Monday, December 23, 2019

Ralph Waldo Emerson And Henry David Thoreau - 971 Words

Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau were the giants during the 19th century American Transcendentalism movement. Their influential work brought upon shared beliefs on concerning spiritual perspectives, government interference, and the ideology of cultural values in American society. Nature has a multitude of meaning if looked at it from all angles, but deeper within nature is the reflection of what you exert while in it. However they agree on the human condition, the two authors speak with different tones that reflect how nature affects the entirety of man’s spirit. While both Emerson and Thoreau practice the spirit of the human condition, Emerson focused his energy on how â€Å"[nature’s] philosophical import [is]†¦unchanged by man† (215.) where Thoreau implied that we are â€Å"subjects of an experiment† (1051). Transcendentalism was a literary movement in the 19th century that deliberately pushed forth the exploration to define spirituality and nature in a new context. So much as it is to explore, the movement had an undertone of rebellion against current societal circumstances in which writers during this time sought to change not only their environment, but also the reinvention of oneself. Also simultaneously, the Industrial Revolution took place during this time and glorified the economic growth, which sparked an era of new human thinking. In Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Nature, Emerson creates a dualistic view of the universe by representing the spiritShow MoreRelatedRalph Waldo Emerson And Henry David Thoreau Essay723 Words   |  3 Pagesparticularly famous transcendentalists were Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s renowned essay, â€Å"Nature† demonstrates the transcendentalists’ fascination with the natural world and their belief in its divinity. A fantastic quote from â€Å"Nature† is â€Å"Within these plantations of God, a decorum and sanctity reign, a perennial festival is dressed, and the guest sees not how he should tire of them in a thousand years.† In this quote, Emerson refers to nature as â€Å"God’s plantation†Read MoreRalph Waldo Emerson And Henry David Thoreau1336 Words   |  6 PagesRalph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau are two of the most influential writers of the Nineteenth Century. They influenced t he American society and future writers to become an individual through their own writings. Transforming a movement known as Transcendentalism, both Emerson and Thoreau used this simple idea of nature, society and individualism to their advantage. Both used this simple idea to not only understand themselves, but also the world around them. Emerson and Thoreau held many ofRead MoreHenry David Thoreau And Ralph Waldo Emerson1604 Words   |  7 Pagespar. 1) Henry David Thoreau reminds us about the importance of simplicity, authenticity, and downright disobedience. Born July 12, 1817, just west of Boston in Concord, Massachusetts, his father operated a pencil factory and his mother rented rooms out to boarders. Thoreau graduated in 1837 from Harvard College, but did not take on assumed careers in law or medicine, he went on into education. After a failed attempt at teaching he befriended American philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson was aRead MoreHenry David Thoreau And Ralph Wal do Emerson1992 Words   |  8 PagesHenry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, a group of transcendentalists who brought great ideals with them through the mid 1800’s. Their philosophy stated that people needed to stay true to themselves and their own ideas, not those of society. One essay where Thoreau thoroughly exemplifies this is in Civil Disobedience. Throughout this essay, Thoreau tries to show his point that even though the government consists of more people, it will not always be correct. This means that the majority doesRead MoreTranscendentalism : Henry David Thoreau And Ralph Waldo Emerson847 Words   |  4 Pagespower or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau are two transcendentalists that have different views on freedom. Our project, representing freedom, shows a person how to live his or her life in a way of freedom shown by Emerson and Thoreau. Together, we did research on the transcendentalists: Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. We studied these men in the essays that we learned about during class. We found someRead MoreTranscendentalism And Ralph Waldo Emerson And Henry David Thoreau807 Words   |  4 Pagesfamous ambassadors, Ralph Waldo Emerson and apprentice Henry David Thoreau. These men believed nature is what forces us not to depend on other ideas but to develop our own. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 25, 1803 as the fourth child in a family of eight, Ralph Waldo Emerson was brought up in an atmosphere where seven of his ancestors were ministers, and his father, William Emerson (who died when Emerson was eight), was minister of the First Church (Unitarian) of Boston. Emerson graduated in 1821Read MoreComparing Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau892 Words   |  4 Pagesand times in which they live. In the essay â€Å"Self Reliance† by Ralph Waldo Emerson, and the book Walden by Henry David Thoreau, the authors speak out against conformity and materialism in society. Both were romanticism authors during the 1800s. They focused on simplicity and individuality. Both writings can advise teenagers today on the importance of non-conformity and the value of rejecting materialism. In â€Å"Self Reliance†, Emerson discusses being one’s own person and not allowing society to moldRead MoreTranscendentalism : Ralph Waldo Emerson And Henry David Thoreau967 Words   |  4 PagesRalph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau are two of the most inspiring and accomplished writers to ever walk upon this Earth. They dared to question how people lived and how people should live. They were light years ahead of their time with their transcendentalist ideas. Transcendentalism can be defined by this quote, â€Å"People... have knowledge about themselves and the world around them that transcends... what they can see, hear, taste, touch or feel†(History). This is a perfect explanation forRead MoreAnalysis Of Ralph Waldo Emerson And Henry David Thoreau1183 Words   |  5 Pagesby the means of the senses. As the two most prominent figures in the transcendentalist movement, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau whole-heartedly embrace the principles of n ature through different means and individually argue for the notion of individuality and self-expression in the writings of â€Å"solitude† (Thoreau) and â€Å"Nature† (Emerson). In the beginning of Chapter one of â€Å"Nature,† Emerson describes the notion of solitude as emerging oneself into nature and leaving behind all preoccupyingRead More Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau as Fathers of Transcendentalism730 Words   |  3 PagesRalph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau as Fathers of Transcendentalism Transcendentalism was a movement in writing that took place in the mid-nineteenth century. It formed in the early to mid nineteenth century and reached it climax around 1850 during an era commonly referred to as the American Renaissance, America’s Golden Day, or the Flowering of New England. The basic tenets of Transcendentalism involve the relationships between one’s self and the world at large. First, the search

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Microarray Student Free Essays

In the cell cytoplasm, the ribosome reads the sequence of the Mrs. in groups of three bases to assemble the protein. D. We will write a custom essay sample on Microarray Student or any similar topic only for you Order Now What is the resulting primary sequence Of the protein you made in the interactive? Mennonite, Lucien, Aspartic Acid, Valise, Phenylalanine 2. Go to the â€Å"DNA Microfarad Virtual Lab† found at the university of Tutu’s Learn-Genetics: Genetic Science Learning Center’s website: http://learn. Genetics. Utah. Du/content/labs/microfarad/ 3. Click on the microfarad slide to begin. Then choose Chapter 2 â€Å"Measuring Gene Expression† and go on through Chapter 3 â€Å"The Experiment†. Complete the interactive a first time without writing anything down. 4. Answer the following questions as you work through the virtual DNA microfarad a second time. . What can scientists look for to see which genes are turned on in a particular cell? Provide an example. Scientists use DNA microfarad’s that used techniques allowing the amount of Mrs. transcribed by each gene which allows scientists to determine which genes are expressed to a cell. To do so, they use PC to make copies of a gene and then DNA is placed on the microfarad. An example of this is when the DNA microfarad’s can be used to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (Snaps). B. Why are tissue samples from healthy and cancer cells taken from the same patient? Both samples are elected to be able to compare the cells, look at differences in gene expression in cells that have the exact genetic blue print. C. How is RNA separated from the rest of the tissue? In order to be separated, RNA samples are mixed with organic solvents, and then they run through a vortex and centrifuge. D. Describe the process used to isolate Mrs. from the other types of RNA. RNA is different from other types of RNA because it is the only type that has Poly-A tails, having several adenine amino acids at the end of the molecule. E. Explain how samples are marked. Cancerous cells are red and healthy cells are green. . Why is it necessary to make a CDMA copy? Why is Mrs. not used? RNA is not used because DNA is a more stable compared to RNA Making a CDMA copy is necessary to visualize the CDMA later on. This is possible because when you make the CDMA copy, you incorporate a fluorescent label in the molecule. G. Draw a diagram of the process of how labeled DNA copies are made. Label the important components of the process. Your diagram should be in color. Turned in. H. What does CDMA stand for and what was used as a template to create it? CDMA stands for complimentary DNA fragments. The reverse transcription of Mrs. allows for single stranded CDMA to be made. I. What happens once you apply the DNA from the two samples to the DNA microfarad? On the microfarad there are many identical copies of the same genes on certain spots, each spot represents a different gene. J. What does the red color indicate? The red color indicates genes that were induced by elevated CA. K. What does the green color indicate? The green color indicates that the gene was strongly repressed by cancer cells. L. What does the yellow color indicate? The yellow color indicates that the gene was neither strongly expressed nor strongly repressed in cancer cells. . What conclusions can you make from microfarad data? Microfarad data is a collection Of DNA spots attached to a solid surface that’s used to measure the expression levels of large numbers of genes simultaneously or to genotype multiple regions of a genome. . Does every red spot mean that the genes in that spot are bad? Explain. Not every red spot is cancerous. Red spots on the merged image represent genes that have had their expression turned up or on in the cancerous tissues and are not expressed in normal cells, the they are not always cancerous. O. What are the limitations of DNA microfarad technology? The quality and amount of RNA remains a ma jor challenge in the microfarad experiments. The amount of obtained tissue and the complexity of the tissue sample itself limit the quality and quantity of RNA that can be isolated. Therefore, clinical studies that are published using the microfarad approach are performed in settings where biological samples are abundant and easily obtainable. 5. Complete the Paper Microfarad analysis that comes with the kit. Part II: Smoking and Lung Cancer Grandpa Joe, Judy Smith’s father, has been a smoker for the past thirty years. Last year, Grandpa Joe came down with a cold that turned into pneumonia. It took him more than a month to recover. The family is very concerned he is going to develop lung cancer. They heard about a study being conducted at the local hospital that is exploring lung-cancer associated genes in smokers and non-smokers. The family convinces Grandpa Joe to participate in the study in order to learn more about his risk for developing lung cancer. The study is investigating six genes thought to be involved with lung cancer using DNA microfarad technology. The researchers hope to compare gene expression of the six genes of interest between smokers and non-smokers in order to gain more knowledge of what causes a normal lung cell to become cancerous. You have been assigned to the study. Your first task is to learn more about the six genes of interest. Below are descriptions for the six genes of interest: Gene Name (and Symbol): Protein Function: Prediction: Gene l: Human carcinogenicity antigen (CANDACE) This gene codes for a protein that is located in the extracurricular matrix. This protein is involved with adhesion between cells and is thought to be a proto- nosecone and when over-expressed is an nosecone. Expressed in smoker. We predict that the CANDACE will progress to the form of a tumor or untie to harbor that potential. Gene 2: Surfactant protein B (SIFTS) This gene codes for an extracurricular protein. This protein enhances the rate of spreading and increases the stability of pulmonary’ surfactant, a lipid-rich material that prevents lung collapse by lowering surface tension at the air- liquid interface in the alveoli of the lungs. Expressed in the Smoker. This gene can possibly progress to spread a higher production of cells or possibly a higher rate of cancer, maybe in the lungs. Gene 3: POP tumor suppressor (HTTP) This gene codes for a protein that is located in the mitochondria and in the nucleolus. This protein is involved with cell cycle checkpoints. This gene is a tumor suppressor gene and is thought to be the â€Å"Guardian of the Genome. † Suppressed in the smoker. I predict this gene is unlikely to get cancer as it monitors cell production, etc. To prevent tumors. Gene 4: CRY This gene codes for a protein that is located in the nucleus. The protein that this gene codes for is testis-determining factor (UDF) which initiates male sex determination. This protein has no function in lung cells. Not expressed in either. Non-smoker-?yellow. This gene probably determines whether or not you get cancer based on cell production. Assume it contributes to getting cancer, unless in the lung cells, where there would be no increase or decrease in likeliness. Gene S: Stockroom IPPP (COPY AY) This gene codes for a protein that is located in the endoplasmic reticulum. The protein catalysts reactions involved in drug metabolism and synthesizes cholesterol, steroids, and other lipids. The expression of this protein is induced by some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PARS), some of which are found in cigarette smoke. Suppressed in smoker. This gene will contribute to causing cancer if deregulated because it controls cell signaling pathways. Gene 6: Clinical 3(SPEC) This gene codes for a protein that is located in the plasma membrane and extracurricular matrix. The gene controls cellular response to damage and may control cellular growth regulation and apotheosis. This gene is considered to be a tumor suppressor gene for lung cancer. Suppressed in smoker. This gene decreases your risk of cancer as it controls cell self-destruction and responds to damage or advances in cell growth 6. Highlight or underline any interesting or important information about the function of each protein. 7. Predict how these genes will be expressed in a DNA microfarad of a smoker versus a non-smoker. Would you expect the genes to be induced in the smoker (more expressed), suppressed in the smoker (less expressed), not expressed in either the smoker or the non- smoker, or expressed the same in both the smoker and non-smoker? In a DNA microfarad, I would expect these DNA genes to have a bit of diversity. I think Gene 1 and 2 will be likely induced as they can contribute to overall cell production, 4 would be unaffected as Mr.. Smith is testing for lung cancer, and 3, 5, and 6 to be suppressed as they work to control cell production and smoking destroys several of their functions. For example, Gene 6 works to control cell apotheosis– if smoking ruins the chances for a cell to destroy itself, production can get out of control. 8. Record your predictions in the Prediction column of the above table. Part Ill: Microfarad Wet Lab Now that you know more about the six genes of interest, your job is to perform a simulated DNA microfarad using tissue samples taken from Grandpa Joe and a non-smoker’s tissue samples. How to cite Microarray Student, Papers

