The Masque Of The Red Death By Edgar Allan Poe - 1769 Words

When the term â€Å"isolation† is used, most people think of it as an action performed in solitude. It brings to mind an empty space in which one person resides, far from all others. However, isolation does not always occur in a singular sense. In â€Å"The Masque of the Red Death† by Edgar Allan Poe, isolation is used by a large population as a means of safety. In â€Å"The Thing Around Your Neck† by Chimananda Ngozi Adichie, isolation occurs among crowds of people and even in the company of someone close to one’s heart. In both aspects, isolation serves to exemplify the broken portions of life. Isolation is a destructive force and as a theme, isolation serves to exemplify a particular viewpoint and worldview while serving as both a cause and effect.†¦show more content†¦Prince Prospero does not care for the outside world and leaves them to die at the plague’s hands. Poe details Prince Prospero’s response to the plague with,  "When his dominions were half-depopulated, he summoned to his presence a thousand hale and light-hearted friends from among the knights and dames of his court, and with these retired to the deep seclusion of one of his castellated abbeys.† (Poe) Prince Prospero makes no effort to aid his people, instead, isolating himself and his friends to seek protection from the disease. Isolation plays a powerful role here in providing a means of protection that ultimately proves false when the Red Death itself comes into the abbey and all succumb to it. Isolation also serves to prove the failings of self-importance in that no one is above one another. In attempting to shield only themselves, those in the court exhibited a selfish importance that isolation fails to corroborate. Even isolating themselves, Prince Prospero and his courtiers fall victim to the Red Death the same as the rest of the world. As a theme in â€Å"The Masque of the Red Death†, isolation does not equate protect ion and to seek it with a self-important worldview is to bring destruction to yourself. In seeking isolated protection, Prince Prospero is thus exposed in his cowardice and is proven as equal to those dying outside the walls, for he falls victim to the Red Death as well.Show MoreRelatedThe Masque Of The Red Death By Edgar Allan Poe Essay1712 Words   |  7 PagesEdgar Allan Poe is a well known profound writer because of his great works of fiction through short stories and poetry. Often times inciting fear and suspense into readers by the use of tone and subject in a various literature ways. Evidently in stories such as The Masque of the Red Death, The Tale-Tell Heart, and The Raven being that they are all well known. Poe an unforgettable writer, because of his horror stories and writing style has created stories and poems that are classical and often spokenRead MoreThe Masque Of The Red Death By Edgar Allan Poe2034 Words   |  9 Pagesatmosphere exudes a dream-like quality, which calls into question if the events are simply a product of one’s imagination. This situation is comparable to that of â€Å"The Masque of the Red Death† by Edgar Allan Poe. Originally published in 1842, this narrative tells the story of a wealthy noble, Prince Prospero. An extremely deadly plague, the Red Death, has devastated the land, and Prince Prospero invited a group of a thousand friends to one of his abbeys to hide away from the disease. Everything about the partyRead MoreDeath in Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe984 Words   |  4 PagesMasque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe In the short story â€Å"Masque of the Red Death† By: Edgar Allen Poe he delivers the theme of age old inevitability of death and futility of trying to escape death, the setting of his story is based during a time when the bubonic â€Å"black† plague took over Europe. The black plague was a bacterium that survived in rats and rodents, human beings became infected when they got bitten by the fleas that lived on these rodents and rats; you knew you had gottenRead MoreEdgar Allan Poe s The Masque Of The Red Death1300 Words   |  6 Pagesmovement took action during the mid-eighteen hundreds in which Poe wrote his short story, Masque of the Red Death According to Edgar Allan Poe in his short story, â€Å"The Masque of the Red Death† â€Å"No pestilence had ever been so fatal, or so hideous.