Tuesday, December 31, 2019

The Hunger Games And Lord Of The Flies Literary Analysis

Isolation has a major impact on the brain at the molecular level (Underwood 1). Studies conducted at Harvard Medical School show that isolation stunts the communication of neurons throughout the body, leading to severe emotional instability (Underwood 2). At face value, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Lord of the Flies by William Golding are skillful depictions of what occurs when youths are isolated from the rest of society. Occurring in dystopian realities, groups of youths are left stranded in a designated, isolated area with dangerous and impenetrable boundaries. Without the presence of rules or authority, many characters in both novels must make changes to their moral compasses in order to survive. Immediately, characters from†¦show more content†¦Haymitch shrugs. ‘Peeta has asked to be coached separately.’† (Collins 113). Having left Katniss, Peeta joins the Career tributes once the Games begin, seeking to survive for as long as possible. Consequently, Peeta assists the Careers in tracking down and hunting Katniss. In Lord of the Flies, when the group of boys convene after the plane wreck, they elect Ralph as their chief. Possessing the conch, he represents democracy and reason. Conversely, Jack is relegated to that of leader of the choir boys, whom he designates to be hunters under his dictatorship (Golding 19). With the near opposite values held by Ralph and Jack, conflict continuously arises between the groups throughout the novel. Ralph seeks to build shelter, burn a signal fire, and maintain order. Jack, on the other hand, values hunting and having fun above all else. For example, these conflicting values are evident on the matter of â€Å"beastie,† as brought up by one of the younger children. Jack wants to lead his tribe to hunt the so-called â€Å"beast,† but Ralph’s group takes a more intellectual approach to the situation. Piggy believes the â€Å"beast† is simply the fear of the unknown, not a physical being; I know there isnt no beast—not with claws and all that, I mean—but I know there isnt no fear, either (Golding 99). Amongst the most important examples of conflict between Ralph’s group and Jack’s tribe in the novel is the instance in which Ralph leaves Jack and his tribe inShow MoreRelatedEnglish Proverbs3961 Words   |  16 Pagesa considerable role in distributing proverbs across Europe, although almost every culture has examples of its own. 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That’s why one cannot lay down a fixed â€Å"model†Read MoreIgbo Dictionary129408 Words   |  518 Pagespalatalized consonant. It is not, however, a conclusive argument against the /b/ plus /y/ interpretation, for it can be argued that only the first consonant of a cluster is reduplicated. 3. The palatalized consonant solution draws a parallel with the analysis of kw, gw, etc., as single labialized consonants. But their behaviour is not parallel; thus á »â€¹kwà   (to push) has the imperative kwà  a (and not *kà ¹Ã¯â‚¬ ¨a) and the gerund à ²Ã¯â‚¬ ¤kwà ¹Ã¯â‚¬ ¨kwà   (and not *à ²Ã¯â‚¬ ¤kà ¹Ã¯â‚¬ ¨kwà  ). 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Taken together, the key themes and processes that have been selected as the focus for each of the eight essays provide a way to conceptualize the twentieth century as a coherent unit for teaching, as well as for written narrative and analysis. Though they do not exhaust the crucial strands of historical development that tie the century together—one could add, for example, nationalism and decolonization—they cover in depth the defining phenomena of that epoch, which, as the essays demonstrate

Monday, December 23, 2019

International Business Strategies Porter s Diamond Model

There are a variety of international business strategies that a company can put into practise in order to internationalise, in any given sector, big or small. This essay will discuss Porter’s diamond model and its four main determinates, as well as illustrating them with two case companies, which include one of the UK’s largest retailers, Marks and Spencer, as well as the USA’s, Walmart. The main objective is to discuss the model to determine if it is of any use in terms of explaining home and host location strategies. Porter quotes â€Å"A nation’s competitiveness depends on the capacity of its industry to innovate ad upgrade†¦ In a world of increasingly global competition, nations have become more, not less, important† (Porter, 73). Porters model, or sometimes to referred to as Diamond Model, is a strategy that companies are able to utilise for an analysis of their competitive advantage. The strategy was introduced by Michael Porter, who published his findings in a book â€Å"The Competitive Advantage of Nations† in 1990. Porter noted down a collection of questions: why are certain companies based in certain nations capable of consistent innovation? Why do they ruthlessly pursue improvements, seeking an ever more sophisticated source of competitive advantage? And why are they able to overcome the substantial barriers to change and innovation that so often accompany success? Therefore these questions allowed for the formation of four key determinants and external variables that giveShow MoreRelatedDiscuss in Detail the Application of Professor Michael Potters Diamond Model in the Kenyan Vision 2030: Advantages and Implications1124 Words   |  5 PagesBibliography Alan M. Rugman and Alain Verbeke1993, [35(4)] How to Operationalize Porter’s Diamond of International Competitiveness; Thunderbird International Business Review (ISSN 1096-4762) Wiley United States Charles W.L. Hill 2008, International Business; McGraw Hill United States ISBN 0073381349 John D. Daniels, Lee H. Radebaugh and Daniel P. Sullivan 2006, International Business: Environments and Operations; Prentice Hall United States ISBN 0131869426 Michael E. Porter1990, Competitive AdvantagesRead MoreEssay about Michael Porter’s Theory1568 Words   |  7 Pagesadvantage is a better theory to be adopted by the international firms which want to select a better country for new entry. The dominance of Porter’s theory are its comprehensiveness, the dynamic Diamond theoretical system and analysis form both inductive and deductive sides. Meanwhile, it is at a disadvantage in its assumption. Thus, this essay will explore both sides of Porter’s theory. Porters model includes four key elements. 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These models also give an inRead MoreHow Can A Company Measure Its Competitive Advantage?1561 Words   |  7 Pagesmarket the same products compared to the competitors at a lower cost through â€Å"price, or providing a higher quality through differentiation that costs more than the competitors product. In fact, companies that compete in the same industry and core business, such as Sony, Samsung, and Philips in the audiovisual industry, or Nike, adidas, and Puma in the clothing manufac turing industry, should understand the nature of the market and analyze the key factors that differentiate each one from the othersRead MoreGerman Automobile Industry3051 Words   |  13 Pagesconcerns the German automobile industry. Combining with Porter’s diamond theory, the competitiveness of this sector is analyzed in detail. The essay is divided into two sections. 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Saturday, December 14, 2019

