. The men never really experienced what it was like to live in a time where everyone and everythin g blended harmoniously. After reading this in the book, I immediately made a mental connection to a memory of the 6th grade.At the peak of the swine flu epidemic, my school started to administer vaccines to protect the students against the disease. I forgot to hand in a consent form to give them permission for a vaccine, so instead of getting a vaccine, I got the nasal mist in my nose. The nurse asked me what my favorite fruit was, and I replied â€Å"umm.. apples! † Not knowing what it was for, she made the thick goo they shot up my nose apple flavored. This was probably one of the weirdest feelings I have ever experienced. Just like Fili, I did not want to smell apples for a long time.This excerpt I picked reminds me of a part of the Odyssey. The specific part I am referencing to is the Suitors. After learning how expensive it is to have company over for an occasion, the connection I made between both pieces of literature only emphasizes this idea by giving more evidence. à ¢â‚¬Å"Not at any rate until the songs have come true! † (Tolkien 186) â€Å"They beat on it, they thrust and pushed at it, they implored it to move, they spoke fragments of broken spells of opening, and nothing stirred. † (Tolkien 190) â€Å"Tomorrow begins the last week of autumn. Said Thorin one say. â€Å"And winter comes after autumn,† said Bifur. â€Å"And next year after that,† said Dwalin, â€Å"and our beards will grow till they hang down the cliff to the valley before anything happens here. † (Tolkien 193) I purposely picked this quote to talk about my reasoning of how these words relate to the current generation of music. There is little or no rate of songs that are produced today that stay true to the art of music. For starters, most songs today aren’t even made with â€Å"real† instruments. Secondly, almost all of the big time artists are auto-tuned.It isn’t the strongest reference I have made, but I just canâ€℠¢t stand how the stuff they call music is so greatly praised. As the group searches for the secret entrance Elrond has promised the dwarves based on the map, their failure to open the door foreshadows further struggle. The group will encounter more forms of resistance, because this isn’t even the worst part of their luck they have been blessed with. This quote also shows the much repeated theme of perseverance displayed throughout the novel. The excerpt I presented here shows how the race against time is presented for the crew.This is because they do not have forever to complete their tasks. Since they get agitated at how long parts of their quest take, it highlights qualities of the average Joe that they possess. They are not a group of godly, or immortal beings. We saw them cut down to size similarly when they were trapped by the wolves. â€Å"The most that can be said for the dwarves it this: they intended to pay Bilbo really handsomely for his services; they had brought him to do a nasty job for them. And they did not mind the poor little fellow doing it if he would: bit they would all have done their best to get him out of trouble, if he got into it† (Tolkien 196) I have absolutely no use for dragon-guarded treasures and the whole lot could stay here forever, if only I could wake up and find this beastly tunnel was my own front-hall at home† (Tolkien 198) â€Å"†¦but rising from the near side of the rocky floor there is a great glow. The glow of the Smaug! † (Tolkien 200) I had to chew this quote up a little bit and ponder upon it. A side of the dwarves that has not yet been shown is expressed here. I believe it is greed. The dwarves seem to be using Bilbo for his talents – which make up a good thief.There isn’t much to say about the dwarves if they used Bilbo all along as their scapegoat. Bilbo speaks for himself in this quote. He is not there to be someone’s tag along. He has a mind of his own and kno ws what is right and wrong. He also yearns for the safety and comfort of his own home when thrown into the midst of a sticky situation. I can say that Bilbo is a very convincing being. I specifically picked this quote because we have heard of the dragon throughout the whole book, but this is the first actual account we have about Bilbo’s encounter with the dragon – first hand.The dragon is pictured as any other dragon from a mythical tale would be. The first and most important trait being the dragon having firey breath. It is because of the dragon’s ability to promote havoc that gives the story an interesting outcome. â€Å"Now do be careful! † whispered the hobbit, â€Å"and as quiet as you can be! There may be no Smaug at the bottom, but then again, there may be† (Tolkien 215) â€Å"Suddenly Bilbo’s arm went towards it drawn by its enchantment. His small hand would not close about it, for it was a large and heavy gem; but he lifted it, sh ut his eyes and put it in his deepest pocket. (Tolkien 217) â€Å"Hear, hear! † cried Bilbo, and flung himself on the ground. In the rock-chamber there would have been room for a hundred and there was a small chamber in the back. There they laid out all of their burdens. †(Tolkien 224) I like this quote because it emphasizes Bilbo’s resourcefulness. He thinks through every possible consequence before he acts. This is a very useful trait to have, especially for someone that is on an adventure where one silly mistake can prove fatal. Acting so vigilantly will later prove fruitful for Bilbo.This is a substantial quote in a rather small chapter. Here we are introduced to the turning point of the story – the Arkenstone. This is just one of the few treasures Bilbo retrieves. The arkenstone is one of the main reasons Thorin set out to reclaim what was once his ancestors’. This quote also foreshadows Bilbo’s future resourcefulness. After reading the rest of the story, I noticed that the men start to reclaim what is theirs. It almost acts as a foreshadowing