Cognitive week9 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Cognitive week9 - Essay Example Sternberg (2001) uses the example of Charles Darwin's theories in evolution. Charles Darwin was thought to be a creative because of his high intelligence – he was able to generate the idea of evolution and to critically analyze it against other possibilities. If his analysis had not been intelligent, then his creativity could have been a chance happening, or it would not have been his theory of evolution in the first place. Hence he underlines the distinct lines between creativity and intelligence. * Description of a problem (personal or historical) in which creativity or insight could or could have been applied to bring about a solution or a better solution.   I remember having an old computer parts in my storage; the keyboards, the old chargers and spare screen that I had long ago put away. They were all in working condition only that they were redundant due to the fact that I worked on my new laptop and hence having them around was of no use. Finding them in storage an ol d buddy of mine asked if he could take them off my hands. Without hesitating I agreed since my storage was already packed to the maximum and I could do with the space. A lot later coming across items for sale on eBay I saw a whole collection of what I would refer to ask junk or obsolete computer equipment being sold for reasonable prices. It was then that I realized that perhaps If I had been more creative with what use I could gather from things I had so easily referred to as obsolete I would have been able to regain part of the cost that I had sustained in acquiring them. * Creative solutions to the problem.   As far as creative solution to the problem is concerned what I could have done is like so many other people on eBay sold the electronic equipment that was occupying so much needed space of my storage. Redirection, starting over might possibly work well in this case (Sternberg, 2009). I could have taken a completely different approach to tackle this problem by viewing the e quipment as possibly useful in monetary terms and hence changed my perception of wanting to get rid of it in any way possible. If my conventional approach to perceiving the worth of the equipment as much less than the increase in storage space had been revised I would have been a lot more careful with how I handle its disposal. References   Sternberg, R. (2009). Cognitive psychology (5th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning.   Wallas, G. (1926)  The Art of Thought.  New York: Harcourt Brace. Assignment 4 The definition of creativity in terms of how it is interlinks with intelligence is a very solid concept to base your personal definition on. Furthermore it is commendable how the line between creativity and intelligence is firmly drawn by stating that not everything intelligent is necessarily functional and good. Putting all the right measures of intelligence, evolution and the environment into a operational definition of creativity is no easy feat. However the writ er has done a commendable job in linking the theory with their own personal definition ‘creativity can be defined as and ability to produce something new and original that is also purposeful and good’. The example being that of preparing an organic garden with time being the critical constraint is well defined with the number of creative solutions provided highly practical. With the best possible creative solution being that of the idea of giving up my beloved garden, and looking

Wi-fi Wireless Technology

Wi-fi Wireless Technology Business data network and telecommunications Wi-fi has entered in to our lives some years now. It solves some problems that wire networks have but generate new. At the moment there are few advantages and a lot of disadvantages. Wi-fi can be very useful in many cases and I think it deserves a deep look in to it. Also wi-fi has many prospects for further development. Wi-fi needs specified devices in order to work properly. History The term wi-fi (wireless fidelity) is used in order to determine the appliances that are based on specification IEEE 802.11 and faction of ISM band, that is frequencies 2.4Ghz for Europe .Wi-Fi uses single carrier DSSS (direct sequence spread spectrum) radio technology but also multi-carrier OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) radio technology. These regulations that enabled the development of Wi-Fi, are HomeRF, and Bluetooth. Unlicensed spread spectrum was available for first time by the Federal Communications Commission in 1985 and the FCC regulations were copied later with some changes in other countries and made the use of this technology enable in all major countries. Michael Marcus of the FCC staff proposed the FCC action in 1980 and the subsequent regulatory action in 5 more years. It was part of a proposal to allow civil use of spread spectrum technology and was opposed by the mainstream equipment manufacturers and many radio system operators. (Federal Communications Commission. 1985). The Wi-Fi was invented in 1991 by NCR Corporation/ATT. Initially the use was for cashier systems. The first wireless products that were brought on the market was under the name â€Å"WaveLAN† with speeds of 1 Mbit/s up to 2 Mbit/s. Vic Hayes, was involved in designing standards such as IEEE 802.11b, and 802.11a. He has been named as â€Å"the father of Wi-fi†. (Vic Hayes at 1st Home Networking Conference, 2007). Uses A device with Wi-Fi enabled, such as a PC, PDA, cell phone, game console, or MP3 player can connect to the Internet within the range of a wireless network connected to the Internet (Access point). The interconnection between one or more access points in a certain area is called a hotspot. Hotspots can cover a single room up to many squares covered by overlapping access points. The devices can network each other and connect to the Internet, share files and digital cameras can transfer video wirelessly. Wi-Fi also allows devices to connect directly with each other (peer-to-peer mode). This connectivity mode is useful most in gaming applications. When the technology released in the market there were many problems because consumers were not sure if the products from companies would work together. The Wi-Fi Alliance began as a community to solve this and to address the needs of the end user and allow the technology to mature. The Alliance created the branding Wi-Fi CERTIFIED to show to the consumers that products are interoperable with other products displaying the same branding. (Wi-fi alliance, 2000). Routers and Wi-Fi access points are used most in homes to provide Internet access and networking to all devices that are connected wirelessly or by cables into them. Devices can also be connected in ad-hoc mode for client-to-client connections without using a router. In Business and industrial environments, as increasing the number of Wi-Fi access points we get faster roaming and increased network capacity by creating smaller cells or by using more channels. Wi-Fi can enable wireless voice applications such as WVOIP. Wi-Fi installations can provide a secure computer network, firewall, DHCP server and other functions. In addition to home and office use, Wi-Fi is publicly available also at Wi-Fi hotspots provided either free of charge or under a certain price. Sometimes free Wi-Fi is provided by organizations or authorities who wish to promote business in their area. Metropolitan-wide WiFi (Mu-Fi) already has more than 300 projects in process. (Muniwireless, 2007). Standard devices Wireless access points can connect wireless devices to a wired LAN. An access point is something like an Ethernet hub, relaying data between the connected devices. Wireless adapters are connecting in the devices, externally or internally such as usb, pci and allow devices to connect to the wireless network. Wireless routers integrate a firmware application that provides IP Routing, NAT, and DNS forwarding through an interface. Wireless range extenders (repeaters) can extend the range of the wireless network. Ig the repeaters are placed in the area smart then the signal can be excellent. The devices that are connected through repeaters may have an increased latency for each hop. Each device will get signal from the device that gives better signal. With wireless bridges we can connect two or more networks between them. This is different from an access point because an access point works at the data-link layer. We can use two wireless bridges when a wired connection may be unavailable, such as a connection between two separate buildings. Most devices (routers, access points, bridges, repeaters) are designed for home or business environments. Pci cards use antenna connectors and usb only have internal antennas while some have external connections in addition to an internal antenna. In laptops it is commonly used mini pci cards. In a network between two buildings that the distance is a matter it is usually used big antennas in the roof of the buildings, so the signal can be remain strong enough. Advantages of Wi-Fi Wi-Fi allows LANs to be deployed while it reduces the cost of the network deployment. WLANS can be hosted in areas that cannot be run by cables, such as outdoor areas or even historical buildings. The prices for wireless products continue to drop, making it a fair networking option. Wi-Fi has become widespread and more and more devices obtain wi-fi technology. Wi-Fi is a global set of standards. Products designated as Wi-Fi Certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance are backwards inter-operable. Except mobile phones, any device with wi-fi standard will work anywhere in the world. Wi-Fi use WPA encryption and it is not easily cracked if the passwords are strong enough. Nowadays it is used WPA2 also, an encryption that has no known weaknesses. A new protocol for Qos is WMM and makes Wi-Fi better for voice, video applications, and power saving methods. To make enable the WMM feature all devices in the network must support it. Disadvantages of Wi-Fi Wifi in Europe use for the 2.4 GHz band (1-13) channels, in US (1-11) and Japan (1-14). A Wi-fi signal occupies around five channels in the 2.4 GHz resulting in only 3 non-overlapped channels in the US: 1, 6, 11, and four in Europe: 1,5,9,13 Power consumption is too high compared to with other low bandwidth standards, such as Bluetooth, making a concern about devices batteries life of the. WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is the most usual wireless encryption standard that is used, but shown that can be easily breakable. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA, WPA2), solved this problem and its available on most products. Most Wi-Fi Access Points have default the security disabled thought, providing open wireless access to their LAN. You can always turn on the security by configuring the device, usually via the graphical user interface (GUI) of the router/access point. Unencrypted networks can be used to read and copy data that are transmitted over the network, unless we have a security method to secure the data, such as VPN The wireless networks have limited range. A typical Wi-Fi home router using 802.11g with a stock antenna might have a range of 35 m indoors and 95 m outdoors. Range also varies with frequency band. Wi-Fi in the 2.4 GHz frequency block has slightly better range than Wi-Fi in the 5 GHz frequency block. Outdoor range with improved (directional) antennas can be several kilometres or more with line-of-sight. IEEE 802.11g-(2003) When the range increases the performance of a wireless network is decreased. Ethernet or other cables are more reliable then wi-fi. An Ethernet connection can reach speed up to 1Gbit/s and in the other hand 802.11g networks have a maximum of 54 Mbit/s. Protocol 802.11n try to improve the speeds, but still does not achieve Ethernets reliability. People with adsl2+ can understand an increase in performance using wired connection rather than WiFi. Wi-Fi in many cases has problems with the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). SNR compares the level of the desired signal to the background noise. This can be a huge problem in high-density areas. All the devices must support the same protocol for example 802.11g. And in case there are other access points in the network, the name (SSID) must maintain the same. In Wireless networks there are many times incompatibility problems between brands. Different standards may disrupt connections or low speeds. The new protocol 802.11n use 5 GHz band and have more channels available. Each node (access point, repeater) on the network is able to see the communication between other devices, allowing network traffic to be easily captured. When a WiFi network is not encrypted it is vulnerable to attacks. Wi-fi is a new technology and still under development. Many people may adopt it cause it produce a non wire environment and others not. I think wi-fi will give better quality in the future and maybe it will get pass some main problem that it have at the moment. References Authorization of Spread Spectrum Systems Under Parts 15 and 90 of the FCC Rules and Regulations (TXT). Federal Communications Commission (June 18, 1985). Retrieved on 2007-12-01. Wi-Fi Alliance Certified Products. (2000) certifications.wi-fi.org. Retrieved on 2007-11-01. from http://certifications.wi-fi.org/wbcs_certified_products.php V.Hayes at (November 04 2007). 1st Home Networking Conference Retrived on 2007-12-03 from http://lirne.net/2007/11/vic-hayes-at-1st-home-networking-conference/ Muniwireless (2007). Muniwireless-technology Retrieved on 2007-12-01 from http://www.muniwireless.com/ IEEE 802.11g-(2003) 802.11g Retrieved on 2007-12-03 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11g-2003

Criminal Behavior Essay -- Biology, Ellis and Walsh

Many scholars have attempted to explain criminal behaviour by identifying a genetic trait or other biological causes or indicator for criminality (Cullen and Agnew, 2011). Ellis and Walsh (2011) argue that while there is not a single â€Å"criminal behaviour† genetic trait, there are genetic trait that are associated with crime. They further suggest that these traits might provide evolutionary advantages to their holders in some circumstances. For example, traits such as deception and cheating would likely be evolutionary advantageous to maximizing a male's reproductive capabilities. Ellis and Walsh suggest that these traits might be genetically inherited. This theory of genetic influence does not however suggest that behaviours are genetically determined. Behaviours are still assumed to be learned, with specific genetic traits influencing this process (Ellis and Walsh, 2011).Rowe (2011) suggests a similarly biologically driven theory. He argues that through their impact upo n the central and autonomic nervous systems, genetic traits and biological harms can influence personality traits including those which are associated with criminality. In support of this notion are studies that have linked levels of testosterone and aggressiveness, low heart rate and criminality, weak skin conductance and criminality, as well as brain damage and lack of moral judgement (Rowe, 2011).Caspi, et al. (2011) present the theory that there are three super-traits which have various relationships with crime. The three super-traits they discuss are constraint, negative emotionality and positive emotionality. They note that the constraint and negative emotionality super-traits are related to self-control and with it criminality. This suggests that some indi... ...larly intimates. Both the methods and attributes associated with the crime are suggested to be learned. Learning of criminal and anti-criminal behaviour is thought to be similar to learning of other behaviours and attitudes in which the learner assimilates into the culture they are surrounded by (Sutherland and Cressey, 2011). This theory is similar to the Shaw and Mckay's explanation for criminality, but also ventures into the methods by which the attitudes are actually developed. Anderson's description of a culture of violence, that establishes a â€Å"code of the street† provides a vivid example of both the environmental conditions described by Shaw and Sutherland and Cressey as well as the learning processes described by Sutherland and Cressey. These clearly environmental and learned factors somewhat weaken the arguments of biological causes presented earlier..

