Disk operating system Essay

MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) is a single-user, single-tasking computer operating system that uses a command line interface (CLI). †¢ It also works as an interpreter between user and computer. †¢ The term DOS can refer to any operating system, but it is most often used as shorthand for MS-DOS (Microsoft disk operating system). Originally developed by Microsoft for IBM, MS-DOS was the standard operating system for IBM-compatible personal computers. The initial versions of DOS were very simple and resembled another operating system called CP/M. Subsequent versions have became increasingly sophisticated as they incorporated features of minicomputer operating systems. However, DOS is still a 16-bit operating system and does not support multiple users or multitasking. For some time, it has been widely acknowledged that DOS is insufficient for modern computer applications. Microsoft Windows helped alleviate some problems, but still, it sat on top of DOS and relied on DOS for many services. Even Windows 95 sat on top of DOS. Newer operating systems, such as Windows NT and OS/2 Warp, do not rely on DOS to the same extent, although they can execute DOS-based programs. It is expected that as these operating systems gain market share, DOS will eventually disappear. In the meantime, Caldera, Inc. markets a version of DOS called DR-OpenDOS that extends MSDOS in significant ways. †¢ †¢ Components of MS-DOS †¢ MS-DOS consists of four essentials programs and a set of additional utilities. Four main programs are †¢ Boot Record †¢ IO.SYS †¢ MSDOS.SYST †¢ COMMAND.COM What is BOOTing ? †¢ †¢ †¢ It is a process that starts up a computer. It checks for proper functioning of all the peripheral devices attached with the system. It searches for the operating system and, when located, loads it into the main memory. OR When the computer is switched on, the firmware program in Read Only Memory(ROM) also called Basic Input-Output System(BIOS) reads programs and data i.e. Operating System and loads it into memory (RAM). This process is known Bootstrapping(Booting). The OS once loaded takes control of the computer, handles user interaction and executes application programs. BOOTing Sequence During Booting process, computer loads the operating system into its memory. DOS booting involves reading following files into memory namely IO.SYS, MSDOS.SYS, and COMMAND COM. The Basic Input/Output Program (IO.SYS): This program provides interface between the hardware devices and software of the system. It takes care of the keyboard input, character output to monitor, output to printer and time of the day. The File and Disk Manager Program  (MSDOS.SYS) : It contains the file management and the disk buffering management capabilities. It keeps track of all the disk access of an application program and remains permanently in memory. The Command Processor (COMMAND.COM) : It is also called command interpreter. It is the program that displays the system prompt and handles user interface by executing the command typed in by the user using keyboard. The CONFIG.SYS file : This file contains reference to device drivers which are loaded when OS takes control of the computer. This device drivers are required for configuring operating system for running special devices. The AUTOEXEC.BAT file : This is a special batch program that is automatically executed when the system is started. It can be used to define keys, define the path that MS-DOS uses to find files, display messages on the screen etc. It will be executed only if it exists in the root directory or the diskette from which the system is loaded. Each time the system is started, MS-DOS executes the commands stored in AUTOEXEC.BAT file. One can run it without restarting the system by typing AUTOEXEC at the command prompt. Warm and COLD Reboot Switching on of the computer from Power off and loading the operating system is called â€Å"Cold Boot†. This generally starts with memory test and chips initialization. There may be case when the computer is already on or has hanged up and we want to reboot the system. This is known as â€Å"Warm Boot† and is done by pressing ctrl+alt+del keys simultaneously or just by pressing â€Å"Reset† button on the system. Naming DOS directories and files †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ There are two name in DOS and is divided into 2 parts. 1. Primary Name 2. Secondary Name or extension. Primary name is separated from the Secondary name/ extension with the help of a dot (.) look at the following example. Example: ENVOICE. TXT †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Primary name can be from 1 to 8 characters long. Secondary name contains 3 or less than 3 characters and is optional. The extension tells DOS about what kind of file it is. A valid Character for naming a file are: from A to Z and the digit 0 to 9 Types of DOS commands †¢ C :> Is known as DOS command prompt, where we give the commands. DOS command divided into 2 parts. 1. Internal Commands or Memory-Resident Commands 2. External Command or Disk-Residence Commands †¢ Any instruction given to the computer to perform a specific task is called command. The DOS has several commands, each for a particular task and these are stored in DOS directory on the disk. The commands are of two types : (a)Internal Commands : These are in built commands of MS-DOS i.e. these are stored in Command interpreter file (COMMAND.COM). These commands reside in the memory as long as the machine is at the system prompt(C:>) level. To use these commands no extra /external file is required. E.g. DATE, TIME, DIR, VER etc. These are also called Memory Resident Commands. These commands are automatically loaded into the computer‟s memory during the booting process. They actually included in the Command.com file. So these commands are executable immediately after getting the DOS prompt. Example: mkdir, cd, rd, copycon etc. (b) External commands : These are separate program (.com) files that reside in DOS directory and when executed behave like commands. An external command has predefined syntax. for e.g. HELP, DOSKEY, BACKUP, RESTORE, FORMAT etc. These are also called Disk-Resident Commands. These commands are meant for special purpose. These are found in separate files on Hard Disk or Floppy Disk, hence they don‟t typically consume valuable memory space. They are loaded into memory only when called. Example: xcopy, move, doskey etc. Microsoft Disk Operating System Introduction to the Operating Systems: An Operating system is software that creates a relation between the User, Software and Hardware. It is an interface between the all. All the computers need basic software known as an Operating System (OS) to function. The OS acts as an interface between the User, Application Programs, Hardware and the System Peripherals. The OS is the first software to be loaded when a computers starts up. The entire application programs are loaded after the OS. Whenever an application needs information it requests the OS which in turn queries the System clock on the motherboard. User interacts with the computer through the OS then OS interprets inputs given by a user through the Keyboard, Mouse or other input device and takes appropriate actions. An Operating System can be of Three Types: Single User MS-Dos, MS-Win 95-98, Win-ME Multi User UNIX, Linux, XENIX Network Novel Netware, Win-NT, Win-2000-2003 1. Single User: If the single user os is loaded in computer’s memory; the computer would be able to handle one user at a time. 2. Multi user: If the multi-user os is loaded in computer’s memory; the computer would be able to handle more than one user at a time. 3. Network: If the network os is loaded in computer’s memory; the computer would be able to handle more than one computer at time. Command Prompt Interface: Operating System provides a text based interface called command prompt. From the command prompt commands can be issued to perform file and disk management and to run program. Results of these commands are presented to the user as text message. C:>The command prompt can be an alphabet followed by one colon (:), one back slash (), one greater than sign (>) and one blinking element called cursor (_). Where C: represents the Drive letter (Current Drive) represents the current folder / Directory > represents the end of the Prompt and _ blinking element (represents the Cursor) Always a cursor position decides that the current typed letter from the keyboard will appear on that position. The operating system (OS) is the first program that must be loaded into the memory of your PC before you can use it for any application. You can start your computer with disk operating system (DOS) or some other operating system such as Windows 95, 97, 98 or Windows NT that might be installed in the Hard disk. In this chapter, we shall discuss the basic facilities available in DOS. Switch to MS-DOS and go through most of the text given in this and the next two chapters. If your computer is running under windows 95/98 or Windows NT, perform the following steps to switch to MS-DOS, otherwise move to section 2.1. ï‚ · Click the start button in the taskbar and press the windows logo key to open the start menu then click programs in the start menu. ï‚ · Windows displays the program submenu. ï‚ · In the program menu click MS-DOS Prompt and your screen displays a window that contains MS-DOS Prompt, such as â€Å"C:windows>_†. ï‚ · If you like you can also restart your computer in MS-DOS mode by using the following steps: o Close any open programs o Click the Start Button in the TaskBar or Press the Windows Logo Key to open the Start Menu. o Click â€Å"restart in MS-DOS Mode† and then click OK. Wait for some time and your PC restarts in MS-DOS Mode. After your PC starts in MS-DOS Mode or window, skip the next section and move to section 2.2. What is a File? In computer terminology, file is a collection of text or data stored on a storage device, such as a Floppy Disk or Hard Disk. If you new to computers, it may sound a bit complicated. Well, a computer file is not much different from a conventional paper file that you must have used, or at least seen being used. Just as you stored different types of documents (invoice, letters, reminders, memos etc.) in conventional files, computer files too store information. File Name Each file is given a name so that it can be referred to later. This name is called Filename. The filename in DOS can be up to eight alpha-numeric characters long. Optionally it can also have a period (.) followed by an extension name. The extension name the up to three characters long. For instance, consider the following filename: REPORT2 PROGRESS.DOC Here REPORT2 is a filename. This filename does not have an extension name – „DOC‟. The use of an extension name in a filename is optional. However, the extension name helps in organizing and identifying a file. For instance „DOC‟ may suggest that it is a document file; and „COM‟ may suggest that is a command file. If you use an extension name with a filename, normally you will have to specify the complete file name, normally you will have to specify the complete file name (i.e. including the extension name) while using it with DOS commands. While naming files, you can use the following characters in filename: A- Z, a- z, 0 – 9, @, #, $, %, ^, &, -, _, { },`, ~,( ) You cannot use other characters, such as coma (,) colon (:), semicolon (;), , , /, etc. in filename. Moreover, you cannot use space in filenames. Some examples of invalid file names are: Filename Reason SALE 2 Contains space PROGRESSER Contains more that eight characters MY, File Contains commas CHAP_01.DOC3 Extension name contains more than 3 characters If you use more than eight characters in the filename or more than three characters in the extension name, DOS may automatically truncate the filename by removing extra characters. Further, some file names, such as COM 1, COM 2, LPT1, com and PRN are reserved by DOS for its own use. Therefore, do not use these names to name your file. Also, remember that all DOS application programs including Word, Excel, WordStar, Bbase III PLUS AND Fox Pro follow the same file naming convention. WHAT IS A Directory? As you know, the storage capacity of the hard disk is usually quite large (10 MB to a few GB). You can store hundreds or even thousands of files in your hard disk. Even the capacity of a floppy disk is large enough to store many files. A directory is nothing but a named section of a storage device, such as hard disk, floppy disk. In other words, to organize file on hard disk or floppy disk, these are divided into various segments (sections), called directories. You can store any number of files in each directory. The directory helps to organise your file in an efficient manner. Using directories in a storage devise is similar to keeping different types of files in an office in separate drawers of a filing cabinet. For instant, Xyz Company may keep all sales files in the first drawer, all purchase files in the second drawer and all employees‟ files in the third drawer of a filing cabinet. In the same way, when XYZ Company computerizes its operation, it may store all sales files in the SALES directory, all purchase files in the PURCHASE directory and all employees‟ files in the EMPOLYEES directory. Similarly, the user Raj Kumar may keep his personal files in the RAJ directory and the secretary of XYZ Company may store the letters in the LETTERS or DOC directory. Like a file name, the directory name can also have up to eight alpha-numeric characters. The directory name can also have and extension name up to 3 characters long. However, normally, the extension name is not used with the directory name. When you start your PC, it usually responds with „C :/>‟ and selects the main or the root directory of drive C. Any file that you create or copy to drive  C is added to this root directory. If you continue to add files in the root directory, after a few days, the root directory will have too many files. This will not only confuse you, it will also make the PC slow. The PC may take too long to locate or open the files if there are too many files in a directory. There for you should try to use directories (and sub directories) in your hard disk DOS always creates a root directory in each story device. You can create new directories in the root directory of the hard disk or floppy disk. You can store files in these directories. Moreover, beside files, each directory can also have directories. Those, the file and directory organization in DOS looks like the roots of a tree, as show in figure 2.1.here, the root directory in drive C contains if you files in two directories – WORD and EXCEL. The WORD directory contains a few files as well as a directory TENDER. Sometimes, the second level directory (TENDER in this case) is called sub-directory. The root directory contains another directory – EXCEL. This directory contains a few files as well as two directories – SALES and EMPLOYEE. Both these directories contain files. At any level in the directory structure, can be created. For example, another directory, say FOXPRO directory may contain files as well as more directories. If you want, you can remove files from any directory or more files to another directory. You can also delete an enter directory. Comments to copy, move, rename and delete files and to create and change directories are discussed letter in this chapter. Additional file and directory comments are discussed in the next chapter.