tool. The men, especially Thorin, know what’s rightfully theirs and how it has been taken from them.It will only be a matter of time before they find out if they can hold on to their newly conquered area. â€Å"The King beneath the Mountain! They shouted. His wealth is like the Sun, his silver like a fountain, his rivers golden run! The river is running gold from the Mountain! they cried, and everywhere windows were opening and feet were hurrying† (Tolkien 226) â€Å"Already men were jumping into the water on every side. Women and children were being huddled into laden boats in the market-pool. † (Tolkien 228) â€Å"Arrow! Said the bowman. â€Å"Black arrow!I have saved you for last. You have never failed me and always I have recovered you. I had you from my father and he from of old. If ever you came from the forges of the true king under the Mountain, go now and speed well! (Tolkien 229) I interpreted this quote as a great example of dramatic irony. The townspeople, who think the golden colored river in the distance is amassed wealth, are horribly wrong. The gold is in fact, a raging dragon ready to destroy everything in its sight. Everyone starts to cry cheers of joy, when they should be crying tears of sadness.From this quote, I perceived a very strong mental image. The quote shows the true wrath of the Smaug. At the time The Hobbit was written, 1930, women and children were put first in the event of a disaster. For example, in the movie Titanic, one could see how women and children were loaded onto life boats before men. Here in this quote, if men were the first ones to give up and jump into the water, no one had a chance at survival by far. There would be no one to help others get on their way to safety. This quote stresses the theme of tradition throughout the story.Because the arrow was handed down from generations of old, it had a much higher importance. The archer believed the arrow had more â€Å"experience† seeing more time in battle situations. It is also interesting to read about how much faith was invested into his last shot. This excerpt also sparks my curiosity as to how the archer talks to the lifeless arrow like an old friend. â€Å"Now we will return to Bilbo and the dwarves. All night one of them had watched, but when morning came they had not heard or seen any sign of danger. But ever more thickly the birds were gathering.Their companies came flying from the South; and the crows that still lives about the Mountain were wheeling and crying unceasingly above. † (Tolkien 234) â€Å"Hail Thorin! Why do you fence yourself like a robber in his hold? We are not yet foes, and we rejoice that you are alive beyond our hope. We came expecting to find non living here; yet now that we are met there is matter for a parley and a council. † (Tolkien 240) â€Å"The whole place stil l stinks of dragon,† he grumbled to himself, and it makes me sick. And cram is beginning simply to stick in my throat. † (Tolkien 243)I picked this quote to explain how the foreshadowing of Thorin reclaiming his ancestor’s mountain cabin wraps up. The dwarves are hiding out in the mountain, and now they will have to hold off against whoever feels obligated to collect the dragon’s treasures. As the narrator switches points of views, he pictures birds thickly gathering. When you see something abnormal occur in nature, you get a feeling something bad is about to happen. This picture Tolkien painted compelled me to keep on reading. Expecting the dwarves to be dead, the humans and their allies have come to claim the dragons’ treasures.The humans mean no harm to the dwarves, and once they find them there they suggest they should split the riches. Thorin, feeling all of it is his become very defensive and abruptly declines. This is the first time in the nov el I found Thorin to be so bold in his actions. Considering they greet him with an overly-polite â€Å"Hail Thorin! †, I think he should have gave them a small share for slaying the dragon. Although I am not in the situation personally, I couldn’t say what I would suggest. After finally reaching what his whole journey was driven off of, he would need time to make a decision.I find quote humorous and ironic. Thus because Thorin wanted to remain close to his newly acquired treasures, and now he has to being that the mountain is besieged. Now, Thorin has had enough of the mountain when the fun just started. â€Å"Now the days passed slowly and wearily. Many of the dwarves spent their time piling and ordering the treasure; and now Thorin spike of the Arkenstone of Thrain, and bade them eagerly to look for it in every corner. † (Tolkien 244) â€Å"I am tired of stairs and stone passages. I would give a good deal for the feel of grass at my toes.I would give a good d eal for the feel of strong drink in my throat, and for a soft bed after a good supper! † (Tolkien 246) â€Å"All in good time! † said Gandalf. â€Å"Things are drawing towards the end now, unless I am mistaken. There is an unpleasant time just in front of you; but keep your heart up! You may come through all right. There us news brewing that not even ravens have heard. Good night! † (Tolkien 249) This is one of my most favorite examples of dramatic irony I came across in the novel. Thorin is searching for the Arkenstone restlessly.What he doesn’t know is that Bilbo swiftly retrieved it on one of his first adventures into the mountain. At one point Bilbo gets worried after Thorin says he would put his life on the stone to get it back. Bilbo doesn’t want a conflict to erupt between the three races. The dramatic irony throughout this novel up to this point made it much more fun to read. Eventually Bilbo is tired of sticking it out in the mountain. He l ongs for him humble life so he takes matters into his own hands. Offering the Arkenstone, something so valuable to his expedition, to avoid conflict is something that was just in his nature.An action like this was very brave for him, but