Marriage: Easy Divorce :: essays research papers

Marriage Easy DivorceAlthough I do not as trustworthy with getting married until you are positive thatyou want to have a huge commitment to another person, I favor the easier divorce.I think that a divorce is not really anyones fault. (unless it is) Thedivorce should be done as quickly as possible in either case.If you find yourself getting married to the person that you thought youloved-but later on in life you find that you werent ready for marriage, thenits not really anyones fault. You may have made a mistake by getting marriedto quickly, but people make mistakes.Sometimes, you may find that your spouse and you make better friendsthan husband and wife. That could happen and Im sure its probably alreadyhappened once or twice. In this case, it is not really anyones fault. Youjust go on with life just as you always had before.I think that people shouldnt get married until they are totallypositive that their spouse is the person that they want to have a lifetimecommitment with. If they nevertheless think twice, then they are not ready for marriage.I know that not everyone will feel the same way that I do on this subject, butif everyone did, it could improve the divorce rate. I think that we should justget the divorce over with as quickly as possible and get to backup our livesagain.I know someones dad who got into a relationship with another woman.This persons mother got married at a very young age. She thought she was ready,but she wasnt. afterward being married and having three children, her husband told

Samuel Sewall :: essays research papers

Samuel Sewall born in 1652 in England. He was taken as a child to Newbury, Massachusetts, and graduated from Harvard in 1671. He became a minister but gave up the role to take management of a printing press in Boston and entered upon a public career. He was elected in 1683 to the general court and was a member of the council. As one of the judges who tried the capital of Oregon witchcraft cases in 1692, he shared the responsibility for the conviction of nineteen persons. However, he became convinced of the error of these convictions and in 1697 in senior South Church, Boston, publicly accepted the blame and shame for them. Sewall served for thirty-seven historic period as judge of the superior court of the colony, being chief justice during the last ten years of his service. Sewall was also a well-known author and his most famous work was his three-volume diary, which is very revealing of Samuel Sewall and the period he lived in. Sewall was a respected figure of his duration and shared relations with other prominent icons of the colonial era. When Sewall entered Harvard he shared a home for two years with Edward Taylor, a famous American poet who became a lifelong friend of Sewalls. Also in the year of the Salem witch Trials Samuel Sewall was appointed as one of nine judges by Govenor Phips, another buster judge on this board was Cotton Mather. A famous individual of colonial times he was a minister of Bostons Old North Church and was a true believer in witchcraft. Sewall and Mather were both puritans, authors, and shared similar views. Samuel Sewall died in Boston, Massachusetts in 1730, January 1st.Samuel Sewalls writing was of a traditional Puritan style. His work often concentrated on religion, politics, business life, and good living. But unlike Puritans of his time Sewalls many writings address specific concerns about the rights of Native Americans and of African-Americans brought as slaves to the colonies. Sewall wrote the first Puritan anti-slaveho lding tract The Selling of Joseph. The literary work that Sewall is most famous for is his Diary it consists of a tenuous record of his daily life, reflecting his interest in living piously and well. He notes little purchases of sweets for a woman he was courting, and their disagreements over whether he should affect velocity class and expensive ways such as wearing a wig and using a coach.

Essay On Evolution -- essays research papers

Essay on EvolutionThere are many mechanisms that hunt to evolutionary change. One of themost important mechanism in evolution is natural selection which is thedifferential success in the reproduction of different phenotypes resulting fromthe fundamental interaction of organisms with their environment. Natural selection occurswhen a environment makes a individual adapt to that certain environment byvariations that arise by mutation and transmittable recombination. as well it favorscertain traits in a individual than other traits so that these favored traitswill be presented in the next elementration. other mechanism of evolution isgenetic drift. Genetic drift is a random change in a small gene pool due tosampling errors in propagation of alleles or chance. Genetic drift dependsgreatly on the size of the gene pool. If the gene pool is large, the better itwill represent the gene pool of the previous generation. If it is small, itsgene pool may not be accurately represented in the next generation due tosampling error. Genetic drift usually occurs in small populations that containless than 100 individuals, but in large populations drift may have nosignificant effect on the population. Another mechanism is gene flow which iswhen a population may gain or lose alleles by the migration of fertileindividuals between populations. This may cause the allele frequencies in a genepool to change and allow the organism to evolve. The most obvious mechanismwould ...

The Important Role of Missionaries in the Anglican Church :: European Europe History

The Important Role of Missionaries in the Anglican Church Missionaries have been cave in of the Christian faith for many years. With the great expanse of the British Empire it is logical that the need for missionaries would expand as well. The problem is that England was already experiencing a dearth of clergy due to the increased demand caused by industrialization. With a shortage of Anglican clergy in England, the call to leave home and hearth to encounter unforeseen perils defines the align meaning of a missionary. The reason that the clergy were leave aloneing to make this sacrifice reflects societys perception, and the clergys perception of what it means to be a missionary. potty Kent in Nineteenth nose candy Church and English Society describes missionary work as doing the divine will of God (Kent 109). The fact that many different religions feel that they are doing the will of God is completely immaterial to the Christian missionary. They feel that theirs is the one true faith and it is their duty to convert the heathens to the one true faith (Kent 112). The missionaries felt in doing their duty that they would reap their just rewards and secure for themselves a place in Heaven. Kent also tells us that Victorian missionary work was treated as a saga of sacrifice, heroism, and Christian philanthropy (Kent 109). The sacrifice was in leaving the comforts of home. The heroism was in the converting of the non-believers and the philanthropy was in the giving of oneself for the betterment of humanity. In Jane Eyre we listen to St. John telling Jane his deepest desire to be a missionary. He says he aspires but after the day when the cross of separation from fleshly ties shall be laid upon his shoulders, and when the nous of that church-militant of whose humblest members he is one, shall give the word, Rise, follow me (347 ch. 30). St. John is foreshadowing his separation from his family to follow the call of the missionary. His sister Diana describes his ambition to go to India as a fever in his vitals (349 ch.30) and that her conscience will hardly permit me to dissuade him from his severe decision. It is right, noble, Christian yet it breaks my heart (350 ch.31). She sees the missionary work as something complete and severe. When she talks of the fever in St.

Sisters in The Color Purple Essay -- Alice Walker

In The Color Purple, written by Alice Walker, Celies life was falling apart. Due to her step-fathers actions, she became pregnant and then quickly had her children whisked onward from her. She was sent away to marry a man she didnt know, and experienced more hardships than many could even attempt to fathom. Thankfully, she had her dear sister, Nettie, to think of and lean on both mentally and emotionally even when she wasnt able to be with her physically. In the beginning, the girls mother was very sick. Their step-father took charge of the household and he began abusing Celie. Celie, being the oldest, accepted the abuse as a business and attempted to stand her ground. She wanted to remain strong in order to insure the safety of her younger sister, Nettie. For Celie, the strength she found in enduring the abuses of her step-father remained with her passim her life. Celie silently held her emotions inside and didn?t speak up in opposition when horrible things were going on all arou nd her. When her step-father wanted to marry her strike to Mr. _____, all she could think about was Nettie?s safety, and she never said a single word against it, though she was greatly conflicted in her mind.After she had been married rancid to Mr. , his sisters came to visit. They liked Celie a lot saying, ?Good housekeeper, good with children, good cook. Brother couldn?t have done better if he tried.? They weren?t able to go across all the activity going on inside Celie?s head, though. She absolutely abhorred living with Mr. _____ and his horrendous children, but she had the strength she acquired from protecting Nettie, and she utilized it to suppress her emotions and in doing so, protect her well-being. Nettie was able to t all(prenominal) Celie any thin... ... because they had adopted Celie?s children before they had met Nettie and suspected she might have been the mother. All of this, though, was unbeknownst to Nettie.These two sisters had such an push on the pat hs their lives took with their relationship. They provided each other with the strength each required to trudge though the situations their lives laid before them. They taught each other many important life lessons and to show love to other people. Even though they were literally oceans apart, they provided each other with a support system of family and friends, and most importantly they gave each other hope. Hope for the present and hope for the future, a future together. If Celie and Nettie didn?t have the intimate relationship they did, they wouldn?t have been able to make it through the trials to finally reach the reward of a life together in the end.

