Monday, December 30, 2019

Reflection on Personal Goal for School Essay - 586 Words

For this semester, I have set three goals that I will be working towards to make improvements on. The first goal I set is to start an assignment the day that it is assigned so that I do not procrastinate. The second goal I have set for this semester is to be more organized with my materials. The last goal for this semester is to relieve my stress in a positive way. By working on these goals during the next couple of weeks, it will make my life a little less stressful. The first goal I need to work on is doing assignments ahead of time. I always wait until the last minute to do assignments and then everything gets piled up. When I have a lot of things that I need to do in one day I get very stressed and nothing good comes from this. If I†¦show more content†¦In the future organization will be key because I will have to keep track of not only the materials I need to teach but also the materials and papers that my students hand in. By getting organized now it will give me practice on how I can organize my materials for my classroom. If I do not start getting organized then I will never learn how to organize things and it will be a lot harder to keep track of everything once I get into my own classroom. The last goal I have is to relieve my stress in a positive way. In the past, I have always kept my stress to myself and never really got rid of it. I would keep it bottled up and then eventually I would have a break down and cry. If I don’t start working on this now, then in the future holding in my stress could result in me yelling or getting upset with my students for little things. I plan on going to the gym every day for at least an hour. This will help burn off the stress hormones that I have and take my mind off of everything for a little while. When I feel myself getting stressed, I can stop for a minute and just take a couple of deep breaths. This will help me during the day when I need a break. By starting this now I will get in a good habit of relieving my stress. The goal that is most important to me would be relieving my stress in a positive way. This is really important to me because stress can have a lot of negative impacts on my health if I do not get rid of it. If I do not find a wayShow MoreRelatedSummary of My Leadership Style Essay1151 Words   |  5 PagesStarrat, 2001, p. 70). Prospective School Leaders’ Educational Platform: A Reflection Prior To Action Tool Martha N. Ovando â€Å"Once an educational platform is elaborated in written form, all respondents affirmed that it can be used in several ways with specific professional purposes. The data suggest that an educational platform can be used as a component of a professional portfolio, as a guide for action, as a reference for leadership actions, and as a reflection tool† (p15). 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Sunday, December 22, 2019

Summary Example

Essays on Summary Assignment Summary of Howard Mark’s Memo on â€Å"Risk Revisited† Howard Mark has analyzed the risk and its incidence, in depth, while writing this memo to â€Å"Oaktree Clients’. This paper summarizes the memo, briefly, hereunder. Defining risk The memo is related to the risk involved in portfolio management. Writer suggests that the risk and its meaning cannot be detailed in the definite terms. He further records that Risk is different form volatility, when looking at the prospect of permanent loss that is associated with a particular event. While volatility is measurable, the risk is not quantifiable as happening of the related risk is also unpredictable. According to the writer, the permanent loss is different from volatility and fluctuation, as they are temporary in nature and any portfolio holder can overcome such periodic disturbances. However, there is a need for the owner to hold the portfolio for a longer time, until the fluctuation is over. The only quantification of a risk can be through prediction of a fall in portfolio value to the maximum level, under the most unfavorable circumstances. However, prediction of the circumstances and the level of adversity is next to impossible. Hence, the risk associated with such adverse situations cannot be determined in mathematical terms. The author has provided the example of chances for getting rains. The rains may be predictable but the quantity of the water falling down on the region remains unpredictable. Similarly, risks can happen, but the quantity of risk involved in such event is not measurable. .(Marks, nd) Future remains unknown Although many investment mangers and economists may pretend to know the future, in reality no body can predict what is going to happen during next hour or in the near future. While the author justifies such inability to predict future, he has provided the reasons for this belief. Referring to the concept of ‘known unknowns’, the author indicates that we may be knowing that a certain risk can occur, but exact nature of same may remain unknown to us. For example, the implication of change in the government regulations can cause a particular risk to occur with the connected industry, however the nature and affect of such risk is known only after the announcement of policy decision. Then there are unknown risks, which are associated with the events that remain unpredictable. For example, a natural calamity or a man-made disaster like Hiroshima bombing or 9/11 attack were not known or predicted before they occurred.(Marks, nd) Considering that future remains unknowable, investment strategies depend on the present circumstances and event/trends to decide about the future portfolio planning. The author suggests that future can be predicted taking into consideration a number of likelihoods and possibilities, which can help in arriving at the probability distribution of the outcome. The risk is not going to occur if there is an existing knowledge about its occurrence. By nature, risks are unknown. However, risk and reward are related to each other. For example, a portfolio holder can hope to reap more benefits, if he is able to take higher risk. The investment, for those investors who are not prepared to take much risk, is largely safer. Risk may cause permanent loss of whole or partial portfolio value, depending on the amount of risk the holder is prepared to take. Thus, risks can be partial or total, depending on the risk-ward ratio, opted by the holder.(Marks, nd) Works Cited Marks, Howard. (2004). â€Å"Risk Revisited.-- Oaktree Capital management†, Retrieved on Nov. 18, 2014, from: http://writer.academia-research.com/file/get/instr/1160354/file/risk_revisited.pdf Summary Example Essays on Summary Term Paper September 10, Summary: â€Å"Fully Training Your Food and Beverage Staff While Reducing Turnover† The article en dâ€Å"Fully Training Your Food and Beverage Staff WhileReducing Turnover† written by Craig Pendleton disclosed relevant information, specifically common issues and concerns that besiege the food and beverage (FB) department within a casino-based industry. The common problems that were revealed included: (1) the nature of the food and beverage sector being categorized more as service-focused, in contrast to being a profit-based endeavor; (2) the complexity in operations within food and beverage operations which include â€Å"manufacturing, service, marketing and sales† (Pendleton 34); (3) employment preferences select FB positions least due to perception of hard work; (4) personnel hired in FB positions were deemed to lack preferences to undergo traditional classroom approach training; (5) promotions were reported to be based primarily on performance a nd not on leadership ability; (6) trend of high turnover rates associated with FB rendering investments for training futile; (7) lack of understanding by personnel of FB on the mission of the organization (casino); (8) outdated training materials; and (9) lack of knowledge and competencies of HRM staff regarding FB operations. The author recommended the following courses of action to address the identified concerns: (1) explicitly state and communicate the mission and vision statements of the casino to members of the FB department; (2) a more comprehensive training program should be designed to cater to the needs, demands, competencies, and skills of FB staff; (3) HR department should have a personnel who is competent and qualified on FB operations to assist in the design of training materials, programs, and career pathing for its staff; and (4) promotions and performance evaluation should be designed based on standards, as well as abilities and aptitudes (Pendleton). Overall, Pend leton emphasized that the FB department is a crucial part of the operations of a casino. Therefore, to ensure that FB personnel perform in the most effective and efficient manner, proper training and development should be accorded, as consistent with the mission and vision of the organization. Likewise, to address the evident high turnover rate, the personal and professional growth of FB personnel should be aptly taken in due consideration.Work CitedPendleton, Craig. "Fully Training Your Food and Beverage Staff While Reducing Turnover." Indian Gaming (2003): 34-35. http://www.indiangaming.com/istore/May13_Pendleton.pdf. Summary Example Essays on Summary Assignment Summary Task Introduction This work presents a summary of the eighteen - year period of Berkshire Hathaway annual reports (from1995 to 2012). The summary is specifically on the leverage level of the company between the stated periods. This will involve analyses of the company’s capital structure and the potential effects of the identified leverage level on the company’s operations. The summary also covers the portrayed trend in the company’s leverage level between the stated periods. Below are the analyses. The company’s leverage analysis between 1995 and 2012 In the year 1995, the company’s level of debt, according to the period’s financial statement was $ 1,061,700. The figure, as compared to the debt level in 1994, shows an increase of $ 251,000. On the other hand, the company’s equity level in the year 1995 was $ 29,928,800. From the company’s capital structure, it is possible to determine the leverage level, which is as follows (1,061,700/16,738,700) = 6.343%. This means that in the year 1995, 6.343% of the company’s capital structure was debt. Therefore, the leverage level was low. In the year 1996, the outstanding borrowing was 1,944,400 up from 1,061,700 in the previous year. On the other hand, the company’s equity level was 23,457,700. Therefore, the company’s leverage level = (1,944,400/23,457,700) = 8.289%. The increase in the leverage level is due to an increase in the outstanding borrowing in the year 1996. The company’s debt level is still manageable. In the year 1997, the company’s borrowing under investment agreement and other debts was 2,266,700, up from 1,944,400 in the previous year thus, increasing the company’s total debt. The company’s equity level rose from 23,426,300 to 31,455,200. Therefore the leverage level = (2,266,700/31,455,200) = 7.206 %. The gearing ratio has decreased as compared to the previous year. The decrease is attributed to more than proportionate increase in shareholders’ equity (Berkshire Hathaway Inc., n.d.). The year 1998 presents $ 2,385,000 as the borrowing under investment agreements. The figure is up from 2,266,700 of the previous year. Thus, increases the company’s total debt. On the other hand, the company’s total equity stands at 57, 403,000 up from 31,455,000. Using this record, the company’s gearing/leverage level = (2,385,000/57,403,000) = 4.15 %. Consequently, the company’s leverage level has decreased as compared to the previous year. In the year 1999, the company’s borrowings under investment agreement and other debt stands at 2,465,000 up from 2,385,000. This explains the increase in the company’s total debts. On the other hand, the shareholder’s equity for the period stands at 57,761,000 up from 57,403,000. Therefore, the company’s leverage level = (2,465,000/57,761,000) = 4.268 %. This shows an increase in the leverage level as compared to the previous year. In the year 2000, company’s fixed charge capital wa s 2,663,000 up from 2,465,000 in the previous year. This implies an increase in the interest expense. The other component of capital structure, equity, stands at $ 61,724,000 up from 57,761,000 in the previous year. The Berkshire Hathaway’s gearing/leverage level = (2,663,000/61,724,000) = 4.314 %. The figure represents an increase in leverage level as compared to the previous year (Berkshire Hathaway Inc., n.d.). In the year 2001, company’s fixed charge capital was 2,663,000 up from 2,465,000 in the previous year. This implies an increase in the interest expense. The other component of capital structure, equity, stands at $ 61,724,000 up from 57,761,000 in the previous year. The Berkshire Hathaway’s gearing/leverage level = (3,485,000/57,950,000) = 6.014 %. The figure represents an increase in leverage level due to a decrease in total equity and an increase in the company’s borrowings. In the year 2002, the company’s fixed charge and other forms of long-term borrowing increased to $ 28,726,000. There was also a large increase, in the company’s equity shares, to 64,037,000. These events put the company’s gearing level at = (28,726,000/64,037,000) = 44.86 %. The reason behind the increased leverage level is the business expansion plan the company had. Therefore, the leverage level of the company has increased. In the year 2003, the company’s fix ed charge and other forms of long-term borrowing decreased to $ 21,963,000 from $ 28,970,000. On the other hand, the company’s shareholder equity increased to 77,596,000. From these data, the companys, gearing level is = (21,963,000/77,596,000) = 28.30 %. The repayment of a portion of the company’s debt (Berkshire Hathaway Inc., n.d) caused the decrease in the leverage level. In the year 2004, the company’s fixed charge and other forms of long-term borrowing decreased to $ 20,408,000 from $ 21,963,000. On the other hand, the company’s shareholder equity increased to $ 85,900,000 from 77,596,000 of the previous year. From these data, the companys, gearing level is = (20,408,000/85,900,000) = 23.76 %, which is a decrease due to a decrease in debt and an increase in the total equity. In the financial year 2005, the company’s fixed charge and other forms of long-term borrowing decreased to $ 20,280,000. On the other hand, the company’s shareholder equity increased to $ 91,484,000. Therefore, the leverage level of the company is = (20,280,000/91,484,000) = 22.17%. In the financial year 2006, the company’s fixed charge debt and other forms of long-term borrowing decreased to $ 19,387,000. On the other hand, the company’s shareholder equity increased to $ 108,419,000. Therefore, the leverage level of the company is = (1 9,387,000/108,419,000) = 17.88%. In the year 2007, the company’s fixed charge debt and other forms of long-term borrowing increased to $ 21,962,000. On the other hand, the company’s shareholder equity increased to $ 120,733,000. Therefore, the gearing level of the company is = (21,962,000/120,733,000) = 18.19% (Berkshire Hathaway Inc., n.d.). In the financial year 2008, the company’s fixed charge and other forms of long-term borrowing increased to $ 30,656,000. On the other hand, the company’s shareholder equity decreased to $ 109,267,000. Therefore, the leverage level of the company is = (30,656,000/109,267,000) = 28.06%. In the financial year 2009, the company’s fixed charge and other forms of long-term borrowing decreased to $ 26,394,000. On the other hand, the company’s shareholder equity increased to $ 135,785,000. Therefore, the leverage level of the company is = (26,394,000/135,785,000) = 19.44%. The leverage level has decreased compared to the previous year. In the financial year 2010, the company’s fixed charge and other forms of long-term borrowing increased to $ 24,016,000. On the other hand, the company’s shareholder equity increased to $ 162,934,000. Therefore, the leverage level of the company is = (24,016,000/162,934,000) = 14.74%. In the financial year 2011, the c ompany’s fixed charge and other forms of long-term borrowing increased to $ 25,399,000. On the other hand, the company’s shareholder equity increased to $ 168,961,000. Therefore, the leverage level of the company is = (25,399,000/168,961,000) = 15.03%. Lastly, in the financial year 2012, the company’s fixed charge and other forms of long-term borrowing decreased to $ 22,077,000. On the other hand, the company’s shareholder equity increased to $ 191,588,000. Therefore, the leverage level of the company is = (22,077,000/191,588,000) = 11.52 %. The graph below shows the fluctuation in the company’s leverage level between 1995 and 2012 (Berkshire Hathaway Inc., n.d.). Reference Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/reports.html.

