The Courtship of Freyr and Gerd

The Courtship of Freyr and Gerd The following story of Freyrs courtship by proxy of Gerd may be somewhat frustrating for modern readers. One day while Odin was away, the Vanir god Freyr sat on his throne, Hlithskjalf, from which he could look out upon the whole of the 9 worlds. As he looked upon the land of the giants, Jotunheim, he noticed a beautiful house owned by the sea giant Gymir into which a lovely young giantess entered. Freyr became sad obsessing about the young giantess, whose name was Gerd, but he wouldnt tell anyone what he was brooding about; perhaps because he didnt want to admit that he had been sitting on the forbidden throne; perhaps because he knew the love between giants and Aesir was taboo. Since Freyr wouldnt eat or drink, his family grew worried but were afraid to talk with him. In time, his father Njord summoned Freyrs servant Skirnir to find out what was going on. Skirmir Tries to Court Gerd for Freyr Skirnir was able to extract the information from his master. In return, Freyr extracted a promise from Skirnir to woo Gymirs daughter Gerd for him and gave him a horse that would go through the magic ring of fire surrounding Gymirs home and special sword that fights giants on its own. After a minimal number of obstacles, Gerd gave Skirnir an audience. Skirnir asked her to say she loved Freyr in exchange for precious gifts. She refused, saying she had enough gold already. She added that she could never love a Vanir. Skirnir turned to threats. He carved runes on a stick and told Gerd he would send her to the frost ogre realm where she would pine for both food and a mans love. Gerd conceded. She said she would meet with Freyr in 9 days. The servant returned to tell Freyr the excellent news. Freyrs response was impatience, and so the story ends. The story of Freyr and Gerd (or Gerda) is told in Skirnismal (Skirnirs Lay), from the poetic Edda, and in a prose version in Gylfaginning (Deception of the Gylfi) in the Edda by Snorri Sturluson. Source: The Withdrawal of the Fertility God, Annelise Talbot Folklore, Vol. 93, No. 1. (1982), pp. 31-46.

Free Essays on Dell

Dell Computer Corporation SYNOPSIS In this report an examination will be made of the production and logistics system of Dell Computer Corporation. The important aspects of Dell’sEmphasis will be placed on the following: How effective is the firms resource planning procedures? product/ service The key difficulties - potentialDells internal and external logistics process How technologies are beingpoints of failure in the Dell’s logistics process used or can be used to make the logistics function more efficient/effective? What is Dell Computers all about? Michael Dell founded Dell Computer Corporation in 1984 having only $1000 start-up capital. To date, his business has grown to become the second largest computer systems producer in the world, with average daily sales of more than $5 million. The ‘hub’ of Dells production system is based in the U.S (Round rock, Texas), while other factories are located in Nashville, Tennessee, Limerick, (Ireland), Penang, Malaysia, Xiamen, Chin a and Eldorado do Sul, Brazil. Dell has offices in thirty-four countries around the world and sells its products and services in more than one hundred and seventy countries. The table below provides a break down of Dells global market growth and position. Monetary values are quoted in US$ in millions. Continent Market Position Net Revenue as at January 28/2000 Annual Growth Rate Dell Americas Dell Europe/Middle East/Africa Dell Asia Pacific and Japan 1 2 7 17879 5590 1796 48% 24% 52% According to Dells forecast it is estimated that total revenue will amount to US$33 billion this year, where US$20 billion will be as a result of online transactions. (1) In the Appendix of this report, a consolidated statement of income on Dells financial position for the year ending 28/1/00 is presented. The important aspects of Dells Product and Service Dells core competency lies in customising its product – computer hardwar... Free Essays on Dell Free Essays on Dell Dell Computer Corporation SYNOPSIS In this report an examination will be made of the production and logistics system of Dell Computer Corporation. The important aspects of Dell’sEmphasis will be placed on the following: How effective is the firms resource planning procedures? product/ service The key difficulties - potentialDells internal and external logistics process How technologies are beingpoints of failure in the Dell’s logistics process used or can be used to make the logistics function more efficient/effective? What is Dell Computers all about? Michael Dell founded Dell Computer Corporation in 1984 having only $1000 start-up capital. To date, his business has grown to become the second largest computer systems producer in the world, with average daily sales of more than $5 million. The ‘hub’ of Dells production system is based in the U.S (Round rock, Texas), while other factories are located in Nashville, Tennessee, Limerick, (Ireland), Penang, Malaysia, Xiamen, Chin a and Eldorado do Sul, Brazil. Dell has offices in thirty-four countries around the world and sells its products and services in more than one hundred and seventy countries. The table below provides a break down of Dells global market growth and position. Monetary values are quoted in US$ in millions. Continent Market Position Net Revenue as at January 28/2000 Annual Growth Rate Dell Americas Dell Europe/Middle East/Africa Dell Asia Pacific and Japan 1 2 7 17879 5590 1796 48% 24% 52% According to Dells forecast it is estimated that total revenue will amount to US$33 billion this year, where US$20 billion will be as a result of online transactions. (1) In the Appendix of this report, a consolidated statement of income on Dells financial position for the year ending 28/1/00 is presented. The important aspects of Dells Product and Service Dells core competency lies in customising its product – computer hardwar... Free Essays on Dell The computer industry has enjoyed a tremendous growth in the 80’s and 90’s. The introduction of the Internet to the public had a major impact on this growth. First, the Internet created a new environment to conduct business online. The Internet gave a way to new start-up companies to do business online, therefore increasing the demand for network of computers. Second, public dependency to the Internet increased while they found a convenient way of shopping online. Public dependency on computers to gain access to the Internet also increased the demand for computers. Except for the relatively few companies that have been somewhat successful in managing their businesses reasonably well, the first few years in the 2000’s have been a struggle for most companies in the industry due to unstable market, fierce competition and over saturation of the market. As PC sales slow worldwide, computer companies have embarked on a broad campaign to gain market share- by cutting prices, introducing new product lines, and forming alliances with companies that can help them broaden their capabilities. Among those who seem to be surviving and planning to take advantage of the economical situation, include Dell Computer Corporation, IBM, Gateway and the Apple Computer Company. The paper will study Dell Computer Corporation and its business model, including many aspects of direct marketing introduced by Dell Computers will be analyzed. Market segmentation, competition, and business opportunities will also be analyzed along with recommendations for business expansion. E-Commerce Electronic commerce is defined as the delivery of goods, services, information, or payments over computer networks or by any other electronic means (e-business, 2002) The e-commerce isn’t just for tech-savvy shoppers anymore, having broadened its appeal to a majority of the population, the average online customer now expects more and is a harder sell, much like the...