Westward Expansion and Imperialism :: American America History

Westward Expansion and ImperialismThroughout most of the nineteenth century, the United States expanded its territory western United States through purchase and annexation. At the end of the century, however, elaboration became imperialism, as America acquired several territories overseas. This policy shift from expansionism to imperialism came about as a result of Americans sleep with across in the Spanish American War and the Congressional debates that followed the American victory. After temporarily resolving the problems of Reconstruction and Industrialization, Americans began to resume the course of expansion. The horrors of the Civil War had stop the original Manifest Destiny that began in the 1840s. Now, as pioneers colonised the last western frontiers, expansionists looked yet farther to the west -- toward Asia and the Pacific. American ships had long been active in the Pacific. The New England whaling fleets scoured the ocean in search of their prey. As ships crossed th e vast ocean to trade in Asia, islands in the Pacific became important bread for coal, provisions, and repairs. In the South Pacific, the American navy negotiated with awestruck natives for the rights to move on bases on the islands of Midway and Samoa. This practice had been going on for a while. The Hawaiian Islands, which lie close set(predicate) to the American mainland, had long been an important stop for the Pacific fleet. Eventually, the expansion to this area became imperialistic. Pearl Harbor, on the island of Oahu, offered one of the most attractive natural bases in the Pacific. soon other Americans followed to become sugar planters and to establish profitable businesses. Americans were lodge in building huge plantations, warehouses, railroads, dry-docks, banks, hotels, and stores. They soon dominated the islands economy, and they were able to influence its government as well. Americans created and controlled Hawaiis legislature and cabinet, and they limited the powe r of the native king. As the century began to come to a close, disputes arose between the Kanaka and those of foreign descent. Hawaii for Hawaiians became the slogan of people who sought to restore the tralatitious ways of the kingdom. Others called for the annexation of Hawaii by the United States. appropriation would eliminate the recent trade restrictions on sugar and revive the islands faltering economy. The imperialistic was victorious over the islands. The imperialistic attitude sprung from the American Victory in the Spanish-American War. Although the Spanish-American War and the intervention in the Philippines were preceded by fifty years of meddling in Latin America, and to a lesser degree Asia and Africa, it was these two events that marked and time-tested a fully realized imperial policy.Westward Expansion and Imperialism American America billWestward Expansion and ImperialismThroughout most of the nineteenth century, the United States expanded its territory westw ard through purchase and annexation. At the end of the century, however, expansion became imperialism, as America acquired several territories overseas. This policy shift from expansionism to imperialism came about as a result of Americans experience in the Spanish American War and the Congressional debates that followed the American victory. After temporarily resolving the problems of Reconstruction and Industrialization, Americans began to resume the course of expansion. The horrors of the Civil War had interrupted the original Manifest Destiny that began in the 1840s. Now, as pioneers settled the last western frontiers, expansionists looked yet farther to the west -- toward Asia and the Pacific. American ships had long been active in the Pacific. The New England whaling fleets scoured the ocean in search of their prey. As ships crossed the vast ocean to trade in Asia, islands in the Pacific became important stops for coal, provisions, and repairs. In the South Pacific, the Americ an navy negotiated with awestruck natives for the rights to build bases on the islands of Midway and Samoa. This practice had been going on for a while. The Hawaiian Islands, which lie closest to the American mainland, had long been an important stop for the Pacific fleet. Eventually, the expansion to this area became imperialistic. Pearl Harbor, on the island of Oahu, offered one of the most attractive natural bases in the Pacific. Soon other Americans followed to become sugar planters and to establish profitable businesses. Americans were busy building huge plantations, warehouses, railroads, dry-docks, banks, hotels, and stores. They soon dominated the islands economy, and they were able to influence its government as well. Americans created and controlled Hawaiis legislature and cabinet, and they limited the power of the native king. As the century began to come to a close, disputes arose between the Kanaka and those of foreign descent. Hawaii for Hawaiians became the slogan of people who sought to restore the traditional ways of the kingdom. Others called for the annexation of Hawaii by the United States. Annexation would eliminate the recent trade restrictions on sugar and revive the islands faltering economy. The imperialistic was taking over the islands. The imperialistic attitude sprung from the American Victory in the Spanish-American War. Although the Spanish-American War and the intervention in the Philippines were preceded by fifty years of meddling in Latin America, and to a lesser degree Asia and Africa, it was these two events that marked and tested a fully realized imperial policy.

Shakespeare’s Henry V Minor Characters

Christina Priester Amy Smith Eng 205 10/15/12 The main personas in Shakespeares Henry V are extraordinarily compelling. From the beginning of the play, most of the focus is directed to interactions amid ability Henry and other royalty or people of status and significance. real little attention is echo on the minor characters, the peasants- the Hostess, the Boy, and the soldiers- Bardolf, Nym, and shooting iron. Although these characters have only small parts in the play, they are essential. They take the spotlight for a moment, temporarily diverting our attention from the fairy and his political responsibilities.Each of them contri only ife necessary background information, their opinion of King Henry, and the soldiers perspective of the upcoming battle, The first act of the play is focused on the conspiracy between the leaders of the Church and King Henry making the decision to go to war with France. While all of the political information is needed for the plot, it is quite dense, and some of it is hard to get through and through. There is some relief in characterization II of the play, when the Hostess, the Boy, Bardolf, Nym, and Pistol are introduced.There is some biliousness in the exchanges between the soldiers. For example, Bardolph to Nym What, are Ancient Pistol and you friends only? Nym answers, and Bardolph to Nym I will bestow a breakfast to make you friends and well all three be sworn brothers to France. This is clearly a sarcastic teasing remark to Nym, with the suggestion these two situations will never happen. The scene becomes grim when the Boy enters, informing them of Falstaffs illness. Falstaff is disadvantageously ill, and in scene three of Act II, we learn that Falstaff has passed on.The soldiers grieve for their lost friend, but the Hostess has the strongest emotional reaction. She was caring for him at his bedside when he passed away. Falstaff was an integral character in the preceding play, King Henry IV. He and the other s oldiers were friends of Henry before he became King. The friendship between Henry and Falstaff ended harshly. The Hostess, along with the soldiers think Falstaffs illness is in part caused by Henrys harsh treatment of Falstaff. In the passage by the Hostess, just after the Boy enters, she makes a statement The King has killed his heart. After Nym and Pistol settle their quarrel, the Hostess tells the men to visit Falstaff, and Nym comments The King hath run bad rumors on the knight, thats the even of it. Although they hold the King partially to consign for Falstaff falling ill, they still seem to hold King Henry in high regard. Nym makes a statement to Pistol The King is a good King, but it must be as it may, he passes some humors and careers. The interpretation of this phrase is that although the King is good, he still has quirks and faults of his own.Pistol expresses his opinion of King Henry in Act IV, on the eve of battle when Henry, disguised as a volunteer soldier engages P istol in a conversation. He tells Henry he thinks the King is a fine fellow, with a heart of gold, was raised well by his parents. He goes on to proclaim he love and loyalty to King Henry. Pistol is unaware he is speaking to the King himself. He shows contempt for the disguised King when he finds out about Henrys relation to Fluellen, the Captain that ordered the carrying out of Bardolph.King Henry is very adamant about the execution of Bardolph in Act III when he is caught stealing a holy relic from a cut church. Henry gives his reasoning that Bardolph should be so punished We would have all such offenders cut off. And we give express charge that, in our marches through the country, there be nonhing compelled from the villages, nothing taken, but paid for, none of the French upbraided or abused in disdainful language for when lenity and inhuman treatment play for a kingdom, the gentler gamester is the soonest winner. This passage is basically saying he wants to make an example of Bardolph as a warning to his soldiers to be respectful and not have the villages in France pillaged or the citizens terrorized, or they will have to face the consequences of their actions. He also feels that the French prisoners should face the consequences for the slaying of the Boys, and orders their throats to be cut. His raise fuels this decision because he wants justice for the boys that were slaughtered.At the end of battle, Henry carries the Boy, showing his sorrow for the loss of these young men. Overall, King Henry is seen by his soldiers as good and just, yet firm with his punishment of his subjects. Without the minor characters, our judgment of the King may be harshly skewed. They are also the only link in this play between the King and Falstaff. The minor characters enlighten our understanding of the King, give us some background information, and serve their purpose well.

Suicide in the Trenches Analysis

Suicide in the Trenches an analysis What is the meaning of war? What is war like? How do passs musical note in a war? Glorious? Depressed? This poem accurately shows the harsh save sadly true reality of war death, suicide and depression. Indeed, as quoted by Sir Williams Henry Nobody in his right mind would enjoy war. The point of view is third person. This is effective in showing angiotensin converting enzyme case of suicide, in third person observation, representing the depression and desire to quickly die in every 1 else. Life is really worse than death and this is shown through the catchy title Suicide in the Trenches.The volume trenches further emphasized that not only is this depression possessed by one young soldier son, but also by m all others in war. The setting is in depressing, smelly, and stuffy trenches as the title has blatantly stated. The story is about a young soldier boys transformation from a happy and innocent person into a depressed soldier who desires to kill himself, because life is really worse than death. The poet advisedly uses the small boy as an example to gain the readers sympathy. The structure of the poem is three stanzas with four lines in each. The rhyme scheme is A-A-B-B in each stanza.This seems to be a rigid structure, but it really does bring out how ones initial c befree innocence and freedom is creation lost once he enters the cruel and depressing battlefield, or in this case, trenches. The tone in the poem is obviously a bitter and sarcastic one as we can see from the last stanza You smug-faced crowds with kindling eye . Sassoon strongly feels the general public is unable to empathize with soldiers because there is no way to hear what war is like. Through this bitter and sad poem, the poet tries to bring out the theme of the poem nobody can understand what war is like without personal experience.The language the poet uses is clever in conveying the theme a balance of symbolism, diction and alliteration i s put to effective use in this poem. Something we cannot miss is the alliteration in the first stanza slept exhaustively. The repetition of the letter s produces a harsh hissing plump, and this contributes to the bitter tone throughout the poem. Also, it puts emphasis on the phrase slept soundly. As we all know, people who can sleep soundly are those who have no worries and nagging troubles before going to bed. This highlights how the boy was so innocent, without any worries at all, at the start of his xperience in war. This is also brought out in whistling, an action done only when one is happy and carefree. The trenches symbolize the disintegration function of war in the case of the poem. Throughout the year till winter, the trenches had apparently transformed a carefree, innocent and happy boy into a depressed, boy who put a bullet through his brain. The alliteration of the letter b here also further creates a harsh, brute and bitter sound that adds on to the bitter mood, espe cially at the climax of the story told the suicide.The clever rhyme of brain with once more at line 8 tries to strike a connection that although a young innocent boy was dragged into war and fought violently for his country and himself, in the end, when he is be pushed to his limit, still nobody spoke of him again. This shows how cruel and selfish war is. It forces you to help at such a young age but only does not remember or assess what you have done and sacrificed. In this case, the boy sacrificed his childhood fun, laughter, innocence and carefree life in pass by for nothing at all not even a memory of him.How is war cruel? This is the perfect example. The diction used in the poem is especially strong. In the last stanza, the word kindling is being used to describe the eye(s) of the smug-faced crowd. One must notice that this line is only devoted to facial description, and the kindling seems to be also a sounding countenance feature only. However, Siegfried tries to show with a sarcastic tone that they think that war is a glorious thing, they feel proud of these children, and seem to understand and prise what they are doing.But in reality, they can never imagine what these children are going through, and in reality, they dont care or feel appreciative of what the children did. Therefore, the word kindling reveals the hypocrisy behind people who support war. In my personal opinion, the last stanza is the strongest and most impactful stanza. While the previous two stanza show the transformation of a single boy when he enters war, the last stanza directly attacks people who support war itself, at the thought of its glory and honor, but not give a thought about the pawns dying and suffering in war. Sneak home and pray youll never know shows that while the hypocrites support war, under the glorious facade, they are not willing or are too afraid to think of the consequences, sacrifice and price of this meaningless war a big price that separates thousan ds of families and crush tens of thousands of children. The poet is just trying to use an extreme and most serious example to illustrate his point. Indeed, war is just so cruel it takes away, but does not return not even a single memory for dead people.It totally transform people from their happy and carefree state, into murderers incessantly depressed and worried for their lives, yet guilty they killed their own kind. In war where humans are just pawns for a game of chess, nobody will understand how a soldier feels constantly killing his own kind to defend himself, lacking in sleep, separated, maybe forever, from their families and friends unless they undergo war itself. I would like to end off with this quote from the U. S. phalanx force Nobody would understand a soldier, except for the soldier himself.Contrastingly the Second Stanza curtails the mood of happiness and innocence, abruptly introducing the horrors of war, using descriptive language such as describing the tren ches to be, Winter trenches. It is Sassoons Juxtaposition in the swing of mood and ultimately the contrast between the characters love of life to his sudden hatred of life, resulting in suicide He put a bullet through his brain that shows the audience both the thematic idea and Sassoons criticism of Wars destruction of Innocence.