Night World Spellbinder Chapter 12 Free Essays

string(74) " the point is that Hellewise’s people lived on, and they were free\." Fhea settled on the box springs, not the most comfortable seat. â€Å"Now, this all happened back in the days when there was still magic, okay? And Helle-wise could do magic, and so could most of the people in her tribe. She was the daughter of Hecate Witch-Queen-â€Å" â€Å"She was a witch?† Roz sounded intrigued. We will write a custom essay sample on Night World : Spellbinder Chapter 12 or any similar topic only for you Order Now â€Å"Well-they didn’t call it that then. They called her a Hearth-Woman. And she didn’t look like a Halloween witch. She was beautiful: tall, with long yellow hair-â€Å" â€Å"Like you.† â€Å"Huh? Oh.† Thea grinned. â€Å"Thanks, but, no. Helle-wise was really beautiful-and she was smart and strong, too. And when Hecate died, Hellewise became co-leader of the tribe. The other leader was her sister, Maya.† Rosamund’s whole head was above the mattress now. She was listening with fierce, if skeptical, interest. â€Å"Now, Maya.† Thea chewed her lip. â€Å"Well, Maya was beautiful, too: tall, but with long black hair.† â€Å"Like that girl who came to the vet’s after you.† Thea was briefly startled. She’d forgotten Rosamund had seen Blaise. â€Å"Well-uh, maybe a little. Anyway, Maya was smart and strong, too-but she didn’t like having to share the leadership with Hellewise. She wanted to rule alone, and she wanted something else. To live forever.† â€Å"Sounds like a good idea to me,† Rosamund growled. â€Å"Well-yeah, there’s nothing wrong with being immortal, I agree. Except, see, that it all depends on how much you’re willing to pay to be it. Okay? Following me?† â€Å"Nope.† â€Å"Well†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Thea floundered. Any Night Person would know immediately what she was talking about, even if by some outrageous chance they hadn’t already heard the story. But of course humans were different. â€Å"Well, you see, it was a matter of what she had to do. No ordinary spell would make her immortal. She tried all sorts of things, and Hellewise even helped her. And finally they figured out what kind of spell would do it-but then Hellewise refused.† â€Å"Why?† â€Å"Because it was too awful. No, don’t ask me,† Thea added as Rosamund’s interest level immediately shot up. â€Å"I’m not going to tell you. It’s not a subject for kids.’ â€Å"What, what? If you don’t tell me, I’m just going to imagine even worse things.† Thea sighed. â€Å"It had to do with babies, okay? And blood. But that’s not the point of this story-† â€Å"They killed babies?† â€Å"Not Hellewise. Maya did. And Hellewise tried to stop her, but-† â€Å"I bet she drank the blood.† Thea stopped and looked hard at Rosamund. Human kids were ignorant, but not dumb. â€Å"Okay, yes, she drank the blood. Satisfied?† Roz grinned, nodded, and sat back, listening avidly. â€Å"Okay, so then Maya became immortal. But the thing was, she didn’t know until afterward the price she’d have to pay. She would live forever-but only if she drank the blood of a mortal creature every day. Otherwise, she’d die.† â€Å"Like a vampire,† Rosamund said with relish. Thea was shocked for an instant, then she laughed at herself. Of course humans knew about vampires- the same way they knew about witches. Silly legends filled with misinformation. But that meant Thea could tell her own story without fear of being believed. â€Å"Just like a vampire, actually,’ she said impressively, holding Rosamund’s eyes. â€Å"Maya was the first vampire of all. And all her children were cursed to be vampires, too.† Roz snorted. â€Å"Vampires can’t have children.† She looked doubtful. â€Å"Can they?† â€Å"The ones descended from Maya can,† Thea said. She wasn’t going to say the word â€Å"lamia† to a human. â€Å"It’s only the kind who get made into vampires by being bitten that can’t. Maya had a vampire son called Red Fern and she bit people. That’s the story, you see-Maya wanted to make everybody like her. So she started biting people in the tribe. And eventually Hellewise decided she had to stop it.† â€Å"How?† â€Å"Well, that was the problem. Hellewise’s tribe wanted to fight with Maya and the other vampires. But Hellewise knew if they did that, they’d probably all get killed. Both sides. So Hellewise challenged Maya alone to a duel. Single combat.† Rosamund pushed the mattress over with a thump. â€Å"I’d fight a duel with Mr. Hendries-he’s the boys’ trekleader.† She jumped on the mattress and attacked a pillow with hands and feet-and teeth. â€Å"I’d win, too. He’s out of shape.† â€Å"Well, Hellewise didn’t want to fight, but she had to. She was scared, because as a vampire Maya was a lot stronger now.† For a moment, Thea thought about it, visualizing the old story the way she had as a child. Seeing Hellewise in her white leather shift, standing in the dark forest and waiting for Maya to come. And knowing that even if she won the fight, she’d probably die-and being brave enough to keep standing there. Being willing to give up everything for the people she loved, and for peace. I don’t think I could ever be that brave. I mean, I’d certainly hope I would be, but I have a terrible feeling that I wouldn’t. And then a strange thing happened. At that instant, she seemed to hear a voice, not her usual mind-voice, but one that was urgent and almost accusatory. Asking a question as if Thea hadn’t just decided on the answer. Would you give up everything? Thea shifted. She didn’t usually hear voices. I suppose that’s what Hellewise must have been thinking, she told herself uneasily. â€Å"So what happened? Hey! Thea! What happened?† Rosamund was war-dancing on the mattress. â€Å"Oh. Well, it was a terrible fight, but Hellewise won. She drove Maya away. And the tribe was left in peace, and they all lived happily ever after†¦ um, except Hellewise. She died of her wounds.† Rosamund stopped dancing and stared in disbelief. â€Å"And you’re telling me this to make me feel better? I never heard such a lousy story.† Her chin began to tremble. Thea forgot she was dealing with a human child. She held out her arms the way she had to Bud the puppy, the way she would have to any creature in pain-and Rosamund threw herself into them. â€Å"No, no,† Thea said, anxiously cuddling. â€Å"You see, the point is that Hellewise’s people lived on, and they were free. You read "Night World : Spellbinder Chapter 12" in category "Essay examples" And that may seem like a little thing, because they were just a little tribe, but that little tribe got bigger and bigger, and they stayed free. And all the witches in the world are descended from them, and they all remember Hellewise and honor her. It’s a story every mother tells her daughters.† Rosamund breathed irregularly for a moment. â€Å"What about her sons?† â€Å"Well, her sons, too. When I say ‘daughters’ I mean ‘sons and daughters.’ It’s just shorter.† One green eye looked up from a mop of shaggy hair. â€Å"like ‘he’ and ‘him’ are supposed to mean ‘she’ and ‘her,’ too?† â€Å"Yeah.† Thea thought. â€Å"I guess maybe neither is the best system.† She shrugged. â€Å"The important thing is that one woman’s courage kept us-them- all free.† â€Å"Look.† Rosamund straightened up, staring through the hair. â€Å"Are you just jerking my chain or is that a true story? Because frankly you seem like a witch to me.† â€Å"That’s what I was going to say,† an amused voice behind Thea said. Thea’s head snapped around. The door was open a few inches and a woman was standing there. She was tall and lanky, with little glasses and long silky brown hair. Her expression reminded Thea of a look Eric got sometimes, a look of very sweet puzzlement, as if he’d suddenly been struck by one of life’s overwhelming mysteries. But that didn’t matter. What mattered was that she was a stranger. An Outsider. A human. Thea had been blurting out the secrets of the Night World, the history of the witches, and a human adult had been listening. Suddenly her hands and feet went numb. The golden haze disappeared, leaving her in a cold, gray reality. â€Å"I’m sorry,† the human was saying, but to Thea the voice seemed to come from a distance. â€Å"I didn’t mean to startle you. I was just kidding. I really was enjoying the story-sort of a modern legend for kids, right?† Thea’s eyes focused on another human behind the adult. Eric. He’d been listening, too. â€Å"Mom’s such a kidder,† he said nervously. His green eyes were apologetic-and intense. As if he were trying to make a connection with Thea. But Thea didn’t want to be connected. Couldn’t be, to these people. She was surrounded by humans, trapped in one of their houses. She felt like the rattlesnake in a circle of big creatures with sticks. Sheer, raw panic overtook her. â€Å"You should be a writer, you know?† the human woman was saying. â€Å"All that creativity†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She took a step inside the room. Thea stood up, dumping Rosamund on the floor. They were coming at her-by now, the very walls seemed to be closing in. They were alien, cruel, sadistic, terrorizing, evil, not-her-kind. They were Cotton Mather and the Inquisition and they knew about her. They were going to point at her in the street and cry â€Å"Witch!† Thea ran. She slipped between Eric and his mother like a frightened cat, not touching either of them. She ran down the hall, through the living room, out the door. Outside, the sky was clouded over and it was getting dark. Thea only stopped long enough to get her bearings, then headed west, walking as fast as she could. Her heart was pounding and telling her to go faster. Get away, get away. Go to earth. Find home. She turned corners and zigzagged, like a fox being chased by the hounds. She was ten minutes from the house when she heard an engine pacing her. She looked. It was Eric’s jeep. Eric was driving and his mother and Rosamund were passengers. â€Å"Thea, stop. Please wait.