Looking at the Four Way Relationship among Jackson, Clay, Calhoun, and Essay

Looking at the Four Way Relationship among Jackson, Clay, Calhoun, and Webster, which Man do you Find more Admirable and Why - Essay Example First is the one concerning the â€Å"nullification crisis†. Prior to this period, under the American System a lot of subsidies were being granted through tariffs imposed on imports and otherwise aiding the domestic industry because it was thought to boost the economy. When Jackson came into power, he curbed these trade protection measures which resulted in an outcry and retaliation from the Congress. The crisis that developed with strong stances from both sides was dimmed when the Congress announced it would lower taxes in 1833. The second episode was concerning the â€Å"Bank War†. The Bank of the United States was a corporation controlled by the Congress with basically two major functions, one was to print paper money and the second was to manage the government’s finances, however Jackson thought that such an institution was dangerous and wrongful and later vetoed a charter asking to expand the Bank’s role. Jackson became the advocate for the people aga inst the elite who had set to exploit them. By doing this he introduced a new but permanent theme into American Politics. Further, Jackson strengthened and extended the role and responsibilities of an American President. He inaugurated the â€Å"spoils system† which was in effect a patronage system whereby once a party wins the elections, the government gives employment to its voters as an incentive to stay loyal to the party. During his time in power, Andrew Jackson displayed a lot of strength and patriotism and with his precise aim and steel will was able to greatly impact the face of American politics for generations to come. (Miller Center, University of Virginia). Daniel Webster (1782-1852) was an American statesman, lawyer and orator and a strong supporter of nationalism. Following his quick success, Webster was elected for the House of Representatives in 1812. Later, Webster left the congress and moved to Boston, where he proceeded to establish himself as one of the na tion’s greatest lawyers. He returned back to Congress in 1823 and was elected for senator four years later. Webster allied with President Andrew Jackson over the issue of nullifying tariff in South Carolina but apart from that they were not really on the same side. Webster ran for presidency but was never elected. (Sydney Nathan). Henry Clay (1777-1852) was an American statesman, congressman and senator. Clay was a supporter of balancing the rights of Free states as well as slave states and fought for federal funding for the national bank, the industry and for much needed investment in infrastructure. Clay also ran twice for the Presidency, both times unsuccessfully. (Bio.Truestory) John Calhoun (1782-1850) was an influential American politician, senator and political theorist. He was Vice President of the United States from 1825 to 1832 during the presidency of John Quincy Adams and also during the initial time period under Andrew Jackson. Calhoun resigned from Vice Presiden cy in 1832 and was then elected for the United States Senate. He had been a supporter of President Jackson initially, but with the passage of time and events their alliance deteriorated and Calhoun withdrew his support from Jackson after he turned against him. He subsequently became a strong voice against Jackson’s policies especially, the â€Å"spoils system†. From the time beginning from1832 and leading up to this death, Calhoun dedicated his