Saturday, December 14, 2019

American Aid Policy Free Essays

The United States is the leading developed nation in foreign aid that considers both the interest of its own citizens and industries and those of beneficiary countries. Billions of people all over the world have benefited and appreciated the role of United States in both foreign and food aid. This research paper looks deeply into the overall effectiveness of US foreign aid policy, the need to effect any changes in policy framework or continue to handle affairs in their current form and finally examine the need to increase or decrease the amount in foreign aid. We will write a custom essay sample on American Aid Policy or any similar topic only for you Order Now Aid and Millennium Development Goals The achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in third world countries and specifically the African continent cannot be realized when foreign aid to these nations is not fully availed. Human development has been ignored by international donor community notably the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, instead putting more focus on biased economic parameters. Poverty levels in these nations thus cannot be eradicated. Africa alone needs a total of 72 billion dollars in foreign aid per year to achieve its Millennium Development Goals by 2015. This is meager fraction in comparison to the $ 362 billion in subsidiaries developed countries paid to its home based agricultural sectors in 2006. Commitment by developed countries to increase amounts in foreign aid to 0. 7% of their national income has not been realized (Marr, Gunatilaka Killick, 1998). United States has faired poorly in its rating with only 0. 16% and appears at the bottom of the list. Eradicating poverty and improving human life demand increase in foreign aid to developing nations and failure to honor these commitments means that the present status in terms of poverty levels will remain for a long time. Effectiveness of Foreign Aid The close relationship that exists between foreign aid effectiveness and conditions attached to it has always been a thorny issue. Important development agendas such as the balancing of existing relationship between recipient and donor, considering first support to priorities sectors by the government, deter cases of aid programmes duplications and providing means for undertaking transparency assessment on aid performance are factors that must be put into consideration to ensure aid effectiveness. Furthermore, donor support harmonization in aid programmes that undertake development projects in more than one country demands mutual accountability. Direct budget subsidy contributed by donor countries which still stands at 5% of aid given to developing nations should be viewed by the recipient countries as domestic; hence, implemented vividly on development agendas rather than being accountable to the donors. Though this may be the best way of implementing aid as it create an opportunity for strong economic principles and political willingness to avoid bureaucracy, donors do not yet willing to adopt this model because of their institutionalized channel of aid flow which do onto conform with the developing countries political structures. In essence, increased direct budget support by donors and good government structure of the recipient countries will increase aid effectiveness (Guillaumont Chauvet, 2001) Need For Change in Aid Policy Critics have always advocated for foreign aid policy reforms. While United States foreign programme has noted high levels of success, it cannot be without a list of problems. The original aim of American aid policy was to generate and improve its economic sub-sectors such as the shipping industry, dump surpluses and promote trade. A clear example is the food aid policy in which food aid is no longer about providing a meal for the hungry but takes care of a multitude of objectives. A half of every dollar spent on food aid goes into the related costs such as processing and shipping. This reveals that policy changes must be put in place to make food aid perform to its fullest. This is because the current food aid policy strives to accomplish very many objectives, most of which are obsolete. It takes a very long time to transport food from a farmer to its final destination and at times this period takes up to five months. Such delay in delivery leads to added costs such as insurance and crew wages. Furthermore delay is the delivery in food aid cost lives in disaster situations. Money should be used to purchase food closer to their destination and reduce costs of transportation. A drastic shift must be made towards of food aid procuring, with purchase in the beneficiary nation and in the United States. Purchasing goods in countries closer to the beneficiary nations would strengthen agricultural market in these nations (Hansen Tarp, 2000). The main objective here is local procurement of goods, not aid with conditions. America must move away from tied aid to make its foreign aid policy effective. The global economic crisis has led to questions about the general effectiveness of foreign aid. Questions as to how aid can be sustained continuously in times of economic recessions must be answered to achieve high performance. At the moment, American legislation demands that 50% of aid commodities must be processed and packed at home before shipment. Furthermore, 75% of food aid is managed by the USAID and 50% is under the management of US department of agriculture (Guillaumont Chauvet, 2001). These commodities must be shipped in vessels flying US flags. Such conditions must be constantly reviewed to do away with long procedures of aid handling and delivery. While there are efforts to reform the aid policy, it is expected to take time before full effectiveness is achieved. The 1961 Foreign Assistance Act and the Farm Bill under President George Bush are some efforts to restructure United States foreign aid policy. An examination into different types of foreign aid reveals a complex scenario on how effective its overall objectives are. The reconstruction of countries reeling from effects of war such as Iraq and Afghanistan are always controversial in nature. Given the overlap in time due to security related issues, it is almost impossible to accurately determine how much and to what level of effectiveness these aid constitute (Dalgaard Hansen, 2007). Another area that requires total change is the technical cooperation. This is poorly defined due to its ambiguity and thus hard to measure. They are always under criticism due to the huge amounts involved but often not properly accounted for. Technical cooperation always means transfer of skills and knowledge from the donor country to the beneficiary country but always become controversial when they involve military aid assistance such as generous packages to Israel and Egypt. The so-called aid for national interest always attracts huge aid packages than moral areas such as poverty and disease alleviation. Pakistan is a major recipient of United States aid due to its influence and geographical location with Afghanistan and receives this foreign aid to maintain stability and peace in the region. America must do away with some aid conditionality. The imbalance in aid contracts creates conditions which translate into donor demands for change in social, political and economic affairs (Burns, 1984). One of the most absurd conditions from the western donors is the system of state control over all sectors of the economy. The demand for democratic states and good governance, free and fair elections, constitute to some of these conditions. Considering achievement of these conditions a yardstick to receiving foreign aid undermines its role and objects and thus makes it a political tool to control affairs of other countries. Reforms must be made on how aid is channeled to the beneficiary countries. Multilateral aid is always channeled through World Bank and other regional development banks while bilateral aid is paid direct to the beneficiary countries (Miyashita, 2003). Multilateral aid has so far recorded greater success than bilateral aid since it is not selective and undertakes its programmes on neutral basis. These aids are in the form of grants that ensure maximum utilization for the set objectives. Reforming policies in these sectors to ensure maximum transparency and reduce levels of political interference would definitely improve its performance. Conclusion Bilateral aid must not be used to hood-wink political leaders. It is obvious that some developing countries whose economic performances are poor depend mainly on foreign aid to support their programmes. Application of selective strategies and tough conditions driven by greed to control the smaller nations will eventually render the foreign aid ineffective. The way to go in improving the performance is forging a close alliance with the beneficiaries and improving levels of transparency (Toye, Harrigan Mosley, 1995). The handling of foreign food must take into consideration the overall improvement of agriculture and provision of close markets for agricultural markets to regions close to the beneficiary country. Foreign aid must therefore seek to improve the level of human development. References: Burns, W. J. , (1984), Economic Aid and American Policy towards Egypt. Sunny Press Dalgaard, C. J. Hansen, H. , (2007), On Aid, Growth and Good Policies, The Journal of Development Studies, Taylor and Francis Journals, vol. 37(6), 17-41. Guillaumont, P. Chauvet, L. , (2001), Aid and Performance: A Reassessment, The Journal of Development Studies, Taylor and Francis Journals, vol. 37(6), pages 66-92 Hansen, H. Tarp, F. , (2000), Aid effectiveness disputed, Journal of International Development, John Wiley Sons, Ltd. , vol. 12(3), pages 375-398. Marr, A. , Gunatilaka, R. Killick, T. , (1998), Aid and the Political Economy of policy change, Routledge. Miyashita, A. (2003), Limits to Power: Asymmetric dependence and Japanese foreign aid policy, Lexington Books. Toye, J. F. Y, Harrigan, J. J. Mosley, P. (1995), Aid and power; The World Bank and Policy–Based Lending, Routledge. How to cite American Aid Policy, Papers