Examine the dramatic significance of the theme “fair is foul” in Macbeth Essay

There are many themes in â€Å"Macbeth†, not surprising given the play’s richness of character, language and events. These themes include goodness and evil, deceptive appearances and reality and the supernatural. They are all linked to the idea of â€Å"fair is foul†, as are the characters. I will now try to examine in more detail the dramatic significance of â€Å"fair is foul† in Shakespeare’s â€Å"Macbeth†. It is believed that the play was written with King James in mind. â€Å"Mabeth† was written sometime between 1603 and 1606, years during which King James (6th of Scotland and 1st of England) was on the throne. Many of James’ interests were included in the play, for example kingship, loyalty and most importantly his fascination with supernatural (he even wrote a book called Demonology, on the subject). The idea of the supernatural and witchcraft in particular are very important during the play. The witches also known as the â€Å"Weird Sisters†, Act 1 Scene 3 Line 34, represent evil and temptation in the play. In Shakespeare’s day there was widespread belief in the existence of witchcraft and demonology. People feared that witches attempted to corrupt God’s natural order, and thus in 1604 its practice became punishable by death. However they were still uncertain on the power of witches. This uncertainty can be seen in the play. We never know whether the witches have any real power or whether they can only persuade and suggest things to others. The Gunpowder plot seems to have been added to the play. It was an action taken to remove the king, very similar to Macbeth’s actions. Again it gives the idea of God’s natural order being destroyed. They believed that the king ruled by Divine Right i.e. they were God’s chosen one. Therefore killing him, to obtain unrightful kingship would definitely shatter the natural order. The fact that they are evil is shown in their final couplet. It is, as mentioned above, the three witches who chorus the line â€Å"fair is foul and foul is fair†. It can be translated as â€Å"good is bad and bad is good†, a slightly difficult phrase to understand. An important thing to note is that â€Å"Fair is foul†¦Ã¢â‚¬  is a paradox. That is a statement, which appears to contradict itself but can contain a truth. It is this line that sets the tone for the rest of the play; the way things appear may not be the way they really are! Their line however can also be used to describe themselves and their predictions. When they tell Macbeth his future it all sounds good, â€Å"†¦All hail Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter†. However it is these predictions that lead to his fatal actions and drastic downfall destruction. So really, these future visions aren’t good at all but bad. The witches never tell lies but because they speak in puzzling riddles, its possible that Macbeth hears what he wants to hear, by believing only the positive aspects. In Shakespeare’s â€Å"Macbeth†, the protagonist is lured to murder the King, Duncan, by witch’s predictions, his wife’s encouragement, and by his own ambition. He commits a trio of wicked murders in the course of the play. It is possible to forget that the character described as â€Å"†¦brave Macbeth†¦Ã¢â‚¬  is the one later described as a â€Å"tyrant†. Macbeth’s character is also one that is linked to the idea of â€Å"fair is foul and foul is fair†. Prior to his encounter with the witches (Act 1, Scene 3) Macbeth is a hero, a loyal warrior in service of the legitimate, King of Scotland, Duncan. He is described as a noble valiant and fearless warrior and â€Å"Bellona’s bridegroom†, husband of the goddess of the war, worthy to be God of War. It appears that he has many positive characteristics but soon enough we find he has a fatal weakness†¦ambition. He was easily influenced by, witches prophecies and his wife’s persuasion, to follow the ambitions that he secretly desired to chase, â€Å"Thus thou must do’ if thou have it†, in other words he must do it (kill King Duncan) if he wants the crown. He allowed his ambitions to suppress his good qualities and the end of the play describes him as â€Å"a tyrant†, â€Å"a dwarfish thief†, and â€Å"hellhound†. Macbeth is obviously one of the clearest and simplest examples of the theme â€Å"fair is foul†. By this I mean he is a character who fits the idea, things that look good may turn out to be evil. However I don’t think it is fair to call him completely evil. He did after all have a conscience, which played a major part throughout the play. It was his conscience that held him back from drastic actions, but not enough to stop him from murders that in the end he carried out. Lady Macbeth is also a good example of the theme â€Å"fair is foul†. In the world of Shakespeare tragedies she has come to represent feminine treachery. Her ambition, foulness and rejection of female values, mark her as a heartless villain more monster than woman! â€Å"Come to my woman breasts and take my milk for gall, you murdering ministers† . Unlike Macbeth, it is easily noticed that she has an evil hunger for power from the start. â€Å"†¦chastice with the valour of my tongue All that impedes thee from the golden crown†¦Ã¢â‚¬  just a section of her words from the first time we meet her (Act 1 Scene 5). However Shakespeare uses dramatic irony, in that the audience know she is evil but many characters fail to see this. Many are fooled by her deceptive acts. â€Å"Fair and noble hostess†, are the words Duncan used to describe Lady Macbeth, who turned out to be involved in his murder later that night. The audience get a taste of her hunger for power by her reaction to the letter from Mabeth, it is both powerful and dramatic. As soon as she has finished reading the letter (including details of the witches premonitions) she decides to make sure Macbeth will become King. She knows her husband is ambitious but also considers his lack of ruthlessness- â€Å"yet I do fear thy nature It is to full o’ th’ milk of human kindness†. She claims that ruthlessness o is â€Å"the illness† that Macbeth doesn’t have in him. She decides that to gain the throne Duncan must be killed. To her great delight, she hears that the King is coming that very night. She invites the spirits of evil to enter her body- † Come you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts! unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full Of direst cruelty†. Any thoughts of doubt that she has some good inside her are totally unquestionable, at this point. How can a woman want the very characteristics that make her a woman, i.e. love and care, to be taken away just so that she can complete a wicked murder? The language she uses from lines 32-47 (Act 1 Scene5), are very similar to those used in a spell or chant. She is calling spirits to take away and feelings she may have, and fill her with murderous thoughts, â€Å"Come u spirits†¦you murdering ministers†. The language used gives the effect of dark magic and incantations, symbolising Lady Macbeth as a witch. As said above the line â€Å"fair is foul† gives the impression of deceptive appearances and reality. Lady Macbeth, displays this idea very well, when she is fooling her guests. When King Duncan, arrives at the castle, he comments on how nice the atmosphere is, â€Å"the air Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself†. It was planned by Shakespeare to have an ironic effect, that King Duncan should say that, when taking into consideration Lady Macbeth’s words and plans from the previous scene. She is a great deceiver, falsely exchanging pleasant conversation, very successfully. It is also Lady Macbeth who advises her husband to put on a false appearance, â€Å"look like the innocent flower. But be the serpent under’t†. This was one of Shakespeare’s many metaphors. The flower resembles goodness and purity while the snake is a dark and evil creature. This also links in with the idea of reality vs. appearances. We are constantly reminded that things aren’t what they seem in the play. Shakespeare warns us not to be fooled by appearances, there are many examples of this during the play. One of the main examples is the floating dagger. Is it real or is it just a deceptive illusion luring Macbeth to do the unthinkable? There are other deceptive illusions during the course of the play, a main one being Banquo’s ghost. Macbeth believes the ghost, which hovers over Banqo’s empty chair, has gone to haunt him and accuse him of it’s murder. The witches say that the forest will comes to him, â€Å"Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill Shall come against him†. How is this possible? In reality no part of nature in form of lands and forests ever moves! Macbeth is also told â€Å"none of woman born Shall harm Macbeth†. Macbeth doesn’t know that Macduff wasn’t born normally, and so believes he cannot be harmed. We must doubt how reliable these premonitions really are! While Banquo doubted what the witches said and preceded to question them, Macbeth had near complete faith in them. I think he believed them, because deep inside that’s what he wants, and the premonitions give him hope of achieving an impossible target. The theme â€Å"fair is foul† is a paradox, although it appears to contradict itself it does contains a truth. This can be seen in the first act when the Thane of Cawdor is sentenced to death. Looking at the execution it would appear to be a foul act. However when considering the reason of execution, being disloyal to your King, it can also be seen as fair. This is very similar to what happens to Macbeth. His head was carried around the crowds, proving he had been killed. Yes, a very foul act but not completely unfair. After all this was a man who had committed many unforgivable crimes, and caused disorder all over a settled country. I think that for a line so confusing at first it appears to be the roots of the play! It is associated with nearly all the themes of the play, and all the characters especially Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

Genetics of Obesity Essay

According to the WHO (2010), childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. Globally, in 2010 the number of overweight children under the age of 5 is estimated to be over 42 million (WHO, 2010). Obesity can be defined in a number of ways, e.g. by population means, BMI and waist circumference (Odgen, 2012). And according to Kleiser et al (2009), obesity may have several short-term consequences (e.g. social discrimination, lower quality of life, increased cardiovascular risk factors, diseases like asthma) and long-term consequences were obesity is likely to persist into adulthood, were individuals are more likely to develop noncommunicable diseases e.g. diabetes and cardiovascular disease at a much younger age. It is due to this that a great body of research within health psychology has focused on not only the consequences of obesity but also understanding the causes of obesity, both genetic and environmental – this is what this essay will explore†¦. Genetics There have been several theories put forward by research to best explain the causes obesity and one major potential causes is genetics. Maffeis et al (1998) found that obesity in parents was the strongest predictor of childhood obesity, regardless of diet or level of activity. Furthermore recent research has found support for this claim. Moreover, Wardle et al., (2001, 2006) reported that, controlling for other environmental factors, children with obese parents preferred fatty foods, had less liking for vegetables, were more likely to overeat had a higher preference for sedentary activities than did children of normal weight parents. This is further strengthened by more recent research by Kleiser et al (2009) who found that the strongest determinant of obesity was obesity in parents. Despite the evidence for this relationship, Odgen (2012) states that parents and children not only share genetic constitution but also share very similar environments, therefore this relationship between child and parental obesity could be contributed to either factor. However, according to Barlow (2013) twin studies have also have clearly demonstrated a genetic influence on body weight, therefore strengthening the argument for the role of genetics in obesity. For instance studies have found 25 – 40 % of BMI is heritable and identical twins raised apart have been found to have a correlation of .7,  only slightly lower than that of twins raised together (Stunkard et al, 1990). Moreover adoption studies have also provided evidence for a genetic component in obesity, Skunkard (1986) found a strong relationship between the weight class of the adoptee and their biological parents and interestingly found no relationship with their adoptee parents’ weight class. Research has also stated that factors such as metabolic rate (Bouchard, 1990) and appetite regulation may also have a role to play in causing obesity. Research in terms of metabolic rate has suggested a low resting metabolic rate is a risk factor for weight gain (Tataranni, 2003), but in fact there is little research to support this. In particular there is no evidence to suggest that overweight people tend to have slightly higher metabolic rates than thin people of a similar height (Garrow, 1987; Odgen, 2012). A genetic predisposition may also be related to appetite control. For instance, the discovery of leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, and other hormones that inï ¬â€šuence appetite, satiety, and fat distribution provides insight into metabolic mechanisms for physiological risk of obesity (Maes et al, 1997; Gale et al, 2004). Research, although seen to be in its infancy has yielded support, e.g. Farooqi et al (1999) injected 2 participants daily with leptin, which resulted in decreased food uptake and weight loss at a rate of 1-2kg per month. According to Odgen (2012) there is strong evidence for a genetic basis to obesity, but it is how this genetic bias expresses itself that remains unclear, due to the fact research on lowered metabolic rate has been widely refuted and the genetics of appetite control remain in its infancy. Furthermore, genetic studies are not without their criticisms. For instance small sample size, zygosity needs to be confirmed and again the role of environmental factors cannot be ignored. Behaviour & Environmental factors Therefore in light of the above criticisms research has begun to more fully examine the extent to which an individual’s behaviour and/or environment can influence the development of obesity. As Barlow (2013) states that at a population level, the increase in prevalence is too rapid to be explained by a genetic shift; rather, it must result from changes in eating and physical activity behaviours that have shifted. A recent study by Kileser (2009) found independently of other factors, a positive association was observed between obesity and low SES, migration background (up to age 13), parental overweight, high weight gain during pregnancy (when the mother is of normal weight), maternal smoking during pregnancy, high birth weight, and high media consumption, as well as a negative association with sleep duration for 3- to 10-year olds.

the crash that changed my life Essays

the crash that changed my life Essays the crash that changed my life Essay the crash that changed my life Essay The Crash that changed my life Paris Tallman Developmental Writing Life can be very unpredictable, there are many accidents everyday. Some people perceive these events as unfortunate, while others believe it to be an act of god. Whenever I witness car accidents on the road, I view them as to be very unfortunate for the people involved. I never imagined one day I would firsthand experience the event of being in a car accident. I remember it as if it was yesterday. On Sunday, September 16th, 2012, my grandfather picked me up from work and we were on our way to go shopping at Wal- Mart. My grandfather went to make a turn and then BOOM! All of a sudden my entire life changed. A car sped through a red light hitting my side of the car, at 70 miles per hour. The first thing I remember was the extreme pain I felt. My hips and my entire lower body felt as if they were put in a large compacter and crushed. I feared that the pain in itself might cause me to die. Even though the pain was severe, I knew I had other things of great importance to pay attention to. The second thing I remember is when I looked over at my grandfather. The oment our car was struck he lost consciousness. I was fully conscious and aware of what Just occurred. Overwhelmed with fear, I truly thought my grandfather was dead. I screamed out as loud as I possibly could, in attempt to wake him up. I noticed how the car was still moving, slowly rolling its way towards a wooded area. When my first attempt in waking up my grandfather failed, I tried a different approach. I struggled to free my arm, and I began to shake my grandfathers shoulder. He slowly opened his eyes, and regained consciousness. He quickly put the car in park and pulled the mergency brake to stop the car. Once he had fully awakened, he went into a state of shock. He looked around realizing what Just happened along with seeing the condition I was in. He hastily Jumped out of the car and repetitively cried out What did I do? What did I do? Look at what Ive done! He sounded as if he was riddled with extreme guilt. Even though I had debilitating pain and injuries, I knew at that moment I had to be the stronger person in this situation. I saw the sheer panic and sorrow my grandfather felt, it showed all over his face and body language. In my mind, I had to consider my grandfather has had heart problems. I was so grateful Just for the fact that we both were alive, I did not want anything to risk changing that. I gasped for air, taking in a deep breath, I yelled out to my grandfather, Papa relax! Im okay! Everything is fine, we are both alive! Im Just in a lot of pain though so please calm down. Its not your fault, and all that matters is that we are okay! We are alive! We are still alive! Im still alive! I tried to stop crying, or at least cry less and cry quieter. I did not want my grandfather to have any more tress than he already had, because I feared his heart might stop. Words cant explain how grateful and lucky I felt to be alive. I kept thanking god and saying out loud, Thank you god, Oh thank you god for letting me live. Words cant explain how grateful and lucky I felt to be alive. Everything seemed to be happening in slow and ambulance to come and save me. I saw a man and a woman pulled over. The man ran fast but cautiously, towards my car. At the time, I did not realize the man and woman were my next door neighbors. They witnessed the accident and came to help me. I begged the man, Sir please, Im in a lot of pain. Help me move and get to the center console of the car, please. The man looked at me with fear and doubt. He made an attempt to lift me but was unsuccessful. His wife heard me ask to be moved and she said not to move me. I cried and pleaded for help. The woman told me to calm down explaining they didnt know what injuries I might have, therefore its best they did not touch me. All I could do was pray and continue to wait for the police and ambulance. Eventually the police arrived along with the ambulance, firefighters and a firetruck. I remember the shocked look on everyones face. It must have been difficult to see such a young girl in a horrible situation. While everyone saw me as a poor victim, I saw everyone there as my heroes. The firefighters told me the only way they were able to get me out of the car was to use the Jaws of life. At that point, I told them to do whatever it took to get me out of the car. I kept thanking every police officer, medical person, firefighter and anyone else on the scene. I looked into their eyes and told them Thank you, you helped save my life. Thank god I am still alive. When they orked on cutting me out of the car, the sound of the Jaws of life was the loudest noise I have ever heard in my life. Once I was free from the car, they put me on a stretcher and got me into the ambulance. Before they shut the doors, I yelled out to thank everyone, to let them know how grateful I was and how important they were to me. My entire family as well as my boyfriend, were waiting for me at the hospital. I was so happy to see everyone. The doctor did tests and found I had 8 fractures in my pelvis and hips. I also had cartilage damage and other injuries. I thought the fight as completely over, but I still had pain and a long recovery process. Over time I made a full recovery, with some permanent damage but nothing too severe. I sued the other driver and I won the lawsuit, winning more than $100,000. Even though the car accident was such a horrible event, there were many positive things IVe learned and received from it. I received money, which doesnt buy happiness but it helped me buy a car. I learned strength, wisdom, and most of all how valuable life is. I know without a doubt this was not only an unfortunate event, but this was also an act of god.