TuiNaTraditional Chinese massage and Sport Therapy Essay

TuiNaTraditional Chinese massage and Sport Therapy - Essay Example Sports research points to rigorous studies in order to determine the best forms of sports massage to maximize the benefits to the health and well being of people taking part in sports (Martin, Zoeller, Robertson, & Lephart, 1998; Jonhagen, Ackerman, Eriksson, Saartok, & Renstrom, 2004). Tui Na, a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine massage may be a viable complement to traditional sports massage used in the West. Overuse knee injury is commonly referred to as patellofemoral syndrome, to describe pain on and around the kneecap (patella). It is most commonly the result of damage to the surface underneath the kneecap, through a blow or fall, of from continuous rubbing on the bone underneath (Devan, Pescatello, Faghri, Anderson, 2004). Other names for the injury are chondramalacia patellae, patella pain syndrome or runner's knee. If the injury is not treated that it becomes a chronic condition that does not respond well to recovery methods. The pain can originate from over-tightness of the illio-tibial band (ITB), with the tendon rubbing on the knee bone. As a result the patella does not move or track correctly when the knee is bent from being outstretched (i.e., it does not move toward the inside surface of the knee) to position correctly in the intercondylar notch of the femur. The cartilage under the patella can become damaged, and the ITB inflamed. It is a common injury for runners aged 10-20 years. It is also more likely for those who have small kneecaps, or those whose feet roll in (pronate). Weak quadriceps muscles can increase likelihood of experiencing the condition. There is increased incidence among long distance running and hill running athletes, or those who have had previous knee injury. Clear Identification of TopicSports massage can help stretch the ITB, as tight knots within the tendon may be causing it to shorten. Soft tissue and deep friction massage are traditional sports massage techniques to aid in stretching the ITB, as well as myofascial releasing techniques. In contrast, Tui Na treats the whole body by working on meridians (energy channels)

Enron Accounting Fault Essay Example for Free

Enron Accounting Fault Essay Enron is frequently given as an example of creative accounting. It is also given as a good example of accounting fraud and insider trading. This is a good example of creative accounting taken too far not many would disagree that it was accounting fraud, although some would say they were just unlucky to get caught. after all, the auditors were Arthur Anderson, at the time one of the most respected auditing firms. Creative Accounting – Example 1 – Creating multiple trading entities The creative accounting involved setting up other entities and then trading with these entities. This is a common practice; many businesses divide their operations into sectors that perform specialist functions and then trade is carried out between these various entities. However, normal applicable accounting standards (GAAP), would require that some sort of financial consolidation is performed and the full picture reported. However, there was a bias to record income, revenue, and profits from transactions with these entities; rather than costs, expenses, and losses. Creative Accounting – Example 2 – Moving business segments offshore Enron created these entities offshore. This is also a common practice in accounting and tax planning. Many businesses do this to reduce the amount of taxes they pay, this can be done legally (tax avoidance) and it can take illegal forms (tax evasion). Offshore entities usually enjoy an enhanced level of privacy, this can make it difficult for local governments and auditors to gain insights into what is going on. Enron appears to have manged to succeed for a long time in hiding what was going on from both auditors, investors, and potential whistle-blowers. If Enron was recording profits, and assuming not much else was happening in these other entities, then these offshore entities would be recording losses. These losses were conveniently recorded away from the financial statements and therefore investors and many staff never new about them. Creative Accounting and Insider Trading The executives didn’t stop here. By using creative accounting and fraud to manipulate profits, they were able to affect the stock price, the next logical and illegal step was to start to trade the stock to benefit from the inside knowledge they had. This is know as insider trading and is illegal in most countries.

Prospero’s Magic in Shakespeares The Tempest Essay -- Tempest essays

Prospero’s Magic in Shakespeare's The Tempest In order to understand the full effect the character of Prospero, in Shakespeare's The Tempest, would have had on the audience, it is important to understand how magic was regarded during the time. During the Tudor and early Stuart periods, interest in magic ran high, and attitudes toward magic were varied and complex. For instance, magic was to be avoided by God-fearing men, but "God permitted magic partly to demonstrate, by its overthrow, his own miraculous powers, and partly as one of the pitfalls that appeared in the world as a result of original sin" (Traister 3). Also, many scholars and philosophers were magicians, and it was difficult to draw a line between magic and science since medicine and astronomy were often associated with magic. So, people sought to clarify the ambiguities by distinguishing demonic magic from natural magic, or black magic from white magic. Basically, demonic magic was performed with the aid of spirits and natural magic was not. But even that definition became muddled with complexities during a revival of neoplatonism in England. There was a belief in a world spirit that could be tapped into by magic. Early neoplatonist ideas about magic can be traced to Marsilio Ficino. He developed theories of ways to "attract planetary daemons (to be carefully distinguished from 'demons' evil spirits) by the use of music, particular words similar to incantations, special colors, and perfumes" (Traister 7). Ficino argued this to be different from demonic magic because he intended to attract angelic spirits rather than evil spirits. Ficino's ideas were further developed by Henry Cornelius Agrippa (1486-1535) as he divided natural magic and create... ...-48. Craig, Hardin. "Magic in The Tempest." Philological Quarterly 47 (1968): 8-15. Egan, Robert. "This Rough Magic: Perspectives of Art and Morality in The Tempest." Shakespeare Quarterly 23 (1972): 171-82. Estrin, Barbara L. "Telling the Magician from the Magic in The Tempest." Bucknell Review: A Scholarly Journal of Letter, Arts and Science 25:1 (1980): 170-87. French, Peter J. John Dee: The World of an Elizabethan Magus. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1972. Harris, Anthony. Night's Black Agents: Witchcraft and Magic in Seventeenth-Century English Drama. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1980. Thomas, Keith. Religion and the Decline of Magic. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1971. Traister, Barbara Howard. Heavenly Necromancers: The Magician in English Renaissance Drama. Columbia: University of Missouri Press, 1984.

