Chapter 3 The Knight Bus

Harry was several streets away before he collapsed onto a low wall in Magnolia Crescent, panting from the effort of dragging his trunk. He sat quite still, anger still surging through him, listening to the frantic thumping of his heart. But after ten minutes alone in the dark street, a new emotion overtook him: panic. Whichever way he looked at it, he had never been in a worse fix. He was stranded, quite alone, in the dark Muggle world, with absolutely nowhere to go. And the worst of it was, he had just done serious magic, which meant that he was almost certainly expelled from Hogwarts. He had broken the Decree for the Restriction of Underage Wizardry so badly, he was surprised Ministry of Magic representatives weren't swooping down on him where he sat. Harry shivered and looked up and down Magnolia Crescent. What, was going to happen to him? Would he be arrested, or would he simply be outlawed from the wizarding world? He thought of Ron and Hermione, and his heart sank even lower. Harry was sure that, criminal or not, Ron and Hermione would want to help him now, but they were both abroad, and with Hedwig gone, he had no means of contacting them. He didn't have any Muggle money, either. There was a little wizard gold in the money bag at the bottom of his trunk, but the rest of the fortune his parents had left him was stored in a vault at Gringotts Wizarding Bank in London. He'd never be able to drag his trunk all the way to London. Unless†¦ He looked down at his wand, which he was still clutching in his hand. If he was already expelled (his heart was. now thumping painfully fast), a bit more magic couldn't hurt. He had the Invisibility Cloak he had inherited from his father — what if he bewitched the trunk to make it feather-light, tied it to his broomstick, covered himself in the cloak, and flew to London? Then he could get the rest of his money out of his vault and†¦begin his life as an outcast. It was a horrible prospect, but he couldn't sit on this wall forever, or he'd find himself trying to explain to Muggle police why he was out in the dead of night with a trunk full of spell books and a broomstick. Harry opened his trunk again and pushed the contents aside, looking for the Invisibility Cloak — but before he had found it, he straightened up suddenly, looking around him once more. A funny prickling on the back of his neck had made Harry feel he was being watched, but the street appeared to be deserted, and no lights shone from any of the large square houses. He bent over his trunk again, but almost immediately stood up once more, his hand clenched on his wand. He had sensed rather than heard it: someone or something was standing in the narrow gap between the garage and the fence behind him. Harry squinted at the black alleyway. If only it would move, then he'd know whether it was just a stray cat or — something else. â€Å"Lumos,† Harry muttered, and a light appeared at the end of his wand, almost dazzling him. He held it high over his head, and the pebble-dashed walls of number two suddenly sparkled; the garage door gleamed, and between them Harry saw, quite distinctly, the hulking outline of something very big, with wide, gleaming eyes. Harry stepped backward. His legs hit his trunk and he tripped. His wand flew out of his hand as he flung out an arm to break his fall, and he landed, hard, in the gutter. There was a deafening BANG, and Harry threw up his hands to shield his eyes against a sudden blinding light†¦ With a yell, he rolled back onto the pavement, just in time. A second later, a gigantic pair of wheels and headlights screeched to a halt exactly where Harry had just been lying. They belonged, as Harry saw when he raised his head, to a triple-decker, violently purple bus, which had appeared out of thin air. Gold lettering over the windshield spelled The Knight Bus. For a split second, Harry wondered if he had been knocked silly by his fall. Then a conductor in a purple uniform leapt out of the bus and began to speak loudly to the night. â€Å"Welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard. just stick out your wand hand, step on board, and we can take you anywhere you want to go. My name is Stan Shunpike, and I will be your conductor this eve–â€Å" The conductor stopped abruptly. He had just caught sight of Harry, who was still sitting on the ground. Harry snatched up his wand again and scrambled to his feet. Close up, he saw that Stan Shunpike was only a few years older than he was, eighteen or nineteen at most, with large, protruding ears and quite a few pimples. â€Å"What were you doin' down there?† said Stan, dropping his professional manner. â€Å"Fell over,† said Harry. â€Å"‘Choo fall over for?† sniggered Stan. â€Å"I didn't do it on purpose,† said Harry, annoyed. One of the knees in his jeans was torn, and the hand he had thrown out to break his fall was bleeding. He suddenly remembered why he had fallen over and turned around quickly to stare at the alleyway between the garage and fence. The Knight Bus's headlamps were flooding it with light, and it was empty. â€Å"‘Choo lookin' at?† said Stan. â€Å"There was a big black thing,† said Harry, pointing uncertainly into the gap. â€Å"Like a dog†¦but massive†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He looked around at Stan, whose mouth was slightly open. With a feeling of unease, Harry saw Stan's eyes move to the scar on Harry's forehead. â€Å"Woss that on your ‘ead?† said Stan abruptly. â€Å"Nothing,† said Harry quickly, flattening his hair over his scar. If the Ministry of Magic was looking for him, he didn't want to make it too easy for them. â€Å"Woss your name?† Stan persisted. â€Å"Neville Longbottom,† said Harry, saying the first name that came into his head. â€Å"So — so this bus,† he went on quickly, hoping to distract Stan, â€Å"did you say it goes anywhere?† â€Å"Yep,† said Stan proudly, â€Å"anywhere you like, ‘long it's on land. Can't do nuffink underwater. â€Å"Ere,† he said, looking suspicious again, â€Å"you did flag us down, dincha? Stuck out your wand ‘and, dincha?† â€Å"Yes,† said Harry quickly. â€Å"Listen, how much would it be to get to London?† â€Å"Eleven Sickles,† said Stan, â€Å"but for firteen you get ‘ot chocolate, and for fifteen you get an ‘ot-water bottle an' a toofbrush in the color of your choice.† Harry rummaged once more in his trunk, extracted his money bag, and shoved some gold into Stan's hand. He and Stan then lifted his trunk, with Hedwig's cage balanced on top, up the steps of the bus. There were no seats; instead, half a dozen brass bedsteads stood beside the curtained windows. Candles were burning in brackets beside each bed, illuminating the wood-paneled walls. A tiny wizard in a nightcap at the rear of the bus muttered, â€Å"Not now, thanks, I'm pickling some slugs† and rolled over in his sleep. â€Å"You ‘ave this one,† Stan whispered, shoving Harry's trunk under the bed right behind the driver, who was sitting in an armchair in front of the steering wheel. â€Å"This is our driver, Ernie Prang. This is Neville Longbottom, Ern.† Ernie Prang, an elderly wizard wearing very thick glasses, nodded to Harry, who nervously flattened his bangs again and sat down on his bed. â€Å"Take ‘er away, Ern,† said Stan, sitting down in the armchair next to Ernie's. There was another tremendous BANG, and the next moment Harry found himself flat on his bed, thrown backward by the speed of the Knight Bus. Pulling himself up, Harry stared out of the dark window and saw that they were now bowling along a completely different street. Stan was watching Harry's stunned face with great enjoyment. â€Å"This is where we was before you flagged us down,† he said. â€Å"Where are we, Ern? Somewhere in Wales?† â€Å"Ar,† said Ernie. â€Å"How come the Muggles don't hear the bus?† said Harry. â€Å"Them!† said Stan contemptuously. â€Å"Don' listen properly, do they? Don' look properly either. Never notice nuffink, they don'.† â€Å"Best go wake up Madam Marsh, Stan,† said Ern. â€Å"We'll be in Abergavenny in a minute.† Stan passed Harry's bed and disappeared up a narrow wooden staircase. Harry was still looking out of the window, feeling increasingly nervous. Ernie didn't seem to have mastered the use of a steering wheel. The Knight Bus kept mounting the pavement, but it didn't hit anything; lines of lampposts, mailboxes, and trash cans jumped out of its way as it approached and back into position once it had passed. Stan came back downstairs, followed by a faintly green witch wrapped in a traveling cloak. â€Å"‘Ere you go, Madam Marsh,† said Stan happily as Ern stamped on the brake and the beds slid a foot or so toward the front of the bus. Madam Marsh clamped a handkerchief to her mouth and tottered down the steps. Stan threw her bag out after her and rammed the doors shut; there was another loud BANG, and they were thundering down a narrow country lane, trees leaping out of the way. Harry wouldn't have been able to sleep even if he had been traveling on a bus that didn't keep banging loudly and jumping a hundred miles at a time. His stomach churned as he fell back to wondering what was going to happen to him, and whether the Dursleys had managed to get Aunt Marge off the ceiling yet. Stan had unfurled a copy of the Daily Prophet and was now reading with his tongue between his teeth. A large photograph of a sunken-faced man with long, matted hair blinked slowly at Harry from the front page. He looked strangely familiar. â€Å"That man!† Harry said, forgetting his troubles for a moment. â€Å"He was on the Muggle news!† Stanley turned to the front page and chuckled. â€Å"Sirius Black,† he said, nodding. â€Å"‘Course ‘e was on the Muggle news, Neville. Where you been?† He gave a superior sort of chuckle at the blank look on Harry's face, removed the front page, and handed it to Harry. â€Å"You oughta read the papers more, Neville.† Harry held the paper up to the candlelight and read: BLACK STILL AT LARGE Sirius Black, possibly the most infamous prisoner ever to be held in Azkaban fortress, is still eluding capture, the Ministry of Magic confirmed today. â€Å"We are doing all we can to recapture Black,† said the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, this morning, â€Å"and we beg the magical community to remain calm.† Fudge has been criticized by some members of the International Federation of Warlocks for informing the Muggle Prime Minister of the crisis. â€Å"Well, really, I had to, don't you know,† said an irritable Fudge. â€Å"Black is mad. He's a danger to anyone who crosses him, magic or Muggle. I have the Prime Minister's assurance that he will not breathe a word of Black's true identity to anyone. And let's face it — who'd believe him if he did?† While Muggles have been told that Black is carrying a gun (a kind of metal wand that Muggles use to kill each other), the magical community lives in fear of a massacre like that of twelve years ago, when Black murdered thirteen people with a single curse. Harry looked into the shadowed eyes of Sirius Black, the only part of the sunken face that seemed alive. Harry had never met a vampire, but he had seen pictures of them in his Defense Against the Dark Arts classes, and Black, with his waxy white skin, looked just like one. â€Å"Scary-lookin' fing, inee?† said Stan, who had been watching Harry read. â€Å"He murdered thirteen people?† said Harry, handing the page back to Stan, â€Å"with one curse?† â€Å"Yep,† said Stan, â€Å"in front of witnesses an' all. Broad daylight. Big trouble it caused, dinnit, Ern?† â€Å"Ar,† said Ern darkly. Stan swiveled in his armchair, his hands on the back, the better to look at Harry. â€Å"Black woz a big supporter of You-Know-‘Oo,† he said. â€Å"What, Voldemort?† said Harry, without thinking. Even Stan's pimples went white; Ern jerked the steering wheel so hard that a whole farmhouse had to jump aside to avoid the bus. â€Å"You outta your tree?† yelped Stan. â€Å"‘Choo say ‘is name for?† â€Å"Sorry,† said Harry hastily. â€Å"Sorry, I — I forgot –â€Å" â€Å"Forgot!† said Stan weakly. â€Å"Blimey, my ‘eart's goin' that fast†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"So — so Black was a supporter of You-Know-Who?† Harry prompted apologetically. â€Å"Yeah,† said Stan, still rubbing his chest. â€Å"Yeah, that's right. Very close to You-Know-‘Oo, they say†¦anyway, when little ‘Arry Potter got the better of You-Know-‘Oo† — Harry nervously flattened his bangs down again — â€Å"all You-Know-‘Oo's supporters was tracked down, wasn't they, Ern? Most of 'em knew it was all over, wiv You-Know-‘Oo gone, and they came quiet. But not Sirius Black. I ‘eard he thought ‘e'd be second-in-command once You-Know-‘Oo ‘ad taken over. â€Å"Anyway, they cornered Black in the middle of a street full of Muggles an' Black took out ‘is wand and ‘e blasted ‘alf the street apart, an' a wizard got it, an' so did a dozen Muggles what got in the way. ‘Orrible, eh? An' you know what Black did then?