Concept of Cardiovascular Diseases in UK

Concept of Cardiovascular Diseases in UK Introduction Cardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses different blood and heart diseases, for instance, coronary heart diseases, hypertension, rheumatic heart diseases and stroke. These diseases lead to deaths and hospitalization of patients.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Concept of Cardiovascular Diseases in UK specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Biological Causes CVD occurs as a result of clogged arteries due to blood clotting, atherosclerotic plague and wandering clot or rupture of a brain artery. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), on the other hand, is a disease that results from disorders that lead to a reduction of blood supply to heart muscles (Fawcett, et al 2004). Cardiovascular disease occurs when inner layers of the artery walls grow thick and irregular due to the deposition of fat cholesterol among other substances. The thickening in the artery walls could cause chest pains or breathlessness (Michimi 2008). In most cases, the middle-aged individuals and the old are the ones prone to CVD. CVD could be accelerated by diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking and physical dormancy. Some of these causes are, however, preventable (Wang 2006). Atherosclerosis is the pathological process during which atheroma, also known as lipid-filled plague, develops within the intima of large and medium sized arteries, including the coronary vessels. Macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells that accumulate these plagues making them rupture hence triggering platelet activation and thrombus formation. This further causes luminal obstruction and reduction in the blood flow leading to Coronary Artery disease, a composite of cardiovascular disease. Public Health Surveillance and Monitoring A research carried out by P.G Surtees and co-authors sought to determine the relationship between limited mastery (stressful experiences and negative emotions) to cardiovascular diseases. The research focused on 19,0 67 men and women aged 41-80 years, who had no previous heart disease or stroke cases during assessment according to scientists in Cambridge and the UK report (Acton 2011). The research revealed that a total of 791 CVD deaths were recorded up to June during media 11.3 person-years of follow up. In this case, limited mastery of life was linked with the increase in the risk of CVD independent of biological, lifestyle and socioeconomic risk factors (Acton 2011). Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is said to be the most common cause of deaths in the UK causing around 94,000 deaths every year (Preedy 2011). One in five men and one in seven women will die from CHD in the UK each year according to British Heart Foundation report of 2008. Around 19 per cent of male and 10 per cent of female die prematurely due to the disease totaling the number of premature deaths in the UK to 31,000 as of 2006 according to the report (Preedy 2011).Advertising Looking for essay on health medicine? Let's s ee if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The report further showed a high rate of CHD in men than women. 4 per cent of men and 0.5 per cent of women have had a heart attack with over 60 per cent of all cardiovascular deaths in men and 80 per cent in women occurring after the age of 75 according to Stanner (Preedy 2011). Data from the UK shows that CVD is the leading cause of mortality. For instance, in 2003, more than one in three people (38%) died of CVD accounting for about 233,000 deaths (Waring 2006). Heart diseases accounted for the most number 147,500 deaths with 114,000 deaths related to CAD. According to World Health Organization report of 2004, CVD accounts for 1.95 million deaths in the UK every year. Approximately 30% of these deaths occur in patients under 65 years. Coronary Artery Diseases account for half of these deaths while stroke covers just a quarter. With regard to gender, 23% of these deaths in the UK occur in women whi le men stand at 21 % of the deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases. Independently, stroke accounts for 1.28 million deaths yearly. This makes it the second highest cause of death. The report further states that everyone in ten men (11%) dies of stroke complications while over one in six women, translating to 18%, die of the same cause. Most women get anxious and depressed easily hence making them at risk of CDV (Weidner et al 2002). The total number of deaths is, however, in the decrease for both men and women (Michimi 2008). The burdens that CVD causes in the UK Societal effects: The first resultant effect of CVD is death. This brings about premature changes in the family roles with the remaining family members being under pressure to take charge, for instance, when a sole bread winner dies. The sadness that comes with these deaths is also traumatizing especially to the young members of the family (Alexander et al 2000). Population effect: CVD also has an effect on the personal l ife of the patient and procreation. This is because; most patients with CVD do not indulge in sexual intercourse and hence affecting the population growth (Waring 2006). Economic effect: The death of people in the middle-age or advanced age bracket has dangerous implications on the economy. Usually, these people, especially the middle-aged are the driving force of the economy since they have the experience and skills needed for efficiency in work. Those in the advanced age also possess rich skills in the market and some of them are founders of various companies or highly ranked personnel in several business entities (Waring 2006).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Concept of Cardiovascular Diseases in UK specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Financial burden: CDV also causes a burden to the National Health Service, commonly known as NHS. It is expensive to treat CVD ( £ 6.2 billion by 2003). This, therefore, weighs heavi ly on NHS. The cost of informal care, for instance outpatient treatment, was over  £ 4800 in the same year (2003) according to World Health Organization. In total, CVD costs the UK economy over  £ 26 billion a year as the cost of treating the CVD patients (Waring 2006). The economic troubles are also caused by the fact that most of these patients cannot work hence crippling the economy. These patients also require a prolonged medical attention hence leading to increased medical expenses (Waring 2006). Control measures and effectiveness It has been difficult to control the causes of cardiovascular diseases in the UK due to the vested interest in both the political and economical circles. The government, has, however, tried to influence the pattern of consumption mainly through persuading smokers to change their behavior (Calnan 1991). Cigarette is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. The UK government has taken some measures, due to pressure from the anti-smoking lobby, to help reduce the rate of smoking. Activities of individuals and government-funded lobby groups such as ASH can also be stated as a force that helped the government bow to pressure to enforce some of these policies (Calnan 1991). These efforts have led to tobacco industries accepting government policies and adopting self-regulation and control measures to prevent excessive smoking. Wilkinson states that, in 1984, the British Medical Association initiated an anti-smoking campaign directed at stopping cigarette advertising. The government intended to reduce the rate of cigarette consumption in the UK by enforcing anti-smoking policies. In 1972, for instance, 52 per cent of men and 41 per cent of women in Great Britain were smokers. This percentage fell by 1986, where 35% of men and 31% of women were smokers. According to Townsend, the British government also increased the tax on cigarette in a bid to reduce cigarette consumption. This measure was effective in some sense, in that it led to the increase in the price of cigarette hence making many smokers reduce smoking. According to Townsend, this move led to about half of the total 20 per cent reduction in cigarette smoking.Advertising Looking for essay on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Health education and publicity of a series of reports on smoking and health prepared by the Royal College of Physicians also helped in the reduction of cigarette consumption. This is said to contribute to the other half of the 20 per cent reduction in smoking. The government’s safer cigarette policy is also quoted as a resultant factor in the reduction of CVD. According to Calnan, many cigarette companies have reduced the amount of tar content in cigarette as a result of the UK government’s restrictions on the level of tar that was to be moved from high to low (Calnan 1991). Reduction in smoking, therefore, helped to reduce cases of CVD (Courtenay et al 2010) hence reducing ill health and prolonging the life of an individual. The Food Standard Agency in the UK set target levels that food industries should adhere to for each food category. This policy was aimed at reducing the amount of salt intake in people (Mancini et al 2011). Campaigns have also been rolled out on T Vs, billboards, buses and magazines to advise people on the need to limit salt consumption in order to avoid ill health. This strategy, that began in 2003 has proven effective, such that much food bought in supermarkets contain 20 to 30 per cent less salt by 2008. Companies such as Unilever, Kellogg’s and Heinz have also reduced salt concentration in their food. The minimal consumption of salt helps in prevention of hypertension which is a cardiovascular disease. People in the UK have also been advised to avoid fatty and sugary foods in order to minimize the rate of diabetes. The organization Diabetes UK recommends that a meal should have vegetables, salad, fruits, one sixth of the plate should contain meat, fish and beans while two sixth of it should have potatoes, pasta and rice. Sucrose can provide 10 per cent of daily energy requirement hence it is not necessary to do away with sugar intake. This control measure has helped people to be wary of their diet hence minimizing the rate of diabetes and heart diseases (Mittal 2005). Conclusion It is, therefore, evidence that increase in cigarette prices, health education and legislative controls over tobacco advertising can lead to reduced in cigarette consumption. The UK should put more emphasis on banning advertisements that are meant to reduce tobacco and alcohol consumption. This measure has led to a reduction in cigarette smoking hence reducing cases of CVD (Calnan 1991). The government has focused on fiscal policy rather than control because it of easier to pursue bureaucratic procedures for tobacco regulation than complex control programs. The UK government has adopted for persuasion and self-regulation as a move to control smoking rather than direct intervention. The effectiveness of the policies that the UK government has adopted is difficult to access. However, there has been a significant reduction over the last ten years in the number of smokers among the population (Calnan 1991). References Lis t Acton, A 2011, Cardiovascular Diseases: Advances in Research and Treatment: Scholarly Edition. Alexander, et al 2000, Nursing Practice: Hospital and Home: The Adult. Elsevier Health Sciences. UK Calnan, M 1991, Prevention Coronary Heart Disease: Prospects, Policies, and Politics. Routledge. UK Courtenay, M et al. 2010, Independent and Supplementary Prescribing: An Essential Guide, Cambridge University Press. Fawcett, et at 2004, Evaluating Community Efforts To Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases. Diane Publishing. USA. Mancini, M et al 2011 Nutritional and Metabolic Bases of Cardiovascular Disease. Wiley Publishers. Mittal, S 2005, Coronary Heart Diseaase in Clinical Practice. Springer. Michimi, A 2008, Spatial and temporal patterns of cardiovascular disease in the United States and England. A comparison of data from the national health surveillance databases, ProQuest LLC. USA. Preedy, V 2011, Handbook of Behavior, Food and Nutrition. (Vol1). Springer. Wang, Q 2006, Cardiovascular Di seases: Methods and Protocols, Volume 2; Molecular Medicine. Human Press Inc. Waring, W 2006, Cardiovascular Risk Management, Elsevier Health Sciences. UK Weidner, G et al 2002, Heart Disease: Environment, Stress and Gender, IOS Press.

How to envision your future and find success

How to envision your future and find success Any successful person will emphasize the importance of planning, but sometimes we do things in the wrong order. Zingerman’s co-founder Ari Weinzweig dismisses the idea of endlessly scrutinizing the world and then trying to find a niche where your business fits. Watch him advocate for the opposite process: figuring out the life you want for yourself, then bending the world to make it fit. [Source: Daily Fuel]

The Changing Role of HRM in the NHS Dissertation

The Changing Role of HRM in the NHS - Dissertation Example Since the inception of these new changes, the HRM practices have played some significant part in the national health services. There has been a remarkable change in HRM, which has reduced the challenges faced when the HRM is discharging their services to the citizens. One of the changes realized is transparency between the servants of HRM and the other government bodies. This has been realized through enhanced talks and auditing. The Officials of the HRM are also accountable to other higher government agencies as they act as a link between workforces and the managerial teams. There is also a public interview whenever new officials are recruited; this helps to bring about equality in employment (Goyal 229). Whenever there is a complaint against the practices of HRM, it has to undergo procedural steps for proper scrutinizing. This has helped to do away with propaganda and it enables proper representation of each party that is involved. There is also installation of safety measures to g uard the wellbeing of both the staff and the citizens. This contributes to high motivation among the staff because they feel secure while undertaking the activities of discharging their services to the people (Goyal 237). They are also entitled to a compensation, which enable them get some benefits. For instance, better policies are formalized, such as statutory benefits and insurance schemes. The HRM, aiming at achieving a better healthcare, conducts all these services and they have been pivotal in the development of a better image in the healthcare sector. The HR management is thus undertaking a new role of bringing a new understanding and flexibility in the delivery of health services, which results to the healthcare efficiency. The information system was appropriate as it used a common service center. For instance, there is the usage of human labor force in keeping records of sickness absence and the internal auditing of repots, which hinders accountability. Consequently, there is a problem of comprehensive evaluation of staff sickness absence. Evidently, a better information system needs to be implemented in order to improve the efficiency of line managers in order to deal with sickness absence accordingly. Sources have revealed that the formulation of proper policies, systematic procedures, and innovations in the key target areas are key in its accomplishment. For example, there is the provision of better terms and creation of a welfare unit to deal with the wellbeing of the staff .The sick staff has also been entitled to a full pay leave of six months and a half pay for the additional six months. Additionally, there is the development of a plan for purposes of catering for the needs of the emerging issues. Therefore, this has ensured the sufficient delivery of health services. A performance appraisal is conducted to evaluate each work and then a reward is given. Budgetary allocation of health services in the national budget has enabled creation of commi ssions and authorities that ensure that there is justice and equality in the administration of national health services through the HR management (Goyal 19). There is also the development of a similar treatment for all departments to ensure that equality prevails in all the represented

The Main Difference between Wage Rate for Teacher and Sportsman Assignment - 4

The Main Difference between Wage Rate for Teacher and Sportsman - Assignment Example The current US federal minimum wage rate is $7.25 per hour, which was set in 2009. If the minimum wage rate is increased from $7.25 to $7.50 per hour, it will be good for the minimum wage workers. Increased wages will help minimum wage workers live a better standard life and will ultimately result in increased business productivity for the companies. At present, very few people go into the profession of teaching because people do not consider it a very good profession because of low wages. However, if the government equals the wages of teachers and business personnel, more people will try to join the profession of teaching because teaching is comparatively easier to do and requires less time than business. It will destabilize the economic progress of the country. If there will be no limit, more and more people will want to join the profession of lawyers because of attractive salary packages. In this case, other professions will be affected. Moreover, practicing lawyers will not want a large number of new lawyers to become a threat to their jobs. Therefore, they limit the entry of new layers in the profession of law. Considering the change in the total revenue resulting from the quantity and quality of the output produced by Michael Jordan, the amount given to the player was fair because he served his club very well during the whole season. Increase in wages will make the employees do more for their companies. When the employees will receive higher wages, they will definitely work hard with full dedication and commitment increasing their overall productivity and output. According to the output effect, a decrease in the wage rate will decrease production costs, so the price of final goods will decrease. The number of final goods produced will decrease, so the demand for labor will increase.