Catherine morland presented

Catherine being traced re the social, psychological, emotional and intellectual, in addition to her growth as a fully functional lady of society. The first chapter focuses on the Catherine's practicality, her intelligent, but not brilliant mind and her lack of experience in the world. Austen introduces Catherine as a realistic character, while contrasting that realism to her role as the heroine of a novel. Jane Austen presents Catherine Morland at the beginning of the novel, this opens the novel to a very interesting and yet peculiar start to the Northanger Abbey, â€Å"No one who had ever seen CatherineMorland in her infancy would have supposed her to be born an heroine†. This opening sentence leaves the reader expecting her to become a heroine as her life progresses. The author's careful diction characterises Catherine, â€Å"No one who had ever seen,† as though her outward appearance cannot righteously represent her true inner nature. The description of Catherine's a ppearance typifies this. When Austen describes Catherine in the opening of the novel, she suggests that she is an unlikely gothic heroine.Catherine isn't described as a stereotypical child, nevertheless, she ad a thin awkward figure, a sallow skin without colour, dark lank hair, and strong features, â€Å"so much for her person and not less unpropitious for heroism seemed her mind†. Austen presents Catherine to be as boring and plain, while at the same time encouraging the idea of her strong and courageous nature. By introducing her as a possible heroine, the contrasting description of her external features and the image of her heroism create a concept in the readers mind.In Chapter one of Northanger Abbey, Catherine is presented as naive and innocent, as Catherine is stereotyped as person who â€Å"never could learn or understand anything before she was taught. † This helps to paint a picture of Catherine being helpless and dependent for extended emphasis or exaggerat ion of the trials she must go through to reach maturity and independence. For if Catherine learns through the guidance and teaching of others, her gullibility in what she is taught is heightened, therefore she may be inclined to believe everything that she hears or reads.Austen describes Catherine, â€Å"She was fond of all boys, playing and greatly preferred cricket†. This relates to Mary Woolstone Craft, whereas Catherine's imagination runs away with her childhood because â€Å"she is kept in a state of perpetual childhood†. Austen presents Catherine's childhood as marked by energy, vitality and good temper, â€Å"She was moreover, noisy and wild†, Catherine wasn't interested in learning music or art she held the characterises of a young child who is immature and not very grounded on life. Young children at that age, however, are expected to be witty and charming.Catherine, however, is not accomplishment for 19th century women. Every household that could affor d one had piano, and the daughters of the house would be expected to learn to play and sing, so they could entertain the family and any visitors. Sketching and painting were considered elegant female accomplishments. Sewing was another one; girls would learn to do elegant embroidery. Speaking foreign languages was considered an accomplishment; girls would learn French and German and how this education plays a role in her position within society.Catherine Morland was the complete opposite of the stereotypical child; Jane Austen presented Catherine at the beginning of the ovel to the broad conflicting on how a heroine should act. Catherine Is more apparent when she turns fifteen years old, we gain an insight that Catherine has developed into a different character, â€Å"her love for dirt gave away' and â€Å"grows quite a good looking girl† this shows the maturity of Catherine and the stages into adulthood. Catherine's appearances change completed as, â€Å"her features were softened, by plumpness and colour†.Also, Catherine was â€Å"reading books of information†, Catherine is now showing traits of the â€Å"accomplished women† and the qualities of a eroine, nevertheless at the start of the novel Jane presents Catherine as nothing but a heroine and this shows how Catherine grows up and becomes more mature. In the first part of the novel, Catherine finds herself in the fashionable Bath where she is eager for adventures. She meets people who are in Bath for different reasons but mainly to find a suitable partner in life.Already after a couple of weeks in Bath, far away from her family, she is starting to mature. Her introduction to Bath society makes Catherine lose a little of her childish innocence. At one moment in Bath she is larmed and surprised at seeing Henry accompanied by another woman: â€Å"Catherine sat erect, in the perfect use of her senses and with cheeks only a little redder than usual† though Catherine does not reveal any emotions, quite the opposite of a Gothic heroine. When she meets Henry Tilney, instead of fainting with pure Joy she welcomes him quietly.Jane Austen presents Catherine Morland different around certain characters, as when we are first introduced to Isabella Thorpe she is presented as a admirable character at first, she comes across friendly, elegant and eautiful, as Catherine says in the novel, â€Å"her eldest daughter had great personal beauty'. Catherine's character changes when she meets Isabella Thorpe, Catherine admires her as a role model as Austen writes how Catherine, â€Å"most admirable girl† this helps Catherine's character to grow as she soon learns the social rules of how to behave whilst in Bath.As we know Isabella is four years older than Catherine so Catherine perhaps perceives Isabella as an older sister figure to Catherine. Catherine and Isabelle gain a friendship quickly which could suggest how Catherine is naive as he has not let herself get t o know Isabella as quick as she should have, â€Å"The progress of the friendship between Catherine and Isabella was quick as its beginning to get warm†.Isabella comes across as very manipulative character and also seeks male attention, when Catherine and Isabella catch the eye of two young men, † they set of immediately, as fast as they could walk, in pursuit of the two young men†, Catherine, however, doesn't want to follow the two young men and doesn't crave the male attention which Isabella does, this shows that Isabella manipulates what Catherine thinks and Jane presents this by showing that Isabella however Is in charge eventually drops her superficial friendship with Isabella in favour of a more mature friendship with Eleanor.In many ways, the mature and reasonable Eleanor represents the type of adult that Catherine makes some progress towards becoming an responsible adult. Eleanor is, after all, rational, kind, well-mannered, well-rea, and is capable to kee ping up with her brother's wit and if she's not as exciting and wildly entertaining as Isabella, well, that's probably a good thing. After all, she does get ewarded with her very own Viscount in the end, which Just proves that good deeds, like putting up with her difficult father, really can be rewarded.Catherine, who grows up considerably over the course of the novel, eventually drops her superficial friendship with Isabella in favour of a more mature friendship with Eleanor. In many ways, the mature and reasonable Eleanor represents the type of adult that Catherine makes some progress towards becoming, She is described as having a â€Å"good fgure, a pretty face and a very agreeable countenance† and is also described as having good anners and a good sense this foreshadows later on in the novel where Eleanor gives Catherine money to go home when General Tilney banishes Catherine from Northanger Abbey.Eleanor Tinley comes across as more of a heroine than Catherine Morland. Wh ereas the friendship between Eleanor and the characters also contrast in the way that Isabella enjoys having attention, whereas we are told that Eleanor is at the ball â€Å"without wanting to fix the attention of every man near her† which shows she is a much more mature character and would make a better role model to Catherine rather than Isabella. Overall the novel follows Catherine Morland's progress from innocence and delusion to understanding and clear sight.She never loses her honest and unaffectedness, which is what, makes her an attractive heroine despite being neither clever nor witty. At the beginning of chapter one Catherine isn't presented as a typical heroine and doesn't have the typical heroine traits as she does not bother to learn or has any talent at all, however, when Catherine grows to be older she begins to realise her maturity and she begins to have the qualities of an ‘accomplished women' traits about her.