Fin 370 Final Exam Study Guide

Week One Introduction to Finance and Analysis documental Define basic financial terminology. 1. Which of the pursuit reasons is most responsible for corporations being the most important form of business organization in the United States? 1. Corporations have limited life. 2. Stockholders have unlimited liability. 3. Corporations argon subject to less government regulation than the other forms of business organization. 4. Corporations have the ability to raise larger sums of pileus than the other forms of business organization. Objective explicate how financial markets work in the United States. . Which of the following is NOT an advantage of a private placement (as compared to a public offering)? 1. Greater financing flexibility 2. Lower flotation approachs 3. Lower interest costs 4. Quicker availability of funds Objective Assess the role of ethics and compliance in the finance environment. 3. Which of the following is a characteristic of an efficient market? 1. Small number o f individuals. 2. Opportunities exist for investors to profit from publicly available information. 3. Security prices reflect middling value of the firm. 4. Immediate response occurs for new public information.Objective Evaluate financial performance using financial ratios. 4. Which of the following is included in the denominator of the times-interest-earned ratio? 1. use up payments 2. Principal payments 3. Interest expense 4. Gross profit Week Two Financial Planning Objective Describe the relationship between strategic readying and financial planning. 5. Which of the following statements is true? 1. The future value of an annuity would be greater if funds are invested at the beginning of each period sort of of at the end of each period. 2.An annuity is a series of equal payments that are made, or received, forever. 3. The effective annual rate (APR) of a loan is higher(prenominal) the less frequently payments are made. 4. The future value of an annuity would be greater if fund s are invested at the end of each period quite an than at the beginning of each period. Objective Prepare a cash budget. 6. A company collects 60% of its sales during the month of the sale, 30% one month after the sale, and 10% two months after the sale. The company expects sales of $10,000 in August, $20,000 in September, $30,000 in October, and $40,000 in November.How much money is expected to be undisturbed in October? 1. $25,000 2. $15,000 3. $35,000 4. None of the above Objective Perform a break-even analysis. 7. Potential applications of the break-even model include 1. replacement for time-adjusted groovy budgeting techniques. 2. pricing policy. 3. optimizing the cash-marketable securities position of a firm. 4. none of these Objective Calculate present value and future value of cash flows. 8. If you invest $750 every six months at 8% compounded semi-annually, how much would you hoard up at the end of 10 years? 1. $10,065 . $10,193 3. $22,334 4. $21,731 Week Three Working Capital Management and Capital Budgeting Objective Evaluate effective working capital management techniques. 9. According to the hedging principle, permanent assets should be financed with _______ liabilities. 1. permanent 2. spontaneous 3. current 4. fixed Objective Evaluate alternative capital projects. 10. Consider a project with the following cash flows After-Tax After-Tax Accounting Cash Flow Year Profits from Operations 1 $799 $ 750 $150 $1,000 3 $200 $1,200 Initial using up = $1,500 Terminal cash flow = 0 Compute the profitability index if the companys discount rate is 10%. 1. 15. 8 2. 1. 61 3. 1. 81 4. 0. 62 Objective Analyze risks associated with capital projects. 11. Aroma Candles, Inc. is evaluating a project with the following cash flows. Calculate the IRR of the project. (Round to the nearest whole percentage. ) Year Cash Flows 0 ($120,000) 1 $ 30,000 2 $ 70,000 3 $ 90,000 . 18% 2. 23% 3. 28% 4. 33% Objective Identify the decision-making factors in lease versus buy. 1 2. A machine costs $1,000, has a three-year life, and has an estimated salvage value of $100. It leave generate after-tax annual cash flows (ACF) of $600 a year, starting next year. If your required rate of return for the project is 10%, what is the NPV of this investment? (Round your answerwer to the nearest $10. ) 1. $490 2. $570 3. $900 4. -$150 Week Four Long-Term Financing Objective Identify the impact of financing strategies on cost of capital. 13.When calculating the average cost of capital, which of the following has to be adjusted for taxes? 1. Common stock 2. Retained earnings 3. Debt 4. Preferred stock Objective Calculate the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) of a firm. 14. Armadillo Mfg. Co. has a target capital building of 50% debt and 50% equity. They are planning to invest in a project which will charter raising new capital. New debt will be issued at a before-tax yield of 12%, with a coupon rate of 10%. The equity will be provided by internally generated fu nds. No new outside equity will be issued.If the required rate of return on the firms stock is 15% and its marginal tax rate is 40%, compute the firms cost of capital. 1. 13. 5% 2. 12. 5% 3. 7. 2% 4. 11. 1% Objective Compare and contrast initial public offering (IPO) and mergers & acquisitions growth strategies. 15. Lever Brothers has a debt ratio (debt to assets) of 60%. Management is wondering if its current capital structure is too aggressive. Lever Brotherss present EBIT is $3 million, and profits available to common shareholders are $1,440,000, with 228,571 shares of common stock outstanding.If the firm were to instead have a debt ratio of 20%, reduced interest expense would cause profits available to stockholders to increase to $1,680,000, but 457,143 common shares would be outstanding. What is the difference in EPS at a debt ratio of 20% versus 60%? 1. $-1. 76 2. $-2. 63 3. $-3. 14 4. $-4. 37 Week Five International Finance Objective Describe the factors that conduct to fore ign exchange risk. 17. I. T. Canwait, Inc. , a U. S. -based multinational, has just sold cans to a Japanese company, I. C. Spots, Inc. Spots will pay for the order in 60 days. I. T. Canwait is now clear to which kind of risk? 1.Transaction 2. Translation 3. Operating 4. Financial Objective Compare and contrast methods to mitigate foreign exchange rate risk. 18. The rate that a footslogger or parent of the multinational corporation charges other divisions of the firm for its products is called a(n) 1. forward price. 2. transaction price. 3. transfer price. 4. exchange price. Objective Analyze the impact of globalization on financial decisions. 19. A wide bid/ask spread could indicate which of the following? 1. The presence of arbitrageurs 2. Large-volume transactions are taking place 3. Frequent business of a currency 4. Infrequent trading of a currency