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Supply Chain Management System Tesco

Question: You are to identify the component activities for an organisation of choice then evaluate the performance objectives used by each and critically examine and suggest ways in which the performance could be improved? Answer: Introduction We are considering the company Tesco. It is known that Tesco is the second largest chain of retail in the UK and the fourth largest retail chain in the world. There are 12 countries in the world where the retail chain is present in the Europe as well as in Asia. Tesco is the market leader in the grocery division in the countries like Malaysia, Thailand, UK and Hungary and other countries. The retail chain was opened in the year 1924. Tesco being one of the well known retail chain in the world, and it has a well developed supply chain management system as well as performance objective measures (Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014, 2015). Though the company has a well developed supply chain there are certain changes that needs to be implemented into the system so that the company can prosper. The company ventured in the convenience store format when the retail chain opened the Tesco Express stores. 20000 stocks of the products can be hold by the large Tesco stores, thus it need s to have a well developed supply chain management (Fernie, 2004). A well developed supply chain is needed for the company so that the company can have the delivery of the goods at the correct time and they are able to receive the correct quantity of the goods at the correct window of the stores. Thus it needs to be seen that the services that the company provides to the people would not have been possible without the support of the service levels which the company gets. Supply Chain Management The process of supply chain management can be said as the process which is strategic as well as systematic in nature, it includes the tactics that can be applied to the processes of the business and also the other business that are associated with it. The main aim of the supply chain is to improve the long term performance of the company and also the companies that are associated with the company (Hines, 2013). Supply chain management process involves the process of sourcing, conversion as well as procurement and all the logistical activities of the company. There are certain players like the suppliers, customers and the intermediaries associated with the company, the work of the supply chain is to provide a coordination and collaboration among them (COMPETING THROUGH LOGISTICS, 2015). Thus it can be said that the main function of the supply chain management is to integrate the demand and the supply of the company as well as to the entire business that the company has. The supply chain process in Tesco The supply chain management system of Tesco relied heavily on the improvement of the process. This concept was used by the company in the sense that the company wants to create loyalty for the customers for life time basis. The supply chain of the company was in the process from the period of 1983-1996. During that period the company took some serious steps to improve the supply chain of the company. The electronic data interchange was introduced by the company, there were certain other services that the company took the initiative of like centralized distribution, scanning of the point of sale, automated control of warehouse and centralized ordering. The supply chain manager of the company at that time from the year 1985 to 2002 was Graham Booth (Retailgazette.co.uk, 2015). According to him this replenishment was triggered by the need of the customers. He felt that the need to have the same set of suppliers along the distribution centers of the company as well vehicles that supply t he goods to the company as well as the entire chain of the company would be ideal for the company (Xie and Allen, 2013). The company had 23654 stores in the year 2005 throughout the world out of which 1780 stores were in the UK. There were 12 countries where the internal operations of the company were spread. The company gained competitive advantage over the competitors and they tried to maintain that position. The company tried to do so, by incorporating innovations which was due to the demand of the customers. More over the company wanted to maintain a cordial as well as strong relation with the suppliers of the company so that they are able to get the goods on time and so that the company is able to deliver safe and sustainable product to the customers. The delivery process adopted by Tesco and the operation management Earlier delivery process- It was seen in the retail chain in the earlier tomes that the product was delivered to the depots of the company rather than the individual outlet of the company. During the late 80s and 90s it was seen that the company had 26 depots and the goods were delivered to those depots. Those depots were small and they were inefficient ('Tesco now plays a team game', 2000). It was also seen that the volume of the goods that were delivered to the stores were also low and it was not economic for the company to deliver the goods in one day. There were certain problems that the depot faced was that these were not able to handle the growth in the sales and the need for the high standard cooling as well as temperature control were not possible for the company. The problems faced by the company The customers- There was a way that Tesco carried out the business that was the company used to pile up the goods and they later sold those at cheaper rates to the people. This was the philosophy that the people believed earlier. As the people became richer, they started to demand more luxurious goods and expensive products (Sparks, 2015). There was a bad phase that was going for the company as the company was not able to deliver the goods as per the demand of the people. Several stores were closed at that time as the demand of the goods fell in the stores of Tesco. A few of the small capacity stores of the company were running which were refurbished so as to make the stores friendlier for the people. Suppliers- The supply chain and the logistic of the company were not developed and the company had to depend on the suppliers of the company for the supply of the goods to the retail outlets of the company. The large stores were able to afford the cost of the delivery from the suppliers but it was not possible for the small stores (Kamath, 2015). The method of the transportation of the goods from the suppliers was a problem for the company as the suppliers were not sure of how much to send to the outlets. With so many stores operating and with so much range of product it was not possible for the company to keep track of the products in all the stores. Employees- in order to benefit the employee the company introduced the system of EPOS (electronic point of sale) by which the company was able keep the track of the goods that were sold. When the customers make any purchase then the employees need to use the bar code reader so that they are able to record the transaction and thus they are able to tally the record with the stock keeping unit of the company (Ryle, 2015). The cumulative sales of the company are recorded in the information exchange of Tesco. Performance objectives of the company There are five performance objectives of the company they are quality, speed, dependability, flexibility, and cost. Quality- in order to maintain the quality standards the company used to order the only what was needed by the company for the next day. It was done so that there are no stocks left in the outlets of the company for the next day. Thus it increased the capacity of the depots as they were able to reuse the depots for stocking other products. The delivery in the stores is done by two waves (Special Topic Forum on Resources and Supply Chain Management, 2013). It is done in specific times and was delivered to the defined windows of the store so that the products were available to the stores throughout the day and thus it would support the changes in the demands of the people and also to maintain the quality of the items. Speed- the delivery of the goods at the right counter of the store is essential and at a faster rate so that the people are able to get the products at the right shelf at the right time. In order for the company to be efficient as well as fast, the company has several distribution systems so that the company is able to ensure that there is high availability if the goods and those are done in high speeds and are transported to the right block of the company (Jacobs, Chase, Aquilano and Chase, 2009). Dependability- Tesco is the third largest retail chain in the global retail business, the company has several diversified business in the area of telecoms, clothing, car insurance, internet services apart from the food and the drinks. The company has six ranges of stores that are operational under the Tesco brand. They are the Tesco Extra stores which are large in size, then the hypermarkets, Tesco super stores the Tesco metros and the Tesco express stores. Tesco was the first retailer that offered home shopping since the year 1996 (Lindgreen and Hingley, 2003). Thus the people can depend on Tesco as they are able to find a Tesco in every block of the neighborhood. Flexibility- flexibility is ensured at all the outlets of the retail chain so that it is able to serve the customers very well. The flexibility of the jobs is ensured so that the company are able to save the time. The company moves the products throughout their modern and proficient supply chain into their multi-format, well located network of store, which is ready for the customers to buy the products 24 hours a day (TESCO: A CASE STUDY IN SUPER MARKET EXCELLENCE, 2004). The company has made noticeable improvements in the process of supply chain; it has done so by shortening the length of the logistics programmes and focusing on attribution, traceability and greater control. Cost- the Company is upgrading their logistic practices in order to reduce the cost and improve the reliability of the suppliers. The radio frequency identification technology of the company takes the handles the additional responsibility of the distribution process (ComputerWeekly.com, 2015). The company operates in various countries thus there arises a need for the increased use of information technology Conclusion To be concluded that the process of supply chain and operation management is a system of associates which converts essential products that are called upstream, and the finished products or the downstream and these are valued by the end customers who are main evaluators of the products and the services at every level. More over the company is aiming to become a zero carbon company by the end of 2050. There are certain ideas that the company has incorporated like the Tesco in a Box which is a supply chain that are positioned when the company enters in a new country. It was seen that when the company enters in a new location in the foreign market there is erosion of the resources since each market are different from the others (Tesco and Society Report 2013, 2015). But it was seen that the standardized system of Tesco in the process of supply chain and the inventory management as well as operation of the store prevent the company from the erosion. The company tries to build a stronger r elation with the suppliers as well as the customers. The company decided to bring 1000 of the suppliers of the company under the hub in the hope that the company cut 30% of the emissions of carbon from the supply chain of the company by 2020 (Mentzer, 2004). The solution to the supply chain that the company got was aimed at reduction of the materials, waste, energy and the use of water. The company aims to achieve the objectives with the help of the 20000 professionals with in the wider community of the company under the knowledge hub of the company. References Annual Report and Financial Statements 2014. (2015). 1st ed. [ebook] Available at: https://www.tescoplc.com/files/pdf/reports/ar14/download_strategic_report.pdf [Accessed 31 Mar. 2015]. ComputerWeekly.com, (2015).Tesco uses supply chain analytics to save 100m a year. [online] Available at: https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240182951/Tesco-uses-supply-chain-analytics-to-save-100m-a-year [Accessed 4 Apr. 2015]. Fernie, J. (2004).Logistics Retail Management. London: Kogan Page. Hines, T. (2013).Supply chain strategies. New York: Routledge. Jacobs, F., Chase, R., Aquilano, N. and Chase, R. (2009).Operations and supply management. Boston: McGraw-Hill. Kamath, R. (2015).Trent's Tesco edge can speed up profitability. [online] Business-standard.com. Available at: https://www.business-standard.com/article/management/trent-s-tesco-edge-can-speed-up-profitability-113122300958_1.html [Accessed 4 Apr. 2015]. Lindgreen, A. and Hingley, M. (2003). The impact of food safety and animal welfare policies on supply chain management.British Food Journal, 105(6), pp.328-349. Mentzer, J. (2004).Fundamentals of supply chain management. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications. Retailgazette.co.uk, (2015).Tesco creates worlds largest supply chain group- Retail Gazette. [online] Available at: https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/articles/40420-tesco-creates-worlds-largest-supply-chain-group [Accessed 31 Mar. 2015]. Ryle, S. (2015).The Making of Tesco: A Story of British Shopping. Sparks, L. (2015).Supply Chain Management and Retailing. 1st ed. [ebook] Available at: https://www.supplychain-forum.com/documents/articles/SCFIJvol11-4-2010-Sparks.pdf [Accessed 4 Apr. 2015]. Special Topic Forum on Resources and Supply Chain Management. (2013).J Supply Chain Manag, 49(3), pp.111-111. Tesco and Society Report 2013. (2015). 1st ed. [ebook] Available at: https://www.tescoplc.com/files/pdf/reports/tesco_and_society_2013_ipad.pdf [Accessed 31 Mar. 2015]. Tesco now plays a team game. (2000).Team Performance Management: An International Journal, 6(5/6). Tesco staff keep hands on the wheel. (2009).Strategic Direction, 25(9), pp.5-8. TESCO: A CASE STU DY IN SUPER MARKET EXCELLENCE. (2004). 1st ed. [ebook] Available at: https://www.coriolisresearch.com/pdfs/coriolis_tesco_study_in_excellence.pdf [Accessed 31 Mar. 2015]. Xie, Y. and Allen, C. (2013). Information technologies in retail supply chains: a comparison of Tesco and Asda.IJBPSCM, 5(1), p.46.