† Stan continued in a dramatic whisper. â€Å"What?† said Harry. â€Å"Laughed,† said Stan. â€Å"Jus' stood there an' laughed. An' when reinforcements from the Ministry of Magic got there, ‘e went wiv em quiet as anyfink, still laughing ‘is ‘ead off. ‘Cos ‘e's mad, inee, Ern? Inee mad?† â€Å"If he weren't when he went to Azkaban, he will be now,† said Ern in his slow voice. â€Å"I'd blow meself up before I set foot in that place. Serves him right, mind you†¦after what he did†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"They ‘ad a job coverin' it up, din' they, Ern?† Stan said. â€Å"‘Ole street blown up an' all them Muggles dead. What was it they said ‘ad ‘appened, Ern?† â€Å"Gas explosion,† grunted Ernie. â€Å"An' now ‘e's out,† said Stan, examining the newspaper picture of Black's gaunt face again. â€Å"Never been a breakout from Azkaban before, ‘as there, Ern? Beats me ‘ow ‘e did it. Frightenin', eh? Mind, I don't fancy ‘is chances against them Azkaban guards, eh, Ern?† Ernie suddenly shivered. â€Å"Talk about summat else, Stan, there's a good lad. Them Azkaban guards give me the collywobbles.† Stan put the paper away reluctantly, and Harry leaned against the window of the Knight Bus, feeling worse than ever. He couldn't help imagining what Stan might be telling his passengers in a few nights' time. â€Å"‘Ear about that ‘Arry Potter? Blew up ‘is aunt! We ‘ad ‘im ‘ere on the Knight Bus, di'n't we, Ern? ‘E was tryin' to run for it†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He, Harry, had broken wizard law just like Sirius Black. Was inflating Aunt Marge bad enough to land him in Azkaban? Harry didn't know anything about the wizard prison, though everyone he'd ever heard speak of it did so in the same fearful tone. Hagrid, the Hogwarts gamekeeper, had spent two months there only last year. Harry wouldn't soon forget the look of terror on Hagrid's face when he had been told where he was going, and Hagrid was one of the bravest people Harry knew. The Knight Bus rolled through the darkness, scattering bushes and wastebaskets, telephone booths and trees, and Harry lay, restless and miserable, on his feather bed. After a while, Stan remembered that Harry had paid for hot chocolate, but poured it all over Harry's pillow when the bus moved abruptly from Anglesea to Aberdeen. One by one, wizards and witches in dressing gowns and slippers descended from the upper floors to leave the bus. They all looked very pleased to go. Finally, Harry was the only passenger left. â€Å"Right then, Neville,† said Stan, clapping his hands, â€Å"whereabouts in London?† â€Å"Diagon Alley,† said Harry. â€Å"Righto,† said Stan. â€Å"‘Old tight, then.† BANG. They were thundering along Charing Cross Road. Harry sat up and watched buildings and benches squeezing themselves out of the Knight Bus's way. The sky was getting a little lighter. He would lie low for a couple of hours, go to Gringotts the moment it opened, then set off — where, he didn't know. Ern slammed on the brakes and the Knight Bus skidded to a halt in front of a small and shabby-looking pub, the Leaky Cauldron, behind which lay the magical entrance to Diagon Alley. â€Å"Thanks,† Harry said to Ern. He jumped down the steps and helped Stan lower his trunk and Hedwig's cage onto the pavement. â€Å"Well,† said Harry. â€Å"‘Bye then!† But Stan wasn't paying attention. Still standing in the doorway to the bus) he was goggling at the shadowy entrance to the Leaky Cauldron. â€Å"There you are, Harry,† said a voice. Before Harry could turn, he felt a hand on his shoulder. At the same time, Stan shouted, â€Å"Blimey! Ern, come ‘ere! Come ‘ere!† Harry looked up at the owner of the hand on his shoulder and felt a bucketful of ice cascade into his stomach — he had walked right into Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic himself. Stan leapt onto the pavement beside them. â€Å"What didja call Neville, Minister?† he said excitedly. Fudge, a portly little man in a long, pinstriped cloak, looked cold and exhausted. â€Å"Neville?† he repeated, frowning. â€Å"This is Harry Potter.† â€Å"I knew it!† Stan shouted gleefully. â€Å"Ern! Ern! Guess ‘oo Neville is, Ern! ‘E's ‘Arry Potter! I can see ‘is scar!† â€Å"Yes,† said Fudge testily, â€Å"well, I'm very glad the Knight Bus picked Harry up, but he and I need to step inside the Leaky Cauldron now†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Fudge increased the pressure on Harry's shoulder, and Harry found himself being steered inside the pub. A stooping figure bearing a lantern appeared through the door behind the bar. It was Tom, the wizened, toothless landlord. â€Å"You've got him, Minister!† said Tom. â€Å"Will you be wanting anything? Beer? Brandy?† â€Å"Perhaps a pot of tea,† said Fudge, who still hadn't let go of Harry. There was a loud scraping and puffing from behind them, and Stan and Ern appeared, carrying Harry's trunk and Hedwig's cage and looking around excitedly. â€Å"‘Ow come you di'n't tell us ‘oo you are, eh, Neville?† said Stan, beaming at Harry, while Ernie's owlish face peered interestedly over Stan's shoulder. â€Å"And a private parlor, please, Tom,† said Fudge pointedly. â€Å"‘Bye,† Harry said miserably to Stan and Ern as Tom beckoned Fudge toward the passage that led from the bar. â€Å"‘Bye, Neville!† called Stan. Fudge marched Harry along the narrow passage after Tom's lantern, and then into a small parlor. Tom clicked his fingers, a fire burst into life in the grate, and he bowed himself out of the room. â€Å"Sit down, Harry,† said Fudge, indicating a chair by the fire. Harry sat down, feeling goose bumps rising up his arms despite the glow of the fire. Fudge took off his pinstriped cloak and tossed it aside, then hitched up the trousers of his bottle-green suit and sat down opposite Harry. â€Å"I am Cornelius Fudge, Harry. The Minister of Magic.† Harry already knew this, of course; he had seen Fudge once before, but as he had been wearing his father's Invisibility Cloak at the time, Fudge wasn't to know that. Tom the innkeeper reappeared, wearing an apron over his nightshirt and bearing a tray of tea and crumpets. He placed the tray on a table between Fudge and Harry and left the parlor, closing the door behind him. â€Å"Well, Harry,† said Fudge, pouring out tea, â€Å"you've had us all in a right flap, I don't mind telling you. Running away from your aunt and uncle's house like that! I'd started to think†¦but you're safe, and that's what matters.† Fudge buttered himself a crumpet and pushed the plate toward Harry. â€Å"Eat, Harry, you look dead on your feet. Now then†¦You will be pleased to hear that we have dealt with the unfortunate blowing-up of Miss Marjorie Dursley. Two members of the Accidental Magic Reversal Department were dispatched to Privet Drive a few hours ago. Miss Dursley has been punctured and her memory has been modified. She has no recollection of the incident at all. So that's that, and no harm done.† Fudge smiled at Harry over the rim of his teacup, rather like an uncle surveying a favorite nephew. Harry, who couldn't believe his ears, opened his mouth to speak, couldn't think of anything to say, and closed it again. â€Å"Ah, you're worrying about the reaction of your aunt and uncle?† said Fudge. â€Å"Well, I won't deny that they are extremely angry, Harry, but they are prepared to take you back next summer as long as you stay at Hogwarts for the Christmas and Easter holidays.† Harry unstuck his throat. â€Å"I always stay at Hogwarts for the Christmas and Easter holidays,† he said, â€Å"and I don't ever want to go back to Privet Drive.† â€Å"Now, now, I'm sure you'll feel differently once you've calmed down,† said Fudge in a worried tone. â€Å"They are your family, after all, and I'm sure you are fond of each other — er — very deep down.† It didn't occur to Harry to put Fudge right. He was still waiting to hear what was going to happen to him now. â€Å"So all that remains,† said Fudge, now buttering himself a second crumpet, â€Å"is to decide where you're going to spend the last two weeks of your vacation. I suggest you take a room here at the Leaky Cauldron and†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Hang on,† blurted Harry. â€Å"What about my punishment?† Fudge blinked. â€Å"Punishment?† â€Å"I broke the law!† Harry said. â€Å"The Decree for the Restriction of Underage Wizardry!† â€Å"Oh, my dear boy, we're not going to punish you for a little thing like that!† cried Fudge, waving his crumpet impatiently. â€Å"It was an accident! We don't send people to Azkaban just for blowing up their aunts!† But this didn't tally at all with Harry's past dealings with the Ministry of Magic. â€Å"Last year, I got an official warning just because a house-elf smashed a pudding in my uncle's house!† he told Fudge, frowning. â€Å"The Ministry of Magic said I'd be expelled from Hogwarts if there was any more magic there!† Unless Harry's eyes were deceiving him, Fudge was suddenly looking awkward. â€Å"Circumstances change, Harry†¦We have to take into account†¦in the present climate†¦Surely you don't want to be expelled?† â€Å"Of course I don't,† said Harry. â€Å"Well then, what's all the fuss about?† laughed Fudge. â€Å"Now, have a crumpet, Harry, while I go and see if Tom's got a room for you.† Fudge strode out of the parlor and Harry stared after him. There was something extremely odd going on. Why had Fudge been waiting for him at the Leaky Cauldron, if not to punish him for what he'd done? And now Harry came to think of it, surely it wasn't usual for the Minister of Magic himself to get involved in matters of underage magic? Fudge came back, accompanied by Tom the innkeeper. â€Å"Room eleven's free, Harry,† said Fudge. â€Å"I think you'll be very comfortable. just one thing, and I'm sure you'll understand†¦I don't want you wandering off into Muggle London, all right? Keep to Diagon Alley. And you're to be back here before dark each night. Sure you'll understand. Tom will be keeping an eye on you for me.† â€Å"Okay,† said Harry slowly, â€Å"but why?† â€Å"Don't want to lose you again, do we?† said Fudge with a hearty laugh. â€Å"No, no†¦best we know where you are†¦I mean†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Fudge cleared his throat loudly and picked up his pinstriped cloak. â€Å"Well, I'll be off, plenty to do, you know†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Have you had any luck with Black yet?† Harry asked. Fudge's finger slipped on the silver fastenings of his cloak. â€Å"What's that? Oh, you've heard – well, no, not yet, but it's only a matter of time. The Azkaban guards have never yet failed†¦and they are angrier than I've ever seen them.† Fudge shuddered slightly. â€Å"So, I'll say good-bye.† He held out his hand and Harry, shaking it, had a sudden idea. â€Å"Er — Minister? Can I ask you something?† â€Å"Certainly,† said Fudge with a smile. â€Å"Well, third years at Hogwarts are allowed to visit Hogsmeade, but my aunt and uncle didn't sign the permission form. D'you think you could –?† Fudge was looking uncomfortable. â€Å"Ah,† he said. â€Å"No, no, I'm very sorry, Harry, but as I'm not your parent or guardian –â€Å" â€Å"But you're the Minister of Magic,† said Harry eagerly. â€Å"If you gave me permission†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"No, I'm sorry, Harry, but rules are rules,† said Fudge flatly. â€Å"Perhaps you'll be able to visit Hogsmeade next year. In fact, I think it's best if you don't†¦yes†¦well, I'll be off. Enjoy your stay, Harry.† And with a last smile and shake of Harry's hand, Fudge left the room. Tom now moved forward, beaming at Harry. â€Å"If you'll follow me, Mr. Potter,† he said, â€Å"I've already taken your things up†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Harry followed Tom up a handsome wooden staircase to a door with a brass number eleven on it, which Tom unlocked and opened for him. Inside was a very comfortable-looking bed, some highly polished oak furniture, a cheerfully crackling fire and, perched on top of the wardrobe — â€Å"Hedwig!† Harry gasped. The snowy owl clicked her beak and fluttered down onto Harry's arm. â€Å"Very smart owl you've got there,† chuckled Tom. â€Å"Arrived about five minutes after you did. If there's anything you need, Mr. Potter, don't hesitate to ask.† He gave another bow and left. Harry sat on his bed for a long time, absentmindedly stroking Hedwig. The sky outside the window was changing rapidly from deep, velvety blue to cold, steely gray and then, slowly, to pink shot with gold. Harry could hardly believe that he'd left Privet Drive only a few hours ago, that he wasn't expelled, and that he was now facing two completely Dursley-free weeks. â€Å"It's been a very weird night, Hedwig,† he yawned. And without even removing his glasses, he slumped back onto his pillows and fell asleep.