Human Resource Challenges and Practices in IT Industry

Proceedings of the 5th bailiwick Conference INDIACom-2011 Computing For Nation Development, March 10 11, 2011 Bharati Vidyapeeth? s set of Computer Applications and Man suppuratement, New Delhi Human election Challenges & Practices in IT Industry Rakesh S. Patil1, Varsha Patil2 and Pratibha Waje 3 1 Head and 3Lecturer 1,3 Sir Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology, Chincholi (Sinner) Nashik-422 101 (MS) 2 SNG Institute of anxiety & Technology, Rajgurunagar, Pune (MS) 1 emailprotected com and emailprotected om ABSTRACT The need of organizations for batch and race for organizations will be more difficult to satisfy in the todays war-ridden business environment. governments competitive advantage could be generated from human resources (HR) and organization transaction is influenced by a set of effective HRM practices. Softw ar is a wealth and trick creating patience, which has in just a few years, grown to US $ 1 trillion, employing millions of professionals worldwide. The Ind ian softw argon system industry has burgeoned, showing a nearly 50% increase annual growth rate over the recent years.Being a knowledge-based industry, a high intellectual capital lends competitive advantage to a firm. With a orbiculate explosion in market-opportunities in the IT orbit, the shortage of workforce both in numbers and skills is a prime challenge for HR professionals. The related issues are alter indeed recruitment of world-class workforce and their retention, hire and career planning, scientific obsolescence and employee turnover. This paper explains the HR challenges and practices in software Industries. KEYWORDS HRM, IT,HR Strategy, Services 1. INTRODUCTION The economy has transitioned to what roughly call The Age of Information? an economy in which gross domestic product is increasingly dominated by services. Services permeate either reflexion of our lives. We use transportation services restaurant services hotels electricity and telephones postal, cour ier and maintenance services services of hairdressers services of public relations and advertising firms lawyers physicians dentists stockbrokers and indemnity agents movie theatres and swimming pools . When we do buy goods, such as wise car or a washing machine, we often still rely on services to keep them running and repair them when they break down.Services allow us to budget our time as well as our money. The twentieth century was the age of machine the twenty-first century will be the age of people Buzzwords equal globalization, empowerment, cross functional teams, downsizing, acquire organizations and knowledge workers are changing the representation of life of managers and the way they manage people. 2. STRATEGIES & POLICIES OF SOFTWARE INDUSTRIES 1. Motivation & Retention of Employees Retention and motivation of personnel are major HR concerns today. sight a Gartner group caller-up specializing in management of human capital in IT organizations has observed that the av erage tenure for an IT professional is less than three years. Further, the use of tonic technologies, the support of learning and training, and a challenging environment ranked higher than competitive pay structures as effective retention practices. Our own recent survey of 1028 software professionals from 14 Indian software companies, showed that while the professional gave importance to personal and cultural excogitate-fit, HR managers believed that the report to retention was salary and career satisfaction.Money was a prime incentive for starters, but for those into their third or fourth jobs, their range-addition to the organization was more important. Monetarily, offering the best salaries in industry is the minimum every company is doing, apart from execution of instrumentbased bonuses, long-service awards, and stock options. many an(prenominal) organizations frequently conduct employee satisfaction and organization climate surveys, and are setting up Manpower Allocatio n Cells (MAC) to assign the right project to the right person.In fact, some are even helping employees with their personal and domestic responsibilities to satisfy & motivate their workforce 2. Best Talent Attraction In a tight job market, many organizations often experience precipitous and simultaneous demands for the same kinds of professionals. In their quest for manpower, they are cajoling talent around the world. In such a sellers market, software companies are striving to understand which organizational, job, and reward factors contribute to attracting the best talent one having the right blend of technical and person-bound skills.This would mean a knowledge of the tools of the trade feature with conceptualization and communication skills, capacity for analytical and logical thinking, leadership and team building, creativity and innovation. The Indian software industry suffers from a shortage of experienced people such as systems analysts and project managers, and attracting them is a key HR challenge. 3. Compensation and Reward Increasing demands of technology coupled with a short supply of professionals (with the undeniable expertise) has increased the costs of delivering the technology.This makes incentive compensation a significant feature, with the result that software Copy Right INDIACom-2011 ISSN 0973-7529 ISBN 978-93-80544-00-7 Proceedings of the 5th National Conference INDIACom-2011 companies save moved from conventional pay-for-time methods to a combination of pay-for-knowledge and pay-forperformance plans. With the determinants of pay being profit, performance and value-addition, emphasis is now on profit sharing (employee stock option plans) or performance-based pay, keeping in view the long-term organizational objectives rather than short-term production-based bonuses.Skills, competencies, and commitment supercede loyalty, hard work and length of service. This pressurizes HR teams to devise optimized compensation packages, although compe nsation is not the motivator in this industry. 4. Increasing loyalty and commitment As with any other professional, what really matters to software professionals is selecting the best place to work with, which is what every company is striving to be. The global nature of this industry, and the project-environment has added new cultural dimensions to these firms.In a value-driven culture, values are determined and shared throughout the organization. Typically, areas in which values are expressed are performance, competence, competitiveness, innovation, teamwork, quality, customer service, and care and consideration for people. Flat structure, open and informal culture, authority based on expertise and ability rather than position, and flexi-timings are some of the norms software firms follow. The idea is to make the work place a fun place with the hope of increasing loyalty and commitment. 5.The Demand Supply Gap shortage of IT professionals is global in nature and not peculiar to t he Indian software industry alone. W. Strigel, founder of Software Productivity Centre Inc. (1999) has projected the shortage of software professionals to be one million by 2006. In fact, a survey reports that 75 per cent of US companies planned to reengineer their applications using newer technologies, but found that 72 per cent of their existing staff lacked the skills needed in these technologies, and 14 per cent were not even retrainable. Graph No. 1.Annual demand for IT Professionals For India, it is predicted that in the year 2004 itself, the IT sector will need 1,95,000 professionals. This abridge will continue, and in the year 2010 almost 3,70,000 IT professionals will be filld (Strategic Review Reports, NASSCOM 19962001). Consequently, recruitment managers are exploring new sources of IT manpower from non-IT professional sectors, as well fresh, trainable science graduates. 6. Integrating HR strategy with Business Strategy The strategic HR role focuses on aligning HR pract ices with business strategy.The HR professional is expected to be a strategic partner contributing to the success of business plans, which to a great extent imagine on HR policies pertaining to recruitment, retention, motivation, and reward. The other major areas of concern for HR personnel in this context are, management of change, matching resources to future business requirements, organizational effectiveness, and employee development. 7. promote Quality and Customer focus Today? s corporate culture needs to actively support quality and customer orientation.With globalization and rapid technological change, quality is of utmost importance for the Indian companies, which earn most of their revenues through exports. Hence, the HR professional as a strategic partner needs to shape up a culture of superior quality to ensure customer satisfaction, the only real measure of quality of a product or service. To be competitive today, an organization needs to be customer responsive. Res ponsiveness includes innovation, quick decision-making, leading an industry in price or value, and effectively linking with suppliers and vendors to build a value chain for customers.Employee attitudes correlate highly with customer attitude. The shift to a customer focus redirects attention from the firm to the value chain in which it is embedded. HR practices at bottom a firm should consequently be extended to suppliers and customers outside the firm. 8. Value Addition training for up-gradation of Skills Rapid and unpredictable technological changes, and the increased emphasis on quality of services are compelling software businesses to recruit adaptable and competent employees.Software professionals themselves expect their employers provide them with all the training they may need in order to perform not only in their current projects, but withal in related ones that they may subsequently hold within the organization. As observed by Watts Humphrey, Fellow of the Carnegie Mellon University, as software professionals gain competence, they do not necessarily gain motivation. This is because a creative engineer or scientist who has wise(p) how to accomplish something has little interest in doing it again.Once they have satisfied their curiosity, they may abruptly lose interest and seek an immediate change. And when the rate of technological change is high may be higher than the time required to acquire competence in one area professionals could undergo psychological upheaval owing to the need to work in a new technology throughout their career. They want to gain new knowledge, which will be utilized by their organization. On the basis of the new learning they want to work in higher segments of software value chain. Therefore, constant up-Copy Right INDIACom-2011 ISSN 0973-7529 ISBN 978-93-80544-00-7 Human Resource Challenges & Practices in IT Industry gradation of employee skills poses yet another challenge for HR personnel. 3. CHALLENGES FOR IT INDUSTRY Th e main challenges to the IT Industry are i. Recruitment planning ii. Performance management iii. preparation and development iv. Compensation management v. HRM as whole 1. Recruitment Planning Recruitment planning is most important component in new people management with special reference to IT industry.We have to deal with human assets so it becomes important and have good quality of people in the organization. We have to make water the recruitment planning in very serious manner to ensure that we can get best talent in the organization. 2. Performance management immediately the challenges how to manage the performance of your employees. You have to get right person in a organization to manage your business. The challenge should be to create a performance culture where you can provide opportunities for enhance performance, where optimum performance becomes a way life. 3.Training and development This is another challenging area in IT industry. We have to scum out a suitable stra tegy for training & development so that employees are well equipped to handle the challenges in advance. 4. Compensation management The IT industry is one of the high paying industries. This is very competitive industry, we have to attract best talent, offer best possible compensation package to the employees. Now IT companies are having ESOP with the compensation package. But the really challenge should be how we are able to incorporate all the subsystems in HR.Ultimately this would help the organization for achieving exceptional performance. pot have to be groomed to get in with the performance culture. We have to create an environment that stimulates the creation of knowledge, its sustenance will be the challenge for IT companies in the future. HR department cannot function with traditional systems. Now the role will shift to HR facilitator, to facilitate change process. HR facilitator will have to affect the whole organization in this process and act as a guide, coach, counsel or and facilitator.Any organization in the IT industry will have to face these challenges like Infosys, Satyam, Pentafour, DSQ Software, Micro soft India, Intel India. These IT companies are leaders in their own stride. They have excellent recruitment policies, huge data bank, and placement agencies. They are also having severe tests to ensure that they can get high profile talent that will fit in their culture. They have best performance system that evaluates the organization as whole. They have been able to tackle the quantum of performance with fairly efficient manner.The prime tasks for these IT companies are to build corporate culture. They are diverting all the efforts to build performance driven culture. The major issue for these companies to get right man for right job. We have to find person with the required skills, experiences, mindsets, and also he must be suitable for these organizations. 5. Attrition and Retention IT companies are having high degree of attrition. The challenges for these companies are to keep this attrition rate as low as possible. Various companies gull different techniques to hold their employees like high pay packets, ESOP, other benefits.So we have to keep this attrition rate as low as possible to retain super achievers. CONCLUSION With the advent of a work situation where more and more companies are having to concede that their valued employees are leaving them, a new concept of career and human resource management is bound to emerge. The focus of this new paradigm should not only be to attract, motivate and retain key knowledge workers, but also on how to reinvent careers when the loyalty of the employees is to their brain ware rather than to the organization.With lifetime employment in one company not on the agenda of most employees, jobs will become short term. Todays hightech employees desire a continuous up-gradation of skills, and want work to be exciting and entertaining a trend that requires designing work systems that fulfill such expectations. As employees gain greater expertise and control over their careers, they would reinvest their gain back into their work. HR practitioners must also play a proactive role in software industry. As business partners, they need to be aware of business strategies, and the opportunities and threats facing the organization.As strategists, HR professionals require to achieve integration and fit to an organizations business strategy. As interventionists, they need to adopt an allembracing approach to understanding organizational issues, and their effect on people. Finally, as innovators, they should introduce new processes and procedures, which they believe will increase organizational effectiveness REFERENCES 1. Noe, R. A. , Hollenbeck, J. R. , Gerhart, B. and Patrick, P. M. (2007) Human Resource Management Gaining aCompetitive Advantage, Tata McGraw-Hill, New Delhi. 2. Prasad, K. (2005) Strategic Human Resource Management schoolbook and Cases, Macmillan In dia Ltd. , New Delhi. 3. Kandula,Srinivas R. (2003) Human Resource Management in practice with 300 models Techniques and Tools, Sage, Delhi 4. Rao T. V. , Rao Raju, and Yadav Tara. (2001). A Study of HRD concepts, structure of HRD Copy Right INDIACom-2011 ISSN 0973-7529 ISBN 978-93-80544-00-7 Proceedings of the 5th National Conference INDIACom-2011 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. epartments, and HRD practices in India, Vikalpa, ol 261, No. 1, Jan. -Mar Page 49-62. Siekel Tom. (2002). After CRM, its ERM Employee Relationship Management Indian Management, Vol. 41, Issue 9, July p. 38 Storey J. (ed. ) (1989). New Perspectives in Human Resource Management, Routledge, London, p. 114. Truss Catherine. (2001). Shifting the paradigm in Human Resource Management From the resource based view to complex adaptive system. Published in a Research Paper on Human Resource Management by Kingston Business School, Kingston University Thite, M. 2004) Managing People in the New Economy Targeted HR Practices that Persuade People to Unlock their Knowledge Power, Response Books, New Delhi. Truss, C. (2001) Complexities and Controversies in Linking HRM with Organizational Outcomes Journal of Management Studies, Vol. 38, No. 8. Walker, J. W. and Stopper, W. G. (2000) Developing Human Resource Leaders Human Resource Planning, Vol. 23, No. 1, p. 38-44. Webb, J. (2004) Putting Management Back into Performance A Handbook for Managers and Supervisors, Allen & Unwin, Australia.Joynt, P. and Morton, B. (2005) The orbiculate HR Manager Creating the Seamless Organization, Jaico Publishing House, Mumbai. Jyothi, P. and Venkatesh, D. N. (2006) Human Resource Management, Oxford University Press, New Delhi. Kandola, R. and Fullerton, J. (1994) Managing the Mosaic Diversity in Action, IPD, London. Kandula, S. R. (2004), Human Resource Management in Practice With 300 Models, Techniques and Tools, Prentice Hall of India Private Limited, New Delhi. Copy Right INDIACom-2011 ISSN 0973-7529 ISB N 978-93-80544-00-7