† Even though plagues had been common throughout the years, none of them had been as hideous as society was during the Movement. In his short story â€Å"The Masque of the Red Death†, Edgar Allan Poe demonstrates that people are naturally born evil, during the Anti-TranscendentalismRead MoreEdgar Allan Poe s The Masque Of The Red Death1225 Words   |  5 Pagesstories of tribes, to colonial poems, to the twisted mind of Edgar Allan Poe, there is a connection. Poe’s â€Å"The Masque of the Red Death† may not seem to portray the ideas of religion but through close examination, the association will become less cloudy. Poe’s use of symbolism, narrator, word choice, helps readers unmask the idea of religion. Poe’s use of symbolism is very evident throughout the story of â€Å"The Masque of the Red Death†. Much has been made about the meaning of the rooms that fillRead MoreThe Masque Of The Red Death By Edgar Allan Poe And Shirley Jackson1219 Words   |  5 Pagesa writer masterfully orchestrates their piece of literature to capture and intrigue an audience, the author utilizes a certain depth in the piece, where their vernacular elicits emotions. The short stories written by Edgar Allan Poe and Shirley Jackson, â€Å"The Masque of the Red Death† and â€Å"The Summer People†, produce an unexpected ending. The key to creating feelings of tension and suspense lies within their command of literary elements. Each of these aspects contribute toward the bigger pictureRead MoreLiterary Analysis Of Edgar Allan Poe s The Masque Of The Red Death1409 Words   |  6 PagesA Literary Analysis of Edgar Allan Poe’s â€Å"The Masque of the Red Death† Edgar Allan Poe is popularly known as a Gothic short story writer. He has produced many gruesome stories, including the short story â€Å"The Masque of the Red Death†. In this short tale, Prince Prospero decides to lock himself and his friends of the court into a magnificently decorated abbey to escape becoming ill of a disease which has caused half the people in his land to perish. The Prince provides indulgences and throws partiesRead MoreMasque Of The Red Death By Edgar Allan Poe Analysis758 Words   |  4 PagesEdgar Allen Poe is famous for his distinct style of writing. Authors use stylistic elements to create an effect on their writing that develops a voice. Factors such as Edgars past has influenced his writing and has contributed to his style. In his literary works, Poe uses figures of speech such as irony, similar point of views, and allegory to establish his voice as an author. Figures of speech such as irony are used by Poe to create his style. In Masque of the Red Death it states, No pestilenceRead MoreComparative Essay- Rachel Orbach In â€Å"The Masque of the Red Death† by Edgar Allan Poe, and â€Å"To900 Words   |  4 Pages Comparative Essay- Rachel Orbach In â€Å"The Masque of the Red Death† by Edgar Allan Poe, and â€Å"To Build a Fire† by Jack London, both authors use similar protagonists who unwillingly have to face their death. Prince Prospero, in â€Å"The Masque of Red Death†, is avoiding a deadly plague by hiding in his castle with his kinsmen, and the man in â€Å"To Build a Fire† is traveling in the freezing weather trying to abstain from hypothermia and death. Prince Prospero and the man, while different from one anotherRead MoreCompare And Contrast The Style Of Edgar Allan Poe And The Masque Of The Red Death1018 Words   |  5 Pagesjust by reading it once. Edgar Allen Poe has a very distinct style one will see. Through themes, symbolism and tone, Poe is easily distinguished from other writers by having a style that is very dark, and suspenseful. Poe uses recurring themes that set him apart and emphasize the dark suspenseful style. One of the most common themes he uses is death, found in almost all of Poes works. In A Cask of Amantillado, it is centered around Montressor killing Fortunato, death being the only thought he