Friday, December 6, 2019

Crime And Punishment Essay Salvation Example For Students

Crime And Punishment Essay Salvation In his book Crime and Punishment, Dostoevsky explores the path of Raskolnikov who has many problems and obstacles throughout his life. He commits murder and is faced with the long and mentally extremely painful journey of seeking redemption. Raskolnikov believes that by a law of nature men have been somewhat arbitrarily divided into two groups of ordinary and extraordinary. Raskolnikov believes that the duty of the ordinary group is to just exist, in order to form the world and the society. The second group, those who are extraordinary, are a step above the normal. They have the ability to overstep normal bounds and violate the rights of those who are simply ordinary. They are the prime movers; they have a right to cross normal societal structures to accomplish those things that they have determined are valid in their conscience. Raskolnikov cites such extraordinary men as Newton, Mahomet, and Napoleon. He tells us that Newton had the right to kill hundreds of men in order to bring to the world knowledge of his findings. Napoleon and other leaders created a new word. They overturned laws and created new ones. They had the right to uphold their new ideals, even if it meant killing innocent men. Therefore Raskolnicov believes that some extraordinary humans like himself have the right to oppose ordinary social laws in order to create a new social order. The first class of people preserve and people the world, the second move the world and lead it to its goal. Raskolnikov also believes that both classes have an equal right to exist. Without extraordinary human race would be stuck. Without the ordinary men the efforts and ideas of extraordinary men would be nonexistent. Both classes are important to the workings of the world. They are dependent upon one another. Raskolnikov is obsessed with his superman theory. He is constantly trying to prove that he is part of the extraordinary people in the world. He wants to become an important figure such as Napoleon. He believes that certain superior people in a society stand above the ordinary human and moral law. Based on his theory he believes that the murders he commits would make him a part of this high class. To test his thesis, he murders an old woman that is a greedy moneylender. He feels her death is no great loss to society because she preys upon the misery and poverty of her fellow humans. Next, Raskolnikov overhears a man at the bar, I could kill that damned old woman and make off with her money, I assure you, without the faintest conscience-prick Raskolnikov had the very same idea. It provides another good reason for the murder, as Raskolnikov believes the crime will benefit others. However, once he realized that he had made mistakes, he began to question his theory. After all the frustration, he decided to go to the scene of the crime. This gave him a rush that made him feel invincible. He believed that  this would prove if he was truly super. Once he realized that he wasnt part of this class, he suffered a mental breakdown. Raskolnikovs suffering has a direct relationship with his guilt over his crimes. It is also due to his recognition of his failure to meet his theory. However another controlling idea behind his punishment is a result of his dual personality and his obsession to prove his theory. He is best represented as being either cold, intellectual and isolated from society, or as being warm and compassionate. The murder is the result of his intellectual side, trying to determine whether or not he fits his extraordinary man theory. It was this side of his personality that develops the crime and carries out his plan, forcing the humane side to suffer for his actions. Both Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov are headed down the same path throughout the novel. They share the same goal of redemption. Dunya was the same objective to Svidrigailov as the superman theory to Raskolnikov. .u7c8e8f97edd6e31215a300506511853d , .u7c8e8f97edd6e31215a300506511853d .postImageUrl , .u7c8e8f97edd6e31215a300506511853d .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u7c8e8f97edd6e31215a300506511853d , .u7c8e8f97edd6e31215a300506511853d:hover , .u7c8e8f97edd6e31215a300506511853d:visited , .u7c8e8f97edd6e31215a300506511853d:active { border:0!important; } .u7c8e8f97edd6e31215a300506511853d .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u7c8e8f97edd6e31215a300506511853d { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u7c8e8f97edd6e31215a300506511853d:active , .u7c8e8f97edd6e31215a300506511853d:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u7c8e8f97edd6e31215a300506511853d .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u7c8e8f97edd6e31215a300506511853d .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u7c8e8f97edd6e31215a300506511853d .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u7c8e8f97edd6e31215a300506511853d .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u7c8e8f97edd6e31215a300506511853d:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u7c8e8f97edd6e31215a300506511853d .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u7c8e8f97edd6e31215a300506511853d .u7c8e8f97edd6e31215a300506511853d-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u7c8e8f97edd6e31215a300506511853d:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Racism In Othello Relating To Racial Hatred In Elizabethan England EssayWhen they were faced with the failure of reaching their goal, they suffered a massive psychological breakdown. Their different perspectives on life drove them to choose different outcomes in life. Svidrigailov would have rather died than spent life in prison. Therefore he decided to commit suicide. This trait would be found in most super humans. Raskolnikov on the other hand, strived for comfort in life. As soon as Sonya began to comfort him, he easily gave in to her ideas. However before his confession to Sonia, Raskolnikov becomes ill and unconscious immediately after the murder, The conviction that all his faculties, even memory, and the simplest power of reflection were failing him began to be an insufferable torture. He believed he needed to suffer greatly before he can find redemption from a life of sin. The first sign of Raskolnikovs suffering is his illness after the murder, his terrifying nightmares and his failure to confess. Also Raskolnikov verbally attacks Sonia for her religious beliefs, calling her crazy, suggesting suicide, and stating, But perhaps there is no God at all. This example shows that Raskolnikov is deeply troubled, as earlier he decided against suicide. He feels terribly lonely and devastated by his inability to turn to anyone. However, Sonias patience and understanding finally helps him to bring himself to confess his crimes, that it was he who murdered the moneylender and her half-sister, Lizaveta. Although she is deeply sh ocked by his terrible revelation, Sonia promises to share in Raskolnikovs future suffering and punishment in a Siberia prison camp. Raskolnikov sees Sonia as a Christ figure, suffering for all of humanity as she willingly prostitutes in order to support a family He will come in that day and He will ask: Where is the daughter who gave herself for her cross, consumptive step-mother and for the little children of another? Where is the daughter who had pity upon the filthy drunkard, her earthly father, undismayed by his beastliness? And He will say, Come  to Me.Thy sins which are many are forgiven thee, for thou has loved much . Because of the silent cooperation in her suffering and her ability to love, Raskolnikov turns to her to confess and agrees to wear her cross as symbol of my taking up the cross! As though I have not suffered much till now! Sonia and Raskolnikov are two characters that interact on multiple levels, sharing several likenesses. Both are struggling for meaning in a dark and sad existence, and both are generally unhappy people, but they seem to enjoy each others presence. After his confession, Raskolnikov experienced the physical punishments for his actions; this time he suffers the loss of conscience upon the self realization that he was after all just an ordinary man or even worse so, if he was truly an extraordinary one, then his theory had been an invalid waste of time. In order to protect his theory, he confessed and admitted to ordinariness. Raskolnikov is then sentenced for only seven years, due to his abnormal mental condition. Raskolnikov is tortured by the others for his disbelief in God, and rudeness to Sonia when she would visit. Raskolnikovs attitude shifts when he dreams of a world that was condemned to a terrible new strange plague, it awakened him to the wrongness of it. Finally, the caring, good side of Raskolnikov defeats his evil side, as he turns to a life of Christianity with Sonia. What Dostoevsky tries to show is that although Raskolnikov believes he is an extraordinary human being and thus commits the murders, he is no better or worse than an ordinary man. He cannot escape the consequence of his crimes, and he is not above the common human. On the one hand, Raskolnikov thinks of himself as a sort of superior human. On the other hand, he realizes as the novel progresses he is just a part of common humanity.