The Advantages of Being Bilingual

1. The advantages of being bilingual There are many advantages of being bilingual. It can get you many places in life and could help you in a time of need. Knowing English as a second language is a good thing in many western countries. There are many English-speaking people in western countries and knowing English will help you to communicate with people. Also, I travel to America a lot for vacations, so knowing English helps. The third is that if I want to have a conversation with foreigner it could help me. As so many advantages of being bilingual, if you want to improve your skills in connecting with foreigners, you should start learning another language.2. Ways to meet people in a new placeIt can be difficult to meet people in a new city if you don’t know where to look for and how to find them. One of the easiest way to meet people is by starting visiting your local restaurants and bars. Many people come to bars to get a break from their daily tiring schedule and they are more interested in meeting or chattin g with new people.Second ways is by getting to know your friend’s friends. Go to all the house parties and birthday parties that you get invited to. There you will be introduced to meet new people through you friends. Last, network might be a good way for making new friends and meeting new people. And those people could lead you to more new friends. Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. Learning to easily meet new people can open doors in life, not only doors to new relationships, but also new friendships, and new career opportunities.3. Advantages of growing up in a small townThere are several advantages of growing up in a small town. First of all, living and air quality may make people healthier. If we grow up in a small town which has fresh air and no pollution, we can get healthy body. The second advantage is that the people in small town are easy to get along with. You don’t need to think about how to deal with them, just lived with them n aturally. And they are willing to help each other. The third advantage of growing up in a small town is people there usually have good attitude. Because there is nothing to worry about and life is much simple. To sum up, growing up in a small town make people feel more comfortable and relaxing.4. Disadvantages of growing up in a small townThere are several disadvantages of growing up in a small town. First of all, you don’t have as many job opportunities. It’s not convenient to get news and message, so less and less company would like to set their factories in a small town. The second disadvantage is that everyone knows your business. Once you tell a person, the things will get around town fast. The third disadvantage of growing up in a small town is you have nothing to do because there is nothing to do.