Employment Law for Human Resource Practice Article

Employment Law for Human Resource Practice - Article Example As an accountant, she has minimal influence on the activities of the human resource department and her actions in the case are therefore faulted and misplaced. As an employee of the organization, she may recommend employees but the right of appointment rests with the human resource department. Her actions while at the human resource department further portray lack of respect and should thus attract stringent and punitive measures with the view of instilling discipline in the rest of the employees. The organization reserves the right to hire and fire the employees. However, in doing this the organization must adhere to specific laws as entrenched in the constitutions and laws governing the country. There are different mechanisms through which an employee can obtain the human resource each reliant on a specific set of laws. One of such is a contract; a contract refers to an agreement between different parties to undertake a particular job for a duration. Most employers prefer contracts as a method since it safeguards the interest of the organization. The parties consent to the contract only after accepting the terms and conditions of the employment, the terms and conditions of a contract vary depending on the organization and the nature of the job. The right to hire employees from the applicants permits the department thus the organization to carry out any action to ensure that they obtain the best employee for the organization. Contracts give the organizations the authority to manipulate the terms of engagement and whoever accepts such thus becomes bound to the terms of the contract document. Despite the freedom organizations enjoy because of the contract mechanism, they are equally bound to respect different virtues of humanity and such include the contract termination procedure, the hiring process and remunerations. Contracts are always a temporary feature that demands that organizations enumerate their contractors effective for their services. The human resou rce department thus carries out extensive interviews on every applicant regardless of their background thus validating the action by the human resource department at Ironside for not considering Max an applicant recommended by Mrs. Connors. The termination of a contract is liberal to the employee but may not be to the employer. The contract term should always elapse before an organization lets off its employees. Just as stated in the definition, a contract runs for a specific duration, a time within which both the employer and the employees agree to work together. In the event of a termination therefore, both the parties must meet with the view of protecting their personal interests. Both parties may instigate the termination of the contract only that in each case, the two parties must accept the ramifications of such an act. The employer may terminate the contract at any time depending on the interest of the company. However, in doing this they must provide written statements that explain the reasons for such an act and remunerate the employee for the remaining time. The employer may also initiate the termination of the contract. In such a case, the employee must provide the employer with a written document explaining such a move and in this case expect no remuneration for the remaining time to the elapse of the contract. The other employment type is the permanent and pensionable. The mechanism is more demanding for both the employer

Hormonal Disorders Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Hormonal Disorders - Essay Example Also, patients with inherited defects of the body structures that produce steroid hormones, for example, hereditary adrenal hyperplasia and in particular those whose condition falls as inadequately controlled may have a high risk of adenomas. However, most adenomas do not link with an inherited sickness (Neil & Isaac, 2006). Even if adenoma stands as harmless, it has the potential to create severe health complications by compressing other structures through mass effect and by producing prodigious amounts of hormones in an unregulated, nonresponsive dependent behavior. This is referred to as paraneoplastic syndrome (Schwartz, 2002). The changes that occur in humans and cause adenoma are as follows: abnormality which comes as a result of excess production of hydrocortisone, a steroid hormone involved in reaction to stressing and energy steadiness. Adenomas that produce vast amounts of steroid hormones will cause clear symptoms. Huge amounts of hydrocortisone will cause Cushings conditions where too much mineral corticoid causes Conns conditions, and a surplus of male sex steroids creates unhealthy skin plus hair growth. Hardly ever hemorrhage can arise into adenomas and bring the pain in the flanks or back (Schwartz, 2002). Acromegaly refers to a condition that arises from the frontal pituitary gland when it produces excess growth hormones mostly at puberty (Neil & Isaac, 2006). A variety of disorders may increase the pituitarys hormone growth output, though most commonly it includes a hormone producing tumor referred to as pituitary adenoma, derived from a distinctive cell. It is true to say that the patient had acromegaly because of the symptoms the doctors found. The teenager at the age of 20 portrayed same symptoms of a person suffering from acromegaly. These symptoms stand as: enlarged hands and feet, severe headache, vision problem and

Learning of Mathematics in Secondary Schools Essay

Learning of Mathematics in Secondary Schools - Essay Example Today, in whatever domain of work we look into, we always find the impact of technology continuously revolutionizing those fields and industries. The education industry is no exception. When looking deep into various disciplines of studies to analyze the actualized as well as potential impact of technology, we come across the fact that the understanding of the subjects which are very conceptual in nature, increases many folds. Mathematics is one of them. Furthermore, especially in secondary classes in Singapore, when the course of mathematics starts to get more conceptual and complex, it becomes essential to let the students visualize various concepts using multimedia, which would otherwise be impossible to demonstrate. Thus this study aims to analyze the impact of use of Information and Communication Technology in the enhancement of learning of Mathematics in the secondary schools of Singapore, particularly in the assessment aspect of teaching. Information Communication Technology i s too broad area to be analyzed as a whole, thus we would restrict ourselves to the impact of multimedia technologies only. This specification leads us to our research question, that is, This literature review is aimed to look at the work relevant to the issue that has already been done. Thus, first of all we would start with defining the term multimedia, without as well as within the context of Information Communication Technology. Moving further, we will analyze the various researches done on the issue of teaching methodologies and its relation with technologies. The term 'relation' here includes the advent, the nature and level of integration of technology and teaching over time and impact. Moving further, we would review the literature on how the multimedia technologies can facilitate the teaching of mathematics. Lastly we would try to analyze that keeping in view the existing literature, what is the need of the proposed research. It is important to be clear in very beginning that what perspective of multimedia we are considering, in order to avoid any ambiguity. In a literal sense, the word multi means many and media means the plurality of mediums, the way of delivering some thing. The type of information that is considered as part of media are diversified, it includes, text, graphics, animations, sounds and video clips. The list is not exhaustive; with the evolution of technology new types of media keep on being added. For example, initially only text was the media to be used, then graphics and then sounds, animations and clips and so on. When we speak of the term multimedia in terms of information and communication technology, it has been defined as Multimedia is communication that uses any combination of different media; it may or may not involve computers. Multimedia may include text, spoken audio, music, images, animation, and video. . Multimedia programs are often interactive and include games, sales presentations, encyclopedias, and more. From this definition we can infer some

The Role of Nursing in Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Role of Nursing in Society - Essay Example Conventionally, caring is central to the benchmark nature of the nursing profession. Apparently, the general public is aware and expects that as experts in the field of caring, nurses show evidence in the application of learned, modern techniques within personalities that project an aura of healing. Normally, this should further be enhanced by the accurate execution of contemporary primary care to ensure comfort among medical care clients regardless of the medical care setting. As health care workers and civil service providers, nurse's priority concern is the public interest, while living an ideal, reserve, and humble life. Thus, nurses as professionals in the practice of their expertise embody an attitude that goes beyond personal limitations and discriminations. Nursing is a distinct vocation because, as experts in the particular field, it focuses on activities engage in extending assistance to individuals who are ill. It is in the performance of help oriented activities that nursing best contributes to the healing of the sick, which is likewise, a speedy recovery from pain and illness. Apparently, the meaning of the profession has progressed from its simple beginnings indicating a womanly task which is basic and does not have to be studied (Donahue, 1996). It was from suckling an infant to one that has become a stylish and vastly educated line of work (Donahue, 1996). Practically, this shift is manifested in the developed and enhanced role of nursing. Beginning with the 19th century developments, nursing as a profession and a work has been expanded to not only tending the sick. It also means undergoing education. This is on the best ways of nurturing the sick. It goes further to executing such responsibility under the direction of a medical doctor (Donahue, 1996). This task was promoted to include child-nursing and sick-nursing (Donahue, 1996).Child-nursing which eventually was specialized nursemaid and governess is allied to teaching and training of children (Donahue, 1996). While sick-nursing is linked to healing ability, care for the sick, the aged, the vulnerable, and the people who are in poor health, the handicapped, and the sponsorship of wellbeing (Donahue, 1996). The latter further included such factors as affection, concern, solitude, and responsibility for personal wants and desires. ConclusionVirtually, care and caring underpins nursing, despite vagueness of the phrase as sweeping statement of the realities of the profession (Daly, Speedy, Jackson, Lambert, & Lambert, 2005). This is because nursing turned out to be multi-dimensional. It is driven by sophisticated concepts assumed as attitude and at the same time discipline (Daly et al, 2005). Similarly, nurse caring is characterized as giving value to individual interactions, well-versed of the doctrine of sharing, candor, compassion, and self-discipline. Additionally nurse caring includes reverence, guarantee of individual attendance, cheerful association, expert understanding and ability, and courtesy. Moreover, affection and effort are supplementary facets to nurse caring. Reference Donahue, M. P. (1996). Nursing, the Finest Art: An Illustrated History. St. Louis, MO: Mosby. Daly, J., Speedy, S., Jackson, D., Lambert, V. A., & Lambert, C.

Learning of Mathematics in Secondary Schools Essay

Learning of Mathematics in Secondary Schools - Essay Example Today, in whatever domain of work we look into, we always find the impact of technology continuously revolutionizing those fields and industries. The education industry is no exception. When looking deep into various disciplines of studies to analyze the actualized as well as potential impact of technology, we come across the fact that the understanding of the subjects which are very conceptual in nature, increases many folds. Mathematics is one of them. Furthermore, especially in secondary classes in Singapore, when the course of mathematics starts to get more conceptual and complex, it becomes essential to let the students visualize various concepts using multimedia, which would otherwise be impossible to demonstrate. Thus this study aims to analyze the impact of use of Information and Communication Technology in the enhancement of learning of Mathematics in the secondary schools of Singapore, particularly in the assessment aspect of teaching. Information Communication Technology i s too broad area to be analyzed as a whole, thus we would restrict ourselves to the impact of multimedia technologies only. This specification leads us to our research question, that is, This literature review is aimed to look at the work relevant to the issue that has already been done. Thus, first of all we would start with defining the term multimedia, without as well as within the context of Information Communication Technology. Moving further, we will analyze the various researches done on the issue of teaching methodologies and its relation with technologies. The term 'relation' here includes the advent, the nature and level of integration of technology and teaching over time and impact. Moving further, we would review the literature on how the multimedia technologies can facilitate the teaching of mathematics. Lastly we would try to analyze that keeping in view the existing literature, what is the need of the proposed research. It is important to be clear in very beginning that what perspective of multimedia we are considering, in order to avoid any ambiguity. In a literal sense, the word multi means many and media means the plurality of mediums, the way of delivering some thing. The type of information that is considered as part of media are diversified, it includes, text, graphics, animations, sounds and video clips. The list is not exhaustive; with the evolution of technology new types of media keep on being added. For example, initially only text was the media to be used, then graphics and then sounds, animations and clips and so on. When we speak of the term multimedia in terms of information and communication technology, it has been defined as Multimedia is communication that uses any combination of different media; it may or may not involve computers. Multimedia may include text, spoken audio, music, images, animation, and video. . Multimedia programs are often interactive and include games, sales presentations, encyclopedias, and more. From this definition we can infer some

China Economic Report Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

China Economic Report - Research Paper Example ration or conflict, how the country has adjusted to period of G-Zero world, behavior of its policy with the changing geopolitics of energy, and how diaspora groups of China affect the country’s economic development remain disturbing to many analysts. Therefore, answers to these questions require deep and lengthy journey into China’s domestic and foreign policy, economic reforms, and international development, politics and military aspects. Evaluation of China’s policies makes one to conclude that developments and economic progress top as key priorities China would want to pursue, both in domestic and foreign environment (Norway’s Embassy and Consulate General Para. 3). As a result, the country’s effort has been directed at ensuring there is domestic social stability as well as regional and international political stability. China makes every effort to isolate itself from conflict that might threaten or endanger its economic development policy, thus the country ‘appreciates’ cooperation ties although its commitment to cooperation agreements and ties continue to be questionable (Norway’s Embassy and Consulate General Para. 3). An overview of China’s activities and strategies convinces one that the country has increased its engagement and interdependence with the outside world, although general suspicion of its partners persists. Indeed, this perception can be associated to China’s growing military might and the potential threat it poses. In summary, it can be stated that China has accelerated its efforts to change its foreign policy based on the sole aim to convince international community that it remains a responsible actor on the international arena (Central Asia-Caucasus Institute Para. 2). China continues to integrate in the global world of economy, political and cultural relations but the extent, quality, and quantity of these relations remain a matter of debate. China as usual remains cautious and alert in pursuing its global integration.

