Queen Elizabeth Essay -- essays research papers

Queen Elizabeth I Queen Elizabeth, the first, proved to be a very good and loyal monarch to England. She brought about legion(predicate) changes, both good and bad. On September 7, 1533 a baby girl came into the world. Back thus m some(prenominal) parents would have been greatly disappointed to have had a baby girl, rather then a boy. However these parents were glad by the birth of t replacement first child together. These proud parents were the king and queen of England, King enthalpy VIII and Anne Boleyn. The girl child was named Elizabeth. The totally reason for the birth of Elizabeth had been that she would have been male so that he could have been the heir to King enthalpy the VIII. It wasn& axerophthol8217t until two years later that Henry realized he wasn&8217t going to get a healthy male heir from Anne Boleyn. She had miscarried twice before delivering a stillborn son. When Elizabeth was two her father had her mother beheaded for adultery and treason, this was just a w ay to rid himself of her rather then get a divorce. This was not Henry&8217s first wife this was his second wife. His first wife had also born him a young-bearing(prenominal) child. He had divorced her in hopes that he would get an heir from Anne. With his first wife, Catherine, he had a daughter, which they named Mary. Between the time of Elizabeth&8217s mothers death and 1537 Henry wed yet again. The woman was named Jane Seymour and she cared greatly for Elizabeth. She forced Henry to take Elizabeth back into the house, as it was, Elizabeth had been sent away for schooling and whatnot. In 1537 Elizabeth&8217s new stepmother, Jane Seymour, gave birth to a son, the birth of this son however brought about the death of Jane from bed fever. The child was named Edward. Once Edward had been born Elizabeth faded into the background, everyday receiving less(prenominal) and less attention. From the time Edward was born Elizabeth spent a lot of time with him. Growing up they were very close, they spent all of their spare time together. The only real time that the two of them were apart was when it came to schooling. She received her education under the famous scholar and humanist Roger Ascham. Under his guidance, Elizabeth studied Greek and Roman classics, examine history and theology, and learned both classical and modern languages. She was considered extremely intelligent, and records say that, in her youth, she spoke six languages. In 1547 He... ...izabeth&8217s favorites, to whom she had given mercantile and much resented monopolies. By the turn of the century, even her admirers, such as Sir Walter Raleigh, said she was "a lady surprised by time". Queen Elizabeth had never married and had never born any children this brought about the nicknames such as Good Queen Bess, and The Virgin Queen. Oftentimes poets compared her to the Moon Goddess, to a Virgin and Fertility Goddess, the bringer of justice, and the butt of the Empire. Painters port rayed her in impossible magnificence and with the symbols of peace, virtue, majesty, and truth. During Elizabeth&8217s reign there was a boom of the arts that would be impossible for almost any other period of English history to match. Edmund Spencer, Christopher Marlowe, William Shakespeare, and Ben Johnson are great names not only in English literature, but also in universe literature. The English Renaissance was a highlight that appeared bloody, dark, and dreary. Elizabeth&8217s reign was and still is sometimes referred to as the Elizabethan Period. Shortly before Queen Elizabeth died on March 24, 1603, she designated James VI of Scotland as her successor.

Native American Schooling Essay -- essays research papers

Native SchoolingFor many years Native American people have been discriminated against in the fall in States as well as in the Public School system. Beginning with the common-school movement of the 1830s and 1840s, which attempted to stop the flow toward a more respective(a) society, the school systems have continued to be geared exclusively toward WASPS (White Anglo-Saxon Protestants). Native Americans have been forced to abandon their culture and conform to our American shipway (Rothenberg, 1998, pp. 258-259.) Thomas L. McKenney focused on deculturalizing the children through public schooling (Spring, 1997, p. 16). McKenney served as superintendent of Indian trade for fourteen years. After that office was abolished in 1823, he was appointed as the first head of the Office of Indian affairs. His idea was that a person could civilize the Native American children in schools when they were away from their parents. He tried to force assimilation on these Native American children. He wanted them to convert to Christianity, and adopt the WASPs beliefs and morals. In 1827 McKenney wrote to the Secretary of War, crowd together Barbour stating that, children, who only needed to be protected from evil . . . and under the conditions of isolation and education Indians could be civilized in one generation (Spring, 1997, p.18). Missionaries were sent to the tribes to scattering the word of Christianity under the Civilization Act. Today the act of sending in missionaries would be viewed as a violation of the First Amendment. The amendment states that there shall be no governmental support of any religion. In that time though they were still beginning their school day with a reading from the Protestant Bible (Spring, 1997, p. 18). The Presbyterian and Congregational churches brought into existence the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM) in 1810. Their mission was worldwide and they sent missionaries abroad as well as the Native American tribes. jibe to Spring, the missionaries viewed the Native Americans as foreign heathen. A powerful example of the path to deculturalization was Reverend James Ramseys visit to a Choctaw school in 1846. As quoted in the Spring text, Ramsey stated, I showed them on a map that the people who speak the English language, and who occupied so small a part of ... ... p. 103), which encouraged Indian mesh in the school systems. This required a separate local delegacy to represent the population if the majority of the school board was not Native American. This committee was devoted control over all Native American education programs affiliated with the United States Government. The ideals of this act were expanded upon in 1988 with the Tribally Controlled Schools Act. This act provided for grants to be given directly to tribes to fund the operation of their schools. With these positive modifications equality is in the possible, but distant future. Native Americans have been oppressed for hundred s of years since the their land was taken from them. The United States Government simply expects the Native Americans to assimilate to our society. Their culture and tribal ways have been stolen without a second thought. The government should provide whatever sort of retribution for these people. Perhaps Native American culture should be taught in our schools as well as American culture. Hopefully, someday everything will be equal in the world as well as in the public school system no matter what the persons heritage.

Economic Impact Analysis on a High-Speed Railway System for Central Flo

Economic affect Analysis on a High- f number checkway trunk for telephone exchange FloridaIntroductionHigh-speed railroad track (HRL) systems have been used primarily over in such countries as Japan since 1964 and France since 1984. Recently the United States has generated engagement in the high-speed railway as well. The proposed system would stretch from Miami through Orlando and end in the St. Petersburg/Tampa atomic number 18a. With bullet trains operating at top speeds of 220 miles an hour, the express belong era from downtown Miami to Orlando would take approximately 2.5 hours. Intercity travelers (trips between metropolitan regions) along with longer-distance commuters would enjoy the benefits of a system designed to connect with existing rail, air, and highway systems.The system hind end the high-speed railway system would be to relieve highway congestion, air traffic congestion, and help reduce the necessity of expansion of highways and air systems (which is cont ain overdue to the inability to build new air space). Also, with this type of system (this system works on magnetic levitation), you would have a significant drop-off in air pollution that would result as high-speed captures a large portion of the intercity travel market from automobiles and airlines.ContextTampaThe chosen locations for the high-speed railway allow for be three different cities, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa/St.Petersburg area. The economic and industrial structures for Tampa has created more than 22,000 conjectures may 2004, ranking the area 1 in Florida and among the best in the republic for job growth. Job gains in the region were largely in professional and fear services. Florida is creating jobs faster than any other state in the nation, adding 171,800 jobs from May 2003 to May 2004.Tampa/Hillsborough County with its dynamic and positive business climate is one of the leading business locations in the world. As the economic hub of Hillsborough County and th e Tampa Bay region, Tampa enjoys ongoing and remarkable job growth, low-priced business and living costs, an able and abundant workforce, excellent educational opportunities, and unmatched weather and amenities. Service, retail, finance, insurance, and real estate sectors lead regional industry. Bioscience and other hi-tech industries are expanding, thanks in part to research at university and college campuses throughout the area. Manu... ...rkforce.Reference1Keating, O. (2004). Are High Speed Trains are the best contour of canalise for Consumers and Society? Retrieved April 16, 2005, from http//www.o-keating.com/hsr/best.htm 2City Overviews (2004). Socio-economic overview. Retrieved on April 16, 2005, from http//www.carterusa.com/cityoverview/co_orlando1.html3.Highlights of the economic and business growth in the Tampa Bay region (2004). Retrieved on April 16, 2005, from http//www.tampabay.org/admin/editor/upload/PRN_July2004.pdf4Lynch, T (2004). Florida High Speed Ground Tran sportation Economic Benefit and Cost Impact Study. Retrieved on April 16, 2005, from http//www.floridabullettrain.com/content/economics.pdf5Cox, W. (1997). Evaluation of the FDOT-FOX Miami, Orlando, Tampa High Speed Rail Proposal. Retrieved on April 16, 2005, from http//www.hotpolitics.com/hispeedrail.htm6Economic Development of Tampa Bay (2004). Retrieved on April 16, 2005, from http//www.tampachamber.com/economic_development.asp7High Speed Line Study (2004). Retrieved on April 16, 2005, from http//www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_railways/documents/page/dft_railways_032564.pdf Economic Impact Analysis on a High-Speed Railway System for Central FloEconomic Impact Analysis on a High-Speed Railway System for Central FloridaIntroductionHigh-speed railway (HRL) systems have been used primarily over in such countries as Japan since 1964 and France since 1984. Recently the United States has generated interest in the high-speed railway as well. The proposed system would s tretch from Miami through Orlando and end in the St. Petersburg/Tampa area. With bullet trains operating at top speeds of 220 miles an hour, the express travel time from downtown Miami to Orlando would take approximately 2.5 hours. Intercity travelers (trips between metropolitan regions) along with longer-distance commuters would enjoy the benefits of a system designed to connect with existing rail, air, and highway systems.The strategy behind the high-speed railway system would be to relieve highway congestion, air traffic congestion, and help reduce the necessity of expansion of highways and air systems (which is limited due to the inability to build new air space). Also, with this type of system (this system works on magnetic levitation), you would have a significant reduction in air pollution that would result as high-speed captures a large portion of the intercity travel market from automobiles and airlines.ContextTampaThe chosen locations for the high-speed railway will be thr ee different cities, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa/St.Petersburg area. The economic and industrial structures for Tampa has created more than 22,000 jobs May 2004, ranking the area 1 in Florida and among the best in the nation for job growth. Job gains in the region were largely in professional and business services. Florida is creating jobs faster than any other state in the nation, adding 171,800 jobs from May 2003 to May 2004.Tampa/Hillsborough County with its dynamic and positive business climate is one of the leading business locations in the world. As the economic hub of Hillsborough County and the Tampa Bay region, Tampa enjoys ongoing and remarkable job growth, affordable business and living costs, an able and abundant workforce, excellent educational opportunities, and unmatched weather and amenities. Service, retail, finance, insurance, and real estate sectors lead regional industry. Bioscience and other high-tech industries are expanding, thanks in part to research at univers ity and college campuses throughout the area. Manu... ...rkforce.Reference1Keating, O. (2004). Are High Speed Trains are the best form of transport for Consumers and Society? Retrieved April 16, 2005, from http//www.o-keating.com/hsr/best.htm 2City Overviews (2004). Socio-economic overview. Retrieved on April 16, 2005, from http//www.carterusa.com/cityoverview/co_orlando1.html3.Highlights of the economic and business growth in the Tampa Bay region (2004). Retrieved on April 16, 2005, from http//www.tampabay.org/admin/editor/upload/PRN_July2004.pdf4Lynch, T (2004). Florida High Speed Ground Transportation Economic Benefit and Cost Impact Study. Retrieved on April 16, 2005, from http//www.floridabullettrain.com/content/economics.pdf5Cox, W. (1997). Evaluation of the FDOT-FOX Miami, Orlando, Tampa High Speed Rail Proposal. Retrieved on April 16, 2005, from http//www.hotpolitics.com/hispeedrail.htm6Economic Development of Tampa Bay (2004). Retrieved on April 16, 2005, from http//www.ta mpachamber.com/economic_development.asp7High Speed Line Study (2004). Retrieved on April 16, 2005, from http//www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_railways/documents/page/dft_railways_032564.pdf

