Jute Material Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Jute Material - Coursework Example Due to its resistive nature, the dry jute shows signs of being loaded after 23 milliseconds in the test. As indicated by the graph above the progress that follows soon after is represented by a shoot that is almost linear to the almost 2200 Newton’s mark after which the graph begins a drop, which creates a spike. The drop records a low of slightly above 1500 newton after which more force is applied to the jute where it spikes up to a force of 3300 newton. After which the drop follows. The drop is characterised by spikes resulting from the applied force as depicted in the graph in the twentieth and forty-sixth millisecond gap. The uncharacteristic drops in the loading process indicate a difference in dry jute that is uncharacteristic of the normal loading curve on the solid materials, and it reveals some characteristics of the dry jute.The test time that is recorded by the dry jute on the load increase is approximately 36 milliseconds after which the load is at the peak. The ov erall test records a time of approximately 46 milliseconds. From this, it is evident that the unloading or negative slope part of the graph takes less time compared to that of the loading part. The dry jute graph exhibits some unexpected results. Being a solid material, the graph that was expected on loading should have been characteristically smooth (Rees, 2000, p.123), but in this case, it had recorded instances and occurrence of sharp peaks in both the loading and unloading process.... 21), the fibre loses its elasticity element and enters the permanently deformed state. The fibre lingers shortly in the deformation phase, before suffering a complete breakdown in structure in this state. The breakpoint in the dry jute case is recorded at approximately 20.5 Joules. Wet Jute In construction, Jute is mostly used in its dry form. The presence of fluid in the internal structure of jute affects its mechanical properties as displayed in the graph. The effect of having the fluid in the jute is blown up when the material is put under high deformation forces. The wet jute displays similar properties in the initial test phases as depicted by the graph. The wet jute in this case is raw jute, which has not been pre-processed. It is harvested straight from the farms and used in this experiment. In the first stage of testing, the fibre shows resilience to the impact test forces just as the dry jute. It begins to show signs of deformation slightly before the twenty-third millisecon ds mark. After which it takes on elastic properties as the dry jute, with the graph being more linear-like when compared to the dry jute. The curve leading to permanent deformation in this case tends to arc more and its start point occurs earlier than that of dry jute. The breakpoint of wet jute is recorded at about 17 Joules. However, it takes about 40 milliseconds for the wet jute to get to the breaking point in the graph. Graph 2: Standard force Test time graph By applying standard force on the subjects, it is easy to establish the ultimate and yield stresses on the fibres. The dry and wet jute display different results in the experiment as indicated by Barsom and Rolfe (1999, p. 291). In conducting this experiment, the dry and wet jute

Company law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 4

Company law - Essay Example For example, the verdict of this case law also highlights that the company can also be sued or can sue others as well. Through this authority, the company will be given an opportunity to defend itself and provide grounds for legitimising their business actions and their ramifications as well. At the same time, the company has right to own property, assets and liabilities as well. When these characteristics are compared with a natural human being, it can be deduced that both corporate entity and human being have similar rights, authority and ownership of assets. However, there are certain circumstances in which this artificial existence is not allowed but the veil of incorporation is lifted for ascertaining liability or any other legal issue that have necessitated such action. In the following parts of this essay, first the case study background has been provided in which the basic facts and other details have been included. Subsequently, the related held has also been provided. It is followed by various sections highlighting the influence on English company law and common law as well. In this discussion segment, both aspects have been highlighted so as to ascertain and understand the usefulness of this case law. For this purpose, support of subsequent other case laws has also been provided. Salomon was a merchant in the boot and leather business. With the passage of time, the business experienced a steady rise which required additional capital and members as well. In order to meet the needs of growing business, Solomon decided to form a limited company by taking his family members as partners. Subsequently, he sold the business control and ownership to the new company as the new company paid cash, debentures and shares as well. However, due to the certain events, the company was liquidated and the case was moved into the court because the parties argued that Solomon and the

Alcohol Dehydrogenase: From Ethanol To Acetaldehyde

Alcohol Dehydrogenase: From Ethanol To Acetaldehyde (20) 1. Alcohol dehydrogenase (AD) is an enzyme which catalyzes the reaction of its natural substrate ethanol to form acetaldehyde. The Km of AD, from rhinoceros livers, for ethanol is 1 X 10-3M. This enzyme is however somewhat non-specific and will recognize substrates other than ethanol. How would the kinetic plot be affected if AD were to separately catalyze methanol and isopropanol instead of ethanol? Assume that the overall Vmax remains the same in all 3 cases. How would the Km change for methanol compared to ethanol (higher, lower, the same)? How would the Km change for isopropanol compared to ethanol (higher, lower, the same)? How would the Kms of methanol and isopropanol compare (which higher than the other or about the same). Based upon your knowledge of the mechanisms by which enzymes work, briefly explain how you decided to place your new Kms. Hint: The alcohols are being added separately. There is not any kind of competition between the alcohols. They are not included in the same reaction. For your reference, the structures of these alcohols are below. Because ethanol is the natural substrate of Alcohol dehydrogenase (AD), AD would have a higher affinity and bind more readily to ethanol than other alcohols, including methanol and isopropanol. Because AD has a higher affinity for ethanol than other alcohols, its Km would be lower than methanol and isopropanol. The lower the Michaelis constant (Km) the less substrate required to get to  ½ Vmax or  ½ the maximum reaction rate and the higher the affinity of the enzyme for the substrate. Higher Km means more substrate concentration to reach  ½ Vmax and less affinity of the enzyme for the substrate. Vmax or the maximum reaction rate can be approached, but never actually reached. The Km for methanol would be higher than ethanol, thus requiring more substrate to reach  ½ Vmax and demonstrating lower affinity of AD for methanol. The Km for isopropanol would be higher than ethanol, thus requiring more substrate to reach  ½ Vmax and demonstrating lower affinity of AD for isopropanol . The Km for methanol would be lower than the Km for isopropanol and show a higher affinity for AD. The Michaielis-Menten kinetic plot would reflect a Km of 110-3M at  ½ Vmax for ethanol, a Km greater than 110-3M for methanol and a Km greater than the Km of methanol for isopropanol. The overall Vmax is the same for all three, so the  ½ Vmax for all three will stay the same. The plotted curve would become less vertical with the initial angle for ethanol becoming more acute and the curve becoming more linear as it changed from ethanol to methanol to isopropanol. Ethanol is ADs natural substrate, so based on enzyme mechanisms, it is able to bind more readily to AD due to its size and shape which fits ADs active site and allows ethanol to get close enough to create hydrogen bonds. The substrate and enzyme change confirmation and become destabilized which stabilizes the transition state, lowers the energy of activation and allows easier formation of the reaction products. Methanol and isopropanol do not bind as well, likely due to their structure or size and shape. Methanol is one carbon shorter which would prevent it from fitting in the AD site as well as ethanol and has fewer numbers of hydrogens, reducing H-bonding potential. Isopropanol is one carbon larger than ethanol which might make it too bulky to effectively bind to AD. Isopropanol is a secondary alcohol, with two carbon atoms attached to the carbon bonded to the OH, creating a bulky Y shape and not a chain alcohol like methanol and ethanol. This conformation and bulky shape prevents isopropanol from binding more readily than methanol, which is similar to ethanols linear shape. (10) 2. Briefly explain the protein cleavage involved in the maturation of an insulin molecule from proinsulin. Briefly explain 3 reasons why it is important that insulin be made as an inactive precursor requiring editing. Hint: Think in terms of things that would be important to the action of insulin (decreasing blood sugar). Protein cleavage is post-translational processing. Proinsulin is the precursor to insulin. Proinsulin is a polypeptide chain that loops around to form two disulfide bonds between four cysteine amino acids, two near either end. Endopeptidase cuts two molecules by proteolysis to remove the middle portion of the polypeptide. The final disulfide stabilized protein is insulin. Inactive proinsulin allows for optimal intracellular insulin stores that can be edited or activated quickly if needed to lower blood sugar and quickly prevent hyperglycemia. Proinsulins can be produced rapidly in response to elevated blood sugar with the post-translational processing switched off quickly; leaving the inactive molecules, once blood sugar is under control. Proinsulin is important because it is not degraded until it is needed, thus does not cause harmful low blood sugar levels and maintains sustained basal levels of insulin in the body. (10) 3. Briefly and individually outline the mechanisms of action for covalent, competitive, non-competitive, and uncompetitive enzyme inhibitors indicating how they effect enzyme action. For each type of inhibitor, describe a unique example of how we could learn something valuable, and at least somewhat practical, about an enzyme from each type of inhibitor study. The mechanism of action for covalent enzyme inhibitors is covalent binding in the enzyme active site and thus preventing substrate binding. This is irreversible and completely deactivates the enzyme requiring more enzymes to be produced to catalyze the reaction. This could tell us what amino acids bind in the enzyme active site by identifying covalent inhibitor modified functional groups and also substrate binding order. The mechanism of action for competitive enzyme inhibitors is they are shaped like the substrate and can bind in the enzyme active site, blocking the substrates binding. Competitive inhibitors can be outcompeted by increasing the substrate concentration and are reversible. Competitive inhibitors could be used to determine enzyme substrate affinities by finding out how much substrate is required and how long it takes to get back to  ½ Vmax. The mechanism of action for non-competitive enzyme inhibitors is they bind in a place other than the enzyme active site, allowing the substrate to bind, but they destabilize the transition state which hinders the enzyme by obstructing its proper performance and reducing Vmax. Non- competitive inhibitors are reversible, but cannot be outcompeted because they do not bind to the active site. Non-competitive inhibitors could be used to determine an enzymes induced fit mode of action as the substrate would still be able to bind, but not fully react. The mechanism of action for uncompetitive enzyme inhibitors is the substrate and inhibitor bind together in multi-substrate enzymes. While substrate binding and Km seem better, velocity is less because the inhibitor acts as part of the substrate. They are reversible. Uncompetitive inhibitors could be used to determine effective drug therapies by inhibiting an enzyme to varying degrees without permanently altering it, counter acting large amounts of the multi-substrate enzyme but not eliminating it from performing other useful functions. (10) 4. In discussing advances in molecular biotechnology, we mentioned 2 processes whose names sound remarkably similar called RFLP and AFLP. These two processes indeed share some similarities, but have many differences. Briefly explain 2 significant similarities that these share in their processes. Briefly explain 2 significant differences in terms of what these processes are used for. One similarity in RFLP and AFLP processes is cutting DNA for RFLP and cDNA for AFLP with restriction enzymes to create fragments. Another similarity is that DNA is electrophoresed in RFLP to separate different sized restriction fragments creating unique patterns for organisms or individuals (with the exception of twins) much like fingerprints and used for comparison. PCR products are electrophoresed in AFLP to compare tissues, experiments or expression profiling. One difference in what these processes are used for is RFLP is used to compare DNA from people or organisms for genetic fingerprinting and forensics, and AFLP is used to profile gene expressions (requiring mRNA to be converted to cDNA) of uncharacterized tissues, organisms or experiments. Another difference is AFLP can be used for Quantitative Trait Loci which help identify multifactorial inheritance of traits and assist in genome mapping, whereas RFLP is not used for QTL, but can be used for identifying a persons predisposition for a particular disease. (10) 5. Life on the planet Zornock encodes its genetic info in overlapping nucleotide triplets such that the translation apparatus shifts only one nucleotide at a time. In other words, if we had the nucleotide sequence ABCDEF on Earth this would be two codons (ABC DEF) whereas on Zornock it would be 4 codons (ABC, BCD, CDE, DEF) and the beginning of two others. Briefly explain and compare the effect of each of the following types of mutations on the amino acid sequence of a protein in 1) an earthling and 2) a Zornocker. A. The addition of one nucleotide. B. The deletion of one nucleotide. C. The deletion of 3 consecutive nucleotides. Assume these all occur in the middle of a gene. X = added nucleotide, ? = unknown nucleotide A1. One nucleotide added resulting in ABCXDEF in the earthling would create a frameshift that would produce the original codon ABC, a new codon XDE and one codon beginning F. A2. One nucleotide added resulting in ABCXDEF in the Zornocker would create one new codon, making a total of 5 codons, (ABC, BCX, CXD, XDE, DEF) and the beginning of two other codons EF? and F. B1. The deletion of one nucleotide resulting in ABCEF in the earthling would create a frameshift that would produce one original codon, ABC and two different beginnings EF? and F. B2. The deletion one nucleotide resulting in ABCEF in the Zornocker would result in 3 complete codons, ABC, BCE and CEF and two beginnings EF? and F. C1. The deletion of three consecutive nucleotides resulting in ABF in the earthling would create a frameshift that would result in one new codon, ABF. C2. The deletion of three consecutive nucleotides resulting in ABF in the Zornocker would result in one new codon and two partial codons, ABF and the beginnings BF? and F. The insertions and deletions in the earthling would produce a frameshift, creating different codons and a different polypeptide chain from the mutation on. Other effects of the frameshift could be inserting a different AA into the polypeptide or stopping translation altogether. These genotype effects could create non-functioning proteins or fragments, partially functioning proteins or no protein expression. The insertions and deletions in the Zornocker would add or remove codons at the site of the mutation, but would not alter the polypeptide chain after the mutation due to the overlapping nucleotide triplets. (10) 6. Imagine that weve isolated a new and potentially useful mutation in an existing model plant. Our goal as biotechnologists might be to characterize the mutation, figure out what protein it affects, figure out how it is expressed, figure out how it is controlled, and how to best take advantage of it for crop improvement. Using the techniques that weve covered so far, briefly outline a series of experiments and expected results, using at least 5 of the techniques weve discussed, to attempt to achieve the above goals. Hint: There is more than one way to do this. 1 In order to characterize the mutation, we could use Sanger DNA sequencing to determine the amino acid sequence of the mutated gene. We use a primer and DNA polymerase to start DNA synthesis. We then prepare reactions with dideoxynucleotides (ddNTP) for each nitrogenous base, A, T, C and G. We run the reactions with normal nitrogenous bases and one ddNTP nitrogenous base representing either A, T, C or G. The ddNTPs terminate the DNA chains and when all the reactions are electrophoresed on a gel with lanes A, T, C and G, we can read from the bottom up to determine the DNA sequence. We could then compare the DNA sequence to the sequence of the existing model plant to determine the differences in amino acid sequences caused by the mutation. 2. In order to characterize what protein it affects, we could detect gene expression and protein interactions by using qRT-PCR. First we create mRNA by transcribing the mutant DNA genes. Next, we convert the mRNA using reverse transcriptase to cDNA. Then we run a qPCR on the cDNA and add SYBR green to the products. SYBR green intercalates the DNA and we can measure the fluorescence and determine the number of mRNA copies, thus determining which proteins are affected. 3. In order to figure out how it is expressed, we could use DNA microarray and protein microarray analysis. With DNA microarrays we obtain gene chips and hybridize fluorescently labeled cDNA from the tissues containing the mutation. The mutation sample is compared to the model sample in parallel microarrays. A machine then analyzes and overlays the images to measure transcript levels, identify products and determine upregulation and downregulation of many proteins. We could also use protein microarrays which are similar to DNA microarrays, but are used to identify other proteins and compounds a protein interacts with. At times, protein function can be inferred by analyzing the environment in which it is expressed. 4. To figure out how it is controlled, we could use in situ hybridization to locate the mutant gene expression products or RNA molecules produced. First we chemically fix sample tissues to slides. With DNA probes we could localize mRNAs to see which cells and where in these cells the gene is being expressed. We could probe with antibodies to determine which proteins are being translated. We could add or subtract associated enzymes, substrates and cofactors and alter internal and external cell conditions to see how this changes the gene expression and thus determine how the gene is controlled. 5. To determine how best to take advantage of it, we could genetically engineer the model plant with the mutation by inserting the mutant DNA into a Ti plasmid, creating a recombinant Ti plasmid, and have Agrobacterium introduce that into the model plant. The Ti plasmid would recombine with the model plant DNA and create a genetically engineered plant that expresses the new trait. We could then run various experiments on the genetically engineered plant to determine if the trait is expressed as desired and if not, change the variables until we get the advantage we are looking for.