† Eric stopped the jeep and jumped out. He was on the sidewalk in front of her. Thea froze. â€Å"Listen to me,† he said in a low voice, turning away from the jeep. â€Å"I’m sorry they came, too-I couldn’t stop them. Mom feels awful. She’s crying, Roz is crying†¦ please, won’t you come back?† He looked close to crying himself. Thea just felt numb. â€Å"It’s okay. I’m fine,† she said at random. â€Å"I didn’t mean to upset anybody.† Please let me go away. â€Å"Look, we shouldn’t have eavesdropped. I know that. It was just†¦ you’re so good with Rosamund. I never saw anybody she liked so much. And†¦ and†¦ I know you’re sensitive about your grandma. That’s why you’re upset, isn’t it? That story is something she told you, isn’t it?† Dimly, somewhere in the pit of Thea’s mind, a light shone. At least he thought it was a story. â€Å"We have family stories too,† Eric was saying, an edge of desperation in his voice. â€Å"My grandpa used to tell us he was a Martian-I swear to God this is true. And then he went to my kindergarten Back to School and I’d told all the kids he was a Martian, and they made these beep-beep noises at him and laughed, and I felt so bad. He was really embarrassed†¦.† He was babbling. Thea’s numbness had receded enough that she felt sorry for him. But then a shape loomed up and she tensed again. It was his mother, silky hair flying. â€Å"Look, Thea,† Eric’s mother said. Her expression was wretched and earnest. â€Å"Everybody knows your grandma, knows how old she is, how she’s a little†¦ quirky. But if she’s scaring you-if she’s telling you any kind of weird stuff-† â€Å"Mom!† Eric shouted through his teeth. She waved a hand at him. Her little glasses were steamed up. â€Å"You don’t need to deal with that, okay? No kid needs to deal with that. If you want a place to stay; if you need anything-if we need to call social services-â€Å" â€Å"Mom, please, I’m begging you. Shut up.† Social services, Thea was thinking. Dear Isis, there’ll be some sort of investigation. The Harmans in court. Gran accused of being senile-or being part of some cult. And then the Night World coming in to enforce the law†¦. Her terror peaked and left her deadly calm. â€Å"It’s okay,† she said, turning her gaze toward Eric. Not looking at him, but going through the motions exactly. â€Å"Your mom’s just trying to be helpful. But really†-she turned the same face toward his mother-â€Å"everything’s okay. Gran isn’t strange or anything. She does tell stories-but she doesn’t scare anybody.† Is that good enough? Close enough to whatever you believe? Will it make you leave me alone? Apparently so. â€Å"I just don’t want to be responsible for you and Eric-well†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Eric’s mom exhaled nervously, almost a laugh. â€Å"Breaking up?† Thea made a sound that was also almost a laugh. â€Å"Don’t worry. I’d never want that.† She turned a smile on Eric, looking down because she couldn’t meet his eyes. â€Å"I’m sorry if I got- touchy. I was just-embarrassed, I guess. Like you said about your grandpa.† â€Å"Will you come back with us? Or let us take you home?† Eric’s voice was soft. He wanted her to go back to his house. â€Å"Just home, if you don’t mind. I’ve got homework.† She lifted her eyes, making herself smile again. Eric nodded. He didn’t look happy, but he wasn’t as upset as he had been. In the backseat of the jeep, Rosamund pushed up against Thea and squeezed her hand. â€Å"Don’t be mad,† she hissed, fierce as ever. â€Å"Are you mad? I’m sorry. Want me to kill somebody for you?† â€Å"I’m not mad,† Thea whispered, looking over the top of Rosamund’s shaggy head. â€Å"Don’t worry about it.† She had reverted to the strategy of any trapped animal. Wait and watch for your chance. Don’t fight until you see a real opportunity to get away. â€Å"See you tomorrow,† Eric said as she got out of the jeep. His voice was almost a plea. â€Å"See you tomorrow,† Thea said. It wasn’t time to get away yet. She waved until the jeep was gone. Then it was time. She dashed inside, up the stairs, and straight to Blaise. â€Å"Wait a minute,† Blaise said. â€Å"Go back. So you’re saying they didn’t believe any of it.† â€Å"Right. At worst Eric’s mom thinks Gran’s bonkers. But it was a close call. For a while there I thought she might want to get Gran declared unfit or something.† The two of them were sitting on the floor by Blaise’s bed where Thea had collapsed. Blaise was eating candy corn with one hand and scribbling on a yellow legal pad with the other, all the while listening attentively. Because that was the thing about Blaise. She might be vain and self-centered, quarrelsome, hot-tempered, lazy, unkind to humans, and generally hard to live with, but she came through for family. She was a witch. I’m sorry I said you might be a little like Maya, Thea thought. â€Å"It’s my fault,† she said out loud. â€Å"Yes, it is,† Blaise said, scribbling. â€Å"I should have just found some way to keep him at a distance in the beginning.† But of course, it was because of Blaise that she hadn’t. She’d thought Eric was safer with her than he would have been with Blaise. She’d thought that somehow†¦ somehow†¦ Things would work out. That was it. There had always been some secret underlying hope that there could be a future with Eric. Some little hiding place where she’d kept the hope that things could be all right. But now she had to face reality. There was no future. The only thing she could give Eric was death. And that was all he could give her. She’d realized that, all in one terrible explosion of insight when she’d seen Eric’s mother in the room. There was no way for them to be together without being discovered. Even if they ran away, someday, somewhere, the Night People would find them. They’d be brought before the joint Night World Council, the vampire and witch elders. And then the law would be fulfilled†¦. Thea had never seen an execution, but she’d heard of them. And if the Harmans tried to stop the Council from killing her, it would start a war. Witches against vampires. Maybe even witches against witches. It could mean the end of everything. â€Å"So it doesn’t look like we have to kill the mother,† Blaise said, frowning at her scribbles. â€Å"On the other hand, if we kill the kids, the mother’s bound to be unhappy, and might make a connection. So to be safe-â€Å" â€Å"We can’t kill any of them,† Thea said. Her voice was muted but final. â€Å"I don’t mean ourselves. I’m going to call one of our friendly vampire cousins. Ash-he’s supposed to be out on the West Coast somewhere, isn’t he? Or Quinn, he likes that kind of thing. One quick bite, let the blood run out-â€Å" â€Å"Blaise, I am not going to let vampires kill Eric. Or anybody,† she added as Blaise opened her mouth. â€Å"It’s not necessary. Nobody needs to die.† â€Å"So you have a better idea?† Thea looked at a statue of Isis, the Queen of Egyptian Goddesses, on the desk. â€Å"I†¦ don’t know. I thought of the Cup of Lethe. Make them forget everything about me. But it might look suspicious-this entire family with a gap in their memory. And kids at school would wonder why Eric doesn’t remember my name anymore.† â€Å"True.† Thea stared at the moon held between Isis’s golden horns. Her brain, which had been working so coldly and logically, helping her to survive, was stalling now. There had to be a way to save Eric and his family-or what was the point of living herself? Then she saw it. â€Å"What I really think would be best,† she said slowly, because it hurt like a physical pain, â€Å"would be for Eric to stop caring about me. To fall in love with someone else.† Blaise sat back. She stirred the candy corn with long, elegant nails. She ate a piece. â€Å"I admire you,† she said. â€Å"Very sensible.† â€Å"Not yon,† Thea said through clenched teeth. â€Å"You understand that, right? A human. If he falls in love with another girl he’ll forget about me without any Lethe. Nobody will disappear or have amnesia; nobody will get suspicious.† â€Å"Okay. Although I would’ve liked to try him. He’s got a strong will-I think he’d have held out for a while. Been a challenge.† Thea ignored this. â€Å"I still have some of his blood. The question is, do you have something you’ve been holding back, some love spell that will completely blow him out of the water?† Blaise ate another piece of candy corn. â€Å"Of course I do.† She narrowed her gray eyes. â€Å"Also, of course, it’s a forbidden spell.† â€Å"I figured. Blaise, I’m now the princess of forbidden spells. One more doesn’t matter. But I’ll do the actual working, I don’t want you to get in trouble.† â€Å"You won’t like it. It involves the bezoar stone from the stomach of an ibex-which I just happened to pick up while we were living with Aunt Gerdeth.† Ibex were an endangered species. But this one was already dead. â€Å"I’ll do the working,† Thea said stubbornly. â€Å"You really care about him, don’t you?† â€Å"Yes,† Thea whispered. â€Å"I still think we’re soul-mates. But†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Would you give up everything? â€Å"I don’t want to be the reason he dies. Or the reason a war starts between the Harmans and the rest of the Night World. And if I have to give him up, I’d rather do it myself, make sure he’s safe with somebody else who loves him.† â€Å"Have you got somebody picked out?† â€Å"Her name is Pilar.† Thea looked at her cousin suddenly. â€Å"Blaise? When Luke asked you what you wanted, and you said nothing you could have†¦ what did you mean?† Blaise tilted her head back and examined the ceiling. Then she looked down. â€Å"Does anybody ever want anything they can have? Really?† â€Å"I†¦ don’t know.† Blaise clasped her knees and rested her chin on them. â€Å"If we can have things, we don’t really want them anymore. So there’s always something out there that we’re wanting and not able to get†¦ and maybe that’s good.† It didn’t sound good to Thea. It sounded like one of those terrible lessons in Life 101 that were supposed to make you more mature. â€Å"Let’s do the spell,† she said. How to cite Night World : Spellbinder Chapter 12, Essay examples