Odysseus V Telemachus

Jon Dunlap3/8/12 Odysseus v TelemachusPeriod 2 Maturity has more to do with what types of experiences youve had, and what youve learned from them, and little to do with how many an(prenominal) birthdays youve celebrated. Anonymous (Thinkexist. com). Maturity is a key theme during the move arounds of Telemachus and Odysseus. In Homers Odyssey the journeys of Telemachus and Odysseus have many similarities and differences much(prenominal) as their putting surface aim and the lessons they learn and only by overcoming these obstacles argon they able to become emotion associate stronger and find success in Ithaca.Odysseus and Telemachus respective journeys have many similarities such as the common enemy the share and the goal they are fighting towards. First, due to Odysseus long absence after the war, he was thought to be dead, which lead to a large influx of suitors wishing to marry Penelope. During The Odyssey the suitors represent a common enemy between Telemachus and Odysseus . The sons are pestering my m opposite to marry them against her will. They are afraid to go to her father hanging about my fathers house never giving as much as a thought to the quantity of wine they drink.No estate can stand such recklessness we have now no Odysseus to ward remove harm from our doors, and I cannot hold my own against them (Butler BK 2). The suitors not only threaten Telemachus right as King of Ithaca, but they also threaten Odysseus home and marriage to Penelope. Next, in addition to sharing a common enemy, Telemachus and Odysseus both have a common goal in mind throughout their journeys to reunite their family. Telemachus hatfuls out to Pylos and Sparta hoping to find his father and drive off the suitors, while Odysseus is also trying to return to Ithaca to visualize his wife and son after his 20 year absence.He uses his powers of persuasion to gain Calypsos choose shortly before leaving her island Goddess, replied Odysseus, do not be angry Penelope is nothing like so t wholly or so stunning as yourself Nevertheless, I want to get home, and can think of nothing else (Butler BK 5). It is this drive and determination that Odysseus and Telemachus eventu onlyy share that eventually able help them in reuniting at the end of The Odyssey. Odysseus and Telemachus have one final thing in common on their journeys they are both aided by Athena.Athena had been an ally of Odysseus since the Trojan War, mainly because she reminded him of herself. Throughout The Odyssey Athena aides both friendes on several occasions Athena begs her father Zeus to allow her to aid Odysseus, so he can go home to his family, Father, son of Kronos, King of kings, it served Aegisthus right it is for Odysseus that my nerve centre bleeds, when I think of his sufferings in that lonely sea-girt island, far away, poor man, from all his friends (Butler BK 1).Athena helps Telemachus by getting him his ship and crew before the journey to search for word of Odysseus, and develops a bond with both of them throughout the story. Despite the many similarities, Odysseus and Telemachus are very different as evidenced by the way they behave, their respective upbringings, and the lessons they learn. The first main difference between Odysseus and Telemachus is the way they behave nether pressure. Odysseus, having had many years of experience and the gift of persuasive speaking, tends to handle problems with patience and careful planning.This can be seen as he charms Nausicaa into aiding him on Scheria, O queen, he said, I implore your aid- but say me, are you a goddess or are you a mortal woman? If you are a goddess you are Zeus young lady Diana, for your face and figure resemble none but hers if on the other hand you are a mortal and live on earth, how proud and dexterous they must feel when they see so fair a scion as yourself going out to a dance I never yet saying any one so beautiful, neither man nor woman, and am lost in admiration as I beho ld you (Butler BK 6).Telemachus, however, lacks this maturity and seems to playact more on impulse. This can be seen when he has an emotional outburst in the Ithacan assembly, Moreover, if I am to be eaten out of house and home at all, I had rather you did the eating yourselves, for I could then take action against you to some purpose, and serve you with notices from house to house till I got paid in full, whereas now I have no remedy. With this Telemachus dashed his staff to the ground and burst into tears. Everyone was very sorry for him, but they all sat still and no one ventured to make him an angry answer (Butler BK 2).One can see that by using his persuasion Odysseus is able to prevail, while Telemachus angry outbursts do nothing but hurt his reputation This absence of maturity ties into the next key difference between Odysseus and Telemachus which is the way that they were raised. Odysseus lived a rich and fulfilling childhood as a prince on Ithaca under his father Laertes and his mother Anticlea. He was given all the guidance and enrichment ask for him to grow into the hero he would eventually become. Telemachus on the other hand, was raised without a father.Odysseus left for the Trojan War when he was only an infant and did not return for 20 years, which meant that Telemachus grew up without the guidance he needed to become a man. Athena was eventually forced to step in and help boost his confidence during Telemachus journey, Athena led the way and Telemachus followed her. Presently she said, Telemachus, you must not be in the least shy or nervous you have taken this voyage to try and find out where your father is buried and how he came by his end so go straight up to Nestor that we may see what he has got to tell us.Beg of him to speak the truth, and he will tell no lies, for he is an excellent person (Butler BK 3). If it werent for this lack of a father, he may have had the courage to stand up to the suitors himself. The final key difference betw een Odysseus and Telemachus is the lessons that they learn throughout The Odyssey. Odysseus and Telemachus both go through a great deal of change during their journeys and each benefit from it. Odysseus learns to set his pride aside.This can be seen as Odysseus is found crying on the beach of Calypsos island, a far different Odysseus than the cunning, arrogant hero pictured in The Iliad, Ulysses was not within he was on the sea-shore as usual, looking out upon the barren ocean with tears in his eyes, groaning and breaking his heart for sorrow (Butler BK 5). This represents his ritual death, because not only is he believed to be dead by Ithaca, but he is at one of his lifes lowest points. It is only after overcoming this that he will be able to return home. Telemachus learns a lesson almost opposite to Odysseus.Telemachus learns to be a man and gains self-confidence. This run of maturation is set in motion by the Goddess Athena in book two where she says to Telemachus, Youll lack ne ither courage nor sense from this day on, not if your fathers spirit courses through your veins- now there was a man, Id say, in words and actions both Few sons are equals of their fathers most fall short, all too hardly a(prenominal) surpass them. But you brave and adept from this day on- Odysseus cunning has hardly given out in you- theres every hope that you will reach your goal (Butler BK 2).Here Athena is telling Telemachus that he will be great and will succeed in his ventures because he is his fathers son. From this moment on we begin to see a very sudden transformation or Rebirth in terms of Telemachus heros journey. He starts from a young defenseless boy, and ends his journey a man. Telemachus and Odysseus respective journeys have many similarities and differences ranging from their common enemy, to the lessons they learn, although the purpose of these journeys is clear to find success in Ithaca.Many factors, be it luck, cunning, or supernatural aid all aid both men in th ese journeys. Telemachus and Odysseus may not be the most similar heroes, but through the challenges they face, they become emotionally stronger and reunite their family erstwhile more. As an anonymous intellectual once said, Anyone can give up its the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you dangle apart, thats true strength (boardofwisdom. com)

An Era of European Imperialism

Unit 2 An Era of European Imperialism Imperialism has had its breadth in existence from a very long time ago, even onwards the industrial Revolution. industrialized countries pursed imperialism for many reasons. Imperialism is the creation and maintenance of an unequal economic, cultural, and territorial relationship, usually between states and often in the form of an empire, which is based on domination and subordination. Although imperialism was in occurrence before the jump and blink of an eye Revolution, it impacted the world in the time between these two innovations.Europe was facing a new era of imperialism, and the First Industrial Revolution was only its way of beginning. The First Industrial Revolution was occurring from 1750 to 1850. This dramatically changed the economic and cultural conditions of the nation based on advances in agriculture, transportation, mining, and manufacturing. With the bungalow industrys advancement to a textile industry, there were mass produc tions of textile with the invention of the Spinning Jenny, and there were also migrations to urban centers.Coal was used as energy during this time. There was population growth throughout this period due to the vast productions, leading people to live longer. Moreover, the invention of the steam boat/ship, in the late 1700s improved travel drastically. The quicker and more reliable steam ships allowed Europe to exploit their colonies. They established colonies in Africa, India, China, the Ottoman Empire, Persia, and South America it was depended that they had a good resource in getting there.They were able to sell their manufactured products in the markets they had set up in these places. All these ideas/manufactures were contributions to not only the Second Industrial Revolution, but also on imperialism which impacted the whole world. Furthermore, the Second Industrial Revolution occurred during the late 1800s to the early 1900s leading onto World War I. This revolution began with the movement of new inventions. Electricity, steel, petroleum, and chemicals were the main new advancements. Electricity replaced coal for energy, and was more efficient.Steel was the new iron, because it was much more durable and lighter, it was even better on the economy. opposite inventions like the light bulb, radio waves, telephones, and the internal combustion engine rapidly spread throughout the world, leading to meshing. Trade labor unions arose, as well as women and labor reforms. All these things were impacts on imperialism throughout the world. Warfare was also an impact on the Industrial Revolution. Technological advancements in warfare made conquering vestigial countries very easy.This made their power and influence stronger. On the other side of the world, we had countries like China and Japan, which was kept, isolated from the world. These places did not want to adapt western influences because it would thrust them from their cultural ways. In China, they were und ergoing what was known as the Boxer Rebellion, which allowed the killing of outsiders who were bringing other influences to China. There was also the Opium War happening in Japan, which allowed the country to alter itself a bit.Because of industrialization, China and Japan were able to grow in ways they would have never achieved if they had never adapted western influences. Although imperialism was in occurrence before the First and Second Revolution, it impacted the world in the time between these two revolutions. Capitalism was a key concept that was used to make profit off of laborers that lived in industrialized areas. Capitalism is an economic and political system in which a countrys trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, earlier than by the state.Basically, this is an economical system based on all greed in money and power. Capitalism controlled the environment in the First and Second Industrial Revolution. The countries and companies that supported capitalism were eventually going to lead laborers to seek new opportunities and resources of growth. This would lead people to seek and explore new places. Exploration would cause victorious advantage of other people, hence, imperialism. The times of the revolutions would lead to imperialism throughout the world because the industries were being operated by capitalism.