Essay --

Unit 3 Questions Directions: Completely outline each prompt. This is a typed assignment. Fill in each box completely. If it says do one or two of the following do all. For thesis statement just choose one point. 10 points off for every day late. 1. Analyze the changes and continuities in the Arabic world’s acceptance of ONE of the following items between 700 and 1400. Be sure to discuss the causes of the changes as well as the reasons for the continuities. Arts Technology Sciences Thesis with road map: DO NOT just repeat the prompt. Throughout this time period there has been changes and continuities among the Arab population acceptance of art. Mosques remained a focus of art most likely because much of them were firmly rooted in Islam. Break down each point. You need at least three pieces of evidence for each. Stay within the time period Arts A variety of different art styles emerged in as appreciation of finer art became more wide spread Elements of architecture were dispersed such as roman arches Mosques continued to be built throughout the Islamic Golden Age Technology Gunpowder was introduced to the middle east and began to develop in battle Irrigation technology was improved which lead to better yields Improved medical procedures epitomized by the breakthrough of modern surgery Sciences Superior mathematics allowed for advanced astronomical accuracy Mathematical concepts such as geometry and algebra were developed Throughout the time the Arabic number system was used Global Connection A Global connection in the Arabic Empire between 1400 and 700 was the creation of madrassas or centers of learning. Muslims Jews and Christians all came together to learn there. The best example of a Madras that connected the ... ...tionship Treatment of minority/indigenous religions Thesis with road map: DO NOT just repeat the prompt. Break down each point. You need at least three pieces of evidence for each. Stay within the time period Degree adoption of Islam Sub-Saharan Africa accepted it greatly Europeans fought Islamic expansion Military conflict The Crusades brought Europeans to try to reclaim the Holy Land Mansa Musa expanded his Islamic empire in West Africa Economic relationship European kingdoms traded widely with Mansa Musa’s kingdom for gold, and salt Islamic world taxed European goods traveling through the Middle East Treatment of minority/indigenous religion European kingdoms were intolerant of Islam, Jews and internal â€Å"heresies† Mansa Musa permitted a wide range of religions and fostered study of other religions and cultures Global Connection Other helpful information

Naturalistic Observation Essay

? Naturalistic Observation In order to study human development and perform naturalistic observation I went to the mall. I selected a 9-year-old white girl as the subject for my observation. I observed the subject for 30 minutes. During my observation the subject was not interrupted and was not aware of my study. The girl was spending time with her mother and brother at the mall. She was enjoying herself. She played some games with her brother. The games included jumping and running. During one of the games the girl had a short conversation with her brother. After that the girl started drawing pictures in her notebook. Mother of the subject had a very satisfied expression on her face when she saw the drawing her daughter made. During the whole observational period the girl looked relaxed and happy. The approximate height of the subject is 4ft 2in, the approximate weight is 70 lbs. She was well-dressed, her clothes were new and tidy. The girl was physically developed according to her age. During my whole observation the subject was very active, the girl was running and jumping, it was obvious that she had a good coordination. The child was also drawing pictures in her notebook, so I came to the conclusion that both her gross motor skills and fine manipulative skills were developed properly. Cognitive development of the subject was on a sufficient level. I observed the girl when she was buying an ice cream, she saw that one of the portions was on the bigger plate, but she chose one on the smaller plate because she liked the shape of it more. The girl was able to understand that if something changes in appearance it does not mean that the quantity of it changed. According to Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, the girl was on the concrete operational stage. It is the very important stage, because the child starts thinking logically and operationally. Being on this particular stage is absolutely adequate for children at the age of 9. The girl was emotionally and socially well developed. She obeyed the rules of the game and the rules of the mall while playing. During my observation the girl demonstrated that she was able to work in a team with her brother. She was friendly and well socialized. According to Erikson’s stages of social and emotional development this kind of behavior means that the girl was on the ‘school age’ stage. It is absolutely normal to be on this stage of social and emotional development at the age of 9. After my observation I came to the conclusion that the subject meets the milestones and stages for the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. Judging from the drawing that the girl made we can assume that the girl is gifted. According to my naturalistic observation there is nothing unusual in the development of the girl. According to her age she is absolutely adequate. The observation was a very interesting and informative process. It gave me the opportunity to apply different theories of development. The biggest advantage of this psychological method is the opportunity to observe the subject in the natural surrounding and watch his natural behavior. To sum up, during my naturalistic observation I applied Piaget’s theory of cognitive development and Erikson’s theory of emotional and social development. Both of these theories gave me the opportunity to understand the subject better. According to my observation, all physical skills of the girl were developed properly. After analysis I came to the conclusion that the subject is on the concrete operational stage of cognitive development, and on the ‘school age’ stage of social and emotional development. The girl is normally developed according to her age.

Typography and Clarendon

Clarendon is a classical font that was designed by Robert Besley. In 1842, Besley entered the design under Britain’s Ornamental Designs Act. It was than released in the year 1845 for the Fann Street Foundry in England. Clarendon was named after the Clarendon Press in Oxford. It is acknowledged as the first major listed English slab-serif typeface, because Besley worked hard at trying to patent the typeface. The font patents around that time merely lasted up to three years, as soon as it became extremely well liked and a lot of foundries copied it.In 1935, the Monotype foundry revised Clarendon typeface. The first templates and major hits for Clarendon stayed at Stephenson Blake and market and then afterwards founded at the Type Museum in London. In 1953, Hermann Eidenbenz took over and reworked it. Today Clarendon has ten font names that you can use such as: Clarendon Black, Clarendon Bold, Clarendon Extra Bold, Clarendon Bold Condensed, Clarendon Condensed, Clarendon Heavy, C larendon Light, Clarendon Medium, Clarendon Regular, and Clarendon Roman. They call it a slab-serif because it has some bracketing and some contrast in size.Clarendon was one of the final century typography to be developed. Clarendon is also a metal type and a popular wood type. It emphasizes text by being the primary design to be related bold. As an example of this it emphasizes, â€Å"WANTED† in the old west signs. Clarendon came along ways over the past years now several logotypes that are recognized in the United States of America uses this font. In 1973, the Sony logo was created and is used in Clarendon Bold Expanded. The national parks signs that are known worldwide are Clarendon font.Also People Magazine logo, Ruby Tuesday logo, Starbucks logo and so forth use the font Clarendon. Work Cited â€Å"Typedia. † : Clarendon. Media Temple, 2006-2012. Web. 24 Oct. 2012. . â€Å"Know Your Type: Clarendon. † Idsgn: A Design Blog. N. p. , 21 Aug. 2009. Web. 24 Oct . 2012. . SONY logo Clarendon in use: People magazine logo, US National Parks signage, Ruby Tuesday logo, Starbucks Chocolate logo, Pitchfork logo, Tonka logo, U2 album cover, Riki Watanabe clock, Wells Fargo logo

Free Essays on A Discussion Of “The Three-Stranded Allegory Of Moby-Dick”