Market and company analysis of padini

Market and company analysis of padini PADINI started to operate its company in Malaysias apparel industry, manufacturing, trading and supplying garments to order for retailers and distributors. The PADINI Concept Store is a concept store that selling all PADINI Holdings brands in one store or one stop shopping. The first outlet that starting to operate in Malaysia was located in Johor Bharu City Square, a shopping complex in Johor Bharu, Malaysia. After PADINI starting to operate in Malaysia, it becomes one of the major forces to apparel and garments industry in Malaysia. Besides, PADINI involved in the distribution and retail of its own fashion labels through 190 freestanding stores, franchise and consignment counters. The main products that sold by PADINI are formal,fashion wear and accessories. Besides, there are various brands that houses in PADINI and all of them are under PADINI . Every brand represents a fashion philosophy and each of the philosophy involve an extensive range of products aimed at targeted consumer. Their brand image is strongly attached importance to the real value: quality, functionality and price. There are eight unique brands under PADINI, which are PADINI ,PADINI Authentics, PDI, P CO, Seed, Miki, Vincci, and Vincci Accessories. All of the brands targeted consumer is due to both sexes and all ages. However Vincci, and Vincci Accessories are more focused on the flexible tastes of woman consumers on shoes, bags and accessories, and Seed Cafà © have open a new dimension in food operations for its company. Vision PADINI state that their vision is to be the market leader in the retail industry. They will achieve the goal through hard work, discipline and creative endeavour. In long terms, they will continue to maintain their high standard of design and manufacturing quality as well as affordability. Besides, they are also working towards expanding the business on a regional basis. At present, they have a growing presence in their neighbour countries, and we believe that there is great scope for growth. Mission The mission that set by PADINI is to create credible products that meet out target customer requirements but exceed their expectation. PADINI Core Value Caring From The Heart Caring from the heart means every staff of company must treat customers from the heart,staffs must care their customer by providing the best services. PADINIs 7 Culture Speed Simplicity Self- Confidence Communication Team Work Learning Culture Consistency Evolution of PADINI Year 1971-1990 Began operations as Hwayo Garments manufacturers Company, a proprietorship carrying out the manufacturing of ladies garments and wholesaling of the finished products to departmental stores. Expand into the trading textiles. Entered the retail industry with the companys pioneering brand PADINI. The brand VINCCI was created. Children wear was launched under MIKI brand. The SEED and ROPE labels were launched. 1991-2007 Establishment of a holding company, Home Stores Sdn. Bhd., to hold all the groups retail, wholesale and manufacturing business. The name Home Stores sdn. Bhd., was changed to PADINI Holdings Sdn. Bhd. Launched of PADINI AUTHENTICS. PADINI Holdings Sdn. Bhd. Became PADINI Holdings Berhad. PADINI HoldingsBerhad listed on the Second Board of the KLSE. PCO was launched in the second half of the year. PDI was created. The first Concept Stores was opened in Johor Bharu City Square. Seed Cafà © and PADINI Dot Com Sdn. Bhd was set up. Re-launcg of PADINI and Rope to new PADINI Workwear Listed on the Main Board of the KLSE The brand Vincci +. Vincci accessories and brands outlet was launched. STATES LOCATION Selangor AEON Bukit Tinggi Shopping Centre Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall Ikano Power Centre 1 Utama Phase 2 Shopping Centre IOI Mall Shopping Centre Kompleks Membeli Belah, Aeon Cheras Selatan Johor Bukit Indah Shopping Centre City Square Shopping Centre Jusco Tebrau City Shopping Centre Kuala Lumpur Mid Valley Megamall Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Penang Gurney Plaza Queensbay Mall Melacca Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall Pahang East Coast Mall Perak Kinta City Shopping Centre Sabah Warisan Square Sarawak The Spring Map of PADINII coverage The Location of Padini Concept Stores In Malaysia map_malaysia Segmentation As a listed company with such successful result, undeniably PADINI has done segmentizing in terms of demographic, geographic and psychographic. Demographic segmentation include of dividing the market into groups based on variables likes age, gender family size, income, occupation, education, religion, race and nationality. PADINI has segmentized demographic by focusing on the factor like age, gender, income and occupation as the important factor to do the continuous targeting. PADINI has set up 8 brands, which has covered age from baby up to old ages ,gender with male and also female, income which in the range of RM1000-RM2000,RM2001-RM5000 and RM5001above,and finally occupation like office-worker and others semi formal wear which suit majority occupation. This helps the organization to divide the market into several groups and target each of these groups to enhance the performance of the organization. Next, market segmentation strategy whereby the intended audience for a given product is divided according to geographic units, such as nations, states, regions, counties, cities, or neighborhoods.  PADINI has chosen to focus on states as their geographic segmentation, for instances, Penang, Johor and Kuala Lumpur. Lastly, PADINI has also used Psychographic by dividing the industry into different groups based on social class and lifestyle to do perfect segmentation. Targeting From our research, we can say that the targeting strategies used by PADINI is differentiated marketing where PADINI target several segment by offering different products to satisfy the different groups of customer. The targeted groups of customer are derived from the age range that above 7 to 50 and separated according to age and genders. The following table is showing the different targeted groups by offering different products. Group Age Gender Product Type of product Infants and kids Below 7 Both Miki kids Casual Childrens Above 7 and below 12 Both Seed and PADINI Authentic Fashion stlye Teenagers or youngsters 12 to 18 Both Seed and PADINI Authentic Casual Adult 18 to 30 female P Co Younger style(Trendy) Adult 18 to 40 Both Seed Casual plus classic stylish designed Teenagers or adult 13 to 50 Female Vincci and Vincci Accessories Female Accessories Adult 18 to 50 Both PDI Casual stylish designed Adult 18 to 60 Both PADINI Formal Differentiation Positioning PADINI used the differentiation strategies of product and image to place the product occupies in the consumers minds. The hottest product of PADINI Seed, use the product differentiation in term of design to place the product occupies in the consumers minds. For example, when a consumer want to buy a semi-formal with classic stylish designed, the Seeds product will come into their minds immediately. Besides, Miki kids is also one of the example of product differentiation where the design is specialty for kids. On the other hands, P Co used the image differentiation to place the product occupied in consumers minds. When a consumer want to buy a female clothes with younger style inside the PADINI, the brand of P Co will definitely come into their minds. In short, PADINI use the differentiation of image and product like unique design and brand image to position the products in the consumer minds. Product Consumer Goods  are final goods that are brought from retail stores to satisfy the needs and wants of customers. Products of PADINI falls under consumer product which categorized as shopping products.PADINI itself has other alternatives brands under it. There are PADINI, Seed ,Pdi , PADINI Authentic , PCo, Miki maternity , Vincci , Vincci accessories , Miki kids . The essential of PDI is to emphasis the casual stylish that can be accepted in any occasion. Its purpose to let any guy or girl to get a style fix among the fashion-current jeans, T-shirts, jackets, casual basic-T, belt, socks, scarf and even accessories in a shopper-friendly setting.PADINI is focus more on basic and family lifestyle and aim for anyone who likes and extols casual style. PADINI provides the essential working lifestyle for the modern working man and women. The PADINI collection carries a clean, timeless and modern to the working lifestyle. This brand is focuses on the formal wear and centralize customers base for workers. PADINI has launched out several of tie, belt, shirt and coat. Seed is the confidence of classic and casual plus a refreshing design. Seed emphasize the best of both designs for men, women and even hip kids! The purpose is stand-out style. Seed is focus on urban office-wear for the masses. The clothes under this line are usually jackets, coats, suits, classic office pants and knee-length skirts, semi-formal skirt and belt and also classic jean. In addition to seed cafe, the cafe portrays a bright and contemporary concept which jells with seeds youthful and trendy image. PADINI authentic is more on casually yours. PADINI authentic focus their styleon quality casual wear. Its targets the teenager segment of the market. It sells modern shirt, trendy jean, jackets, shirts and stylish dress. P co is focus on female market and launched all girls skirt, necklace and also hot pants. On the same track where they run ahead in fashions brave new ideas. Women are the largest customer base for P co because they know that women are the most potential customer and most people who are willing to spend money in the fashion. Miki Kids take the message of fun in fashion to every place and occasion. Clothes design with energetic ideas and cheerful colours to charge up every youngster. Miki kids are designed for 1-11 years old infants. This is because infants still have their potential and parents are increasingly willing to spend money on their childs dress. Miki Maternity is designed for fashionable mums-to-be. Miki Maternity has sold all the shirt and dress that suit for the pregnant women at the same time stand out-style. The look of Vincci fun and fashionable, the emphasis is affordable. From head turning hair accessories to trendsetting footwear, must-have handbags to eye catching glasses and fashion-clinching belts. In addition to Vincci accessories carries one of the most extensive lines of accessories from necklaces, bangles, rings and earrings to belts, sunglasses, watches, shoes, bags and more in all the latest styles. Price Pricing are one of the most important elements of the marketing mix, as it is the only mix, which generates a turnover for the organization. Pricing is difficult and must reflect  supply and demand  relationship. Pricing for a product too high or too low could mean a loss of sales for the organization.   Designed of Seed and PADINI are more classic. Both of these brands are premium pricing and especially for relatively high consumption of the customer base. High consumption of the customers base is those who purchase a bundle items in one time. Production of seed and PADINI are much more less than other brand this is because high consumption of the customer base would be lesser. In addition to this, PDI and PADINI authentic and Vincci are much more affordable. Both of these brands are low cost pricing and more focus on the middle class customer base. Product price of these three brands are low and affordable. This is because there are more middle class of customer base compare to high consumption of customer base. PDI ,PADINI authentic and Vincci are attracting many customers due to the low price strategy. Apart from this, the two brands under the MIKI flag are MIKI Kids and MIKI Maternity. Miki maternity pay attention on the fashionable mums-to-be. This brand only focuses on the pregnant women and mums-to-be customers base and Miki kids focus on the children customers base. Product price of this brand is quiet high and is considered as premium pricing. This is due to their customers base not wide enough. Promotion PADINI Holdings Berhad company has different promotion in every seasons . They have different seasons in every years . That is spring ,summer ,fall and holiday . Those products have expensive price will have whole year discount . On the other hand , those products have cheap price only will get discount during season period . PADINI AUTHENTICS promotion will get instant rebate RM30 with purchases of RM150 and RM70 with purchases of RM300 . PDI Promotion will get rebate RM15 with every purchase of RM100 . Followed by , VINCCI ACCESSORIES will get instant rebate RM10 with purchase of RM50 above RM20 with purchase of RM100 above . VINCCI Promotion will get instant rebate RM10 with purchases of RM50 above , RM20 with purchases of RM100 above . SEED Promotion will get rebate RM30 with every purchase of rm150 . PCO Promotion will rebate rm20 with every purchase of rm100 . PADINI Promotion will get rebate RM30 with every purchase of 2pcs . In addition , PADINI GROUP FAIR which known as Mega Carnival Sales will up to 70% discount . This sales will fall on March , August , December every year .Specific terms and condition will be applied on it . During sales period , customers cannot apply for member card . Member card only can apply when no sales proceed . When nearly reach end of sales , PADINI Company will have actual 10 % will add 10 % more discount on it . This is because PADINI company want clear the stock , and they want to push the sales. A companys total promotion mix is also called marketing communications mix . It consists advertising , sales promotion , public relations , personal selling , and direct-marketing tools that the company uses to persuasively communicate customer value and build customer relationships . One of the hardest marketing decisions facing a company is how much to spend on promotion . How does a company decide on its promotion budget ? There are four common methods used to set the total budget for advertising . There are the affordable method , the percentage of sales method , the competitive parity method and the objective and task method . Affordable method is to set the promotion budget at the level management thinks the company can afford . Followed by , percentage of sales method is set the promotion budget at a certain percentage of current or forecasted sales or as a percentage of the unit sales price . Competitive parity method is set the promotion budget to match competitors outlays . Placement Concept Store bring the all in one concepts . So that , customers will be convenient to shop at there . Varienty of modern style can be choose by customers . All they need are inside one shop . Most of the brands outlet will located at the shopping mall instead of hypermarket . Because of the design of shopping mall more attractive . So that can attract more customers . PADINI is one of the most well-known brands in Malaysias multibillion garment industry. A brand leader involved in the distribution and retail its own fashion labels through 180 freestanding stores and in-house outlets. This includes our multi-brand stores of PADINI Concept Store and Brands Outlet. PADINI have many branches in Malaysia . In Malaysia , it divided into two parts . That is west and east . Shopping mall will be choosen as the location where the PADINI Concept store at . This is because shopping mall has more people . For example , Queensbay Mall , Gurney Plaza .It will choose only mall which is more trendy for that city . PADINI has two types of shops. It has brands outlet and PADINI concepts store . The purpose of having PADINI concepts shops is because of the concept one-stop-shopping. With all brands within reach in just one store, the shopping option is set to create a fashion revolution. In addition, certain brands specialize in items such as Graphic Tees, Polo-Tees and Pants. With such a wide variety of styles and labels, Concept Store not only caters to everyone irrespective of age, gender or taste, it also allows shoppers to mix and match effortlessly within one location,maybe by matching with different brands merchandise to fulfill own required style.The brands are PADINI, Seed, Vincci, PDI, PADINI Authentics, P Co, Miki Kids Miki Maternity. Whereas , brands outlet is the latest exciting concept from PADINI group . Already a fashion force in Malaysia with brands such as PADINI, Seed,PDI, Vincci and PCo., the group decided to introduce a shopping experience with a difference based on key ide as of convenience, quality, variety and affordability. Concept Store can be found at Aeon Bukit Tinggi (Klang), Ampang Point (Kuala Lumpur), IOI Mall (Puchong), Ikano Power Centre (Mutiara Damansara; flagship store), Aeon Bukit Indah (Johor Bahru), Dataran Pahlawan Mall (Melaka), East Coast Mall (Kuantan) and Queensbay Mall (Penang). Recommendation After the overall marketing research regarding this company, we would make some recommendation about the product, market development, marketing technique, public promotion and sales rules and regulation. Talking about the product, PADINI has never come out with unisex merchandise, as my experience as promoter in this company, I always get this question from customer .Also, I would suggest PADINI may make some couple design since the company is already well-establised,these two product may probably open a new market to new young generation as their target,the company may choose the A outlet to do market testing by coming out limited quantity. Next,for market development, I would say PADINI can actually start planning to come out a 10Years-proposal which target to open concept-store and brands outlet in all the main city or central of city in Malaysia,for example kuching in Sarawak and Labuan in Sabah.Next the company may also issue share or debentures to public to increase their development in local ,if the company has built strong reputation and already very stable in local market,then they will be able to open oversea market after 10 years. While for marketing technique, we can see PADINI has not yet to explore in the online buying.I suggest PADINI can set up a blog which contain all brands product. Before that, perhaps the company must set up a IT department to do IT support for future transaction and create a IT system to company. They may co-operate with some banks to offer discount by using online banking service. On the other hands, PADINI can also cooperate with some local distributors in the Malaysia like Citi-link or Sky Net to send out the order. Every transaction made by the customer will be shown a payment statement and it was guaranteed by the bank. Besides, the distribution of the order will directly send to the stated address according to the information stated on the order form by the customer. Then, since PADINI is already well-known in fashion industry,I believe they are able to do a fashion show by hiring professional model,wearing their new products and having a fashion show .The company may invite some fashion professional ,helping to to advertising and promote their company. Besides, the company can organize a model show or competition by wearing their new products in specific mall like Gurney or Mid Valley, this will cost lesser.Furthermore, PADINI can sponsor to some well-known ladies magazine with conditions that include few pages which advertising about PADINI new products in every publicatioj of magazine,for example Vogue and Nirvana Women. Historical Net Profit of PADINI From Year 2004- 2010 untitled The histogram above showed that the net profit of PADINI from the year 2004- 2010. We can see that, the net profit of PADINI is dramatically increase from 2004- 2010 with the percentage of 1% to 12.2%. Besides, PADINI state that they forecast an average annual net profit growth of 10% in year 2011 and 2012 because of the demand for the PADINI products due to their strong branding and strategic store locations, as well as improved efficiency of warehousing, inventory management, design and product mix. Stock Split 7052 Besides, PADINI also carry out the stock split program to make its stock price cheaper than before in 5 times at 6 January 2011, being the market day after the books closing date. Share split involving the subdivision of each ordinary share of RM0.50 each held in PADINI Holdings Berhad into five ordinary shares of RM0.10 each. This action is to attract more investor to invest into their company. PADINI HOLDINGS BERHAD (History earnings, dividends and share price) CHART.bmp