Who Decided

Nehal HousnyBasic Composition Kathy WilfordNovember 5, 2012 Who Decides? Medical Technologies (MT) is an essential factor when it comes to science . However, there seems to be a misunderstanding on who should have the power to control its use. The three most common figures that are usually involved in controlling MT’s are the government, doctors, and society. Each representative has its own advantages and disadvantages . In both essays ,†The Made to Order Savior† by Lisa Belkin and â€Å"Who Holds the Clicker† by Lauren Slater , medical technology procedures are executed yet controlled and regulated differently.Every figure has its own guidelines as to how to control this technology and at times there was no control at all . Medical practices are very important and sometimes necessary to save a patients life . With proper funding from the government , doctors should have the authority to control how medical technology is used. In the â€Å"Made to Order Sav ior† by Lisa Belkin , doctors were able to control medical practices used in the patients life. Unfortunately , they received little or no funds from the government.Belkin felt that doctors lacked control because they were being held back from the government . For example, Dr Mark Hughees was one the first doctors who helped Strongin Goldbergs’ and the Nashes’ family find a cure for their children Henry and Molly. His brilliance and ever-lasting experience caused much of his research to be supported by the government , but not for too long. It was only so soon that Congress decided to stop funding Hughess research , which eventually affected the lives of Henry and Molly. Hughes then continued his research through private funds.Belkin states â€Å" at the time he was also a member of a federal advisory committee that developed guidelines for single-cell embryo analysis that was central to PGD. But no sooner had those guidelines been developed than Congress banned all federal financing of embryo research , and Hughes was forced to continue his research with private funds only†(6). This shows that the doctors’ work is not always supported and can be affected by the governments’ decisions. The government is controlling and limiting the doctors’ ability to use medical technology .By stopping financial funds necessary to continue research the chances of finding new cures lessens by a great chance . This can also be considered detrimental to the patients life because it leaves questions unanswered . On the other hand , in â€Å"Who Holds the Clicker† by Lauren Slater , doctors were able to receive adequate funding from the government to expand the use of medical technology . The government here saw the benefits of medical technology to the point were they took control of it. By willingly sponsoring doctors , this technology was soon uses as a management device. e .This potentially put pressure on the doctors beca use there funding was still limited which made no room for mistakes or seconds chances. Slater states †Beyond questions of whether a several mentally ill patient can provide informed consent, there continue to hover fears that DBS could fall into the hands of the state, or the overworked prison system, and be used as a management device†(242). As mentioned in the context of the essay, it is understood that the phrase â€Å"management device† refers to power and the capacity to dominate. Here, the government saw an opportunity to utilize the tools of medical technology to control the population.One example of how the government wanted to use medical technology to gain power is to try and wipe out violence. Slater states â€Å" The potential uses and abuses of neural implants were obvious: You could control prison populations; you could effectively wipe out violence† (236). They targeted certain races and populations, such as African Americans. Their excuse t o use medical technology was to wipe out violence from the African American race. Once again, this proves that the doctors are the ones who should be in charge of medical practices. With a doctor, there is no exchange of benefits with his or her patients.The doctor does not desire power or management to cure a patient. Instead, a doctor needs experience, passion, and the will to decide when and how to use medical technology. In both Belkin and Slaters’ essays the government is seen as an obstacle to allow the doctors be in control of their own job. Government is looking for ways on how to control the people regardless if it is providing funds or not. Peoples lives should not be based on what the governments’ visions are . The use of medical technology should stand in the hands of the doctors with no pressure included.Neurosurgeon Rees Cosgrove stated â€Å"If we do not do this right and carefully, and , you know properly†¦ I do not think we will have another oppo rtunity†(242). There is a certain amount of pressure on the doctors shoulders’ to perfect these experiments and devices. Because there is no time for trial and error doctors are not able to test the procedure several times before actually executing it . â€Å"There are no animal models of DBS for anxiety or depression, so these forays into the human brains are largely unguided despite all the high tech equipment†(242).Once again, government is limiting the doctors’ options creating less precise results for their research. Spending so much time with anyone creates a certain level of attachment, let alone between a doctor and his or her patient. This attachment or bond can expedite the curing period of a patient. For example, Belkin states â€Å" They [Henry’s parents] took on Dr. Hughes problems as their own, bonding with him deeply , knowing that they needed him to bond if they were to save Henry†(10).Here, it is obvious that Henry’s p arents are proudly desperate to find a cure for their son to the point where they are willing to deal with Henry’s doctors’ personal problems. Concerning over one another’s issues and trying to lift a burden always increases productivity and positivity. Slater also states â€Å" When Mario talks about that time now , tears come to his eyes. â€Å"It was like a miracle,†he says. †I still have some OCD symptoms but way , way less. Dr Greenberg and Ramussen saved my life. †(241) It is clear that as long there is good communication between the patient and the doctor, progress comes easier .Also, when the doctor has full control of the situation in terms of knowing the patients past habits, pain issues, and diagnosis he or she can provide a specific solution. They not only master helping every patients life but also learn to bond with most of them . This makes it more personal which can result in a positive way. Doctors should be able to receive p roper funding since it is for sake of saving lives and advancing cures. As mentioned, doctors are reputable people with knowledge of how medical procedures should be carries .There are regulations that are given to every patient before the procedure. For example, Belkin states â€Å"That was apparently what Hughes’s gut told him , too, and he agreed to try and develop a lab procedure to screen HLA a the single-cell level. His participation came with certain conditions. First , that the mother must be younger than 35, because younger women produce more eggs, increasing the odds of a healthy match. Second, that he would work only with families who carried a specific subset for Type C mutation, known as IVS4,because it is the most common.And, last of all, the child being created must be wanted. †(7). Doctors create these guidelines to create the maximum amount of productive work and results. Once again, proving that they should have the say as to how medical technology is used. Slater’s essay advocates this idea of setting guidelines before experimentation, â€Å" To be eligible for neural implants he [Mario] had to exhaust every available pharmacological option at either optimal or above optimal doses and undergo at least 20 hours of behavior therapy.He had to understand the risks and implications of the procedure and provide his consent. His case was viewed by three review board†(238). It is shown that doctors are trained to take full control of a patients' medical life in order to provide them with necessary aid. Others may see these procedures as detrimental to human health, however no doctor is licensed to harm his own patients. Slater’s essay later states â€Å" Dr Greenberg, his [Mario] psychiatrist said â€Å"we don't want to repeat the mistakes of the past.We want to sure this therapy is not only used indiscriminately , but that it is reserved for the group of people who have failed trials of everything else†(23 8). This shows that doctors have the commitment to cure their patients. Although doctors provide accurate results , other may argue that doctors have too much control over the patients life. In† Who holds the Clicker†, a doctor by the name of Robert Heath studied forms of psychosurgery such as deep brain stimulation , also knows as DBS. The method in which carried this type of surgery is graphic and can be disturbing to the patients’ family members.Slater states â€Å" Heath took patients culled from the back wards of Louisiana’s mental hospitals, slit open their skulls , and dropped electrodes down deep inside them . With the use of a handheld stimulator , Heath discovered that electrodes placed in the hippocampus, the thalamus, or the tegmentum could produce states of rage or fear , while electrodes placed in the brain’s septal area and part of the amygdala could produce feelings of pleasure†(235). Evidently, the language used in this quote is visual and does not sound pleasurable.These procedures are seen as immoral and unethical by many patients and the public. To a certain extent the procedures of some experiments are unconscionable . Nonetheless, this paved a way for new science discoveries and benefited millions. Belkins’ story takes this issue a little lighter than Slaters’. The mothers of Henry and Molly underwent the process of in-vitro fertilization every other month to try and conceive a newborn child. It was necessary to impregnate a child with a matching tissue type. In spite of this hectic procedure , the mothers did not mind it .Even though the process affected their health and reproductivity , they still followed the doctors recommendation . They flew out to different clinics in different states to find a solution. Belkin states â€Å" Lisa spent all 1999 trying to defy the odds. In January she produced 12 eggs, 2 of which were healthy matches;she became pregnant , then miscarried. In June she produced only four eggs , one of which was a match but did not result in a pregnancy. In September she produced eight eggs , six of which had Fanconi anemia ; the single health match was implanted , but again, her pregnancy test was negative†(13).If there is a will there is a way to solve any problem no matter how difficult it is. Lisa , mother of Molly, kept trying and trying until she finally did become pregnant. This shows that trial and error, despite its vulgar imagery , still has the possibility of bringing positive results and changing someones’ life! Also , as much as doctors know the procedure is harmful in some way to the body, they also know there is a way of rejuvenating the patients health. These doctors don't see a possibility of â€Å"no†.So why would anyone not allow doctors to have control of our medical lives? Dr. Wagner states â€Å" I’m here as the patients advocate , meaning Molly and Henry and all the other children in need of t ransplants . It is my obligation to push the envelope because I see how bad the other side can be . I see the results of a sibling transplant;they’re the easiest transplant to do†(7). It is clear that doctors see potential way more than the patients and the families. They should be trusted even if the procedure involves surpassing boundaries and limits .When these limits are exceeded and pushed to its fullest potential results like saving Molly’s life occur . Belkin states â€Å" In the end , Molly’s life was saved. That is the Nashes’ answer to people who question their right to manipulate nature . Their right springs form the difference between 30 percent and 85 percent ;the difference between Molly and Henry. That is also their answer to those who would urge the government to ban all embryo research because it harms unborn children . The research , they say ,saves children like Molly†(17).Not only is it proven that the government is an obs tacle in terms of funding research , but also the doctor here jeopardizes his own job . Ultimately , medical technology is a very brittle topic to discuss in terms of who controls it. Governments’ part to play is to fund the doctors who are guaranteed to establish new science . As far as the essays and my personal opinion goes , doctors are the ones to be given control . They should be able to regulate medical devices . With their recognizable knowledge and perpetual background, it is safe to rely on doctors with your eyes closed.