Friday, November 29, 2019

This Be The Verse By Philip Larkin Essays - Philip Larkin

This Be The Verse By Philip Larkin This Be the Verse by Philip Larkin They *censored* you up, your mum and dad. They may not mean to, but they do. They fill you with the faults they had And add some extra, just for you. But they were *censored*ed up in their turn By fools in old-style hats and coats, Who half the time were sloppy-stern And half at one another's throats. Man hands on misery to man. It deepens like a coastal shelf. Get out as early as you can, And don't have any kids yourself. Lately, I have read a good deal of poems by Philip Larkin, and one unifying factor that I have noticed is that Larkin never seems to use a filler. Every word in every one of his poems seems to be carefully crafted and placed, to the point where the flow and rhythm of the poem seem almost an accident. One poem I read that really stayed with me is the above poem, "This be the Verse." I will now show you how this poem, which at first glance seems to be written only to amuse, really has a much deeper meaning. I will examine the poem in several parts. First, I would like to examine the use of curse words in the poem, or why other words that would be considered more acceptable to the general public were not used. Then, I will discuss the three stanzas of the poem and what they were meant to do for the audience. Lastly, I will explore why Larkin would write such a poem, and what he was trying to get across to his audience by writing it. The second line in this poem contains the word "*censored*," a word that is usually not considered acceptable for the general public. Yet Larkin incorporates it almost immediately into his poem. I can think of four possible reasons why. Firstly, words such as *censored* quickly and easily grab the audiences attention. This is similar to yelling "sex" in a crowded marketplace, everyone wants to know what is being discussed. Also, words like *censored* prepare the audience for a humorous bit of poetry, and this perks the audience's attention, and lets them know off the bat that this will not be another long and boring verse. Secondly, words such as *censored* produce an atmosphere for adults, or mature people. One term that is used quite extensively lately is "adult language." This term branches off of the common idea that children should and would not use such words until they are older and have a more concrete knowledge of what they are really saying. Thus, by using a word such as *censored*, Larkin creates a poem that will most likely not be read to children. Also, such a poem would not be read at certain social gatherings (i.e. church meetings) where such words are considered unacceptable, further narrowing the audience for this poem. That brings me to my third point: that the people who read such a poem know, whether consciously or not, that they are in a distinct group, and that this poem was written for them. This allows Larkin to establish a closeness with his readers, now that they know that he is writing for them. This also implies to the reader that Larkin is one of them, that he knows the reader well, because he is in the same social class. To sum it up, by using a word considered to be socially incorrect, Larkin has managed to establish more credibility with the reader, which inherently forces the reader listen up, and pay attention to what Larkin has to say. Lately, "modern" art and poetry are showing more and more "unacceptable" words. This is because such words have become synonymous with "truth." In other words, the general public seems to feel that if an artist is using curse words, then he must be "telling it like it is." Thus, using such words helps Larkin's credibility as a man who has seen and will now tell. Larkin's poem is divided into three stanzas, each with it's own meaning and objectives. The first stanza is the introduction. As discussed above, the first stanza singles out a select group of people and builds Larkin's credibility with them. But beyond that, the first stanza also inspires several other feeling in the reader, just from the actual words it uses. The very first line, in fact, insults your own parents. Larkin did this in order to provoke a

Monday, November 25, 2019

The Intern Bible Dos and Donts in the Workplace

The Intern Bible Dos and Donts in the Workplace You may be reading this moments before your first day as an intern and are nervously wondering, â€Å"What exactly is proper intern etiquette?† First off, congrats on the internship! You must have done something right to land the position. Now, just try not to mess it up. Just kidding. Actually, it’s important to remember that employers create internship programs as an opportunity for learning. Along the way, mistakes are going to be made and that’s not a bad thing – as long as you learn from them. In an effort to lessen your stress and increase your chance for success, here’s some do’s and don’ts to help you navigate the murky waters of interning.Do seek feedbackIt is crucial for an intern to seek feedback from their supervisor. It demonstrates that you are coachable. Seeking feedback takes all of the guesswork out of how so you can â€Å"wow† your boss. Feedback allows you to improve and learn how you can add value. As an inte rn, seeking feedback will communicate to your boss that you are highly self-aware and motivated to improve.Do clarify expectationsClarifying expectations is crucial as an intern. Telling the hiring team exactly what you want out of the internship is going to ensure that you are not coming to a job every day that you hate. No boss intentionally makes an intern’s job miserable. The majority of the time an unfulfilling internship is a result of individuals not clarifying exactly what they want out of the job. If you want to get better at presentations, tell your boss that. They want to teach you about what you want to learn and more.Don’t gossipNot only is gossiping at work unprofessional, but it also creates a toxic environment.   Gossiping damages trust and will have your coworkers hesitant to share things with you. As an intern, you may hear your manager gossiping about others in the office, but that does not warrant you to join in. Avoid joining in on gossip, and en sure you are doing everything in your power to avoid being the target of gossip. Dressing appropriate, not oversharing, and being mindful of what you post on social media are all effective ways to avoid being the topic of workplace gossip.Don’t be dependentNo supervisor wants to apprehensively hand their intern a pile of work, worrying if it will actually get done or not. In the workplace today, task-oriented jobs are seizing to exist – and so are bosses who micromanage. Be confident in your abilities to complete a task, large or small. Use this time as an intern to be independent.Don’t neglect networkingOffering to take your other fellow interns to lunch during the week is a nice gesture, but not the key to getting yourself a full-time offer once your internship is up. It’s crucial, as an intern, to network with the other full-time employees at the office. This could be your direct boss or other members of the full-time team. However, this does not mean to just have surface level relationships with a variety of people. The most useful networks are those with strong ties. The more someone knows you and believes in you, the more  likely they will be to vouch for you, think of you first when an opportunity opens, and be a reference to add to your resume.  About the Author:Margaret Foley is a senior at Texas Christian University, where she is majoring in Communications Studies and minoring in English and Graphic Design. She is currently interning at Varghese Summersett, a criminal defense law firm in Fort Worth, Texas.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

4 Different Questions that need to be answered about 60-70 words per Assignment

4 Different Questions that need to be answered about 60-70 words per question - Assignment Example The mission of leadership initiative will be to educate, inspire, and empower the young student, and through mentoring, this mission will be accomplished. Thus, the students’ new student will be able to observe, interact, and learn from other students. The following steps were applied during the development of time management skill that serves a role model in the next class. I wrote somewhere the things that I was supposed to accomplish such as personal, and homework. Then I came up with deadlines for every task that I was to accomplish. I made sure; I did not multi-task. And then, I applied my downtime. Finally, I rewarded myself after finishing my activities. Particular approaches helped me to acquire decision-making skills. For instance, before making any decision, I could first weigh the pros and cons before making the best decision. After that, I narrow the options so as to stick to the best. I made sure, I evaluate the significance of the potential decision, and then final, I made sure I go for the well informed

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Intellectual Property Rights Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Intellectual Property Rights - Essay Example If not then licensing of patents will have to be negotiated between the company and the laboratory. In such a scenario it is the internal agreement between the laboratory and the staff, students or post doc fellows which comes in effect. There might be a general agreement in place and specific agreement for the particular project might have to be executed including or excluding the right so people of the laboratory (Queen’s University IPR Guide, 2011) 2) Work for Pay – if the staff is specifically hired to follow directions of the laboratory coordinator or anyone else then they shall not be entitled to any IPR as it was not their genesis. They were just executors who acted on behalf of the director and did not contribute any cognitive inputs (NIT, Rourkela 2009) 3) Contractual work – if the project is work-for-hire, the employee or agency will retain the right to be identified as the creator of the IP but the right of commercialization and IP rests with the labor atory. In such cases the staff depending on the general agreement has the share of the IP benefit as the work was not indigenously developed by the laboratory. 4) Full time work – if any student or staff works in the laboratory full time or part time the rights to IP depends on the contract of employment.

Monday, November 18, 2019

United States Postal Service Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

United States Postal Service - Case Study Example While analyzing the ergonomic issues the paper mainly focuses on the ergonomic issues that have been addressed in the report. The research conducted method focuses on the methodology part of the report, that is how the required and relevant information about the study has been acquired and the approach that has been undertaken in fulfilling the objective of the study. The ergonomic issues: The report reveals the health hazards that are associated with the work performed at an organization. The ergonomists at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) examined the ergonomic hazards that are associated with the particular work and whether that can result in musculoskeletal disorders. The report introduces the musculoskeletal disease that the employees are exposed to due to the kind of work they do. The report identifies the musculoskeletal hazards which arise from the repetitive movements of the upper limb of the employees working in the postal service organization. It not only identifies the problems associated with the work, but also focuses on the causes of the health hazards like forceful grasping of any tools or pinching anything with the help of the tool. For instance, the study reveals that the prolonged period of sitting or standing against a stool can aggravate the disorder. It also gives the measures of avoiding such hazards by suggesting ways such as tilting the seat pan or by maintaining the trunk in the neutral position. (Heta, 1993, p.4) The research Conducted: The research conducted is mainly based on primary observation of a specific ergonomic situation in a government organization. The report takes into account a case of the employees of the Denver general Mail facility. The health hazards has been analyzed and discussed in the paper. The paper identifies each kind of work that is being performed in the organization and what kind of health problems this might lead to. Hence an ethical dilemma also arises with respect to workplace. The paper adopts a case study based approach where a particular organization and situation has been identified and the discussion and recommendation revolves around it. The human resource aspect of the firm has been addressed in the paper. This is a discussion paper that takes into account several aspect of the issue, like the type of machines, the pace of work and other factors that are required in evaluating the situation properly. The paper after analyzing the problems recommends measures in avoiding those problems. The report also produces a comparative framework against working situations of the General Mail Facility (GMF) at Denver and Virginia. (Heta, 1993, pp.5-8) The Findings and recommendations: The findings of the paper revolve around the musculoskeletal disorder that the employee has to face as a res ult of their sitting postures and standing postures while working. In case of mail casing it has been found out that the work needs repetitive operations hence the organization has rightly provided the workers with the tilt chair facility. The report notes that the sit and stand stool provided to the employee rightly serves the purpose as it can be adjusted and accommodated accordingly. The report reveals that the works which are associated with the automatic mail processing machines requires frequent stooping which puts the employees in the danger of low back injury, hence a height size has been recommended to avoid the problem of low back