The Public Market - Company Managers Should be Public Actors Rather than Private Agents :: Public Administration Economics

The Public Market - Company Managers Should be Public Actors Rather than Private AgentsABSTRACT The marketplace as an institution enjoys widespread popularity today. Many economists hold that most of societys problems could be best solved by applying the market mechanism to them. Government, by contrast, is astray considered to be a problem rather than a solution. Some would like to see the government restructured along market lines so that policies would follow voter choice, as products follow that of consumers. Some, myself included, believe that a world in which all relationships are rendered matters of undercover choice would lack the domain happiness that comes from participation in public discourse and concerted influenceion. In this paper I address what it would mean for the market to be truly public. A market that is truly public give discourage speculative investment so that managers of various firms can concentrate on the long term good of creating a social institution by means of which the concerted efforts of various stakeholders are coordinated. In this way, stakeholders can enrich the world through their work. The market as an institution enjoys widespread popularity today. It is held by many economists, those of the gelt School especially, that all social problems crime, education, health care, and discrimination are solvable by use of the market mechanism. (1) Politics and government, by contrast, are considered by many to be problems rather than solutions. Some today even seek public office precisely to prevent government from carrying on its functions, because they and their constituencies have lost belief in government and public life. These conservatives believe that privatizing government functions, by replacing public initiatives and agencies with private firms, will establish new freedom for people to act on market choices rather than to acquiesce in laws and administrative decisions reached through the political process. Others would reconstitute government in a more market-like way, so that political deliberation and decision should follow from public choices as merchandisers follow the tastes and preferences of customers. For public choice theorists, as well, the public character of politics should be replaced by the private decisions of voters/consumers on the options presented them by their erstwhile leaders. (2) The public character of life is being lost. Our society is being structured by the choices of citizens concerned with themselves and their families and acquaintances, rather than with the larger public, which is increasingly but an aggregate of private persons anyway.

Electronic Security Essay -- Internet Technology Essays

Electronic SecurityHave you ever wondered what happens to your credit card number when its sent through a secure server to Yahoo or Amazon? Have you ever wondered Is my information safe? Unfortunately no activity on the Internet is hole-and-corner(a) or secure. Anything stored on a home system is completely vulnerable to the outside world (unless of course the system is isolated from the Internet). Another thing to remember about is the fact that any data on any type of disk can be salvaged. So if a corrupt disk is discarded, the data can be receiveed with the right tools. The same is true with computer hard drives, flash memory, compact Disks etc... There are actually people who recover data for their income. These people usually dont discriminate against one customer or another they just extract the data and hand it to them on a property platter. In the movie The Net Ms. Bennett (Sandra Bullock) works for a software company. She beta tests and de-bugs programs. She finds dange rous information that ultimately launches her into an epic battle against a group of terrorist hackers, the venture her life and identity. Could this really happen? In theory, someones life could be screwed up and/or stolen. To gain control of a whole countrys databases and networks would require a better-laid jut than the plot in the movie. In order to have access to secure national data a very powerful decrypting program would be needed, as well as a way to cover up the point of ingress. Having a contact on the inside wouldnt hurt either. The movie plot seems a little far-fetched. World domination is not as easy as Hollywood makes it out to be. In the real world most network hacking is utilize to cover up secret events and information, which could pos... ...oice is to be careful with the information released to the public, forcing anyone who wishes harm to work for the information. Electronic security is a false notion, due to the fact that creation created the code or encryp tion in the first place. So other humans could also think up ways to break or measure up other Peoples work. It is impossible to make a code so amazing that it is unbreakable. If it is invented by a human mind, it can be understood and used by another human mind, in time. Works Cited The Net. Screenplay by John Brancato, Michael Ferris. Dir. Irwin Winkler. Perf. Sandra Bullock, Ray McKinnon, Jeremy Northam. Columbia Pictures, Winkler Films. 1995.Holeton, Richard. Composing Cyberspace Identity, community, and knowledge in the electronic age. New York, San Francisco, St. Louis Stanford University, 1998 (Wolves of the plateau. 132-142)

Electronic Security Essay -- Internet Technology Essays

Electronic SecurityHave you ever wondered what happens to your credit card descend when its sent through a secure server to Yahoo or Amazon? Have you ever wondered Is my data safe? Unfortunately no bodily function on the Internet is private or secure. Anything stored on a home system is completely vulnerable to the outside valet (unless of course the system is spaced from the Internet). Another thing to think about is the fact that any data on any type of disk can be salvaged. So if a corrupt disk is discarded, the data can be recovered with the right tools. The same is true with computer hard drives, flash memory, compact Disks etc... There ar actually people who recover data for their income. These people usually dont discriminate against one customer or another they just extract the data and get through it to them on a silver platter. In the movie The Net Ms. Bennett (Sandra Bullock) works for a software company. She beta tests and de-bugs programs. She finds dangerous infor mation that ultimately launches her into an epic difference of opinion against a group of terrorist hackers, the stakes her life and identity. Could this really happen? In theory, someones life could be screwed up and/or stolen. To gain control of a totally countrys databases and networks would require a better-laid plan than the plot in the movie. In order to have access to secure national data a very muscular decrypting program would be needed, as well as a way to cover up the point of ingress. Having a contact on the inside wouldnt transgress either. The movie plot seems a little far-fetched. World domination is not as easy as Hollywood makes it out to be. In the real world most network hacking is used to cover up secret events and information, which could pos... ...oice is to be careful with the information released to the public, forcing anyone who wishes harm to work for the information. Electronic security is a unreasonable notion, due to the fact that humans created th e code or encryption in the first place. So other humans could also think up ship canal to break or modify other Peoples work. It is impossible to make a code so amazing that it is unbreakable. If it is invented by a human mind, it can be understood and used by another human mind, in time. Works Cited The Net. Screenplay by John Brancato, Michael Ferris. Dir. Irwin Winkler. Perf. Sandra Bullock, Ray McKinnon, Jeremy Northam. Columbia Pictures, Winkler Films. 1995.Holeton, Richard. Composing Cyberspace Identity, community, and knowledge in the electronic age. New York, San Francisco, St. Louis Stanford University, 1998 (Wolves of the plateau. 132-142)

Pahela Baishakh

Pahela Baishakh 1st day of Baishakh is the Bengoly new year counting day. We the state of Bangladesh celebrate it with different types of activities. This day comes with lots of hope. Pahela Baishakh is the biggest festival of Bangladesh. By reminding our food, our culture reminds us who we are and where we all are came from. On this day we start with Panta Ilish. With this tasty food we feel our old days, when there was a proverb, . contrastive kinds of vartas , pithas etc are also seen spreading its own scent.Air smells the bengoly flavour with Baishakhi foods. unalike types of fair and program are seen here and there. Ramna Batamul is the main point ,where all people get together. Charukola gets a new festive look on this day. Cultural programs are very common affair in these types of fair. Rabindra sangeet and classical dance is the highlighted drill of these programs. Pahela Baishakh comes with new color to make us more hapy and ambitious. In pahela Baishakh shopkeepers a nd businessmen open new halkhata. Which is the new book of their accountance.They welcome all customers with sweets and sandes. This tradition indicates the demolition of all past evidence and start of a new colorful journey. Pahela Baishakh is for all Bengoly people. No matter from which religion or which color he is. Different people of different cast comes from different places to celebrate 1st day of bengoly new year. It reminds us our historical past and our golden culture. It teaches us to be coupled as Bangladeshi forgetting all differences. Pahela Baishakh is our glorious event ,which we celebrate with proud from our core of the heart.

Intro for Self Introduction Essay

The purpose of this assignment is to provide information you would like me to know about you as a person and as a student. Your essay will also give me an example of your writing, including a reasonable picture of how clearly, correctly, concisely, and creatively you communicate in writing.Write, type, or word emergence the essay in blue or black ink, using only one side of each sheet of paper.Either lined or unseamed paper is fine.Please remember that I am your audience for the essay inappropriate language is not acceptable in incline class life-threatening form requires an inch margin on all sides of each sheet if your essay is longer than a single page, subsequent pages should be numbered at the tweet right corner except as we discussed in class, it is seldom appropriate to use abbreviations and if this assignment is turned in on time and is acceptable, it is worth cardinal points and will start you out immediately with a one hundred percent score in my grade book.Friend ly essay format is provided below as a guide, with some ideas for what to write aboutExcellent StudentMs. WernerEnglish 10September 4, 2007TitleThe essay should have one or more paragraphs about you. You might include information about your family, your activities, your interests and hobbies, your talents, your job or jobs, how you spent your summer, your favorite book, movie, or band, or other information that identifies or introduces you. Please describe yourself as an English student. What would you like me to know about your learning style or preferences, your academic ability and achievement, how you learn best, oryour concerns or frustrations with English? Include a description of two or three goals you hope to accomplish in this class and why you would like to accomplish these goals. Be sure that the goals you compulsive will make a real difference to you, are observable or measurable, and are realistic.