Philosophy essay Essay

The nature of inquiry is non one that is grotesque to the human race. From the in truth origin of philosophy, the term for the love of wisdom, individuals have spent countless hours contemplating the well-nigh essential and critical matters before them. These individuals have made substantial attempts to explain reasoning behind the execution of earthly matters, and by virtue of their study, they have happen to be retiren as philosophers. while variant philosophers have contri moreovered to signifi hindquarterst manifestations and theories, the main pre-socratic philosophic movements were of ancient Greek origin and are attri hardlyed to the following philosophersThales, Anaximander, Xenophanes, Heraclitus, and Parmenides. graphic in Miletus, Thales was dis theme with the traditional stories of enchantment known as fictions. Aristotle contributed the fact that he saw him as the very first philosopher, which a very common notion in the redbrick world. His major contribu tions were his beliefs that the bewilder and element of every(prenominal) in all matters is water, and that all things are occupied with gods. The impressive matter is that Thales recognized that in that respect is just one particular base for all things and that it was a naturally occurring substance that was very tangible and real.While there is not much information on Thales, it is speculated that he chose water because of its diversity and physical characteristics that part with for it to prevail in liquid, solid, and gaseous forms. As for his second contribution, the Greeks were firm believers of the immortality of the gods and their occupation in the lives of the humans and the natural world. Therefore, it would not be unusual for them to 2 reside in all things present on the earth. Thales very truly was the very first philosopher as he began the search for the answer to why things happen as they do.The Greek nature was not one to simply accept Thales propositions, but rather they focused on refuting it and providing other alternatives. Anaximander provided his own input on the matter with a theoretical proposition. He claims, that a governing body is in place, in which the Boundless is the infinite source of all, and it is the beginning- there was definitively nothing before it. The key quality of the Boundless is the immortality that it possesses, and further, it encompasses all things and steers all things. This concept of resolute envelopment is seen again in the New Testament, where it is reinforce that God is in all things.The Boundless is neither one thing, nor another, but rather, it maintains its own distinctive persona, and from it came all other things. Anaximander contributed legion(predicate) more developments, but they were all later proved incorrect. However, he does also earth that existing things make reparation to one another for their injustice according to the ordinance of time. This suggests that a match in nature must be properly observed. A hot summer must be counteracted with a cold winter, and so the seasons encroach on the rights as a result of the others and serve them injustice, butreparation is seen at the turn of the seasons. The developments made by Anaximander contradict what was then the Homeric tradition and essentially spurred a cultural crisis as the Greeks were unable to choose between the side of logic or that of myth and legend. A man known as Xenophanes came to the scene of philosophical inquiry when he clearly tell the religious implications of the new ideas of philosophy- a concept strictly avoided by most before him. He begins to recapitulation the very nature of the gods, with the belief that it is shameful to portray them as no better than humans.While Xenophanes was not a disbeliever, he firmly believed in the presence of one god that reigned above all and was very different from 3 mortals in both body and mind. Xenophanes denies association with the gods through inspi ration (i. e. muses) and any proposed revelation does not necessarily guarantee truth. He does, however, push us to format out believes by forever seeking, even though he does not explain how. The belief is that over time, the continuous seeking leave give to better opinions that may eventually be very near truth.He does not disavow that there is the potential that some truth is known, butsimply that there is no such thing as certainty without definitive proof. He goes into the matter that there is a scale of truth, and unbeknownst to us, there is no way to tell on which side our supposed revelations lay. Xenophanes contributes a new direction for thought. The inquisitive that he provides, in fact, dubietys its very own self, which is the basis of epistemology, or the theory of knowledge. Lastly, he provides his belief that only(prenominal) the one god knows the absolute basis and value of the truth, and while we may seek it out, because we are inferior, we cannot know for sur e.Known to the Romans as Heraclitus the obscure this philosopher often wrote in complex riddles. One of his famous thoughts is All things come into being through opposition, and that all are in flux, like a river. The major bit that he provides is that reality in itself is a flux. It is possible to step many times into the same river, but it ordain never exactly be the same as the waters will be different. He postulates that all things are then in flux and are ever-changing, even though they maintain a constant quantity identity over the change. Further, the opposition is necessary to cause events to occur.A lyre will only play medication if tension is pushed onto its strings. What makes a river is the force of the water that constantly runs through it, for without this force, there would be no river. It can be said that Heraclitus was an optimist as he believe that the changes in the world are not chaotic, but are structured by an order that is divine in nature, and therefore, i t is good and beautiful. He stresses the presence of logos, and his belief 4 that those who are intelligent listen to it, while many who do not and are foolish. The many miss this because they fail to recognize the logos that is present in everyday life.Unlike his predecessors in philosophy, Parmenides was not Ionian, but instead from Elea. He wrote a complicated metaphysical poem in which he decrees that the content was revealed to him by divine powers. In his poem, an argument is provided, but rather than to accept it, it beckons one to judge it instead, which makes it philosophical in nature. His argument is divided between the Way of Truth and the Way of Opinion. Interestingly, he makes the point that you cannot regard nothing. When you think, you think of what is, so you cannot think of something that is not, since nothing cannot be something.Parmenides urges people to follow reason, and reason alone. Therefore, he holds the patronage of the very first rationalist philosoph er. Additionally, he believes that all that exists, exists all at once. By existing at once, it evades the concept of being what is not, because that which is not is inconceivable and cannot be thought about. Since the fathering of philosophy by Thales, the developments and inquisitions made by astounding men grew strongly throughout the Pre-Socratic era, and then progressively even more into the more afoot(predicate) era. The most significant early men that helped philosophy take its veryroots were Thales, Anaximander, Xenophanes, Heraclitus, and Parmenides.Collectively, these men brought into question the very essential questions of philosophy that are even still argued and debated furiously over in the modern world. 5 Melchert, Norman. The Great Conversation A Historical Introduction to Philosophy. New York Oxford UP, 2011. Print. Parmenides. Web. 13 Mar. 2012. . Presocratics. SparkNotes. SparkNotes. Web. 13 Mar. 2012. .

Edgar Allan Poe’s Influence on Literature Essay

Edgar Allan Poes influence on American literature was nonhing short of great not only was he the creator of the emissary baloney and the horror thriller, only when he too influenced legion(predicate) great writers, among those William Faulkner and Fyodor Dostoevsky. While Poe is best known for his horror thrillers, being the creator of that particular music musical style, he has also fashioned two other literary genres, like the detective and the light fiction genre. Throughout his life, Poe read, reviewed, and critiqued galore(postnominal) books for various magazines and papers.Poe did not hesitate to attack what he deemed inferior. Is purely too imbecile to merit an prolonged critique, he once wrote of a novel. Beca habituate of his readiness to attack what he believed to be unworthy, Poe helped set high standards for American literature (Meltzer 64). Poe had an influence on both American and non-American writers, like William Faulkner, and Fyodor Dostoevsky. Faulkner, w ho is considered to be the Souths roughly renowned novelist, will be forever linked to Poe. Both writers were fanatically obsessed with what made cosmos good and what made it evil.Their writings also dealt with common elements, like narcissistic doubling, vengeance, and violence (Wyatt-Brown). In Faulkners The Sound and the Fury, the incestuous relationship between two of the characters, Quentin and Caddy Compson, draws a parallel between Poes own incestuous relationship with his first cousin, Virginia (Wyatt-Brown). Fyodor Dostoevsky, a Russian novelist, was also greatly influenced by Poe. Dostoevskys novel, Crime and Punishment depicts a man who commits murder and becomes increasingly guilty by dint ofout the novel because of it, until he is finally urged to confess by the woman he loves.The novels plot was prefigured in Poes A ordinate Tale Heart, which portrays a man who commits a murder and is driven insane by the guilt as he hears the heart beating from underneath the floor boards, where he had stored the body. Dostoevsky once declared that Poe roughly always narrows the most exceptional reality and endows it with such lucubrate that the reader is convinced of its possibility, of its reality, when objectively the yield or situation is impossible. (Wyatt-Brown) Dostoevskys opinion on the matter relates exceptionally with Poes A Tell Tale Heart.One would not believe the story to hold even a semblance of reality, as Poe has infused the short story with the most absurd of details that make it so obviously impossible however, art object reading one becomes on the whole immersed in the story that it does not seem so absurd anymore. consort to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, writer of the famous detective series, Sherlock Holmes, Edgar Allan Poe is the father of the detective story (Meltzer 83). Doyle was of the opinion that Poe had covered the genres limits so completely, that he could not see how his followers could find any fresh found of their own (83).S ir Arthur Conan Doyles very own character, Sherlock Holmes, was inspired by C. Auguste Dupin, the detective of the stories who began the detective genre (Binns 114). Among many of Edgar Allan Poes writings is The Murders in the Rue mortuary, one of the Dupin stories. This story was the first ever detective story to be printed, which made it the archetype for the modern detective story (Meltzer 83). Although The Murders in the Rue Morgue was the first ever detective story to ever see print, Poe did incorporate new elements into other kit and caboodle that writers of detective fiction still make use of.For example, in The Purloined Letter and Thou Art the Man, Poe introduced post-mortem examinations, ballistic evidence, and the frame-up (104). Many believe Poe had begun the science fiction genre (Binns 114). His first attempt was Hans Pfall, a story in which a man travels to the moon on a revolutionized balloon. Poe included actual facts into his story, mixing it with entirely false scientific facts to make the story believable (Meltzer 64). Poes innovations would later expand the modern science fiction genre.His vivid imagination veered off from scientific facts to create believable details to incorporate into his stories. These details anticipated later discoveries in both geography and astronomy (64). Science fiction writers like H. G. come up and Jules Verne learned a great deal from Poe, which they integrated into their own writings. The belief that Poe began the science fiction genre may also be attributed to Poes complicated piece of writing which explained his own view of the universe.constantan A Prose Poem was published in March of 1848, and in it, Poe introduced his theory, a mixture of science, theology, and intuition. Poe theorized that God existed onward matter. God created the first atoms. They scattered to create the universe. They are all trying to join back together, but when they do, they will be scattered again. Poes theory caused an upse t in society, as it was not Christian however, others believed it to be brilliant, as it showed both insight and clear thought (Binns 100). Poes influence has not curb itself on just literature.Alfred Hitchcock, director of classic suspense films like Vertigo and Psycho has stated that Poe was the reasonableness he began directing films (Burlingame 100). And, as Hitchcock has become an influential being himself, with many other directors using elements from his films, Poe has indirectly influenced them as well. Aside from literature and films, Poes name and lyrics have been used among many musicians. Thirty Seconds to impair uses a quote from The Raven Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before. at the end of their video for Hurricane. The quote seems entirely fitting, as the video, which embraces several(prenominal) of Poes own elements, like vengeance and violence, is entirely surreal a nd evokes a sense of fear as theyre being pursued by masked men. However, they fight back, not letting the men take control of them, refusing to become martyrs. Like many of Poes writings, the video seems ambiguous, open for many interpretations. Although Poe has long passed away, he still continues to influence todays society. Writers will continue to use the elements he created in their stories. depiction directors will continue to use his stylistic elements to portray a sense of Poe into their films. Musicians will continue to use Poes lyrics in their music, as well as use different aspects of his writings in their videos. non only will Poe continue to influence them, but he will also continue to take place with people through his works. People will continue to connect with Poe, just like previous generations have, through the themes of his writings, and through the understanding that Poe was just as misunderstood and criticized as the rest of us.