Friday, December 6, 2019

The Australian Cane Toad Essay Example For Students

The Australian Cane Toad Essay THE AUSTRALIAN CANE TOADIntroductionThe cane toad, Bufo marinus, or giant toad, was introduced to Australia by the sugar cane industry with government sanction, in order to control two specific pests of sugar cane. The grey backed cane beetle and the frenchie beetle. Native to Central and South America, the cane toad has been introduced to several Pacific islands as well. One hundred and one toads arrived at Edmonton in North Queensland in June 1935. About 11 sugar growing locations in northern and central coastal Queensland received authorized shipments. People at Normanton and Burketown, and in northern New South Wales deliberately released the cane toad into the wild. Scientists warned the farmers not to bring the cane toad to Australia but the farmers did not listen and brought them in anyway. Did the cane toad have any impact on the two cane beetles it was introduced to control? Apparently not. The cane toad ate beetles when they were available, but as a control agent, it had no impact at all. Instead of controlling certain insect populations, the cane toad ate large numbers of bees and other beneficial insects. Within 5 years, an effective insecticide became available and the sugar industry lost interest in the cane toad. Although not native to Australia, the cane toad has one of the widest ranges of any living toad. The species lives in a wide variety of habitats, but is restricted mainly by the availability of water, since water is a vital element in the breeding cycle. However, toads can survive near very small pools, or steams in arid regions. During the dry or cold seasons, they remain inactive in shallow ground excavations beneath ground cover. Description Cane toads are very large and heavily built amphibians (up to 15 cm long) with warty skin. The skin is strong, tough, and durable. Females tend to be larger and smoother-skinned than males. Cane toads are olive-brown to reddish-brown on top, with a paler white or yellowish belly. The underside is usually spotted with brown. The toad is characterized by a stout body, which is heavier than that of frogs. The most distinctive features of the cane toads are bony ridges over each eye and a pair of enlarged glands, one on each shoulder. These glands are able to ooze venom. A pronounced angular ridge runs between the eyes and snout. Giant toads can tolerate temperatures of 0 degrees Celsius to 41 degrees Celsius and are able to survive high levels of dehydration. They can also adapt to different temperatures. Their temperature and moisture tolerances may limit their distribution. However, they do occur in warm temperate to semi-arid climates and are abundant in the wet and dry tropics. A prediction, based on their ability to tolerate a variety of climates, is that they will become established in Darwin early next century and eventually spread over much of the coastal seaboard of Australia. The call of the male cane toad is a high-pitched brrrr which sounds like a telephone dial tone. The cane toad also has a distinctive stance and hop. It sits upright in an almost vertical position and moves in a series of fast, short hops rather than long frog like hops. Also cane toads do not have webs between their toes. DietCane toads will eat almost any small creature they can catch. They eat whatever is available. They often eat bees and dung beetles, small amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. In fact, they eat any animal they can swallow. Unlike other amphibians, giant toads eat things which do not move. They have also been known to steal food from dog and cat bowls. They have few predators native to Australia. The common Fresh Water Snake, (Tropidonophis mairii), is the only Australian snake known to be able to feed on small cane toads without dying as a result. Other native animals such as the estuarine crocodile, the water rat and species of ibis are believed to feed on toads or on their internal organs. Behavior and BreedingCane toads are highly adaptable, both in terms of survival and reproduction. They are much more tolerant than other Australian frogs and can survive and breed in somewhat salty water. In Australia, giant toads normally breed from June to January, but they have been found in breeding condition throughout the year. Cane toads usually begin breeding in their second summer, when they are about 75 mm long. The cane toad needs only a small pool of water for breeding. The males fertilize the eggs as they are laid. Male toads will attempt to mate with anything resembling a female toad living or dead. As many as 35,000 eggs may be produced by each female, thus giving the species a high breeding potential. Cane toad eggs are blackish in color and are deposited in long jelly like strings onto plants, rocks or debris near water. The spawn consists of long double chains of black eggs about 1 mm in diameter enclosed in a transparent cover. Embryos begin hatching within 48 hours; after several days, the tadpoles begin feeding, and the tail grows proportionately larger and hind limbs develop. In three days, the eggs hatch into small (3 cm) jet black tadpoles unlike those of any native frog. These tadpoles become toadlets unusually early, so they are out of the water and hopping around faster than most other frogs. Cane toad tadpoles differ further from most species in that they occur in massive numbers and frequently form dense aggregations in shallow water. B. marinus adapted well to the Australian environment. So well that they are moving closer to the wetlands of Kakadu National Park, which includes the Katherine Gorge. District park manager John De Koning says wildlife like crocodiles, goannas, and snakes will be threatened by the arrival of the non-native pest, even though they have only found a few so far. We came across one large female, this was right on the very southern eastern edge of the Nitmiluk National Pa rk. We came across one female and we could hear several males in the distance. The natural rate of spread of the cane toad is now 30-50 km/year in the Northern Territory and about 5 km/year in northern New South Wales. Finally, because their diet is so variable, they do not need to expend much energy searching for food. They can just sit in a convenient spot, and gobble up anything that wanders by. In urban areas, they are often seen gathered around street lamps eating insects attracted by the lightDefense One of the most important factors in the success of the cane toad is that they are highly poisonous to eat, at every stage of their life cycle. All frogs and toads may have enlarged chemical-secreting glands at particular points on their bodies, or small glands spread over the whole skin. The cane toad is one such amphibian. These secrete white venom when the animal is handled or threatened. The eggs and tadpoles are also poisonous and can cause cardiac arrest and death. A cane to ads reaction to a threat is to turn side-on to its attacker so that the venom glands face them. The glands on the cane toads shoulders are also capable of oozing venom or even squirting it over a distance of up to 2m. Animals picking up a cane toad and receiving a dose of venom may die within fifteen minutes. This venom is composed mainly of cardioactive (affecting the heart) substances. The biggest danger to humans is that the venom could come in contact with the eyes, where it causes intense pain and temporary blindness. Under pressure cane toads can shoot their venom a short distance. This substance may be splashed into a persons mouth or eyes as they attempt to kill the toad. Since the poison can be absorbed into the system through mucus membranes, without ever being swallowed. Therefore, the mouth, eyes, and nose should always be rinsed thoroughly if contact with venom occurs. Experiments and observations indicate that a variety of native animal life are extremely susceptible t o the many poisons in the cane toads venom. These include avid frog eaters such as the Tiger and Red bellied Black Snakes and the quolls. In areas where toads appear, there has been a subsequent decline in populations of these types of native animals, although more research is needed in this field. Research and ControlThe CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) at Geelong is a high security microbiological facility, purpose designed and operated to undertake research into viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites which are exotic and do not occur in Australian domestic or wild animals. It is the only laboratory of its kind in Australia where studies on these exotic micro-organisms can be undertaken. Recently, the laboratory has been commissioned and funded to begin research into the control of the cane toad, using viruses or other microbial agents found overseas. The major concerns about the toad involve its prodigious appetite, and the toxicity of all its life stages to nativ e animals. There are firmly held beliefs that these characteristics of the cane toad are responsible for the deaths of Australian wildlife including herpetofauna, mammals, and fish. The toad will almost certainly establish itself throughout the sensitive wetlands of northern Australia. The Australian Government has provided significant funds to gather data to determine whether the toad has an impact on the Australian environment and whether a biological control agent is required. The funding also encompasses the search for and assessment of possible control agents. Funding of the project is distributed through the CSIRO Division of Wildlife Ecology, Canberra, upon the advice of the Cane Toad Research Advisory Committee. Current work to investigate the control of the cane toad by biological means has evolved from extensive studies over the past decade which have gathered basic ecological and disease data for the species. Such studies have been conducted in Australia, Venezuela, and B razil. A search for microbial agents with potential for control of toads has recently been concluded in Venezuela. Research into the potential of viruses to control cane toads involved isolating and purifying viruses from cane toads in their native habitats of Venezuela, in South America. The effects of the viruses on cane toads and native frog species were then tested in the secure biocontainment facilities at the CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory. Dr Alex Hyatt from CSIRO Animal Health says viruses isolated from Venezuelan cane toads were compared with other viruses of the same family from around the world, and are believed to fall within a new species of virus. While the viruses proved effective in killing cane toad tadpoles, they also killed one species of Australian frog in the trial. The team also found a small percentage of Australian cane toads in the wild had been exposed to a virus similar to the Venezuelan viruses, which are known to cause disease and death in fis h and amphibian populations in Australia and overseas. This adds another dimension to the potential impact of cane toads on the Australian environment, Dr Hyatt says. As part of the work, the researchers also identified two fungal pathogens that are lethal to cane toads and other amphibians. One fungus is thought to be responsible for frog fatalities in Australia and Panama. Research also shows a small number of Australian cane toads may be carrying a virus similar to the Venezuelan viruses, which could affect Australian wildlife. CSIRO scientists have ruled out the use of viruses from Venezuela to control cane toads in Australia because laboratory trials show that the viruses can also kill native Australian frogs as well as the toads. At AAHL, a specialized group has been formed bringing together expertise in virology, aquatic animal pathology, electron microscopy, and molecular biology. Expertise in the group has resulted in the isolation of previously unknown disease causing agen ts in Queensland. The objective of the current project is to find exotic, infectious microbial agents which may spread throughout cane toad populations in Australia and decrease their numbers. The project is also assessing the effects of these agents on adult, metamorphic, and juvenile life stages of the toad, since it is likely that different life stages have differing weaknesses. Paul Gauguin's Art Work EssayFurther research is being undertaken by CSIRO. Giant toads are often transported in shipments of fruit and other commodities. Until effective control methods are available, quarantine checks and the destruction of any accidental releases of toads are essential to reduce their rate of spread. Challenge experiments have commenced to evaluate the effects of viruses on toads. These experiments are conducted under maximum microbiological security to ensure that escape of the viruses cannot occur. Toads are maintained in laminar flow cabinets, within sealed rooms. The air pressure of the rooms is lower than atmospheric pressure; thus ensuring all air movement is into the room. Air leaving the room is double filtered to eliminate the smallest viral particle from escaping. Water from the room is heated to kill any infectious agents. Entrance to the room is through an air-lock and exit of personnel from the room requires a full three minute shower. In association with the challenge experiments is a spectrum of microbiological, serological, and molecular studies to characterize and compare the agents under investigation, to establish information on the hosts resistance to infection, and to gather information related to similar agents in toads and other amphibian populations. Shoul d an agent be found which offers the potential for control of the toad, an extensive series of subsequent studies is planned. To achieve the objectives of the project, amphibian populations from around the world are being studied for possible infectious agents. An international network of scientists, scientific institutions, interest groups and interested individuals is being developed for information exchange relating to diseases and population declines of amphibians. Potential for biological control of the toad is considered good, as the toad is the only representative of the bufonid family in Australia and is distinct from other Australian amphibian species. In addition, many species of the genus Bufo exist overseas, offering exciting prospects that an infectious or parasitic agent from these may cause disease in Australian Bufo marinus, without affecting native species. It is hoped that these studies will provide valuable information on the causes of, and initiating factors behind, the recent declines in frog populations in Australia, Britain and elsewhere. Also, to contribute to the possibility that an infectious agent might be found that would control cane toads in Australia. They are constantly looking for possible pathogens for consideration for the biological control of cane toads. Finally, Chinese medicine manufacturers have been using the toads for centuries in the treatment of Cardio Vascular Diseases and Cancer treatment. It is highly likely that the cane toad will one day be farmed in Queensland for production of therapeutic medicines. ConclusionThere is still much work to be done to fully understand what effects cane toads have on native wildlife, and just how far they can spread. There are some reasons for optimism. In the areas where cane toads have been around for the longest time, their populations have declined after the initial population explosion. It is also possible that some native animals are learning to avoid eating them. Other animals have shown they can eat the toad. The Keelback Snake can detoxify the venom and Water Rats, Ibis, Crows and other birds turn the toads over and eat only the non-poisonous internal organs. Opinion is divided concerning their current status, some think the native wildlife is starting to recognize them as a threat and they stay away. Australia is still a long way from controlling cane toad numbers or putting a stop to their expansion. Scientific evidence suggests that this imported animal represents a nuisance to man and an ecological threat to the Australian environment. The rapid growth of the species may have consequences in areas considered irrelevant at the time of its introduction. The cane toad has provided a painful lesson in what can happen to native species when an exotic species is introduced to a new habitat. Science