Answer the question for chapter 1,2,3,4and 5 Example

Essays on Answer the question for chapter 1,2,3,4and 5 Assignment Finance and Accounting The preparation of the income ment is a useful l for profit marking organizations when determining the income generated from their operations. The variable costs are normally used in the process since the management has control on the costs and can be manipulated to improve performance (Kimmel,Weygandt, and Kieso 112). Patti’s Paintings analysis has been done on this paper. Patti’s Painting Contribution Income Statement For the three-month period August 31/2011 Per Unit Total Sales 600 14400 Less: Variable Cost Employee 150 3600 Paint and Supplies 330 7920 Selling expense 15 360 Administrative expense 18 432 Total variable cost 513 12312 Contribution margin 87 2088 Less Fixed cost Selling expenses 25 600 Administrative expenses 62.5 1500 Profit (Loss) (0.5) (12) Contribution margin ratio 14.5% 14.5% Break even sales is the level of sales where the net profit is zero i.e. a company makes neither profit nor loss (Kimmel,Weygandt, and Kieso 113). Break Even (units) = = = 24.14 Break even sales= = = 14483.76 Evaluation of the three options Option 1 In this option, the decrease in the sales price will result into an increase in the quantity sold. Therefore, we will use the new rates in determining the net profit. In this option, the contribution margin= 580-513 = 67 Net profit in this option = (67*36) - 2100 (Total fixed cost) = $ 312 Break even units= = 31.34 Option 2 The option will enable Patti to paint more houses because of the new online marketing strategy. Both the selling prices and costs would remain the same. The new contribution margin will therefore be calculated as follows. Contribution margin= 87*45= 3915 Net profit= contribution margin- total fixed cost =3915- (2100+1200) =$ 615 Break even units= = 37.93 Option 3 In this option, the rent would result in an increment in the variable cost. This would therefore lower the contribution margin by $ 25. New contribution margin per unit= 87-25=62 Net profit= (62*48) – Fixed cost = 2976- 2100 = $ 876 Break even units= =33.87 The evaluation of the best alternative can be done on two bases. First is the use of the new net profit. If this basis is used, option 3 will be the best alternative since it results into the highest operating profit. The increase in the number of houses to be painted has made the profits go up compared to other options. The second best choice will be option 2 which generates an income of $ 615. Option 1 will result into a profit of $ 312. All this options results into increase in net operating profits compared to the initial income. Using the break even units, option 1 will be ranked the highest followed by option 3 and lastly option 2. It therefore means that option 1 will make Patti start earning profit after selling relatively lower units compared to option 3 and 2. In all the options, Patti paintings have to consider other determinants like the customer satisfaction, branding of the business and the quality of the services that the business will provide. Sustainability of the options is thus important on the evaluation process. Regulations and practices of the competitors all have to be incorporated. In summary, the urge of businesses to improve their returns and increase their performance calls for the inventions of better methods of increasing profits by either reducing costs or decreasing the cost. The best evaluation should result into the increase in the net profit f the business. Option 3 therefore deserves to be adopted. The qualitative characteristics should as well be considered at the evaluation of the best option. Work Cited Kimmel, Paul D., Jerry J. Weygandt, and Donald E. Kieso. Accounting: Tools for Business Decision Making. 4e [ed.] ed. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley, 2011. Print.