Azuria Medical Problems Essays - Medicine, Health Care, Free Essays

Azuria Medical Problems The state-run medical system has collapsed in Azuria, and only rudimentary care is available through NGOs (when they aren't being shot or kidnapped). Statistically there is supposed to be one doctor for every 4,640 people in Azuria. Diarrhea, communicable and parasitic diseases are rampant in the country. Chloroquine-resistant malaria is present in all parts of the country. Larium should be used for chemical prophylaxis. Cholera, dracunculiasis (Guinea worm), cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, rabies, relapsing fever and typhus (endemic flea-borne, epidemic louse-borne and scrub) are prevalent. Azuria is also receptive to dengue fever, as there have been intermittent epidemics in the past. Meningitis is a risk during the dry season in the savanna portion of the country, from December through March. Schistosomiasis may also be found in the country and contracted through contact with contaminated freshwater lakes, streams or ponds. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers coming from infected areas. There's also a pesky little problem with Tumbu Fly, a local maggot that burrows into human skin, munching on flesh all the way. The larvae grows big enough to rip out flesh before it turns into a fly. Hospital Resources No non-trauma medical care is being delivered at the hospitals. If the needs of those with chronic or acute medical conditions, such as diabetes, are being met, it is likely to be through the efforts of private physicians working out of their private homes in the community. Hospitals provide casualty care to heavily populated portions of the country. Digfer Hospital in Mogadishu has the capacity for about 650 inpatient beds, with an estimated current inpatient census of 1,000 patients. Benadir Hospital in Djibouti City has approximately the same capacity and current census. Medina Hospital in Mogadishu currently holds approximately 400 patients. Hospital needs in the north are served by a team of five Azuri physicians who set up the "Health Emergency Committee" on April 18, 2005. They work out of 27 converted villas, which have been combined to form what is called Karaan Hospital, where most of the emergency surgery takes place. An additional set of 16 villas in the north constitute a collective inpatient ward, Karaan 2, for patients who are convalescing from acute injury. The total number of patients hospitalized in these 45 villas is approximately 5,000 to 6,000 people. For medicines, the Karaan Hospital relies entirely on weekly supplies brought in by the ICRC. The physical condition of the acute care areas of these hospitals is uniformly austere and, with the exception of the casualty and operating areas of Medina Hospital, where the expatriate staff from Mdecins Sans Frontires-France (MSF) have taken over and renovated the most advanced of the city's surgical units, conditions are unsanitary. As the factional fighting prompted urban fighting and then as the intra-clan conflict broke out, makeshift casualty wards were set up in the existing entryway in the other two hospitals in the south during the course of the past year. During this year, both parties to the conflict have looted and destroyed public and private facilities. They have not spared hospitals. Digfer Hospital was particularly hard-hit and stripped almost bare of equipment, furnishings, and supplies. The ICRC had opened a hospital for the care of acutely injured casualties for the north in early February, but after one week of operations, was forced to close it abruptly in the face of active hostilities. (The hospital is operational again; see below). The surgical care structures on the north are even more minimal, since they were built as private homes. With the exception of the acute casualty and surgical areas of Medina Hospital, none of these hospital structures have screens over the windows to keep out flies and other insects. Electricity is available only to the operating areas on an intermittent, limited basis, from locally maintained diesel fueled generators. Running water is infrequent and unclean. There is no oxygen available in the city and no inhalation anesthesia possible. Surgical drapes are scarce or non-existent, depending on the site or hospital. Sterilizers occasionally work and are used according to varying routines and frequency. Much of the surgical equipment in most of the sites is re-used without interim sterilization over a 24-hour period. Casualty and operating areas are mopped down intermittently, depending on the volume of cases arriving in acute condition. Available antibiotics included penicillin and erythromycin; medicine for the prevention of tetanus was in short supply. Medical support can continue to be provided at its current rudimentary level only if the lifeline provided by the ICRC can be maintained. Medical supplies to both sides of the city and food rations for

Analyse the impact of implementing rain water harvesting systems on Essay

Analyse the impact of implementing rain water harvesting systems on the stormwater system - Essay Example In Galway, high discharge rates can pose a great impact on both the vegetation and the organism within the ecosystem. This report, therefore, analyzes the impact of rainwater harvesting systems such as cisterns and rain barrels on stormwater as a solution to help reduce the volume of stormwater runoff and prevention of pollution to the existing stormwater. The basic components of residential and small commercial scales are; gutters and downspouts, catchment surface (roof), storage tanks, delivery systems, and water treatment for portable systems (Texas water development board 2005). Field observation is an integral part in the analysis. In analysis, identifying indicators can help in measuring the efficiency of rainwater harvesting techniques. The purpose of the analysis is to determine the amount of surface runoff that comes from each portion of land. The recorded volume from the runoff is then compared to the possible amount of water that could have been collected from the rooftops. The basic method used to calculate the amount of runoff from the structures as well as from the land surface is Q=A x C x I The area (A) in terms of acres was obtained by substitution of determining formulae on the applicable mathematics formulas. The intensity of the rainfall was determined by considering a two year one hour storm. The coefficient of runoff from the site was determined by using the weighted average coefficient. The rational method was employed in calculating the total volume of runoff from the land use. Secondly, the total volume collected from the roof is determined using the rational method. In such a case, the area of the roof represents the area value. The coefficient value of this case was determined to be 0.9. Research has it that the coefficient of the roof surface lies within the range 0.75 to 0.95. This implies that the structures can collect approximately 75-90% of the total amount of

Contemporary Chinese Law in Context Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Contemporary Chinese Law in Context - Essay Example 4). Traditional Chinese Laws were practiced in China even during the latter half of twentieth century. The traditional laws were highly influenced by philosophical and political doctrines propagated by Confucius. Thus, the traditional Chinese laws, government regulations and penal code had Philosophical influence (The Spirit of Traditional Chinese Law n.d., p. 2-3). This paper deals with some of the Chinese laws which were revised and those which have kept pace with the changes brought about by economic globalisation. While some of the existing laws were amended like the Competition law, social law, Property laws, some new laws like Food and Beverages Law, Antimonopoly Law, etc were introduced. This paper reviews some of those laws by focusing on the circumstances which required introduction of new laws, components of new laws, their implementations and effectiveness in the Chinese Society. At the same time, this paper also examines categorization of laws basing upon their formation as well as their limitations or drawbacks. Chinese laws after 1976 to 2013: Contemporary laws: westernization Chinese legal system got modernized only after the country earned its Republic status, and especially after the reign of Qing dynasty. The effects of Cultural Revolution necessitated the requirement for formulation of some new laws and reformation of some. It has been observed that, during the last thirty years China has put most efforts in implementing legal provisions. Not only this, China has also achieved significant amount of success in redefining its legal norms, development and innovations in institutions and systems pertaining to laws and regulations. Modern day Chinese laws are meant for serving long term goals. Some of these include modifying public behavior, family planning policies, proper functioning of social systems, and above all making up for flaws that were committed by Chinese legal systems before modernization (Dingjian 2010, p. 40). Over time, the legal reforms in China have been results of direct influence of legal systems of developed Western countries. However, China has blended them with their specific problems and has customized the laws to create a system which would best serve its purpose. In order to introduce a new behavioral model, China had to introduce new legal standards. Thus, modern Chinese legal concepts are aiming at shaping up a large- scale, proper and consistent legal- structure for China (Dingjian 2010, p. 41- 42). The Chinese legal system can also be divided into two broad categories- the state made laws and the non- state made laws. State made Law All the formal acts and regulations that are formulated and implemented in recent times are classified under this category. The state laws consist of standard legal provisions and procedures and in every aspect are held superior to non- state laws. Chinese laws are regulated by multiple authorities, and the division of power is centralized. Thus, China has a well de fined law and regulations for its citizens, thereby promoting equality and peace (China's Current Legislation Structure). Non- State made law The non- state laws refers to those codified and un-codified laws and regulations that are practiced in a nation without maintaining any international convention. Numerous such laws could