Julius Ceaser Essays -- essays papers

Julius Ceaser Julius Caesar Julius Caesar was born on July 13th in 100B.C. His full name is Gaius Julius Caesar, which was the same as his father’s name. Julius Caesar was the most famous Roman general and was one of the most influential political and military leaders in history. He helped establish the vast Roman Empire. Caesar gained all his power in four different areas. Those areas are politics, government, religion, and in the military. Using these amazing powers he controlled many aspects of Roman life. In 84B.C. Caesar married Cornelia, the daughter of Lucis Cornelius Cinna, a noble who was Marious’ associate in revolution. Lucis Cornelius Sulla demanded they divorce in 83, but Caesar refused, risking his job and his life. Caesar went to Rhodes to study oratory. Pirates captured him on his way. His relatives paid a ransom and he was released. Once he was out he recruited private troops and captures the Pirates. Then he executed them. Caesar had won victories in Spain and had attracted many men in Rome. In 60B.C, Caesar and Pompey formed an alliance with Marcus Lucius ...

A Reading of Blakes A Cradle Song Essay -- William Blake S. Foster Da

"A Cradle Song" S. Foster Damon's 1947 reading of "A Cradle Song" indicates that most early critics accepted Isaac Watts' Hush! my dear, lie still and slumber as the model for Blake's poem. However, Damon claims that "There is no more resemblance [between the two works]than there must be between any two cradle-songs. He also claims that the designs of the second plate have a "Raphaelesque hardness, which is in this day not pleasant." Vivian de Sola Pinto acknowledges the connections between "A Cradle Song" and Watts' work made by Damon and others but notes that no critic has yet explored the relationship between Blake's and Watts' work in detail, a task she takes on in her 1957 study. Placing Watts' "A Cradle Hymn" side-by-side with Blake's "A Cradle Song," de Sola Pinto analyzes their thematic and prosodic similarities and differences, ultimately reading Blake's song as the "delogicalization" of Watts' hymn. In his 1959 reading of "A Cradle Song," Robert F. Gleckner asserts that it is an expression of Blake's concept of moving into the realm of higher innocence citing as evidence that after 1815, Blake always followed "A Cradle Song" with "The Divine Image" in the sequence of Songs of Innocence. Gleckner discusses the movement from "pleasant dreams" and "sweet smiles" to "moans" and "weeping" as the movement from innocence into experience and ultimate innocence, "the hope of mankind" which is "the ultimate negation of self." Gleckner claims that this "song" is actually a "prayer," the same prayer mentioned in "The Divine Image." Hazard Adams' 1963 reading asserts that the poem is both a song and a "prayer for the continued innocence of the child." Adams classifies the poem as one of Blake's lullabies which Adams claims ... ...iam Blake. Cambridge: UP, 1973. Gleckner, Robert F. The Piper and the Bard: A Study of William Blake. Detroit: Wayne State UP, 1959. Glen, Heather. Vision and Disenchantment: Blake's Songs and Wordsworth's Lyrical Ballads. Cambridge: UP, 1983. Hirsch, E.D. Innocence and Experience: An Introduction to William Blake. Chicago: UP, 1964. Holloway, John. Blake: The Lyric Poet. London: Edward Arnold, Ltd., 1968. Keynes, Geoffrey. Commentary. Songs of Innocence and of Experience Shewing the Two Contrary States of the Human Soul. By William Blake. 1789,1794. New York: Orion, 1967. Leader, Zachary. Reading Blake's Songs. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1981. Lindsay, David W. Blake: Songs of Innocence and Experience. Atlantic Highlands, NJ: Humanities Press, Int., 1989. Ostriker, Alicia. Vision and Verse in William Blake. Madison: U Wisconsin P, 1965.