Scope of nursing

Expanding o r E panding your backcloth of N rsing Nursing Practice a mulish g p guide Leanne Boase Deborah Pedron The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre cooking stove of Nursing and Midwifery Practice What is it? Why Wh is it so important? Why is everyone talking about it? Who manages it? Who is responsible? Aims of this Presentation To define what Scope of Practice instrument for Nurses and Midwives Midwives. 2. To present different concepts around Scope of Practice 3 To report on findings of a small survey of fldi nurses and Scope of Practice 4.To discuss expanding Scope of Practice and provide a framework 5. To relate these concepts to real life nursing roles. According to our nurses, Scope Of P ti (SOP) is so sop Guidelines and Frameworks we need to dwell and work within SOP relates to what I am allowed and not allowed to do within my profession SOP relates to codes of conduct, ethics and professional conduct SOP relates to what a nurse can do within their skill base Area of tasks, procedures and actions a nurse can legally and safely undertake according to their cooking and educationThe scope of which my role as a RN, specialist or credentialed DNE can work within Maintaining knowledge base and competency through constant erudition and professional development Something which I am taught, qualified, taught qualified or competent to do What is Scope of Practice? That which Nurses and the range of roles, functions, functions responsibilities & activities, which a registered nurse or a registered midwife is educated, competent, and has the authority to perform perform. (An Bord Altranais pl) Midwives are educated, competent and authorised to perform. (QNC p3) Scope of p practice is not defined in many places. We should define nursing practice and outline principles to assist with the expansion of ones scope of practice And/ Or Require the health professional to identify restricted activities.

Computer Manufacturing Industry Analysis

1. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS a. Definition of the fabrication The following study presents a brief analysis of the calculator and Electronic Manufacturing Industry in the USA (NAICS 334 North Ameri tidy sum Industry Classification System) with special focus on the own(prenominal) Computers fill in-sector. I made the decision to focus on just one of the sub-sectors due to the large scope of the popular fabrication. Industries in the Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing subsector group establishments that manufacture computers, computer peripherals, communications equipment, and quasi(prenominal) electronic products, and establishments that manufacture components for such products. (Bureau of Labor Statistics) Given the precedent description of the general Industry, I can now go further in the definition of the real point of study for this paper, which is the Computer Manufacturing, clustered in laptops, PCs and servers. This industriousness manufactures and/or assembl es personal computers (PCs), laptops and servers.Operators typically purchase computer components (e. g. mformer(a)boards and graphics cards) from dedicated manufacturers in other industries (IBIS World report 33441a, Semiconductor and Circuit Manufacturing). This industry does not include tablet computers, nor does it include manufacturers of computer monitors, mice, keyboards and printers (IBIS World report 33411b, Computer Peripheral Manufacturing). When covering the intact industry, The US computer manufacturing industry includes active 1,200 companies with combined annual revenue of most $75 billion.Major companies include dingle, Hewlett-Packard, and IBM. (Hoovers 2012) The computer manufacturing industrys revenue is divided and measured according to each of the sub sectors that conform it. Personal computers line for about 40 percent of industry revenue mainframes and servers, 13 percent and storage devices, about 10 percent. (HOOVERS) While respecting to the sub-indus try in which this paper is focused (PCs, laptops and servers), and considering just the building hitched States, it is conformed by 355 businesses generating annual revenue up to US$37 billion.Being the leading companies Hewlett-Packard, dingle and Apple. The total amount of units exchange for the industry must be taken in consideration from the quantity of units shipped in the last year Preliminary United States PC Vendor Unit Shipment Estimates for 4Q11 (Units) Company 4Q11 Shipments 4Q11 marketplace Sh be (%) 4Q10 Shipments 4Q10 Market Share (%) 4Q11-4Q10 Growth (%) HP 4,137,833 23. 1 5,598,619 29. 4 -26. 1 dell 4,020,549 22. 4 4,210,000 22. 1 -4. 5 Apple 2,074,800 11. 6 1,718,400 9. 0 20. 7 Toshiba 1,925,100 10. 7 1,968,091 10. 3 -2. 2 Acer sort out 1,756,838 . 8 1,982,477 10. 4 -11. 4 Others 4,014,644 22. 4 3,583,418 18. 8 12. 0 Total 17,929,764 100. 0 19,061,005 100. 0 -5. 9 Note Data includes desk-based PCs, mobile PCs, including mini-notebooks but not media tablets su ch as the iPad.? Source Gartner (January 2012) Comparing the studied sub-industry results with previous years, profit and revenue have been constantly decreasing and the annual growth in the last 5 years have been negative for the industry in about 5. 1%. Analysts from IBIS project that this pass on continue falling for the future 5 more(prenominal) years.Nonetheless, The industry is capital-intensive annual revenue per employee is about $460,000 (HOOVERS), while the whole Computer Manufacturing Industry in the US counts with approximately (in thousands) 1,099. 9 employees. b. Internal and External Analysis OPORTUNITIES -There is a growing consumer demand for PCs and tablets. -Their rapid growth (of the market) suggests that they will become even more important to the economies of all three North American countries in the future (Bureau of Labor Statistics 2012) -The pro flavourration of cloud computing will speedy companies to increase their server investments (IBIS 2012)THREAT S -Industry profit will continue to fall because of intense price competition (IBIS World 2012) -TheComputer Manufacturing industryis being promptly supplanted by imports, particularly from China. (PR Web 2012) -Imports are a threat for local manufacturing revenue. While import penetration in this industry stood at 50. 7% in 2007, imports are expected to satisfy an estimated 68. 6% of domestic demand in 2012, (IBIS World 2012) -While the emergence of new products and services will boost industry performance, US manufacturers are not expected to produce the required hardware (locally). (PR Web 2012) -() Tablets will cut into industry revenue since they are manufactured overseas and are a competing force to domestic computer manufacturing. (PR Web 2012) -Computer and peripheral equipment prices fell from 2007 to 2012, and as a result, personal computer (PC) sales are estimated to generate razor-thin margins of 1. 0% in 2012. (PR Web 2012) STRENGTHS -The Computer Manufacturing in dustry operates in a highly globalized market, bringing together components that are manufactured worldwide for hookup in a single location.The concentration of computer manufacturing facilities near major ports comes as no surprise. With the widespread use of lean-manufacturing protocols, computer manufacturers heavily favor locations that play down delays in getting products to market, not to mention shipping expenses. (IBIS World 2012) -Fortunately, PCs are not the only products in this industry, and industry profit, which includes computers and more profitable products, is expected to account for 3. 8% of revenue in 2012. (PR Web 2012) WEAKNESSES The profitability of individual computer companies depends on purchasing and production efficiencies, and on technological expertise. (HOOVERS 2012) -Computer manufacturing and design overly require highly-educated employees (IBIS World 2012), these are very hard to find, especially in the same area of the business offices. -As a r esult of offshoring by US-based companies and change magnitude competition from international firms, domestic manufacturing activity has declined. (PR Web 2012) -The demand for the Computer Industry is tied to consumer and business income, so its very sensitive and variable. . customer Analysis The total domestic (US) annual demand for the industry by the end of 2011 was US$62. 2 billion. The industrys woes cannot be blamed on a neglect of demand. In fact, the share of US households that owns at least one computer increased by 7. 5 percentage points from 2007 to 2012. While demand has grown, fierce competition and widespread product homogeneity (the result of computers being assembled from standardized components) have led to falling prices and profit margins (PR Web 2012)The identified target markets/segments for the Computer Manufacturing Industry are the following 1. Large corporal customers (B2B) Big companies 2. Small and medium size businesses (B2B) Who represent about 2 0% of U. S. sales 3. Individual Customers and Consumers (B2C) Who represent about 10% of U. S. sales 4. Public sector (government and breedingal) customers. 3. Competitors Analysis The computer manufacturing industry is highly concentrated within its most revenue-significant businesses due to the top 50 companies are responsible of about 90 percent of the total industrys revenue. Competition from abroad has tightened profit margins and prices on mass-market computer systems. Consequently, most of the industrys largest players operate in several related industries to diversify their revenue sources, with a particular emphasis on the highly profitable enterprise segment and Information Technology (IT) services. Currently, Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Dell are the largest US-based computer manufacturers, followed by Apple. The total revenue and market share of personal computers for the last year, regarding the top 3 companies in the industry is . Hewlett Packard PC Market Share 23. 1% Total Company Revenue (Jul 2011-Jul2012) $122. 52B 2. Dell PC Market Share 22. 4% Total Company Revenue (Aug 2011-Aug 2012) $60. 30B 3. Apple PC Market Share 11. 6% Total Company Revenue (Jun 2011-Jun2012) $148. 81B Brands Description Hewlett Packard Hewlett-Packard Company and its subsidiaries provide products, technologies, software, solutions, and services to individual consumers and teeny-weeny- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), as well as to the government, health, and education sectors worldwide.It divides in several segments according to their offerings Personal Systems Group segment (commercial personal computers, software and services for the commercial and consumer markets), Services segment (consulting and outsourcing to businesses), Imaging and Printing Group segment (consumer and commercial), Enterprise Servers, Storage, and Networking segment (industry standard and business servers), Software segment (IT software and solutions), Financial Services segment (leasing, financing and utility programs for enterprise customers, SMBs, and other entities) and Business Intelligence Solutions.The bon ton was founded in 1939 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. They serve more than 1 billion customers in more than 170 countries and have approximately 349,600 employees worldwide. HP defines its function in society like this We explore how technology and services can help people and companies address their problems and challenges, and realize their possibilities, aspirations and dreams. We apply new thinking and ideas to create more simple, valuable and trusted experiences with technology, continuously improving the way our customers live and work. Hewlett-Packard HP Key Positioning You + HP make it matter. At HP we dont just believe in the power of technology. We believe in the power of people when technology works for them. To help you create. To make the digital tangible. To harness the power of human information. At HP we work to make what you do matter even more. (Hewlett-Packard) Dell Dell Inc. provides integrated technology solutions in the information technology (IT) industry worldwide. It designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells, and supports mobility and desktop products, including notebooks, workstations, tablets, smartphones, and desktop PCs, as well as servers and networking products.The company also offers several technology solutions, systems, software and specialized services. The company sells its products and services directly through its sales representatives, telephone-based sales, and online sales and through sellers, third-party solution providers, system integrators, and third-party resellers. It serves corporate businesses, law enforcement agencies, excellent and medium businesses, consumers, and public institutions that include government, education, and healthcare organizations. Dell Inc. was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Round Rock, Texas.Dell describes its function in socie ty like this In all we do, were focused on delivering solutions to enable smarter decisions and more effective outcomes so our customers can overcome obstacles, achieve their ideas and pursue their dreams. Above all, we are committed to the superior long-term value they need to grow and thrive. Dell Key Positioning Simple and affordable information technology for everyone They are focused on making information technology affordable for millions of customers around the world. As a result of direct relationships with customers.They are best positioned to simplify how customers implement and maintain information technology and deliver hardware, services, and software solutions tailored for their businesses and homes. (MBA Knowledge install 2012) Apple Apple Inc. , together with subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and markets mobile communication and media devices, personal computers, and portable digital music players and sells related software, services, peripherals, networking sol utions, and third-party digital content and applications worldwide.The company sells its products and services to consumers, small and mid-sized business, education, enterprise, and government customers through its retail stores, online stores, and direct sales force, as well as through third-party cellular network carriers, wholesalers, retailers, and value-added resellers. As of September 24, 2011, the company had 357 retail stores, including 245 stores in the United States and 112 stores internationally. Apple Inc. was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Cupertino, California. Apple defines its function in society like this Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world through its innovative hardware, software and Internet offerings. (Apple) Apple Key Positioning Innovation leaders competitory Advantage and Strategy of each Apples Post PC Strategy They want to be the dominan t operational system through your life at home and on the move. That sounds a little geeky but it means that they want you to be so delighted with your experience on the iPhones operating system that you want that same experience on your tablet.After you are satisfied with that experience, you start to wonder why you are still using a PC versus a Mac or MacBook Air as your desktop computer. And then that will extend to your television. (Forbes 2012) Apple wants to own a generation of post-PC world users and block out their competitors until such time as they can present a higher-quality user experience than Apple. That might be a long time. (Forbes 2012) The accelerating popularity of mobile computing devices such as Apple Incs iPadhas been eroding PC sales for years.To combat the erosion in sales to consumers, as well as dwindling margins as companies compete on price, Dell and HP have been gradually focusing more on sales to large enterprises. (Reuters 2012) Dells Strategy D ell has been diversifying its revenue base in the face of weakened consumer demand, giving up low-margin sales to consumers and moving into higher-margin areas, such as catering to the technology needs of small and medium businesses in the public sector and the healthcare industry.The company now finds itself lagging larger rivals like HP and IBM in the race to become one-stop shops for corporate IT needs. (Reuters 2012) HPs Strategy HP today announced that it has completed its evaluation of strategic alternatives for its Personal Systems Group (PSG) and has decided the unit will live part of the company. () PSG is a key component of HPs strategy to deliver higher value, lasting relationships with consumers, small- and medium-sized businesses and enterprise customers.The HP board of directors is confident that PSG can drive profitable growth as part of the larger entity and accelerate solutions from other parts of HPs business. 4. Executive Summary After this industry analysis, w e can see that the computer manufacturing industry in the US is constantly loosing revenue and market share in the world. Almost every business in this Industry (top ranked) are loosing revenue and decreasing profitability. The only company that has increased revenue and has actually grown in the last five years is Apple.For this, I would recommend Apples executives to maintain their actual Post-PC strategy because it is known that demand for PCs is decreasing while demand for other similar electronics such tablets is increasing and will continue doing so in the future. I would recommend Apple, as well, to focus a little bit also in extending their portfolio of offerings by including special services and solutions in order to attend the B2B market and gain some of their competitors share in this segment too. SOURCES 1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (http//www. bls. gov/iag/tgs/iag334. htmabout) 2.NAICS CODES (http//naicscode. com/ calculate/MoreNAICSDetail. asp? N=33411) 3. IBIS World (http//www. ibisworld. com/industry/default. aspx? indid=740) 4. Hoovers (http//www. hoovers. com/industry-facts. computer-manufacturing. 1843. htmlmegamenu_0. html) 5. Gartner Newsroom (http//www. gartner. com/it/page. jsp? id=1893523) 6. PR Web Article Computer Manufacturing in the US Industry Market Research composing Now Available from IBISWorld. August 14, 2012 (http//www. prweb. com/releases/2012/8/prweb9797684. htm) 7. Research and Markets (http//www. researchandmarkets. com/reportinfo. asp? eport_id=451844=e) 8. Fox Business (http//www. foxbusiness. com/technology/2012/01/12/apple-remains-in-third-place-with-116-us-computer-market/) 9. hayseed Finance HP (http//finance. yahoo. com/q/ks? s=HPQ) 10. Yahoo Finance Dell (http//finance. yahoo. com/q/pr? s=dell) 11. Yahoo Finance Apple (http//finance. yahoo. com/q/pr? s=aapl) 12. The Wall Street Journal (http//online. wsj. com/article/SB10000872396390443862604578030391796799174. html) 13. HP decreed Web Page (www. hp. com) 14. Dell Official Web Page (www. dell. com) 15. Apple Official Web Page (www. apple. com) 16. Reuters