Blood Promise Chapter Thirteen Free Essays

The next day was Easter. Everyone was up and around, getting ready to go to church. The whole house smelled delicious, filled with the scents of Olena’s baking. We will write a custom essay sample on Blood Promise Chapter Thirteen or any similar topic only for you Order Now My stomach rumbled, and I wondered if I could wait until this afternoon for the huge dinner she’d prepared. Even though I wasn’t always sure about God, I’d gone to church a lot in my life. Mostly, it was a courtesy to others, a way of being polite and social. Dimitri had gone because he found peace there, and I wondered if going today might offer me some insight on what I should do. I felt a little shabby accompanying the others. They’d dressed up, but I didn’t have anything other than jeans and casual shirts. Viktoria, noticing my dismay, lent me a lacy white blouse that was a little tight but still looked good. Once I was settled with the family into a pew, I looked around, wondering how Dimitri could have taken solace in the Academy’s tiny chapel when he’d grown up with this place. It was huge. It could have held four chapels. The ceilings were higher and more elaborate, and gold decorations and icons of saints seemed to cover every surface. It was overwhelming, dazzling to the eye. Sweet incense hung heavy in the air, so much so that I could actually see the smoke. There were a lot of people there, human and dhampir, and I was surprised to even spot some Moroi. Apparently, the Moroi visiting town were pious enough to come to church, despite whatever sordid activities they might be engaging in. And speaking of Moroi†¦ â€Å"Abe isn’t here,† I said to Viktoria, glancing around. She was on my left; Olena sat on my right. While he hadn’t struck me as the religious type, I’d kind of expected him to follow me here. I hoped that maybe his absence meant he’d left Baia. I was still unnerved by our last encounter. â€Å"Did he leave town?† â€Å"I think he’s Muslim,† Viktoria explained. â€Å"But last I knew, he’s still around. Karolina saw him this morning.† Damn Zmey. He hadn’t left. What was it he’d said? A good friend or a bad enemy. When I said nothing, Viktoria gave me a concerned look. â€Å"He’s never really done anything bad when he’s around. He usually has meetings and then disappears. I meant it before when I said I didn’t think he’d hurt you, but now you’re worrying me. Are you in some kind of trouble?† Excellent question. â€Å"I don’t know. He just seems interested in me, that’s all. I can’t figure out why.† Her frown deepened. â€Å"We won’t let anything happen to you,† she said fiercely. I smiled, both at her concern and because of her resemblance to Dimitri in that moment. â€Å"Thanks. There are some people back home who might be looking for me, and I think that Abe is just†¦ checking up on me.† That was a nice way of describing someone who was either going to drag me back to the U.S. kicking and screaming-or just make me vanish for good. Viktoria seemed to sense I was softening the truth. â€Å"Well, I mean it. I won’t let him hurt you.† The service started, cutting off our conversation. While the priest’s chanting was beautiful, it meant even less to me than church services usually did. It was all in Russian, like at the funeral, and no one was going to bother translating it for me today. It didn’t matter. Still taking in the beauty of my surroundings, I found my mind wandering. To the left of the altar, a golden-haired angel looked at me from a four-foot-tall icon. An unexpected memory came to me. Dimitri had once gotten permission for me to accompany him on a quick weekend trip to Idaho to meet with some other guardians. Idaho wasn’t any place I was keen on going, but I welcomed the time with him, and he’d convinced school officials that it was a â€Å"learning experience.† That had been shortly after Mason’s death, and after the shock wave that tragedy had sent through the school, I think they would have allowed me anything, to be honest. Unfortunately, there was little that was leisurely or romantic about the trip. Dimitri had a job to do, and he had to do it quickly. So we made the best time we could, stopping only when absolutely necessary. Considering our last road trip had involved us stumbling onto a Moroi massacre, this one being uneventful was probably for the best. As usual, he wouldn’t let me drive, despite my claims that I could get us there in half the time. Or maybe that was why he wouldn’t let me drive. We stopped at one point to get gas and scrounge some food from the station’s store. We were up in the mountains somewhere, in a tiny town that rivaled St. Vladimir’s for remote location. I could see mountains on clear days at school, but it was a totally different experience being in them. They surrounded us and were