Major Intellectual Advances and Developments in Knowledge That Essay

Major Intellectual Advances and Developments in Knowledge That Occurred in the Islamic World Under Abbasid Rule - Essay Example According to Bennison (2009, pp43-56) Historians, aptly refer Abbasid era as the â€Å"Golden Age† mainly because of the great scientific and cultural transformations that occurred during the period. Western countries such as ancient Greece and Rome in addition to eastern countries especially China had initiated the path for scientific and intellectual development in the Arab empire. These early advancements converged in the Muslim world partly because of Abbasid rule, which established favourable environment for scientific and intellectual development. Various factors contributed to the desire for knowledge in Muslim world. Firstly, the expansive Abbasid Empire demanded new technologies and improvement to address the existing social, economic and political problems (Akabar, 1992). The vastness of the empire from North Africa to Iran comprised of diverse people with different cultural backgrounds. Interaction between these diverse cultures contributed to the spread of ideas an d creativity in the region. Another reason was that during the period, the Arabic became the language of learning and hence Muslims from the Abbasids Empire had valuable opportunity for engaging in diverse scientific and intellectual pursuits (LeStrange, 2004). ... This was intended to educate the Arab scholars and encourage their contributions in expansion and creation of new knowledge. Astronomy is one of the disciplines that Muslim scholars made tremendous contribution during the Abbasid era. The initial contribution of the Abbasid rule in the field of astronomy commenced with translation of texts from earlier advanced civilisations in the discipline such as the Greek. (Ofek, 2011). Original contribution of Abbasids in astronomy without foreign input was in the formulation of moon and sun spatial motions into comprehensible tables. The discovery was done by Al-Khawarizimi and he later formulated tables denoting planetary motions of other several other planets (Hasan, 2005). Several equipments in astronomy discovered during this time included the astrolabe and the armillary sphere. The armillary sphere was used to calculate the time of the day or year, which assisted the Muslims in setting their sacred schedule. Astrolabe was the precursor of the modern magnetic compass, and was applied in calculating time and establishing position. Astrolabe was particular useful for Muslims because it enabled them establish their position relative to Mecca, where they face during prayers (Bennison, 2009, pp57-65). Astronomy was of particular interests for the Muslims because of the necessity to establish times of prayer and lunar patterns. In addition, the vastness of the Abbasid Empire necessitated the need of being knowledgeable about directions and locations (LeStrange, 2004). Muslims during the Abbasid rule made important contributions in mathematics and their influence is still felt today in that field. Muslims made valuable contribution in algebra and the term â€Å"algebra†

Albert Hourani and Ibn Khaldoun Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Albert Hourani and Ibn Khaldoun - Essay Example Hourani, in his book, presents his political views while he traces the emergence of Islam, which was born into a pagan area influenced by Christianity and Judaism, where the great powers exercised no direct control that is a breeding ground in both the political and religious. A new political order, headed by a new elite, following the Arab tribes of Mecca, went up between the two empires. The precise role that Mohammed has played in these events is uncertain because the history of his time was reconstituted in writing nearly a century after his death. These biographies tell of events concerning his life, his revelation and his action may not have been fabricated. Muhammad began to communicate his message, announcing the end of the world, the arrival of Reckoning, asking to submit to the Will of Allah, the Arabic word for the God of monotheism. His relations with other tribes deteriorated so quickly that he left Mecca for Medina in the Hijra, the Hijra, which marks the beginning of t he Muslim era. In Medina, Muhammad gathered an increased number of supporters and fought to Quraysh. For Ibn Khaldoun, morality matters in the relationship between the individual and the state to the extent that any resolutions or acts taken by the ruler should be evaluated by the moral principles of the society. As one of the great political thinkers and anthropologists, he was greatly affected by the Islamic traditions that values morality above one’s own interests.

Mentors in Professional Nursing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Mentors in Professional Nursing - Research Paper Example Mentorship extends over a period of time, within which reciprocal sharing, learning, and development take place in an environment formed around respect and collegiality (Mariani, 2012). Further, Mariani (2012) emphasizes that reinforcing mentoring relationships within the nursing profession is essential in order to ensure that crucial facets of the vocation are retained, particularly in the present day healthcare environment. Moreover, an effective nurse mentor relationship is important for the upcoming generation of nurses. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how mentors support the nursing profession, the required characteristics of a mentor, and components of an effective mentor program. How Mentoring Supports the Nursing Profession Today, training, education and administration within the nursing profession is required to support and provide fundamental solutions that are directed toward the existing and progressively waning decline in nursing professionals’ collegialit y, self-confidence, and support. Indeed, the consequential damaging effects are realized in declining staff performance, and in deficient patient care outcomes. Additionally, the rapidly transforming health care environment requires that actions be taken to reinforce and inspire new and experienced nurses so as to retain competent nursing staff. Consequently, mentorship offers a unique opportunity for newer nurses to cultivate durable relationships with experienced nurses that are beneficial to the growth of both individuals and contributes to the retention of nurses within the organization and the profession. As noted earlier, mentors offer information, support and professional advice to novice nurses over an extended period of time. As such, both the mentor and mentee devote a substantial amount in the mentoring relationship emotionally, thus enabling self-directed growth and learning. To this end, mentorship provides many benefits to the nursing profession. First, mentoring helps decreases or alleviates stress and anxiety among nursing professional which impacts burnout rates. In recent years, professional nursing has been considered as an extremely stressful occupation owing to the increasing acuity of patients, declining staffing ratios, and time pressures arising from increasing productivity and performance requirements in healthcare facilities. In a research conducted at two tertiary care hospitals in New Delhi, Bhatia, Kishore, Anand, and Jiloha (2010) reported substantial job stress in approximately 87.4% of the eighty seven staff nurse respondents. According to the study, â€Å"time pressure† was identified as the top placed stressor (Bhatia, Kishore, Anand, & Jiloha, 2010). In another study, Duvall and Andrews (2010) surveyed the literature to establish why staff nurses left the bedside in connection to the nursing shortage and increased turnover rates. The study revealed a variety of reasons including management issues, job stress, job desig n, physical demands, and the inability to develop new nurses (Duvall & Andrews, 2010, p. 309). Furthermore, job stress has been linked to poor job satisfaction (Hassell, Archbold, & Stichman, 2011), undesirable physical and mental health outcomes (Nash, 2010), and ultimately to

Assignment 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 5

Assignment 2 - Essay Example As well as in Hosea 3:1, wherein the passage goes: â€Å"The Lord said to me, ‘Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.’† In the Old Testament, the Israelites repeatedly rejected God and did wrong, but God continued to love them, and all other people. God’s character and actions show that He makes a covenant with His people to love them continuously, yet inspire fear in them so that they may not turn away from Him; and those who do His bidding will be rewarded in the highest form, just as stated in Jeremiah 32:40-41. Even those whom God may seem to speak against are still loved by Him, just as it is in Jeremiah 31:20, which say: â€Å"‘Is not Ephraim my dear son, the child in whom I delight? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore my heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,’ declares the Lord.† Much is made of God’s wrath in the Old Testament, however, when He punishes, he does with reluctance – which still shows His love for His people. Lamentations 3:31-33 writes â€Å"For the Lord will not reject forever. Although he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone.† Such of God’s character is also evident in Ezekiel 18:31-32 wherein God asks His people to repent. To repent and live, so that He may not punish them, for He takes no pleasure in punishing them. He asks them to rid themselves of their offenses and get a new heart and spirit. God often pleads the Israelites to repent so that He may give them blessings. Anyone who was experiencing God’s punishments could end it immediately just by simply repenting. In the Old Testament, Jesus has not come yet, and therefore God arranged for His

Heineken Environment Analysis Essay Example for Free

Heineken Environment Analysis Essay The bargaining power of suppliers The suppliers of raw materials to Heineken Company are mainly farmers. Therefore, the threat for power of supplier is high. The bottle supplier for Heineken is provided by Heye Glas Nederland which is fully supplied the green bottle for the worldwide distribution of Heineken beer. In the past, Heineken kept only 33% its stake in Heye Glas in order to secure the supply of high quality export bottles at a lower cost to meet the needs for demand but now Heineken has kept 100% stake in 2002. Beer is produced by water, barley, hops and yeast. These ingredients are supplied by farmers. Heineken also mentioned that competition for agricultural products from the biofuels industry that is affecting their costs. The bargaining power of buyers The buyers in this industry have many choices as there are many companies serving beer. This will increase the choice of the customer and hence the threat for power of buyers is high. For example, for serving customer at the pub, there are a lot of beer brands for them to fit their taste such as Guiness, Carlsberg, Tiger. Therefore, buyers now have a choice to choose the one they like. As a result, choosing of customer for what kind beer they want to drink will bring threats for Heineken. The threat of potential new entrants Nowadays, an explosion of smaller brewers has entered the market during the past decade that making the industry much more competitive. Heineken is one of the largest brewers in the world and they have to share market with other brewer. The barrier in the beer market is low. Therefore, the threat of potential new entrants for Heineken is high. This will make Heineken considering to create innovation or uniqueness into their product that can  sustain competitive advantages in the beer market. The threat of substitutes Beer is a kind of beverage which contains alcohol. However, people can switch to drink wine which also is alcohol drink. Customer’s taste is not similar so that they have right to choose what they want to enjoy, so this will affect the beer market as well as Heineken Company. As a result, the threat of substitute for beer market is high. The extent of competitive rivalry Heineken has achieved the economy of scale in the market especially in Europe. It holds about 30% of market share in European beer market. Since the beer market is growing, so the competitors will try to attain their growth targets. The large brewer like Heineken tends to enforce their own strategies to the beer industry and due the economies of scale they will produce higher quality and unique products which can make their own place in the market, hence keep themselves growing to achieve their target. Internal analysis of the company Analysis the resources Tangible: Since Heineken know that their plant and equipment is a key for company production, they invest so much in the infrastructure to make sure that their operation is working efficiently. For example, Heineken have four breweries in Russia, all those use KHS Till plant technology. This equipment at Heineken’s packaging can processes 50 liter kegs in addition to 30 liter at an output of up to 140 kegs an hour. As a result, the two-lane machine can operate with one racking, six washing and sterilizing stations. Intangible: brand name is most valuable asset of the Heineken Company, they has built this name Heineken with premium brand. The company recognizes that brand is very important key for them to develop a strong presence globally in the beer market so that Heineken have a lot of marketing activities for its brand name. Furthermore, branding is also a highly defensible competitive advantage for Heineken; this would bring strength to company expansion. Hence Heineken Company can stretch their production internationally and add more money for company. Management capability: Heineken implemented a number of new initiatives in the area of leadership development in 2004. One is a new leadership competency model that defines behavior expectations from all senior managers at Heineken. The model takes Heineken company ambitions and values as a starting point and translates these into the leadership behavior required from senior managers. With marketing differentiation using different message within normal media advertising can also have differentiating effect. This differentiation will bring strengths for Heineken. When most advertisers are pursuing essentially the beer market with the same message like showing gregarious groups of males in public houses having an enjoyable night out. In the other hand, Heineken managed to differentiate its beer by using a series of advertisements employing humour and the caption Heineken refreshed the parts other beers can not reach. Organizational structure In 2005 Heineken announced that it was created a new top management structure, this would drive and support growth as a global organization. In order to connect functions, operation and finance in a more effective way, the company create a new more streamlines Executive Board. Hence change would lead to create strengths for operating regions and global functions. Furthermore, Heineken has grown substantially over the past four years. The new structure is better suited to the present organization and ensures faster decision-making. In the beer market where the consolidation process is accelerating and rapid introduction of innovations is essential, this is crucial to the achievement of Heineken’s long term ambitions. Culture Heineken is proud of they are one of the world’s great beer companies. Hence their culture will reflect the company view and values. These values create so many strengths for company to develop their environment within the  company. Heineken based on the value that they respect their employees, business partners, customers, shareholders and all others who are connected to the company. Furthermore, Heineken make life more enjoyable by bring enjoyment to life, they also encourage this core value within the working places and atmosphere within the company. In addition, company has a fundamental belief in the concept and delivery of quality, it is also reflected in their other activities such as their social and employment policies. This will create benefit and value both for Heineken and their reputation. As a result, these values define Heineken corporate culture and working methods which help company to do the business successfully.