Friday, November 29, 2019

Beware of These 26 Worst College Majors

Beware of These 26 Worst College Majors SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make while you’re in college (or even before you begin) is what you’ll want to major in.When you choose a major, you might primarily think about your academic interests or long-term career goals. But perhaps you’re concerned about more practical matters, like employment and earnings opportunities. If you want to scope out majors that will make it more difficult for you to be professionally successful in the long run, you’ve come to the right place. Here, I’ll lay out what makes a major â€Å"bad† before listing the worst college majors in a variety of categories (like worst paying majors, majors with the highest unemployment rates, and lowest value majors). Keep in mind, however, that these can still be great subjects to study. Already majoring in one of the subjects on this list or planning to in the future? Don’t worry - that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to professional failure. At the end, I’ll list tips and strategies for success if you’ve decided to pursue one of the majors on these lists. Let’s get started! What Makes a Major â€Å"Bad?† There's no such thing as an objectively bad major - you should study whatever topic you choose. But in the context of this article, I’m defining the "worst" college majors as onesthat may make it more difficult for you to: Find employment post-graduation (based onaverage unemployment rates) Make a good living (based on average salary) Both find a job AND find a job that pays well There are a lot of reasons why a particular major might make it more difficult for a graduate to find a relatively well-paying job quickly. You’ll want to do your own research on majors that you’re interested in, but here are some possible explanations for why a major may end up on one of our â€Å"worst† lists: Competition in an industry is particularly high, making it harder for recent grads to break into the field. There isn’t a lot of demand for a particular professional with that major, which drives down salaries. A bachelor’s degree may not be enough to gain success in the field. Students may need to pursue a graduate degree in order to find gainful employment. Jobs in a particular field may be found mostly in the public sector. Public sector jobs tend to pay less than private sector jobs. These majors can still be great areas of study and lead to fulfilling careers; they are just, on average, less lucrative ones. Majors With the Worst Employment Rates The following majors are the ones that may make it most difficult for you to find a job after graduation, especially in your field. These majors are correlated with higher-than-average unemployment rates based on a recent report out of Georgetown University. Here are some recent, important figures for reference: Unemployment rates for high school graduates, aged 18-24: 18.9% Unemployment rate for graduates with bachelor’s degrees, aged 18-24: 6.7% *Source: National Center for Education Statistics, 2014 You’ll notice that the unemployment rates listed below are much lower than 18.9%, which is the unemployment rate for people without a college degree. They are, however, higher than the average unemployment rate for young people with bachelor’s degrees (6.7%). I’ve also included unemployment for â€Å"experienced graduates† of these majors - you’ll notice that unemployment rates drop as people age and gain more professional experience. We can’t tell, however, whether these people are working in the particular field they majored in at school. On this list, recent college grads are defined as individuals with bachelor’s degrees aged 22-26. Experienced college grads are defined as individuals with bachelor’s degrees aged 35-54. The most recent data is from 20-2012, which is a few years ago now, but given how long this sort of research can take it’s the best information we currently have. These majors may lead to increased job search timelines, which means more stress and less money in your pocket. International Business Unemployment for recent college grads: 12.3% Unemployment for experienced college grads: Not enough information available Computer and Information Systems Unemployment for recent college grads: 12.1% Unemployment for experienced college grads: 4.3% Anthropology and Archaeology Unemployment for recent college grads: 10.9% Unemployment for experienced college grads: 7.1% Political Science Government Unemployment for recent college grads: 10.9% Unemployment for experienced college grads: 5.8% Architecture Unemployment for recent college grads: 10.3% Unemployment for experienced college grads: 7.3% Philosophy and Religious Studies Unemployment for recent college grads: 10.3% Unemployment for experienced college grads: 6.4% Fine Arts Unemployment for recent college grads: 10.2% Unemployment for experienced college grads: 6.5% Commercial Art and Graphic Design Unemployment for recent college grads: 9.9% Unemployment for experienced college grads: 6.8% Economics Unemployment for recent college grads: 9.8% Unemployment for experienced college grads: 4.4% Psychology Unemployment for recent college grads: 9.3% Unemployment for experienced college grads: 6.3% Worst Paying Majors If your primary concern when choosing a major is earning potential, you might want to stay away from the ones on the following list. They’re correlated with particularly low earnings for â€Å"experienced† grads (aged 25-59) according to that same Georgetown report. Median earnings are more helpful than average earnings because averages are easily skewed by very high or very low outliers. Keep in mind that the most recent information from this report is from 20-2012, so salaries are probably slightly higher now. For reference, the average graduate with a bachelor’s degree makes $45,478 right out of college. The average adult with a bachelor’s degree regardless of age makes about $59,124. You may want to avoid the following majors if this empty wallet makes you sadder than it would the average person. Fine Arts Median earnings for recent grads: $28,000 Median earnings for experienced grads: $52,000 Drama and Theater Arts Median earnings for recent grads: $28,000 Median earnings for experienced grads: $52,000 Anthropology and Archaeology Median earnings for recent grads: $29,000 Median earnings for experienced grads: $57,000 Physical Fitness, Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Median earnings for recent grads: $30,000 Median earnings for experienced grads: $53,000 Social Work Median earnings for recent grads: $31,000 Median earnings for experienced grads: $44,000 Family and Consumer Sciences Median earnings for recent grads: $31,000 Median earnings for experienced grads: $47,000 Music Median earnings for recent grads: $31,000 Median earnings for experienced grads: $52,000 Psychology Median earnings for recent grads: $31,000 Median earnings for experienced grads: $53,000 Philosophy and Religious Studies Median earnings for recent grads: $31,000 Median earnings for experienced grads: $56,000 Film, Video, and Photographic Arts Median earnings for recent grads: $31,000 Median earnings for experienced grads: $56,000 Chemistry Median earnings for recent grads: $31,000 Median earnings for experienced grads: $73,000 Lowest Value Majors In this category, I used information from that Georgetown Report to consider the lowest value majors. These are majors that are associated with both high rates of unemployment AND low salaries - that is, they’re the majors that showed up on both of the lists above. Here, you can check out unemployment and median earnings for both recent and more experienced grads for the lowest value majors. Anthropology and Archaeology Unemployment for recent grads (22-26 years old): 10.9% Median earnings for recent grads: $29,000 Unemployment for experienced grads (30-54 years old): 7.1% Median earnings for experienced grads: $57,000 Philosophy and Religious Studies Unemployment for recent grads (22-26 years old): 10.3% Median earnings for recent grads: $31,000 Unemployment for experienced grads (30-54 years old): 6.4% Median earnings for experienced grads: $56,000 Fine Arts Unemployment for recent grads (22-26 years old): 10.2% Median earnings for recent grads: $28,000 Unemployment for experienced grads (30-54 years old): 6.5% Median earnings for experienced grads: $52,000 Philosophy and Religious Studies Unemployment for recent grads (22-26 years old): 10.3% Median earnings for recent grads: $31,000 Unemployment for experienced grads (30-54 years old): 6.4% Median earnings for experienced grads: $56,000 Psychology Unemployment for recent grads (22-26 years old): 9.3% Median earnings for recent grads: $31,000 Unemployment for experienced grads (30-54 years old): 6.3% Median earnings for experienced grads: $53,000 Are You Doomed If You’ve Chosen One of the WorstMajors? The short answer: no. There are a lot of reasons you can be successful even if you’ve chosen a major that’s associated with low salary, high unemployment, or both. Many students prioritize personal and academic interests over high future salaries, and that’s 100% OK (as long as you’re well-informed and realistic about your employment prospects). Still concerned? Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t be too worried about choosing a â€Å"bad† major. Don’t abandon ship until you’ve read the rest of this post. You Don’t Have to Pursue a Career That’s Directly Related to Your Major Some of the majors listed above are fairly flexible or broad in scope (like psychology or philosophy). If you’re concerned about getting a job or making enough money after you graduate, you should know it’s possible to switch gears and look for entry-level employment that isn’t directly related to your major. Many employers will view your past employment history as more important that your college major, especially as you get older. You may have to spend more time working your way up the ranks from an entry-level position, but that’s super common with recent college grads anyways. You Can Pursue Graduate Degrees in Your Field A graduate degree may lead to an increase in salary and a decrease in the chance you’ll stay unemployed. Some BA degrees won’t get you anywhere in a particular field without a graduate degree (e.g. you can do next to nothing in psychology without at least a master’s). This won’t apply to every major, but you may want to look into whether a graduate degree (either an MA or a PhD) is all but required for a job in a particular field. Graduate degrees can be expensive and costly, but they can really pay off in the long run with better employment prospects and higher salaries (again, though, it’s important to do your own research on this). Alternatively, you may be able to pursue a graduate degree in a new field, especially if your undergraduate major is one of the more flexible options. 4 Tips If You’re Studying One of the Worst College Majors If you’ve chosen one of these majors (and will be sticking with it), there are a few important things you can do to make sure you don’t end up unemployed or underpaid. Know What You Can Expect to Make If you have a specific career in mind, you can look at websites like payscale.com or salary.com for more info on average earnings. If you’re happy (or unhappy) with these prospects, this will give you an idea of whether you should stay the course or pivot to another career path. Speak With Other Graduates in Your Major Are they working in the same field, or are they doing something different? Are they happy with what they’re earning? Was it difficult to find a job? Keep in mind that any information you get is is anecdotal evidence, so take it with a grain of salt. Meet With a Career Counselor You can often schedule a meeting with a counselor through your school’s career center. They can speak with you more about possible career options based on your major, interests, and strengths. They may also have more info about job growth and earning potential. Finally, career counselors may have contacts in your field in case you wanted to connect with grads in your major - this could turn out to be a great resource. Have a Career Plan Coming up with a solid plan means asking yourself a ton of questions about what you want, including: Do you want to stay in your field and look for jobs directly related to your major, or do you want to branch out? Can you start getting entry-level experience now so that you’ll be better prepared to enter the workforce after you graduate? Would it pay off to look into graduate degree programs? Would a graduate degree make you significantly more valuable as an employee? As your answers to these questions shift (or not) over time, you can amend your plans and goals so that your professional career ends up where you want it to. Coming up with a plan - even if you have to scrap it a few times - is never a bad idea. Wrapping Up The way I defined â€Å"worst† at the beginning of this article was pretty narrow. If your primary concerns are job availability and/or salary, the majors listed here may not be the best fit for you. However, that doesn’t mean that these majors should be avoided at all costs and under all circumstances, and it doesn’t mean you can’t be successful if you’ve chosen one of these majors. It does mean that you should think carefully and critically about your career prospects, especially if you’re interested in choosing one of these majors. To be frank, however, everyone should be doing this if they want to be optimally successful with their degree, no matter how â€Å"good† of a major they’ve chosen. What’s Next? Still stressed about selecting a college major? Only you can figure out which major is best for you, but we may have some information to make the decision a bit easier. Learn about how to choose a major for your college application, and then check out our post on the average college GPA by major. If you’re thinking longer-term about your career prospects, you might be interested in learning about job shadowing - it’s a great way to test out a particular profession to see if it may be a good fit. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Monday, November 25, 2019