A Corner of the Universe Essay

â€Å"He was called lots of names. And that was one of the things that made it hard to be Adam. Hattie (pig. 177) Like I said sooner or lat r friendships will be made, and new memories will be made. All through the book Hatter's grandparents were always trying to live in this little â€Å"perfect life†, but as we know life isn't perfect, and with life comes challenge gees and their challenge was dealing with Adam. Dealing with Adam is tough because h e was mentally disabled, and also when others would pick on Adam or things would NT go his way he'd get upset, and this would somehow ruin the routine Of his parent's † perfect lives†. One quote that states this is, â€Å"Maybe Nana and Papa think he doesn't fit in there.Certainly, he is not part of the perfect world Nana has worked so hard to cream et. † Hattie (pig. 34) This quote means that even if Adam is their son he isn't â€Å"perfect t†. At first this does bother Adam, but then he realizes that h e has Hattie and Leila (Leila sis character met further on in the book) and he is fine with that. When you look back at all the things you have done with your friends all that is there is memories of your past that you have shared together. In the b ask â€Å"A Corner of the Universe†, Adam, Hattie, and Leila have an â€Å"adventure† with one another.The quote that states that is, â€Å"Oh, Oh, what an adventure, Hattie Owen! An ad Venture indeed. (pig. 127) Adam is overjoyed about the â€Å"adventure† he is going to have with Hattie and Leila, he can't wait. With our friends we share experiences that can never be replaced that is why friendships hold such a precious value. Overall friendships hold a value like no other, that even gold's value is nothing when compared to a long lasting closeness. With friendships people h eave experiences, just like Adam did with Hattie and Leila. Also with that pact you f arm a bond that can never be broken.

5 Stategies to Involve Parents

A suggestion box is an ideal tool for parents on the go. This gives parents the opportunity to be involved without cutting into their busy schedules. Also this benefits those parents whom like to anonymously suggest ideas about the service or certain activities. Having the box in an accessible place is important in order for every parent to know where it is and have immediate access. Putting in place some parent suggested ideas will continue to encourage parent involvement. Parent Read Along: A parent read along is a good way to include parents in an activity with the kids at the center while increasing child development. This is an activity that could take place once a month that encourages parents read a story to their child’s classroom. Having parents come read to children at story time will be a quick and efficient way to involve parents; preferably the story session day and time should meet the need of the parent. This in return lets the parents know that the center is dedicated to putting the child and family first. I believe this strategy would benefit the development of children because it encourages and promotes learning while reading in addition to parent involvement. Keep Parents Updated: Keeping parents informed of what takes place on a daily basis, upcoming events and how they can get involved is an open invitation. Finding additional creative ways of spreading the news rather than by word of mouth may be a little catchier. Having flyers, newsletters, or possibly sending emails may grasp the attention of the parent; being that technology is so dominate and people communicate via e-mail frequently. Going the extra mile shows that your daycare center encourages parental involvement. Bring Your Parent To Center Day: Having events that are centered on parental participation is another way to get parents involved. An event like bring your parent to Center day puts parents in the spotlight. The Parents Day event resembles that of show and tell. Parents can show off their skills while interacting with their child (ren) at the center. It would be good to have this type of event maybe once a month in order to give each child’s parent(s) an opportunity while providing varying days and times. Progress Meetings: Every parent should take interest in their child’s progress and achievements. A progress meeting encourages parental involvement. Progress meetings can be scheduled accordingly or spur of the moment. Scheduling meetings to best fit the need of the parent shows concern in the matter. Updating a parent of their child’s progress while they are signing them out counts as well. Making parents aware that their involvement with their child will likely have benefits for their child’s development also may produce more participation at the center. When other parents see parents getting involved they usually will too. This strategy as well contributes to the development of children because for one the parent is involved. Having parent involvement encourages children to push on and do well. Progress meetings helps acknowledge problem areas if any so that, if additional help is needed the parent is aware and will do as such.

Obesity in School Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Obesity in School - Essay Example It causes high blood pressure, as well as high blood cholesterol levels and decreases the ability of the child to be able to come out of this trap. (Barness LA, Opitz JM, Gilbert-Barness E) A child may also be prone to breathing problems and this reduces his ability to be able to carry out any physical activity whatsoever. Various other problems that are associated with the risk of obesity are gout, cancer and gallbladder problems. A number of children have also been known to suffer from gall stones and osteoarthritis because it tends to weaken the bones due to accumulation of fat in the body. Thus, these aspects need to be looked into in order to let the child live a happy life and not let him be prone to such diseases in his future. So what is causing such alarming rate of obesity among school students in USA? More and more children are now prone to obesity and the problem never ceases to go down with time, with parents getting tensed and worried for their children and looking for solution which could cater to the problem in the most effective and efficient manner. To highlight the solution to the problem, one of the main acts which needs to be initiated by schools is to foster an exercise module which shall incorporate physical fitness among the students of the school inside the school premises at regular intervals and throughout the week so that the students do not fall prone to ill health during their academic calendar. One of the primary problems which exist in schools is the availability of vendor machines in schools which cater to the needs of the students at any time. The vending machines consist of low nutrient fast food which is easily consumable by the children. The vending machines have been selling high fatty foods and more than... This report approves that obesity is a very dangerous problem even though prima facie it might not appear to be so. This is because fat cells accumulate in the body of a child and when he or she grows older, they refuse to burn, causing the child other problems like heart diseases and various body problems. Teachers must talk to the children in school and explain to them the growing problem of obesity and how children must cooperate with them in order to work things out because after all it is for the good of children. This essay makes a conclusion that teachers can even ask the children for some solutions that they deem fit and would be willing to cooperate with. The above mentioned solutions to this problem are only a few suggestions which the school may incorporate within its daily routine. Parents also need to understand that since their child spends the maximum time at school; he or she needs to comply with the above mentioned in order to be fit. Eating healthy should become a daily part of every child’s living so that they are able to lead a proper lifestyle. All schools across the country need to introduce various activities and campaigns in order to fight this problem and help children to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle and prepare them for the future as well. Physical exercises and healthy eating are merely one part of taking care of obesity. The school can always think of more suggestions and implement them, with regard to having on campus health checkups and regular obesity fighting programs.

History of China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

History of China - Essay Example Firstly, with regards to why the British sought to smuggle opium into China, the answer to this question is undeniably quite simple. Ultimately, the British sought to smuggle opium into China to make the country weak, to provide the British Empire, and by extension its economy, a level of domination over China, and by extension by which China, its government, and people, would be reliant upon the British to fulfill any further levels of trade that might exist between the Chinese and the outside world. Ultimately, the reader can note that a highly unethical situation arose from this which encouraged key levels of Imperial exploitation over the Chinese government and its people (Xin, 2010). Whereas there have been many cases in history of organized crime and the means by which it was substances of one form or another have been trafficked, the opium trade between the British Empire and China is perhaps the perfect example of economic warfare as the importation and reliance on opium was utilized as a leverage point by which the British Empire could gain a further degree of economic power and control over the peoples of a region that much of Europe had been anxious to control for the better part of several hundred years. Realizing that the current dynamic of ever-increasing opium addiction and the means by which the economic resources of China were being undermined by the British Empire, the imp are demanded action. Firstly, the Emperor sought to arrest Chinese opium dealers and then extended this power outside of national Chinese boundaries demanding that foreign firms turn over any and all stop of opium that existed with the nation. As might be expected, these foreign merchants summarily refused to turn over their stock as they made a valuable trade and livelihood through the sale of this drug. In such a way, a key level of disagreement contest arose between the foreign merchants of opium and the Imperial power of China. As such, it was the belief of the British t hat it was their responsibility to protect key trade interests that provided a high level of profitability for their global economy and a level of control over the region of China as a whole (Feige & Miron, 2008). Within such a manner, the first of two opium wars were kicked off in which the trade interests of the British Empire and the societal concerns of the Chinese Empire, with regards to opium addiction, came head-to-head in armed conflict. The result of these opium wars was a complete humiliation for the Chinese Emperor and the peoples of China. This was so much the case that Chinese historians, both then and now, refer to the result of these opium wars as â€Å"the century of humiliation†. This is mostly due to the fact that the overwhelming military superiority and coordination of the British forces pressured the existing Qing Dynasty to capitulate to almost any and all demands that the British placed upon it. Due to the fact that the Chinese were unable to mount a su ccessful military defense of their homeland during either of these two opium wars, the British were able to exact a high price for insurrection, as they saw it, to British imperial power. Ultimately, the effects of the opium wars can be understood within two distinct contexts. Firstly, the

Innovation Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Innovation Management - Essay Example In the current business environment, technological innovation is the key driver of achieving competitive advantage among the companies. Firms rely on the recently developed products as the major sources of revenue and increase in the profit margin. Thus, innovation is becoming a metric measure of the current performance level of firms in different sectors. Globalization has taken, and is taking place in the business world (Aalbers et al., 2014). As such, it has contributed towards the development of innovative strategies among the firms. Such emerges from the foreign pressure that local firms receive in terms of the quality of their products and services. Therefore, companies are engaging in the production of differentiated products and services so that they can survival foreign competition. The introduction of the new products ensures that firms have the potential of protecting their margins and lowering their production costs. Such includes improving on abilities of the firms in th e competitive market. Technological advancements have also triggered firms to focus on innovation. These advancements include computer-aided manufacturing and computer-aided design, which help in the short-run production, as well as the attainment of economies of scale within the production chain. The aim is to ensure that the products and services meet the customer needs. Such is essential because different customers express unique needs in terms of the quality of the quality of services and products that they receive from the market.