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Marketing and Pages Unit free essay sample

Unit 2: Resources (P5, P7, M3, D2, D1) Unit 2: Business Resources P5 Is The Business Profitable? The closing capitals for both years are very similar and propose that not only is the business very profitable but it is also maintaining its financial position within the market. 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Task 1a (U1:P1 and P2) Newsagents The purpose of a newsagents shop is to deliver newspapers to various customers. The shop Premium 3979 Words 16 Pages Pdf Unit 45 Level 3 Health and Social Care Unit 45: Independent Learning in Health and Social Care Unit code: D/600/9026 QCF Level 3: BTEC Nationals Credit value: 10 Guided learning hours: 60 Aim and purpose This unit aims to enable learners to work independently and contribute effectively in a learning environment. Learners will be Premium 3600 Words 15 Pages Unit 3 BTEC National Subsidiary Diploma/Diploma/Extended Diploma in Business Unit 3 / Introduction to Marketing Task 3 Checklist This task will address P3, P4, M2 and D2 of the Unit. 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(P8) I recently sat with a group of children aged 2-4 years in the book corner during group time, the children were all parti Premium 2863 Words 12 Pages Unit 1 Task Sheet BTEC First in Business Unit 1: Business Purposes ASSIGNMENT Assessment Activity Front Sheet This front sheet must be completed by the student where appropriate and included with the work submitted for assessment. |Students Name: |Asses Premium 996 Words 4 Pages Btec Ict Unit 10 Unit 10: Unit code: QCF Level 3: Credit value: Communication Technologies F/601/7264 BTEC in Computing 10 Guided learning hours: 60 Aim and purpose The aim of this unit is to ensure learners understand the  communication principles of computer networks, know the elements of data communicati Premium 2563 Words 11 Pages Unit 34 P1 P2 P3 and M1 BTEC Frontsheet Date issued Completion date Submitted on 7th May 2013 Qualification 18th June 2013 Unit number and title BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business Unit 34 Website Design Strategy Assignment title Website Design In this assessment you will have opportunit Premium 1954 Words 8 Pages Unit 11 P1 Unit 11: Unit code: QCF Level 3: Credit value: Safeguarding Adults and Promoting Independence K/600/8963 BTEC Nationals 10 Guided learning hours: 60 Aim and purpose This unit aims to enable learners to be aware of different types of abuse and to understand why this may happen. 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Monday, November 25, 2019