In 1971, an article appeared entitled â€Å"The Three-Stranded Allegory of Moby-Dick was published by Allen Austin. The essay has as its purpose to familiarize the reader with the difference of character between Ahab and Ishmael in Moby-Dick. Herman Melville uses the main characters of Moby-Dick to begin the use of symbolism. Ahab believes that his material objects possess spiritual guidance. This belief causes him to believe his hunt will be successful. The idea of his hunt is based on this assumption. Ahab’s supernaturalism causes the reader to immediately grasp the difference in Ishmael. â€Å"Ahab pushes this idea of ‘intelligent malignity’ to the point of madness, accepting wholeheartedly the belief of the transcendentalists that the outward world is a symbol of spiritual reality.† Ishmael believes Ahab’s madness is caused by illumination. Ishmael comes to sympathize with Ahab’s view bud does not share in his beliefs. â€Å"Ishmael, in spite of a feeling of identity with Ahab, is convinced that man can expect only death from an indifferent universe.† Ishmael also believes Ahab will be a failure in his hunt for Moby Dick. Ahab believes Ishmael to be on the verge of madness. â€Å"Although he feels threatened by a wisdom that is woe, he feels threatened by a woe that is madness.† â€Å"The distinction between woe and madness parallels the distinction between Ahab’s and Ishmael’s attitudes toward Moby Dick.† â€Å"It represents the terror of death-manifested in the polar bear, the white shark, the White Squall, the marble pallor of the aspect of death, and the pallid hose on which Death rides.† The White Squall comes to symbolize to Ishmael the destructive principle at the beginning of existence. The world can not be happy with life’s disappointments, but creates a dream that drags out its repulse. â€Å"If as Ishmael says, significance lurks on all things, it is the significance of sothingness, of ... Free Essays on A Discussion Of â€Å"The Three-Stranded Allegory Of Moby-Dick† Free Essays on A Discussion Of â€Å"The Three-Stranded Allegory Of Moby-Dick† In 1971, an article appeared entitled â€Å"The Three-Stranded Allegory of Moby-Dick was published by Allen Austin. The essay has as its purpose to familiarize the reader with the difference of character between Ahab and Ishmael in Moby-Dick. Herman Melville uses the main characters of Moby-Dick to begin the use of symbolism. Ahab believes that his material objects possess spiritual guidance. This belief causes him to believe his hunt will be successful. The idea of his hunt is based on this assumption. Ahab’s supernaturalism causes the reader to immediately grasp the difference in Ishmael. â€Å"Ahab pushes this idea of ‘intelligent malignity’ to the point of madness, accepting wholeheartedly the belief of the transcendentalists that the outward world is a symbol of spiritual reality.† Ishmael believes Ahab’s madness is caused by illumination. Ishmael comes to sympathize with Ahab’s view bud does not share in his beliefs. â€Å"Ishmael, in spite of a feeling of identity with Ahab, is convinced that man can expect only death from an indifferent universe.† Ishmael also believes Ahab will be a failure in his hunt for Moby Dick. Ahab believes Ishmael to be on the verge of madness. â€Å"Although he feels threatened by a wisdom that is woe, he feels threatened by a woe that is madness.† â€Å"The distinction between woe and madness parallels the distinction between Ahab’s and Ishmael’s attitudes toward Moby Dick.† â€Å"It represents the terror of death-manifested in the polar bear, the white shark, the White Squall, the marble pallor of the aspect of death, and the pallid hose on which Death rides.† The White Squall comes to symbolize to Ishmael the destructive principle at the beginning of existence. The world can not be happy with life’s disappointments, but creates a dream that drags out its repulse. â€Å"If as Ishmael says, significance lurks on all things, it is the significance of sothingness, of ...

5 ways to stand out when you’re applying for competitive jobs

5 ways to stand out when you’re applying for competitive jobs We all know the market is competitive. Any job you apply for is probably receiving a minimum of 100 applications- with some getting up to the thousands. But someone has to get every job, right? People do make it through to the next levels of the hiring process, even in crowded, qualified fields of applicants. You have to assume the majority of job seekers you’re competing with are on the ball- their resumes are spotless and their experience and skill base matches or exceeds the job requirements. So how can you stand out as the best person for the job amidst all the house? Use some of these more targeted strategies to help elevate your application package.1. Make your purpose clear and direct.The most impressive (or at least the most attractive) candidates tend to be the ones that project a kind of professional purpose. These candidates have taken the time and effort to figure out what it is they want to do, and why, and how to reach their goals. Recruiters find it very easy to match these candidates into their companies, because it’s clear if they’ll be a fit. Make sure you can articulate the talents that make you a good match and place them prominently in your cover letter, resume, and other application materials. Know yourself and make that sing.2. Don’t hold back- sell yourself.It’s not enough to just know what drives you. You have to share that vision, enthusiastically, even if you’re shy and not prone to bragging. Put together a short pitch that summarizes why you, and only you, are the best person for the job. Once you have this down, you can use it at many points during your job search. Turn it into an elevator pitch for networking. Emphasize it in your interview. Build it into your social media presence. Make your sales pitch a part of how you present to the world while job seeking, both in person and on paper.3. Sanitize your social media.You could have the greatest application in the world, but if your social media profiles are inappropriate or controversial or just childish, a recruiter is going to toss your file in the trash. Make sure to Google yourself and scour your net presence until it’s every bit as polished and professional as you hope to present yourself to the world.4. Make your professional info a click away.There are some fancy trends out there, and you better believe the competition will be keeping up with them. If you’re up for it, try building a personal website to give a sense of your personal branding. Include the link in your resume, and include your resume on your website. A website can also (stylishly!) convey all the context you didn’t have room to include on your resume. Use this extra space to your advantage!5. Network to build a group of reliable referrals.Sadly, sometimes it really does come down to who you know. Make sure you’re constantly out there networking and making inquiries. Finding inroads to companies you want to work for to make contacts and seek mentors. You never now when someone you meet at a cocktail party or a lecture is going to be the one to pass your resume to a decision maker.

Prepare for a Test That Is 3 Months Away

Prepare for a Test That Is 3 Months Away If youre preparing to take a standardized test like the SAT or GRE (among others), you need months- not weeks or days- to get ready. Now, some people will try to prepare for a test like this by cramming at the last minute, but those people rarely achieve good test scores! In your case, youve given yourself three months, so you have plenty of time to study for whichever standardized test youre taking. This schedule should help you prepare for a test that is three months away. Month 1 Week 1 Make sure youve registered for your exam!Buy a test prep bookReview the test basics: whats on the test, length, price, test dates, registration facts, testing strategies, etc.Get a baseline score. Take one of the full-length practice tests inside the book to see what score youd get if you took the test today.Map out your time with a time management chart to see where test prep can fit in. Rearrange your schedule if necessary to accommodate test prep. Week 2 Review your test prep options if you think that studying on your own will not be ideal!  Choose and purchase a test prep option (tutoring, a different set of books, online courses, classes, etc.)If you are studying on your own, move this schedule up a week and start going into week 3s material. Week 3 Begin coursework with your weakest subject (Subject A) as demonstrated by the baseline score.Learn the components of Subject A fully: types of questions asked, amount of time needed, skills required, methods of solving types of questions, knowledge tested. Acquire the knowledge necessary for this section by searching on the Internet, going through old textbooks, reading articles, etc. Week 4 Answer Subject A practice questions, reviewing answers after each one. Determine where youre making mistakes and correct your methods. Keep learning content of this section. Month 2 Week 1 Take a practice test on Subject A to determine level of improvement from baseline score.Fine-tune A by going over questions missed to determine what level of knowledge youre missing. Reread information until you know it! Week 2 Move on to next weakest subject (Subject B). Learn the components of B fully: types of questions asked, amount of time needed, skills required, methods of solving types of questions, etc.Answer Subject B practice questions, reviewing answers after each one. Determine where youre making mistakes and correct your methods. Week 3 Take a practice test on B to determine level of improvement from baselineFine tune B by going over questions missed to determine what level of knowledge youre missing. Review that material. Week 4 Move on to strongest subject/s (Subject C). Learn the components of C fully (and D and E if you have more than three sections on the test) (types of questions asked, amount of time needed, skills required, methods of solving types of questions, etc.)Answer practice questions on Subject C (D and E). These are your strongest subjects, so youll need less time to focus on them. Month 3 Week 1 Take a practice test on C (D and E) to determine level of improvement from baselineFine tune C (D and E) by going over questions missed to determine what level of knowledge youre missing. Review that material. Week 2 Take a full-length practice test, simulating the testing environment as much as possible with time constraints, desk, limited breaks, etc.Grade your practice test and cross-check every wrong answer with the explanation for your wrong answer. Determine what youve missed and what you need to do to improve. Week 3 Take another full-length practice test, simulating the testing environment again. Again, go through every missed problem, looking for weaknesses. Week 4 Review questions you have missed and answer practice questions related only to those types of questions. Study apps can help you single out these specific types of questions.  Eat brain food.Get plenty of sleepReview test tips to make your test-taking more efficient.Plan some fun evenings to help you relaxThe day before the test,  read through testing strategies for the exam.Pack your testing supplies the night before: an approved calculator if youre allowed to have one, sharpened #2 pencils with a soft eraser, registration ticket, photo ID, watch, snacks or drinks for breaks. Get plenty of sleep the night before, making sure you dont change your routine from your normal routine.  Relax. You studied for your test and youre ready to go!

Leadership and management style in practice king Abdullah of Saudi Essay

Leadership and management style in practice king Abdullah of Saudi Arabia and sir Alex Ferguson - Essay Example This essay discusses that one of the key priorities ‘for all Saudi monarchs in the 20th century has been the modernization of the country’; in the past, the country’s development had faced delays because of the lack of sufficient funds for supporting such initiatives. However, since the appearance of oil as the country’s major product, the improvement of the country’s position in the international community has been continuous; the above trend has been supported by all the country’s governors, including King Abdullah. King Abdullah was appointed as the ruler of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1996; probity was perceived to be one of his key characteristics. It was for this reason that his appointment as the country’s ruler was believed to help towards the update of the country’s practices in the international relations arena. More specifically, up to the appointment of King Abdullah as the ruler of Saudi Arabia, the kingdomâ€℠¢s policy in regard to its relations with the neighboring countries was strongly influenced by the views of the American governments on this field. Reference is made specifically to the development of efforts for ‘establishing peace with Israel by setting the term for the withdrawal of Israel from all territories occupied since 1967’. King Abdullah was the one who first doubted the effectiveness of such policy, criticizing the lack by American governments of sufficient monitoring and review of the relevant plan.  ... King Abdullah was appointed as the ruler of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1996; probity was perceived to be one of his key characteristics (The New York Times, 2010). It was for this reason that his appointment as the country’s ruler was believed to help towards the update of the country’s practices in the international relations arena. More specifically, up to the appointment of king Abdullah as the ruler of Saudi Arabia, the kingdom’s policy in regard to its relations with the neigbouring countries was strongly influenced by the views of the American governments on this field. Reference is made specifically to the development of efforts for ‘establishing piece with Israel by setting the term for the withdrawal of Israel from all territories occupied since 1967’ (The New York Times 2010). King Abdullah was the one who first doubted the effectiveness of such policy, criticizing the lack by American governments of sufficient monitoring and review of the relevant plan (The New York Times 2010). In this way, the ability of King Abdullah to use his power for enforcing the role of his country within the international community was made clear. Another important challenge that the King Abdullah had to face was the control of the negative criticism towards Saudi Arabia after the events of the September the 11th – where ’15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudis’ (The New York Times 2010). The king had to establish a series of measures for improving the image of Saudi Arabia globally – which was severely harmed because of the practice of Saudi governors in the past to show tolerance to the development of extremism across the country (The New York Times 2010). In other words, the key advantage of king Abdullah compared to the country’s governors in the past