Evidence base Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Evidence base - Assignment Example sts that operating room nurses should exhibit strong professional judgment, effective communication and critical thinking skills that aid them in becoming accustomed to the dynamics of a surgical room (Moss et al, 2014). According to the Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada, the policy does not only assist in defining the safety measures of the patient but similarly plays a role in helping the perioperative nurses attain competence. Additionally, the enactment of such a policy results into continuous improvement of perioperative nursing as a practice (Wade, 2014). The practice of perioperative nursing is broad given that they routinely have to interact with different healthcare providers including surgeons and anesthetists. To that effect, a perioperative nurse often takes part in all the operating phases ranging from pre-assessment all the way to recovery. Data relevant to the highlighted policy is often collected by analyzing whether the perioperative nurse assigned to a specific patient took part in the preoperative, anesthetics, surgical and recovery stages. This is because the nurses are often required to sign in for any session they take the patient through. Moss, J. & Tibbs, M. S. (2014, November). Promoting Teamwork and Surgical Optimization: Combining Team STEPPS with a Specialty Team Protocol. Association of perioperative Registered Nurses journal. DOI:

Final Exam on Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Final Exam on Strategic Management - Essay Example Based on the information provided in this case, you are required to prepare and submit a report outlining the following in your application: Statistics of the revenue generated by various online movie rental organizations prove that the evolution of the industry has moved extremely high since the time DVDs were introduced in 1997 and phasing out of VHS. Most organizations in the business of DVD/rental of DVD's have witnessed predominant growth - eg. Netflix 74%, DVD sales 34%, apart from companies such as Blockbuster video, Wal-Mart, Movie Gallery, Walt Disney's movies on demand, have reported a highly positive trend of revenue, which confirms that the market size of the movie entertainment is rapidly growing, and expected to grow further at an international market level, however with positive technology advancements. It is predicted by Analysts that the market of online movie/video game rental is expected to grow more than $30 billion by 2006. a) The geographical areas of online movie rental companies are with a spread world wide, either with direct outlets, franchises, sales of DVDs, DVD recorders, or download from the internet, thereby resulting in global competition. i. b) Number of rivals: The rental of movies are available are through: Online rentals. Physical retail stores and stand alone outlets. Physical retail store rental outlets. Websites PC downloads Piracy of DVDs Sales of DVD recorders. c) Size of Competitors and services: The introduction of consumer electronic product being sales of the Digital Video disc, where movies are available through wide range of channels, following are the various size of competitors: i. Netflix one of the world's largest online movie rental service provider, founded in 1997 and successfully achieved a base of 1 million subscriber over a span of 3 years being half the time span achieved by AOL which is another online service provider. Netflix offers a choice of 15000 movies to its customers, with leading 15 distribution outlets, where DVDs reach more than 90 percent of its subscribers with generally one business-day delivery. It also offers personalized movie recommendations to its members, and also allows members to share and recommend movies to one another. It has reported a business growth of 74%. ii. Blockbuster video - an organization in business of video cassettes, DVD and video games, with most of its revenue from United States, with their innovative program of "pay-per-view" co-branded with DIRECTV. Blockbuster reported $5.5 billion in 2002 and grown to 8500 franchised stores. They offered 44 movie selection a day to subscribers. iii. Wal-Mart - One of the largest retailer, reported an income of $244.5 billion, established itself largely in the United States with 3200 facilities and 1100 facilities abroad, with 7 distribution centres. iv. Movie Gallery: An organization that had grown after acquiring "Mom-and-pop" video stores and with further

Data Center Design Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Data Center Design - Research Paper Example Before designing the air cooled system, the amount of heat produced must be quantified. This is either in calories, joules, Tons or BTU. To determine the heat output of the system, the total quantity of heat produced by the hardware and their components when fully functional must be quantified. This hardware components include the Uninterruptable Power Supplies (UPS), the Information Technology Equipment, lighting and people working in the data center building. As it had been stated earlier, some of the hardware equipment to be used in the data center are NetApp 2050, HP C7000 Blade enclosure, and KVM. Each of this equipment has different minimum ventilation requirements. To install HP C7000 Blade enclosure, there are several minimum requirements. For good efficiency of HP C7000 Blade enclosure, there are different rack requirements. According to HP C7000 Blade enclosure documentation (Hewlett-Packard Development Company, 2010), HP C7000 Blade enclosure is optimized to work with 1000 0 series racks. Thus to facilitate adequate airflow and to allow for servicing, the spatial requirements below are considered. †¢Ã‚  A clearance of approximately 0.635 meters is left at the front part of the rack†¢Ã‚  At the back, a clearance of 0.762 meters is left to facilitate †¢Ã‚  In case of multiple racks, approximately 1.219 meters is left between the back of one rack and the rear of the adjacent racks. The design of HP C7000 Blade enclosure is in such a way that cool air is drawn into the system from the front part to cool the system.... Room ventilation The data center is composed of servers, routers, switches, among other hardware. All this are electronic devices which produces heat. This heat if not well eliminated, can destroy the electronic components in the hardware contained in the data center. Air – cooled systems are mostly used in data centers since most of the equipment are air – cooled. In this project, considering the number of hardware used and the software run on the systems, an air cooled system will be efficient. Before designing the air cooled system, the amount of heat produced must be quantified. This is either in calories, joules, Tons or BTU. To determine the heat output of the system, the total quantity of heat produced by the hardware and their components when fully functional must be quantified. This hardware components include the Uninterruptable Power Supplies (UPS), the Information Technology Equipment, lighting and people working in the data center building. As it had been s tated earlier, some of the hardware equipment to be used in the data center are NetApp 2050, HP C7000 Blade enclosure, and KVM. Each of this equipment has different minimum ventilation requirements. To install HP C7000 Blade enclosure, there are several minimum requirements. For good efficiency of HP C7000 Blade enclosure, there are different rack requirements. According to HP C7000 Blade enclosure documentation (Hewlett-Packard Development Company, 2010), HP C7000 Blade enclosure is optimized to work with 10000 series racks. Thus to facilitate adequate airflow and to allow for servicing, the spatial requirements below are considered. A clearance of approximately 0.635 meters is left at the front part of the rack At the back, a clearance of 0.762 meters is left to facilitate

Problem Solving-Answer the questions related to The Theory of Essay

Problem Solving-Answer the questions related to The Theory of entrepreneurship - Essay Example Curran stated the term entrepreneur should be kept for those small business owners who are innovative and opportunistic in organizing resources or offering new products and services in chase of profit, and others that are not innovative and merely offer recognized and services to existing markets are merely small business owners. Schumpeters interactions with the thoughts of other economists were relatively complex in his most essential contributions to economic analysis were the theory of business cycles and development. Following neither Walras nor Keynes, Schumpeter start in The Theory of Economic Development with a paper of circular flow which, not including any innovations and innovative actions, leads to a inactive state. The inactive state is, according to Schumpeter, explained by Walrasian equilibrium. The superman of his story, though, is, in fine Austrian fashion, the entrepreneur. The entrepreneur upsets this equilibrium and is the reason of economic development, which proceeds in cyclic fashion along several time scales. In fashioning this theory linking innovations, cycles, and development, Schumpeter kept alive the Russian Nikolai Kondratievs thoughts on 50-year cycles, Kondratiev waves. Schumpeter offered a framework in which the four main cycles, Kondratiev, Kuznets, Juglar and Kitchin can be combined collectively to form a merged waveform. In fact there was significant professional competition between Schumpeter and Kuznets. The wave form offered here did not contain the Kuznets Cycle basically because Schumpeter did not identify it as a suitable cycle (you can see "Business Cycles" for verification. A Kondratiev wave could comprise of three lower degrees Kuznets waves. Each Kuznets wave could, itself, be faked of two Juglar waves. In the same way two or three Kitchin waves could outline a higher degree Juglar wave. If each of these were in stage, more