The 11 Natural Log Rules You Need to Know

The 11 Natural Log Rules You Need to Know SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips If you’re taking a high school or college math class, you’ll likely cover natural logs.But what are natural logs? What is ln? Why does the letter e keep showing up? Natural logs may seem difficult, but once you understand a few key natural log rules, you’ll be able to easily solve even very complicated-looking problems.In this guide, we explain the four most important natural logarithm rules, discuss other natural log properties you should know, go over several examples of varying difficulty, and explain how natural logs differ from other logarithms. What Is ln? The natural log, or ln, is the inverse of e. The letter ‘e’ represents a mathematical constant also known as the natural exponent.Like π, e is a mathematical constant and has a set value. The value of e is equal to approximately 2.71828. e appears in many instances in mathematics, including scenarios about compound interest, growth equations, and decay equations.ln(x) is the time needed to grow to x, whileexis the amount of growth that has occurred after time x. Because e is used so commonly in math and economics, and people in these fields often need to take the logarithm with a base of e of a number to solve an equation or find a value, the natural log was created as a shortcut way to write and calculate log base e. The natural log simply lets people reading the problem know that you're taking the logarithm, with a base of e, of a number. So ln(x) = loge(x). As an example,ln(5) = loge(5) = 1.609. The 4 Key Natural Log Rules There are four main rules you need to know when working with natural logs, and you’ll see each of them again and again in your math problems. Know these well because they can be confusing the first time you see them, and you want to make sure you have basic rules like these down solid before moving on to more difficult logarithm topics. Product Rule ln(x)( y) = ln(x) + ln(y) The natural log of the multiplication of x and y is the sum of the ln of x and ln of y. Example: ln(8)(6) = ln(8) + ln(6) Quotient Rule ln(x/y) = ln(x) - ln(y) The natural log of the division of x and y is the difference of the ln of x and ln of y. Example: ln(7/4) = ln(7) - ln(4) Reciprocal Rule ln(1/x)=−ln(x) The natural log of the reciprocal of x is the opposite of the ln of x. Example: ln(⅓)= -ln(3) Power Rule ln(xy) = y * ln(x) The natural log of x raised to the power of y is y times the ln of x. Example: ln(52) = 2 * ln(5) Key Natural Log Properties In addition to the four natural logarithm rules discussed above, there are also several ln properties you need to know if you’re studying natural logs. Have these memorized so you can quickly move onto the next step of the problem without wasting time trying to remember common ln properties. Scenario ln Property ln of a Negative Number The ln of a negative number is undefined ln of 0 ln(0) is undefined ln of 1 ln(1)=0 ln of Infinity ln(∞)= ∞ ln of e ln(e)=1 ln of e raised to the x power ln(ex) = x e raised to the ln power eln(x)=x As you can see from the final three rows, ln(e)=1, and this is true even if one is raised to the power of the other. This is because the ln and eare inverse functions of each other. Natural Log Sample Problems Now it’s time to put your skills to the test and ensure you understand the ln rules by applying them to example problems. Below are three sample problems. Try to work them out on your own before reading through the explanation. Problem 1 Evaluate ln (72/5) First, we use the quotient rule to get: ln(72) - ln(5). Next, we use the power rule to get: 2ln(7) -ln(5). If you don’t have a calculator, you can leave the equation like this, or you can calculate the natural log values: 2(1.946) - 1.609 = 3.891 - 1.609 = 2.283. Problem 2 Evaluate ln(e) /7 For this problem, we need to remember than ln(e)=1 This means the problem simplifies to 1/7, which is our answer Problem 3 Solve ln (5x-6)=2 When you have multiple variables within the ln parentheses, you want to make e the base and everything else the exponent of e. Then you’ll get ln and e next to each other and, as we know from the natural log rules, eln(x)=x. So, the equation becomes eln(5x-6)=e2 Since eln(x)=x, eln(5x-6)= 5x-6 Therefore 5x-6= e2 Since e is a constant, you can then figure out the value of e2, either by using the e key on your calculator or using e’s estimated value of 2.718. 5x-6 =7.389 Now we’d add 6 to both sides 5x= 13.389 Finally, we’d divide both sides by 5. x= 2.678 How Are Natural Logs Different From Other Logarithms? As a reminder, a logarithm is the opposite of a power. If you take the log of a number, you’re undoing the exponent.The key difference between natural logs and other logarithms is the base being used. Logarithms typically use a base of 10 (although it can be a different value, which will be specified), while natural logs will always use a base of e. This means ln(x)=loge(x) If you need to convert between logarithms and natural logs, use the following two equations: log10(x)= ln(x) / ln(10) ln(x) = log10(x)/ log10(e) Other than the difference in the base (which is a big difference) the logarithm rules and the natural logarithm rules are the same: Logarithm Rules ln Rules log(xy)=log(x)+log(y) ln(xy)= ln(x)+ln(y) log(x/y)=log(x)−log(y) ln(x/y)=ln(x)−ln(y) log(xa)= alog(x) ln(xa)= aln(x) log(10x)= x ln(ex)= x 10log(x)= x eln(x)= x Summary: Natural Log Rules The natural log, or ln, is the inverse of e.The rules of natural logs may seem counterintuitive at first, but once you learn them they’re quite simple to remember and apply to practice problems. The four main ln rules are: ln(x)( y) = ln(x) + ln(y) ln(x/y) = ln(x) - ln(y) ln(1/x)=−ln(x) n(xy) = y*ln(x) The key difference between natural logs and other logarithms is the base being used. What's Next? Writing a research paper for school but not sure what to write about?Our guide to research paper topicshas over 100 topics in ten categories so you can be sure to find the perfect topic for you. Want to know the fastest and easiest ways to convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius?We've got you covered!Check out our guide to the best ways to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit(or vice versa). Taking the SAT or ACT?Students often struggle most with the Math section of these tests, but check out our comprehensive guides to SAT Math and ACT Math for everything you need to know to ace these math questions.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Censorship - We Must Not Restrict Speech

We can not restrict racial discrimination of speech, and gender discrimination and homosexual aversion are developed in university campuses throughout the country. Correspondingly, many universities adopt policies that restrict prejudice problems by limiting speech. Many administrators believe that alternatives to this restriction are educational opportunities to enable paranoia and deprive them of their goals. The university's ability to eliminate prejudice within campus is not ultimately an ability to punish racists, but rather by deep efforts on equality and educational principles. Carol: In my opinion, John Stuart Miller's most powerful argument about freedom of speech is that, when restricting speech, it must decide which government authorities have the right to consider. It may not be a government agency that you trust that you review. Companies are easily censored. There is also a website onlinecensorship.org, another team called EFF and Visualizing Impact that seeks to track the occurrence of this situation. The straight line is very clear. If you are a very strong person, you let others leave the platform. If you are a man without power, you will not do so When talking about censorship in the United States, we often talk about how people accept results. People in our country do not actually restrict their speech in a meaningful way. They have countless ways to convey their message. They have not been imprisoned in most cases. There are defects. Do Neo Nazi's disgusting messages meet the community standards of social media sites? In fact, most social media sites claim that they prohibit dislikes that they dislikes under their terms of use. In fact, their implementation of these standards is questionable. Over the years many women and minorities have shared posts that enable discrimination by racial discrimination and gender by social media. Censorship is suppression of freedom of expression and is usually based on freedom of speech that harms or harm th e public. Expression may be restricted because it is judged to be obscene, blasphemic, non-patriotic, agitative or immoral. The term review usually applies to government restrictions on freedom of expression in public places, such as laws restricting the display of Nazi flags, government officials closing the display of public art. However, efforts to restrict freedom of expression are not review in the government's sense, but may also arise from private organizations best known as non-governmental issues. For example, a publisher may cancel a contract for a book. Theater creator opponents can advertise and boycott the financial supporters of the movie. Freedom of speech, censorship, problems other than government, review of voluntary restrictions, self-censorship Censorship - We Must Not Restrict Speech We can not restrict racial discrimination of speech, and gender discrimination and homosexual aversion are developed in university campuses throughout the country. Correspondingly, many universities adopt policies that restrict prejudice problems by limiting speech. Many administrators believe that alternatives to this restriction are educational opportunities to enable paranoia and deprive them of their goals. The university's ability to eliminate prejudice within campus is not ultimately an ability to punish racists, but rather by deep efforts on equality and educational principles. Carol: In my opinion, John Stuart Miller's most powerful argument about freedom of speech is that, when restricting speech, it must decide which government authorities have the right to consider. It may not be a government agency that you trust that you review. Companies are easily censored. There is also a website onlinecensorship.org, another team called EFF and Visualizing Impact that seeks to track the occurrence of this situation. The straight line is very clear. If you are a very strong person, you let others leave the platform. If you are a man without power, you will not do so When talking about censorship in the United States, we often talk about how people accept results. People in our country do not actually restrict their speech in a meaningful way. They have countless ways to convey their message. They have not been imprisoned in most cases. There are defects. Do Neo Nazi's disgusting messages meet the community standards of social media sites? In fact, most social media sites claim that they prohibit dislikes that they dislikes under their terms of use. In fact, their implementation of these standards is questionable. Over the years many women and minorities have shared posts that enable discrimination by racial discrimination and gender by social media. Censorship is suppression of freedom of expression and is usually based on freedom of speech that harms or harm th e public. Expression may be restricted because it is judged to be obscene, blasphemic, non-patriotic, agitative or immoral. The term review usually applies to government restrictions on freedom of expression in public places, such as laws restricting the display of Nazi flags, government officials closing the display of public art. However, efforts to restrict freedom of expression are not review in the government's sense, but may also arise from private organizations best known as non-governmental issues. For example, a publisher may cancel a contract for a book. Theater creator opponents can advertise and boycott the financial supporters of the movie. Freedom of speech, censorship, problems other than government, review of voluntary restrictions, self-censorship

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Methods to deal with difficult trainees while conducting training - Research Paper

Methods to deal with difficult trainees while conducting training - THIS IS FOR A TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT COURSE - Research Paper Example Introduction: Training and development have become the quintessential factors for effective human resource development in contemporary organizations, and therefore are the value-adding factors for organizational growth and sustenance. Instead of the conventional theoretical approach to learning, training is adopted to impart learning in organizations, which Lall and Sharma define as â€Å"a systematic procedure or technique by which a skill is developed in a person/employee of an organization,† (2009, p.444). The main components of any training include trainer, trainee, training methods, and time and resources. Trainer refers to the individual that imparts learning through various activities and with the use of his/her knowledge, understanding, experience of the topic to be learned and about the individuals that are interested in learning a specific topic; these individuals that seek learning through involvement, action and commitment are referred to as the trainees. The train ees’ characteristics, skills, and motivations help the trainer in determining the training method to be used to deliver the training. Trainer will have to adopt specific approaches to handle different types of trainees and to address any behavioural issues that can affect the training execution and effectiveness. Based on teachings from literature and case studies, an analysis will be performed to understand the implications of trainee personalities on their own learning and on the other trainees as well as the impact of these personalities on the training effectiveness. Finally, conclusions will be drawn based on key findings and analysis. 2. Literature review: Effectiveness of any training can be seen only when the trainees are able to apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired through the training course to work areas or real-time situations (Nijman et al., 2006). This requires optimum commitment from both trainees and trainers; however, studies identify a number o f reasons for training ineffectiveness one of which includes disruptive trainee behavior, such as anger and talkativeness as seen in following case studies. 2.a. Case study 1: Angry Trainee Hara (2010b) explains about a case where controversial subjects are taught to about 20-25 students in order to make them understand about the possible existence of different perspectives to a subject. One such subject related to the position of women in the U.S culture, which thwarted a student, Tina, resulting in a furious reaction refusing to read such topics as it challenged her belief about the status of women in the U.S culture. If such a thing was to happen in a training course related to organizational development, the trainees and the organizations will be affected. When the trainees express their anger during a training session, it will certainly affect the motivation and morale of the rest of the trainees. In this case, misunderstanding and misinterpretation will increase between the tr ainees coming from different cultural backgrounds. 2.b. Case study 2: Talkative Trainee Hara (2010a) describes the case of talkative Nancy and how this behavior disrupts the concentration and morale of other members in the session. Quoting an example of a student in a classroom, the author refers to Nancy as the ‘know it all-Nancy,’ who always tries to give all the information that she has related to the subject being discussed and goes beyond the subject topic to give information. Hara (2010a)