he knew what he needed to do. In this quote, Gandalf is congratulating Bilbo on a job well done, yet not to become complacent because it is not all over yet. I think that it is essential Gandalf appreciated Bilbo’s actions of bravery and how he carries out what he believes in with such finesse. Bilbo gets excited because of Gandalf’s compliments, and I felt happy for him. â€Å"By the beard of Durin! I wish I had Gandalf here! Curse him for his choice of you! May his beard wither! As for you I will throw you to the rocks! He cried and lifted Bilbo into his arms.Stay! Your wish is granted! † said a voice. The old man with the casket threw aside his hood and cloak. â€Å"Here is Gandalf! And none too soon it seems. If you donâ₠¬â„¢t like my Burglar, please don’t damage him. Put him down, and listen first to what he has to say! † (Tolkien 250-251) â€Å"The Goblins are upon you ! Bolg of the North is coming, O Dain! Whose father you slew in Moria. Behold! The bats are above his army like a sea of locusts. † (Tolkien 255) â€Å"It was a terrible battle. The most dreadful of all Bilbo’s experiences, and the one which at the time he hated most. † (Tolkien 257)This quote that I picked only further emphasizes the fact that Gandalf’s and Bilbo’s views correspond with each other. Nothing bad can really result from a duo with supernatural powers and great resourcefulness. I also appreciate how Gandalf cuts Thorin down to size. I believe that the riches he sits upon got to his head and now he somewhat corrupt. In this part of the book, we are introduced to a new character, â€Å"Bolg of the North†. According to the book, Bolg is the son of Azog. This is very in teresting because earlier in the book we learned Azog was the goblin who killed Thorin’s grandfather, Thror.This reminds me of the short story we read earlier in the year, The Interlopers, and how the hostility remained between the generations of family. This explanation of the battle given on the account of Bilbo really made me realize the degree of severity in which it occurred. If this was worse than Bilbo’s experience of being chased up a tree by wolves and then having it slowly burnt down with him stuck up there, then this battle must have been pretty bad. I would have to say it was by far Bilbo’s nightmare occurring in reality. â€Å"When Bilbo came to himself, he was literally by himself† (Tolkien 261) There indeed lay Thorin Oakenshield, wounded with many wounds, and his rent armour and notched ace were cast upon the floor. He looked up as Bilbo came beside him. â€Å"Farewell, good theif,† he said. I go now to the halls of waiting to sit b eside my fathers, until the world is renewed. Since I leave now all gold and silver, and go where it is of little worth, I wish to part in friendship with you, and I would take back my words and deeds at the Gate. † (Tolkien 262) â€Å"So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their ending! † said Bilbo, and he turned his back on his adventure.The Tookish part was getting very tired, and the Baggins was daily getting stronger. â€Å"I wish now only to be in my own armchair! † he said† (Tolkien 268) This statement, which opens up the 18th chapter, highlights the life of solitude Bilbo longed for the whole time he was away from his ascetic life. Tolkien shows how he was forced to cope by himself with no one there for him as they were either dead or in hiding. I felt a lot of sympathy here for Bilbo because he was always there to lend a hand to everyone else but in this instance, no one was there for him.Thrown in a much different situation, Thorin acts completely different towards Bilbo. Even though I disliked Thorin a lot since the beginning of the book, I looked at his character with a lot more respect after he parted by making amends with everyone – especially Bilbo. Bilbo definitely deserved an apology and I revere Thorin for delivering it. I noticed that as time went on in the book, Bilbo kept longing for his hobbit hole. Since his Tookish blood that has longed for adventure is now satisfied, he needs time to recover from everything he has seen and experienced.Now fueled and fired by the drive to get home, nothing is going to stop Bilbo. He is now a much stronger, wiser, and keen hobbit. â€Å"The dragon is withered, his bones are now crumbled; His armour is shivered, His splendor is humbled! Though sword shall be rusted, And throne and crown perish With strength that men trusted And wealth that they cherish, Here grass is still growing, And leaves are yet swinging, The white water flowing, And elves are yet singing C ome! Tra-la-la-lally! Come back to the valley! † (Tolkien 269) â€Å"Bless Me! What’s going on? He cried.There was a great commotion and people of all sorts, respectable and unrespectable, were thick round the door, and many were going in and out – not even wiping their feet on the mat, as Bilbo noticed with annoyance. † (Tolkien 274) â€Å"Thank goodness! † said Bilbo laughing, and handed him the tobacco-jar. † (Tolkien 276) This excerpt, the elves being the speakers behind it, recite these lines in song. This quote shows how the slaying of the dragon and triumph over the goblins and Wargs not only positively affected Bilbo and the dwarves, but life in all of the lands. Because of their brave actions, everyone can now live much more peacefully.In this quote, Bilbo finally returns home. He’s been ‘round the world and back – literally – only to find his belongings are being auctioned off to strangers. If I was in Bilb o’s situation I would have probably gone berserk and thrown everyone out, one by one. I couldn’t even have imagined such a thing happening to Bilbo. If there was one thing I can see Bilbo caring about is his good ‘ol pipe and tobacco. These two items are the perfect combination to calm down and relax such a humble hobbit like Bilbo. I happy that at least his pride wasn’t stripped from him at his homecoming. Bilbo has returned at last.