Critical perspectives Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Critical perspectives - Essay Example Thus, conjuring perspectives in social and economic programs have continuously battled through time. In this regard, we see that many aspects of economic, political, social, and cultural motivations underpin the processes of the society’s development. Changing political and social approaches is thus fundamental to forming new economic platforms and social goals. In Freefall (2010), Stiglitz re-establishes the ‘government-intervention’ approach (see Keynes 1926) to market economy by criticizing the current malfunctions of economic trend present in America and subsequently in most parts of the world. In his book, Stiglitz (2010) was able to illustrate the risks and failures that the ‘free-market economy’ (Smith 1776) encounters. Stiglitz (2010) enumerated the downfall of many aspects of social welfare, particularly the conditions of inequalities, by referring to many examples of the imbalances of power in the economic and political realms of the society . Freefall (2010) uncovers the allegedly ill-founded traditions of economic practices in America and other affected countries in the international arena. The book suggests change in approach and perspective in determining the more suitable policies towards economic stability and development. In this paper, a critical discussion of Stiglitz’s (2010) analysis of the present economic situations as drawn from the Great Recession in America will be presented. In line with this, the opposing arguments of the free-market and government-intervention economic perspectives will be examined in order to understand better the background of Stiglitz’s essay. Moreover, looking at the backdrop of the practiced economic programs, the effects of such accounts on the local and international conditions will also be talked about. In here, the influences of globalization movement will be substantiated and analyzed in terms of its effect in the local and international social welfare and econ omic status. The effects of the discussed perspectives in relation to culture and society will be considered. In addition, a discussion of the moral and ethical conditions underlying the issues will be examined. Thus, in this paper, a critical exploration of the perspectives involved in the matter will be done in order to see the significant points Stiglitz suggests in his essay. The Old and the New Economy In Freefall, Stiglitz (2010) emphasizes the grave conditions of world economy as a misleading approach to economic policies continues to prevail in the United States and subsequently in peripheral countries particularly in Asia. The Great Depression and the more recent Great Recession in the United States have tremendously shown how the local and global economy was constructed on a ‘sinking’ foundation (Stiglitz 2010). Stiglitz profoundly highlights the ill-conditions of some of the biggest international organizations facing economic retaliation namely the United Sta tes Treasury and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The long-practiced economic advocacy echoing Adam Smith’s laissez faire tremendously affects the world political-economic trends in history primarily through the said international organizations. In this regard, the political underpinnings of the world economic framework are apparently magnetized by the free-market policies. This

Leadership in Clinical Nursing Education Research Proposal

Leadership in Clinical Nursing Education - Research Proposal Example nces where he observed the significant role of nurses in extraordinary circumstances (it will be better if you add one example that you have experienced), such as that in emergency departments, intensive care units, etc. However, during such experiences, it was an observation that these experiences were nothing like that is usually mentioned in nurses’ theoretical framework in Oman, and there is an urgent need of efficient in-service clinical nursing education. In other words, it is an understanding that the role of nursing as a profession, as well as their status and character needs alteration in the context of Omani healthcare environments that will be possible by the availability of high-quality in-service clinical nursing education. In this regard, findings and outcomes of the proposed research will act as foundation of such premise that will be beneficial for the new generation of nurses in the country in terms of new opportunities for the acquisition of capabilities and skills required. In addition, it will be advantageous for the government, as it will have the opening to redefine the notion of nursing in the country. PRELIMINARY LITERATURE REVIEW Brief review of the literature (Marquis & Huston, 2008) has indicated that nursing enjoys massive popularity in developed parts of the globe due to its significant role of caring in human lives. However, in developing nations, it still lacks importance, and most importantly, there seems a gap between realistic circumstances and theoretical frameworks existing in clinical nursing education. The basic disparity is that all nurses receive the same nature of education during their learning process; however, it is an observation (Miller, 2008) that when confront realistic healthcare settings, nurses feel disparity between... This paper approves that researcher completely understands the significance of ethical consideration in the research, and thus, while carrying out primary research methodology, the researcher will put extra efforts to ensure confidentiality and privacy of participants for the fulfillment of ethical guidelines. For this purpose, the researcher will endeavor to acquire written permission from the ethics committee of the universities, as well as from the hospitals. At the same time, researcher will inform participants about objectives of the proposed study before beginning of the data collection process that will be a way of encouraging truthful answers from the participants and ensuring data integrity. In addition, during the interview, the researcher will ensure that name of the participant remain anonymous in order to avoid any unwilling response during the study. This paper makes a conclusion that in particular, the proposal indicates intention of the researcher to bring a change, particularly, in the regulatory organization for nurses in the Sultanate of Oman in terms of the status of nursing as a profession. In addition, the researcher anticipates an alteration in the form of a new framework of in-service education that will be beneficial for the healthcare industry, as well as for education sector of the country. Briefly, the researcher expects that after approval of the research, findings of the proposed study will be an efficient contribution to the world of academia in the form of a published report, and believes that recommendations of the proposed study will play a noteworthy role in enhancing the role of nurses and nursing in the future.

Antibiotic Resistant Bactria Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Antibiotic Resistant Bactria - Lab Report Example Through natural selection mechanism, the organisms that survive the killer antibiotic give rise to a new generation of resistant bacteria. This article analyzes various ways on how the menace of drug resistance can be curbed. To achieve the objectives, the article focuses on research done by experts on the issues and possibilities of mending any loopholes in the research so as to eliminate cases of drug resistance. Available data in the heath sector shows that some of the diseases that medical practitioners used to cure with ease are becoming more expensive and difficult to cure. Moreover, the WHO (world health organization) has a recently been announcing the rising trend in the demand of new types of antibiotic. In this, the global body claims that the existing antibiotics have consistently been failing to eliminate some microorganisms, Ochiai (2011). The data has clearly indicated that the cases of drug resistance by microbial is on a rising spree. Though the data is consistent with the many deaths resulting from formerly curable diseases, experts have not been able to provide sufficient evidence of new resistant mechanisms apart from the ancient rationale of gene resistance, p. 158. To close the information gap, Collins (2002) suggests that researchers have to find out a justification for the new resistance mechanism. Among the many techniques that used to eliminate cases of drug resistance, completion of antibiotic dosage has proved to be quite reliable. Shnayerson & Plotkin (2003) declare that when a patient successive undergoes a complete antibiotic therapy, microbial is given little time to mutate. In the circumstance that the treatment is not completed, a new generation of bacteria that cannot be eliminated with that particular drug would begin p.526. On the other hand, introduction of a mild form of bacteria in the form of vaccination has failed to curb resistance. Coates (2012) asserts that the immune

International Economic Problems Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

International Economic Problems - Coursework Example It measures the average price of goods relative to the average price of goods of trading partners. a. The Calculation of the multilateral trade-weighted annual U.S. dollar exchange rates (USD per unit of foreign currency) with respect to four major trading partners of the United States: Canada, Mexico, China, and Germany, from 2007 (normal time) to 2013 (not so normal time) involves aggregation that take the following form: (Please note that weights are the volumes of US trade (exports + imports) with each trading partners). The weights for the j currencies included in the TWI are then calculated by re-scaling the trade shares so that they sum to 100. The inverse of the share of trade accounted for by the currencies included in the TWI basket, which make up at least 90 per cent of U.S’s total merchandise and services two-way trade. c. Calculate the real value of multilateral trade-weighted monthly average U.S. dollar exchange rates (use CPI of each nation to convert nominal exchange rate to real exchange rate. Index the real values of multilateral trade-weighted exchange rates (2007 = 100). d. With help of excel make two line graphs of the multilateral trade weighted-average monthly exchange rates (the nominal and the real). Write a short essay (about 100 words) on the performance of trade-weighted U.S. dollar exchange rates and its possible effects on U.S. trade with major trading partners. The exchange rate plays an important role in the tradable sector of the U.S. economy since movements in the exchange rate affect both the demand and supply of export and imports. The rise and fall of the exchange rate of the major trading partners of the U.S. is therefore an important point to the analysis of the U.S. economy. The unstable foreign currency value of the dollar over the past years and the increase in the U.S. price inflation recently have caused rippled pressure and concerns on the depreciating value of the U.S. dollar. Both

You are an entrepreneur launching a new business. Explain what Research Paper

You are an entrepreneur launching a new business. Explain what marketing is and why is it important to your new business. Include the benefits of a marekting plan - Research Paper Example The initial step that marketing takes is to get prospective buyers and after this base management which is aimed at retaining the customers takes over. Base management requires the business to build and nurture relationships with the customer by improving service delivery and the quality of the products the customer needs (Tybout & Calder, 2010). Enhancing customer-business relationships enables the marketer to participate competitively in the market and this creates customer loyalty because the customer trusts that the business will be able to meet all their product needs in the best way. Customer satisfaction is paramount for any business to be successful and marketing will enable the business to know the needs of consumers since it will also involve marketing research to know the needs of the society. Marketing will enable the new business to make use of the four P’s of marketing, which will reflect the desires of the customers and the target market (Tybout & Calder, 2010). The product aspect of marketing will enable the business to determine the product desired by the market and ensuring that this product is available to the customers. Pricing will ensure that the price if the product is set at a charge that is favorable and competitive enough, thus not run the new business out of the market. The promotion aspect of marketing will ascertain that there are advertisements, publicity and sales promotion, which are aimed at promoting the brand or the new business. The last aspect of marketing is placement, which will entail making strategies of how the product will reach the target market and the channel that will be used. The four P’s are useful as they will ensure timely and effective delivery of the product to the target market and this creates customer satisfaction, which will increase sales as customers will be able to acquire goods

International Economic Problems Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

International Economic Problems - Coursework Example It measures the average price of goods relative to the average price of goods of trading partners. a. The Calculation of the multilateral trade-weighted annual U.S. dollar exchange rates (USD per unit of foreign currency) with respect to four major trading partners of the United States: Canada, Mexico, China, and Germany, from 2007 (normal time) to 2013 (not so normal time) involves aggregation that take the following form: (Please note that weights are the volumes of US trade (exports + imports) with each trading partners). The weights for the j currencies included in the TWI are then calculated by re-scaling the trade shares so that they sum to 100. The inverse of the share of trade accounted for by the currencies included in the TWI basket, which make up at least 90 per cent of U.S’s total merchandise and services two-way trade. c. Calculate the real value of multilateral trade-weighted monthly average U.S. dollar exchange rates (use CPI of each nation to convert nominal exchange rate to real exchange rate. Index the real values of multilateral trade-weighted exchange rates (2007 = 100). d. With help of excel make two line graphs of the multilateral trade weighted-average monthly exchange rates (the nominal and the real). Write a short essay (about 100 words) on the performance of trade-weighted U.S. dollar exchange rates and its possible effects on U.S. trade with major trading partners. The exchange rate plays an important role in the tradable sector of the U.S. economy since movements in the exchange rate affect both the demand and supply of export and imports. The rise and fall of the exchange rate of the major trading partners of the U.S. is therefore an important point to the analysis of the U.S. economy. The unstable foreign currency value of the dollar over the past years and the increase in the U.S. price inflation recently have caused rippled pressure and concerns on the depreciating value of the U.S. dollar. Both