Virgin Islands Essay Example for Free

Virgin Islands Essay Virgin Islands in United States were previously known as Danish West Indies. They are situated about fifty miles from east of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean. About 108,612 citizens are living mainly on Saint John, Saint Croix, Saint Thomas and Water Islands. Total land area covered by the territory is 133. 73 square miles which is approximately 346. 4 km2. Before their acquirement by U. S these islands were owned by the Kingdom of Denmark which ruled since 1754. Secretary of the country, namely William H. Seward, wanted to protect their naval bases for the safety of U. S interest in Caribbean during the Civil War. They prepared themselves to control the main naval routes from Central and Latin America which is the first authorized gateway to Denmark. Due to the internal dilemma faced by Demark and declined economy of the islands, Danish officials negotiated with the minister of the United States that directed to an agreement of purchasing it for $7. 5 million in 1867. Though, Danish authorities had a favorable plebiscite and a prompt ratification but still they failed to secure their Congress and public opinion. As a result, they were defeated due to a natural disaster in Saint John which led to purchase Alaska by President Andrew Johnson. On the other hand, opinion by the citizen of Denmark was in favor to the expansion by foreigners. The treaty was however faded away in the Senate and was ultimately rejected in 1869. To purchase the islands, Secretary of State John Hay showed efforts in 1902 who thought that Germans were planning out to acquire naval bases of the Caribbean Sea. Although, Danish government was not willing to surrender their islands and were hoping to get benefit from the impending canal namely isthmian. Due to German expansionism, secretary of State Robert reopened the negotiation and as a result a treaty was signed in 1916 where all the approvals were replaced in 1917. About twenty five million dollars were transferred after the favorable negotiations in 1917. Saint Thomas and Water Island were also developed during World War II as a defense base. After the authorities were transferred from the department of navy, the islands were handed over to the office of insular affairs in 1931 where it stayed till 1971. As an unincorporated land of United States, these islands were given limited form of independency due to Organic Act of 1936. After the Revised Organic Act was published in 1954, the degree of self-governance became even more enhanced. (Statens Arkiver) Economy of these islands is mostly based on tourism with almost 2. 6 million tourists each year which account 80% of GDP and services. However, its agriculture sect is smaller than manufacturing sects which consist of electronics, textiles, refining of petroleum and pharmaceuticals. Petroleum refineries in Saint Croix are the largest all over the globe. Islands do get damaged due to storms and other natural disaster but the partnership for trading purpose is solely the mainland of the United States and Puerto Rico helps to renovate the islands. Still government is working to expand their private sector, tourism and protection of the environment. (The World FactBook, 2008). The islands are situated amid the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. They are about fifty miles east from Puerto Rico and sixty miles west from Caribbean Islands. Basically, Virgin Islands are located at the top of the curve of Caribbean Islands where it starts from Florida to South America. Virgin Islands in United States consist of four major islands and fifty smaller cays and islands. Islands are placed at the peak of submerged mountains that rise from some hundred feet over the sea and ocean floors. Virgin Islands consist of mountains, sea cliffs, tiny streams, forests, and beautiful sand beaches. (Virgin Islands Vacation Guide Community, 2008) Following is the deep analysis of major islands located in Virgin Island Saint Croix Saint Croix is one of the largest Virgin Island in the United States as it was once roofed by sugar cane. This striking island does not have visitors like Saint Thomas and Saint John has but it however consist of a port of vacation. Saint Croix is almost covered with 84 square miles land. It is far away from Saint Thomas almost 40 miles from south. This Caribbean island has a dramatic history and vast cultivation of sugar cane. Several flags have fluttered over the land of Saint Croix but the predominant influence was of Danish which ruled for about 250 years. There are a number of sceneries throughout the island such as lush rain forest towards northwest and palm beaches that is connected to clean aquamarine water at east end. Though, southern location of island is covered with industries which include more than hundred sugar mills. Nonetheless, roads of the island need to get repaired. A number of roads are unmarked and tourist might get lost some where on the island. A park that covers 850 acres of the land with the water surface of 1. 5 miles to the northern coast of Saint Croix is located. Buck Island is a part of that park even since 1948 which consist of wonderful snorkeling. A number of historical exhibits are found in Fort Frederik which is located in Frederiksted, constructed in 1760 and was renovated back in 1840’s. A number of historians argue that Fort Frederik was one of the first fort where the salute ceremony to the flag of United States was held in 1776. It is also been said that Governor General Peter von Scholten liberated the Dutch slaves at Fort Frederik in 1848. Conversely, one of the best fort in Saint Croix is Fort Christiansvaern, located in Christiansted. Saint Thomas Saint Thomas is another major island of Virgin Islands which is likely to be called as cruise ship on the Caribbean Sea. This island consists of natural beauty and it also has one of the finest weather in West Indies. Tourism in this island plays role of a king. People love to visit Saint Thomas as they can gain foreign culture experience. Virgin Islands including Saint Thomas have all the components from tropical paradise to exotic wild life. As a part of the United States, it is easy to visit Saint Thomas and other Virgin Islands. A number of fast food restaurants are also located in Saint Thomas plus traveling from United States is not complex due to the protection given by American government. Name of Virgin Islands were given after a famous explorer namely Christopher Columbus. In 1492, Christopher Columbus gave a name to the group of islands therefore Las Once Mil Virgenes in the respect of Saint Ursula’s martyred maidens as believed by Christians. The United States however purchased it share for Virgin Islands in 1916 from Denmark. Every Virgin Island has its own personality and scenery. (Linda Garrison, 2008) Saint Johns Saint John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands that covers 20 square miles of the land. Two third of Saint John is covered by national park. Saint John consists of over 5,000 residents. The island is a domicile of a number of ethnic backdrop that play its own role in Saint John’s through the celebration, music and other cultural rituals. The island itself ensures the magnificent and unique beauty of its nature park particularly by its historical insight. Hiking is the mostly done on this island therefore trip is incomplete without it. Laurance Rockfeller purchased a portion of Saint Johns in 1950’s with a thought of enjoying the natural world. However, there are many other places in Saint Johns that are dotted around the island such as Annaberg Plantation, a sugar mill established in the 18th century, which is located at the north end and Catherineberg Ruins sugar mill which was considered to be the head quarters of Saint John where salves were trained to become a tribal soldier. Weather in Saint John is considered to be tropical with about thirty degrees Celsius. The hot sunny weather keeps winter months hot however humidity is lesser than in summer. Conclusion When Virgin Islands were transferred to United Stated from Denmark, a history was ended but another began. This transfer was however been awaited by the native people of Virgin Islands hoping for the development of Virgin Islands. Involvement of United States is considered to be a formula for the development of economic and social ills of which people were suffering in Virgin Islands. However, the concept of islands to be a military base rather than a state that consist of natural resources is developed by the United States for the favor of people.It was also determine to the changes in policies and attitude of the United States in future years. Bibliography 1) The World FactBook. Virgin Islands. November 6, 2008. Central Intelligence Agency. November 18, 2008 https://www. cia. gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/vq. html#Geo 2) Statens Arkiver. Virgin Islands History. Danish National Archives. November 18, 2008 http://www. virgin-islands-history. dk/eng/default. asp 3) Linda Garrison. St. Thomas in the U. S. Virgin Islands (USVI) – Cruise Lines’ Favorite Virgin. 2008. Cruises. November 18, 2008 http://cruises. about. com/cs/caribbeanports/a/stthomas_2. htm 4) Linda Garrison. St. Croix in the U. S Virgin Islands – Things to do with a Day in Port. 2008. Cruises. November 18, 2008 http://cruises. about. com/cs/caribbeanports/a/stcroix. htm 5) Virgin Islands Vacation Guide Community. Virgin Islands Geography. 2008. Virgin Islands Now. November 19, 2008 http://www. vinow. com/general_usvi/geography/ 6) CaribbeanWay. St. John USVI. Luxury Villa Rentals and Sales. November 19, 2008 http://st-john. caribbeanway. com/general-info. asp

Overfishing and it Effects to the Environment Essay Example for Free

Overfishing and it Effects to the Environment Essay For the last 10 years, the world had been aware of the various changes which had been occurring within our environment. It is known to us that the actions which our ancestors had done in the past have now caused us many problems such as global disasters that could truly ruin the future of the next generation. In the event of the problem of climate change (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005), various things had come up such as pollution of the air and various water resources. Due to this, different aspect of the environment is deeply affected and sometimes devastated because of the scenarios present. For many people who live in a place where in fishing is their main industry, it is immediately declared that their primary source of income is directly affected by the harsh conditions of the changing weather brought by climate change. Although it is true the climate change is affecting the waters which is one of the main source of our resources, it could not be hidden that the individuals who are directly involved in the industry are also to be blamed to the catastrophe in the water industry. In the waters, one of the main problems which are faced by the industries is the lessening of the fishes in the see. One of the main culprits of this issue is the over fishing of various fishermen who are connected to the huge companies. Over fishing had been a main concern for various non-governmental organizations such that of the Green Peace. It was said by the respectful environmental group that â€Å"over-exploitation and mismanagement of fisheries has already led to some spectacular fisheries collapses. The cod fishery off Newfoundland, Canada collapsed in 1992, leading to the loss of some 40,000 jobs in the industry. The cod stocks in the North Sea and Baltic Sea are now heading the same way and are close to complete collapse† (Green Peace, 2008). Even before human beings have discovered new technologies, it is known that fishes are the main source of food for many. Based on various historical books such as the Bible, fish was the main commodity for the people in order for them to eat. As years gone by, more and more people are inclined to get more fish in order for them to gain income to provide their families. Various innovations and technological advancements were also used to increase the number of catch due to the increasing number of demand for fish. Based on the studies made by the Green Peace and their team of scientists it was stated that overfishing truly is causing a grave danger for the marine life and diversity of our oceans. Most of the fishermen who have the capacity to catch enough fish are those that utilize nets which are not suited to legally catch fish. Many of the fishermen use nets which has smaller holes which do not allow the smaller fishes to escape. This type of scenario happens most of the time, therefore the young fishes were not given a chance to grow and be mature enough to be caught. Through the Young Peoples Trust for the Environment, types of events happen due to commercial fishing. There are various techniques that are done by fishermen in order for them to capture various kinds of fishes. There are fishes which are called â€Å"pelagic† meaning they live within the upper parts of the water making them the most accessible fishes to be caught by fishing nets which are connected to the gigantic ships that fishermen use. It is stated that, â€Å"net suspended from floats is stretched between two boats so that fish swim into it. Fish are unable to swim backwards, so once they are caught in the net, there is no escape unless they are small enough to fit through the net’s mesh† (Young People’s Trust for the Environment, 2008). Other fishes that are in the deeper level of the sea are caught differently. There is also a big net placed under the boat which then gets everything that it captures along the way. The marine resources that I catch were not only fish but also the coral reefs, the schools and other organisms which are not supposed to be captured during the act of fishing. Such action is not only disastrous for the young fishes but also the organisms within the environment because they are also being displaced and even killed when there are commercial ships around. (n. p. ) In order to mitigate the problem of over fishing different agencies have created ways in order for them to fully destabilize the problem which is being caused by over fishing. One of the main agencies are the United Nations in which launched various types of programs and amendments to protect the marine resources all over the world as well as protect the marine resources that our world currently have. In 1995, an article was written about the treaty in which was proposed under the United Nations which addresses the problem in over fishing. It states that the treaty should be approved by 185 countries which then be ratified by 30 countries in order for the treaty to be fully taken into place. In addition, another program which had been under the United Nations is the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement (Government of Canada, 2006). However, Green Peace and World Wildlife Fund had expressed that this treaty would not directly answer the problems of over fishing. In fact, Matthew Gianni had stated that there is a great possibility that yearly there will be new innovations of boats which will be able to detect fish which then result to much more damage to our marine resources (Crossette, 1995). With such article, it directly states that these international organizations does not trust that a plain agreement with various countries thus they suggests more than just an agreement but a full arrangement and limitation of the types of vessels which should be reasonable to be able to catch enough fish. In addition, fishes which will be caught will be enough in size and maturity which will then leave the small fishes to be fully grown and create another generation of fishes. The World Wildlife Fund have done their own actions in order for help create a sustainable fishing for the future generation. They have noted various types of steps in which they called: Fisheries Partnership Agreements which listed these various general actions to fully attain sustainable fishing: †¢ respect sustainable fishing levels account for environmental costs †¢ protect local fishers †¢ include compliance with flag state laws †¢ are based on best practice fisheries management †¢ include cooperation on research and monitoring †¢ ensure adequate monitoring and enforcement capacity †¢ ensure fairer sharing of economic benefits between producer and extractor nations (World Wildlife Fund, 2008) In conclusion, many of our world’s resources had now been gone and are still being abused by various types of industries due to the demand of resources the global economy has. But then, we should remember that we must learn how to conserve our natural resources so that there would not be scarce resources for the future. Like the World Wildlife Fund and the Green Peace have stated, it is not enough the there will be treaties and agreements under these types of issues. It is still important that the mitigation process should be continuously checked in order to incur changes for the environment, the amount of resources as well as to secure the lives of the future generation. The continuous efforts of the international community, through the help of various countries as well as the international organization will lead to a prosperous and much more peaceful fellowship with one another. On the other hand, the issue of climate change must also be resolved for the reason that it also affects the issue regarding overfishing and lessening of the resources available for various marine industries. Although there are issues like this, it should be taken into mind that the responsibility is not only through organizations but also through an individualistic perspective.