A Game of Thrones Chapter Thirty

Eddard I stood last vigil for him myself,† Ser Barristan Selmy said as they looked down at the body in the back of the cart. â€Å"He had no one else. A mother in the Vale, I am told.† In the pale dawn light, the young knight looked as though he were sleeping. He had not been handsome, but death had smoothed his rough-hewn features and the silent sisters had dressed him in his best velvet tunic, with a high collar to cover the ruin the lance had made of his throat. Eddard Stark looked at his face, and wondered if it had been for his sake that the boy had died. Slain by a Lannister bannerman before Ned could speak to him; could that be mere happenstance? He supposed he would never know. â€Å"Hugh was Jon Arryn's squire for four years,† Selmy went on. â€Å"The king knighted him before he rode north, in Jon's memory. The lad wanted it desperately, yet I fear he was not ready.† Ned had slept badly last night and he felt tired beyond his years. â€Å"None of us is ever ready,† he said. â€Å"For knighthood?† â€Å"For death.† Gently Ned covered the boy with his cloak, a bloodstained bit of blue bordered in crescent moons. When his mother asked why her son was dead, he reflected bitterly, they would tell her he had fought to honor the King's Hand, Eddard Stark. â€Å"This was needless. War should not be a game.† Ned turned to the woman beside the cart, shrouded in grey, face hidden but for her eyes. The silent sisters prepared men for the grave, and it was ill fortune to look on the face of death. â€Å"Send his armor home to the Vale. The mother will want to have it.† â€Å"It is worth a fair piece of silver,† Ser Barristan said. â€Å"The boy had it forged special for the tourney. Plain work, but good. I do not know if he had finished paying the smith.† â€Å"He paid yesterday, my lord, and he paid dearly,† Ned replied. And to the silent sister he said, â€Å"Send the mother the armor. I will deal with this smith.† She bowed her head. Afterward Ser Barristan walked with Ned to the king's pavilion. The camp was beginning to stir. Fat sausages sizzled and spit over firepits, spicing the air with the scents of garlic and pepper. Young squires hurried about on errands as their masters woke, yawning and stretching, to meet the day. A serving man with a goose under his arm bent his knee when he caught sight of them. â€Å"M'lords,† he muttered as the goose honked and pecked at his fingers. The shields displayed outside each tent heralded its occupant: the silver eagle of Seagard, Bryce Caron's field of nightingales, a cluster of grapes for the Redwynes, brindled boar, red ox, burning tree, white ram, triple spiral, purple unicorn, dancing maiden, blackadder, twin towers, horned owl, and last the pure white blazons of the Kingsguard, shining like the dawn. â€Å"The king means to fight in the melee today,† Ser Barristan said as they were passing Ser Meryn's shield, its paint sullied by a deep gash where Loras Tyrell's lance had scarred the wood as he drove him from his saddle. â€Å"Yes,† Ned said grimly. Jory had woken him last night to bring him that news. Small wonder he had slept so badly. Ser Barristan's look was troubled. â€Å"They say night's beauties fade at dawn, and the children of wine are oft disowned in the morning light.† â€Å"They say so,† Ned agreed, â€Å"but not of Robert.† Other men might reconsider words spoken in drunken bravado, but Robert Baratheon would remember and, remembering, would never back down. The king's pavilion was close by the water, and the morning mists off the river had wreathed it in wisps of grey. It was all of golden silk, the largest and grandest structure in the camp. Outside the entrance, Robert's warhammer was displayed beside an immense iron shield blazoned with the crowned stag of House Baratheon. Ned had hoped to discover the king still abed in a wine-soaked sleep, but luck was not with him. They found Robert drinking beer from a polished horn and roaring his displeasure at two young squires who were trying to buckle him into his armor. â€Å"Your Grace,† one was saying, almost in tears, â€Å"it's made too small, it won't go.† He fumbled, and the gorget he was trying to fit around Robert's thick neck tumbled to the ground. â€Å"Seven hells!† Robert swore. â€Å"Do I have to do it myself? Piss on the both of you. Pick it up. Don't just stand there gaping, Lancel, pick it up!† The lad jumped, and the king noticed his company. â€Å"Look at these oafs, Ned. My wife insisted I take these two to squire for me, and they're worse than useless. Can't even put a man's armor on him properly. Squires, they say. I say they're swineherds dressed up in silk.† Ned only needed a glance to understand the difficulty. â€Å"The boys are not at fault,† he told the king. â€Å"You're too fat for your armor, Robert.† Robert Baratheon took a long swallow of beer, tossed the empty horn onto his sleeping furs, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and said darkly, â€Å"Fat? Fat, is it? Is that how you speak to your king?† He let go his laughter, sudden as a storm. â€Å"Ah, damn you, Ned, why are you always right?† The squires smiled nervously until the king turned on them. â€Å"You. Yes, both of you. You heard the Hand. The king is too fat for his armor. Go find Ser Aron Santagar. Tell him I need the breastplate stretcher. Now! What are you waiting for?† The boys tripped over each other in their haste to be quit of the tent. Robert managed to keep a stern face until they were gone. Then he dropped back into a chair, shaking with laughter. Ser Barristan Selmy chuckled with him. Even Eddard Stark managed a smile. Always, though, the graver thoughts crept in. He could not help taking note of the two squires: handsome boys, fair and well made. One was Sansa's age, with long golden curls; the other perhaps fifteen, sandy-haired, with a wisp of a mustache and the emerald-green eyes of the queen. â€Å"Ah, I wish I could be there to see Santagar's face,† Robert said. â€Å"I hope he'll have the wit to send them to someone else. We ought to keep them running all day!† â€Å"Those boys,† Ned asked him. â€Å"Lannisters?† Robert nodded, wiping tears from his eyes. â€Å"Cousins. Sons of Lord Tywin's brother. One of the dead ones. Or perhaps the live one, now that I come to think on it. I don't recall. My wife comes from a very large family, Ned.† A very ambitious family, Ned thought. He had nothing against the squires, but it troubled him to see Robert surrounded by the queen's kin, waking and sleeping. The Lannister appetite for offices and honors seemed to know no bounds. â€Å"The talk is you and the queen had angry words last night.† The mirth curdled on Robert's face. â€Å"The woman tried to forbid me to fight in the melee. She's sulking in the castle now, damn her. Your sister would never have shamed me like that.† â€Å"You never knew Lyanna as I did, Robert,† Ned told him. â€Å"You saw her beauty, but not the iron underneath. She would have told you that you have no business in the melee.† â€Å"You too?† The king frowned. â€Å"You are a sour man, Stark. Too long in the north, all the juices have frozen inside you. Well, mine are still running.† He slapped his chest to prove it. â€Å"You are the king,† Ned reminded him. â€Å"I sit on the damn iron seat when I must. Does that mean I don't have the same hungers as other men? A bit of wine now and again, a girl squealing in bed, the feel of a horse between my legs? Seven hells, Ned, I want to hit someone.† Ser Barristan Selmy spoke up. â€Å"Your Grace,† he said, â€Å"it is not seemly that the king should ride into the melee. It would not be a fair contest. Who would dare strike you?† Robert seemed honestly taken aback. â€Å"Why, all of them, damn it. If they can. And the last man left standing . . . â€Å" † . . . will be you,† Ned finished. He saw at once that Selmy had hit the mark. The dangers of the melee were only a savor to Robert, but this touched on his pride. â€Å"Ser Barristan is right. There's not a man in the Seven Kingdoms who would dare risk your displeasure by hurting you.† The king rose to his feet, his face flushed. â€Å"Are you telling me those prancing cravens will let me win?† â€Å"For a certainty,† Ned said, and Ser Barristan Selmy bowed his head in silent accord. For a moment Robert was so angry he could not speak. He strode across the tent, whirled, strode back, his face dark and angry. He snatched up his breastplate from the ground and threw it at Barristan Selmy in a wordless fury. Selmy dodged. â€Å"Get out,† the king said then, coldly. â€Å"Get out before I kill you.† Ser Barristan left quickly. Ned was about to follow when the king called out again. â€Å"Not you, Ned.† Ned turned back. Robert took up his horn again, filled it with beer from a barrel in the corner, and thrust it at Ned. â€Å"Drink,† he said brusquely. â€Å"I've no thirst—† â€Å"Drink. Your king commands it.† Ned took the horn and drank. The beer was black and thick, so strong it stung the eyes. Robert sat down again. â€Å"Damn you, Ned Stark. You and Jon Arryn, I loved you both. What have you done to me? You were the one should have been king, you or Jon.† â€Å"You had the better claim, Your Grace.† â€Å"I told you to drink, not to argue. You made me king, you could at least have the courtesy to listen when I talk, damn you. Look at me, Ned. Look at what kinging has done to me. Gods, too fat for my armor, how did it ever come to this?† â€Å"Robert . . . â€Å" â€Å"Drink and stay quiet, the king is talking. I swear to you, I was never so alive as when I was winning this throne, or so dead as now that I've won it. And Cersei . . . I have Jon Arryn to thank for her. I had no wish to marry after Lyanna was taken from me, but Jon said the realm needed an heir. Cersei Lannister would be a good match, he told me, she would bind Lord Tywin to me should Viserys Targaryen ever try to win back his father's throne.† The king shook his head. â€Å"I loved that old man, I swear it, but now I think he was a bigger fool than Moon Boy. Oh, Cersei is lovely to look at, truly, but cold . . . the way she guards her cunt, you'd think she had all the gold of Casterly Rock between her legs. Here, give me that beer if you won't drink it.† He took the horn, upended it, belched, wiped his mouth. â€Å"I am sorry for your girl, Ned. Truly. About the wolf, I mean. My son was lying, I'd stake my soul on it. My son . . . you love your children, don't y ou?† â€Å"With all my heart,† Ned said. â€Å"Let me tell you a secret, Ned. More than once, I have dreamed of giving up the crown. Take ship for the Free Cities with my horse and my hammer, spend my time warring and whoring, that's what I was made for. The sellsword king, how the singers would love me. You know what stops me? The thought of Joffrey on the throne, with Cersei standing behind him whispering in his ear. My son. How could I have made a son like that, Ned?† â€Å"He's only a boy,† Ned said awkwardly. He had small liking for Prince Joffrey, but he could hear the pain in Robert's voice. â€Å"Have you forgotten how wild you were at his age?† â€Å"It would not trouble me if the boy was wild, Ned. You don't know him as I do.† He sighed and shook his head. â€Å"Ah, perhaps you are right. Jon despaired of me often enough, yet I grew into a good king.† Robert looked at Ned and scowled at his silence. â€Å"You might speak up and agree now, you know.† â€Å"Your Grace . . . † Ned began, carefully. Robert slapped Ned on the back. â€Å"Ah, say that I'm a better king than Aerys and be done with it. You never could lie for love nor honor, Ned Stark. I'm still young, and now that you're here with me, things will be different. We'll make this a reign to sing of, and damn the Lannisters to seven hells. I smell bacon. Who do you think our champion will be today? Have you seen Mace Tyrell's boy? The Knight of Flowers, they call him. Now there's a son any man would be proud to own to. Last tourney, he dumped the Kingslayer on his golden rump, you ought to have seen the look on Cersei's face. I laughed till my sides hurt. Renly says he has this sister, a maid of fourteen, lovely as a dawn . . . â€Å" They broke their fast on black bread and boiled goose eggs and fish fried up with onions and bacon, at a trestle table by the river's edge. The king's melancholy melted away with the morning mist, and before long Robert was eating an orange and waxing fond about a morning at the Eyrie when they had been boys. † . . . had given Jon a barrel of oranges, remember? Only the things had gone rotten, so I flung mine across the table and hit Dacks right in the nose. You remember, Redfort's pock-faced squire? He tossed one back at me, and before Jon could so much as fart, there were oranges flying across the High Hall in every direction.† He laughed uproariously, and even Ned smiled, remembering. This was the boy he had grown up with, he thought; this was the Robert Baratheon he'd known and loved. If he could prove that the Lannisters were behind the attack on Bran, prove that they had murdered Jon Arryn, this man would listen. Then Cersei would fall, and the Kingslayer with her, and if Lord Tywin dared to rouse the west, Robert would smash him as he had smashed Rhaegar Targaryen on the Trident. He could see it all so clearly. That breakfast tasted better than anything Eddard Stark had eaten in a long time, and afterward his smiles came easier and more often, until it was time for the tournament to resume. Ned walked with the king to the jousting field. He had promised to watch the final tilts with Sansa; Septa Mordane was ill today, and his daughter was determined not to miss the end of the jousting. As he saw Robert to his place, he noted that Cersei Lannister had chosen not to appear; the place beside the king was empty. That too gave Ned cause to hope. He shouldered his way to where his daughter was seated and found her as the horns blew for the day's first joust. Sansa was so engrossed she scarcely seemed to notice his arrival. Sandor Clegane was the first rider to appear. He wore an olive- green cloak over his soot-grey armor. That, and his hound's-head helm, were his only concession to ornament. â€Å"A hundred golden dragons on the Kingslayer,† Littlefinger announced loudly as Jaime Lannister entered the lists, riding an elegant blood bay destrier. The horse wore a blanket of gilded ringmail, and Jaime glittered from head to heel. Even his lance was fashioned from the golden wood of the Summer Isles. â€Å"Done,† Lord Renly shouted back. â€Å"The Hound has a hungry look about him this morning.† â€Å"Even hungry dogs know better than to bite the hand that feeds them,† Littlefinger called dryly. Sandor Clegane dropped his visor with an audible clang and took up his position. Ser Jaime tossed a kiss to some woman in the commons, gently lowered his visor, and rode to the end of the lists. Both men couched their lances. Ned Stark would have loved nothing so well as to see them both lose, but Sansa was watching it all moist-eyed and eager. The hastily erected gallery trembled as the horses broke into a gallop. The Hound leaned forward as he rode, his lance rock steady, but Jaime shifted his seat deftly in the instant before impact. Clegane's point was turned harmlessly against the golden shield with the lion blazon, while his own hit square. Wood shattered, and the Hound reeled, fighting to keep his seat. Sansa gasped. A ragged cheer went up from the commons. â€Å"I wonder how I ought spend your money,† Littlefinger called down to Lord Renly. The Hound just managed to stay in his saddle. He jerked his mount around hard and rode back to the lists for the second pass. Jaime Lannister tossed down his broken lance and snatched up a fresh one, jesting with his squire. The Hound spurred forward at a hard gallop. Lannister rode to meet him. This time, when Jaime shifted his seat, Sandor Clegane shifted with him. Both lances exploded, and by the time the splinters had settled, a riderless blood bay was trotting off in search of grass while Ser Jaime Lannister rolled in the dirt, golden and dented. Sansa said, â€Å"I knew the Hound would win.† Littlefinger overheard. â€Å"If you know who's going to win the second match, speak up now before Lord Renly plucks me clean,† he called to her. Ned smiled. â€Å"A pity the Imp is not here with us,† Lord Renly said. â€Å"I should have won twice as much.† Jaime Lannister was back on his feet, but his ornate lion helmet had been twisted around and dented in his fall, and now he could not get it off. The commons were hooting and pointing, the lords and ladies were trying to stifle their chuckles, and failing, and over it all Ned could hear King Robert laughing, louder than anyone. Finally they had to lead the Lion of Lannister off to a blacksmith, blind and stumbling. By then Ser Gregor Clegane was in position at the head of the lists. He was huge, the biggest man that Eddard Stark had ever seen. Robert Baratheon and his brothers were all big men, as was the Hound, and back at Winterfell there was a simpleminded stableboy named Hodor who dwarfed them all, but the knight they called the Mountain That Rides would have towered over Hodor. He was well over seven feet tall, closer to eight, with massive shoulders and arms thick as the trunks of small trees. His destrier seemed a pony in between his armored legs, and the lance he carried looked as small as a broom handle. Unlike his brother, Ser Gregor did not live at court. He was a solitary man who seldom left his own lands, but for wars and tourneys. He had been with Lord Tywin when King's Landing fell, a new-made knight of seventeen years, even then distinguished by his size and his implacable ferocity. Some said it had been Gregor who'd dashed the skull of the infant prince Aegon Targaryen against a wall, and whispered that afterward he had raped the mother, the Dornish princess Elia, before putting her to the sword. These things were not said in Gregor's hearing. Ned Stark could not recall ever speaking to the man, though Gregor had ridden with them during Balon Greyjoy's rebellion, one knight among thousands. He watched him with disquiet. Ned seldom put much stock in gossip, but the things said of Ser Gregor were more than ominous. He was soon to be married for the third time, and one heard dark whisperings about the deaths of his first two wives. It was said that his keep was a grim place where servants disappeared unaccountably and even the dogs were afraid to enter the hall. And there had been a sister who had died young under queer circumstances, and the fire that had disfigured his brother, and the hunting accident that had killed their father. Gregor had inherited the keep, the gold, and the family estates. His younger brother Sandor had left the same day to take service with the Lannisters as a sworn sword, and it was said that he had never returned, not even to visit. When the Knight of Flowers made his entrance, a murmur ran through the crowd, and he heard Sansa's fervent whisper, â€Å"Oh, he's so beautiful.† Ser Loras Tyrell was slender as a reed, dressed in a suit of fabulous silver armor polished to a blinding sheen and filigreed with twining black vines and tiny blue forget-me-nots. The commons realized in the same instant as Ned that the blue of the flowers came from sapphires; a gasp went up from a thousand throats. Across the boy's shoulders his cloak hung heavy. It was woven of forget-me-nots, real ones, hundreds of fresh blooms sewn to a heavy woolen cape. His courser was as slim as her rider, a beautiful grey mare, built for speed. Ser Gregor's huge stallion trumpeted as he caught her scent. The boy from Highgarden did something with his legs, and his horse pranced sideways, nimble as a dancer. Sansa clutched at his arm. â€Å"Father, don't let Ser Gregor hurt him,† she said. Ned saw she was wearing the rose that Ser Loras had given her yesterday. Jory had told him about that as well. â€Å"These are tourney lances,† he told his daughter. â€Å"They make them to splinter on impact, so no one is hurt.