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Analysis Of Mobile Communication Communications Essay

Analysis Of Mobile Communication Communications Essay Wireless communication has become a ubiquitous part of modern life, from global cellular telephone systems to local and even personal-area networks. This book provides a tutorial introduction to digital mobile wireless networks, illustrating theoretical underpinnings with a wide range of real-world examples. The book begins with a review of propagation phenomena, and goes on to examine channel allocation, modulation techniques, multiple access schemes, and coding techniques. GSM and IS-95 systems are reviewed and 2.5G and 3G packet-switched systems are discussed in detail. Performance analysis and accessing and scheduling techniques are covered, and the book closes with a chapter on wireless LANs and personal-area networks. Many worked examples and homework exercises are provided and a solutions manual is available for instructors. The book is an ideal text for electrical engineering and computer science students taking courses in wireless communications. It will also be an invaluabl e reference for practicing engineers. Wireless communication technology is diffusing around the planet faster than any other communication technology to date. Because communication is at the heart of human activity in all domains, the advent of this technology, allowing multimodal communication from anywhere to anywhere where there is the appropriate infrastructure, is supposed to have profound social effects. Yet, which kind of effects, under which conditions, for whom and for what is an open question. Indeed, we know from the history of technology, including the history of the Internet, that people and organizations end up using the technology for purposes very different of those initially sought or conceived by the designers of the technology. Furthermore, the more a technology is interactive, and the more it is likely that the users become the producers of the technology in its actual practice. Therefore, rather than projecting dreams and fears on the kind of society that will result in the future from the widespread use of wireless communication, we must root ourselves in the observation of the present using the traditional, standard tools of scholarly research. People, institutions, and business have suffered enough from the unwarranted prophecies of futurologists and visionaries that project and promise whatever comes to their minds on the basis of anecdotal observation and ill understood developments. Thus, our aim in this report is to ground an informed discussion of the social uses and social effects of wireless communication technology on what we know currently (2004) in different areas of the world. We would have like to consider exclusively information and analyses produced within the rigorous standards of academic research. This constitutes a good proportion of the material examined here. The rise of mobile communication Mobile communication has diffused into society at a rate that is unprecedented. On a world basis, the number of mobile phones rose 24% between 2000 and 2005. According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), there was about one telephone subscription for every third person in the world (2005).2 At the same time there were about half as many who had access to the intent (ITU 2005). The highest adoption rates are found in Europe where there are approximately 82 subscriptions per 100 persons. In Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, etc.) there are 69, and in the Americas there are 52 subscriptions per 100 persons. Following this Asia had 22 subscriptions per 100 and Africa had 11. While the adoption rate in Europe has levelled off, there is an almost Klondike like atmosphere in many other countries. The growth rates in India and China are far above 50% per year. In addition, growth in sub-Saharan Africa often tops 100% and sometimes even 200% per year.3 Thus, in the last decade; we have seen the widespread adoption of a new form of communication. One of the unique aspects of mobile communication is that it changes the locus of interaction. When thinking of landline telephony, we call to specific locations. The metaphor is that we call to a persons home, their work or to some other physical location in the hopes that the individual is someplace near by. Mobile communication and mediated ritual This new channel of interaction allows more nuanced forms of micro-coordination (Ling and Yttri 2002). It provides us with various forms of safety and security (Ling 2004; Baron and Ling forthcoming) as well a different types of phatic interaction (Ling 2005b). In short, the mobile telephone allows us to elaborate and develop cohesion that is often generated in copresent situations. This is not to say that relationships can be founded and developed in the absence of copresent interaction. While there are examples of friendships and â€Å"communities† that have been fostered and developed exclusively via mediated interaction dating all the way back to telegraphy (Standage 1998), for all practical purposes social interaction needs copresent interaction in order to coalesce into a cohesive form, this process can be aided through the use of mediated interaction. Thinking, for example of romantic relationships, the meeting of individuals, their wooing and the development of a common sense of involvement is largely a copresent activity. Following the discussion above, it is also a heavily ritualized interaction. There is the need to come into contact and there is the need to engender a mutually recognized sense of the relationship. The couple goes through a series of stages as they enter into a more intense and intimate sense of their coupled status (Ling 2000). Much of the process has to do with the mapping of common interests and the development of a mutual sense of trust. The assembly of the group, the use of â€Å"tie signs† (Goffman 1971) the establishment of a mutual focus of attention, the development of a common argot or set of symbols and the building of a barrier to outsiders are all parts of founding an intimate relationship (Collins 2004, 193; Berger and Kellner 1964). Mediated interaction, and in particular interaction via the mobile telephone is an obvious channel of communication that can be drawn into this work. In survey material from Norway, for example we see that in an interestingly asymmetric finding that 50% of teen girls and 32% of teen boys reported that they had flirted on a weekly basis via the mobile telephone.5 This finding underscores the role of the mobile phone in this process. Indeed the mobile telephone is well designed for the purpose. It is a technology of the individual. It allows for the communication of both synchronous and asynchronous messages directly between the concerned individuals and these messages need not be observed by others.6 During the establishment of the relationship the mobile telephone provides a channel through which the interests of the individuals can be mapped and the intensity of the nascent relationship can be explored. This might include simple information regarding which type of mus ic they like or the timing of their next assignation. It might also include risquà © â€Å"pick up† lines and perhaps the exchange of pro-vocative or quasi-provocative photos. This contact, along with copresent interaction play into each other as the couple moves toward the establishment of a coupled identity. TYPES OF SYSTEM In a mobile communication system at least one of the transceivers is mobile. It may be on board a vehicle that can move at high speeds, or it may be a handheld unit used by a pedestrian. Basic types of systems include base/mobile, peer-to-peer, repeater, and mobile satellite systems. In a base/mobile system, a base station connected to a public network communicates with a mobile unit. This gives the mobile unit access to the public network. More than one mobile at a time can be supported if a different channel (such as a narrow band of spectrum) is assigned to each user. In most systems, channels are assigned to users as needed rather than giving each user a dedicated channel that is reserved for that user at all times. This is called trunking and allows large numbers of users to be supported with a limited number of available channels, with a small probability that any given call will be blocked because all channels are busy. Cellular telephony uses the base/mobile configuration to give mobile users access to the public switched telephone network. In peer-to-peer systems, mobile units communicate directly with each other. Mobile units sharing a frequency channel can communicate with one another, and independent conversations can take place on different channels. Many amateur, and most CB radio contacts fit into this peer-to-peer model. In peer-to-peer systems, a mobile can sometimes hear only one of two other mobiles that are using a channel, when a total of three users are active. In this system, all users transmit on one channel and listen on a second channel. The repeater, a transceiver that is located at a high point, retransmits the signals with greater power on the second channel. In this system, all users can communicate with each other using one pair of frequencies. A repeater system allows communication over a much greater range than in a direct peer-topeer system. Repeaters are used for public services and some amateur radio operations at VHF and UHF frequencies. A variation is a trunked radio system that uses several frequency pairs and assigns a frequency pair for each conversation between mobiles. A trunked system can support many more users than the number of frequencies available because all users typically do not operate at once. In a mobile satellite system, one or more satellites relays signals between a mobile user and an earth-based base station or â€Å"gateway† that connects to the public switched network. The large distances and high speeds of the satellites introduce some difficulties, but a system of this type can provide worldwide coverage. Characteristics of wireless LANs Advantages very flexible within the reception area Ad-hoc networks without previous planning possible (almost) no wiring difficulties (e.g. historic buildings, firewalls) More robust against disasters like, e.g., earthquakes, fire or users pulling a plug Disadvantages typically very low bandwidth compared to wired networks (1-10 Mbit/s) {10-4 compared to 10-10 in fiber optics} many proprietary solutions, especially for higher bit-rates, standards take their time (e.g. IEEE 802.11) products have to follow many national restrictions if working wireless, it takes a vary long time to establish global solutions like, e.g., IMT-2000 Interfenece Conclusions Wireless and mobile communication is currently a hot topic and it is thus important to include it in the education of computer and telecommunication engineers. The benefit of teaching wireless mobile communication in a virtual course is that students from polytechnics all over the country, and also from foreign polytechnics, can share and participate in the same course without being physically present. Since students from several different polytechnics participate, feedback and development suggestions are retrieved in a much larger perspective, compared to in an internal course, which results in a higher quality of the course material. The production of a virtual course is, however, a much more demanding task than the production of a traditional internal course. Experts, like graphical designers, have to be included in the production team. The graphical layout of the learning environment is important in order to make the learning and browsing of the course material interesting and ea sy as well as to lead the students attention to the essential parts. Before the course is in its final form many prototypes have to be tested and feedback from the students is needed. A proper choice of computer software and IT technology is necessary. A sufficient and realistic budget is also essential. Teaching and learning in a virtual course is also more demanding than in an ordinary course. Students cannot directly interact with the course teacher in the same way as during lectures and teacher assisted exercise sessions. Email and newsgroups is not enough for assisting students since they dont provide direct communication. It is thus important to provide the students the possibility to use real-time E-communication channels such as text, voice, and video chat. REFERENCE http://partners.nytimes.com/library/tech/00/07/biztech/articles/05talk.html http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/threeg/ceareportoct2000.pdf http://www.business2.com/b2/web/articles/0,17863,513551,00.html http://weatherhead.cwru.edu/pervasive/Paper/UBE%202003%20-%20Yoo.pdf http://jite.org/documents/Vol3/v3p189-217-038.pdf http://informingscience.org/proceedings/InSITE2006/IISITBerg205.pdf http://lib.tkk.fi/Diss/2005/isbn9512279819/isbn9512279819.pdf http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/S4B/sem02.html http://www.gsmworld.com/services/messaging.shtml http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/statistics/ http://journal.fibreculture.org/issue6/issue6_proitz.html. http://www.160characters.org/documents/SocialEffectsOfTextMessaging.pdf