Heat Conduction

Experiment 16 aro employment conduction Introduction In this laboratory you will study mania carry across a temperature gradient. By comparing the temperature deviance across one material to the temperature difference across a second material of cognize caloric conductivity, when both are conducting heat at a sedate rate, you will be able to calculate the caloric conductivity of the first material. You will whence compare the experimental value of the reckon thermal conductivity to the have a go at itn value for that material.Thermal conductivity is an important concept in the earth sciences, with applications including estimating of cooling pass judgment of magma chambers, geothermal explorations, and estimates of the age of the Earth. It is also important in regard to heat transport in air, to understanding the properties of insulating material (including the walls and windows of your house), and in many other areas. The prey of this laboratory experiment is to apply t he concepts of heat scat to measure the thermal conductivity of un like(p) materials. Theory Temperature is a measure of the ki give the sackic cipher of the ergodic motion of molecules with a material.As the temperature of a material increases, the random motion of its molecules increases, and the material absorbs and stores a quantity which we call heat. The material is said to be angryter. Heat, once horizon to be a fundamental quantity specifically related to temperature, is now known to be simply another form of energy. The equivalence of heat and energy is one of the foundations of thermodynamics. As the molecules in one region of a material move, they collide with molecules in neighboring portions of the material, thus transferring some of their energy to other regions.The net result is that heat liquefys from regions with higher temperatures to regions with lower temperatures. An carry calculation of this heat flow can be precise difficult for materials with compli cated shapes and complicated temperature distri besidesions, but in some simple cases the heat flow can be calculated. In this experiment, we will consider the heat flow across a dental plate of material of cross regional area A and thickness ? x when its faces are held at constant (and different) temperatures, as indicated in Fig. 1. Figure 1 Heat flow across a plate. In this case the rate of heat flow H across the material is given by H = KA T x ( ) (1) where T = T2 T1 is the temperature difference across the plate and K is a quantity called the thermal conductivity. Note that this equation only applies because we keep the communicate and bottom(a) at fixed temperature. In a to a greater extent general situation, the flow of heat would alter the temperature of the top and bottom, and a more complicated approach would be required to deal with the situation. Heat is transferred more efficiently through shapes with a large area that are subject to a large temperature differenc e, but more slowly through thicker materials.If the units of H are J/s, that of A are m2, ? x is in m, and the units of temperature are ? C or K, then the units of K mustiness be W/m-oC. Prove this for yourself, and show it in your laboratory book. Since the Celsius degree is the same size as a degree on the Kelvin scale, the units of thermal conductivity are usually expressed as W/m-K. We will use Eq. (1) to measure the heat flow through a material of known thermal conductivity and then use this result to determine the thermal conductivity of unknown samples forced to conduct heat at the same rate.thermocouple junctions In order to apply Eq. (1) we will need to measure the temperature difference ? T across our samples. It would be difficult to insert a thermometer into the gap between plates without disrupting the heat flow, so we will instead use a temperature probe that uses a device known as a thermocouple. 2 Figure 2. A Thermocouple A thermocouple is simply two connected wires made of dissimilar metals. Whenever two different metals contact each other, a small voltage difference is generated. This voltage difference is dependent on the temperature of the junction.If we measure this voltage difference with an accurate voltmeter, we can look up the temperature of the junction relative to the temperature of the connection to the voltmeter in a thermocouple table. The instrument used in this lab does the conversion for you, so can read the temperature directly. The thermocouple probe is now a very common device for measuring temperature, particularly in small places. For, example many medical thermometers are now based on thermocouples rather than the more traditional liquid in a glass tube. Experiment ApparatusThe apparatus for this experiment are shown in the following figure, which also demonstrates how you will use the equipment. Figure 3. The apparatus for measuring thermal conductivity. 3 The apparatus for this experiment consists of a hot plate to sup ply heat, an ice bath to absorb heat, and plates of various materials through which heat will follow. Temperatures of the plates will be measured with a glass thermometer. In addition, the diameter and thickness of each plate will be measured with vernier calipers. Method Measure the diameter and thickness of each plate provided.Calculate the areas of the plates. Create the following table in your report and fill it in. tabularize 1. Dimensions of various plates Material Masonite Aluminum plexiglass Plywood Teflon Using the glass thermometer, measure the temperature of the room and ice bath. Record your values. I. Thermal Conductivity of Plexiglass Construct a sandwich consisting of aluminum, masonite and plexiglass with the slots arranged so that thermocouples can be inserted on either side of the masonite plate. Place the sandwich on the hot plate with the aluminum side down. Place the ice bath on top of the sandwich.Switch the hotplate controller on and set the Variac to approxi mately 40% power. The exact value is not important, but if the power is set much higher some of the materials may get too hot. WARNING Use extreme maintenance around the hot plate and when handling any of the materials that come into contact with it for the remainder of the experiment. The surfaces will become HOT It will take up to 30 minutes for the heat flow to achieve a blind drunk state. Monitor the progress by plotting the temperature instructions T1 of the thermocouple 1 and T2 of thermocouple 2 as a function of time. Expect a maximum time of 45 minutes.Take readings every 1 to 2 minutes. If you miss a reading, skip it and record the next reading at the appropriate time on your plot. 4 Diameter (cm) Diameter (m) Area (m2) Thickness (cm) Thickness (m) You should find that the temperature readings eventually approach constant values. sluice if they are still drifting after 30 minutes, the small changes to the heat flow will have only a small effect on your results. Record f inal values of the temperatures for the aluminum/masonite/plexiglass sandwich. You now have all the data needed to calculate the thermal conductivity of plexiglass.See the analysis section later in these notes for details about how to do this. Calculate its value. II. Thermal conductivity of Plywood Carefully remove the Plexiglas plate and replace it with the plyboard sheet (with slot down). Reinsert thermocouple 2 and place the ice bath back on top of the sandwich. Since a steady state heat flow has already been established in the aluminum and masonite, this new configuration should take only about 20 minutes to achieve a steady state. composition you are waiting for the temperature readings to stabilize, you may wish to use the time to calculate the thermal conductivity of Plexiglas.If you do this, keep an eye on the temperature readings so that you know when a steady state has been achieved. Record the steady state values of the temperature for the sandwich of aluminum/masonite /plywood. III. Thermal Conductivity of Teflon Carefully remove the plywood plate and replace it with the Teflon plate (with slot down). Reinsert thermocouple 2 and place the ice bath back on top of the sandwich. Again, a steady state will probably be achieved in about 20 minutes. Record the steady state values of the temperatures for the sandwich of aluminum/masonite/Teflon. Analysis If e neglect the heat that escapes from the edges of the plates (due to convection and radiation), all of the heat provided by the hot plate must flow through each of the plates and into the ice bath, once a steady state has been achieved. Thus the heat flow through each plate must be the same throughout the sandwich. In particular, this means that the heat flow through the masonite is equal to the heat flow through the top material. Therefore we can write Hm = Htop . Using Eq. (1) we find that K m Am Tm xm = K top Atop Ttop xtop ( ) ( ) (2) The thermal conductivity of masonite is known to be 0. 047 6 W/mK.You can derive an expression from Eq. (1) for the thermal conductivity of the top plate. 5 Use your measured values and the known value for the Km to calculate the thermal conductivities of each of the top plates used. Prepare a table like that shown below and fill in the values in your report. Table 2. Thermal conductivities of materials used in this laboratory. Material Calculated thermal Published value of K conductivity (W/mK) (W/mK) Aluminum Masonite Plexiglass Plywood Teflon The least accurate measurements in this experiment are the thermocouple voltages, which are only measured to 0. 1 mV accuracy.Based on this accuracy, estimate the uncertainty in the temperature difference across the masonite plate. Considering the uncertainty in this temperature difference only, what is the approximate percentage error in your calculated thermal conductivity values? Questions 1. Use Eq. (1) to calculate the total rate of heat flow H through each of the plates in Part 1. (Note The sa me value of H must hold for each plate, so you only need to use Eq. (1) once). 2. Do your results agree with the expected values? If not, what measurements, processes, and/or assumptions do you suspect to have been significant sources of error? 6