Farenheit 451 Life Essay Example for Free

Farenheit 451 Life Essay What is it like to live in a parallel universe where everything is opposite and nothing seems to make sense? In Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, the author portrays a different point of view through his science fiction dyspepsia novel. In this novel, Bradbury portrays a lifestyle of no individuality, no questioning, or not even reading a book, in result, causing people to react without thinking. Therefore, this novel could be considered a warning to todays society and the outcome of the future. Many people in todays world act like conformists much like the people in Fahrenheit 451. For instance, in this scene Mildred describes the following; They write the script with one part missing. Its a new idea. The homemaker, thats me, is the missing part. When it comes time for the missing part, they all look at me out of the three walls and I say the lines. Here for instance, the man says, What do you think of this whole idea Helen?. And I say, I say, I think thats fine! (pages 17-18). In this description, it is clear that Mildred is a person who mindlessly follows certain standards to be in the social norm, thus a conformist. In fact, this is often used today through social networking devices such as Youth where people listen to the videos and become obsessed and infatuated with a particular style or social norm. In contrast, l sometime think drivers dont know what grass is or flowers because they never see them slowly, she said l rarely watch the parlor walls or go to races or Fu n Parks. So Vie got lots of time for crazy thoughts, I guess. Pages 6-7) This illustrates how when Claries take things slowly, she gets to see the whole world and not Just a portion of it eke if she was rushing. In comparison to todays world, if people would slow down and take the time to think, the world wouldnt have as many conformists. Today, social networking has taken on a major role in daily lives. In Fahrenheit 451, it describes a similar experience; Picture it. Nineteen century man with his horses, dogs, carts, slow motion. Then in the twentieth century speed up your camera. Books cut shorter. Condensation. Digest tabloids. Everything boils down to the gag, the snap ending. (page 52). Thus, implying that life has become fast pace and individuals have very little time to read, enjoy life or hobbies. In fact, the use of cell phones today dictates the life of many teenagers who dont have time to socialize face to face and conveniently do so through cell phones. Furthermore, messages are condensed to abbreviations such as 101 and OMG as a way of saving time. Additionally, There was a tiny dance of melody in the air, her Seashell was tamped in her ear again and she was listening to people far away Why didnt he buy himself and audio-seashell station and talk to his wife late at night Page 39) This scene shows how Montage wants to talk to his wife but she is constantly on her ear phones. This is yet another example that can compare to how teenagers today are constantly using technology so much that is distracts them from other things. In Fahrenheit 451, books are burned to prevent individuality and solicit a form of censorship of what is acceptable and what is not in accordance with government, social, and cultural norms. Specifically this scene; cant ever have my books, she The people in those books never lived. Come out of it now! This form of censorship and eradication of literature is designed to prevent individualism and to foster a specific belief. Also comparing to how in todays world, people do not want other individuals to stray from the social cycle. Furthermore, Im antisocial they say. I dont mix. Its so strange. Im very social indeed. (page 26). This quote shows how Claries doesnt fit into her school because she doesnt reason like the other students. When this is equated to the world today, it can be used as an example on how people preferential people through looks, different thoughts, and overall appearance and section them out from what is considered normal. Throughout this book, Bradbury shows the reader how technology can brainwash people into mindless fools with no originality. This compares to how in todays world, people use technology as a way to fit in. Therefore, this concludes Fahrenheit 451 can be a warning to society and the outcome of the future. In conclusion, how much exposure can this world handle until we become mindless people?

The Reason For The Convenient Store Business Marketing Essay

The Reason For The Convenient Store Business Marketing Essay 1.0 Executive Summary The Commercial building is located 5 miles south of the city of Muscat and 2 minute walk distance by citys main road, which is used by thousands of commuters on daily basis between to the middle of city or just taking a shortcut to south of city. In the main road is being used by residents of citys south and south east in order to reach Muscat citys main center. While going to work, a person along for the ride could stop and buy a sandwich or soft/ cold drinks etc. Similarly on the way home, the same person along for the ride on main road, could come ABC Convenient Store and buy something like household items. 1.1 Shareholding Structure ABC Convenient Store is a registered Sole Proprietor. Its owned and managed by Mr. A. 1.2 Objectives The main objective of most of the small convenient stores in is to earn highest possible profit margins by selling quality products. Therefore ABC Convenient Store aims to provide highest possible quality products at competitive rates for the local residents of Muscat city particularly. In addition, ABC Convenient Store plans to offer movie rentals, non-food products and check cashing services in order to build and increase its revenues and hence profits. The other objectives of ABC Convenient Store are: One of ABC Convenient Stores main objectives would be to capture as much as possible share of the commuter traffic on the south east side of Muscat city. ABC Convenient Store will offer its customers better-quality products at an competitive price. Achieve at least 30% minimum gross profit margins (selling price less purchase/ wholesale cost) from beginning. Achieve a lucrative return on investment within five years. Achieve average growth in market share by 10% each year. Achieve average growth in revenue by 6% each year. 2.0 The Business Activity ABC Convenient Store is a new Startup convenient store business within Muscat city. Mr. A, the owner of ABC Convenient Store will occupy convenient store place in two units commercial building on rent, located 5 miles south of the city of Muscat and 2 minute walk distance by citys main road. It is the main street all the way through city and is used by thousands of commuters on daily basis between to the middle of city or just taking a shortcut to south of city. The building contains two units where mini restaurant is currently open and being successfully run by other individual. 3.0 Vision and Mission statement Mission:, ABC Convenient Store will make healthy profits margins for its owner and provide a satisfying work environment for its employees in near future. 3.1 Keys to Success The keys to success in this business are: Location: The location of convenience store plays a very important role in success of any store, and therefore is one of the main key factors for successfully running of convenience store. The location must be close to customers reach like where they work, live or on their normal route while returning and going to home/ work. As ABC Convenient Store is located 5 miles south of the city of Muscat and 2 minute walk distance by citys main road, which is used by thousands of commuters on daily basis between to the middle of city or just taking a shortcut to south of city. We feel that right location provides value to customer and convenience both. Speed of Service:Â  As nowadays consumers are always short of time and wants quality with speed of service, therefore it is also one of the major keys to success factors for convenience store industry in todays environment particularly. Convenience and value are both achieved only when the potential customers can easily locate the items they want to buy, where in return they get fast friendly and efficient service. In short the store is easy to shop. Availability: Availability of products/ items is another key factor for success of any convenient store, as each customer have different taste and needs, hence they have their own favorite brand names that they want to purchase, which any good convenience store must carry in order to fulfill potential customers needs. On the other hand the Omani citizens particularly are brand conscious and want items with big brand names, where residents of other nationality living and working in Oman, are more price conscious. Therefore it is necessary that products/ items for both customers segment must be made available. 4.0 Government support and rules and regulations 5.0 The Reason for the Convenient Store business The living standards of the Omani citizen are growing day by day as Government of Oman has taken major steps within last 20 years to increase the living standards. Therefore as of the majority of Omani citizens are upper middle class who are brand conscious and willing to pay anything to buy product required. On the other hand the convenient store industry has been growing on daily basis as people are shifted towards convenient store due to convenience and shortage of time in todays world. According to Government stats and research the convenient store in Oman is growing constantly at a rate of over 110% over last ten years. 5.1 Industry Analysis Summary Porter five forces model has been used widely with the purpose of analyzing a particular industry with a view to determine the level of intensity in terms of attractiveness and competitiveness within industry. This model consist of forces which are very close to any company and that can affect its capability badly to generate profits for owners by serving its customers effectively. Porter five forces model uses the following: Threat of potential new entrants, bargaining power of buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, Threat of substitutes and Determinants of Rivalry among Existing Competitors, in order to analyze the nature of competitiveness in any industry. Determinants of Rivalry among Existing Competitors The rivalry among existing competitors in Oman in retail store industry is being considered as high, as firms are competing severely with other with a view to capture high customer market share. There are many giant convenience stores in retail industry particularly in Muscat, who has gained majority of market share, where on the other hand small convenient stores like ABC Convenient Store, are competing each other to capture the remaining market share, specifically of convenient stores surrounding area at least. Therefore they are trying new developments in marketing, introducing new promotions, creativity of innovative ideas, which has led small stores achieved their target level of market share. Hence competitive rivalry in Omans retail industry is considered a high threat for existing convenient stores. Threat of potential new entrants Threat of new entrants into the retail industry within Muscat, Oman is medium, as there are very less product differences between products provided by convenient stores; furthermore cost to enter the market is relatively low. It is further assumed that convenient store items/products are easily purchased at wholesale prices or discounts at bulk purchases. By analyzing all factors including high growth in trends for Oman retail industry exclusively, further barriers to entry are relatively very low compared to other industries; therefore it can be take for granted that ABC Convenient Store may face further competition with new entrants. Threat of substitutes There are only few substitutes available for convenient store items which do not entirely replace the use of existing products by customers but may bring in new innovative ideas to develop new products or reduce the direct costs in producing the same products. In particularly the substitutes of any products may limit the level of generation of revenues and hence profits, in an industry by keeping the profit margins down. However, the greater the convenient stores could create uniqueness for their products the greater the likelihood of success. Likewise already discussed the availability of products, customer service and location of the convenient stores would be the key factors, which could not only create sustainable competitive advantage but could add significant value in overall earnings of the ABC Convenient Store. Therefore threat of substitutes is considered as low in retail/ convenient store industry. Bargaining power of suppliers The power of suppliers for small convenient stores like ABC Convenient Store can be prejudiced by key players in supermarkets and grocery chain stores. Because they are being able to negotiate better discounted and promotional prices compared to small convenient stores from suppliers/ manufacturers, which small convenient stores are unable to match due to high purchasing prices of same products. Therefore there is major threat as giant players always dictate the prices and purchase large amount of quantity at once, where small convenient stores are left with fewer products at high prices. Hence it is being analyzed the bargaining power of suppliers is high particularly for small convenient stores. Bargaining power of buyers Nowadays customers are aware of everything and they have more choices to buy from, therefore customers acts are considered as powerful force in making prices down. If any product is expensive in any store than they can go and purchase the required products from other convenient store providing lesser or discounted prices. In addition because product is a type of commodity item and consumers have no choice but to continue consumption, therefore we can see high growth in small convenient store if and only prices are matched with giant players in the industry. On the other hand, location and varieties of products provided may reduce this bargaining power. In addition the overall environment, customer service and location of the ABC Convenient Store would attract the customers. We can assume that large number of small convenient stores will be providing similar products and services as ABC Convenient Stores. Due to these reasons the overall industry looks more attractive and profitable. 6.0 Market Size and Growth According to our research, the main customers are males and females, ages 15 to 40. In addition, according to recent trends in Oman, many small and large stores are trying to capture market share of persons with age of more than 40, particularly females. We are expecting that by providing better customer services, we would be able to increase the number of customers of aged over 40. 7.0 The Choice of Location with reasons thereof ABC Convenient Store is a new Startup convenient store business within Muscat city. The commercial building has convenient store for rent out. It is located 5 miles south of the city of Muscat and 2 minute walk distance by citys main road, and is the main street all the way through city and is used by thousands of commuters on daily basis between to the middle of city or just taking a shortcut to south of city. Therefore its the best location for convenient store. The total area of convenience store is around 500 sq feet, where majority of the portion will be used for shelves. 8.0 Proposed Customers 9.0 Competitor Analysis The ABC Convenient Store may face little competition from other small and large convenient stores. Furthermore the main competition that ABC Convenient Store may face is from large enterprises that have established convenience stores within fuel stations. But we are expecting that our location will create competitive advantage which shall tackle the competition may face by ABC Convenient Store in near future. 10.0 Buying Patterns and Sales Strategy The convenience stores are generally small retail outlets with area of 500 to 2000 sq feet. The products or items normally sold at convenience store are: over the counter medicines, household groceries, soft drinks, cold drinks, some non food items, cigarettes, and dairy products. The convenience stores are mostly located on busy main roads and are regularly open 24 hours a day seven days a week. As name suggests, they not only sell products or items but also convenience to customers. ABC Convenient Store will aim to provide typical items of convenience store at a competitive price, so that items that customers purchase shall urge to visit again, which will increase the average sale per customer. The main focus of sales staff will be on customer service and always inquire clients if they have been able to locate and found the whole thing that they need. In case, they have not found they need, then these particular items shall be made available in stocks upon request by customers. 11.0 Strategy and Implementation Summary ABC Convenient Store will be using a strategy of impressive customer service. Where, companys initial emphasis would be to build same reputation as before, so that potential customers within town are targeted comfortably. The ABC Convenient Stores main competitive edge will be its prominent location, as it is conveniently located on the corner of where everyone must pass in order to leave and return home, it also allows the local community to walk or ride a bike to the convenient store. ABC Convenient Store intends to stock the shelves with items local residents need and want, with items ranging from milk to over the counter medicines and everything in between. If customers have requests for items not in stock then ABC Convenient Store will stock them. 11.1 Self Analysis 12.0 Competitive Advantage The competitive advantages, which ABC Convenient Store will have over its main competitors within Muscat, are: ABC Convenient Stores main competitive advantage is its position and its location as in front of Main Street. ABC Convenient Store is located on the corner of where everyone must pass in order to leave and return home. Currently there are no other stores within this location. Due to these facts, local residents will naturally choose ABC Convenient Store as their primary choice, because of the fact that it would be closest to their homes. They will promptly become aware that ABC Convenient Store offers high quality organic and healthy products at a typical convenience store prices; In addition it will become local residents number one store for small household grocery items and other household purchases. While returning home from offices the commuter will now be able to buy their household groceries to take home. We expect that due to our quick service, commuters will soon regard ABC Convenient Store as helpful time saver convenience store. 13.0 Selling Arrangement and Marketing Strategies The products or items normally sold at convenience store are: over the counter medicines, household groceries, soft drinks, cold drinks, some non food items, cigarettes, and dairy products. The convenience stores are mostly located on busy main roads and are often open 24 hours a day seven days a week. Our main emphasis would be to fulfill customer needs therefore we will ask customer every time if they have been able to locate items easily and have found they looking for. The city is in great need of change and this is the perfect opportunity to bring about that change. In years to come ABC Convenient Store will be known in the community as more than just another neighborhood business, this will bring the community together giving locals annual block parties and rewarding the kids when they bring report cards and honor certificates with free candy etc. The convenient location of the ABC Convenient Store will mean that ABC Convenient Store will have to carry out little bit above the line up advertising, but ABC Convenient Store will distribute flyers within surrounding areas on monthly basis so that local residents are made aware of ABC Convenient Store. 14.0 Products and Pricing Strategy The ABC Convenient Store will provide typical items found in any convenience store; however, items will be higher end than many convenience stores. ABC Convenient Store will offer a product range from over the counter medicines to cigarettes and everything thats sold in a convenient store. The products will be same as traditional convenience store items in the same quantity, quality and packaging sizes as other convenient stores provide. Some of the products include: soft drinks, cold drinks, fruit juices, household grocery items, newspapers, magazines, hot and cold snacks, bread, auto products like fuel addictives plus cleaning materials for autos, condiments, tooth pastes, over the counter medicines and paper products etc. ABC Convenient Store will price little increase over competitors but most of the products prices will be matched to the most giant convenient stores within Muscat. On the other hand top selling brands will be sold at a discounted price even lower than most of competitors prices, so that ABC Convenient Store can create competitive advantage over its direct competitors and be able to sustain in coming years to come. 15.0 Various sources of finance available and the source selected The company will need around RO 23,000, total initial requirements for capital expenditures. The Funding sources for ABC Convenient Store will be mainly from the shareholders investments. The only shareholder, Mr. A will contribute full amount of RO 23,000. The total initial capital requirements will be around RO 6,100 which includes Computer for cash counter and point of sale software with scanner and receipt printer at a price of RO 400 Shelves will be placed in major portion of convenient store for placing displaying of different types of convenient store items/ products, so that potential customers would be able to locate these convenient items comfortable. In addition price tag and banners would be displayed for each type to items. The shelves would cost around RO 2,200 in total. Other convenient stores equipments includes banners, price tags, chairs, ice machines, beverage equipments, ice cream equipments, Microwave oven, safes, Air Conditioners, exhausts etc. This will cost around RO 3,200. Cash counter setup would include counter desk, chairs etc. This would cost around RO 300. Legal expenses would include business and sole proprietorship license, and license to start convenient store business and other legal fees necessary. This would cost around RO 500. Initial marketing expenses would be around RO 900 for banners, distribution of flyers, printing of business cards, purchase of printing papers for receipts, printing of cover letter etc. However we have very tight marketing budget initially but as business starts to grow the marketing budget would be significantly increased as well. The convenient store will be obtained on monthly rent of RO 500. The initial inventory would be of around RO 15,000, which includes all major convenient stores items like: soft drinks, cold drinks, fruit juices, household grocery items, newspapers, magazines, hot and cold snacks, bread, auto products like fuel addictives plus cleaning materials for autos, condiments, tooth pastes, over the counter medicines and paper products etc. This number of items initially will be less; however as business starts to grow the number of each particular item or products would be increase significantly in order to meet customer demands. Furthermore, special requests from customers will also be fulfilled believing on the fact that ABC Convenient Store needs to meet every customers demands by making each types of brands names products or items available at the door of ABC Convenient Store. The break-up of startup requirements is shown in the table below: Table 1: Start-up 16.0 Key People and Job Functions ABC Convenient Store is a registered Sole Proprietor. Its owned and managed by Mr. A. The owner will engage employees to help run their convenient store. A business Full time Manager will be hired. He will be overseeing the operations at the store like supervising the staff, dealing with various suppliers, performing managerial jobs and developing marketing plans. Furthermore, administration and financial aspects will be managed by the owner, Mr. A himself. 17.0 Financial Plan The Financial Plan consists of Breakeven Analysis, Pro-forma Profit and Loss, Cash Flow Projections and Pro-forma Balance Sheet. 17.1 Important Assumptions 17.3 Break-even Analysis Table 3: Break-even Analysis 17.4 Projected Profit and Loss The Pro-forma Profit and Loss shows that, ABC Convenient Storewill be able to meet Net profit margin in excess of 20% throughout five years of operation. Table 4: Profit and Loss