so close it seemed like you could just jump over and land on one. Dimitri was finishing up with the car. Holding my sub sandwich, I walked around to the back of the gas station to get a better view. Whatever civilization the gas station offered disappeared as soon as I cleared it. Endless snowy pines stretched out before me, and all was still and quiet, save for the distant sound of the highway behind me. My heart ached over what had happened to Mason, and I was still having nightmares about the Strigoi who’d held us captive. That pain was a long way from disappearing, but something about this peaceful setting soothed me for a moment. Looking down at the unbroken, foot-high snow, a crazy thought suddenly came to me. I let myself go, falling back-first to the ground. The thick snow embraced me, and I rested there a moment, taking comfort in lying down. Then I moved my legs and arms back and forth, carving out new hollows in the snow. When I finished, I didn’t get up right away. I simply continued lounging, staring up at the blue, blue sky. â€Å"What,† asked Dimitri, â€Å"are you doing? Aside from getting your sandwich cold.† His shadow fell over me, and I looked up at his tall form. In spite of the cold, the sun was out, and its rays backlit his hair. He could have been an angel himself, I thought. â€Å"I’m making a snow angel,† I replied. â€Å"Don’t you know what that is?† â€Å"Yes, I know. But why? You must be freezing.† I had on a heavy winter coat, hat, gloves, and all the other requisite cold-weather accessories. He was right about the sandwich. â€Å"Not so much, actually. My face is a little, I guess.† He shook his head and gave me a wry smile. â€Å"You’ll be cold when you’re in the car and all that snow starts melting.† â€Å"I think you’re more worried about the car than about me.† He laughed. â€Å"I’m more worried about you getting hypothermia.† â€Å"In this? This is nothing.† I patted the ground beside me. â€Å"Come on. You make one too, and then we can go.† He continued looking down at me. â€Å"So I can freeze too?† â€Å"So you can have fun. So you can leave your mark on Idaho. Besides, it shouldn’t bother you at all, right? Don’t you have some sort of super cold resistance from Siberia?† He sighed, a smile still on his lips. It was enough to warm me even in this weather. â€Å"There you go again, convinced Siberia is like Antarctica. I’m from the southern part. The weather’s almost the same as here.† â€Å"You’re making excuses,† I told him. â€Å"Unless you want to drag me back to the car, you’re going to have to make an angel too.† Dimitri studied me for several heavy moments, and I thought he might actually haul me away. His face was still light and open, though, and his expression was filled with a fondness that made my heart race. Then, without warning, he flopped into the snow beside me, lying there quietly. â€Å"Okay,† I said when he did nothing more. â€Å"Now you have to move your arms and legs.† â€Å"I know how to make a snow angel.† â€Å"Then do it! Otherwise, you’re more like a chalk outline at a police crime scene.† He laughed again, and the sound was rich and warm in the still air. Finally, after a little more coaxing on my part, he moved his arms and legs too, making an angel of his own. When he finished, I expected him to jump up and demand we get back on the road, but instead, he stayed there too, watching the sky and the mountains. â€Å"Pretty, huh?† I asked. My breath made frosty clouds in the air. â€Å"I guess in some ways, it’s not that different from the ski resort’s view†¦ but I don’t know. I feel different about it all today.† â€Å"Life’s like that,† he said. â€Å"As we grow and change, sometimes things we’ve experienced before take on new meaning. It’ll happen for the rest of your life.† I started to tease him about his tendency to always deliver these profound life lessons, but it occurred to me then that he was right. When I’d first begun falling for Dimitri, the feelings had been all-consuming. I’d never felt anything like it before. I’d been convinced there was no possible way I could love him more. But now, after what I’d witnessed with Mason and the Strigoi, things were different. I did love Dimitri more intensely. I loved him in a different way, in a deeper way. Something about seeing how fragile life was made me appreciate him more. It had made me realize how much he meant to me and how sad I’d be if I ever lost him. â€Å"You think it’d be nice to have a cabin up there?† I asked, pointing to a nearby peak. â€Å"Out in the woods where no one could find you?† â€Å"I would think it was nice. I think you’d be bored.† I tried to imagine being stuck in the wilderness with him. Small room, fireplace, bed†¦ I didn’t think it’d be that boring. â€Å"It wouldn’t be so bad if we had cable. And Internet.† And body heat. â€Å"Oh, Rose.