Canada, America, and the Post Industrial Society Essay

The United States of the States is one of the global powers. On the other hand, Canada, which is close to America, is also a large untaught that has a big economy. There are similarities and differences between the two countries. Some of the similarities are language spoken, religion, literacy, GDP growth per decade, and land area. major(ip) languages spoken in both countries are mainly English, Spanish, and French. Major religions in both countries are Protestant and Catholic. Both countries also have the equal literacy rate of 99% and the same gross domestic product or GDP growth rate per decade of 10%.Also, the land area of the two countries does not differ that much. Nevertheless, in terms of total area, Canada is bigger than the U. S. Canada has a total area of 9,984,670 real kilometers or 3,855,103 square miles while America has a total area of 9,826,630 square kilometers or 3,794,083 square miles. Canada is bigger than America by 1. 6% of its total area or about 158,040 squ are kilometers or 61,020 square miles (United North America). On the other hand, some of these differences include total area, population, GDP, unemployment rate, and life expectancy.With a population of 301,139,947 which is 9 times the population of Canada, America has a great advantage everywhere Canada with a population of only 33,390,141. Another difference between both countries is GDP. The GDP of America is relatively higher than that of Canada. The GDP of America is US$ 13. 458 trillion, which is 11 times the GDP of Canada, compared to US$ 1. 287 trillion GDP of Canada. There is also a disparity in the unemployment rate of both countries. The unemployment rate in America is 5. 1%, which is lower compared to 6. 8% of Canada. Life expectancy in the U. S.is also lower compared to Canada. Ameri cigarets can live up to 78 years while Canadians can live up to 80 years (United North America). The Features of Post Industrial Society Knowledge is a very important factor in our hoste l today. In a post industrial hunting lodge, everyone relies on information. Hence, exchange of information is highly regarded in a post industrial society. Information is gathered with the drug abuse of various data processors, record keeping, market research, etc. As to its economic sectors, the post industrial society is dominated by the tertiary sector, otherwise cognise as the services sector.Thus, the job opportunities mostly include jobs that offer services. Examples of these jobs are train services and computer services, among others. In a post industrial society, productiveness can be seen through the primary sector and the secondary sector because of the contributions of the tertiary sector due to the transition from goods production to provision of services, one of this societys most important features (Gershuny 1-10). Another significant feature of the post industrial era is that the importance of blue collar comes to dominate the economic world.Knowledge as said earl ier is also an important aspect of this society. especially theoretical knowledge (Ritzer 9).Works Cited Gershuny, J. What do we do in Post-industrial Society? University of California, Los Angeles. April 2004. 04 November 2008 . Ritzer, G. The Blackwell Companion to Major Contemporary Social Theorists. Maldem, Mass. Oxford Blackwell, 2003. United North America. Similarities & Differences Between Canada & United States. 1 January 2007. 04 November 2008

Childhood Memories Essay

Childhood is the most innocent phase of mans life. With the passage of time, it fades into adolescence and adulthood. Yet the sweet-scented memories of childhood linger on. My childhood recollections are those of a sheltered and carefree life, nurtured with love and concern. As I was the first child in the family, everybody doted on me.My funny lisping, my innocent mischief and my inane talk-everything was a come of immense pleasure to them. There was neer a word of reproach or censure against me. Once a distant uncle picked me up from my shallow and, without intercommunicate my parents, took me to a fair. When I returned home, it was quite late. I found everybody worried, anxious and apprehensive about my safety. A frantic search for me had already been made.My uncle was taken to task, but cryptograph reprimanded me. Later, it was explained to me that going out with others without the k instantaneouslyledge of the parents was fraught with risks. I was warned, but the warning w as so affectionate, tactful and persuasive that it left a healthy impression on my mind. I was quite inquisitive by nature and pestered my parents with constant queries.They, nevertheless, listened to me patiently and tried to satisfy my curiosity. I also fondly remember my nan with her wrinkled face which creased into a loving smile at the very sight of me. Her amusing anecdotes always transported me into a mysterious wonderland. My thoughts abound with such sweet memories. Each recollection has nostalgic air about it. I will treasure these precious childhood memories for ever.Memories of childhoodSweet are the recollections of the childhood of a man. These fill ones mind with joy when one looks back to the days of childhood. Every child passes its days in the middle of the affection and cares of the parents, granddaddy and grand-mother and other dear relations. Cares and anxieties do not trouble the innocent mind of the child.My childhood daysWhen I look back to the days of my early childhood, I do not remember much. Only I remember how my old grand-mother fondled me. I used to sit in the evening by her side. She would tell me poove talestales of the princes and princesses and rakshasas, and stories of ghosts. I listened to them with rapt attention. These seemed to be true to me.I remember the day clearly when I first went to school. It was a new life to me, but I liked it very much. I made friends with many boys there. I went to school with them and I enjoyed these very much. My teachers loved me very much. I was never afraid of them and they never beat me. I did my lessons well every day. I was fond of story-books. I read the stories of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. They left a deep impression on me. Sometimes part stood in my eyes when I read about the sufferings of Seeta.My grand-mother grew very old. She died when I was nine years old. I loved her very much. Sometimes mother scolded me for doing slightly mischief. But my grand-mother shielded me. I was quite save there. So I felt great sorrow at her death. This is a sad recollection of my childhood.My infant is older than I by eight years. Her marriage ceremony took place when I was ten years old. It was a vary happy occasion. I absented myself from school for several days. My heart was filled with joy. On the day of the marriage our house was crowded with friends and relatives. In the evening the bridegroom and his party came. Conch shells were blowing to welcome the bridegroom. Musicians were playing on their bands. A grand feast was given to the guests. I supplied water to the guests. Of course, I ate my fill that night. Thus I spent the day in the midst of feast and merriment.ConclusionMy days of childhood were really spent in happiness. There was only the sad incident of my grandmothers death. I had no cares and anxieties. I thought of eating, reading, playing and wearing gay clothes and beautiful shoes and nothing else. Now I am a grown-up lad. I cannot now pass d ays so care-free as I did in the past.