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Free Essays: Hamlet and Go Tell it on the Mountain :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

Hamlet and Go Tell it on the Mountain Claudius and Gabriel are very similar, as they are very different people. Claudius and Gabriel share the characteristic that both regret what they do. Gabriel doesn't actually get down on his knees and pray like Claudius does, the reader could tell though, that Gabriel is having some great problems with the way he is. His personality interferes with his daily life. He hates white people yet he is a preacher, a teacher of God. Gabriel does other things throughout the book that make other characters in the book wonder if Gabriel really wants to be a preacher, if Gabriel really can handle the responsibilities, any longer, that are needed to be a preacher. Claudius killed his own brother. His actions have basically ruined his life. The way he thinks and handles things aren't the most productive and at times aren't very bright. Gabriel has many problems with his life. At times, he can't really control his thoughts and his actions. He is a very confused person as well. He does so many things throughout the book that make it seem as if he doesn't care about anyone or anything and just does what ever he wants to do, with out any boundaries being drawn to what he could do. He had sex with a women that was not his wife, while he was married!! How can a preacher do such a thing. It was against Gods Commandments but he did it anyway. Does he regret what he does? Probably. He thinks to himself and maybe prays to God asking him for his forgiveness and help to stop him from being such a person. If something came up like to have sex with another women other than his wife, he would probably go ahead and have sex without thinking to much about it. Gabriel is also a very selfish person. He does things that he wants to do. Gabriel doesn't sacrifice anything for anyone. If he feels like having sex with another women, he go es ahead and does it. He doesn't think about Deborah's thoughts, about Gods thoughts or about anyone else's thoughts. Does he even love Deborah? There was a part of the book where Gabriel was thinking to himself and he talks about how he hates Deborah. The following is that same part. "Deborah turned to look at them, and at that moment Gabriel saw, as though for the first time, how black and bony was this wife of his, and how wholly undesirable.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Three really is a crowd