Essay over the electoral college Essay

In the United States today, we use the Electoral College to decide who is going to be the follo bring home the bacong electric chair. The establishment is not necessarily won by popular vote. The founding fathers opted for the Electoral College, because they were panic-stricken of the masses. They wanted the president to be chosen by those who are qualified, well informed, and corroborate the ability to chose a president more than efficiently then the so called mob.Although I believe the Electoral College demand many changes, it is necessary in order to pay back a successful government that is fair. Thee main argument against the Electoral College is that the presidency should be won by popular vote al iodine. It shouldnt be that one candidate could get ahead the popular vote, just lose the election. At first I completely agreed with this, because we do extend in a democracy, and I believe that a democracy is a government for the wad by the people. This would mean that the mass population decides who is the president, not a hand picked group of men to vote on who they wish, because they do not always have to vote on the candidate in which the state has voted the volume on. Although the Electoral College may take away the presidency from the candidate that won the major(ip)ity vote, it evens things out across the nation.The Electoral College is necessary to make every state important in the voting process. If you did not have the Electoral College, those who were running for office would only campaign in the major states, that way they could get the majority of the population. For example the candidate would advertise and campaign in New York, especially New York City, because at that place is such a vast amount of people who live thither, so he would try to assure that he had the votes for this city, and majority of the state, and would not have to worry closely Montana. They candidate would then not go to little less populated states like Montana, South or North Dakota.He would not worry about the states or cities that had little populations, because are all he needs to worry about is that the majority of the people in the United States vote for him. It would be much easier to win an election by getting more people in more populated cities to vote, and not worrying about the little populations. This in incident takes away from the idea of a democracy, because it conveys the message that the only thing a presidential candidateneeds to worry about is getting the majority of the votes, and this does not have to be all over the nation, because there are parts of the nation that the population well exceeds other parts.The founding fathers developed the electoral college because they were afraid of what the government would be like if the masses were allowed to determine who they wanted in office. They were aware that it would turn into a popularity thing, and that is not what was needed in order to run a government effic iently. Although the population must have a say in the government, there has to be some form of control, and that was the basis of the Electoral College.I think that in order for the Electoral College to be successful, and to function properly, there has to be some major changes to it. The biggest change needs to be the fact that the electors themselves need to be abolished. I think that it should be posit up to where the popular vote in the state decides whom the electoral votes from the state go. The majority of the time this is what happens, but it does not have to. If an elector wanted to vote for someone other then that the state distribute popular vote to, they very well could. I do not think that it should be allowed, because by doing that it takes the democracy out of the government, because it is never a certain thing that the populace wish will be carried out. If you want to go even farther you could break it down into districts with in the state. Each district gets one Electoral College vote, and the vote goes to the candidate in which has the majority of that district.The Electoral College is definitely needed in this rural area in order for the election process to be fair to all states and thus to all constituents. Although winsome by popular votes sounds like the way to go in a democracy, it is not. If that were the case then there would be no equality among states, and the fact that everybody matters in a democracy would not be. There would be very little concentration on other small or less populated states, because you could win the election without them.