Film and Photographic Equipment Essay

As of the time of the display case, 2007, although IMAX was involved in three antithetic industries, the case suggests that it was primarily in Photographic Equipment and Supplier persistence primarily because about 51 per cent of its sum total revenue of IMAX was governance sale. Therefore, the fol depresseding analysis leave alone focus on that industry. Bargaining Power of Suppliers study suppliers of photographic equipment and supplier industry may include manufacturers producing relevant components of any kind of equipment, contractors making the roll in the hay equipment, and so forth.From my viewpoint, the suppliers bargaining power is low because of several reasons. First, a presbyopic with the development of photographically relevant equipment, although the products firms bequeath are technically concentrated, there are certain standards recognized and adopted, much(prenominal)(prenominal) as film size of 35 mm or certain sizes of lens filter, in the industry. Therefore, the switching greet for their buyers is low. Second, photographic equipment and supplier industry is an important customer to its supplier group.Specifically, the usage of the products that the supplier group provides is limited to machinery or equipment in different industries. Besides, although there are few supervene upon products, which situation generally increases supplier groups bargaining power, firms in photographic equipment and supplier industry still rout out easily find bare-assed(prenominal) manufacturers with lower cost. Bargaining Power of Buyers The buyer group of photographic equipment and supplier industry is enormous, ranging from B2B buyers like doubtfulness provide achievement firms to B2C buyers like customers who purchase digital single lens cameras.Considering the digression of consuming difference of buyers and following reasons, the bargaining power of buyers is medium. First, sales volume varies among different segments. For example, interrogative movie production studios or chain multiplexes may have in racy spirits bargaining power because of high purchasing volumes on the other hand, customers who go to Staple to purchase a copy machine have teeny-weeny or no bargaining power. Second, the products in photographic equipment and supplier industry are generally undifferentiated because of aforementioned unvarying standard existing, and therefore bargaining power increases.However, exception could be that once bran-new products are launched with attracting tout and highly accepted by buyers, such as IMAX format, the bargaining power decreases. Moreover, because of the great scope of photographic equipment, switching cost varies extremely, taking the difference between cameras shooting in IMAX digital format and little digital cameras from all brands in the trade as example. Besides, backward integrations are less likely to continue compared to forward integrations from supplier group. Threat of Substitut e ProductsIn photographic equipment and supplier industry, treat of substitute is low primarily because products from this industry has been evolving for decades and has decease essential goods. For instance, copy machine, similarly provided from the industry, has become essential equipment in firms and institutions. Although the substitute products to this example could be pens and paper, few people really would do that for efficiency concern, and therefore the switching cost is high. Intensity of Rivalry Competition in photographic equipment and supplier industry is intense for reasons.Because of the specialized disposition of the products, generally exist barrier is high for big companies like Cannon, Nikon, and Xerox, and those major competitors are highly affiliated to the industry by providing products with advanced technology and competing against each other intensively. Although some products in the industry can differentiate themselves from others and protected by pate nts for a period of time, new film format from IMAX for example, once competitors look for the great potential profit efficacy, it is not difficult for them to produce products with similar features to split the grocery share.Threat of opening From my viewpoint, the threat of entry in the industry is medium. Take multi-business electronics suppliers such as Sony and Samsung as example, they supply mingled lines of products and compete against each other. Even photographic equipment is not their primary selling product, supported by truehearted capital and experienced R&D sections, those companies are able to enter photographic equipment and supplier industry and split a piece of market share, primarily because of their existing reputation from relevant electronics industry.To deal with new coming competitors, modern suppliers are less likely to have continuous price cutting battles because of high fixed costs instead, it is more likely to increase investments, like R&D, and p roduct lines to keep market share in every targeted segment. An obvious example is that when Sony entered digital single lens camera market with cheaper price, other major suppliers like Nikon and Cannon did not cut price on existing tri simplye products but runed product lines to launch cheaper products competing directly to Sony.In before long, the barrier is not so high for certain new competitors to come into the industry, but because of the intense reaction from existing players, the impact and threat new comings bring in is moderate. Competitive Advantages Advanced Technology One of the competitive advantages of IMAX and the most distinguishing characteristics that differentiate the troupe from its competitors is its advanced and unique technology that brings new formats, and other associated administration equipment like screen and projector into the industry. The key share contributes to this advantage is that the family was committed to invest in R&D.In return, the co mpany was granted umteen patents that would keep the company in a unique position and from direct competition in the industry. Products character Control and Relationship Another IMAXs competitive advantage is its quality control of products and system implementation. With its distinguishing technology, IMAX had been implementing the system into multiple locations, including multiplexes and education institutions, and because of its strict quality control and maintenance service, the company could maintain good birth with diverse customers.The agreement of theatrical system implementation and service is an advantage for IMX to generate revenue not only from one-time transactions but long term profit splitting. Brand token and Product dispersion Diversity IMAX has built a unique brand image both from hardware and software perspectives and that also remains the company competitive. First, people would recognize IMAX as a prestigious theatrical system supplier based on their exper ience from multiple locations.Especially when major multiplex brands and education institutions carry its system, its very likely that people would naturally feel IMAX credible. The consequence is beneficial for IMX to expand business later, such as entering home theater system market. From the software perspective, especially the companys educational entertainment production, not only create revenue other than just from commercial production but catch the trend of increased usance of educational entertainment.The situation help IMAX build up a unique brand image that its production is not only commercial but educational so that people would have more trust in the companys future motion picture production. To sum up, although IMAX has several competitive advantages, not all of them will last for too long. For instance, competitors could match up with its advances technology by inventing other formats and once they are accepted by end consumers, it will become a big threat for the c ompany On the other hand, some advantages could last for a long time once IMAX take good care of them.For example, the brand image being as a well motion picture production supplier is one that can remain in consumers minds for a long time and thats not what new competitors can achieve in a short time. Corporate Advantages From my viewpoint, IMAX has corporate advantages because of its diverse productions from equipment supplier, motion picture production, and distribution industry. However, the most important issue is how to supplement those segments to increase the companys growth.Business & ResourcesIMAXs core business, photographic equipment and supplier, provides capabilities to enhance all its business. The company has created competitive advantages as mentioned and those advantages enhance the companys business across industries. For instance, for its motion picture production business, all the films are shot in new IMAX formats, film or digital, by the equipment its own su pplier segment produces, it reduce huge cost for format diversity compared to other films shot in different formats y other studios. Organization Because of the narrow scope of the business, coordination among different sectors in the organization is critical for IMX. For instance, the vertical integration of the business allows the company to share resources such as instant feedbacks for its R&D department from motion picture production sector. By sharing these experience and information, the company will have the ability to forecast and adapt to new opportunities shortly in the future for every sectors in its value chain.In short, IMAXs corporate advantages come from its competitive advantages and vertical integration. Because its business is based on unique technology and coordinated the whole value chain, it is not easy for competitors to imitate and therefore time for its corporate advantages is anticipate to last. Recommendations Keep Diversity of Production To answer the q uestion that if IMAX would lose its differentiation because of numerous Hollywood films, my tribute is that IMAX should keep doing converting Hollywood films and at the same time producing educational films.One reason is that format conversion brings good revenue for IMAX and people would be able to tell the difference between Hollywood movies in IMAX format and its own production. On the other hand, IMAX should keep catching on the trend of the increasing consumption of educational entertainment, because the company has been building up a good image distributing films in educational institutions and such would also prevent the erosion of its brand image.Not Sold to Larger StudiosAnother recommendation for IMAX is that it should not be sold to a larger studio, and the main reason is that IMAX has already created its own competitive and corporate advantages and they are not easy to imitate. What IMAX should do is properly exploiting its assets, both tangible and intangible. Although the company in motion picture production industry is small and face competitors like Pixar, it should still stay on the line catching the trend by coordination and support from its other business ectors. Expanding Market & Production Diversity IMAXs new technology is standing in a niche market without sustainable growth. Even though the company is able to keep generate great revenue from equipment sales, saturation in USA will become an issue someday. To deal with that, IMAX has to make a short term strategy doing business in USA and expand to global market, because from Exhibit 11, we can see that films generated revenue approximately two propagation overseas more as those in USA.However, for long term strategy, IMAX has to find a way to expand its business in a slow-growing market. For instance, the company can expand its product lines into home theater system because the case indicates a high usage rate of DVD, and the system is still highly relevant equipment to the current p roduct lines. By doing so, IMAX can benefit from creating potential revenue from new sources and from keeping its brand image as a innovating company in the equipment supplier industry.

Who Has Been the Biggest Influence in My Life

As such, I am charged with the constitutional duty, which I am resolved to carry out, of serving the interests of the members of every(prenominal) groups of our race and doing arbitrator to every man. It is in this spirit that I now come before you. For in administering the affairs of this nation, you and I share the common responsibility of providing the leadership, the guidance and the service that a democratic politics owes to the people.You and I must(prenominal) provide for their enjoyment of those basic requisites for decent living and of those adequate opportunities for the attainment of material prosperity and ghostly fulfillment. Only thus provide they be able to stand in dignity and freedom in the community of nations. We assume our joint responsibilities at a time when the Nation is faced with many heartrending line of works. The eyes of the world are focused on us, anxious to see how this new Government lead face the difficulties confronting it.Our performance allow be judged not only by our own people just now excessively by the other nations of the world, not only by the present save also by posterity. Because of the impelling and serious problems facing the country today, I should like to depart from the traditional practice of my notable predecessors of delivering an all-embracing State of the Nation message. I shall not burden you now with all the details commonly embodied in such a message, especially those related to the customary and routinary activities of the government.While it is recognized that such functions merit equal and proper attention, I believe it would be more in keeping with the exigencies of the moment to submit, at the proper time and in the hour of need, such special messages to relative on these matters as whitethorn be warranted by circumstances. In the interest of priority of purpose, therefore, I beg leave to submit for the comity of this Congress only the most paramount problems of the Nation which, in my considered opinion, require immediate and preferential attention. dictation OF OUR MISSIONIn my inaugural address, I set forth the goals of our Administration in the coming years, as follows 1. The solution of the problem of corruption 2. The attainment of self-sufficiency in the staple food of our people, namely, rice and corn 3. The creation of conditions that will provide more income to our peopleincome for those who have none and more income for those whose earnings are inadequate for their unproblematic needs 4. The establishment of practices that will strengthen the moral fiber of our nation and reintroduce those values that would glorify our democracy and 5.The launching of a bold but well-formulated socio-economic program that shall place the country on the passageway to prosperity for all our people. This five-fold mission may be carried out by resolving two study problems, namelythe need for moral regeneration and the problem of economic growth. Democracy on Tri al In the accomplishment of our mission, we have chosen the freedom of democracy as the context for the solution of our problems. Democracy is genuinely on trial along with us in our social and economic travails.By our success or nonstarter in leading the Nation from the abyss of want to the plateau of abundance, not only ourselves but also our way of life will be judged. If we falter, we shall fail democracy as well as our people and thus bolster communisms boast that it is a superior political system. But if we get by in laying a dynamic and permanent base for justice and prosperity in this country, we shall punish not only ourselves but democracy itself. Therefore, I first invite your attention to the decadent adduce of our public morality.Our efforts to achieve the goal of economic and social fulfillment will be more efficient and the results we obtain more permanent only if we can suffuse them with a pervasive moral regeneration. At my inauguration, I stated that I would seek to strengthen the nations moral fiber through formal modes of reform, enforcement of the laws and the exercise of the tremendous persuasive power of the Presidency in setting the personal congressman of honesty, uprightness and simple living.The enforcement of the law is solely the responsibility of the Executive Department, but I invite all to join the Executive in wielding the potent power of moral example, and I particularly urge the Congress to assist in conceiving those reforms that will contribute to a moral renaissance of our people. Let me, however, add that it is small effort to steep the young in virtue and morality only to let them realize as they grow up that their elders are neither moral nor virtuous.We -must, therefore, see to it that the practices allowed by law in government and business, in the professions and labor unions, in field and factoryin every area of national attackconform as much as possible with the moral and the ethical. Such practices can be keep up and upheld only if we can at the same time create a sthrong public opinion that will actively approve them and vigilantly condemn the contrary. In our actions, we should not be guided only by what is legal. We must go beyond legality into the demands of morality. Our acts must not only be legal but must be moral as well.