Ophelias Suicide Note Essays

Ophelias Suicide Note Essays Ophelias Suicide Note Paper Ophelias Suicide Note Paper Ophelia’s Suicide Letter Dear Hamlet, I thought I would be able to bottle up all of these emotions but it seems I cannot bear it any longer; I must let it all out. I must tell you, Hamlet, that living in this mad world is driving me to the brink of insanity. I am just so fed up with going about every single day persuading myself that I had ought to ignore it all and simply, sweetly smile. But why should I? Why should I sit around and let the likes of men like you order me around any longer? Yes Lord this, yes Lord that! Who do all of you men think you are? Being ordered around by my father, brother and you, my former lover, completely frustrates me every time. Am I your maid? Your slave? Your toy? You all speak to me with such disgusting disrespect. â€Å"Get thee to a nunnery† you say? Is it my fault that your mother is a despicable whore? Just because she did not wait a mere second to marry your uncle, it does not grant you the right to speak to me condescendingly like I have done the same. All you men speak to women like they are simple objects of pleasure. May you lie in my lap you ask? Most certainly not. I am not a prostitute whom you can come to whenever you please. We, I, am more than just a source of sexual gratification. Without us women, who would cook and clean for you men? It is quite evident that without us, you men are hopeless yet why is it that we are still miserably mistreated? Oh, this strange society we live in is so corrupted. If we had been in an ideal world where women and men were thought of as equals, I would have most certainly spoken up for myself. But no, in this society, the chains of social rigidity confine me for being a woman. I live each and every day without the freedom of speech or choice, forced to obey the commands of all men alike. Had I defied any orders, severe punishment would have definitely followed. The withstanding of such social inequality had been agitating me ever since I could remember; I was already hardly surviving. But on top of that, the tragedy of my father’s death had to strike! How can I go on with a peace of mind in the chaos of my beloved father’s death, the very man whom you, the other man I whole-heartedly loved, so cruelly murdered! What sense does this make? Such a thought makes me tremble in utter disbelief. How could you have committed such a crime and not feel any sense of shame or guilt? Had you not any thought or consideration for my well being or stability of my emotional state when you committed such a sin? You didn’t, did you -since you did not think twice to confirm who it was behind the arras. I am curious, Hamlet, for what reason did you do such a terrible thing? What has he ever done to deserve such a foul fate? Has he wronged you in any way? All he has done is loyally serve your family yet this is what he receives in return! It overwhelms me with great sadness. Moreover, not only have I lost my father, but it seems I have lost you as well, both mentally and physically. Following our separation, I still loved you Hamlet. But you, who pushed me away and branded me as damaged goods, have broken my fragile heart, have killed my father, someone who truly cared for me despite his demands, and have left me in utter despair. Oh it feels as if my world is suddenly falling apart! I cannot go to you, Hamlet, for your hands are stained with my father’s blood and as of late, I can hardly speak to you as your mind seems to have plummeted to the depths of insanity! Yet at the same time, despite everything that has happened, I find myself unable to leave you for I am still very much in love with you. I am torn between you and my father but it seems that the both of you have already abandoned me to survive in this lonely and treacherous world on my own. There seems to be nothing left for me now. This world is crashing down on me and without any care or concern from anyone, I am living solely as a victim in a vicious society with impossible expectations. Oh, what am I to do and where am I to go? I have contemplated over and over again but I can think of no other salvation but death in this choice-less existence. To perish would liberate me from my grief and despair and would give me an opportunity to make a decision of my own. Yes, it is the only way and thus, with this final letter, I may leave in peace. Farewell my love, Ophelia