Sports Influence On Psychology Of People Media Essay

Sports Influence On Psychology Of People Media Essay For many years, sports have been valued by many societies in the world. Many people continue to indulge in various sports today either singularly or as a part of a team. Sports have always influenced the history of a nation as well as the psychology of the people in that nation, playing both constructive roles as well as damaging roles. Many people may think that sports are all about winning or losing, however sports is deeply engraved in people psyches and to some it dates back to when they were young and hence it is bound up in many people geographic and social identities. It is through sports that some people have been able to indulge themselves in vicarious achievements and euphoric collective experiences. Many studies have shown that there is a lot of emotion when people try to win for their team or for themselves which in return affect their psychology as well as that of their fans. This paper therefore, analyzes the psychological influence of sports to citizens of United Kingd om. The formation of a nations identity is dependent on the various social activities of its citizens including the social practice of sports. This is because many people like discussing about sports events as they go along with their daily activities both at the workplace and at their home. Studies have shown that there is so much influence on the workers performance based on the performance of their favorite team. It has been found out that there is a lot of impact of sporting failure and success on the UK workplace. Many people get psychologically affected when their team win or loses. It has also been found out that the conversation regarding sports that people have in their workplaces can have a positive impact in boosting their morale as well as improving their productivity and motivation. This means that sports in general shapes the lives of many citizens in UK. Also, people usually construct various perspectives and meaning while watching sports event which greatly influence thei r social belief, self concept and most certainly their nations identity. That is, key social practices including sports and the related events will be discussed and recounted in compelling ways by a large group of people through various mediums from media forms to everyday conversations, leading to the formation of certain ideas in their minds, which in turn leads to the formation of social beliefs and thereby nations identity (Encyclopaedia Britannica). Studies have found that a nations identity is governed by the memories and stories that people hold in common and certainly sports is one of them. This can also be proved by the fact that sports impact goes beyond the day to day social environment. For example Englands win in the 1996 World Cup affected both the economy and the politics of the region. It is during this time that Harold Wilson claimed his victory which was largely attributed to the teams performance and the wave of euphoria and goodwill that the citizens had due to t he team victory. Equating sports or sports teams to a nation as well as its identity, thereby peoples psychology as well as social practices began in 1908, with the launch of the Olympics as a pan-national event, with the entry of many countries and their official patronage. The twelve-year old Olympic Games had informally taken on the role of a multinational sporting event at which nations represented themselves with their best athletes (Smith and Porter 2004). With many countries participating in that Olympics, media coverage and importantly political patronage certainly built the discourse, that nations will normally represent themselves through their sportspeople in various events such as the Olympics. When nations are represented by sportspersons, the activities of the sportspersons on and off the field will in turn form or change or reinforce or even challenge the psychology of those nations, and ultimately their social practices and nations identity since many people like to be associated with a particular team or a sports person. In the society today many young people like identifying themselves with some sports people which greatly influence their personality which is very vital in determining a nations identity. This trend has sometimes led to violence in sports especially when people (fans) identifying themselves with a particular sport lose a match. In many sports fans are full of emotions as they try to win for their team. These high emotions are catalyst to sports violence. More often than not you will find angry fans screaming and yelling to the coaches when they fill that he is letting down their team. Many riots have also been experienced when a team loses an important match. These riots are characterized by fighting among players, dumpsters, mobs overturning cars and many other bad behaviors. The reason for this is due to the psychological attachments that exist between people of a nation and sports. Through identifying with a certain group individuals are abl e to improve and maintain their self esteem (Balisunset, 2009). As a result, sports acts as a powerful source of identification through which people identify themselves with a team or an individual in a team and hence become heavily invested in the results of a given competition. This means that people are affected psychologically when their team loses leading to frustrations. These frustrations lead to anger and the only outlet to his anger is through violence (Murphy, 2005). Many people may think that sports violence is just a simple matter but in some cases it reflects the violence that happens in the society and that is why violence mainly occurs when a crowd is made of a heterogeneous mix. This means that the fans may be using spot violence as a scapegoat to their society dissatisfaction. This means that many occurrence of sports violence may be signifying that something is wrong and immediate actions need to be taken. Contrary to sports violence, sports sometimes have very good impacts to citizens of a nation especially when national team wins an important match. Many people are very happy after a national team wins and this is known to have a positive impact in boosting the morale of citizen. Consequently, this has an impact on peoples approach to work and lifts up their mood hence making them productive in their work. This just shows how sports psychologically influence people lives (International Society of Sports Psychology, 2006). Research has a lso found that talking sport acts as one of the ways of breaking down barriers existing between employees and their customers. The influence of sports is so big to an extent that it can break or make a relationship between a manager and his team. A study conducted in 2006 in UK revealed that 71% of men and 68% of women said that both the employers and employees learn valuable lessons from sports. People get to learn the importance of working as a team, importance of being dedicated to ones team, importance of collective responsibility, what makes a good team player and how to develop ones talents and maximize performance. As a result, we can say that sports success or failure in a nation has influences both social and economic factors of that nation. This is because sport is woven into people day to day life and hence plays a very crucial role in creating bonds between people and ultimately impact productivity of a nation (Social Issue Research Centre, 2006). The influence of sports on psychology of people can also be seen by the way people bask in reflected glory. This is rooted to one element of social identity theory which is psychological distinctiveness. According to this theory, individuals desire their identity to be both distinct from and positively compared with people of other groups. This theory is concerned with identifying when and why an individual identify with a particular group and behave as a part of that group. According to this theory an individual social behavior can exist on a spectrum from purely intergroup to purely interpersonal. By identifying oneself with successful people a person self esteem get boosted. This is the reason why people like identifying themselves with successful teams and sports personality. It is for this reason that you will find people pulling out their old tee shirts and old sweatshirts after a big win, and proudly display their team logos. Also after a team wins a championship the sale of t heir products also goes up until another team wins the following year. This is what is called basking in reflected glory which is labeled by social psychologists as BIRGing. A study conducted I 1976 by supported this phenomena by showing how university students wear their university affiliated clothing the Monday morning after winning a football match during weekend. In doing so the student sought to have success of their team linked to them by wearing school identifying attire. The students are also like using the pronoun we after a victorious athletic weekend than when their team lost. By basking in reflected glory an individual self esteem gets enhanced by identifying with another persons success. They try to receive this glory by doing nothing tangible to help a person or a team get this success. Individuals are more likely to bask in reflected glory when their public image is threatened so as to counter any threats to their self esteem. Also the extent to which a person is comm itted to a team dictates the degree in which he can distance himself from the team lose. According to social identity theory those individuals who are strongly allied to a team are not likely to distance themselves, and to ensure that their self esteem is not threatened they will try to attribute the failure to other things and not the team itself. For those who are not closely allied to the team, the loss makes them to engage in phenomena known as CORFing. This refers to cutting off reflected glory which is characterized by distancing oneself from a losing team as much as possible. This can be done by either using different language to describe the game after defeat. For example the fans begin using the words they lost instead of we lost. Fans can also CORF by blasting, which is a form of indirect self enhancement used when one feels that his or her self esteem is threatened. This clearly shows how sports influence an individual psychology. Many of the international sports, which are being played all over the world, originated or were first played in their modern form in Britain. Team games such as soccer, rugby, and cricket, and sports such as rowing, athletics and boxing, were formalized, codified and modernized in the elite schooling institutions of Britain (its public schools) and the ancient universities. (Tomlinson). These sports diffused into the social gamut of UK as well as the minds of the British people both in the urban as well as rural communities, with the factor of Britishness exhibited by these sports. In those times, sports played in Britain influenced the British socio- psychological ideologies like fair play, an ideal of British manhood. Likewise, sports for women were developed to fit with the ideals of Victorian femininity. Different sports have different combination of representation which influences the social psychological beliefs of single British identity or separate national identities. In football (American soccer), the four nations of the UK are separately represented. In cricket, England and Wales play as one team. In rugby union, the countries are split into England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, with Northern Ireland and Eire providing a joint team (Polley 1998). This being the case, the social psychological beliefs of British identity gets changed or modified according to the occasions and circumstances. This means that an individual will identify with a particular team based on the situation at hand i.e. people from one nation will support the group identity of being British in some occasions, but their cognitive dissonance reverts back to them, and thus alleviating their dissonance by changing their stance to support their own national identity. For example, English sports followers could s upport a Scottish athlete who represent Great Britain in the Olympics, but could revert to their anti-Scottish stance, when the national football teams of England and Scotland meet in a friendly or in a World Cup. The reason for this is that individuals have a tendency to identify to the team the truly belong to when faced with a situation like that one. This is because one will have grown up being attached to a particular team and thus there is no way he/she will support another team when the national team is playing. Another perspective about changing their support or their affiliations in sport can be witnessed when one British team fails at a major event, while another British team succeeds, providing the people someone to back. The London-based media is also experienced in this kind of support. When an England team fails to qualify for a major tournament, the media quickly appropriates other British or Irish teams as ours' (Smith and Porter 2004). Cognitive dissonance is displa yed at times when there are differences between an individuals actions and his or her beliefs. This contradictory display occurs often among sports fans in England, as they may believe to have a British national identity, yet their actions prove otherwise. These actions, which oppose their beliefs, are a form of relieving the cognitive dissonance that they have. Football as a sport has been known to unite people across UK rather than divide. Most of the football fans have a strong commonality. The role played by football either socially or culturally is dependent on historical factors. These historical factors include whether the national team or a major side has won an important tournament at a particular time in the past or whether the sport was played traditionally by lower or upper class. The rivalry between teams also plays a major role in defining the sports characteristics. This influences how individuals at different with each other and how they relate a sport in their country and the support they give to teams at the international, national, regional and local level. This means that people in a given country with strong regional and local identities relate differently with those people in countries where regional identity is not important. A good example of this is demonstrated in countries like Sweden where allegiance to local team s is stronger than that associated with the national side. As in any society, British women, till the late 20th , were prevented from actively participating in many societal activities, thereby psychologically subdued.This social belief was further reinforced through sports with early womens traditions, as they were effectively suppressed by male establishments, such as football and both rugby codes. (Smith and Porter 2004). Although, women tried to have pre-eminent positions in society and even fulfill roles of leadership, with Britain being ruled by numerous successful Queens, it was not the case in all spheres of the society. Women were suppressed and deprived of the process of leadership in many facets of social life, sports being one of those facets. Likewise, the social psychological aspect of class factor was also influenced by sports with certain team games, particularly Rugby and cricket which were viewed as games of the upper class.This meant that one grew up believing that certain types of sports belonged to a certain group of peo ple. With this belief people of certain region did not psychologically give attention to some sports that they did to those sports where they felt to be part of the team like in football. With the initiation of the Industrial Revolution, many people started getting employment and became part of the revenue earning group. Even then, their incomes were not optimal and thus there lopsided class factor. This class factor was further imbued in the peoples mind as well as part of their social setup through sports. With certain sports played only by a certain class of people, sports indirectly promoted class differences. England rugby team remains remarkably homogenous: white, educated, middle-class, while Cricket has a rather upper class flavor as in the habits of male upper class Englishness, cricket embodies gentlemanly qualities (Malcolm, 2001). This shows how sports can be effectively be used to divide citizens of a nation by promoting class difference and notion that some types of sp orts are suited to a given group of people. Fortunately this notion is slowly fading away with and people are beginning to accept sports like rugby which initially belonged to a chosen few. Beliefs about having distinct and separate national symbols or identities particularly separate National Anthems have been in existent for some time among the countries of the United Kingdom. For example there have been many debates of whether English should have their own national anthem for many years. English have retained British national anthem for sporting events while Scots and Welsh have claimed their own national anthem. Problems however arise when England plays against either Scotland or Wales, during this time the opponents national anthem has to be played twice. Unfortunately, those debating about this issue in the past only considered the political ramifications of England having their own national anthem thereby neglecting the psychological implication of playing God Save the Queen. Researchers have found out that there are a number of factors that affects the psychology of those involved in sports during any competition. Some of the psychological factors include confid ence, belief, being prepared, sense of identity and ability to perform under pressure. One of the major factors that affect the performance of an individual in sports is a sense of identity. This is because its through having a sense of identity that our values are impacted on us, consequently affecting the individual motivational levels. In addition to that it also impact on an individual sense of purpose and a will to go an extra mile for ones nation. Singing national anthems by the respective teams at sporting events are always viewed as a psychological strategy by the coaches and other people to promote a sense of identity within the team, and also to motivate and fire up them. It also falls under the psychological process of self-esteem in that an individuals self esteem is raised when he or she knows that he/ she belongs somewhere. With self-esteem being a key process that works as a catalyst for many human actions, the national anthems can also work on the self-esteem of any countrys citizens (Kimiecik Harris, 2005). Behavioral psychologists believe that self e steem acts as a positive reinforcement to an individual thereby motivating a person to perform well in his or her actions. The national anthems are known to psychologically fire up sports teams and this will psychologically impact the people who are watching the event in the stadium as well as in their Televisions. This psychological association to their national anthems in turn defines their social beliefs and will lead to various impacts. For that to happen, the view among the English people is that they should have an appropriate national anthem, different from God Save the Queen. The Scots and the Welsh dont get fired up by God Save the Queen so why should the English? With this social belief, sections of the population are even coming up with options for a separate and distinct National Anthem for the English. This reason for all this fuss about national anthem is that both players and fans want to have a sense of belonging before any match which greatly influences their mind i nto having a conviction that the victory is theirs. Studies have found out that the perception of ones mind regarding something influences greatly the outcomes of an event. For example there is no way a team will win a match if they do not have a conviction that the victory is theirs. This conviction is achieved by raising the self esteem of the players and their supporters which in turn motivate them in claiming the victory. To do this coaches have had to apply some psychological techniques like anxiety management in sporting activities so as to improve the performance of the players (Pozzi, 2004). Influx of Asian migrants and people from other regions of the world led to the ethnic diversification of the UKs population. However this diversification has also resulted in the development of a variety of national identities, with different social psychological beliefs. Even after living in Britain for many years and interacting with the British society, British people of Asian origin still exhibit psychological allegiance and support to their parent country. This is clearly demonstrated during sports events when teams from their parent countries are involved. This means that there is an element of conformity, but point is that when Asians first came to the U.K they had they had two options: one being they could integrate themselves into society which may have proven to be difficult or they could stay segregate themselves and chose not to identify with the Britain. Although, it is not illegal or criminal to do so and it is their personal choices, the social beliefs of the British p eople is that it is morally wrong and unpatriotic to ignore and avoid the British identity. For example, when Indian or Pakistani or even Bangladeshi cricket team tours England and plays the English cricket team, the people belonging to those countries are seen psychologically associating with those countries and maximally supporting them, ignoring England.In 1990, the Conservative politician Norman Tebbit famously posited the test match test. Which side do the Asians cheer for? Its an interesting test. Are you still harking back to where you came from or where you are? (Korinman and Laughland 2007). This rather harsh remark clearly brought out the focus on how sports reinforce the social psychological belief that British people of Asian origin are still attached to their homeland and thus avoid British identity. This was further reinforced by the comments of the former England cricket captain, Nasser Hussain. He said: It was disappointing to see a sea of green shirts with the names of Pakistani players instead of ours. It reminded me of when we played India at Edgbaston [in Birmingham] in the World Cup in 1999. It was like an away game because so many people supported their side. (qtd. in Majumdar and Mangan 2004). However, these beliefs can also be challenged when one looks from another perspective. That is, the above comment was actually made by a British man of Indian origin, which clearly shows that some British Asians have indeed integrated into the British society, even rising to the status of national captain. Thus, the social psychological belief that Asians have not psychologically integrated into the British society could be challenged, as many British of Asian origins have taken the British identity and support their home team. Sports have also been found to have a lot of influence in the well being of citizens. Current research suggests that sports enhance emotional or psychological well being of an individual and thus it is being used as an additional therapy in treating citizens with psychological disorders in UK. It has been found out that there is a positive relationship between sports and emotional well being of an individual. Sports participation in general alleviates some of the psychological problems people are facing in the modern world. In adults sports have been found to improve their moods hence alleviating many types of depression they have. This has also been found to be the case in children and adolescents who participate in sports because they tend to have reduced behavioral and emotional problems (Martin, 2007). The reason for this is that sports provide an environment where individuals can socialize freely thereby forgetting some of the problems they face in their day to day activities. S tudies also suggest that organized sports influence development of crucial behaviors like stress management, cooperation, positive attitude towards achievement, unselfishness, appropriate risk taking, and the ability to tolerate life frustrations and delayed gratification. It is through playing with others that children get to learn how to build cooperative relationships and the ability to meet their needs in order to belong. In addition to that they are able to learn important cooperation skills as they perform specific team role and work together when playing (NASPSPA, 2007). It has also been found out that youths who participate in sports have less behavioral problems and this has been supported by empirical studies. An example of this study is the one conducted in 1994 in UK and it found out that many youths who participated in sports behaved well in classrooms, earned better graded, dropped out of school less frequently, had fewer behavior problems at home and attended school on regular basis. On the contrary those youths who did not participate in sports were likely to engage in violent behaviors like fights in schools, drug abuse, they were also more likely to become teen parents and consequently the school dropout rates for nonparticipants was high. This shows sports have a very big influence in molding a bright future for citizens in a particular nation since it trains them to be responsible, creative and cooperative. In conclusion we have been able to learn how sports influence the psychology of people in a given nation. We have seen how sports help in improving and individual self esteem through identifying oneself with a successful team. Through this individuals are able to live vicariously through someone else, making them to bask in glory when that person or a team wins. This effect is also transferred in work places where good performance of a team influences the performance of the workers which means that sporting success and failure has a lot of impact on the UK workplace. We have also seen that sports play a very important role in developing a nation identity as well as helping children to grow up to be responsible citizens in future.