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Cnet report 221 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cnet report 221 - Essay Example This is why Nguyen will still have revenue even if he stops creating updates for the game. I think Nguyen decided well because Flappy Bird was turning out to be like Candy Crush and those other apps people lose time and sleep over. Nguyen was only doing what he thinks is morally right and I applaud him for choosing right over money. The article talks about how the remake of RoboCop proves that the kind of technology seen in the movie is actually not that unreachable or fantasy-like as in the original installment of the movie. Statt shares that because the scientists of today are actually conducting experiments on controlling prosthetic limbs and a human’s brain, the technological elements present in the movie are not as unrealistic as when the original movie came out. Statt continues to describe a few advances and milestones in science today, comparing them to some aspects of the new RoboCop. He writes, however, that creating killer robots like those in the movie are not that close to reality yet. Although the information in the article is amazing, it is a bit scary for me, thinking that we are close to developing half humans/half robots. A future world similar to RoboCop’s world is daunting because it lacks the sense of warmth brought by the thought of interacting with another human. Also robots have a way of malfunctioning so that can be dangerous and the world might be like that in the movie I, Robot instead. The article talks about how Apple is trying to come up with an iWatch which is not only designed to be fashionable but helpful in keep track of one’s health. Apple together with important people from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, fashion designers, medical sensor wizards, sleep researchers, exercise physiologists and fitness experts is making digital health accessible to consumers. I think Apple is doing something right this time. I am glad it is using its technology to help

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Inspirational ideas and thinking Essay Example for Free

Inspirational ideas and thinking Essay How can a certain story thrill our sense and especially our understanding about the real world? The Lord of the Rings is a story depicting the people’s thirst and desire for power which caused them to oppress mankind and the battle between good and evil. Tolkien created this story during the first ever made world war and continued it until the Second World War happened. Eventually, Tolkien was determined by taking the challenge of making a world symbolized by mythology. Back in his period, he loved tale telling to children and at those children that he was inspired to create the hobbit’s existence. This story is considered as better than that of the other fantasy stories because lord of the rings tells more about reality, the story was not made just to entertain nor thrill the readers and watchers of the book and movies, rather because the movie depicts more about true events. You can even see patterns of similarity in some of the world’s history in the different parts of the trilogy. The story wanted readers to realize that there are such people in earth that possesses greed of power and that greed causes them to create cruelty to mankind and destruction to other territory, nation, and to the person himself. The lord of the ring story can be like our socio-political and also economical structure which was tended to be showed by creating the film. The film was made for people to clearly envision and comprehend the world (Eaton, 2003). The lord of the ring has been successful because people appreciated its artistic way of showing the parallelism between the story itself and the reality about the world in which it is hidden. The film was said to be making everyone believe that there are really changes that had happened in the world; from a world of calmness and peace into a chaotic world of war. It showed the history when a person desired and went on chasing for the power to certainly have the authority above all people, a person who really wanted to rule the world. This part was depicted when everyone seemed to desire the ring’s power and all the troubles in the story then started in the journey of the ring bearer (Eaton, 2003). In the story of the lord of the ring, a lot of enemies were chasing the ring bearer because they wanted to have the power, battles always happen because â€Å"Frodo† the ring bearer does not want to hand the ring to those who are evil. It is showed in the reality when two countries were starving for the power, the power that will make them to be above all, which is depicted by the ring, caused them to plan for destruction to each other’s territory. And a lot of people were killed who innocently knew nothing about the war (Eaton, 2003). Like the story part of the two towers, it is seen from a certain people, in the desert country part of the earth, who wanted to conquer the middle earth through their power, but had failed from successfully doing so, they are now dead but still their aim was said to be alive because of their avid followers who continuously plan for another conquer (Eaton, 2003). The story of the twin towers of the Lord of the Rings is about the hunger for power in order to be the king that has the authority above all. The middle-earth is depicting the real world in which they both have the same characteristics of cruelty and greed for power. Another example event of this that can be seen from the events on the history is about the World War II in which a certain leader of a certain territory and a dictator of another territory merged their full power and invaded another territory to conquer. It was the history of domination of a certain continent of the world with the use of power and authority (Eaton, 2003). The story of the Lord of the Ring was based on a reality which inspired the writer of the story. It started from a true story of history about war in where the author grew up. The languages, in which the author of the book wrote, came from a place whose dialect was never listed as a part of that place’s language. The author developed it with the combination of his own styles of language and created then the language for his elves character (Society. , 1996-2007). Tolkien wrote his epic making the ring as a material thing that depicts the evilness, it is explained that the ring has its own willing power; it has the power to control the person who uses it no matter what the person do to stop it from its willing power (Novelguide.com, 1999-2007). According to the author, the ring cannot be used for good purposes but rather it is only used for doing evil things and that it controls the person no matter how strong he resist from doing something evil (Novelguide. com, 1999-2007). Tolkien said that the ring is evil in its nature which comes from both human’s inner initiative and an outer force that commands him (Novelguide. com, 1999-2007). In reality, I can say that the â€Å"ring† is the power with the combination of being greed possessed by a person; it is what makes them do evil. An over desire for power and authority makes people lose their heart in exchange for ego contentment. The ring is believed to be an evil in nature because it corrupts the person’s kindness and change it into strong desires. The ring drags the person to do extremes which is unstoppable because it has an unending power. According to Tolkien the ring is a symbol of strong power. In the trilogy of the ring Frodo sees a lot of knight riding horses only when he wears the ring and loses sight of them when he removes it from his finger (Novelguide.com, 1999-2007). It is also like the evilness that power can arise to a person’s character, that because of the privileges that the power gives that certain person that he could not see the negative side of those things he tend to do; that only if he lose his power would he understand what he had caused and only when he lose his power would he return to his true self again. Power is like a chest of gold that will make a person capable of obtaining everything that he or she desires for him or herself that’s why it can bring out the evil side of a person. It can change a person from a goodhearted one into a greed and cruel person. In reality many of the listed people in history were written because of their negative leadership or cruelty to mankind because they have in their hands an uncontrollable power. Like when an authoritative and powerful man in the World War II told his soldiers to kill all the Jews. It was an act of evilness that he was able to do because he possesses a lot of power in him that blinded him from the distinction between good and evil (Novelguide. com, 1999-2007). The author of the story said that a man who has the ring will not be able to die but will not also be able to acquire more of his life; rather he will continue his life until such time that the evilness will conquer him (Novelguide. com, 1999-2007). This statement of the author tends to explain that a person who acquired great power and used it for evilness will never die, it is because he may be written in history with all the negative things he had done. But then the darkness will conquer his soul in exchange (Novelguide. com, 1999-2007). The lord of the rings by Tolkien does not have gods; people rely on their selves as in reality which is considered the philosophy of communism by Karl Marx in which states that people rely on their capabilities and that God exist only in people’s mind because they tend to seek for someone to save them. The evilness occurs because people abuse their powers and tends to have and desire more power that that of what they already posses. In the trilogy of the lord of the ring, Frodo with his other companions such as Sam, Aragorn, and Gandalf went to a dangerous journey heading the place of Mordor where they planned to totally destroy the ring. In their journey, the ring bearer with his friends had gone through a lot of fights against the dark ones. This scene depicts how people tend to stop the true evil in this world, which they seek of a way of how to destroy the force that creates evil even in a life threatening way. The movie tended to show that it is better to lose ones life that that of to lose the life of the crowd. Another interpretation that could be made through the story in relation with the World War II is that Tolkien depicted the ring as the noxious weapon used in the war. That certain weapon is the atomic bomb which killed a lot of innocent people and ruined a lot of territories (Roch, 2005). It is said that Tolkien indeed based his work from the real war of the early ages in which it mirrors the two territories’ true event which is horrifying. The two places were said to be Mordor and the dreadful devastation of Shire in the lord of the rings trilogy (Roch, 2005). The characters of evil or the soldiers of the evil Lord Sauron whose appearance are like decaying body of dead people are also based from the authors experience during the war (Roch, 2005). When Tolkien went back to his place, the place was literally ruined and he saw a lot of corpses which no one can endure to stare at because of its decaying appearance (Roch, 2005). The place of Mordor may also be depicted to the ruined or wrecked place after the world war; the trees were all destructed, all plants are destroyed as well as the soil turned out to be black which turned to be a mud (Roch, 2005). I could say that the author depicted the ring as everyone fears to hold because it is self destructive and also it is so powerful to destroy anything and anyone else. In the World War II, people were also afraid of the bomb which Tolkien said that the ring symbolizes because in the same way, they both may lead into cruel outcome. In the story of the lord of the rings’ last part which is the return of the king, Frodo and the others succeeded in destroying the king and soon gave a new hope to all the people in their territory because they were able to have a new king in which Aragorn has portrayed. In reality with the world war II, after the cruel dictator was missing not knowingly what happened to him, the people had a new hope for a new peaceful life because the evil was already destroyed. In consideration with evilness and goodness, the trilogy of the lord of the rings has symbolized the world’s essential elements; the good and evil. The good ones are symbolized by hope, changes, and other more that results into goodness, while the evilness or darkness are symbolized by ignorance and the lost of hope. In the story the elves are covered with a white light that brightens, it is a symbol of their being the good ones that they reflect something which is the contrary of evil. The evil ones appear to be ugly like decaying bodies and their place was a wrecked one full of darkness. Tolkien made the Lord of The Ring following and basing on the patterns of the World War I and II events. Depicting his comprehension on reality and placing it in the context of a fantasy that everyone could appreciate even without understanding its real meaning. Though there are a lot of differences and distinction between his created world and the world he wanted people to understand, they were said to be fitting each other in terms of evil and good. Tolkien depicted the characters in the story, the events and other aspect basing on the good and bad side of possession of great power. Also he showed in the story how friends and comrades try to console each other in times of crisis. Tolkien tend to show how certain people tend to share each other’s difficulties in times of troubles and that in a certain world full of hidden cruelty, everyone needs help in order to get through it and in order to make through it all. Now I understand that the main meaning of the trilogy of the lord of the ring in which the original author Tolkien tended his readers to understand is the cruelty which is caused by the over possession of power. That the book explains about the possible negative effect of power to a person which had appeared in the story in a patterned way. I could also say that I believe in Tolkien when he said that great power can corrupt a person’s heart.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Lesson Learned Essay -- Personal Narratives Stealing Theft Essays