Home Alarm System: An analysis

Home Alarm System: An analysis Home burglaries and property trespassing is a common event; more than forty per one thousand households get robbed yearly. With the introduction of home alarm systems the rates of burglaries have dropped significantly for the past thirty years. Therefore, throughout the semester, we have been working on building a functional home alarm system using PIC microcontroller, a keypad, an LCD display and a magnetic sensor. Household burglary is defined as an illicit entry or attempted entry of a residence which usually involves theft. The illegal entry may be by force, such as breaking a window or slashing a screen, or may be without force by entering through an unlocked door or an open window. As long as the person entering has no legal right to be present in the structure a burglary has occurred. Furthermore, burglary is not only the entry of the house by itself; illegal entry of a garage or any other structure on the premises also represents household burglary. [12] Figure1.Home Burglary Statistics (2008-2011).Washington Post [Photograph].Retrieved from http://homesecurity.net/home-burglary-statistic/ The most common targets are residential houses. Those of them without security systems installed are about three times as likely to be broken into as homes with security systems installed. Moreover, the first place that the robber will search is usually the master bedroom because most people keep their valuables there. The preferred items to be stolen are cash, jewelry, electronic equipment, silver, guns and other items easy to put on the market. [8] Statistics showed that every 14.6 seconds, a burglary takes place in the United States and most of them occur between 10 am and 3 pm. Burglars spend an average of 8 to 12 minutes in your household. The residence owner can take the following safety measures such as: burglars search for homes that appear to be vacant; robbers want to waste no more than sixty seconds breaking into a home. [8] Points of Entry of Burglars: Figure2 .Burglary Facts and Statistics (2008). [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/burglary-facts-and-statistics-338161.html One survey in Pennsylvania showed that: 81 percent of residential intrusions occur through the first floor. 34 percent of burglars entered through the front door; 23 percent through a first-floor window; 22 percent through the back door; 9 percent through the garage; 4 percent entered through a basement; 4 percent through an unlocked entrance; 2 percent through a storage area; 2 percent entered anywhere on the second floor. [2] Definition of a Home Alarm System: A home alarm system is used as a defensive device to monitor all unwelcome events such as intrusion, glass breaking and mainly to avoid theft. It is also used to alert a user of a possible danger. It focuses on all of the accessible entry points of the house, so that the alarm will sound as soon as the intruder enters. Advantages: The most important advantage of the home alarm system is the security it offers from theft of costly things such as the jewelry, the television set, your pc, cell phones, and etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ causing massive financial problems. In addition, a home alarm system is necessary not just for the material possessions in your home but also increases protection on the family. Furthermore, a burglar may want to break the door of your house while barging in. You also might have to cope with broken windows, smashed furniture and other general damage. Making up for this damage will be expensive not just time wise but also requires great deal of effort since burglars these days are interested in expensive items. They search for important identifications such as your bank statements, passports, and credit cards, essentially whatever they get their hands on. The misuse of these documents will disturb your economic balance. [13] Therefore, it is recommended to install a home alarm system at your pl ace. Disadvantages: One of the main disadvantages and is mainly caused by a malfunction is the generation of a false alarm where it can be triggered accidentally and thus cause unnecessary inconvenience. Moreover, having children might cause a lock of the system by improper insertion of the password. Also, if you failed to insert the password in time, the alarm may be triggered. Some burglars are highly experienced and have the knowledge to disable the alarm, the phone lines, and the electricity leaving you helpless in a critical situation. How Does a Home Alarm System Operate? Sensors are the most vital part of the system; they act like the eyes and ears of a home alarm system by monitoring break in points and interior areas. The typical sensors, which are usually two magnets, are generally installed on doors and windows such that one magnet is connected to the door or window and the other is connected to the door or window frame. When the door or window is opened, one magnet is removed from the surrounding area of the other and the sensor registers that the door has been opened. More advanced home alarm systems may also contain vibration sensors to detect when glass has been broken by measuring the vibrations caused by the breakage. Also, many systems use motion sensors that compute the proximity of a rooms walls by producing infrared beams and measuring the time required for them to bounce back; if a beam comes back sooner than expected, it likely bounced off of a person and the sensor registers motion. [4] When the alarm system is installed, each sensor is registered with the control panel either through wires or wirelessly. The control panel also interfaces with keypads and other input devices used by the home owner to control the system. The control center keeps track of the status of the sensors and reports activity through LCD displays and other output devices. Moreover, when activity takes places, such as the opening of a window, the sensors report the activity to the control center and the center registers that a disturbance has occurred. In managed alarm systems, the control panel also checks the sensors to verify that they are still operational; if a sensor fails to reply, the center alerts the home owner of an out of order sensor. If the home owner activates the alarm system and the control center registers activity in the home, a signal is sent by the control to a buzzer, flashing lights or any other audiovisual alarm element. Types of Alarm Systems: Home burglar alarms normally include the following: Window and door sensors Motion detectors Main control panel Centrally located keypad Exterior security signs Hard-wired or wireless construction These systems are often centrally monitored by a security provider that alerts authorities of break-ins. Some of the more common systems that are included in many homes: Smoke alarm systems include smoke detectors, possibly strobe lights and hearing impaired features for seniors and hearing impaired home owners. Fire alarms include a series of smoke detectors, heat detectors and possibly an in-home sprinkler. One ignored aspect of your home security is your homes built in systems, such as heating and cooling and plumbing. Critical System Alarms include: Cooling and heating alarms have detection and monitoring devices that transmit information about your heating and cooling system often directly to a monitoring company. Flood and water alarm systems monitor your plumbing system where even small leaks can go unnoticed and result in thousands of dollars in repairs. [5] Types of Alarm Sensors: Alarm Sensors are essential elements of your home security system. A wide variety of security alarm sensors and detectors are available for use. It is obvious what most sensors do, so we will only describe the main ones used in a basic system. Contact Sensors: Most burglaries involve doors, either on entry or while leaving the house. So protecting all doors is a must. (Example: magnetic circuit breakers).Door contacts may be hardwired or wireless; hardwired contacts are usually buried in the doorframe, which is less obvious than wireless and are preferable. Window Contacts: Can be hardwired or wireless. Motion Sensors: Its the most essential and common form of protection. Passive infrared sensors: Detect motion by sensing a sudden change in heat. Dual-Tech motion detectors use two different technologies in the same unit: passive infrared and microwave. These devices are designed to avoid false alarms since both technologies must detect motion before setting off the alarm. Photoelectric Sensors: These sensors project a beam of light across a hall or doorway to detect motion and are triggered when a person passing through interrupts the beam. Glass Break Detectors: Usually mounted near windows to detect the specific high frequency sound of glass being shattered. They are usually installed on a wall opposite or adjacent to the protected glass and are effective within about 15 to 25. Smoke and Heat Detectors: Detect smoke and heat. [1] Chapter II: Our Home Alarm System Our Home Alarm System: Our projects main concern was to build a Home Alarm System using a PIC microcontroller. We started off our project by coding the Keypad, then LCD and the final touch was the sensor. We also added two types of buzzers: one to sound the alarm and the other as a key tone buzzer. The final result turned out to be the following: Figure3. Our Home Alarm System Materials Used: Cost: PIC16F877A 7$ 4X4 Keypad 2$ JHD 162A LCD 6$ 6V Alarm Buzzer 0.5$ Key tone Buzzer 0.5$ 4 MEGA Crystal Oscillator 5$ 3 Flashing LEDs 0.1$ 9 Resistors (10Kà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¦, 470 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¦, 1Kà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¦) 0.1$ 18 Pico Capacitors 1$ Magnetic Sensor 2$ Input Voltage Wires 0.1$ Breadboard 3$ Total Cost: 27.3$ Process of Building: First of all the PIC: PIC is a family of Harvard architecture microcontrollers. The name PIC refers to Peripheral Interface Controller. They are popular with both professional developers and hobbyists alike due to their low cost, wide availability and large user base. The PIC has an overall of 40 pins. These pins include input/output ports such as PORTA, PORTB, PORTC, PORTD, PORTE and two Vdd ports for input voltage. The PIC architecture is characterized by its multiple attributes: Separate code and data spaces (Harvard architecture). A small number of fixed length instructions. Most instructions are single cycle execution, with one delay cycle on branches and skips. All RAM locations function as registers as both source and destination of math and other functions. A hardware stack for storing return addresses. Data space mapped CPU, port, and peripheral registers. The program counter is also mapped into the data space and writable. There is no distinction between memory space and register space because the RAM serves the job of both memory and registers, and it is usually just referred to as the register file. The keypad: This device is used to enter the password selected by the user and to arm or disarm the alarm by selecting the various profiles installed in the system. As you can see from our projects picture we used a 4 x 4 keypad, as instructed by Dr. Ayoubi we started off our project by working on the keypad and testing it on Proteus and on the PIC itself. The design of a 4 x 4 keypad can be approached by either adopting the serial or the parallel concept. The serial concept is tedious in terms of software effort, complex in circuitry and slow in response. However, it requires few interface lines. Meanwhile, the parallel concept on the other hand is less complex in circuitry, less software intensive and faster in response. Its concept also requires more interface lines, that is, 8 plus an interrupt line for a 4 by 4 keypad. [10] Our design for a functional keypad was the usage of an alternation of ports between inputs and outputs which is done by using the TRIS function. We started off by setting the first four ports of PORTB as the inputs and the latter four ports as the outputs. This is done by moving the binary literal 11110000 to the working registers and having the latter four ports pulled down by 10kà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¦ resistors. The first four ports are connected to the columns meanwhile the last four are connected to the rows. Moreover, as a justification for this reasoning is the fact that it is required to scan the columns for the pressed key and then scan the rows and the results will be decoded in a decoder telling us which button of the keypad was pressed. The main functionality of the keypad as mentioned earlier is to set the code. The alarm can be armed and disarmed with a standard four digit user code in our case. The master code is a step above a regular user code. It is used to unlock the system, as well as programming or erasing a regular user code. Theoretically it can also be used to bypass some sensors. The default password set during the design, which is also the installation code, is 1234. Most alarm companies use the same installer code for all of their installations, and the vast majority will never give their installer code to a customer, for obvious reasons. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): An LCD is a thin, flat electronic visual display that uses the light modulating properties of liquid crystals (LCs). They are used in a wide range of applications, including computer monitors, television, instrument panels, etc. They are common in consumer devices such as clocks, watches, calculators, and telephones. Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) offer several advantages over traditional cathode ray tube displays that make them ideal for several applications. Of course, LCDs are flat, and they use only a fraction of the power required by CRTs. They are easier to read and more pleasant to work with for long periods of time than most ordinary video monitors. It also has few disadvantages, such as limited view angle, brightness, and contrast, not to mention high manufacturing cost. As research continues, these limitations are slowly becoming less significant. [6] [11] [14] In our design, we used a 1k resistor to set the contrast at the LCD display. Sensor Used: The sensor used is the typical magnetic switch circuit breaker as shown in the figure below: Figure4. How Burglar Alarms Work. Retrieved from http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-safety/security/burglar-alarm1.html A magnetic sensor is used to detect any changes as well as disturbances in a certain magnetic fields. In addition, when the magnets are separated it means we have an open circuit and when it is closed it acts like a short circuit. When the door is closed, the magnet pulls the metal switch close so the circuit is complete. Then, the current powers the relays electromagnet, so the buzzer circuit stays open. When you move the magnet by opening the door, the spring snaps the switch back into the open position. This cuts off the current and closes the relay, sounding the alarm. [7] Functionality of our system As soon as we connect the 5V power source the alarm greets us with a welcome message displayed on the LCD then asks us to provide the password. Once entered correctly the green LED flashes accepting the code. If the password entered was incorrect the red LED flashes and the system gives you two further chances to enter the correct password. If both remaining attempts failed the system will lock. The only way to unlock the system is by clicking the star key (*) for more than five seconds. This feature should be kept a secret between the user and the company otherwise anyone who knows it can unlock the system and keep trying to hack into it. The keypad should be installed next to the entry door because it is programmed with a time lag, to permit you to exit when leaving, and enter on arriving home, without activating the alarm. We have set a profile that gives you 20 seconds before leaving the house and the alarm starting. By clicking the (A) button on the keypad the counter starts giving you the amount of time to leave the house. If the magnets of the magnetic switch get separated, by the opening of a door or a window (depending on where it is installed), the internal invisible counter gives the user 15 seconds or 3 trials to set the password correctly or the alarm will go off. The alarm will remain firing until the password is set correctly. Furthermore, the option of changing the password is also available. In order to do so insert an incorrect password and the red LED flashes. While it is blinking click on the star button and wait until the yellow LED blinks and the LCD displays INSERT ADMIN PASS. In our system the administrator password is 5678. After inserting the correct administrator password the system will ask you to insert the new password then once again for confirmation. The administrator password however cannot be changed unless we change it in the code and download it again on the chip. Chapter III: Algorithm Design Block Diagrams: Figure5. Block Diagram showing how the system functions Figure6. Block Diagram showing how the keypad functions Proteus: Figure7. Our Design on Proteus Chapter IV: Conclusion References Conclusion: As we have seen in the graph Burglary rates figure7, the alarm system is becoming a must in modern day life in order to protect our valuables and the ones we care about. As we can see from the graph below, the rate of burglary is declining in 1981 that is when technology started evolving greatly and as we can see with time crime kept on decreasing. Figure7.Key Facts at a Glance (2011).Retrieved from http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/glance/burg.cfm Figure8.Certified Security Systems (2010). Retrieved from http://certifiedsecuritysystems.com/crime-statistics.aspx In flow chart figure8, alarms are moderately effective (57%), 40% very effective, and 3% not effective as owners say. Alarm owners are very satisfied with price and value of security systems such that 74% excellent and good, 22% just okay, and 4% Poor and Terrible. In conclusion, comparing our cost to the prices on the market we can see that systems cost from 30$ to 200$ depending on the number of sensors, the ground it covers and its specifications. Therefore, we recommend each house owner to buy an alarm system because it is not very expensive and might save you the trouble and the inconvenience and the financial losses caused by a robbery. REFERENCE LIST [1] Alarm SensorsAre Essential and Primary Elements of Your Home Security System (n.d.). Retrieved January 19, 2011 from http://www.home-security-action.co.uk/alarm-sensors.html [2] Burglary Facts and Statistics (2008).Retrieved January 19, 2011, from http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/burglary-facts-and-statistics-338161.html [3] Certified Security Systems (2010). Retrieved January 20, 2011 from http://certifiedsecuritysystems.com/crime-statistics.aspx [4]Evans, K. (n.d.). How Does a Home Alarm System Operate? Retrieved January 18, 2011 from http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4568395_home-alarm-system-operate.html [5] From Burglar Alarms to Fire Alarms (2008-2011). Retrieved January 19, 2011 from http://homesecurity.net/security-alarms/ [6] Gowan, M. (2000). How it Works: LCD Monitors. Retrieved January 20, 2011 from http://www.pcworld.com/article/15112/how_it_works_lcd_monitors.html [7] Harris, T. (n.d.). How Burglar Alarms Work. Retrieved January 20, 2011 from http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-safety/security/burglar-alarm1.html [8] Home Burglary Statistics (2008-2011).Washington Post. Retrieved January, 19, 2011, http://homesecurity.net/home-burglary-statistic/ [9] How Hard Wired Home Alarm Systems Its Add On Components Work! (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2011 from http://www.top-home-security-info.com/home-alarm-systems.html [10] Interrupt Driven 44 Keypad (n.d.). Retrieved January 19, 2011 from http://priorartdatabase.com/IPCOM/000005778 [11] Introduction to Liquid Crystal Displays (n.d.). Retrieved January 19, 2011 from http://plc.cwru.edu/tutorial/enhanced/files/lcd/intro.htm [12] Key Facts at a Glance (2011).Retrieved January 19, 2011, from http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/glance/burg.cfm [13] Krejcik, R. (2010). Advantages of a Home Alarm System. Retrieved January20, 2011 from http://www.realestateproarticles.com/Art/30563/271/Advantages-of-a-home- alarm-system.html [14] LCD (2011). Retrieved January 20, 2011 from http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/L/LCD.html