Battle of Dien Bien Phu in the First Indochina War

Battle of Dien Bien Phu in the First Indochina War The Battle of Dien Bien Phu was fought from March 13 to May 7, 1954, and was the decisive engagement of the First Indochina War (1946-1954), the precursor to the Vietnam War. In 1954, French forces in French Indochina sought to cut the Viet Minhs supply lines to Laos. To accomplish this, a large fortified base was constructed at Dien Bien Phu in northwest Vietnam. It was hoped that the presence of the base would draw the Viet Minh into a pitched battle where superior French firepower could destroy its army. Poorly sited in the low ground of the valley, the base was soon besieged by Viet Minh forces which used artillery and infantry assaults to grind down the enemy while also deploying a large number of anti-aircraft guns to prevent the French from resupplying or evacuating. In nearly two months of fighting, the entire French garrison was either killed or captured. The victory effectively ended the First Indochina War and led to the 1954 Geneva Accords which split the country into North and South Vietnam. Background With the First Indochina War going poorly for the French, Premier Rene Mayer dispatched General Henri Navarre to take command in May 1953. Arriving in Hanoi, Navarre found that no long-term plan existed for defeating the Viet Minh and that French forces simply reacted to the enemys moves. Believing that he was also tasked with defending neighboring Laos, Navarre sought an effective method for interdicting Viet Minh supply lines through the region. Working with Colonel Louis Berteil, the hedgehog concept was developed which called for French troops to establish fortified camps near Viet Minh supply routes. Supplied by air, the hedgehogs would allow French troops to block the Viet Minhs supplies, compelling them to fall back. The concept was largely based on the French success at the Battle of Na San in late 1952. General Vo Nguyen Giap. Photograph Source: Public Domain Holding the high ground around a fortified camp at Na San, French forces had repeatedly beaten back assaults by General Vo Nguyen Giaps Viet Minh troops. Navarre believed that the approach used at Na San could be enlarged to force the Viet Minh to commit to a large, pitched battle where superior French firepower could destroy Giaps army. Building the Base In June 1953, Major General Renà © Cogny first proposed the idea of creating a mooring point at Dien Bien Phu in northwest Vietnam. While Cogny had envisioned a lightly defended airbase, Navarre seized on the location for trying the hedgehog approach. Though his subordinates protested, pointing out that unlike Na San they would not hold the high ground around the camp, Navarre persisted and planning moved forward. On November 20, 1953, Operation Castor commenced and 9,000 French troops were dropped into the Dien Bien Phu area over the next three days. Colonel Christian de Castries. US Army With Colonel Christian de Castries in command, they quickly overcame local Viet Minh opposition and began building a series of eight fortified strong points. Given female names, de Castries headquarters was located in the center of four fortifications known as Huguette, Dominique, Claudine, and Eliane. To the north, northwest, and northeast were works dubbed Gabrielle, Anne-Marie, and Beatrice, while four miles to the south, Isabelle guarded the bases reserve airstrip. Over the coming weeks, de Castries garrison increased to 10,800 men supported by artillery and ten M24 Chaffee light tanks. Battle of Dien Bien Phu Conflict: First Indochina War (1946-1954)Dates: March 13-May 7, 1954Armies and Commanders:FrenchBrigadier General Christian de CastriesColonel Pierre LanglaisMajor General Rene Cogny10,800 men (March 13)Viet MinhVo Nguyen Giap48,000 men (March 13)Casualties:French: 2,293 killed, 5,195 wounded, and 10,998 capturedViet Minh: approx. 23,000 Under Siege Moving to attack the French, Giap dispatched troops against the fortified camp at Lai Chau, forcing the garrison to flee towards Dien Bien Phu. En route, the Viet Minh effectively destroyed the 2,100-man column and only 185 reached the new base on December 22. Seeing an opportunity at Dien Bien Phu, Giap moved approximately 50,000 men into the hills around the French position, as well as the bulk of his heavy artillery and anti-aircraft guns. The preponderance of Viet Minh guns came as a surprise to the French who did not believe that Giap possessed a large artillery arm. Though Viet Minh shells began falling on the French position on January 31, 1954, Giap did not open the battle in earnest until 5:00 PM on March 13. Utilizing a new moon, Viet Minh forces launched a massive assault on Beatrice behind a heavy barrage of artillery fire. French M24 Chaffee light tanks firing during the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, 1954. US Army Extensively trained for the operation, Viet Minh troops quickly overcame French opposition and secured the works. A French counterattack the next morning was easily defeated. The next day, artillery fire disabled the French airstrip forcing supplies to be dropped by parachute. That evening, Giap sent two regiments from the 308th Division against Gabrielle. Battling Algerian troops, they fought through the night. Hoping to relieve the beleaguered garrison, de Castries launched a counterattack north, but with little success. By 8:00 AM on March 15, the Algerians were forced to retreat. Two days later, Anne-Maries was easily taken when the Viet Minh were able to convince the Tai (a Vietnamese ethnic minority loyal to the French) soldiers manning it to defect. Though the next two weeks saw a lull in fighting, the French command structure was in tatters. The End Nears Despairing over the early defeats, de Castries secluded himself in his bunker and Colonel Pierre Langlais effectively took command of the garrison. During this time, Giap tightened his lines around the four central French fortifications. On March 30, after cutting off Isabelle, Giap began a series of assaults on the eastern bastions of Dominique and Eliane. Achieving a foothold in Dominique, the Viet Minhs advance was stopped by concentrated French artillery fire. Fighting raged in Dominique and Eliane through April 5, with the French desperately defending and counterattacking. Pausing, Giap shifted to trench warfare and attempted to isolate each French position. Over the next several days, fighting continued with heavy losses on both sides. With his mens morale sinking, Giap was forced to call for reinforcements from Laos. While the battle raged on the eastern side, Viet Minh forces succeeded in penetrating Huguette and by April 22 had captured 90% of the air strip. This made resupply, which had been difficult due to heavy anti-aircraft fire, next to impossible. Between May 1 and May 7, Giap renewed his assault and succeeded in overrunning the defenders. Fighting to the end, the last French resistance ended by nightfall on May 7. French prisoners of war are marched out of Dien Bien Phu, 1954. Public Domain Aftermath A disaster for the French, losses at Dien Bien Phu numbered 2,293 killed, 5,195 wounded, and 10,998 captured. Viet Minh casualties are estimated at around 23,000. The defeat at Dien Bien Phu marked the end of the First Indochina War and spurred peace negotiations which were ongoing in Geneva. The resulting 1954 Geneva Accords partitioned the country at the 17th Parallel and created a communist state in the north and a democratic state in the south. The resulting conflict between these two regimes ultimately grew into the Vietnam War.