Lesson Learned There are so many events that change one’s life that it is rather difficult to try and decipher which of those events are most important. Each event changes a different aspect of your life, molding how one’s personality turns out. One of these events occurred when I was about twelve years old and I attempted to steal from a Six Flags amusement park. My reasoning for stealing wasn’t that I didn’t have the money, or even that I wanted what I stole all that badly, it was that all of my friends had stolen something earlier that day and didn’t get caught. After getting caught I resolved, because the consequences are just not worth it, never to steal or give into peer pressure again. It all began when a couple of friends and myself went to Six Flags for some fun right at the beginning of summer. We arrived there early in morning, which was about nine o’clock for us. The birds were chirping and the sun was bright. There was also a hint of dew, making the grass sparkle in the sunlight. The place was packed, people were standing in huge lines waiting to buy their tickets. My friends and I were lucky because we had season passes and just walked right to the front gate and walked in. Naturally there was a security check at the front gate, little did I know that I was going to run into them again in the near future. From there we went straight to the ride â€Å"The Mind Eraser.† It was always wise to go to that ride first, because as the day progressed, the line grew longer. Since the ride is only about a minute long, the wait then becomes to long to make the ride worth the wait. As we got on, all of us were a little jumpy. It was the first time being to the amusement park that year, and our stomachs were not immune to the s... ...o our red van not saying a word to me. On the drive home she gave me my punishment. The punishment was that I was to be grounded for an entire month, and reap the consequences with the law. I ended up sitting in my house for the first month of summer and losing two-hundred and eighty dollars, which was my fine for stealing. After that event, I made things very clear what I would never do again. From then on I never did something just because everyone else did. I would assess the situation and decide whether the action was worth it’s consequences. This event prevented me from becoming one of those people who break the law just because they can, or because it gives them an adrenalin rush. My actions on that fateful day were definitely not worth the consequences that I suffered, and because of that, I have been very obedient of the laws and rules that are around me.