Love and sex are two different emotions that when are put together they

Love and sex are two different emotions that when are put together they make an all around love relationship. LOVE ==== Love and sex are two different emotions that when are put together they make an all around love relationship. Love is an emotional feeling that a partner or both partners are feeling towards one another. Sex on the other hand is a physical action that is taking place between both partners. Men and women may have different views on love and sex. In the short story, " I fell in love, or my hormones awakened", a little girl has a crush on a young man. The short story demonstrates the responses that men and women have towards love, lust, and hate. In this short story, the young girl who is a freshman in high school believes she is in love with this young man who is a senior in high school. Throughout the story she demonstrates how much she loves him by her obsession to follow him around. He works at a market and she would always make excuses to go to the market and purchase certain items. The only reason she would go is to see her love. The young man worked in the back and she would hang around just to see him walk by the door. She was all excited when he talked to her but all he said was excuse me. Throughout the whole story the young girl has this crush on the young man but the young man is starting to realize this and is thinking what to do about it. Love for women is something that is very serious and delicate. Love for a man is basically not a big deal until it becomes serious in a sense of marriage. This young lady shows how much she loves him by always starring at him in the hallways and he shows nothing when he is feeling something inside for this girl. Basically what I'm sa... ...at girl and not have any strings attached afterwards. The girl was looking for strings attached because girls believe that a kiss means their going to be together. The man just wanted a kiss and the girl wanted to be with him. There responses were different and their interpretations were different as well. In conclusion, the short story showed how a young girl could love a young man who did not even know she existed. She showed her love for this man by doing things out of the ordinary just to see his face. The short story showed the love between a woman and a man and the lust between the two and also to affects of the kiss. The affects of the kiss were basic. They never spoke to each other and never the less have the opportunity to have the chance to talk to each other again. The short story demonstrated many of key points in a crush and love scenario. Love and sex are two different emotions that when are put together they Love and sex are two different emotions that when are put together they make an all around love relationship. LOVE ==== Love and sex are two different emotions that when are put together they make an all around love relationship. Love is an emotional feeling that a partner or both partners are feeling towards one another. Sex on the other hand is a physical action that is taking place between both partners. Men and women may have different views on love and sex. In the short story, " I fell in love, or my hormones awakened", a little girl has a crush on a young man. The short story demonstrates the responses that men and women have towards love, lust, and hate. In this short story, the young girl who is a freshman in high school believes she is in love with this young man who is a senior in high school. Throughout the story she demonstrates how much she loves him by her obsession to follow him around. He works at a market and she would always make excuses to go to the market and purchase certain items. The only reason she would go is to see her love. The young man worked in the back and she would hang around just to see him walk by the door. She was all excited when he talked to her but all he said was excuse me. Throughout the whole story the young girl has this crush on the young man but the young man is starting to realize this and is thinking what to do about it. Love for women is something that is very serious and delicate. Love for a man is basically not a big deal until it becomes serious in a sense of marriage. This young lady shows how much she loves him by always starring at him in the hallways and he shows nothing when he is feeling something inside for this girl. Basically what I'm sa... ...at girl and not have any strings attached afterwards. The girl was looking for strings attached because girls believe that a kiss means their going to be together. The man just wanted a kiss and the girl wanted to be with him. There responses were different and their interpretations were different as well. In conclusion, the short story showed how a young girl could love a young man who did not even know she existed. She showed her love for this man by doing things out of the ordinary just to see his face. The short story showed the love between a woman and a man and the lust between the two and also to affects of the kiss. The affects of the kiss were basic. They never spoke to each other and never the less have the opportunity to have the chance to talk to each other again. The short story demonstrated many of key points in a crush and love scenario.