Effective Behavior Support Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Effective Behavior Support - Assignment Example Materials from presentations available on certain websites have also been studied. In end of the article, a conclusion has been drawn to present crux of whole discussion. Research Methodology The data is taken from various research journals, books, and magazines. The publications mostly published after 2000 A.D have been studied for discussion and literature review. The author has tried to review most recent studies regarding effective behavior support. Literature Review Many scholars and researchers have written on the topic of effective behavior support. Effective academic instructions should emphasize on facilitating students success during tenure of their teaching in schools (Scott et al., 2002). This will support the students in obtaining better results and show responsible behavior towards their studies. Li (2000) has argued that students are affected by school environments as well as community outside the school premises. As students spend their life in different environments, they are influenced by different settings such as family, peer group, school etc. Within their family, children learn basic things of their life – things like eating, speaking, behaving with family members and outsiders. Christensen (2003) has found that a number of research studies indicate that the extent to which students feel connected to their school, feel connected to their home, feel connected to peer groups, is the extent to which their achievement is predicted to be successful. Social and economical conditions also affect the behavior of students and degree of participation in the school activities. Hourahan (2000) finds through his research studies that students belonging to working class in USA had more language problems than the students coming from wealthier families. Gao (2000) has also described the impact of social status on the intercultural communication regarding Chinese in Australian education institutions. In this backdrop, socio-economic status plays a significant part in determining the chances of success for the students. Why effective behavior support is needed? Effective behavior support (EBS) is adopted by different nations (Safran, 2006). It is a comprehensive approach that focuses on prevention of negative behavior through careful and systematic educational programs. This approach supports students all over the world to decrease negative and antisocial behavior (Sugai & Horner, 2006). This approach is applied not only to individual students but also to entire school setting. It has also received positive response from institutions across the world. The effective behavior support minimizes the problem behavior (Carr et al., 2002). It involves respectful, constructive, proactive, and educative behaviors that bring positive changes in society as well as in behavior of the individuals. Behavior management is highly dependent on the educational background and social set up. Scholars have noted a number of behavior problems in st udents. To get a crystal clear picture of this behavior, classroom and non-classroom settings have been studied. Researchers emphasize that behavior support plays vital role in success of students and has positive impact on the environment of the school. Effective behavior support demands for improvement in the school atmosphere that helps students achieve maximum results. Positive behavior support incorporates a number of strategies which aim at gaining significant social and learning outcomes. Approaches to behavior

E coli growth curve Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

E coli growth curve - Lab Report Example Growth depends on several environmental factors and we analyzed with the affect of pH on the growth curve for the population since pH is an important factor for microbial growth (Rousk et al, 2009). It is known that the optimal pH conditions for E.coli is around 7 and therefore a decrease in the pH would alter the normal growth pattern and lead to reduction in the growth rate of the bacterial population. For this experiment we took 2 flasks filled with LB. In one of the flasks 20ml of E.coli culture was transferred and this flask was marked as CONTROL and incubated . To test the affect pH had on the bacterial growth curve, we made the broth acidic in nature and this flask was marked EXPERIMENTAL. This flask was also incubated. At regular intervals of 20 minutes spectrophotometric readings were taken of both the CONTROL as well as the EXPERIMENTAL at 660nm. We see that the doubling time for both the cultures is not same and this is because the rate of growth has been affected in some way. The resulst show that the doubling time for CONTROL is about 41 minutes while that for the EXPERIMENTAL is 277.25 minutes. Analyzing both the data it is seen that the EXPERIMENTAL culture does not go through all the phases because of the altered pH conditions and drastic reduction in the rate of growth. Another reason is that time restrictions did not allow the cultures to be observed through all the expected phases. The CONTROL was absolutely necessary to understand what affect modified pH had on the same E.coli. This comparison between the CONTROLand EXPERIMENT shows that when the pH factor is differed the growth is reduced and rate of growth is also reduced. This also proves the fact that microbes requires an optimal pH in which they can grow without inhibition. Microbial growth is of major concern for public health (Roszak and Colwell, 1987, p.365). Since experimental evidence show the