Free Essays on Manhattan Projects

The Manhattan Project The Manhattan Project was the code name of the U.S.’s attempt to construct an atomic bomb during World War II. It was named after the Manhattan Engineer District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, because a lot of it’s earlier research was done in New York City. An atomic bomb is a weapon that uses the energy from a nuclear reaction called Fission for its destruction. The idea that mass could be changed into energy was predicted by Albert Einstein in the earlier part of the 1900’s. John D. Cockcroft and Ernest Walton confirmed this by experiments in 1932. Then in 1938, nuclear fission was discovered by German scientists, and it was feared by many of the U.S. scientists, that Hitler would try to build a fission bomb. Three Hungarian-born physicists, Leo Szilard, Eugene Wigner, and Edward Teller asked Albert Einstein to send a letter to Franklin Roosevelt. Compelled by the letter in late 1939, Roosevelt ordered an effort to obtain an atomic weapon before Germany. At first, this program was led by Vannevar Bush, head of the National Defense Research committee and the Office of Scientific Research and Development. Then it came under control of Leslie Groves of the Army Corps of Engineers. Groves quickly bought a site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as a place for processing the Uranium-235 from the more common Uranium-238. Uranium-235 is used because it is fissionable, it releases many neutrons, and does not capture many. However, 99.3% of uranium in nature is the U-238 isotope, and only .7% is the lighter, more â€Å"fissionable† isotope U-235. Next, he gathered and combined research from many East Coast universities under direction of Arthur Compton, at the University of Chicago. He appointed theoretical physicist, J. Robert Oppenheimer as the director of the weapons laboratory, which was built on an isolated mesa located at Los Alamos, New Mexico. After much work, a ... Free Essays on Manhattan Projects Free Essays on Manhattan Projects The Manhattan Project The Manhattan Project was the code name of the U.S.’s attempt to construct an atomic bomb during World War II. It was named after the Manhattan Engineer District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, because a lot of it’s earlier research was done in New York City. An atomic bomb is a weapon that uses the energy from a nuclear reaction called Fission for its destruction. The idea that mass could be changed into energy was predicted by Albert Einstein in the earlier part of the 1900’s. John D. Cockcroft and Ernest Walton confirmed this by experiments in 1932. Then in 1938, nuclear fission was discovered by German scientists, and it was feared by many of the U.S. scientists, that Hitler would try to build a fission bomb. Three Hungarian-born physicists, Leo Szilard, Eugene Wigner, and Edward Teller asked Albert Einstein to send a letter to Franklin Roosevelt. Compelled by the letter in late 1939, Roosevelt ordered an effort to obtain an atomic weapon before Germany. At first, this program was led by Vannevar Bush, head of the National Defense Research committee and the Office of Scientific Research and Development. Then it came under control of Leslie Groves of the Army Corps of Engineers. Groves quickly bought a site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as a place for processing the Uranium-235 from the more common Uranium-238. Uranium-235 is used because it is fissionable, it releases many neutrons, and does not capture many. However, 99.3% of uranium in nature is the U-238 isotope, and only .7% is the lighter, more â€Å"fissionable† isotope U-235. Next, he gathered and combined research from many East Coast universities under direction of Arthur Compton, at the University of Chicago. He appointed theoretical physicist, J. Robert Oppenheimer as the director of the weapons laboratory, which was built on an isolated mesa located at Los Alamos, New Mexico. After much work, a ...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 49

Case Study Example This value chain management ensures timely delivery of the products in the market. Moreover, the products are low cost and relatively affordable. Zara is has a customer-centered approach to the market. Besides having to consider great value and quality, the company also uses its resources to ensure that the products reaching the customers is at low cost. Providing fashion at low cost has remained one of the company’s strength and the means behind the market share claim. The target market for the clothing is the customers with medium to high purchasing power. This includes those individuals who are fashion conscious and who want to look fashionable at all times. In my opinion, this helps the company to compete well with other fashion companies in the world. Being customer-centered, the company has market researchers in every part of the world where their presence is felt. This allows the company to respond directly to consumers’ needs. Further, the company has focused on research-based designing and innovativeness. This helps to create brands that the consumers can appreciate and that are ready to capture their attention and hence compete well in the market (Kumar, 2005). The success of any company depends on both the internal and external environment of the organization. Zara Company has a strong organization structure that ensures its success. With a well-structured management and a long-time experience in the market, the company has an easy time navigating the market and creating new environments. The company’s presence in 74 countries in the world also contribute to its success. This is because for a company to be successful. It must be able to secure a wide customer base that will ensure maximum and consistent source of revenue. This expansive strategy has allowed the company to be relevant to the emerging markets and to create a market share for itself as compared to many of the

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

How can the challenges for business start-ups in China be overcome Essay

How can the challenges for business start-ups in China be overcome - Essay Example It is evident from the study that there are many challenges that start up businesses would face in China which include complexities within the political, economic, social cultural and technological factors of the business environment in this country. The complexity theory in the practice of business management demonstrates that chaos within the business environment that challenges entrepreneurs especially for starting businesses. To ensure that a start up business grows and thrives in the China, entrepreneurs must put in consideration all the challenging factors in decision making. According to Alexandru and Gabriela, entrepreneurs who plan to venture into doing business in China should be aware of the challenges which are likely to be faced in the Chinese society and their implication on the success of the business venture. Lowe & Marriott add that the social factor and the culture of the Chinese people is a very strong force in determining the performance of a business especially v entures by foreign investors. The political factors in addition to economic environment are apparent determinants of the success of a business within this country. China is one of the leading technological innovators in the world and modern technology and computer applications and systems are being applied in business functions within the country and therefore the technology factor is most likely to influence the success of a business venture in the country as explained by. ... 43). The challenges that starting business in China are many and therefore entrepreneurs should be prepared head on if their businesses are to grow. The complexity theory describes a business startup as one which is faced with chaos and many external factors which are determinants of the survival of a business investment. CRITICAL EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION Cultural and Language Barriers Bergsten (2008) asserts that there are cultural and language barriers which would be very challenging to entrepreneurs wishing to start business in this country. Foreigners who plan to start business in China will certainly have difficulties during business negotiations due to language barrier (Chen & Miller, 2011). It would be appropriate therefore for entrepreneurs who start businesses in China to learn basic Chinese which would be adequate for business communications. Additionally, starting up a business in China will mean that the entrepreneurs leans basic social communication skill s so that the relationship with local employees or business partners would be enhanced. Chandra & Chao (2011, p. 55) say that the Chinese culture is very old and complex and may challenge entrepreneurs who plan to start business in this society. The culture of the Chinese will influence the ability of an entrepreneur of building business relationships. Therefore, entrepreneurs should learn about the Chinese culture to ensure that they do not violate it which would impact negatively on the business as demonstrated by Isenberg (2008, p. 107). The complexities of language and culture affect issues such as greetings, gender roles, leadership and business management which are congruent

Monday, November 18, 2019

Extra Credit Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Extra Credit - Essay Example On researching the ecological and agricultural characteristics in the Denver area it is found that the peculiar climatic condition experiencing there is between desert climate and humid climate. Hence the climatic condition prevailing there is considered as mild evapotranspiration climate. Since this city is at high altitude this peculiar climatic condition provide the quality of the Mediterranean weather such as dry summer and wetter winter. It is considered that the city has 79 official neighborhoods. Hence the residents of this metropolitan area are mainly the neighborhood communities. The features of these neighborhoods vary each other and they include large skyscrapers, twentieth century houses and modern styled twenty first century buildings. The neighborhoods which are closer to the Denver city comprises of denser buildings which are old styled. The developments of the neighborhoods which are not closer to the concerned city had taken place immediately after Second World War. The buildings at these areas were constructed with modern materials and hence they appeared in high style. Still farther neighborhoods were with suburban characteristics and the people in that area could be recognized by means of their features. Majority of the neighborhoods have parks and other modern facilities and these are considered as the key peculiarities of these neighborhoods. The important neighborhoods of Denver city are Lower Down Town, Union Station Neighborhood, Washington Park, Capitol Hill, Highland Cherry etc. All these neighborhoods have very important roles in the metropolitan developments of the Denver city. Parks are the main peculiarities of the Denver city. As per the survey conducted in 2006 this metropolitan city has more than 200 parks in its credit which vary from mini parks to giant ones. All these parks are with beautiful landscape architects. Since the Denver city is situated at high altitude these are no scarcity for mountain