Brief Therapy Essay -- Counseling/Therapy

Brief therapy helps people by focusing on solutions, instead of problems. The therapist asks questions thereby facilitates the client by helping formulates solutions. The client leads the meeting by actively formulating ideas in which he/she can serve to improve the client's negative circumstances. This is contrary to cognitive therapy, which focuses on a client's cognitive processes (how he or she thinks about people/places/things). The therapist collaborates with the client to help the client develop alternative solutions. "Subsequently, a study showed solution-focused brief therapy demonstrated a small, but positive treatment effects favoring SFBT group on the outcome measures. Only the magnitude of the effect for internalizing behavior problems (such as depression, anxiety, self-concept and dignity) was statistically significant at the p ...ng. The compliments, positive affirmations, humor, positive reframing, and are all ways to handle a resistant adolescent. Parents and adolescents take an active, positive role in brief therapy by asking themselves when changes will occur. These ways of dealing with resistance in adolescents work toward the solutions kids want to break free of their emotional prisons. Works Cited Kim, J.S. PhD.(n.d.)Examining the Effectiveness of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy A Meta-Analysis Using Random Effects Modeling retrieved on 05/09/2012 at https://kb.osu.edu/dspace/bitstream/.../19_2_Johnny_S._Kim_Paper.pdf? University of Texas Austin, TX Selekman, M. D. (2005). Pathways to Change: Brief Therapy with Difficult Adolescents (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press. Retrieved May 9, 2012, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=116311700

Death and Immortality in The Epic of Gilgamesh Essay -- The Epic of Gi

Death and Immortality in The Epic of Gilgamesh The search for immortality has been a major concern for many men and women all throughout history. True love and immortality in life would be a dream come true to many. To spend time with a special someone, the person one feels closest to, and never have to say good-bye would greatly appeal to most people. But when death steps into the picture, even with all the pain and devastation, one starts to re-evaluate themselves. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh explores the possibility of immortality following the saddening death of his friend and brother, Enkidu. Gilgamesh, feeling the fear of his own mortality, sets out on a journey to search for a way to preserve himself. Although the journey that he endures is much larger than life, Gilgamesh comes to realize that he can never achieve immortality. Before the creation of Enkidu, Gilgamesh is a man without an equal match. He is an individual with overwhelming power, and it is because of this that makes Gilgamesh a very arrogant person. This arrogant side of him is accompanied by an extensive abuse of power, which leads to injustice and rage in the city of Uruk: â€Å"The young men of Uruk he harries without warrant†. This problem does not bother Gilgamesh; he lives to display to others his royal power. The first sign of change in Gilgamesh occurs after the birth of Enkidu. Gilgamesh’s mother, Ninsun, said to him, â€Å"Like a wife you’ll love him, caress and embrace him, he will be mighty, and often save you†. Gilgamesh has finally found his match, a friend who will serve as his life long companion. This new seal of friendship will cause a chang... ...nsciousness after death, or maybe a combination of both, which creates this fear. The fear felt is undoubtedly universal. However, the ways in which it is dealt with are varied and diverse. The concept of human mortality and how it is dealt with is dependent upon one’s society or culture. It is the society, which has the greatest impact on an individual’s beliefs. Hence, it is also possible for other cultures to influence the people of a different culture on such comprehensions. The irony of the story is that Gilgamesh, who wanted to enjoy immortality, actually achieves his dream. Thousands of years after his death, he and Enkidu live through the story of their adventures, which has been passed down through time. Gilgamesh and Enkidu will be kept in an immortal state for however long The Epic of Gilgamesh is told.