Songs Of This Year :: essays research papers

After Tonight (Album Version) 4:15 Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) (Album Version) 3:25 Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) (Pound Boys Dub) 6:48 Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) (Pound Boys Main Mix) 8:56 Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) (Pound Boys Radio Edit) 3:29 Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) (Single Edit) (Mariah Carey Featuring Westlife) 3:23 Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) (Mariah Only Version) 3:21 Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) (Westlife Only Version) 3:21 Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) (Instrumental) 3:26 All I Ever Wanted (Album Version) 3:51 All In Your Mind (Album Version) 4:43 All I Want For Christmas Is You (Album Version) 4:01 All I Want For Christmas Is You (So So Def Remix) (Featuring Jermaine Dupri & Lil’ Bow Wow) 4:44 Alone In Love (Album Version) 4:11 Always Be My Baby (Album Version) 4:18 Always Be My Baby (Always Club Mix) 10:23 Always Be My Baby (Def Classic Radio Mix) 4:07 Always Be My Baby (Dub-A-Baby) 7:13 Always Be My Baby (Groove A Pella) 7:07 Always Be My Baby (Mr. Dupri Extended Mix) (Featuring Da Brat & Xscape) 5:29 Always Be My Baby (Mr. Dupri Mix) (Featuring Da Brat & Xscape) 4:39 Always Be My Baby (Mr. Dupri No Rap Radio Mix) (Featuring Xscape) 3:41 ***Always Be My Baby (Reggae Soul Accapella) 4:39 *** Vinyl, not CD quality :o((( Always Be My Baby (Reggae Soul Dub Mix) 4:51 Always Be My Baby (Reggae Soul Mix) (Featuring Lil’ Vicious) 4:51 Always Be My Baby (St Dub) 7:11 And You Don’t Remember (Album Version) 4:24 Anytime You Need A Friend (Album Version) 4:25 ***Anytime You Need A Friend (7† Mix) 6:53 *** Vinyl, not CD quality :o((( ***Anytime You Need A Friend (All That And More Mix) 10:31 *** Vinyl, not CD quality :o((( ***Anytime You Need A Friend (Boriqua Tribe Mix) 9:02*** Vinyl, not CD quality :o((( ***Anytime You Need A Friend (C&C Dub Mix) 10:07 *** Vinyl, not CD quality :o((( Anytime You Need A Friend (C&C Radio Mix) 4:14 ***Anytime You Need A Friend (Dave’s Empty Pass) 10:49*** Vinyl, not CD quality :o((( Anytime You Need A Friend (Ministry Of Sound Mix) 9:45 Anytime You Need A Friend (Soul Convention Remix) 4:49 Anytime You Need A Friend (String-A-Pella) 4:49 Babydoll (Album Version) 5:06 Bliss (Album Version) 5:44