† Yet he remembered the dead boy in the cart with his cloak of crescent moons, and the words were raw in his throat. Ser Gregor was having trouble controlling his horse. The stallion was screaming and pawing the ground, shaking his head. The Mountain kicked at the animal savagely with an armored boot. The horse reared and almost threw him. The Knight of Flowers saluted the king, rode to the far end of the list, and couched his lance, ready. Ser Gregor brought his animal to the line, fighting with the reins. And suddenly it began. The Mountain's stallion broke in a hard gallop, plunging forward wildly, while the mare charged as smooth as a flow of silk. Ser Gregor wrenched his shield into position, juggled with his lance, and all the while fought to hold his unruly mount on a straight line, and suddenly Loras Tyrell was on him, placing the point of his lance just there, and in an eye blink the Mountain was failing. He was so huge that he took his horse down with him in a tangle of steel and flesh. Ned heard applause, cheers, whistles, shocked gasps, excited muttering, and over it all the rasping, raucous laughter of the Hound. The Knight of Flowers reined up at the end of the lists. His lance was not even broken. His sapphires winked in the sun as he raised his visor, smiling. The commons went mad for him. In the middle of the field, Ser Gregor Clegane disentangled himself and came boiling to his feet. He wrenched off his helm and slammed it down onto the ground. His face was dark with fury and his hair fell down into his eyes. â€Å"My sword,† he shouted to his squire, and the boy ran it out to him. By then his stallion was back on its feet as well. Gregor Clegane killed the horse with a single blow of such ferocity that it half severed the animal's neck. Cheers turned to shrieks in a heartbeat. The stallion went to its knees, screaming as it died. By then Gregor was striding down the lists toward Ser Loras Tyrell, his bloody sword clutched in his fist. â€Å"Stop him!† Ned shouted, but his words were lost in the roar. Everyone else was yelling as well, and Sansa was crying. It all happened so fast. The Knight of Flowers was shouting for his own sword as Ser Gregor knocked his squire aside and made a grab for the reins of his horse. The mare scented blood and reared. Loras Tyrell kept his seat, but barely. Ser Gregor swung his sword, a savage two-handed blow that took the boy in the chest and knocked him from the saddle. The courser dashed away in panic as Ser Loras lay stunned in the dirt. But as Gregor lifted his sword for the killing blow, a rasping voice warned, â€Å"Leave him be,† and a steel-clad hand wrenched him away from the boy. The Mountain pivoted in wordless fury, swinging his longsword in a killing arc with all his massive strength behind it, but the Hound caught the blow and turned it, and for what seemed an eternity the two brothers stood hammering at each other as a dazed Loras Tyrell was helped to safety. Thrice Ned saw Ser Gregor aim savage blows at the hound's-head helmet, yet not once did Sandor send a cut at his brother's unprotected face. It was the king's voice that put an end to it . . . the king's voice and twenty swords. Jon Arryn had told them that a commander needs a good battlefield voice, and Robert had proved the truth of that on the Trident. He used that voice now. â€Å"STOP THIS MADNESS,† he boomed, â€Å"IN THE NAME OF YOUR KING!† The Hound went to one knee. Ser Gregor's blow cut air, and at last he came to his senses. He dropped his sword and glared at Robert, surrounded by his Kingsguard and a dozen other knights and guardsmen. Wordlessly, he turned and strode off, shoving past Barristan Selmy. â€Å"Let him go,† Robert said, and as quickly as that, it was over. â€Å"Is the Hound the champion now?† Sansa asked Ned. â€Å"No,† he told her. â€Å"There will be one final joust, between the Hound and the Knight of Flowers.† But Sansa had the right of it after all. A few moments later Ser Loras Tyrell walked back onto the field in a simple linen doublet and said to Sandor Clegane, â€Å"I owe you my life. The day is yours, ser.† â€Å"I am no ser,† the Hound replied, but he took the victory, and the champion's purse, and, for perhaps the first time in his life, the love of the commons. They cheered him as he left the lists to return to his pavilion. As Ned walked with Sansa to the archery field, Littlefinger and Lord Renly and some of the others fell in with them. â€Å"Tyrell had to know the mare was in heat,† Littlefinger was saying. â€Å"I swear the boy planned the whole thing. Gregor has always favored huge, ill-tempered stallions with more spirit than sense.† The notion seemed to amuse him. It did not amuse Ser Barristan Selmy. â€Å"There is small honor in tricks,† the old man said stiffly. â€Å"Small honor and twenty thousand golds.† Lord Renly smiled. That afternoon a boy named Anguy, an unheralded commoner from the Dornish Marches, won the archery competition, outshooting Ser Balon Swann and Jalabhar Xho at a hundred paces after all the other bowmen had been eliminated at the shorter distances. Ned sent Alyn to seek him out and offer him a position with the Hand's guard, but the boy was flush with wine and victory and riches undreamed of, and he refused. The melee went on for three hours. Near forty men took part, freeriders and hedge knights and new-made squires in search of a reputation. They fought with blunted weapons in a chaos of mud and blood, small troops fighting together and then turning on each other as alliances formed and fractured, until only one man was left standing. The victor was the red priest, Thoros of Myr, a madman who shaved his head and fought with a flaming sword. He had won melees before; the fire sword frightened the mounts of the other riders, and nothing frightened Thoros. The final tally was three broken limbs, a shattered collarbone, a dozen smashed fingers, two horses that had to be put down, and more cuts, sprains, and bruises than anyone cared to count. Ned was desperately pleased that Robert had not taken part. That night at the feast, Eddard Stark was more hopeful than he had been in a great while. Robert was in high good humor, the Lannisters were nowhere to be seen, and even his daughters were behaving. Jory brought Arya down to join them, and Sansa spoke to her sister pleasantly. â€Å"The tournament was magnificent,† she sighed. â€Å"You should have come. How was your dancing?† â€Å"I'm sore all over,† Arya reported happily, proudly displaying a huge purple bruise on her leg. â€Å"You must be a terrible dancer,† Sansa said doubtfully. Later, while Sansa was off listening to a troupe of singers perform the complex round of interwoven ballads called the â€Å"Dance of the Dragons,† Ned inspected the bruise himself. â€Å"I hope Forel is not being too hard on you,† he said. Arya stood on one leg. She was getting much better at that of late. â€Å"Syrio says that every hurt is a lesson, and every lesson makes you better.† Ned frowned. The man Syrio Forel had come with an excellent reputation, and his flamboyant Braavosi style was well suited to Arya's slender blade, yet still . . . a few days ago, she had been wandering around with a swatch of black silk tied over her eyes. Syrio was teaching her to see with her ears and her nose and her skin, she told him. Before that, he had her doing spins and back flips. â€Å"Arya, are you certain you want to persist in this?† She nodded. â€Å"Tomorrow we're going to catch cats.† â€Å"Cats.† Ned sighed. â€Å"Perhaps it was a mistake to hire this Braavosi. If you like, I will ask Jory to take over your lessons. Or I might have a quiet word with Ser Barristan. He was the finest sword in the Seven Kingdoms in his youth.† â€Å"I don't want them,† Arya said. â€Å"I want Syrio.† Ned ran his fingers through his hair. Any decent master-at-arms could give Arya the rudiments of slash-and-parry without this nonsense of blindfolds, cartwheels, and hopping about on one leg, but he knew his youngest daughter well enough to know there was no arguing with that stubborn jut of jaw. â€Å"As you wish,† he said. Surely she would grow tired of this soon. â€Å"Try to be careful.† â€Å"I will,† she promised solemnly as she hopped smoothly from her right leg to her left. Much later, after he had taken the girls back through the city and seen them both safe in bed, Sansa with her dreams and Arya with her bruises, Ned ascended to his own chambers atop the Tower of the Hand. The day had been warm and the room was close and stuffy. Ned went to the window and unfastened the heavy shutters to let in the cool night air. Across the Great Yard, he noticed the flickering glow of candlelight from Littlefinger's windows. The hour was well past midnight. Down by the river, the revels were only now beginning to dwindle and die. He took out the dagger and studied it. Littlefinger's blade, won by Tyrion Lannister in a tourney wager, sent to slay Bran in his sleep. Why? Why would the dwarf want Bran dead? Why would anyone want Bran dead? The dagger, Bran's fall, all of it was linked somehow to the murder of Jon Arryn, he could feel it in his gut, but the truth of Jon's death remained as clouded to him as when he had started. Lord Stannis had not returned to King's Landing for the tourney. Lysa Arryn held her silence behind the high walls of the Eyrie. The squire was dead, and Jory was still searching the whorehouses. What did he have but Robert's bastard? That the armorer's sullen apprentice was the king's son, Ned had no doubt. The Baratheon look was stamped on his face, in his jaw, his eyes, that black hair. Renly was too young to have fathered a boy of that age, Stannis too cold and proud in his honor. Gendry had to be Robert's. Yet knowing all that, what had he learned? The king had other baseborn children scattered throughout the Seven Kingdoms. He had openly acknowledged one of his bastards, a boy of Bran's age whose mother was highborn. The lad was being fostered by Lord Renly's castellan at Storm's End. Ned remembered Robert's first child as well, a daughter born in the Vale when Robert was scarcely more than a boy himself. A sweet little girl; the young lord of Storm's End had doted on her. He used to make daily visits to play with the babe, long after he had lost interest in the mother. Ned was often dragged along for company, whether he willed it or not. The girl would be seventeen or eighteen now, he realized; older than Robert had been when he fathered her. A strange thought. Cersei could not have been pleased by her lord husband's by-blows, yet in the end it mattered little whether the king had one bastard or a hundred. Law and custom gave the baseborn few rights. Gendry, the girl in the Vale, the boy at Storm's End, none of them could threaten Robert's trueborn children . . . His musings were ended by a soft rap on his door. â€Å"A man to see you, my lord,† Harwin called. â€Å"He will not give his name.† â€Å"Send him in,† Ned said, wondering. The visitor was a stout man in cracked, mud-caked boots and a heavy brown robe of the coarsest roughspun, his features hidden by a cowl, his hands drawn up into voluminous sleeves. â€Å"Who are you?† Ned asked. â€Å"A friend,† the cowled man said in a strange, low voice. â€Å"We must speak alone, Lord Stark.† Curiosity was stronger than caution. â€Å"Harwin, leave us,† he commanded. Not until they were alone behind closed doors did his visitor draw back his cowl. â€Å"Lord Varys?† Ned said in astonishment. â€Å"Lord Stark,† Varys said politely, seating himself. â€Å"I wonder if I might trouble you for a drink?† Ned filled two cups with summerwine and handed one to Varys. â€Å"I might have passed within a foot of you and never recognized you,† he said, incredulous. He had never seen the eunuch dress in anything but silk and velvet and the richest damasks, and this man smelled of sweat instead of lilacs. â€Å"That was my dearest hope,† Varys said. â€Å"It would not do if certain people learned that we had spoken in private. The queen watches you closely. This wine is very choice. Thank you.† â€Å"How did you get past my other guards?† Ned asked. Porther and Cayn had been posted outside the tower, and Alyn on the stairs. â€Å"The Red Keep has ways known only to ghosts and spiders.† Varys smiled apologetically. â€Å"I will not keep you long, my lord. There are things you must know. You are the King's Hand, and the king is a fool.† The eunuch's cloying tones were gone; now his voice was thin and sharp as a whip. â€Å"Your friend, I know, yet a fool nonetheless . . . and doomed, unless you save him. Today was a near thing. They had hoped to kill him during the melee.† For a moment Ned was speechless with shock. â€Å"Who?† Varys sipped his wine. â€Å"If I truly need to tell you that, you are a bigger fool than Robert and I am on the wrong side.† â€Å"The Lannisters,† Ned said. â€Å"The queen . . . no, I will not believe that, not even of Cersei. She asked him not to fight!† â€Å"She forbade him to fight, in front of his brother, his knights, and half the court. Tell me truly, do you know any surer way to force King Robert into the melee? I ask you.† Ned had a sick feeling in his gut. The eunuch had hit upon a truth; tell Robert Baratheon he could not, should not, or must not do a thing, and it was as good as done. â€Å"Even if he'd fought, who would have dared to strike the king?† Varys shrugged. â€Å"There were forty riders in the melee. The Lannisters have many friends. Amidst all that chaos, with horses screaming and bones breaking and Thoros of Myr waving that absurd firesword of his, who could name it murder if some chance blow felled His Grace?† He went to the flagon and refilled his cup. â€Å"After the deed was done, the slayer would be beside himself with grief. I can almost hear him weeping. So sad. Yet no doubt the gracious and compassionate widow would take pity, lift the poor unfortunate to his feet, and bless him with a gentle kiss of forgiveness. Good King Joffrey would have no choice but to pardon him.† The eunuch stroked his cheek. â€Å"Or perhaps Cersei would let Ser Ilyn strike off his head. Less risk for the Lannisters that way, though quite an unpleasant surprise for their little friend.† Ned felt his anger rise. â€Å"You knew of this plot, and yet you did nothing.† â€Å"I command whisperers, not warriors.† â€Å"You might have come to me earlier.† â€Å"Oh, yes, I confess it. And you would have rushed straight to the king, yes? And when Robert heard of his peril, what would he have done? I wonder.† Ned considered that. â€Å"He would have damned them all, and fought anyway, to show he did not fear them.† Varys spread his hands. â€Å"I will make another confession, Lord Eddard. I was curious to see what you would do. Why not come to me? you ask, and I must answer, Why, because I did not trust you, my lord.† â€Å"You did not trust me?† Ned was frankly astonished. â€Å"The Red Keep shelters two sorts of people, Lord Eddard,† Varys said. â€Å"Those who are loyal to the realm, and those who are loyal only to themselves. Until this morning, I could not say which you might be . . . so I waited to see . . . and now I know, for a certainty.† He smiled a plump tight little smile, and for a moment his private face and public mask were one. â€Å"I begin to comprehend why the queen fears you so much. Oh, yes I do.† â€Å"You are the one she ought to fear,† Ned said. â€Å"No. I am what I am. The king makes use of me, but it shames him. A most puissant warrior is our Robert, and such a manly man has little love for sneaks and spies and eunuchs. If a day should come when Cersei whispers, ‘Kill that man,' Ilyn Payne will snick my head off in a twinkling, and who will mourn poor Varys then? North or south, they sing no songs for spiders.† He reached out and touched Ned with a soft hand. â€Å"But you, Lord Stark . . . I think . . . no, I know . . . he would not kill you, not even for his queen, and there may lie our salvation.† It was all too much. For a moment Eddard Stark wanted nothing so much as to return to Winterfell, to the clean simplicity of the north, where the enemies were winter and the wildlings beyond the Wall. â€Å"Surely Robert has other loyal friends,† he protested. â€Å"His brothers, his—† â€Å"—wife?† Varys finished, with a smile that cut. â€Å"His brothers hate the Lannisters, true enough, but hating the queen and loving the king are not quite the same thing, are they? Ser Barristan loves his honor, Grand Maester Pycelle loves his office, and Littlefinger loves Littlefinger.† â€Å"The Kingsguard—† â€Å"A paper shield,† the eunuch said. â€Å"Try not to look so shocked, Lord Stark. Jaime Lannister is himself a Sworn Brother of the White Swords, and we all know what his oath is worth. The days when men like Ryam Redwyne and Prince Aemon the Dragonknight wore the white cloak are gone to dust and song. Of these seven, only Ser Barristan Selmy is made of the true steel, and Selmy is old. Ser Boros and Ser Meryn are the queen's creatures to the bone, and I have deep suspicions of the others. No, my lord, when the swords come out in earnest, you will be the only true friend Robert Baratheon will have.† â€Å"Robert must be told,† Ned said. â€Å"If what you say is true, if even a part of it is true, the king must hear it for himself.† â€Å"And what proof shall we lay before him? My words against theirs? My little birds against the queen and the Kingslayer, against his brothers and his council, against the Wardens of East and West, against all the might of Casterly Rock? Pray, send for Ser Ilyn directly, it will save us all some time. I know where that road ends.† â€Å"Yet if what you say is true, they will only bide their time and make another attempt.† â€Å"Indeed they will,† said Varys, â€Å"and sooner rather than later, I do fear. You are making them most anxious, Lord Eddard. But my little birds will be listening, and together we may be able to forestall them, you and I.† He rose and pulled up his cowl so his face was hidden once more. â€Å"Thank you for the wine. We will speak again. When you see me next at council, be certain to treat me with your accustomed contempt. You should not find it difficult.† He was at the door when Ned called, â€Å"Varys.† The eunuch turned back. â€Å"How did Jon Arryn die?† â€Å"I wondered when you would get around to that.† â€Å"Tell me.† â€Å"The tears of Lys, they call it. A rare and costly thing, clear and sweet as water, and it leaves no trace. I begged Lord Arryn to use a taster, in this very room I begged him, but he would not hear of it. Only one who was less than a man would even think of such a thing, he told me.† Ned had to know the rest. â€Å"Who gave him the poison?† â€Å"Some dear sweet friend who often shared meat and mead with him, no doubt. Oh, but which one? There were many such. Lord Arryn was a kindly, trusting man.† The eunuch sighed. â€Å"There was one boy. All he was, he owed Jon Arryn, but when the widow fled to the Eyrie with her household, he stayed in King's Landing and prospered. It always gladdens my heart to see the young rise in the world.† The whip was in his voice again, every word a stroke. â€Å"He must have cut a gallant figure in the tourney, him in his bright new armor, with those crescent moons on his cloak. A pity he died so untimely, before you could talk to him . . . â€Å" Ned felt half-poisoned himself. â€Å"The squire,† he said. â€Å"Ser Hugh.† Wheels within wheels within wheels. Ned's head was pounding. â€Å"Why? Why now? Jon Arryn had been Hand for fourteen years. What was he doing that they had to kill him?† â€Å"Asking questions,† Varys said, slipping out the door.