â€Å"Would you like some pretzels with your wine.† The airhostess said, I never drink when I fly but in this case I need a drink to steady my nerves I have called my old friend Lauren to see if she knows where nick is living now and I am in luck she had just seen nick. â€Å"How was he?† I asked impatiently â€Å"He was kind of distant, not his usual laid back self. Why are you asking about nick you never want to talk about him what has happened?† Lauren sounded concerned. I couldn't keep secrets from Lauren she was my oldest friend and my rock when things go wrong. I had to tell her so for the next half an hour I poured my heart out I told her everything about Pierre and nick and the engagement ring. † Well he sounded really upset now I know why, what are you going to do.† She sounded genuinely sorry for me. † I am just going to turn up at his flat and try to talk him round I love him Lauren, it has always been him I was happy with Pierre sure, but he was always in the back of my mind.† I am never one to pour out my heart but I couldn't help myself. Lauren offered me her spare bedroom to stay at her house, which is less than a mile away from nicks so it would be perfect. I wake up as I look out the window and can just see the sky through all the buildings there is a deep blue sky just like the day me and nick went on a weekend away the sky was like that all weekend I can't help but smile at all the good memories of me and nick. The time at the new years the night nick and me first got together ‘ I was all alone no one to kiss at midnight 4,3,2 I am going to look like such an idiot 1 nick suddenly appears from no where and kisses me a real kiss I had never been kissed the way he kissed me.' There it is that all to familiar feeling when I think of me and nick. Later that day I was in the local cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½, all of a sudden Lauren made excuses for herself and left quickly as I watched her leave my eyes wandered to the bar where nick was sitting I nearly spilled my coke I hadn't even noticed him come in. What should I do I didn't want to talk to him here and now I wanted to be alone with him I couldn't just chicken out not after giving up my relationship with Pierre and possibly my dream job. All of a sudden with out any notice nick turns his head he sees me I don't know what to do I end up sitting their like an idiot pretending not to notice him. To my surprise nick gets up and walks out. I nearly burst into tears I knew that I hurt nick but I didn't think he could not even bare to look at me anymore. When I get back to Laurens I tell her everything she has a great idea † How about I ring nick and ask him if he wants some company tonight you turn up instead of me and explain how you love him.† She was the best friend a girl could have I agreed to the idea. In the taxi on the way to nicks house I couldn't help but feel sick with nerves the way he had just blanked me as if he didn't even know me as if I meant nothing to him as if nothing had never happened between us I know I hurt him but he is the man I love, I would give up the whole world for him. It takes me what 10 to15 minuets to knock on the door suddenly my phone rings I open my bag in such a hurry everything falls out onto the floor. I hear the latch on the door turning I look up to see nick staring down at me, I wonder is he going to slam the door in my face but to my surprise he bends down and starts picking all the contents of my handbag up as he passes it to me our eyes meet he holds my glance I can't breath thinking what I have done to this man how I lied to him how I hurt him so much. † We better go inside.† He finally says he hands my bag to me and opens the door letting me in. why is he being so cool about all this, what happened today in the cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½? His flat is so nice his shinny leather sofa and his modern art that is so cool and laid back like himself, they say people's house tells you most things about them when nick came to my flat their were dark lies in all of Pierre's stuff. â€Å"Nick I am so sorry I came here to explain everything!† I sound desperate but I can't help it. â€Å"You hurt me.† † I know I was just starting to get my life on track after I left you and then you walk back into my life and my whole world turns upside down and with one look at you I fall completely head over heels in love with you.† Nick says nothing he just stares at the floor he can't even bare to look at me. â€Å"I didn't want to tell you about Pierre I knew it would wreck all our chances together.† † So you just lied to me, as if I meant nothing to you.† He sounds hurt â€Å"You know I don't think you are nothing I think you are everything. I would never intentionally hurt you.† A tear rolls down my cheek I suddenly realise how much I have hurt nick. â€Å"I should leave.† I go to get up and leave to my surprise nick jumps up he reaches for my arm to stop me â€Å"Why are you going?† He almost sounds desperate like I did earlier. † I don't know I don't see how I can undo what I have done and it is like a knife through my heart seeing the pain in your eyes the pain I have caused and it is in your eyes now as I try helplessly to try and explain what I have done to you.† I can hardly see nick through tears. Nick reaches up and wipes my tears away, why is he being so nice I don't understand. † I love you Sarah even if you lied and even if you left me to go to nice I will always love you.† † But can you forgive me?† Nick let's go of me he sits down on his cool leather sofa he puts his head in his hands. † Let me explain myself, you see I had left you behind it took me at least a year to get over you, then one day Pierre walked into my office he was the new guy he was so gorgeous and charming.† † Do I really have to hear about you and Pierre.† He says almost in disgust, am I digging myself a hole but I have to tell him everything. † Just listen to me no more lies, I never thought I would find love again it wasn't the love we shared but my life had to go on me and Pierre were happy the night before I saw you he proposed if I had known I was going to see you again I would have called everything off right then and there but I thought I was never going to see you again I thought you had moved on and made a new life of your own.† I was trying my best to make nick see that I didn't purposely try to hurt him. † I understood all that, I just can't understand why you lied cause I asked you if you had a boyfriend and you lied straight to my face, I actually remember seeing the ring on your finger and thinking nothing of it thinking that it was your right hand or something.† He looked so tiered and fed up. † Did you take the ring off?† he asks, I can't lie to him not now even as much as I'd like to I just can't. † Yes but again I can explain you asked me if I had a boyfriend so I took the ring off hoping you hadn't already noticed, I know you want to know why because I love you and wanted to see†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I can't get out the words and when I do they sound all wrong. † To see what?† he is starting to get annoyed â€Å"To see if we ever had a chance together.† I am nearly in tears again † Don't cry please.† He sounds concerned † How can I not cry I am trying to undo the mess I have done, I have said I am sorry I can't say anymore I have described the way I feel, but I now am asking you what you think!† I can't help but ask I know it sounds selfish but I am giving loads and getting nothing back this was it truth time when I had to know what my future with nick was going to be. † I said earlier that I still love you.† He seems kind of distance not to sure of what he is saying. † But can you forgive me nick I need to know.† I have to know I can't bare it; nick is the type of guy not to let you know what he is thinking even if I know him as well as I do. † I forgive you, but you have hurt me.† I nearly burst into tears with happiness, we both catch each others gaze and in those blue eyes my happiness is restored. Nick stands up he comes right up to me and wraps those warm and protective arms around me. ‘Ring, ring' nicks phone is ringing, I can't believe it who could it be, it is nearly half ten at night. † Who could that be?† I have to ask † I don't know.† ‘Ring, ring' † Aren't you going to answer it then.† Nick walks over and picks up his phone to see who is calling; to my surprise he switches his phone off without even answering it. † Who was it?† † Oh no-one, I have more important stuff here and now.† Nick takes me by the hand and sits me down on the sofa, I am expecting him to sit next to me, to my horror he gets down on one knee and produces this jewellery box, he opens it and in there is the most perfect ring in the world. † I know it isn't the size of Pierre's ring†¦Ã¢â‚¬  † No, no it is perfect.† † I think you know the question I am going to ask but I am going to ask it anyway, Sarah will you marry me.† I look down into those perfect blue eyes. † I think you know the answer, yes.† I shout it so loud, nick puts the ring on my finger, then jumps up and lifts me up spinning me around he starts to slow down just as he is putting me on the floor he leans in and kisses me a real kiss a nick kiss, my nick. I later discovered that nick had bought the ring in nice and had come for a job interview so he could live with me in nice. I can't wait to tell Lauren I am so excited, I walk back to Laurens it is such a clear and perfect night the stars are so bright and clear. † Lauren you will never guess what has happened!† I feel like I can't get the words out fast enough. † What?† she sounds confused and worried † Are you alright?† † I am the best, you know how I was going to nicks, well when I got there my phone rang and he opened the door and I was scrambling†¦Ã¢â‚¬  † So you and nick got back together then.† She sounds weird and not her usual self. † Not only that he asked me to marry him.† I have to scream † No way, oh my god I don't believe it!† she sounds so surprised † I think I am going to bed.† She says, what the hell I wanted to stay up most of the night planning it. † Oh what, don't you want to help me with ideas.† † No I am so tired, but we will talk in the morning.† She gives me a faded smile and goes off to bed. I can't possibly sleep now so I deicide to go back to nicks. I don't bother to buzz because someone is coming out of the building, as I reach out to knock on nicks door it opens and out walks Lauren in tears. † What the hell are you doing here and why are you crying.† I say confused. † Lauren wait I can explain†¦Ã¢â‚¬  nick walks out after Lauren but stops dead when he see's me. † Lauren what is the matter.† I look at nick for an answer but he is staring at the ground, what is going on? I want to know I thought she said she was going to bed. † Why don't you let nick explain, let nick explain everything.† Lauren runs off in tears. I have no idea what is going on † Nick what the hell is going on, why is Lauren crying, why was she even here?† I don't understand any of this. † We need to talk, lets go inside.† Nick walks into the flat I follow behind him, when I get into his flat there is a smashed glass on the floor. † What has happened let me clear it up.† I walk over to clear it up † Just leave it, I need to tell you something.† He sounds guilty and worried. † Nick what is going on, first Lauren comes out of your flat crying then there is a smashed glass on the floor and now you are looking guilty and asking to talk to Me.† am I being paranoid? † You might want to sit down I have to tell you something.† † What nick tell me now don't give me all this crap about sitting down tell me.† † Lauren was crying because she didn't want you and me to get married.† † What, why?† I don't understand. † Because she loves me.† I don't believe it he doesn't look like he is lying I look into his eyes he is telling the truth nick never lies not to me. Suddenly it all makes sense when nick walked into the cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ this morning how Lauren walked out and why she didn't want to talk about my wedding plans. † Why would she be in love with you?† I can't believe I am asking this and I try to not to sound like I want to know but the question has to be asked. † Because, we had a thing!† † What do you mean a thing?† he better not be saying what I think he is saying. † Me and Lauren together.† † You're not giving me enough information, what the hell are you trying to say here?† I can't believe what he is trying to tell me. † Me and Lauren we had a thing together, right after you left.† † I don't believe what you are saying, how long for?† I feel like I want to scream. Nick whispers something but I can't quite here him. † Don't whisper I need to hear this.† † Two years the same time as you and Pierre were together.† † Pierre you didn't even know, whereas my best friend.† † You slept with my best friend, don't even try to get out of it and you leave me standing on the prom in nice crying my eyes out because I got engaged while you are sleeping with my best friend who I have known and trusted for over ten years.† I am nearly in tears and I feel pathetic but I am angry, angry at being so stupid not to see it and angry at nick for making me feel bad and guilty when he has been doing exactly the same but worse. † I'm sorry, I can explain give me a chance like I gave you a chance earlier.† He sounds desperate and upset. I look over to him he has tears in those big blue eyes he stands up and walks over to me. † You had gone and Lauren understood what I was going through so we became friends and one night we got really really drunk and one thing led to another†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"So you slept together at least me and Pierre were in a stable relationship.† I am so mad I am crying in anger. Nick reaches out to wipe my tears away but I push his hand away. † Don't touch me, how could you and you blamed me for getting engaged and you, you were†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I can't even say the words; suddenly a thought comes into my head. † Wait a minute when I spoke to Lauren on the phone last night on the plane she said that she had seen you in the last twenty four hours that means you slept with Lauren after you had seen me didn't you.† I am really crying now. † Didn't you!!!† I scream at him he looks up with tears in his eyes and nods his head. † You bastard.† I run over to him and hit him again and again I am like those sad and depressed woman in the movies but I can't help it nick is holding me down and trying to hug me. † Get off me.† I am crying so so much, I can smell nick his gorgeous smell, nick is still trying to hug me I give up we just stand there holding each other for what seems like hours after a while nick speaks. â€Å"Let me explain just give me that much of a chance.† He sounds like he is crying I look up to see that he is, I nod and sit down on the sofa to listen I don't want to hear this but I want to know I have to know. † You had just gone and Lauren was there the first time we slept together we were drunk, then it became a regular thing.† I look away as tears spill out my eyes I can't take it but I've got to know, nick lifts my head up and looks me right in the eyes, he is nearly crying as well. † I knew I couldn't have you, so Lauren was the closest thing to you, what me and Lauren had was like a drop in the ocean compared to us, Lauren was growing more and more attached but all I wanted was you, before I knew it me and Lauren had been doing it for two years and she just wasn't you so I decided to come and get you when I got there you were with Pierre.† He gets up and walks into the kitchen, I follow him when I get into the kitchen he has his back to me I swear he just wiped a tear away from his eye he turns to me and looks into my eyes. † Sarah I love you.