Saturday, November 16, 2019

University Of Management And Technology Information Technology Essay

University Of Management And Technology Information Technology Essay This business plan describes a proposed venture to setting up a company called Nerd Patrol to provide individuals and small businesses with a full range of computer and networking services including hardware and software upgrades, hardware repairs, debugging software problems, dealing with network problems etc. Nerd Patrol will be initially owned by John Robbins. Depending on growth development, the company will possibly join with Mary Singh and Nabil Quresh to expand operations and to coverage in widen area. The Market Market research indicated the available niche market able to be occupied by additional businesses of this kind of nature. The very nature of the computing industry with its extraordinary rate of technological development creates a constant need for businesses skilled in updating and advising customers on computer-related issues. Individual home PC users will provide the majority of our business revenue income. Those jobs will typically consist of minor problem resolve and upgrade services such as software installation, hardware upgrade or Operation system upgrade and advising them for changing required. Business Week expects the computing industry to grow at a rate of 12% and the central processor unit speeds to continue to expand for years to come, providing obvious resource for sales. Nerd Patrol has decided to focus mainly on the individual home PC market for many kind of services. These home customers generally request the jobs done be quick, easier and less resource intensive then the opposing small business customer. In addition, this market tends to offer more flexibility for service times allowing a more productive workday and can have better human resources arrangement. Our target market will initially focus on the surrounding areas. Market research indicated there is an plenty of business for a small company such as US Computer Services, Computer Repair Chicago and Northern Computer Service, LLC. If we need exists for increased business, such promotional medium like TV, Internet or printing advertisement will be explored to increase the citizen perception of Nerd Patrol. The next step will be setting up a branch in other state to cover widen area. There are many competitors for the computer upgrade business in the surrounding area. Therefore we expect to be able to attract the price-sensitive market without much work to get involved in the competitive market. Financial Considerations Total start-up expenses are modest. Since Nerd Patrol is a service business and not product oriented, operational costs should remain low through the start-up process. Fixed costs have been set at a reasonably accurate monthly level. This should allow for equipment maintenance and purchase or replacement of basic parts used in performing our services. Somehow hardware parts may require keeping inventory at our shop as well. Variable costs have been set per unit to allow for additional expenses such as travel costs specific to each job. Objectives To provide a computer related service to the district that is in sufficient demand as to generate a profit. Maintain a strong repeat customer base in individual and or small business to maximize growth rate. Become a positive influence in the district in which we operate. Mission To become a contributing unit of society while delivering a services and products of exceptional quality, value and in a timely base. We will treat every customer as if they were our only customer. Providing the best services and suggestions to our customer. Keys to Success * Marketing and Networking being known to the public. * Responsiveness being an on-call computer paramedic in fast response time. * Quality service getting the job done right at the first time, offering 100% after service guarantee. * Relationships developing loyal and repeat customersretainers. * Experienced in SOHO operating system with Database management solution. * One stop solution to individual home users and small business. Company Summary Nerd Patrol will initially be a sole proprietorship. The goal will be to start the venture as inexpensively as possible with minimal outside financing. Nerd Patrol will be a home office start-up, utilizing one studio room in the owners home. Company Ownership Nerd Patrol will be initially owned by John Robbins as a sole proprietorship. Possibly later having Mary Singh and Nabil Quresh join the venture and expanding operations as well as clientele. Start-up Summary Total start-up expenses are modest. This composed of mostly equipment costs along with a few dollars for research of consumer wants and desires and few pads of stationary. Exact allocations are shown on the following table. Since this is a service business and not product oriented, operational costs should remain low through the start-up process. Start-up Requirements Start-up Expenses Legal US$200 Stationery etc. US$40 Brochures US$40 Consultants US$0 Insurance US$0 Rent US$0 Research and development US$20 Expensed equipment US$400 Other US$0 Total Start-up Expenses US$700 Start-up Assets Cash Required US$300 Other Current Assets US$0 Long-term Assets US$0 Total Assets US$300 Total Requirements US$1,000 Start-up Funding Start-up Expenses to Fund US$700 Start-up Assets to Fund US$300 Total Funding Required US$1,000 Assets Non-cash Assets from Start-up US$0 Cash Requirements from Start-up US$300 Additional Cash Raised US$0 Cash Balance on Starting Date US$300 Total Assets US$300 Liabilities and Capital Liabilities Current Borrowing US$0 Long-term Liabilities US$0 Accounts Payable (Outstanding Bills) US$0 Other Current Liabilities (interest-free) US$0 Total Liabilities US$0 Capital Planned Investment Investor 1 US$1,000 Investor 2 US$0 Other US$0 Additional Investment Requirement US$0 Total Planned Investment US$1,000 Loss at Start-up (Start-up Expenses) (US$700) Total Capital US$300 Total Capital and Liabilities US$300 Total Funding US$1,000 3. Services Nerd Patrol will offer computer support, repair, networking, upgrade and also software/hardware debug service to clients of two major categories, individual home PC users and small office users. These categories will define 90% of our operations. 3.1 Service Description Our services can be obtained through direct hourly compensation, or if preferred or more applicable, through a contract situation with pre-defined limits. Network setup will be define as job base and software implementation will be define to charge per function. 3.2 Competitive Comparison Our services are more intensive and accurate than any existing competition in the surrounding metro area. Since we have no excessive overhead we can be focused on delivering exactly what the customer wants, something other computer support providers in this area have a shock with. Also Nerd Patrol also provide hardware and software debug service which others provider not yet have such service in these area. 3.3 Technology Nerd Patrol will operate in an environment with technology that is constantly developing. Keeping up to date will be of essential importance to the profitability of this venture. We will maintain working as well as functional knowledge of all the latest hardware and software available to the public. Our customers will receive the most current versions of all software and hardware upgrades requested. Also providing suggestion to small company for the latest automated software system in order to save the operating cost. Market Analysis Summary Nerd Patrol will provide computer support in both a consulting and technical capacity to individual home PC users and small business owners. Also Nerd Patrol will apply for Microsoft authorization to sell their product like Microsoft Dynamics which is a pre-defined ERP system which can be customize. Since Nerd Patrol is currently a one man operation it will be limited in growth to the capacity of work able to be completed. Personal market research indicated an available niche market able to be occupied by additional businesses of this nature. The very nature of the computing industry with its noteworthy rate of technological development, creates a constant need for businesses skilled in updating and advising customers on computer-related issues. 4.1 Market Segmentation The existing computer service market is so spacious categorizing it is a rather difficult task. For our revenue-oriented purposes we will define the market into individual home PC users and small business customers. Individual home PC users will share the majority of our business revenue. These jobs will typically consist of minor repairing, upgrades services and advising. The small business market will be defined as customers with five or more computers or a network requiring services or maintenance. Sometime including advice for SAP, MRP, ERP, CRM system and database management solution for our customers. 4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy Nerd Patrol has decided to focus mainly on the individual home PC market for many reasons. These home customers typically requests jobs that are in immediate, economy and less resource intensive then the opposing small business customers. In addition, this market tends to offer more flexibility for service times allowing a more productive workday. 4.2.1 Market Needs As reported by ComputingNet magazine, there is a substantial need for individuals capable of performing computer repairs, upgrading and Wi-Fi network setup in a timely and cost-effective manner in this region. Nerd Patrol is directed specifically at this niche market. 4.2.2 Market Trends Both the hardware and software side of the computer industry continue to turn out new and revised computer components at surprising rates. For Nerd Patrol this means job security well into the future since our aim is to providing such service to customer. 4.2.3 Market Growth As reported by the Wall Street Journal, there seems to be endlessly to the development of the computer market. Business Week expects the computing industry to grow at a rate of 12% and the central processor unit speeds to continue to expand for years to come. 4.3 Service Business Analysis Secondary market research shows computer service customers tend to be very loyal providers that perform work in speed and satisfy their needs. An analysis of Nerd Patrol main competitors shows no demonstrative strengths that would be significant barriers to possible success. Likewise, identifying competitors weaknesses has illuminated several areas that Nerd Patrol can target as marketing strategies like combination of the use of Office application for home users and Dynamics with database like MySQL and Oracle for small businesses. 4.3.1 Main Competitors There are two main competitors for the computer upgrade business in this area. 1. COMPUTER REPAIR CHICAGO . They are a well established provider of computer upgrades and services and also launching the Free over the phone estimate. 2. US Computer Services. They provide low cost computer repair, network and training provider specializing in quality on-site service for small businesses and homes in metro area. Both of these companies charge higher rate then Nerd Patrol so we will be able to attract the price-sensitive market without much work. Our second main advantage is the accessibility of our services. The time conscientious customer will appreciate our speedy work. 4.3.2 Competition and Buying Patterns As previously mentioned, there had other computer service providers of in the same area. Our services will be second to no one and our prices will be rock bottom. By providing superior service word of mouth alone will bring in many new clients. The satisfaction our consumers find will keep them as our business. Strategy and Implementation Summary A value proposition of timely and practical solutions to customer and at a reasonable charge coupled with a 100% after service guarantee. A competitive edge based on breeding existing customer relationships and loyalty. Our target market will mainly focus on the surrounding areas. Market research indicated that there is large amount of business for a small company such as Nerd Patrol. If obvious need exists for increased business, such promotional mediums like TV, Internet, radio or print advertisement could be implements and distribute. 5.1 Competitive Edge Our competitive advantage will be our ability to speedy take in a request from a customer and complete the requested task in a short time. Typically we will strive for a 48-hour completion of most home PC user requests and slightly longer for small business obligations. In addition we will conduct our services at the going wage or slightly below. Setting marginal revenue at marginal cost until Nerd Patrol established a substantial customer base if not forever. With this strategy we can undercut most competitors and gain local market share. Also our team with fully certified on Microsoft and Oracle software products which other competitor does not have. We have the ability to promote Microsoft and Oracle product to small business which involving another revenue income 5.2 Value Proposition Our business will be simple and direct. Providing quality services at a reasonable price and taking care of the customers, for they are your business. 5.3 Sales Strategy Happy customers will be a repeat customer is always true for a business. If the customer feels satisfied with our services, he or she will tell his/her friends and more business will come in the door. Sales forecast figures are based on industry figures for the typical growth of a consulting start-up and reflect repeat business generated through meeting customer needs. 5.3.1 Sales Forecast The sales strategy is a prediction of slow with controllable growth rate. Since I am the sole employee at the beginning and I will be focusing on quality and attention to detail especially in the beginning to avoid some potential pitfalls encountered by new businesses. The predicted growth rate is very moderate in the individual home PC market and the small business arenas. This should allow for careful examination of variations in demand with regards to season or holidays and still allow enough flexibility to sufficiently compensate. 5.4 Milestones The milestones listed in the table below, outlined the major events that will promote as well as insure the success of Nerd Patrol and keep it going concern well into the coming future. Management Summary Nerd Patrol is a sole proprietorship initially However Mary Singh and Nabil Quresh will be join together in the future and propose the management team as follow:- John Robbins Handle the daily home PC repairing and daily enquires. Mary Singh Co-ordinate with John for maintain service for individual and small business. Nabil Quresh Mainly act as the controlling of overall Nerd Patrol operation and scheduling. Also he will be able to take over the company account and keep track of all documentation. 6.1 Personnel Plan The following table shows my expected compensation. Since I am the sole employee and I am the only one on the books. I have decided to have my pay directly reflective of the businesses success. Additionally, I have decided to leave a residual amount of income with the company each month which intended to allow a means of adaptation or evolution of the business should circumstances dictate expansion or the hiring of additional employees in the future. Financial Plan The following sections include the annual estimates for the standard set of financial tables. Detailed monthly pro-forma tables are included in the appendix. 7.1 Important Assumptions Nerd Patrol customer base would fluctuate if there was a recess in the economy or other extenuating circumstances that pertain directly to consumer or industry behavior. 7.2 Break-even Analysis Fixed costs have been set at a reasonably accurate monthly level. This should allow for equipment maintenance and purchase or replacement of basic tools used in performing our services. Variable costs have been set per unit to allow for additional expenses such as travel costs specific to each job. 7.3 Projected Profit and Loss The profit and loss shown for this company is a source of inspiration. For the first year of operation the books show a modest net profit. This should allow for great flexibility and survival in the start-up phase in case of unexpected problems or expenses. The profit margin declines incrementally in the following two years as greater payroll allocations are made which reflected the join of Mary and Nabil. These increased allocations will be contingent upon the continued success of this going concern. Since this business is operated out of the home, expenses such as rent, utilities, and insurance are sunk costs and not reflective of the business venture. 7.4 Projected Cash Flow This information is presented in the chart and table below. 7.5 Projected Balance Sheet This information is presented in the table below. 7.6 Business Ratios Business ratios for the years of this plan are shown below. Industry profile ratios based on the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code 7379, Computer Related Services NEC, are shown for comparison. Appendix Personal Plan General Assumptions Pro forma Profit Loss Pro Forma Cash Flow Pro forma Balance Sheet