Charles H. Keating :: essays research papers

Charles H. Keating Jr. has been the focus of criminal investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, the Justice Department, The Securities and Exchange Commission, and the House Banking Committee for a six-year shadow of the nation’s biggest savings-and loan debacle. The federal government proclaims that he fraudulently managed California’s Lincoln Savings into its closure, and in the process profited for himself and his family an estimated thirty-four million dollars. Consequently, taxpayers may suffer a loss of two billion dollars. The federal government is suing Keating, his family and associates for one billion dollars. Despite Keating’s denial to the charges, evidence proves that his misconduct began since the early 1980s. Shockingly, Charles Keating worked for an extended amount of time without being investigated or caught. Keating did not have a very credible background, which should have led to some suspicion. About a decade ago, many incidents should have foreshadowed Keating’s malicious intentions. At that point Keating was under the leadership of Carl Lindner at American Financial Corp., a city conglomerate with interests in insurance and banking. In 1979 SEC, better known as the Security & Exchange Commission, cited Keating and other officials of the American Exchange Commission for failure to reveal particular loan transactions with their employer. Keating, a national championship swimmer, attended the University of Cincinnati on an athletic scholarship and continued in law school. Along with help from his brother, Charles Keating founded the prominent Cincinnati law firm of Keating, Muething and Klekamp. In 1972 Keating abandoned the profession of law, turning to work for the publicity-shy multimillionaire Carl Linder. Lindner served as a guide and mentor in the life of Mr. Keating. Many similarities can be traced between the business style of these two men; preeminently they both built their empires on savings and loans.1 Charles Keating exceeded Mr. Lindner’s expectations, which persuaded Mr. Lindner to extend an offer to the forty-eight year-old lawyer a position with American Financial in 1972 as the executive vice-president. Under Lindner’s supervision at American Financial in the mid-1970’s, Keating found a resourceful strategy to raise money from the public without the interference of the Wall Street underwriters. The success of this strategy resulted from sharp decline in profits that Lindner’s company was experiencing. Keating’s success revolved around him raising fifty million dollars for American Financial from the public without using an underwriting syndicate.

Exploring Autism Essay example -- Health Disorders Research Essays Pap

Exploring Autism   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Autism is a developmental disability of the brain, much like dyslexia, mental retardation, or attention deficit disorder. Autism is not a form of mental retardation, and though many autistic people appear to function as retarded, they are frequently quite intelligent. Approximately 15 of every 10,000 individuals and nearly 400,000 people in the United States today have some form of autism (Dowdy).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The word autism may actually refer to several similar disabilities, including Autistic Disorder, Aspergers Syndrome, and "Atypical" Autism. Atypical Autism is a type of Pervasive Developmental Disorder, not otherwise specified. Though there are some differences between these conditions, they are quite similar, and those who have them experience many of the same difficulties in life (All).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The symptoms of autism can vary widely from one individual to the next. Autism is referred to as a spectrum disorder because it ranges in severity across a wide range of conditions, like the colors of a rainbow. In addition, some people may be affected more by one symptom, while others may be affected more strongly by a different symptom. Also, some of the symptoms may have variable manifestations (Twachtman).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Autistic people tend to have unusual sensory experiences. These experiences may involve a sense being too sensitive, less sensitive than normal, and/or difficulty interpreting a sense. These experiences do not involve hallucinations; autistic people have sensory experience based on real experiences, like normal people, but the experience may feel or sound different. Sometimes, the autistic person may have difficulty interpreting the experience. No two autistic people appear to have the exact same pattern of sensory problems. It is not uncommon, for example, for an autistic person to avoid being touched. This is usually because of a heightened sense of touch. A gentle touch to most people may hurt or shock some autistic people. Others may experience confusion, due to difficulty interpreting the sensation or insufficient sensation reaching the brain to interpret (Dowdy). Another, not uncommon pattern is to have the strength of the sensation inverse from that of the stimulation, so that a gentle touch may feel like an electric shock, but firm contact may not be a problem. On the other hand, some autistic people may be insensit... ...e. Some autistic people are "savants," but most are not. Other autistic people are "gifted," however, and have high "general" intelligence. Many autistic people have normal intelligence, and some may be retarded (Twachtman). Autism is not an emotional problem. Autism is a neurological condition which people are usually born with. Psychological trauma doesn't cause it. Autism is not a psychosis or lack of reality contact. People do not choose to be autistic. Autism is not "a fate worse than death." Autistic people have some disadvantages, but some live very happy and rewarding lives. Many autistic people wouldn't want to be "cured," as this would be like erasing them and replacing them with different people. Works Cited 1.) Dowdy, Carol, et al. Teaching students with Exceptional Needs in Inclusive Settings Fourth Edition. United States: Pearson Education   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Inc., 2004. 2.) Twachtman, Diane. A Passion to Believe: Autism and the Facilitated Communication Phenomenon. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1997. 3.) Tustin, Frances. Autism and Childhood Psychosis. London: Karnac   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Books, 1999. 4.) "All About Autism." Autism Info. Autism Society of America. 25 Mar.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2005.