Spirit Bound Chapter Twenty-Seven

WALKING INTO THE COURTROOM was unrivaled of the most surreal experiences of my lifeand not only when because I was the unmatched being accused here. It just kept reminding me of Victors run, and the sen sentencent that I was instanter in his place was almost too weird to compreh complete.Entering a elbow path with a troop of hold inians makes people stareand believe me, in that location were a lot of people jam-packed in in that respectso natur onlyy, I didnt skulk or look ashamed. I walked with confidence, my head held high. Again, I had that eerie flash keystone to Victor. He too had walked in defiantly, and Id been app eithered that hardly a(prenominal)one who had committed his crimes could be bring in that instruction. Were these people opinion the alike(p) thing around me?On the dais at the front of the room sat a woman I didnt recognize. Among the Moroi, a gauge was usually a lawyer who had been ap demonstrateed to the position for the purposes of the per ceive or whatever. The trial itselfat least(prenominal) a big one same Victorshad been presided over by the queen. She had been the one to ultimately decide the final verdict. Here, the Council members would be the ones to decide if I compensate reached that stage. The trial makes it prescribed. Thats where they caput the verdict and dole out the punishment.My escort took me to the front seating of the room, past the bar that separated the primal players from the audience, and motioned me toward a spot next to a middle-aged Moroi in a rattling formal and very projecter disconsolate suit. The suit screamed, Im sorry the queen is dead, and Im going to look fashionable term viewing my grief. His hair was a pale blond, bargely laced with the first signs of silver. Somehow, he make it look good. I presumed this was Damon Tarus, my lawyer, just he didnt say a word to me.Mikhail sat beside me as well, and I was glad theyd elect him to be the one who literally didnt leave my s ide. Glancing derriere, I saw Daniella and Nathan Ivashkov sitting with other high-ranking royals and their families. Adrian had chosen not to join them. He sat farther clog, with Lissa, Christian, and Eddie. All of their faces were filled with worry.The renderan elderly, gray-hai release Moroi who looked care she could still kick asscalled the room to attention, and I twisted around to face forward again. The Council was entering, and she announced them one by one. Two sets of benches had been arranged for them, two rows of six with a thirteenth in back raised. Of course, only eleven of the spots were filled, and I tried not to scowl. Lissa should gravel been sitting there.When the Council was settled, the justness moody to face the rest of us and spoke in a voice that rang through the room. This earshot is straightway in order, in which we forget determine whether there is enough evidence toA commotion at the entrance cut her off, and the audience craned their necks t o encounter what was going on.Whats this disturbance rough? the judge demanded.One of the guardians had the door partially open and was leaning out, apparently let outing to whoever was in the hall. He ducked back into the room. The accuseds lawyer is here, Your Honor.The judge glanced at Damon and me and whence delivered a frown to the guardian. She already has a lawyer.The guardian shrugged and appeared comically helpless. If there had been a Strigoi out there, he would use up known what to do. This bizarre interruption of protocol was beyond his skill set. The judge sighed.Fine. Send whoever it is up here and lets get this settled.Abe walked in.Oh dear lord, I said out loud.I didnt have to s arctic myself for speaking out of turn because a hum of conversation immediately filled the room. My conceive was that half were in awe because they knew Abe and his reputation. The other half were probably just stunned by his appearance.He wore a gray cashmere suit, considerably lighte r than Damons grim black. Underneath it was a dress shirt that was so bright a w impinginge, it beed to glowparticularly next to the brilliant crimson silk tie he wore. former(a) spots of red were scattered about his outfita handkerchief in the pocket, ruby box links. Naturally, it was all as perfectly tailored and expensive as Damons outfit. and Abe didnt look like he was in mourning. He didnt even look like he was coming to a trial. It was more like hed been break on his way to a party. And of course, he sported his usual gold hoop earrings and trimmed black beard.The judge silenced the room with a hand motion as he strutted up to her.Ibrahim Mazur, she said, with a shake of her head. at that place were equal parts amazement and chiding in her voice. This is unexpected.Abe swept her a medieval bow. Its fill outly to see you again, Paula. You havent aged a day.We arent at a country club, Mr. Mazur, she informed him. And while here, you depart address me by my proper title. Ah. Right. He winked. My apologies, Your Honor. Turning, he glanced around until his eyes rested on me. There she is. Sorry to have delayed this. Lets get started.Damon stood up. What is this? Who are you? Im her lawyer.Abe shook his head. There must have been some mistake. It took me a while to get a flight here, so I can see why you would have appointed a community lawyer to fill in.Community lawyer Damons face grew red with indignation. Im one of the most renowned lawyers among American Moroi.Renowned, community. Abe shrugged and leaned back on his heals. I dont judge. No pun intended.Mr. Mazur, interrupted the judge, are you a lawyer?Im a lot of things, PaulaYour Honor. Besides, does it matter? She only drives someone to speak for her.And she has someone, exclaimed Damon. Me.Not anymore, said Abe, his demeanor still very pleasant. He had never stopped smiling, however I thought I saw that dangerous glint in his eyes that frightened so more of his enemies. He was the picture of calm, while Damon looked like he was ready to have a seizure.Your Honor equal she said in that resounding voice of hers. Let the girl choose. She fixed her brown eyes on me. Who do you motive to speak for you?I My mouth dropped open at how abruptly the attention shifted to me. Id been ceremony the drama between the two men like a tennis match, and now the ball had hit me in the head.Rose.Startled, I turned slightly. Daniella Ivashkov had crept over in the row behind me. Rose, she whispered again, you have no idea who that Mazur man is. Oh, didnt I? You involve nothing to do with him. Damons the best. Hes not easy to get.She moved back to her seat, and I looked between my two potential lawyers faces. I understood Daniellas meaning. Adrian had talked her into acquiring Damon for me, and then she had talked Damon into actually doing it. Rejecting him would be an insult to her, and considering she was one of the few royal Moroi whod been adequate to me about Adrian, I certainly didnt want to earn her dislike. Besides, if this was some setup by royals, having one of them on my side was probably my best chance at getting off.And yet there was Abe, looking at me with that clever smile of his. He was certainly very good at getting his way, but a lot of that was by force of his presence and reputation. If there really was some absurd evidence against me, Abes attitude wouldnt be enough to make it go away. Of course, he was sly, too. The serpent. He could make the impossible happen hed certainly pulled a lot of strings for me.That did not, however, change the circumstance that he wasnt a lawyer.On the other hand, he was my father.He was my father, and although we still barely knew each other, hed bygone to great lengths to get here and saunter in with his gray suit to defend me. Was it fatherly love gone bad? Was he really all that good a lawyer? And at the end of the day, was it true that blood ran thicker than water? I didnt know. I actually didnt like that s aying. Maybe it worked for humans, but it make no sense with vampires.Anyway, Abe was staring at me intently with dark brown eyes nearly uniform to mine. Trust me, he seemed to say. that could I? Could I trust my family? I would have trusted my buzz off if she were hereand I knew she trusted Abe.I sighed and gestured toward him. Ill take him. In an undertone, I added, Dont let me down, Zmey.Abes smile grew broader as shocked exclamations filled the audience, and Damon protested in outrage. Daniella might have had to persuade him to take me on in the blood, but now this case had be find a matter of pride for him. His reputation had just been sullied by me red him up.But Id made my choice, and the exasperated judge would hear no more arguments about it. She shooed Damon away, and Abe slid into his seat. The judge began with the streamer opening speech, explaining why we were here, etc., etc. As she spoke, I leaned toward Abe.What have you gotten me into? I hissed to him.Me? What have you gotten yourself into? Couldnt I have just picked you up at the police station for underage drinking, like most fathers?I was beginning to understand why people got irritated when I made jokes in dangerous situations.My fucking futures on the line Theyre going to come out me to trial and convict meEvery trace of humor or renovate vanished from his face. His expression grew hard, deadly serious. A chill ran down my spine.That, he said in a low, like a shot voice, is something I swear to you is never, ever going to happen.The judge turned her attention back to us and the p rose winecuting lawyer, a woman called Iris Kane. Not a royal name, but she still looked pretty hard-core. Maybe that was just a lawyer thing.Before the evidence against me was laid out, the queens murder was alike described in all its grisly detail. Howd shed been found this morning in bed, a silver stake through her pith and a profound look of horror and shock on her face. Blood had been everywhere o n her nightgown, the sheets, her skin The pictures were shown to everyone in the room, triggering a variety of reactions. Gasps of surprise. More fear and panic. And some some people wept. Some of those tears were un doubtedly because of the whole terrible situation, but I speak out many cried because theyd loved or liked Tatiana. Shed been cold and stiff at times, but for the most part, her reign had been a peaceful and just one.After the pictures, they called me up. The hearing didnt run the way a normal trial did. There was no formal switching back of lawyers as they questioned witnesses. They each just sort of stood there and took turns claiming questions while the judge kept order. recede Hathaway, began Iris, dropping my title. What time did you return to your room last night?I dont know the exact time. I focused on her and Abe, not the sea of faces out there. Somewhere around 5 a.m., I think. Maybe 6.Was anyone with you?No, wellyes. Later. Oh, God. Here it comes. Um, Adria n Ivashkov visited me.What time did he arrive? takeed Abe.Im not sure of that either. A few hours after I got back, I guess.Abe turned his charming smile on Iris, who was rustling through some pennings. The queens murder has been pretty accurately narrowed down to between seven and eight. Rose wasnt aloneof course, we would need Mr. Ivashkov to testify to that effect.My eyes flicked briefly to the audience. Daniella looked pale. This was her nightmare Adrian getting involved. Glancing farther over, I saw that Adrian himself seemed eerily calm. I really hoped he wasnt drunk.Iris held up a sheet of paper triumphantly. We have a subscribe statement from a janitor who says Mr. Ivashkov arrived at the defendants building at approximately nine twenty.Thats pretty specific, said Abe. He sounded amused, like shed said something cute. Do you have any desk staff to confirm that?No, Iris said icily. But this is enough. The janitor remembers because he was about to take his break. bunk Hath away was alone when the murder took place. She has no alibi.Well, said Abe, at least according to some questionable facts.But no more was said about the time. The evidence was admitted into the official records, and I took a deep breath. I hadnt liked that line of questioning, but it had been expected, based on the introductory conversations Id heard via Lissa. The no-alibi thing wasnt good, but I kind of shared Abes vibe. What they had so far still didnt seem strong enough to send me to trial. Plus, they hadnt asked anything else about Adrian, which left him out of this.Next exhibit, said Iris. There was contented triumph all over her face. She knew the time thing was sketchy, but whatever was coming up, she thought it was gold.But actually, it was silver. A silver stake.So help me, she had a silver stake in a sort plastic container. It gleamed in the incandescent lightingexcept for its tip. That was dark. With blood.This is the stake used to kill the queen, declared Iris. Miss Hathaways stake.Abe actually laughed. Oh, come on. Guardians are issued stakes all the time. They have an enormous, identical supply.Iris ignored him and looked at me. Where is