Monday, November 11, 2019

The Golden Lily Chapter 9

THOSE OF US WHO KNEW what to look for could instantly spot Moroi by their pale complexions and tall, slim builds. To most human eyes, those features stood out but weren't a vampire tip-off. Humans just noted the features as striking and unusual, much as Lia regarded Jill as the perfect ethereal runway form. I didn't want to play upon stereotypes, but after a quick assessment of Mr. Ivashkov's Moroi-paleness, long face, dour look, and silver hair, I kind of wondered that he didn't get mistaken for a vampire more often. No, vampire wasn't really the correct term, I decided. More like undertaker. â€Å"Dad,† said Adrian stiffly. â€Å"Always a pleasure.† â€Å"For some of us.† His father studied me, and I saw his eyes fall on my cheek. He extended a hand. I took it, proud that shaking hands with Moroi was a non-event for me now. â€Å"Nathan Ivashkov.† â€Å"Sydney Sage,† I replied. â€Å"It's very nice to meet you, sir.† â€Å"I met Sage while I was bumming around out here,† explained Adrian. â€Å"She was nice enough to give me a ride from ll.A. today since I don't have a car.† Nathan looked at me in astonishment. â€Å"That's a long drive.† Not nearly as long as the drive from Palm Springs, but we'd figured it would be safest – and more believable – to let him think Adrian was in Los Angeles. â€Å"I don't mind, sir,† I said. I glanced over at Adrian. â€Å"I'll go get some work done. You want to text me when you're ready to go?† â€Å"Work?† he asked in disgust. â€Å"Come on, Sage. Go buy a bikini and enjoy the pool while you're hanging around.† Nathan looked between us incredulously. â€Å"You made her drive you out here, and now you're just going to make her wait around for your convenience?† â€Å"Really,† I said. â€Å"I don't – â€Å" â€Å"She's an Alchemist,† continued Nathan. â€Å"Not a chauffeur. There's a big difference.† Actually, there were days at Amberwood I doubted that. â€Å"Come, Miss Sage. If you've wasted your day driving my son here, the least I can do is buy you lunch.† I shot a panicked look at Adrian. It wasn't panicked because I was afraid of being with Moroi. I'd long since gotten used to these sorts of situations. What I was unsure of was if Adrian really wanted me around for his family reunion. That hadn't been part of the plan. Also, I wasn't sure that I really wanted to be around for said reunion either. â€Å"Dad – † Adrian attempted. â€Å"I insist,† said Nathan crisply. â€Å"Pay attention and learn common courtesy.† He turned and began walking away, assuming we'd follow. We did. â€Å"Should I find a reason to leave?† I whispered to Adrian. â€Å"Not when he uses his ‘I insist' voice,† came the muttered response. For a moment, catching sight of the gorgeous terrace restaurant and its sunny ocean view, I thought I could handle the Ivashkovs. Sitting out there in that warmth and beauty would be well worth the drama. Then, Nathan walked right past the balcony doors and led us to the elevator. We followed obediently. He took us down to the hotel's ground floor, to a pub called The Corkscrew. The place was dim and windowless, with low-hanging wood beams and black leather booths. Oak barrels lined the walls, and what light there was came filtered through red glass lamps. Aside from a lone bartender, the pub was empty, which didn't entirely surprise me this time of day. What did surprise me was that Nathan had taken us here instead of the ritzy outdoor restaurant. The guy was dressed in an expensive suit that looked like it had come straight from a Manhattan boardroom. Why he'd ignore a trendy, elite restaurant for lunch and instead choose a stuffy, dark – Dark. I nearly groaned. Of course the terrace wasn't an option, not with Moroi. The sunny afternoon that made such enchanting conditions for me would have resulted in a pretty miserable lunch for the Ivashkovs – not that either of them looked like they planned on enjoying this one anyway. â€Å"Mr. Ivashkov,† said the bartender. â€Å"Nice to see you back.† â€Å"Can I get food delivered down here again?† asked Nathan. â€Å"Of course.† Again. This subterranean lair had probably been Nathan's mainstay for all meals since arriving in San Diego. I allowed the terrace one last, wistful thought and then followed Nathan and Adrian inside. Nathan selected a corner table intended for eight people. Maybe he liked his space. Or maybe he liked pretending he was presiding over a corporate meeting. The bartender gave us menus and took drink orders. I got coffee. Adrian ordered a martini, earning disapproving looks from his father and me. â€Å"It's barely noon,† said Nathan. â€Å"I know,† said Adrian. â€Å"I'm surprised I held out that long too.† Nathan ignored the comment and turned to me. â€Å"You're very young. You must have just started with the Alchemists.† â€Å"They start us all young,† I agreed. â€Å"I've been working on my own for a little over a year.† â€Å"I admire that. Shows a great deal of responsibility and initiative.† He nodded thanks as the bartender set down a bottle of sparkling water. â€Å"It's no secret how the Alchemists feel about us, but at the same time, your group does a lot of good for us. Your efficiency is particularly remarkable. Too bad my own people don't pay more attention to that example.† â€Å"How are things with the Moroi?† I asked. â€Å"With the queen?† Nathan almost smiled. â€Å"Are you saying you don't know?† I did – at least, I knew what the Alchemists knew. â€Å"It's always different hearing an insider's perspective, sir.† He chuckled. It was a harsh sound, like laughing wasn't something Nathan Ivashkov had much practice with. â€Å"The situation's better than it was. Not great, though. That girl's smart, I'll give her that.† I assumed â€Å"that girl† was Vasilisa Dragomir, teenage queen of the Moroi and Rose's best friend. â€Å"I'm sure she'd rather be passing dhampir laws and hereditary laws – but she knows those are only going to anger her opponents. So, she's finding ways to compromise on other issues and has won a few of her enemies over to her already.† The hereditary laws. Those were of interest to me. There were twelve royal lines among the Moroi, and Vasilisa and Jill were the only two left in theirs. Current Moroi law said a monarch had to have at least one other family member, which was how Jill had become such a political game piece. Even hardcore assassins would have a difficult time taking out a wellguarded queen. Removing her half sister would provide the sa me results, however, and invalidate Vasilisa's rule. That was why Jill had ended up in hiding. Nathan's thoughts followed the same lines. â€Å"She's also smart to hide that bastard sister of hers.† I knew he meant â€Å"bastard† in the sense of an illegitimate child, not an insult, but I still winced. â€Å"Rumor has it your people know something about that. Don't suppose you'd give me an insider's perspective on it?† I shook my head and tried to keep my tone friendly. â€Å"Sorry, sir. Insight only goes so far.† After a few moments of silence, Nathan cleared his throat. â€Å"Well, Adrian. What is it you wanted?† Adrian took a sip of his martini. â€Å"Oh, did you just notice I was here? I thought you'd come to see Sydney.† I sank into my chair a little. This was exactly the kind of situation I'd wanted to avoid. â€Å"Why must every question yield some difficult answer with you?† asked Nathan wearily. â€Å"Maybe it's the kinds of questions you ask, Dad.† This pub wasn't going to be big enough to hold the rapidly increasing tension. Every instinct told me to become invisible, but I found myself speaking anyway. â€Å"Adrian's in college,† I said. â€Å"Taking art classes. He's very talented.† Adrian shot me a questioning – but amused – look at that. Some of his pieces were quite good. Others – especially when he'd been drinking – looked like he'd accidentally spilled paint on canvas. I'd helpfully told him so on a number of occasions. Nathan looked unimpressed. â€Å"Yes. He's done that before. It didn't last.† â€Å"Different time, different place,† I said. â€Å"Things can change. People can change.† â€Å"But often, they don't,† declared Nathan. The bartender returned to take our lunch orders, though none of us had even looked at the menus yet. â€Å"I'll just order for us all, shall I?† Nathan opened the menu and scanned it quickly. â€Å"Bring us a platter of the garlic butter mushrooms, the goat cheese fondue, the bacon-wrapped scallops, and the fried oyster Caesar salad. Enough for three on the salad, obviously.† The bartender made a couple of quick notes and was gone before I could even say a word. â€Å"Heavy-handed much, Dad?† asked Adrian. â€Å"You didn't even ask if we minded you ordering.† Nathan looked unconcerned. â€Å"I've eaten here before. I know what's good. Trust me, you'll like it.† â€Å"Sage won't eat any of that.† This really would be easier, I decided, if they'd both just pretend I didn't exist. â€Å"Why ever not?† asked Nathan, looking at me curiously. â€Å"Are you allergic to seafood?† â€Å"She only eats healthy stuff,† said Adrian. â€Å"Everything you just got is dripping in fat.† â€Å"A little butter won't hurt her. You'll both see that I'm right. It's all good. Besides,† Nathan added, pausing to sip at his water. â€Å"I did order a salad for the table. Lettuce is healthy.† I didn't even attempt to point out that no amount of Romaine was going to make up for fried oysters or Caesar dressing. I wouldn't have had a chance to speak up anyway because Adrian was on a roll and – I noticed with some surprise – halfway through his martini. â€Å"You see?† he said in disgust. â€Å"That's exactly how you operate. You assume you know best for everyone. You just go ahead and make these decisions, not bothering to consult with anyone, because you're so certain you're right.† â€Å"In my vast experience,† said Nathan coldly, â€Å"I am usually right. When you too possess that kind of experience – when you can actually claim to be an authority on, well, anything – then you can also be trusted with important decisions.† â€Å"This is lunch,† Adrian argued back. â€Å"Not a life or death decision. All I'm saying is that you could have at least made some effort to include others. Obviously, your ‘vast experience' doesn't apply to normal courtesies.† Nathan glanced over at me. â€Å"Have I been anything but courteous to you, Miss Sage?† My chair, much to my dismay, didn't swallow me up or offer to hide me. Adrian finished his martini in a gulp and held up the glass to catch the bartender's eye. â€Å"Leave her out of it,† Adrian told his father. â€Å"Don't try to manipulate her into proving your point.† â€Å"I hardly need to manipulate anyone into proving my point,† said Nathan. â€Å"I think it's made.† â€Å"Lunch will be fine,† I blurted out, fully aware that this altercation between father and son really had nothing to do with my eating habits. â€Å"I need to try more things anyway.† â€Å"Don't give in to him, Sydney,† warned Adrian. â€Å"That's how he gets away with walking all over people – especially women. He's done it to my mom for years.† The bartender silently appeared and replaced the empty martini glass with a full one. â€Å"Please,† said Nathan, with a heavy sigh. â€Å"Let's leave your mother out of this.† â€Å"Should be easy enough,† said Adrian. I could see lines of tension in his face. His mother was a sensitive topic. â€Å"Seeing as you always do. I've been trying to get an answer out of you for weeks on how she's doing! Hell, I've just been trying to figure out where she's even at. Is that so hard for you to give up? She can't be in maximum security. They must let her get letters.† â€Å"It's better that you don't have contact with her while she's incarcerated,† said Nathan. Even I was amazed at how coldly he spoke about his wife. Adrian sneered and took a sip of his new martini. â€Å"There we are again: you knowing what's best for everyone. You know, I'd really, really like to think you're keeping this avoidance attitude with her because it hurts too much. I know that if the woman I loved was locked away, I'd be doing everything in my power to reach her. For you? Maybe it's too hard. Maybe the only way you can cope without her is to block her out – and by keeping me away too. I could almost understand that.† â€Å"Adrian – † began Nathan. â€Å"But that's not it, is it? You don't want me to have contact – and you probably aren't having contact – because you're embarrassed.† Adrian was really getting worked up now. â€Å"You want to distance us and pretend what she did doesn't exist. You want to pretend that she doesn't exist. She's ruined the family reputation.† Nathan fixed his son with a steely look. â€Å"Considering your own reputation, I'd think you would see the wisdom in not associating with someone who has done what she's done.† â€Å"What, screw up?† Adrian demanded. â€Å"We all screw up. Everyone makes mistakes. That's what she did. It was bad judgment, that's all. You don't cut off the people you love for mistakes like that.† â€Å"She did it because of you,† said Nathan. His tone left no question about what he thought of that decision. â€Å"Because you couldn't leave well enough alone with that dhampir girl. You had to flaunt your relationship with her, nearly getting yourself in as much trouble as her in your aunt's murder. That's why your mother did what she did – to protect you. Because of your irresponsibility, she's in prison now. All of this is your fault.† Adrian went pale – more so than usual – and looked too shocked to even attempt any response. He picked up his martini again, and I was almost certain I could see his hands shaking. It was right around then that two waiters from the upstairs restaurant showed up with our food. We stared in silence as they arranged our place settings and artfully laid out the platters of food. Looking at all that food made me nauseous, and it had nothing to do with the oill or salt content. â€Å"Mr. Ivashkov,† I began, despite every reasonable voice in my head screaming at me to shut up. â€Å"It's unfair to blame Adrian for her choices, especially when he didn't even realize what she was doing. I know he would do anything for her. If he'd been able to stop this – or take her place – he would have.† â€Å"You're sure of that, huh?† Nathan was piling his plate with food and seemed quite excited about it. Neither Adrian nor I had an appetite. â€Å"Well, Miss Sage, I'm sorry to shatter your illusions, but it seems you – like so many other young women – have been fooled by my son's fast-talking ways. I can assure you, he has never done anything that didn't serve his own interests first. He has no initiative, no ambition, no follow-through. From a very early age, he was constantly breaking rules, never listening to what others had to say if it didn't suit what he wanted. I'm not really surprised his college attempts have failed – and I assure you, this one will too – because he barely made it out of high school. It wasn't even about the drinking, the girls, and the stunts he pulled†¦ he just didn't care. He ignored his work. It was only through our influence and checkbook that he managed to graduate. Since then, it's been a constant downward spiral.† Adrian looked like he'd been slapped. I wanted to reach out and comfort him, but even I was still in shock from Nathan's words. Adrian clearly was too. It was one thing to go on and on about how you thought your father was disappointed in you. It was an entirely different thing to hear your father explain it in excruciating detail. I knew because I had been in both situations. â€Å"Honestly, I don't even mind the drinking so much, so long as it knocks him out and keeps him quiet,† continued Nathan, through a mouth full of goat cheese. â€Å"You think his mother suffers now? I assure you, she's far better off. She was up countless nights, crying over whatever trouble he'd gotten himself into. Keeping him away from her now isn't about me or him. It's for her. At least now, she doesn't have to hear about his latest antics or worry about him. Ignorance is bliss. She's in a better place not having contact with him, and I intend to keep it that way.† He offered the scallops to me, as though he hadn't just delivered a huge chastisement without taking a breath. â€Å"You really should try this. Protein's good for you, you know.† I shook my head, unable to find words. Adrian took a deep breath. â€Å"Really, Dad? I come all the way here to see you, to ask you to give me some way to contact her†¦ and this is all I get? That she's better off not talking to me?† Looking at him, I had a feeling he was working very hard to stay calm and reasonable. Breaking into snarky Adrian retorts wouldn't win him any ground, and he knew it. Nathan looked startled. â€Å"Is that the only reason you came here?† It was clear from his tone that he thought it was a foolish reason. Adrian bit his lip, probably again to hold back his true feelings. I was impressed at his control. â€Å"I also thought†¦ well, that maybe you'd want to hear how I was doing. I thought you might be glad to know I was doing something useful.† I gasped. For a moment, his father simply stared. Then, his confusion melted into one of those awkward laughs. â€Å"Ah. You're joking. I was puzzled for a moment.† â€Å"I'm done with this,† said Adrian. In a flash, he downed his martini and was out of his seat, heading toward the door. Nathan continued eating undisturbed, but I was on my feet as well. It was only when I was halfway across the pub, trying to catch up with Adrian, that Nathan bothered to say anything else. â€Å"Miss Sage?† Every part of me wanted to run after Adrian, but I paused to glance back at his father. Nathan had taken out his wallet and was flipping through a stack of bills. â€Å"Here. Allow me to pay you for your gas and your time.† He held the cash out, and I almost laughed. Adrian had forced himself to come here for all sorts of reasons, money being one of them. He'd never gotten a chance to ask for it, yet here his father was, offering it up. I didn't move. â€Å"I don't want anything from you,† I said. â€Å"Unless it's an apology to Adrian.† Nathan gave me another blank look. He seemed sincerely confused. â€Å"What do I have to apologize for?† I left. Adrian had either taken the stairs or immediately caught an elevator because there was no sign of him outside the pub. I went back up to the lobby and peered around anxiously. A bellman passed by, and I flagged him down. â€Å"Excuse me. Where's the nearest place you can smoke?† He nodded back toward the front door. â€Å"Far side of the circle drive.† I thanked him and practically ran outside. Sure enough, over in the designated smoking area, Adrian was leaning against an ornate fence in the shade of an orange tree, lighting up. I hurried over to him. â€Å"Adrian,† I exclaimed. â€Å"Are you okay?† He took a long drag on his cigarette. â€Å"Is that really a question you want to ask, Sage?† â€Å"He was out of line,† I said adamantly. â€Å"He had no business saying any of that about you.† Adrian inhaled on the cigarette again and then dropped it to the sidewalk. He stamped the cigarette out with the toe of his shoe. â€Å"Let's just go back to Palm Springs.† I glanced back at the hotel. â€Å"We should get you some water or something. You took down that vodka pretty fast.† He nearly smiled. Nearly. â€Å"Takes a lot more than that to make me sick. I won't throw up in your car. I promise. I just don't want to stick around and risk seeing him again.† I complied, and before long, we were back on the road again. We'd spent less time in San Diego than it had taken to drive there. Adrian stayed silent, and this time, I didn't try to coax him out or distract him with meaningless conversation. No words of mine would help. I doubted anyone's words would help. I didn't blame Adrian for his mood. I'd feel the same way if my father had laid into me like that in public. Still, I wished there was something I could do to ease Adrian's pain. Some small comfort to give him a moment of peace. My chance came when I saw a small gas station outside of Escondido with a sign reading BEST SLUSHES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HERE AT JUMBO JIM'S! I remembered his joke about switching to a slush-based diet. I turned my car off the highway, even though I knew it was silly. What was a slush compared to the disaster we'd just left behind? Still, I had to do something – anything – to make Adrian feel better. He didn't even seem to notice we'd stopped there until I was getting out of the car. â€Å"What's up?† he asked, managing to drag himself out of his dark thoughts. The look on his face tore me apart. â€Å"You've got half a tank.† â€Å"Be right back,† I said. I returned five minutes later, a cup in each hand, and managed to knock on his window. He got out of the car, truly puzzled now. â€Å"What's going on?† â€Å"Slushes,† I said. â€Å"Cherry for you. You have to drink it out here, though. I'm not risking the car.† Adrian blinked a couple of times, as though maybe I was a mirage brought on by too much sunlight. â€Å"What is this? A pity party for me? Because I'm so pathetic?† â€Å"It's not always about you,† I scolded. â€Å"I saw the sign and wanted a slush. Figured you'd want one too. If you don't, I'll throw it away and just drink mine.† I only got one step away before he stopped me and took the bright red slush. We leaned against the car together and drank without talking for a while. â€Å"Man,† he finally said, when we were about halfway through. There was a look of wonder in his eyes. â€Å"I'd forgotten how good these are. What kind did you get?† â€Å"Blue raspberry.† He nodded and slurped loudly on his. That dark mood still hung around him, and I knew a childhood beverage wasn't going to undo what his father had done anytime soon. The best I could hope for was a few moments of peace for him. We finished shortly thereafter and tossed the cups in the trash. When we got back in Latte, Adrian sighed wearily and rubbed his eyes. â€Å"God, those are awesome. I think I needed that. The vodka may have hit me harder than I thought. Glad you decided to branch out into something that isn't coffee for a change.† â€Å"Hey, if they'd had coffee flavor, you know I would've gotten it.† â€Å"That's disgusting,† he said. â€Å"There isn't enough sugar in the world to make that even remotely – † He stopped and gave me a startled look. In fact, he looked so shocked that I stopped backing up and kicked the car back into park. â€Å"What's wrong?† I asked. â€Å"The slush. That thing's like 99 percent sugar. You just drank one, Sage.† He seemed to interpret my silence as though perhaps I hadn't understood. â€Å"You just drank liquid sugar.† â€Å"Maybe you drank liquid sugar,† I said. â€Å"Mine was sugar free.† I hoped I sounded convincing. â€Å"Oh.† I couldn't tell if he was relieved or disappointed. â€Å"You freaked me out there for a minute.† â€Å"You should've known better.† â€Å"Yeah. I suppose so.† He fell back into his blue mood, the slushes only a temporary distraction. â€Å"You know what the worst part of all that was?† I knew we were back to his father, not slushes. â€Å"What?† â€Å"You'd think it'd be that I didn't get the money or that he just ripped my life apart or that he has no faith in me sticking to college. But that's okay. I'm used to that from him. What really bothers me is that I really did ruin my mom's life.† â€Å"I can't imagine you did,† I said, shocked at his words. â€Å"Like you pointed out, we still love people who make mistakes. I'm sure she loves you too. Anyway, that's something you need to discuss with her – not him.† He nodded. â€Å"The other thing that bothered me†¦ well, he said all that in front of you.† That was a shock too. I brushed it off, feeling a little flustered that he would think so much of my opinion. Why should he care? â€Å"Don't worry about me. I've been with much more abrasive people than him.† â€Å"No, no†¦ I mean†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Adrian looked at me and then quickly averted his eyes. â€Å"After what he said about me, I can't stand the thought that you might think less of me.† I was so surprised that I couldn't muster a response right away. When I did, I just blurted out the first thing that came to mind. â€Å"Of course I don't.† He still wouldn't look at me, apparently not believing my words. â€Å"Adrian.† I laid my hand over his and felt a warm spark of connection. He jerked his head toward me in astonishment. â€Å"Nothing he said could change what I think of you. I've had my mind made up about you for a long time†¦ and it's all good.† Adrian looked away from me and down to where my hand covered his. I blushed and pulled away. â€Å"Sorry.† I'd probably freaked him out. He glanced back up at me. â€Å"Best thing that's happened to me all day. Let's hit the road.† We got back on the highway, and I found myself distracted by two things. First was my hand. It still tingled and felt warm from where I'd touched his, which was kind of funny. People always thought vampires were cold, but they weren't. Certainly not Adrian. The sensation was fading the longer I drove, but I kind of wished it'd stay. The other thing that kept distracting me was all that sugar I'd just consumed. I kept running my tongue over my teeth. My whole mouth was coated in sickening sweetness. I wanted to brush my teeth and then drink a bottle of mouthwash. Liquid sugar. Yes, that was exactly what it had been. I hadn't wanted to drink one, but I'd known if I'd just brought a slush for Adrian, he really would've read that as pity and refused. I had to act as though I'd wanted one too, with him as an afterthought. He seemed to have believed my lie about the drink's sugar content, though a quick trip into the gas station would have quickly alerted him to the fact that Jumbo Jim's most certainly didn't carry sugar-free slushes. I'd asked them. They'd laughed. Skipping lunch wasn't going to compensate for those calories, I thought glumly. And I wasn't going to get that sugary taste out of my mouth anytime soon. With as quickly as Adrian had sunk back into his depression, I suddenly felt stupid for even attempting this ruse. A slush couldn't change what his father had said, and I'd be a pound up on the scale tomorrow. This probably hadn't been worth it. Then, I thought back to that brief moment by the car, and Adrian's fleeting look of contentment, followed later by: God, those are awesome. I think I needed that. A brief moment of peace in the midst of his dark despair. That was what I had wanted, and that was what I had gotten. Was it worth it? I rubbed my fingertips together, still feeling that warmth. Yes, I decided. Yes, it was worth it.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Ansel Adams life and two analysis of his photographs Essay