Personality Reflection

* All around the world today, personality is discussed. Personality reflects who a person really is on the inside. One can determine a person’s personality through expressions. Whether one is meeting a person for the first time or on a job interview, personality is what’s often identified. People are unique in their own ways, which would explain how individuals obtain different personalities. This paper will define personality and address some key personality features that define the author. The paper will also include key concepts used to explain the author’s personality, the consistency of the author’s personality features, and the reaction to the personality analysis taken by the author. Lastly, the paper will identify what would make a personality test reliable and valid. * There are various definitions for the word personality however, according to Dictionary. com (2011); Personality is the visible aspect of one’s character as it impresses others. The author defines personality as being uniquely you. Some individuals are known for their pleasing personalities; however others may deal with angry- rude personalities. Some key personality features that define the author are Leader, Motivator/ Encourager, and Enthusiast. All of the author’s life, she has been told by many that she was a leader. As the author grew older, she realized that those statements were true. For this reason, the author takes the initiative to perform many tasks; even the tasks no one else would do. As a result, others have admired and followed her phenomenal leadership. The next personality feature of the author is the Motivator/ Encourager. The author motivates herself by setting short and long term goals; in addition to motivating others to do the same in order to achieve goals. The author also encourages herself and others. The author is compelled to give advice to others, and likes to share with individuals what to do with truth while being open minded. The author has a strong sense of concern for others. Many people find the author to be friendly, understanding, and practical. The author uses her excellent communication skills to share specific insights based upon facts and experience. The Enthusiast also defines the author personality. The author is very enthusiastic and has a strong willingness to work with others. The author’s personality features are consistent. The Leader, Motivator/ Encourager, and Enthusiast are features that make the author who she is today. Adapting to every situation and bringing the good out of every bad situation. The author has taken a personality test curious as to what her personality features were. The author was in awe as she identified the results of the analysis. The analysis was accurate and informed the author of the description of each feature. The author plans to retake the same personality test in the upcoming year to ensure the test was reliable and valid. A personality test is reliable if the test and scores are accurate each time. For example, the author took the first half of the personality test and identified her features. Likewise she took the second part of the test and the features did not change. According to Friedman and Schustack (2009), this is termed Internal Consistency Reliability. Internal Consistency Reliability is the degree of consistency measured by seeing whether subparts or equivalent parts of a test yield the same results (Friedman & Schustack, 2009). In addition to Internal Consistency Reliability, Test retest is another notion that makes a personality test reliable. Test retest is the degree of consistency between the results of the same test taken on different occasions (Friedman & Schustack, 2009). For example, next year the author plans to retake the personality test, therefore the results should be consistent. When internal consistency reliability and test–retest reliability are high, we know we are measuring something real—we have a reliable personality test (Friedman &Â  Schustack, 2009). Equally important, Personality tests are considered valid if the test is measuring what it is supposed to be measuring (Friedman & Schustack, 2009). In conclusion, all individuals have different personalities. The importance of knowing that there are various personalities is significant, especially when interacting with others from a different culture. For this purpose, individuals should take personality tests to exercise and enjoy who they truly are and have a better understanding of why people act the way they do.