your stake right now?I frowned. In my room. She turned and glanced out over the crowd. Guardian rock and roll?A tall dhampir with a bushy black mustache rose from the crowd. Yes?You conducted the search of Miss Hathaways room and belongings, correct?I gaped in outrage. You searched myA sharp look from Abe silenced me.Correct, said the guardian.And did you find any silver stakes? asked Iris.No.She turned back to us, still smug, but Abe seemed to find this new randomness even more ridiculous than the last batch. That proves nothing. She could have lost the stake without realizing it.Lost it in the queens heart?Miss Kane, warned the judge.My apologies, Your Honor, said Iris smoothly. She turned to me. Miss Hathaway, is there anything special about your stake? Anything that would split up it from others?Y-yes. Can you describe that?I swallowed. I had a bad feeling about this. It has a posture etched near the top. A kind of geometric design. Guardians had engraving done sometimes. Id found this stake in Siberia and kept it. Well, actually, Dimitri had sent it to me after it had come loose from his chest.Iris walked over to the Council and held out the container so that each of them could examine it. Returning to me, she gave me my turn. Is this your pattern? Your stake?I stared. It was indeed. My mouth opened, ready to say yes, but then I caught Abes eye. Clearly, he couldnt talk directly to me, but he sent a lot of messages in that survey. The biggest one was to be careful, be sly. What would a slippery person like Abe do?It it looks similar to the design on mine, I said at last. But I cant say for sure if its the exact same one. Abes smile told me Id answered correctly.Of course you cant, Iris said, as though shed expected no better. She handed off the container to one of the court cle rks. But now that the Council has seen that the design matches her description and is almost like her stake, I would like to point out that testing has revealedshe held up more papers, victory all over her facethat her fingerprints are on it.There, it was. The big score. The hard evidence.Any other fingerprints? asked the judge.No, Your Honor. Just hers.That means nothing, said Abe with a shrug. I had a feeling that if I stood and suddenly confessed to the murder, he would still claim it was dubious evidence. Someone steals her stake and wears gloves. Her fingerprints would be on it because its hers.Thats getting kind of convoluted, dont you think? asked Iris.The evidence is still full of holes, he protested. Thats whats convoluted. How could she have gotten into the queens bedchamber? How could she have gotten through the guards?Well, mused Iris, those would be questions best explored in trial, but considering Miss Hathaways extensive record of shift into and out of places, as we ll as the countless other disciplinary marks she has, I dont doubt she could have found any number of ways to get inside.You have no proof, said Abe. No theory.We dont need it, said Iris. Not at this point. We have more than enough to go to trial, dont we? I mean, we havent even gotten to the part where countless witnesses heard Miss Hathaway report the queen shed regret establishing the recent guardian law. I can find the transcript if you likenot to mention reports of other expressive commentary Miss Hathaway made in public.A memory came back to me, of standing immaterial with Daniella while I rantedwith others watchingabout how the queen couldnt buy me off with an assignment. Not a good decision on my part. Neither was busting in on the Death Watch or complaining about the queen being worth value when Lissa had been captured. Id given Iris a lot of material.Oh yes, Iris continued. We also have accounts of the queen declaring her extreme disapproval of Miss Hathaways involvemen t with Adrian Ivashkov, particularly when the two ran off to elope. I opened my mouth at that, but Abe silenced me. There are countless other records of Her Majesty and Miss Hathaway sparring in public. Would you like me to find those papers too, or are we able to vote on a trial now?This was directed at the judge. I had no legal background, but the evidence was pretty damning. I would have said that there was definitely reason to consider me a murder suspect, exceptYour Honor? I asked. I think shed been about to give her declaration. Can I say something?The judge thought about it, then shrugged. I see no reason not to. Were collecting all the evidence there is.Oh, me freelancing was not in Abes plan at all. He strode to the stand, hoping to stop me with his wise counsel, but he wasnt riotous enough.Okay, I said, hoping I sounded reasonable and wasnt going to lose my temper. Youve put up a lot of peculiar stuff here. I can see that. Abe looked pained. It was not an expression Id s een on him before. He didnt lose contain of situations very often. But thats the thing. Its too suspicious. If I were going to murder someone, I wouldnt be that stupid. Do you think Id leave my stake stuck in her chest? Do you think I wouldnt wear gloves? Come on. Thats insulting. If Im as crafty as you claim my record says I am, then why would I do it this way? I mean, seriously? If I did it, itd be a lot better. Youd never even peg me as a suspect. This is all really kind of an insult to my intelligence.Rose began Abe, a dangerous tune in his tone. I kept going.All this evidence youve got is so painfully obvious. Hell, whoever set this up might as well have painted an arrow straight to meand someone did set me up, but you guys are too stupid to even consider that. The volume of my voice was rising, and I consciously brought it back to normal levels. You want an easy answer. A quick answer. And you peculiarly want someone with no connections, no caterful family to protect them I hesitated there, unsure how to classify Abe. Because thats how it always is. Thats how it was with that age law. No one was able to stand up for the dhampirs either because this goddamned system wont allow it.It occurred to me then that I had strayed pretty far off the radicaland was making myself look more guilty by slamming the age law. I reined myself back in.Um, anyway, Your Honor what Im nerve-wracking to say is that this evidence shouldnt be enough to accuse me or send me to trial. I wouldnt plan a murder this badly. convey you, Miss Hathaway, said the judge. That was very informative. You may take your seat now while the Council votes.Abe and I returned to our bench. What in the world were you thinking? he whispered.I was telling it like it is. I was reason myself.I wouldnt go that far. Youre no lawyer.I gave him a sidelong look. Neither are you, old man.The judge asked the Council to vote on whether they believed there was enough evidence to make me a viable suspect and send me to trial. They did. Eleven hands went up. Just like that, it was over.Through the bond, I felt Lissas alarm. As Abe and I rose to leave, I looked out in the audience, which was starting to disband and buzzing with talk over what would happen now. Her light green eyes were wide, her face unusually pale. Beside her, Adrian too looked distressed, but as he stared at me, I could see love and determination radiating. And in the back, behind both of themDimitri.I hadnt even known he was here. His eyes were on me too, dark and endless. Only I couldnt read what he was feeling. His face betrayed nothing, but there was something in his eyes something intense and intimidating. The image of him ready to take down that group of guardians flashed through my mind, and something told me that if I asked, he would do it again. He would fight his way to me through this courtroom and do everything in his power to rescue me from it.A brushing of my hand distracted me from him. Abe and I had sta rted to exit, but the aisle ahead of us was packed with people, bringing us to a halt. The touch against my hand was a small piece of paper shoved between my fingers. Glancing over, I saw Ambrose was sitting near the aisle, staring straight ahead. I wanted to ask what was going on, but some instinct kept me silent. Seeing as the line still wasnt moving, I hastily opened the paper, keeping it out of Abes sight.The paper was tiny, its elegant cursive almost impossible to read.Rose,If youre nurture this, then something terrible has happened. You probably hate me, and I dont blame you. I can only ask that you trust that what I did with the age decree was better for your people than what others had planned. There are some Moroi who want to force all dhampirs into service, whether they want it or not, by using compulsion. The age decree has slowed that faction down.However, I write to you with a secret you must put right, and it is a secret you must share with as few as possible. Vasilis a needs her spot on the Council, and it can be done. She is not the last Dragomir. some other lives, the illegitimate child of Eric Dragomir. I know nothing else, but if you can find this son or daughter, you will give Vasilisa the power she deserves. No matter your faults and dangerous temperament, you are the only one I feel can take on this task. Waste no time in fulfilling it.Tatiana IvashkovI stared at the piece of paper, its writing swirling before me, but its message burning into my mind. She is not the last Dragomir. Another lives.If that was true, if Lissa had a half-brother or half-sister it would change everything. She would get a vote on the Council. She would no longer be alone. If it was true. If this was from Tatiana. Anyone could sign her name to a piece of paper. It didnt make it real. Still, I shivered, troubled at the thought of getting a letter from a dead woman. If I allowed myself to see the ghosts around us, would Tatiana be there, restless and unforgiving? I couldnt bring myself to let down my walls and look. Not yet. There had to be other answers. Ambrose had given me the note. I needed to ask him except we were moving down the aisle again. A guardian nudged me along.Whats that? asked Abe, always alarum and suspicious.I hastily folded the note back up. Nothing.The look he gave me told me he didnt believe that at all. I wondered if I should tell him. It is a secret you must share with as few as possible. If he was one of the few, this wasnt the place. I tried to distract him from it and shake the dumbstruck look that must have been on my face. This note was a big problembut not quite as big as the one immediately facing me.You told me I wouldnt go to trial, I said to Abe. My earlier annoyance returned. I took a big chance with youIt wasnt a big chance. Tarus couldnt have got you out of this either.Abes easy attitude about all this infuriated me further. Are you saying you knew this hearing was a lost cause from the beginning? It was what Mikhail had said too. How nice to have such faith from everyone.This hearing wasnt important, Abe said evasively. What happens next is.And what is that exactly?He gave me that dark, sly gaze again. Nothing you need to worry about yet.One of the guardians put his hand on my arm, telling me I needed to move. I resisted his pull and leaned toward Abe.The hell I dont This is my life were talking about, I exclaimed. I knew what would come next. Imprisonment until the trial. And then more imprisonment if I was convicted. This is serious I dont want to go to trial I dont want to spend the rest of my life in a place like Tarasov.The guard tugged harder, pushing us forward, and Abe fixed me with a piercing gaze that made my blood run cold.You will not go to trial. You will not go to prison, he hissed, out of the guards hearing. I wont allow it. Do you understand?I shook my head, confused over so much and not knowing what to do about any of it. Even you have your limits, old man.His smil e returned. Youd be surprised. Besides, they dont even send royal traitors to prison, Rose. Everyone knows that.I scoffed. Are you insane? Of course they do. What else do you think they do with traitors? Set them free and tell them not to do it again?No, said Abe, just before he turned away. They execute traitors. galore(postnominal) thanks to all the friends and family who have lent their considerable support to me as I worked on this, especially my amazing and patient husband. I know I couldnt get through this without you Special thanks also to my pal Jen Ligot and her eagle eyes.On the publishing side, Im always grateful for the hard work of my agent Jim McCarthy, as well as everyone else at Dystel & Goderich Literary Managementincluding Lauren Abramo, who helps spread Vampire Academy around the world. Thank you also to the gang at Penguin BooksJessica Rothenberg, Ben Schrank, Casey McIntyre, and so many otherswho work a lot of magic for this series. My publishers outside the U.S . are also doing wonderful things for getting the word out about Rose, and Im constantly amazed to see the growing international response. Thank you so much for all you do.A last shout-out to my readers, whose continued devotion still overwhelms me. Thank you for reading and loving these characters as much as I do.