The Hunters: Phantom Chapter 20

Cookies, Alaric say gravely. becoming thinks she could manage to choke trim rump a hardly a(prenominal) cookies. Just to keep her strength up.Cookies, got it, said Meredith, rummaging in Mrs. Flowerss kitchen cabinet to engender a motley bowl. She clunked a big china bowl that was probably older than she was onto the counter and checked the refrigerator. Eggs, milk, preciselyter. flour in the freezer. Vanil a and sugar in the cupboard.Look at you, Alaric said admiringly as Meredith unwrap a stick of butter. You dont even wish a recipe. Is there anything you cant do?Lots of things, Meredith replied, ba contendg in the devotion of Alarics gaze.What can I do to help? he asked cheerful y.You can get another(prenominal) mix bowl and beat rod two cups of flour and a teaspoon of baking powder into it, Meredith told him. Il beat the butter with the other ingredients in this bowl, and then we can effectuate them together.Got it. Alaric found a bowl and measuring cups and started to mea trusted kayoed the items. Meredith watched his strong, tanned hands confidently leveling off the flour. Alaric had gorgeous hands, she thought. His shoulders were nice, too, and his face. Al of him, realistic y.She established she was ogling her boyfriend instead of stirring, and mat up her cheeks color, even though no one was watching her. Pass me the measuring cups when youre done with them?He handed them to her. I bonk something scarys going on, and I want to foster Bonnie, too, he said, smiling a shortsighted, but I think she competency be milking the situation a little. She loves that everyones pampering her.Bonnies being very brave, said Meredith primly, then flashed him a grin, and, yes, she world power be milking it. gym mat came down the steps and into the kitchen. I think peradventure Bonnie should select some tea when she gets out of her bubble bath, he said. Mrs. Flowers is busy sendting protective spel s on the supplyroom Bonnie chose, but she said she has a mix of chamomile and rosemary that would be good, and to put honey in it.Meredith rivet on mixing the cookie ingredients together as Matt boiled water and careful y measured dried herbs and honey to make the tea to Mrs. Flowerss exact specifications. When he final y finished fussing over it, Matt picked up the fragile teacup and saucer careful y.Wait, maybe Id better take the whole megabucks up, he said. As he searched for a tray to carry it on, he asked,Meredith, are you sure you and Bonnie got everything she might need from her house?She was up there for nearly a half minute. She got everything she precious, said Meredith, and if we missed anything, Im sure Mrs. Flowers has some extras.Good, said Matt, his handsome face intent as he picked up the tea tray without spil ing anything. I bonnie now want to make sure Bonnies okay.He left over(p)-hand(a) the kitchen, and Meredith listened to his footsteps heading back upstairs. Once he was out of earshot, she and Ala ric both burst out laughing.Yes, shes definitely milking it, said Meredith, when shed stopped giggling.Alaric pul ed her toward him. His face was full and intent now, and Meredith caught her breath. When they were this close, she could receive the hidden flecks of gold in his hazel eyes, and they felt like a surreptitious provided Meredith knew.I love how you take care of your friend, Alaric told her, his region low. What I love most is that you deal shes pushing it as far as she can, seeing what youl do for her, and you laugh, but youre stil going to give her whatever she needs. He frowned a little. No, thats not make up. I do love how you see the funny side of it, but what I love most is how wel you take care of everyone you can. He pul ed her closer stil . I dissemble mostly I love you, Meredith.Meredith kissed him. How could she have worried that Celia would spot between them? It was like there had been a mist fil ing her eyes, making it so that she was unable to see t he simple truth Alaric was crazy closely her. subsequently a minute, she broke the kiss and turned back to the cookie dough. Get a cookie sheet, would you? she asked. Alaric stood stil for a moment. Okay he said. Closing her eyes, Meredith summoned al her strength. She had to tel him. She had promised herself she would. He handed her a cookie sheet and she busied herself by scooping spoonfuls of dough onto it. Theres something I need to tel you, Alaric, she said.Alaric froze next to her. What is it? he asked, his congresswoman wary.Its going to sound unbelievable.He gave a snort of laughter. More unbelievable than everything else thats happened since I met you?Sort of, Meredith said. Or, at least, its specifical y about me this time. Ive been It was hard to swear. I fetch from a family of vampire hunters. Al my life, Ive been training to fight. I guess taking care of batch is a family trait. She smiled weakly.Alaric stared at her.Say something, Meredith prompted after a moment . He pushed his pilus out of his eyes and looked wildly nearly. I dont know what to say. Im surprised you never told me this. I thought he paused that we knew each other real y wel .My family said Meredith miserably. They do me swear that I would keep our secret. I never told anybody until a few days ago.Alaric closed his eyes for a minute and touch his palms against them hard. When he discovert-to-heart them, he looked calmer. I understand. I do.Wait, said Meredith. Theres to a greater extent. The cookie sheet was ful , and she cast about for something else to occupy her hands and eyes art object she talked. She settled on a dish towel and twisted it nervously. Do you remember that Klaus attacked my grandfather?Alaric nodded.Wel , I found out a few days ago that he also attacked me, and stole my chum the brother Id never known I had and took him outdoor(a) and made him a vampire. And he left me I was only three some kind of half vampire. A living girl, but one who mand atory to eat blood sausage and sometimes had sharp teeth like a kittens.Oh, Meredith Alarics face was ful of compassion, and he moved toward her, hands out. Toward me, Meredith noted. Not away, not afraid.Wait, she said again. Elena asked the Guardians to mixed bag things to the way they would have been if Klaus never came here. She put down the dish towel. So it never happened.What? Alaric said, staring at her.Meredith nodded, a helpless, confused smile bedspread over her face. My grandfather died in a retirement home in Florida two years ago. I have a brother one I dont remember, unfortunately he got sent away to embarkment school when we were twelve and joined the military as soon as he turned eighteen. obviously hes the problem child of the family. She took a deep breath. Im not a vampire. Not even a half vampire. Not now.Alaric was stil staring at her. Wow, he said. Wait a minute. Does that mean that Klaus is stil alive? Could he come here, come after your family now?I th ought of that, Meredith said, glad to address the practicalities. I dont think so. Elena asked the Guardians to change Fel s Church so it was as if Klaus never came here. She didnt ask them to change Klaus and his experience. For him, I think, logical y, he did come here, long ago, and now hes dead. She smiled shakily. I hope so, anyway.So youre safe, Alaric said, as safe as a vampire hunter might be. Is that al you needed to tel me? When Meredith nodded, he reached for her and pul ed her back into his arms. Holding her tightly, he said. I would have loved you with sharp teeth, too. But Im so glad for you.Meredith closed her eyes. She had needed to tel him, to know how he would have reacted if the Guardians hadnt changed everything. A great warming gladness spread al through her.Alaric pressed his lips against her hair.Wait, she said once more, and he released her, looking inquisitive.The cookies. Meredith laughed and put them in the oven, setting the timer for ten minutes.They kiss ed until the bell shape rang.Are you sure youl be okay alone? Matt asked anxiously, standing by Bonnies bed. Il be right downstairs if you need anything. Or maybe I should stay here. I could sleep on your floor. I know I snore, but Id try not to, I swear.Bonnie gave him a brave little smile. Il be fine, Matt. convey you so much.With one last worried glance, Matt patted her hand awkwardly, then left the room. Bonnie knew he would toss and turn on his own bed, thinking of ways to keep her safe. plausibly he would end up sleeping on the floor outside her door, she thought, giving a cheery little wriggle.Sleep wel , my dear, said Mrs. Flowers, taking his place by Bonnies bedside. I have cast al the protective charms I know around you. I hope you like the tea. Its my own special brew.Thank you, Mrs. Flowers, Bonnie said. Good night.You are enjoying this way too much, said Meredith, who came in next carrying a collection plate of cookies. She was limping, but had insisted that she di dnt need a cane or crutch as long as her ankle was bandaged.In fact Bonnie took a closer look at Meredith. Her cheeks were flushed, and her usual y smooth hair was a little mussed. I think shes very glad that Celias gone to UVA, Bonnie thought with a smirk.Im honourable trying to keep my spirits up, Bonnie said with a mischievous smile. And you know what they say When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. My lemonade is having Matt trying to fulfil my every need. Its too bad we dont have more boys around here.Dont forget about Alaric, said Meredith. He helped make the cookies. And hes downstairs researching everything he can that might be related to this.Ah, everyone catering to me, thats what I like, Bonnie joked. Did I tel you how much I enjoyed the dinner you made? Al my favorites it was like my birthday. Or my last meal, she added more soberly.Meredith frowned. Are you sure you dont want me to stay in here? I know weve protected the house as wel as we can, but we dont real y kn ow what were fighting. And just because the last couple of attacks took place in daylight with the whole group around, it doesnt unavoidably mean thats the way they have to be. What if whatever this is can get past our defenses?I wil be fine, said Bonnie. Intel ectual y she knew she was in risk of exposure, but oddly, she didnt feel scared. She was in a house with people she trusted, al of whom were focused wholeheartedly on her safety. Besides, she had a plan for the night something she couldnt do if Meredith slept in the room.Are you sure? Meredith fretted.Yes, Bonnie said emphatical y. If something bad was going to happen to me tonight, Id know in advance, right?Because Im psychic, and I get warnings about things.Hmmm, said Meredith, quirking one eyebrow. For a moment she looked like she was going to argue. Bonnie kept her gaze firm. nett y, Meredith put the tray of cookies on the table by the bed next to the teapot and cup Matt had brought up earlier, pul ed the curtains acr oss the window, and looked anxiously around to see what else could be done.Okay, then, she said. Il be right next door if you need me.Thanks, Mer. Good night. As soon as the knob clicked into place, Bonnie lay back in bed and spotlight into a cookie. Delicious.A slow smile bloomed on her lips. She was the center of attention now, as if she were a Victorian heroine bravely suffering from some kind of wasting il ness. She had been encouraged to pick out her favorite of the boardinghouses many bedrooms and had chosen this one. It was a charming room with creamy rose-patterned wal paper and a maple sledge bed.Matt hadnt left her side al night. Mrs. Flowers had fussed around her, fluffing pil ows and offering her herbal tonics, and Alaric had been conscientiously researching protection spel s in al the grimoires he could find. Even Celia, who had never been anything but snippy to her about her visions, promised before she left to permit her know as soon as she found something helpful.B onnie turned on her side, inhaling the sweet tone of Mrs. Flowerss tea. Here in this cozy room, it was impossible to feel like she needed protection, that she could be in danger this very second.But was she? What was the time frame after ones name was cal ed? After Celias name had appeared, she had been attacked at bottom the hour. After Merediths had appeared, she hadnt been attacked until the next day. Maybe things were getting more spaced out. Maybe Bonnie wasnt going to be in danger until tomorrow or the next day. Or next week. And Damons name had appeared before Bonnies did.Bonnies skin tingled at the thought of Damons name in lake weeds. Damon was dead. She had seen him die and in fact hed died for her (although everyone else, in their compassion for Elena, seemed to have forgotten that). But the appearance of his name must mean something. And she was determined to figure out just what. She listened. She could hear the sounds of Meredith moving around in the room next door w ith a steady pound that suggested she was practicing with her stave, and from down below came the faint voices of Matt, Alaric, and Mrs. Flowers talking in the study.Bonnie could wait. She poured herself a cup of tea, crunched on another cookie, and wiggled her toes pleasurably under the soft pink sheets. She sort of liked being a supernatural invalid.An hour later, she had finished her cup of tea and al the cookies, and the house was quieter. It was time. She climbed out of bed, her too-long polka-dotted pajama pants flapping around her ankles, and opened her overnight bag. While Meredith had waited downstairs at her house, she had pried up the loose board by her bed and taken out Traversing the Boundaries Between the Quick and the Dead, a book of matches, a silver knife, and the four candles she needed for the ritual. promptly she took them out of her bag and rol ed back the rug by the bed so she could crouch on the floor.Tonight, nothing was going to stop her. She was going to reach Damon. Maybe he could tel her what was going on. Or maybe he was in some sort of danger, in whatever plane dead vampires ended up on, and needed to be warned. In any case, she missed him. Bonnie hunched her shoulders and wrapped her arms around herself for a moment. Damons death had hurt her, not that anyone had noticed. Everyones attention, everyones sympathies, had been directed toward Elena. As usual.Bonnie got back to work. Quickly, she lit the original candle and, dripping wax on the floor to anchor it upright, placed it to her north. Fire in the North, protect me, she whispered. She lit them in widdershins order black to the north, white to the west, black to the south, white to the east. When the circle of protection was accomplished around her, she closed her eyes and sat quietly for a few moments, focusing herself, reaching to find the power at her center. When she opened her eyes, she took a deep breath, picked up the silver knife, and quickly, without giving hers elf time to sniveller out, cut a gash across her left palm.Ouch, she muttered, and turned her hand over, dripping blood on the floor in front of her. Then she dabbed the fingers of her right hand in the blood and smeared a bit on each candle.Bonnies skin tingled painful y as magic rose around her. Her senses honed, and she could see tiny movements in the air, as if flashes of light were appearing and disappearing just out of sight.Through the shabbiness I cal to you, she intoned. She didnt need to look at the book she had memorized this part. With my blood I cal to you with fire and silver I cal to you. Hear me through the cold beyond the grave. Hear me through the shadows beyond the night. I summon you. I have need of you. Hear me and comeThe room went stil . It was the stil ness of expectation, as if some great savage were holding its breath. Bonnie felt like an entire audience stood around her, suspended in eagerness. The obliterate between the worlds was about to lift. She h ad no doubts.Damon Salvatore, she said clearly. Come to me.Nothing happened.Damon Salvatore, Bonnie said again, less confidently,come to me.The tension, the feeling of magic in the room was beginning to dissipate, as if her invisible audience were quietly spook away.Yet Bonnie knew the spel had worked. She had a funny, blank, cutoff feeling, like when she was talking on the phone and her carrier abruptly dropped the cal . Her cal had gone through, she was sure of it, but there was no one on the other end. Only what did it mean? Was Damons soul just gone?Suddenly Bonnie heard something. A light breathing, just a smidge out of time with her own.There was someone right shtup her.The hairs rose on the back of her neck. She hadnt broken the circle of protection. Nothing should be able to cross into that circle, certainly no spirit, but whoever was behind her was inside the circle, so close to Bonnie that they were almost touching her.Bonnie froze. Then slowly, careful y, she put down her hand and felt for the knife. Damon? she whispered uncertainly.A tinkling laugh sounded behind her, fol owed by a low voice. Damon doesnt want to talk to you. The voice was honey-sweet, but somehow also poisonous-sounding, insidious and oddly familiar. wherefore not? Bonnie asked shakily.He doesnt love you, the voice said in a soft, persuasive tone. He never even noticed you were there, unless there was something he wanted from you. Or perhaps if he wanted to make Elena jealous. You know that.Bonnie swal owed, too afraid to turn around, too afraid to see who the voice belonged to.Damon saw only Elena. Damon loved only Elena. Even now that hes dead and lost to her, he wont hear you cal ing, the voice lilted. Nobody loves you, Bonnie. Everyone loves Elena, and thats how she likes it. Elena keeps everyone for herself.A burning sensation began behind Bonnies eyes, and a single hot countercurrent ran down her cheek.No one wil ever love you, the voice whispered. Not when youre standin g next to Elena. why do you think no one ever saw you as anything but Elenas friend? Al the way through school, she was standing in the sunshine and you were hidden in her shadow. Elena made sure of that. She couldnt channel to share the spotlight.The words rattled inside Bonnies mind, and suddenly something inside her shifted. The icy terror shed felt just moments ago had thawed, making way for roiling anger. The voice was right. Why had she never seen it before?Elena was Bonnies friend only because Bonnie was a foil for her own beauty, her own sparkle. She had been using her for years without caring how Bonnie felt at al .She cares only about herself, Bonnie said, half sobbing.Why cant anyone see that? She shoved the book away from her and it knocked over the black candle to her north, breaking the circle. The wick smoked and guttered, and al four candles went out.Ahhhh, said the voice in satisfaction, and tendrils of dark fogginess began to creep from the corners of the room. Ju st as quickly as her fear had left her, it snapped back. Bonnie spun around, holding the knife, ready to face the voice, but there was no one there just dark, amorphous fog. Hysteria wel ing within her, she got to her feet and stumbled toward the door. But the fog moved quickly, and soon Bonnie was enveloped in it. Something fel with a clatter. She couldnt see more than a few inches. Bonnie opened her mouth and tried to scream, but the fog flowed over her lips, and her scream turned into a muffled moan. She felt her grip on the knife badger and it dropped to the floor with a dul clank. Her vision grew blurry. Bonnie tried to lift her foot but could barely move.Then, blind by the fog, she lost her balance and pitched forward into darkness.