The Return: Shadow Souls Chapter 18

Elena came back to the real world slowly, fighting it all the way. She sank her nails into the leather of Damon's jacket, found herself wondering briefly if removing it would help, and then her mood was shattered again by that sound – a sharp, imperative knock. Damon raised his head and snarled. We are a pair of wolves, aren't we? Elena thought. Fighting nail and tooth. But, another part of her mind supplied, that isn't stopping the knocking. He warned those girls†¦. Those girls! Bonnie and Meredith! And he'd said not to interrupt unless the house was on fire! But, the doctor – oh, God, something's happened to that poor, wretched woman! She's dying! Damon was still snarling, a trace of blood on his lips. It was only a trace, because her second wound had really been healed just as thoroughly as the first, the one across her cheekbone. Elena had no idea how long it had been since she had pulled Damon to her to kiss this cut. But now, with her blood in his veins and his pleasure interrupted, he was like an untamed black panther in her arms. She didn't know whether she could stop him or even slow him down without using raw Power on him. â€Å"Damon!† she said aloud. â€Å"Out there – those are our friends. Remember? Bonnie and Meredith and the healer.† â€Å"Meredith,† Damon said, and again his lips peeled back, exposing terrifyingly long canines. He still wasn't in reality. If he saw Meredith now, he wouldn't be frightened, Elena thought – and, oh yes, she knew how her logical, thoughtful friend made Damon uneasy. They saw the world through such different eyes. She irked him like a pebble in his shoe. But right now he might deal with that unease in a way that would leave Meredith a savaged corpse. â€Å"Let me go see,† she said, as the knock came again – couldn't they stop that? Didn't she have enough to deal with? Damon's arms merely tightened around her. She felt a flash of heat, because she knew that, even as he restrained her, he was holding back so much of his strength. He didn't want to crush her, as he could if he used a tenth of the power in his hard muscles alone. The wave of feeling that washed over her made her shut her eyes briefly, helplessly, but she knew she had to be the voice of sanity here. â€Å"Damon! They could be warning us – or Ulma may have died.† Death got through to him. His eyes were slits, the bloodred light from the kitchen shutters throwing bars of scarlet and black across his face, making him look more handsome – and more demonic – than ever. â€Å"You'll stay here.† Damon said it flatly, with no idea of being a â€Å"master† or a â€Å"gentleman.† He was a wild beast protecting his mate, the only creature in the world that wasn't competition or food. There was no arguing with him, not in this state. Elena would stay here. Damon would go to do whatever needed to be done. And Elena would stay for as long as he thought necessary. Elena truly didn't know whose thoughts these last were. She and Damon were still trying to untangle their emotions. She decided to watch him and only if he really got out of control†¦ You don't want to see me out of control. Feeling him snap from raw animal instinct to icy, perfect mental dominance was even scarier than the animal alone. She didn't know whether Damon was the sanest person she had ever met or just the one best able to cover up his wildness. She held her torn blouse together and watched as he moved with effortless grace to the door and then, suddenly, violently, wrenched it almost off its hinges. No one fell; no one had been listening in on their private conversation. But Meredith stood, restraining Bonnie with one hand, and with the other hand raised, ready to knock again. â€Å"Yes?† Damon said in glacial tones. â€Å"I thought I told you – â€Å" â€Å"You did, and there is,† Meredith said, interrupting this Damon in an unusual attempt to commit suicide. â€Å"There is what?† Damon snarled. â€Å"There's a mob outside threatening to burn the whole building down. I don't know if they're upset about Drohzne, or about us taking Ulma, but they're enraged about something, and they've got torches. I didn't want to interrupt Elena's – treatment – but Dr. Meggar says they won't listen to him. He's a human.† â€Å"He used to be a slave,† Bonnie added, wresting free of the chokehold that Meredith had on her. She looked up at Damon with streaming brown eyes, hands outstretched. â€Å"Only you can save us,† she said, translating the message of her gaze aloud – which meant that things were really serious. â€Å"All right, all right. I'll go take care of them. You take care of Elena.† â€Å"Of course, but – â€Å" â€Å"No.† Damon had either gone reckless with the blood – and the memories that were still keeping Elena from forming a coherent sentence – or he had somehow overcome all his fear of Meredith. He put a hand on each of her shoulders. He was only one and a half or two inches taller than she was, so he had no trouble holding her eyes. â€Å"You, personally, take care of Elena. Tragedies happen here every minute of the day: unforeseeable, horrible, deadly tragedies. I do not want one happening to Elena.† Meredith looked at him for a long moment, and for once didn't consult Elena with her eyes before answering a question involving her. She simply said, â€Å"I'll protect her,† in a low voice that nevertheless carried. From her stance, from her tone, one could almost hear the unspoken addition, â€Å"with my life† – and it didn't even seem melodramatic. Damon let go of her, strode out the door, and without a backward glance disappeared from Elena's sight. But his mental voice was crystalline in her mind: You'll be safe if there is any way to save you. I swear it. If there was any way to save her. Wonderful. Elena tried to kickstart her brain. Meredith and Bonnie were both staring at her. Elena took a deep breath, automatically sucked for a moment back into the old days, when a girl fresh from a hot date could expect a long and serious debriefing. But all Bonnie said was, â€Å"Your face – it looks much better now!† â€Å"Yes,† Elena said, using the two ends of her blouse to tie a makeshift top around her. â€Å"My leg's the problem. We didn't – didn't finish it yet.† Bonnie opened her mouth, but closed it determinedly, which from Bonnie was a display of heroics similar to Meredith's promise to Damon. When she opened it again it was to say, â€Å"Take my scarf and tie it around your leg. We can fold it sideways and then tie a bow over the side that got hurt. That'll keep pressure on it.† Meredith said, â€Å"I think Dr. Meggar has finished with Ulma. Maybe he can see you.† In the other room, the doctor was once again washing his hands, using a large pump to get more water into the basin. There were deeply red-stained cloths in a pile and a smell that Elena was grateful the doctor had camouflaged with herbs. Also in a large, comfortable-looking chair there sat a woman whom Elena did not recognize. Suffering and terror could change a person, Elena knew, but she could never have realized how much – nor how much relief and freedom from pain could change a face. She had brought with her a woman who huddled until she was almost child-size in Elena's mind, and whose thin, ravaged face, twisted with agony and unrelenting dread, had seemed almost a sort of abstract drawing of a goblin hag. Her skin had been sickly gray in color, her thin hair had scarcely seemed enough to cover her head, and yet it had hung down in strands like seaweed. Everything about her screamed out that she was a slave, from the iron bands around her wrists, to her nakedness and scarred, bloody body, to her bare and rusty feet. Elena could not even have told you the color of the woman's eyes, for they had seemed as gray as the rest of her. Now Elena was confronted by a woman who was perhaps in her early-to mid-thirties. She had a lean, attractive, somehow aristocratic face, with a strong, patrician nose, dark, keen-looking eyes, and beautiful eyebrows like the wings of a flying bird. She was relaxing in the armchair, with her feet up on an ottoman, slowly brushing her hair, which was dark with occasional streaks of gray that lent an air of dignity to the simple deep blue housecoat she was wearing. Her face had wrinkles that lent it character, but overall one sensed a sort of yearning tenderness about her, perhaps because of the slight bulge in her abdomen, which she now gently laid a hand on. When she did this her face bloomed with color and her whole aspect glowed. For an instant Elena thought this must be the doctor's wife or housekeeper and she had a temptation to ask whether Ulma, the poor wreck of a slave, had died. Then she saw what one cuff of the deep blue housecoat could not quite conceal: a glimpse of an iron bracelet. This lean dark aristocratic woman was Ulma. The doctor had worked a miracle. A healer, he had called himself. It was obvious that, like Damon, he could heal wounds. No one who had been whipped as Ulma had could have come round to this state without some powerful magic. Trying to simply stitch up the bloody mess that Elena had brought in had obviously been impossible, and so Dr. Meggar had healed her. Elena had never experienced a situation like this, so she fell back upon the good manners that had been bred into her as a Virginian. â€Å"It's nice to meet you, ma'am. I'm Elena,† she said, and held out her hand. The brush fell onto the chair. The woman reached out with both hands to take Elena's into hers. Those keen dark eyes seemed to devour Elena's face. â€Å"You're the one,† she said, and then, swinging her slippered feet off the ottoman, she went down on her knees. â€Å"Oh, no, ma'am! Please! I'm sure the doctor told you to rest. It's best to sit quietly now.† â€Å"But you are the one.† For some reason, the woman seemed to need confirmation. And Elena was willing to do anything to pacify her. â€Å"I'm the one,† Elena said. â€Å"And now I think you should sit down again.† Obedience was immediate, and yet there was a sort of joyful light about everything Ulma did. Elena understood it after only a few hours of slavery. Obeying when one had a choice was entirely different from obeying because disobedience could mean death. But even as Ulma sat, she held out her arms. â€Å"Look at me! Dear seraph, goddess, Guardian – whatever you are: look at me! After three years of living as a beast I have become human again – because of you! You came like an angel of lightning and stood between me and the lash.† Ulma began to weep, but they seemed to be tears of joy. Her eyes searched Elena's face, lingering on the scarred cheekbone. â€Å"But you're no Guardian; they have magicks that protect them and they never interfere. For three years, they never interfered. I saw all my friends, my fellow slaves, fall to his whip and his rage.† She shook her head, as if physically unable to say Drohzne's name. â€Å"I'm so sorry – so sorry†¦.† Elena was fumbling. She glanced back and saw that Bonnie and Meredith were similarly stricken. â€Å"It doesn't matter. I heard your mate killed him on the street.† â€Å"I told her that,† Lakshmi said proudly. She had entered the room without anyone noticing her. â€Å"My mate?† Elena faltered. â€Å"Well, he's not my – I mean, he and I – we – â€Å" â€Å"He's our master,† Meredith said bluntly, from behind Elena. Ulma was still looking at Elena with her heart in her eyes. â€Å"Every day, I will pray for your soul to ascend from here.† Elena was startled. â€Å"Souls can ascend from here?† â€Å"Of course. Repentance and good deeds may accomplish it, and the prayers of others are always taken into consideration, I think.† You sure don't talk like a slave, Elena mused. She tried to think of a way to put it delicately, but she was confused and her leg hurt and her emotions were in turmoil. â€Å"You don't sound like – well, like what I'd expect from a slave,† she said. â€Å"Or am I just being an idiot?† She could see the tears form in Ulma's eyes. â€Å"Oh, God! Please, forget I asked. Please – â€Å" â€Å"No! There is no one I would rather tell. If you wish to hear how I came to this degraded state.† Ulma waited, watching Elena – it was clear that Elena's least wish was to Ulma, a command. Elena looked at Meredith and Bonnie. She couldn't hear any more noises of yelling outside on the street and the building certainly didn't seem to be on fire. Fortunately, at that moment, Dr. Meggar wandered in again. â€Å"Everybody getting acquainted?† he asked, his eyebrows working in opposition now; one up, one down. He had the remnants of a bottle of Black Magic in his hand. â€Å"Yes,† Elena said, â€Å"but I was just wondering if we should be trying to evacuate or anything. Apparently there was a mob – â€Å" â€Å"Elena's mate is going to give them something to think about,† Lakshmi said with relish. â€Å"They've all gone to the Meeting Place to resolve the stuff about Drohzne's property. I bet he'll bash a few heads in and be back in no time,† she added cheerfully, leaving no doubt as to he was. â€Å"Wish I was a boy so I could see it.† â€Å"You were braver than the boys; you were the one who led us here,† Elena told her. Then she consulted Meredith and Bonnie with her eyes. It sounded as if the commotion had moved on elsewhere, and Damon was a master at getting himself out of commotions. He might also†¦need to fight, to rid himself of excess energy from Elena's blood. A commotion might actually be good for him, Elena thought. She looked at Dr. Meggar. â€Å"Will my – will our master be all right, do you think?† Dr. Meggar's eyebrows went up and down. â€Å"He'll probably have to pay Old Drohzne's relatives a blood price, but it shouldn't be too high. Then he can do what he likes with the old bastard's property,† he said. â€Å"I'd say the safest place for you right now is here, away from the Meeting Place.† He went on to enforce that opinion by pouring them all glasses – liqueur glasses, Elena noted – of Black Magic wine. â€Å"Good for the nerves,† he said and took a sip. Ulma smiled her beautiful, heartwarming smile at him, as he took the tray around. â€Å"Thank you – and thank you – and thank you,† she said. â€Å"I won't bore you with my story – â€Å" â€Å"No, tell us; tell us, please!† Now that there was no immediate danger to her friends or to Damon, Elena was eager to hear the tale. Everyone else was nodding. Ulma flushed a little, but began sedately, â€Å"I was born in the reign of Kelemen II,† she said. â€Å"I'm sure that means nothing to our visitors but much to those who knew him and his – indulgences. I studied under my mother, who became a very popular designer of fashions in fabrics. My father was a designer of jewelry almost as famous as she was. They had an estate on the outskirts of the city and could afford a house as fine as many of their wealthiest customers – though they were careful not to show the true extent of their wealth. I was the young Lady Ulma then, not Ulma the hag. My parents did their best to keep me out of sight, for my own safety. But†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Ulma – Lady Ulma, Elena thought, stopped and took a deep sip of her wine. Her eyes had changed; she was seeing the past, and trying not to upset her listeners. But just as Elena was about to ask her to stop, at least until she felt better, she continued. â€Å"But despite all their care†¦someone†¦saw me anyway and demanded my hand in marriage. Not Drohzne, he was just a furrier from the Outlands, and I never saw him until three years ago. This was a lord, a General, a demon with a terrible reputation – and my father refused his demand. They came on us in the night. I was fourteen when it happened. And that is how I became a slave.† Elena found that she was feeling emotional pain directly from Lady Ulma's mind. Oh, my God, I've done it again, she thought, hurriedly trying to tune down her psychic senses. â€Å"Please, you don't need to tell us this. Maybe another time†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"I would like to tell you – you – so you will know what you have done. And I would prefer to say it only once. But if you do not wish to hear it – â€Å" Politeness was warring with politeness here. â€Å"No, no, if you want – go ahead. I – I just want you to know how sorry I am.† Elena glanced at the doctor, who was patiently waiting by the table for her with the brown bottle in his hands. â€Å"And if you don't mind, I'd like to get my leg†¦healed?† She was aware that she'd said the last word doubtfully, wondering how any one being could have the power to heal Ulma like this. She was not surprised when he shook his head. â€Å"Or stitched up, rather, while you talk, if you don't mind,† she said. It took several minutes to overcome Lady Ulma's shock and distress that she had left her savior waiting, but at last Elena was on the table and the doctor was encouraging her to drink from the bottle, which smelled like cherry cough syrup. Oh, well, she might as well try the Dark Dimension version of anesthetic – especially since the stitching was bound to hurt, Elena thought. She took a sip from the bottle and felt the room reel around her. She waved away the offer of a second sip. Dr. Meggar undid Bonnie's ruined scarf, and then began to cut off her blood-soaked jeans leg above the knee. â€Å"Well – you are so good to listen,† Lady Ulma said. â€Å"But I knew you were good already. I will spare us both the painful details of my slavery. Perhaps it's enough to say that I was passed from one master to another over the years, always a slave, always going down. At last, as a joke, someone said, ‘Give her to Old Drohzne. He'll squeeze the last use out of her if anyone can.'† â€Å"God!† Elena said, and hoped that everyone would attribute it to the story and not to the bite of the cleansing solution the doctor was swabbing over her swollen flesh. Damon was so much better at this, she thought. I didn't even realize how lucky I was before. Elena tried not to wince as the doctor began to use his needle, but her grip on Meredith's hand tightened until Elena was afraid she was breaking bones. She tried to ease the grip, but Meredith squeezed back hard. Her long, smooth hand was almost like a boy's, but softer. Elena was glad to be able to squeeze as hard as she liked. â€Å"My strength has been giving out on me lately,† Lady Ulma said softly. â€Å"I thought it was that† – here she used a particularly crude expression for her owner – â€Å"that was leading me to death. Then I realized the truth.† All at once radiance changed her face, so much that Elena could see what she must have looked like when she was in her teens and so beautiful that a demon would demand her as a wife. â€Å"I knew that new life stirred within me – and I knew that Drohzne would kill it if he had the chance – â€Å" She didn't seem to recognize the expressions of astonishment and horror on the three girl's faces. Elena, however, had the feeling that she was groping through a nightmare, on the edge of a black crevasse, and that she would have to keep groping in the dark, around treacherous, unseen fissures in the ice in the Dark Dimension until she reached Stefan and got him free of this place. This casual reference to abomination wasn't the first of her steps around a crevasse, but it was the first she had recognized and counted. â€Å"You young women are very new here,† Lady Ulma said, as the silence stretched and stretched. â€Å"I did not mean to say anything out of place†¦.† â€Å"We're slaves here,† Meredith replied, picking up a length of rope. â€Å"I think the more we learn the better.† â€Å"Your master – I've never seen anyone so quick to fight Old Drohzne before. Many people clucked their tongues, but that was all most dared to do. But your master – â€Å" â€Å"We call him Damon,† Bonnie put in pointedly. It went right over Lady Ulma's head. â€Å"Master Damon – do you think he might keep me? After he pays the blood price to – to Drohzne's relatives, he will get first pick of all Drohzne's property. I am one of the few slaves he has not killed.† The hope in the woman's face was almost too painful for Elena to look at. It was only then that she consciously realized how long it had been since she'd seen Damon. How long should Damon's business be taking? She looked at Meredith anxiously. Meredith understood exactly what the look meant. She shook her head helplessly. Even if they had Lakshmi take them to the Meeting Place, what could they do? Elena bit back a wince of pain and smiled at Lady Ulma. â€Å"Why don't you tell us about when you were a girl?† she said.