† † But can I forgive you?† † That is up to you, what me and Lauren did is horrible and I will never forgive myself.† † I don't know I have to think this through until then I think you should have this.† I slide off mine and nicks engagement ring I reach out to give it to him but he refuses to take it so I put it on the granite worktop and leave. Where should I go I can't go to Laurens I defiantly can't go to nicks. ‘Knock knock' it is taking ages for them to answer after what seems like hours later the door opens. † Mum!† I burst into tears † Sarah what has happened come in what has happened.† So I tell her everything right from the start the two engagement rings, Pierre, nice, Lauren and nick. By the time my story has finished it is beginning to get light. † What should I do mum I don't know what to do.† † First you should get some sleep then we will talk about it.† She smiles at me. It is weird sleeping in my old room so many times I cried myself to sleep in this bed, when dad left, when granddad died, when I failed my GCSE's, the night before I left for nice and left nick behind. I get up to the smell of home when I go downstairs mum is sitting in her usual spot I remember as I child whenever she had to think something through she would sit their and no one was allowed to disturb her for hours. † Hey how did you sleep?† She pats the spot next to her I go and sit with her. † Not well, I kept thinking about nick and how he is, I did try to stop thinking about him but he just kept coming back into my mind.† â€Å"I know sweetie it is horrible.† † What should I do mum?† † My advice is, Lauren is the main one to blame I am not saying nick is innocent in all this but he was looking for a replacement of you, whereas Lauren knew full well what she was doing and lied to you every time she spoke to you.† † Still I don't know what to do.† † Go and talk to nick and if you love him give it one last try I am not saying it will be easy.† So I took mums advice. I press the buzzer outside nicks flat, so many things are running through my head I don't know what is going to happen I don't even know weather to forgive him or weather I can forgive him. † Hello† † It's me, can I talk to you.† He buzzes me in without saying another word, when the lift doors open he is standing by his door wearing boxers and a t-shirt. † I was asleep I wasn't expecting you to come back.† He looks really tiered and upset I can't look him straight in the eyes just yet. † You better come in.† he walks in leaving the door open behind him when I come into the flat I find him in his bedroom sitting on the end of the bed, he looks up at me † I didn't get much sleep after you left I obviously feel asleep, how have you been?† he looks concerned † I didn't sleep much every time I tried to sleep I just kept thinking about you.† I look at nick and ask myself how can I still love him after what he is done to me and if I was being honest with myself I don't actually know the answer. † Can I ask you one thing?† I say curiously † Anything but are you sure you want to hear it?† † It isn't about you and Lauren.† I say † Ok then what is it?† he looked surprised did he want me to ask about him and Lauren or was their more he hadn't told me, that he had left out hoping I wouldn't know maybe I was just being paranoid it was hard to tell this whole lie was so unexpected. † If you were sleeping with Lauren†¦Ã¢â‚¬  nick looks away ashamed † When you came to nice and found out about me and Pierre how come you were so mean to me when you were doing the same with Lauren?† it is a harsh question but it has to be asked. † Because you obviously had strong feelings for Pierre, I don't know maybe the thought of you even liking someone else also maybe the fact that you lied to me.† He sounds annoyed at that. How can he be annoyed at me I didn't sleep his best friend did I? † Why are you getting annoyed at me for lying.† I sound like a spoilt child â€Å"I don't know?† † Well I suggest you find out, you're the one who told me after I agreed to marry you.† † You're the one who let me find out when your fiancà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ turned up when I was topless just about to kiss you.† Nick stands up, I can't believe him. † Oh that is low even for someone that sleeps with my best friend when he says he was madly in love with me.† I say spitefully † Don't you dare for a second say I wasn't in love with you.† † So why didn't you come and get me?† † I did.† † What three years later, three years to late.† I am shouting now thank god it is the middle of the day and not the night. † What did you expect me to come after you?† † Yes.† I say almost in a whisper, Nicks face instantly changes † What?† † Yes, I wanted you to come and get me but you never showed up.† Nick comes closer to me † I never knew.† † You didn't have to know were weren't supposed to know.† I turn away from nick, I have come here to try and sort things out and end up saying things that were just stupid thoughts ages ago and they don't even help now. I can't think of anything to say and nick is just looking at me, I seriously have no idea what to do I want to tell him so much I love him but I just can't not now. I look at nick hard to see what he is thinking looking into his eyes I just can't work it out. Suddenly I thought crosses my mind. † I need to go.† † What, why I thought we need to talk.† Does he think this is it. † I have to speak to Lauren see what she has to say and pick up my stuff.† † Why are you going, are you coming back.† † I don't know, I just have to talk to her to see what she has to say about all of this.† I leave the flat as I am pressing the bottom for the lift door to close nick suddenly comes out of his flat and holds the lift door open. † Promise you will come back and talk to me.† He says I don't know what to say I have to hear Laurens side of the story before I make any decisions. † Even if you can't forgive me at least come and say goodbye.† I nod and nick lets go of the lift door I look at him as the door closes I look at his light brown ruffled hair, his perfectly tanned skin, his strong hands, and those perfect sea blue eyes. I really don't want to see or hear Laurens side of the story but it has to be done; I suppose I owe it to our friendship or something like that. I don't bother to knock or buzz because being one of her oldest friends I have a key it is, seeing as it is a Sunday she is sure to be in. when I walk in she turns around and smiles † Sarah where have you been did you stop over at nicks.† She winks at me, Why is she acting normal when she knows what is going on. † Isn't that more your style!† I know I sound like a fifteen year old but before I can stop myself I have said it. Lauren sighs † So he told you† † Well what did you expect him to do not tell me?† † Oh I don't know, I didn't expect you to even come after him.† † What you knew.† † Of course, all of a sudden I was dumped for you.† now she sounds like a fifthteen year old † Lauren you can try to match you and nick to me and nick but as nick said your relationship was like a drop in the ocean compared to ours. So don't you dare compare, I am here for one thing only and that is to hear your pathetic excuse of a side of the story.† I have to stay strong and not cry I try to remember revenge is a dish best served cold, cold like Laurens heart has to be. † Sarah don't be like this.† She sounds desperate † So come on then I want to get this over with lets here it from start to finish the whole feeble excuse for an affair.† â€Å"Sarah don't be like this.† † Why not.† I shout at her I hate being like this but I am so mad at her. â€Å"Ok, I'll tell you just after you left nick was really upset so I went round to cheer him up and we got really really drunk and ended up in bed together and from then it become a regular thing.† She looks away ashamed of herself exactly like Nick. † So what is your excuse then nick had a reasonable one.† I ask impatiently † What I just told you about me and nick.† † No you told me what happened I want an excuse for sleeping with my ex boyfriend when you knew I still liked him.† I know I am being really unfair on her but she deserves it. † You knew I always liked nick I knew he was just using me because he couldn't have you.† † Is that it.† I say in disgust † Is that your excuse cause if it was I wasn't buying it.† I shake my head at her and walk into my room get my stuff and go to leave as I am getting to the door Lauren runs after me. † You left nick it was over can't you let someone else have him I shouldn't be ashamed of what we had or still have.† † What do you mean still have?† † He told me he loved me.† She says looking pleased with herself, I look at her with tears in my eyes. † How could you Lauren I thought you were my best friend and your just a desperate †¦Ã¢â‚¬  I stop myself † Go on Sarah it's not like you to not finish saying what you like.† Lauren says sneering at me. † I wouldn't want to waste my breath.† I walk out leaving her standing there. When I am outside Laurens I am trying to get a taxi as I begin to give up and start walking a taxi slows down inside it is nick he opens the window and tells me to get in. † Where to then?† The taxi driver asks, I look at nick for an answer † Just drive us around for a while we need to have a talk without one of us running away.† The taxi driver grunts a bit before agreeing and we start to drive nick leans over and closes the hatch. † Nick what are you doing here?† I ask † I never trusted Lauren, I had to come and get you so she doesn't feed you a pack of lies.† I say nothing and just stay silent † Well come on then tell me what she said I know she has said something.† How can he tell that by just looking at me. I can't stand this I need more time to think so I reach over and open the hatch and tell the taxi driver to stop. † She said you loved her.† I say as I scramble out of the taxi with my bags I begin to walk off all I can hear is Nick shouting my name. â€Å"Sarah wait.† He shouts from somewhere behind me † Just leave me alone!† I shout back people are stating to stare but I don't care. Nick is right behind me when he catches up with me he stops me and spins me round so I am facing him I didn't realise he was so close to me he is right behind me. † I don't love Lauren I never have I like her but I would never love her.† † So why did you tell her that you did?† I look up at nick he is not going to reply so I carry on talking. † I can take the fact that you have been sleeping with her for the past two years but telling her you love her when you say you love me, I am sick of this Nick all the lies and dirty little secrets.† I look across the street at all the people walking in and out of the shops. † Did you tell Pierre you love him?† nick asks † Of course I did.† I reply, this is it right here me and nick standing in the middle of a busy London street this is when I realise the future. † It looks like we are both in love.† I say to nick, he begins to smile I raise my hand for a taxi † But it looks like we are in love with the wrong people.† I say as tears spill out of my eyes I reach up and kiss nick on the head † Goodbye nick.† I get in the taxi † Heathrow airport please.† I can hardly see nick through tears † Sarah don't do this I love you.† Nick shouts from the pavement I can't bear to look at nick † Just drive please,† I say my voice wobbling cause I am crying so much. This has to be the hardest thing to do; all I can see is nicks face when I got in the taxi the way he looked at me. I am sitting at gate waiting to be called wondering if I am doing the right thing. † Could people sitting in business class please come to the desk with your boarding cards and passports ready.† The airhostess was saying into the microphone this was it all over again leaving nick but this time it felt a hundred times worse. I have to do this I am strong enough to do this I know I am. So why am I still sitting here? I get up and walk over to the airhostess giving her my boarding pass and passport, she smiles brightly at me all I can manage is a brief smile I feel so rude but I am not in the mood to be polite. She hands my passport back and lets me through to go down to plane my stilettos are killing me and all I want to do is kick them off and run, run into nicks arms and forget all my troubles but I just can't not now not ever again. As I reach the aeroplane I am almost in tears again luckily no one has noticed, I get on to the plane and into my seat all I can think about is nick nothing else everything around me seems to remind me of nick like the guy sitting next to me got out his briefcase and I happened to notice his card that clearly explained that he was a lawyer like nick and the lady in front of me asking for a martin without the olive just like nick would ask, I keep telling myself I am being paranoid. After what feels like days I am home. I open all the windows in my flat to let out all the heat it is nearly midnight and still boiling, I try to get some sleep but just can't I keep thinking about nick and wondering what he is doing. I decide that I am not going to sleep at all and end up watching dirty dancing the best romantic film if only love could really be that simple even though her dad doesn't like them together he accepts it in the end and they dirty dance dance together. I wouldn't normally cry at the end but after everything that has happened I can't help but cry. I end up falling asleep in front of the TV all I can see in my dreams is nick screaming my name but none one can hear him I wake up to the my phone ringing no wait not the phone the door bell I look up at the clock it is 3.30 who on earth could it be. I stagger to the door still half asleep yawning I open the door and standing in a white checked shirt and jeans is nick. I can't speak I don't know what to say I look around for a conversation starter and end up catching sight of myself in a mirror I look terrible I am wearing and oversized t-shirt and bed socks my hair is all messed up. I look up at nick and he is just looking into my eyes. † I have been shouting your name for ages haven't you heard me?† he says in a gentle voice. † I was asleep, sorry.† Why am I apologising he shouldn't be here. † Nick why are you here?† I ask † Because I am not going to let it end like this.† Nick walks into my apartment and sits down on the sofa, I close the door behind him and end up sitting on my dinning room table cause my apartment is open plan you don't have to sit on one particular chair I can sit anywhere. † Do you want anything to drink?† I ask politely † No, I want you.† I have no idea how to reply to that so I just end up sitting their not being able to think of anything to say luckily I don't have to say anything. † I know you don't want it to end like this, and I am not going to let it end like this.† † How do you know what I want?† I ask getting angry â€Å"Because I love you and if you love someone you know every little thing about them.† † Like what?† I ask â€Å"Like the way they take their coffee, their shoe size, what their favourite movie is or when they are lying or unsure about something.† † So do you know all of that?† I challenge him † You don't like coffee or tea, your shoe size is 6 which you hate cause you think it is to big, your favourite movie is dirty dancing probably cause of Patrick Swayze and I do know when you are lying cause I knew the minuet after you left that you were lying.† I get out and walk on to the balcony I don't know what to say? By this time nick has followed me. † I love this view.† Nicks say looking out on to the sea and the moon. † You have seen it before.† † True but I didn't pay much attention to it last time all of my attention was you, it looks like you have done really well for yourself.† † Well running a billion euro cosmetic company does have its upsides.† I laugh nicks says nothing and just smiles