Night World : Daughters of Darkness Chapter 13

Jade sat in the wing chair, holding Tiggy upsidedown on her lap, petting his stomach. He was purring but mad. She stared down into indignant, glowing green eyes. â€Å"The other goat,† Kestrel announced from the doorway, saying the word as if it were something not mentioned in polite society, â€Å"is just fine. So you can let the cat out.† Jade didn't think so. There was somebody crazy inBriar Creek, and she planned to keep Tiggy safe where she could see him. â€Å"We're not going to have to feed on the goat, are we?† Kestrel asked Rowan dangerously. â€Å"Of course not. Aunt Opal did because she was tooold to hunt.† Rowan looked preoccupied as she answered. â€Å"I like hunting,† Jade said. â€Å"It's even better thanI thought it would be.† But Rowan wasn't listening she was biting her lip and staring into the distance. â€Å"Rowan, what?† â€Å"I was thinking about the situation we're in. You and Mark, for one thing. I think we need to talk about that.† Jade felt reflexive alarm. Rowan was in one of herorganizing moods-which meant you could blink and find that she'd rearranged all your bedroom furnitureor that you were moving to Oregon. â€Å"Talk about what?† she said warily. â€Å"About what you two are going todo. Is he going to stay human?† â€Å"It's illegal to change him,† Kestrel put in pointedly. â€Å"Everything we've done this week is illegal,†Rowan said. â€Å"And if they exchange blood again well, it's only going to take a couple of times. Do you want him a vampire?† she asked Jade. Jade hadn't thought about it. She thought Mark was nice the way he was. But maybehe would wantto be one. â€Å"What are you going to do with yours?† she asked Ash, who was coming slowly downstairs. â€Å"My what?† He looked sleepy and irritable. â€Å"Your soulmate. Is Mary-Lynnette going to stayhuman?† â€Å"That's the other thing I've been worrying about,† Rowan said. â€Å"Have you thought at all, Ash?† â€Å"I can't think at this hour in the morning. I don'thave a brain yet.† â€Å"It's almost noon,† Kestrel said scornfully. â€Å"I don't care when it is. I'm still asleep.† He wandered toward the kitchen. â€Å"And you don't need to worry,† he added, looking back and sounding more awake. â€Å"Because I'm not doinganythingwith the girl and Jade's not doing anything with the brother. Because we're goinghome.†He disappeared. Jade's heart was beating hard. Ash might act frivolous, but she saw the ruthlessness underneath. She looked at Rowan. â€Å"Is Mary-Lynnettereally his soulmate?† Rowan leaned back, her brown hair spreading likea waterfall on the green brocade of the couch. â€Å"I'm afraid so.† â€Å"But then how can he want to leave?† â€Å"Well †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Rowan hesitated. â€Å"Soulmates don't always stay together. Sometimes it's too much-the fire and lightning and all that. Some people just can'tstand it.† Maybe Mark and I aren't really soulmates, Jade thought. And maybe that's good. It sounds painful. â€Å"Poor Mary-Lynnette,† she said. A dear voice sounded in her mind:Whydoesn'tanybody say â€Å"Poor Ash†? â€Å"Poor Mary-Lynnette,† Jade said again. Ash reappeared. â€Å"Look,† he said and sat down onone of the carved mahogany chairs. â€Å"We need to get things straight. It's not just a matter ofme wanting you to come home. I'm not the only one who knows you're here.† Jade stiffened. Kestrelsaid, almost pleasantly,†Youtold somebody?† â€Å"I was staying with somebody when the family called to say you were missing. And he was there when I realized where you must have gone. He also happens to be an extremely powerful telepath. So just consider yourself lucky I convinced him to let me try to get you back.† Jade stared at him. She did consider herself lucky. She also considered it strange that Ash would go to such trouble for her and Rowan and Kestrel-for any bodybesides Ash. Maybe she didn't know her brother as well as she thought. Rowan said, very soberly, â€Å"Who was it?† â€Å"Oh, nobody.† Ash leaned back and looked moodily at the ceiling. â€Å"Just Quinn.† Jade flinched. Quinn †¦ that snake .He had a heart like a glacier and he despised humans. He was the sort to take Night World law into his own hands if he didn't think it was being enforced properly. â€Å"He's coming back on Monday to see if I've takencare of the situation,† Ash said. â€Å"And if I haven't,we're all dead-you, me, and your little human buddies.† Rowan said, â€Å"So we've got until Monday to figuresomething out.† Kestrel said, â€Å"If he tries anything on us, he's in fora fight.† Jade squeezed Tiggy to make him growl. Mary-Lynnette had been sleeping like a stone-buta stone with unusually vivid dreams. She dreamed about stars brighter than she'd ever seen and starclouds shimmering in colors like the northern lights. She dreamed about sending an astronomical telegram to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to register her claim for discovering a new supernova. About being the firstto see it with her wonderful new eyes, eyes thatshe saw in a mirror-were all pupil, like an owl's or a cat's†¦. Then the dream changed and she was an owl, swooping down in a dizzying rush from a hollow Douglas fir. She seized a squirrel in her talons andfelt a surge of simple joy. Killing felt so natural. All she had to do was be the best owl she could be, and grab food with her feet. But then a shadow fell over her from somewhereabove. And in the dream she felt a terrible sick real ization-that even hunters could be hunted. And that something was after her†¦. She woke up disoriented-not as towhere shewas, but as to who she was. Mary-Lynnette or a hunter being chased by something with white teeth in themoonlight? And even when she went downstairs, she couldn't shake off the sick feeling from her dream. â€Å"Hi,† Mark said. â€Å"Is that breakfast or lunch?† â€Å"Both,† Mary-Lynnette said, sitting down on the family room couch with her two granola bars. Mark was watching her. â€Å"So,† he said, â€Å"have you been thinking about it, too?† Mary-Lynnette tore the wrapper off a granola bar with her teeth. â€Å"About what?† † Youknow.† Mary-Lynnette did know. She glanced around to make sure Claudine wasn't in earshot.† Don't think about it.† â€Å"Why not?† When she didn't answer, he said,†Don't tell me you haven't been wondering what it would be like. To see better, hear better, be telepathic†¦and live forever. I mean, we could see the year three thousand. You know, the robot wars, colonizing other planets†¦. Come on, don't tell me you'renot even a little curious.† All Mary-Lynnette could think of was a line from a Robert Service Poem: Andthe skies of nightw re alive with light, with a throbbing, thrilling flame†¦ . â€Å"I'm curious,† she said. ‘But there's no point in wondering. They do things we couldn't do-they kill† She put down her glass of milk as if she'd lost herappetite. She hadn't, though-and wasn't that the problem? She ought to be sick to her stomach at just the thought of killing, of drinking blood from a warm body. Instead, she was scared. Of what was out there inthe world-and of herself. â€Å"It'sdangerous,†she said aloud to Mark. â€Å"Don'tyousee? We've gotten mixed up in this Night World-and it's a place where bad things can happen. Not just bad like flunking a class. Bad like †¦Ã¢â‚¬  †¦ white teeth in the moonlight †¦ â€Å"Like getting lolleddead,† Mary-Lynnette said. â€Å"And that's serious, Mark. It's not like the movies.† Mark was staring at her. â€Å"Yeah, but we knew that already.† His tone said â€Å"What's the big deal?† And Mary-Lynnette couldn't explain. She stood up abruptly. â€Å"If we're going over there, we'd better get moving,† she said. â€Å"It's almost one o'clock.† The sisters and Ash were waiting at Burdock Farm. â€Å"You and Mark can sit in the front with me,† MaryLynnette told Jade, not looking at Ash. â€Å"But I don't think you'd better bring the cat.† â€Å"The cat goes,† Jade said firmly, getting in. â€Å"OrI don't.† Mary-Lynnette put the car in gear and pulled out. As they came in sight of the small duster of buildings on Main Street, Mark said, â€Å"And there it is, downtown Briar Creek in all its glory. A typical Friday afternoon, with absolutely nobody on the streets.† He didn't say it with his usual bitterness. MaryLynnette glanced at him and saw that it was Jade he was talking to. And Jade was looking around with genuine interest, despite the cat's claws embedded in her neck. â€Å"Somebody'son the streets,† she said cheerfully. â€Å"It's that. boy Vic. And that other one, Todd. And grown-ups.† Mary-Lynnette slowed as she passed the sheriff'soffice but didn't stop until she reached the gas station at the opposite corner. Then she got out and looked casually across the street. Todd Akers was there with his father, the sheriff and Vic Kimble was there with his father. Mr. Kimble had a farm east of town. They were all getting into the sheriff's car, and they all seemed very excited. Bunny Marten was standing on the sidewalk watching as they left. Mary-Lynnette felt a twinge of fear. This is what it's like when you have a terrible secret, she thought. You worry about everything that happens, and wonder if it's got something to do with you, if it's going to get you caught. â€Å"Hey, Bunnyl† she called. â€Å"What's going on?† Bunny looked back. â€Å"Oh, hi, Mare.† She walkedunhurriedly-Bunny never hurried-,acrossthe street. â€Å"How're you doing? They're just going to check out that horse thing.† â€Å"What horse thing?† â€Å"Oh. . .didn't you hear?† Bunny was looking behind Mary-Lynnette now, at Mark and the four strangers who were getting out of the station wagon. Suddenly her blue eyes got rounder and she reached up to fluff her soft blond hair. Now, I wonder who she's just seen, Mary-Lynnettethought ironically. Who could it be? â€Å"Hi† Ash said. â€Å"We didn't hear about the horse thing,† MaryLynnette said, gently prompting. â€Å"Oh†¦ um, one of Mr. Kimble's horses cut his throat on barbed wire last night. That's what everybody was sayingthis morning. But just now Mr.Kimble came into town and said that he didn't think it was barbed wire after all. He thinks †¦ somebody did it on purpose. Slashed its throat and left it todie.† She hunched her shoulders in a tiny shiver.. Theatrically, Mary-Lynnette thought. â€Å"You see?† Jade said. â€Å"That's why I'm keeping my eye on Tiggy.† Mary-Lynnette noticed Bunny eyeing Jade. â€Å"Thanks,Bun.† â€Å"I've got to get back to the store,† Bunny said,but she didn't move. Now she was looking at Kestreland Rowan. â€Å"I'll walk you there,† Ash said gallantly. Withwhat, Mary-Lynnette thought, must be his usual putting-the-moves-on manner. â€Å"After all, we don't know what could be lurking around here.† â€Å"It's broad daylight,† Kestrel said disgustedly, but Ash was already walking Bunny away. MaryLynnette decided she was glad to get rid of him. â€Å"Who was that girl?† Rowan asked, and something in her voice was odd. Mary-Lynnette glanced at her in surprise. â€Å"Bunny Marten. I know her from school.What's wrong?† â€Å"She was staring at us,† Rowan said softly. â€Å"She was staring at Ash. Oh, and probably youthree, too. You're new and you're pretty, so she's probably wondering which boys you'll take fromher.† â€Å"I see.†But Rowan still looked preoccupied. â€Å"Rowan, what is it?† â€Å"It's nothing. I'm sure it's nothing. It's just thatshe's gota lamia name.† † Bunny?† † Well.† Rowan smiled. â€Å"Lamia are traditionallynamed after natural things–gems andanimalsand flowers and trees. So Bunny' would be a lamianame-and isn't a marten a kind of weasel?† Something was tugging at the edges of Mary-Lynnette's consciousness again. Something about Bunny †¦ about Bunny and †¦ wood †¦ It was gone. She couldn't remember. To Rowan she said,†But-can you sense something suspiciousabout her or anything? I mean, does she seemlike one of you? Because otherwise I just can't see Bunny as a vampire. I'm sorry; I just can't.† Rowan smiled. â€Å"No, I don't sense anything. And I'm sure you'reright-humans can have names likeours, too. Sometimes it gets confusing.† For some bizarre reason Mary-Lynnette's mind wasstill on wood. â€Å"You know, I don't see why you name yourselves after trees. I thought wood was dangerous for you.† â€Å"It is-,and that makes it powerful. Tree names are supposed to be some of the most powerful nameswe have.† Ash was coming out of the general store. Immediately Mary-Lynnette turned around and looked for Jeremy. She didn't see him in the empty gas station, butshe heard something-something she realized she'dbeen hearing for several minutes. Hammering. â€Å"Come on, let's go around back,† she said, alreadywalking, not waiting for Ash to reach them. Kestreland Rowan went with her. Jeremy was around back. He was hammering a long board across a broken window. There wereshards of thick, greenish-tinted glass all over the ground. Light brown hair wasfalling in his eyes ashe struggled to hold the board steady. † What happened?† Mary-Lynnettesaid. She moved automatically to hold the right end of the board in place for him. He glanced up at her, making a grimace of reliefas he let go of the board. â€Å"Mary-Lynnette-thanks. Hang on a sec.† He reached into his pocket for nails and began driving them in with quick, sure blows of the hammer. Then he said, â€Å"I don't know what happened.Somebody broke it last night. Made a real mess.† â€Å"Last night seems to have been a busy night,† Kestrel said dryly. Jeremy glanced back at the voice. And then †¦ his hands went still, poised with the hammer and nail. He was looking at Kestrel, and at Rowan beside her,looking a long time. At last he turned to MaryLynnette and said slowly, â€Å"You need more gas already?† â€Å"Oh-no. No.† I should have siphoned some out,Mary-Lynnette thought. Nancy Drew would defi nitely have thought of that. â€Å"I justit's been knocking a lotthe engine-and I thought you could lookat it-under the hood-since you didn't last time.† Incoherent and pathetic, she decided in the silencethat followed. And Jeremy's dear brown eyes were still searching her face. â€Å"Sure, Mary-Lynnette,† he said-not sarcastically, but gently. â€Å"As soon as I get finished.† Oh, hecan't be a vampire. And so what am I doing here, lying to him, suspecting him, when he's only ever been nice to me? He's the type to help old ladies, not kill them. Sssssss. She started as the feral hiss tore through the silence. It came from behind her, and for one horrible instant she thought it was Kestrel. Then she saw thatJade and Mark had rounded the comer, and that Tiggy was fighting like a baby leopard in Jade's arms. The kitten was spitting and clawing, black fur standing on end. Before Jade could get a better grip, he climbed up her shoulder and leaped, hitting the ground running. † Tiggy! â€Å"Jade shrieked. She took off after him, silvery blond hair flying, agile as a kitten herself. Markfollowed, ricocheting off Ash who was just comingaround the comer himself. Ash was knocked into thegas station wall. â€Å"Well, that was fun,† Kestrel said. But Mary-Lynnette wasn't really listening. Jeremywas staring at Ash-and his expression gave Mary Lynnette coldchills. And Ash was staring back with eyes as green as glacier ice. Their gazes were locked in something like instantaneous, instinctive hatred. Mary-Lynnette felt a quiver of fear for Jeremy-but Jeremy didn't seem afraid for himself. His muscles were tight and he looked ready to defend himself. Then, deliberately, he turned away. Turned hisback on Ash. He readjusted the board-and MaryLynnette did what she should have done in the beginning. She looked at his hand. The ring on his index finger glinted gold, and she could just make out the black design on the seal. A tall duster of bell-shaped flowers. Not an iris,not a dahlia, not a rose. No-there was only one flower Rowan had mentioned that this could possiblybe. It grew wild around here and it was deadly poison. Foxglove. So now she knew. Mary-Lynnette felt hot and sick. Her hand began to tremble on the board she was holding. She didn't want to move, but she couldn't stay here. â€Å"I'm sorry-1 have to get something-† The words came out in a painful gasp. She knew everyone wasstaring at her. She didn't care. She let go of the board and almost ran away. She kept going until she was behind the boardedup windows of the Gold Creek Hotel. Then she leaned against the wall and stared at the place where town ended and the wilderness began. Motes of dust danced in the sunlight, bright against a dark background of Douglas fir. I'm so stupid. All the signs were there, right in front of my face. Why didn't I seebefore? I guess because I didn't want to †¦. â€Å"Mary-Lynnette.† Mary-Lynnette turned toward the soft voice. She resisted the impulse to throw herself into Rowan's arms and bawl. â€Å"I'll be okay in just a few minutes. Really. It's just a shock.† â€Å"Mary-Lynnette †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"It's just-it's just that I've known him so long.It's not easy to picture himyou know. But I guess it just goes to show you. People are never what they seem.† â€Å"Mary-Lynnette-† Rowan stopped and shook her head. â€Å"Just what are you talking about?† â€Å"Him.Jeremy. Of course.† Mary-Lynnette took abreath. The air felt hot and chokingly dusty. â€Å"He did it. He really did it.† â€Å"Why do you think so?† â€Å"Why?Because he's a werewolf. â€Å" There was a pause and Mary-Lynnette suddenly felt embarrassed. She looked around to make sure nobody was in earshot, and then said more quietly,†Isn't he?† Rowan was looking at her curiously. â€Å"How did you know?† â€Å"Well-you said black foxglove is for werewolves. And that's foxglove on his ring. How did you know?† â€Å"I just sensed it. Vampire powers are weaker insunlight, but Jeremy isn't trying to hide anything. He's right out there.† â€Å"He sure is,† Mary-Lynnette said bitterly. ‘ I should have sensed it. I mean †¦ he's the only person in town who was interested in the lunar eclipse. And the way he moves, and his eyes †¦ and he livesat Mad Dog Creek, for God's sake. I mean, that land's been in his family for generations.And' -Mary-Lynnette gave a sudden convulsive sniffle-â€Å"people say they've seen the Sasquatch around there. A big hairy monster, half person and half beast. Now, what does that sound like?† Rowan was standing quietly, her expression grave-but her lips were twitching. Mary-Lynnette's vision blurred and wetness spilled onto her cheeks. â€Å"I'm sorry.† Rowan put a hand on her arm. â€Å"I'mnot laughing.† â€Å"I thought he was a nice guy,† Mary-Lynnettesaid, turning away. â€Å"I still think he is,† Rowan said. â€Å"And actually, really, you know, it means he didn'tdo it.† â€Å"The fact that he's a nice guy?† â€Å"The fact that he's a werewolf.† Mary-Lynnette turned back.† What?† â€Å"You see,† Rowan said, â€Å"werewolves are different. They're not like vampires. They can't drink a little blood from people and then stop without doing anyreal harm. They kill every time they hunt-because they have to eat.†Mary-Lynnette gulped, but Rowanwent on serenely. â€Å"Sometimes they eat the whole animal,but they always eat the internal organs, theheart and liver. They have to do it, the same way that vampires need to drink blood.† â€Å"And that means †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"He didn't kill Aunt Opal. Or the goat. They wereboth intact.† Rowan sighed. â€Å"Look. Werewolves and vampires traditionally hate each other. They've been . rivals forever, and lamia think of werewolves as sort of-lower class. But actually a lot of them are gentle.They only hunt to eat.† â€Å"Oh,† Mary-Lynnette said hollowly. Shouldn't shebe happier about this? â€Å"So the guy I thought was nice just has to eat the odd liver occasionally.† â€Å"Mary-Lynnette, you can't blame him. How can I explain? It's like this: Werewolves aren't people whosometimes turn into wolves. They're wolves who sometimes look like people.† â€Å"But they still kill,† Mary-Lynnette said flatly. â€Å"Yes, but onlyanimals.The law is very strict aboutthat. Otherwise humans catch on in no time. Vam pires can disguise their work by making it look like a cut throat, but werewolf kills are unmistakable.† â€Å"Okay. Great.† I should be more enthusiastic, Mary-Lynnette thought. But how could you ever re ally trust someone who was a wolf behind their eyes? You might admire them the way you admire a sleek and handsome predator, but trust them †¦no. â€Å"Before we go back-we may have a problem,†Rowan said. â€Å"If he realizes that you recognized his ring, he may know we've told you about you know.† She glanced around and lowered her voice. â€Å"The Night World.† Mary-Lynnette understood. â€Å"Oh, God.† â€Å"Yes. That means it's his duty to turn us all in. Or kill us himself.† â€Å"Oh, God† â€Å"The thing is, I don't think he will. He likes you, Mary-Lynnette. A lot. I don't think he could bring himself to turn you in.† Mary-Lynnette felt herself flushing. â€Å"But then, that would get him in trouble, too, wouldn't it?† â€Å"It could, if anybody ever finds out. We'd better go back and see what's going on. Maybe he doesn't realize you know. Maybe Kestrel and Ash have managed tobluff him.†