The Ghost of King Hamlet Essay -- GCSE English Literature Coursework

The Ghost of King Hamlet      Ã‚   Many Shakespeare plays contain ghosts, perhaps most notably and most disturbingly in Macbeth and Hamlet. The ghost in Hamlet is the apparition of prince Hamlet's father, the dead King Hamlet.   However, up until the time when the ghost first appears to Hamlet, interrupting his speech and thoughts, it appears Hamlet is unaware that his father was murdered.   As the ghost intones, "I am thy father's spirit, / Doomed for a certain term to walk the night, / And for the day confined to fast in fires, / Till the foul crimes done in my days of nature / Are burnt and purged away" (Shakespeare I.v.9-13).   While more people in Shakespeare's audience were inclined to believe in the supernatural and fantastic, it is likely the appearance of the slain King still has quite an impact on modern audiences.   This is because the ghost of King Hamlet tells his son he was murdered and his murder must be avenged for him to rest in peace. We see that the ghost is a driving force for Hamlet on his way to conscious maturity.   There is something rotten in the State of Denmark but the something rotten exists in all places and in all people.   Anyone with intellect and a conscience would not tolerate it, as Hamlet does not by willfully going into a battle at the end of the play wherein he knows he will be killed.   Further, the ghost is just one more thing Hamlet must escape on the way to his mature self.   As Harold Bloom, noted Shakespearian critic, notes about this sea-change in Hamlet's character and its relation to the ghost, "In Act V, Hamlet is barely still in the play; like Whitman's 'real me' or 'me myself' the final Hamlet is both in and out of the game while watching and wondering at it.   We feel that if the Ghos... ... "Why, what should be the fear? / I do not set my life in a pin's fee; / And for my soul, what can it do to that, / Being a thing immortal as itself? / It waves me forth again: I'll follow it" (Shakespeare I.iv.151-55).   Hamlet will indeed follow the Ghost and it will cost him his life, but he retains his soul because he is of the constitution that cannot tolerate something "rotten" in Denmark or mankind.   Thus, we see that the Ghost creates a tremendous impact on audiences because of its great emotional significance in the play and in setting off the wheels of motion that seal Hamlet's tragic fate.    WORKS   CITED Anonymous.   The Ghost of Hamlet's Father.   Available: Bloom, H.   Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human.   New York; Riverhead Books, 1998. Shakespeare, W.   The Complete Works of William Shakespeare.   New York, Oxford Univ. Press, 1978. The Ghost of King Hamlet Essay -- GCSE English Literature Coursework The Ghost of King Hamlet      Ã‚   Many Shakespeare plays contain ghosts, perhaps most notably and most disturbingly in Macbeth and Hamlet. The ghost in Hamlet is the apparition of prince Hamlet's father, the dead King Hamlet.   However, up until the time when the ghost first appears to Hamlet, interrupting his speech and thoughts, it appears Hamlet is unaware that his father was murdered.   As the ghost intones, "I am thy father's spirit, / Doomed for a certain term to walk the night, / And for the day confined to fast in fires, / Till the foul crimes done in my days of nature / Are burnt and purged away" (Shakespeare I.v.9-13).   While more people in Shakespeare's audience were inclined to believe in the supernatural and fantastic, it is likely the appearance of the slain King still has quite an impact on modern audiences.   This is because the ghost of King Hamlet tells his son he was murdered and his murder must be avenged for him to rest in peace. We see that the ghost is a driving force for Hamlet on his way to conscious maturity.   There is something rotten in the State of Denmark but the something rotten exists in all places and in all people.   Anyone with intellect and a conscience would not tolerate it, as Hamlet does not by willfully going into a battle at the end of the play wherein he knows he will be killed.   Further, the ghost is just one more thing Hamlet must escape on the way to his mature self.   As Harold Bloom, noted Shakespearian critic, notes about this sea-change in Hamlet's character and its relation to the ghost, "In Act V, Hamlet is barely still in the play; like Whitman's 'real me' or 'me myself' the final Hamlet is both in and out of the game while watching and wondering at it.   We feel that if the Ghos... ... "Why, what should be the fear? / I do not set my life in a pin's fee; / And for my soul, what can it do to that, / Being a thing immortal as itself? / It waves me forth again: I'll follow it" (Shakespeare I.iv.151-55).   Hamlet will indeed follow the Ghost and it will cost him his life, but he retains his soul because he is of the constitution that cannot tolerate something "rotten" in Denmark or mankind.   Thus, we see that the Ghost creates a tremendous impact on audiences because of its great emotional significance in the play and in setting off the wheels of motion that seal Hamlet's tragic fate.    WORKS   CITED Anonymous.   The Ghost of Hamlet's Father.   Available: Bloom, H.   Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human.   New York; Riverhead Books, 1998. Shakespeare, W.   The Complete Works of William Shakespeare.   New York, Oxford Univ. Press, 1978.

EPA’s Policy of Superfund Sites Redevelopment into Recreational Facilit

EPA’s Policy of Superfund Sites Redevelopment into Recreational Facilities: The Success of Chisman Creek Introduction Superfund sites are located all across the United States and its territories. These sites have been deemed the worst of the worst in terms of environmental damage; they pose a threat to human health and the environment, prior to their remediation. Superfund sites are usually a result of several years of contamination; however, there are some instances when they are one-time accidents. United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in charge of Superfund, which is the common term for Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the enforcement of this law in the United States. Superfund was passed in 1980 to establish enforcement surrounding contamination sites in the U.S. and their cleanup. EPA has set up several initiatives and policies that deal with the remediation and redevelopment of these sites. EPA focuses their remediation policies on turning these sites back into productive and useful areas for the community, whether that reuse i s residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational use. Chisman Creek Superfund Site in Virginia was chosen as a site that could be successfully remediated into a recreational facility and serve as an example for other site remediation policy makers. The process by which this contaminated old landfill was redeveloped into a phenomenal recreational facility is an example of EPA successfully pulling together several issues and actors to achieve their agenda. Issues Superfund sites could have many different contaminations and remediation characteristics. The characterization of the site should strongly correlate with... ...ncy and Remedial Responses, Reuse of CERCLA Landfill and Containment Sites, OSWER 9375.3-05P, September 1999. EPA, Office of Emergency and Remedial Responses, Returning Superfund Sites To Productive Use, OSWER 9378.0-16FS, March 1999. EPA, Office of Emergency and Remedial Responses, Chisman Creek, York County, Virginia – Technical Appendix, OSWER 9378.0-16FS, March 1999. WWW.EPA.GOV/oerrpage/superfund/programs/recycle/benefits.htm WWW.EPA.GOV/oerrpage/superfund/programs/recycle/bensum.htm WWW.EPA.GOV/oerrpage/superfund/programs/recycle/recycle.htm WWW.EPA.GOV/oerrpage/superfund/programs/recycle/list170.htm Colvin, George H., "RCRA Cleanup Reforms", Environmental Protection, February 2000. Bolitzer, B and N. R. Netusil, " The Impact of open spaces on property values in Portland, Oregon", Journal of Environmental Management, 59, 185-193, 2000.

Be Happier by Consuming Less Essay

Consumerist is a social and economic order that encourages the purchase of goods and services in ever greater amounts. In the American consumption, people do not know how much is enough, do we really need all we buy? Or we just buy it because everyone else has it? Does it make us any happier? In the article â€Å"The New Politics of Consumption: Why Americans Want So Much More That They Need† Juliet Schor shares with us her point of view about American Consumption. In Schor’s article says, â€Å"The average American now finds it harder to achieve a satisfying standard of living than 25 years ago† (411). Also that â€Å"The competitive consumption, the idea that spending is in large part driven by a comparative or competitive process in which individuals try to keep up with the norms of the social group with which they identify as a reference group† (412). Finally she believes that â€Å"Low income children are more likely to be exposed to commercials at school, as well as home† (413). Our personal consumer choices have ecological, social, and spiritual consequences. Much of what we purchase is not essential for our survival or even basic human comfort but is based on impulse, a momentary desire, and there is a hidden price that we, and future generations will pay for it too. The American economy’s ultimate purpose is to produce more consumer goods, not better health care, education, housing, transportation, but to provide more stuff to consumers. First, in Schor’s article she says, â€Å"The average American now finds it harder to achieve a satisfying standard of living than 25 years ago† (411). Nowadays people have to work longer hours than 25 year ago, to be able to pay all their desires. Having more and newer things each year has become not just something we want but something we need. The idea of more, ever increasing wealth has become the center of our identity, and this looks like an addiction. For example, my aunt Maria works 5 days a week to be able to pay all her bills and sometimes does overtime. She might have a lot of new and cool things, but she doesn’t even have time to enjoy all these things because she has to be working just to pay all she has. My aunt has a salary of $9. 25 per hour and getting a check of $740 biweekly which she have to use to pay her car $200, plus her phone $85, personal stuff $150, and the list keep going. I have worked 40 hours a week, going to classes full-time with little satisfaction. Without working that long, I am less stressed, and I prefer to learn how to spend less money, than spending more, and live stressed all the time. People should take more responsibility for themselves and their families and think outside of the box when it comes to life. Working less hours and buying fewer products is a good way to start. Also, Schor says, â€Å"The competitive consumption, the idea that spending is in large part driven by a comparative or competitive process in which individuals try to keep up with the norms of the social group with which they identify as a reference group† (412). People try to be in the same level that everyone else; if they see that somebody bought something, they will try to have that, just because that person has it. An example is the iPhones people are obsessed with them. The first iPhone was the 3G, then 3GS, 4, 4S, and the 5 that is the last one that just came out. All of these iPhones do almost the same functions; they just changed the size, and some other little things. People spend a lot of money buying the iPhones; the prices are between $300 and $500. The point is that people want to keep up with the newest things, just because other people will have it. For example, my cousin Heysus who is 23 years old, have been buying all the iPhones, because all his friends have them, and whenever came a new iPhone, he ordered it immediately to keep up with what his friends have. Another point is that people with less income, tend to watch more TV, in Schor’s article says, â€Å"Low income children are more likely to be exposed to commercials at school, as well as home† (413). Television and marketing are a big influence of how people spend their money. We watched an example of it in the movie of Super-Size Me, of how the companies spend a lot of their money on marketing, because they know that people is going to buy their products. We need to make people conscious about the problem that we all have as a society. Without our consumer impulse to buy the newest, coolest things on the market, there would be no market. People should think more about what they buy, and should not do unnecessary purchases I think that some people keep worrying more about what they can buy, and how they can have better and newest things instead of be worrying about how they can live happier, and less stressed. An individual does not necessarily have to live as a rich person to be happy. The thought of shorter hours working is a wealth of opportunity and adventure that no Disneyland or Las Vegas vacation can offer. It is actually stress-free and can help us to have time to more valuable parts of our life, like having more time to spend with our family and friends. Finally, as a student that works and studies at the same time, I have to be a smart consumer. I ask myself what I need and what I really don’t. Why do I need a car? Is it necessary to have a laptop when we have a library full of computers? We all need to learn that how to spend our money in a better way, and know that we do not need to have the newest and coolest things that the market offer us to be happy.