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Marxist Theory in Hard Times (Coketown) and Watercress Girl :: hard Coketown Watercress

Marxist Theory in Hard Times (Coketown) and Watercress Girl      Ã‚   These two works may both be looked at from a Marxist point of view in finding explanation for the authors' purpose in putting pen to paper. When using a Marxist approach to analyzing literature we must bear in mind several key terms. As we look at these texts we must bear in mind what the bourgeoisie is; this is the upper or ruling class of a society. They are in place to rule due to their control over the "base, or the economic means of production" (Bressler 212). Because the have control over the base the bourgeoisie will, "consciously and unconsciously force" their "ideology" on the proletariat, or working class. The ideology referred to is the beliefs, values, and art of a society. When analyzing Coketown and Watercress Girl we can see definite influence on the ideologies of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie conveyed in the text.    In Watercress Girl we have several excellent examples of the forced ideologies. When interviewing the young girl, Henry Mayhew, recorded statements like, "although only eight years of age, had entirely lost all childish ways, and was, indeed, in thoughts and manner, a woman" (1838). In this case we have an eight-year-old girl forced into womanhood because of the economic conditions of the time. Even though this child lived with her mother who was a seamstress she was still forced to work as a street vendor of "watercress" (1339). Evidence of this life missing state of the young girl can be seen in the statement, "We children never play down there, cos [because] we're thinking of our living"(Mayhew 1389). Here we have a statement made by a young girl admitting that she cannot play because of the necessity or her working to live.    One might ask what does that have to do with the bourgeoisie and its control over ideology? If we look at the young girls statements closely we may see underlying meanings. This young girl is missing out on her childhood; a time when she is supposed to be learning values that only her parents can supply. These values that she should be learning at home from her parents are now being instilled by values learned on the street attempting to make a living. When the girl says, "we never goes [go] home to breakfast till we've sold out" (Mayhew 1839).

Monday, November 11, 2019

Bronte, the play

Bronte, the play, is a recent work, with one of its very first productions being staged at the Oxford Playhouse. The idea of it was to provide the audience with an insight into the lives of the three Bronte sisters, Emily, Charlotte and Anne. They of course wrote books themselves, including Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre. Renowned of course for being secluded, they wrote at a time when women writers were scorned by publishers; their only way of expressing themselves was indeed through their work. However, whilst the play was written by Polly Teale so that it showed the hardship that the sisters each had to endure in order to have their work published, I will be seeing whether the performers helped this any further. Right from the very start, we as an audience were given a different view on the actual play. The three sisters were in fact standing on stage in normal modern day clothinhg. They said at this point that they did not want the audience to believe this as a real play, and that they were just playing the Brontes- and in doing so showing the audience very similar to what their life may have been like. This I believe was extremely effective, as it was interesting. It was interesting because it allowed the audience to genuinely watch the play almost like a critic and see the ways in which the actors and actresses depicted the lives of the Brontes and of those around them. The most noticeable connection between the actresses was, I thought, how close they actually appeared as sisters. This was especially well done as for most of the play when one was in a scene, the other two would almost certainly be there. They were indeed united on all fronts, such as the way in which they tried to stand up to their father. Also, there seemed to be an informal pecking order within the sisters. Diane Beck and Fenella Woolgar, playing Emily and Charlotte respectively, seemed to be vying for the dominance, whilst Anne (Catherine Cusack) was very much the ‘other' sister. Woolgar and Beck were excellent in highlighting this. Later on we will see this rivalry between the sisters in their writing. However, this bond showed that whilst they undoubtedly loved and cared for their father very much, their bond was simply too tight. This was effective; and this was due to the actresses. You can read also Analysis of Literary Devices of Jane Eyre All of the actresses here created this in their own ways; Beck did so by trying convey her Emily as the leader of the pack- Woolgar did the same also and as well as this tried, and succeeded in creating a rivalry between the two of them. Cusack's Anne. However this bond was not shared with their brother Bramwell. Both he and his sisters felt that the other side had wasted their lives. Bramwell felt that his sisters had no life, confined to the house, and the sisters felt on the other hand that Bramwell was shallow, as his life consisted of little more than drink. This tension reared its head finally in one scene in particular. This was where he pinned Emily down on the floor and taunted her of the fact that she was still a virgin. This was extremely well done as at a couple of points during the scene, the audience were unsure as to whether Bramwell was actually about to rape his own sister. The other sisters were of course torn between stepping and protecting Emily, as possibly getting roughed up themselves, or simply standing by and watching Bramwell. We can see this emotion on the stage as the sisters deliberate what to do; such was the quality of the acting that was portrayed by their bond. Yet, it is interesting to note that Charlotte was in fact the more reluctant of the two other sisters to in fact go and aid Emily- this added further spice to the plot. Also, however, Emily translated this pain through her own writing into her books. She believed that this helped to channel her anger, and therefore by doing this she showed that she was indeed feeling better. This reflected itself onto the audience, and their own particular feelings regarding the attack. The most important character in the play except for the sisters is undoubtedly Bertha. Although not an actual person in the play, she represented the feelings and anxieties of all of the sisters within the play. One prominent part was straight after the sex attack where Bertha was mirroring the anxieties of Emily. Bertha called out ‘He beat me, he beat me like a dog'. She cried in a moaning voice too. The actress playing Bertha was perhaps the most accomplished, despite being just 20. She played ‘Ellie' in About a Boy also. Her experience shone through as well; she was not afraid to moan, and to move fluidly like a snake as she did, and this was good as this contradicted the rest of the play. It added a sense of realism, as we were truly allowed to see into the deep thoughts of both Emily and of Charlotte. Another important part with this ‘character' was at the very end of the play. At this part, she throws feathers everywhere across. Throughout the play at certain she had thrown small handfuls on stage. However, it seemed as thought at the end she was letting all of her emotion and stress out on stage, as though she had finally exploded with anger. It appeared as though she had literally gone mad also. The actress here was extremely effective, not only because her actual action was so random, but also because the way which she so carelessly threw away the feathers was good as it showed that she also seemed to know not what she was doing, just like Charlotte or Emily letting the ink ooze from their pen onto the page. Thus in conclusion it could be said that whilst the play of Bronte itself was indeed extremely thought-provoking and even gain an entertaining into the lives of the Bronte sisters, it was undoubtedly the performers who made this possible, through their own separate ways. The skills required needed to be of the highest quality. The performers had this; and thus made the production effective.