Ansel Adams was born February 20, 1902, in San Francisco, California. Ansel took an interest in music at an early age. He taught himself how to play the piano and enjoyed the surroundings of nature. In 1916, he and his parents went on a trip to Yosemite National Park where he received his first camera, the Kodak Box Brownie. His first photographs recorded their vacation. Ansel fell in love with Yosemite National Park and would return every summer. He worked four summers as the caretaker of the park’s club headquarters. During this time, he became an expert mountaineer and conservationist and gained vast of experience as a landscape photographer. Ansel struggled between two professions, photography and music. In 1920, he decided to become a concert pianist. For seven years he gave piano lessons and concerts. After viewing Paul Strand’s wonderful work, Adams decided to switch careers to photography. A short time later, he joined â€Å"f/64†, a group dedicated to the concept of photography that looked like photography, not like an imitation of other art forms. Ansel stands as one of America’s greatest landscape photographers. His career was punctuated with countless elegant, handsomely composed, and technically flawless photographs of outstanding natural landscapes. His strength as an artist is largely attributed to his diligent investigation of the methods of photography, developing a careful darkroom technique of exposure and development he called the Zone System. In each of his images, Adams aimed to vary the range of tones from rich black to whitest white in order to achieve perfect photographic clarity. His reputation has been firmly established by exhibitions in virtually every major American art museum, three Guggenheim Fellowships and a score of publications. One of Ansel’s landscape photographs is Forest of Aspen. Forest of Aspen is an excellent example of chiaroscuro. The focal point is the tree on the left side that looks as if it is illuminated by the sun. Ansel was good at producing black and white photographs that had the whitest whites all the way to pitch black. The tree is a bright white while the rest of the photograph is a variety of grays and blacks. There are several skinny tree trunks behind the bright tree extending to the top and width of the photograph. Some grey leaves can be seen at the vary top of the photograph making the bright tree look like a younger tree. Between the skinny tree  trunks there is black space. The skinny tree trunks are a variety of grays starting from light gray to black as they retreat out of sight. Just to the left of the bright tree there is another tree a bit smaller. This tree isn’t bright, but rather a light gray. Small gray and black shrubbery occupies the lower portion of th e photograph. When looking at this photograph, one wonders how the sun seems to shine only on the small tree located on the left. Another photograph taken by Ansel Adams is Moonrise, CA 1966. This is another example of chiaroscuro. This photograph is looking at the campus of UC Berkeley and the sky. The top of the photo till midway is pitch black. Then in the middle but a little to the left is a small white circle which is the moon. Below the moon is a small section of sky that is still lit up. This section of sky contains scattered clouds. Under the skyline there are silhouettes of several buildings and trees. Some of the buildings details can be seen while others are black. The lower section of the photo is hard to make out. There appears to be a car in the lower right section indicating a possible parking lot. This photo shows excellent representation of the transforming sky from day to night. Ansel captured this transformation in mid-form. The sky contains both the pitch black night sky and the bright white sky with scattered clouds. Ansel Adams was a man who loved photography. He showed this love through countless studies he did with photography. No one could print his negatives the same way he could. Ansel was the best black and white photographer of his time. The ranges of black and white he could print were outstanding. I thought the film that we watched was very dry and dull but the photographs that Ansel Adams took were amazing. He truly was an artist. I have worked a little bit with black and white photography and the variety of color he got from his negatives was truly incredible. I have respect for Ansel because he loved photography. He showed this love through his photographs; and when he died in 1984, he arranged for all his photographs and negatives to go to the University of Arizona. Now his negatives can be observed and even reprinted to help the study of photography continue. This shows that he was a very giving person. He did whatever he could to help advance photography. He even  tested and pro moted the Polaroid Land camera, which he sent over 3,000 memos to Polaroid. Ansel Adams was dedicated to photography.