† He didn’t laugh, but I could tell he was smiling again. â€Å"I don’t think you’d ever be happy someplace quiet. You always need something to do.† â€Å"Are you saying I have a short attention span?† â€Å"Not at all. I’m saying there’s a fire in you that drives everything you do, that makes you need to better the world and those you love. To stand up for those you can’t. It’s one of the wonderful things about you.† â€Å"Only one, huh?† I spoke lightly, but his words had thrilled me. He’d meant what he said about thinking those were wonderful traits, and feeling his pride in me meant more than anything just then. â€Å"One of many,† he said. He sat up and looked down at me. â€Å"So, no peaceful cabin for you. Not until you’re an old, old woman.† â€Å"What, like forty?† He shook his head in exasperation and stood up, not gracing my joke with a response. Still, he regarded me with the same affection I’d heard in his voice. There was admiration too, and I thought I could never be unhappy as long as Dimitri thought I was wonderful and beautiful. Leaning down, he extended his hand. â€Å"Time to go.† I took it, letting him help pull me up. Once standing, we held hands for a heartbeat longer than necessary. Then we let go and surveyed our work. Two perfect snow angels-one much, much taller than the other. Careful to step inside each outline, I leaned down and hacked out a horizontal line above each head. â€Å"What’s that?† he asked, when I stood beside him again. â€Å"Halos,† I said with a grin. â€Å"For heavenly creatures like us.† â€Å"That might be a stretch.† We studied our angels for a few moments more, looking at where we had lain side by side in that sweet, quiet moment. I wished what I’d said was true, that we had truly left our mark on the mountain. But I knew that after the next snowfall, our angels would disappear into the whiteness and be nothing more than a memory. Dimitri touched my arm gently, and without another word, we turned around and headed back to the car. Compared to that memory of him and the way he’d looked at me out there on the mountain, I thought the angel looking back at me in church seemed pale and boring in comparison. No offense to her. The congregation was filing back to their seats after taking bread and wine. I’d stayed seated for that, but I did understand a few of the priest’s words. Life. Death. Destroy. Eternal. I knew enough about all this to string together the meaning. I would have bet good money â€Å"resurrection† was in there too. I sighed, wishing it were truly that easy to vanquish death and bring back those we loved. Church ended, and I left with the Belikovs, feeling melancholy. As people passed each other near the entrance, I saw some eggs being exchanged. Viktoria had explained that it was a big tradition around here. A few people I didn’t know gave some to me, and I felt a little bad that I had nothing to give in return. I also wondered how I was going to eat them all. They were decorated in various ways. Some were simply colored; others were elaborately designed. Everyone seemed chatty after church, and we all stood around outside it. Friends and family hugged and caught up on gossip. I stood near Viktoria, smiling and trying to follow the conversation that often took place in both English and Russian. â€Å"Viktoria!† We turned and saw Nikolai striding toward us. He gave us-by which I mean, he gave her-a brilliant smile. He’d dressed up for the holiday and looked amazing in a sage shirt and dark green tie. I eyed Viktoria, wondering if it had any effect on her. Nope. Her smile was polite, genuinely happy to see him, but there was nothing romantic there. Again, I wondered about her mystery â€Å"friend.† He had a couple of guys with him whom I’d met before. They greeted me too. Like the Belikovs, they seemed to think I was a permanent fixture around here. â€Å"Are you still going to Marina’s party?† asked Nikolai. I’d nearly forgotten. That was the party he’d invited us to the first day I’d met him. Viktoria had accepted then, but to my surprise, she now shook her head. â€Å"We can’t. We have family plans.† That was news to me. There was a possibility something had come up that I didn’t know about yet, but I doubted it. I had a feeling she was lying, and being a loyal friend, I said nothing to contradict her. It was hard watching Nikolai’s face fall, though. â€Å"Really? We’re going to miss you.† She shrugged. â€Å"We’ll all see each other at school.† He didn’t seem pacified by that. â€Å"Yeah, but-â€Å" Nikolai’s eyes suddenly lifted from her face and focused on something behind us. He frowned. Viktoria and I both glanced back, and I felt her mood shift too. Three guys were strolling toward my group. They were dhampirs as well. I didn’t notice anything unusual about them-smirks aside-but other dhampirs and Moroi gathered outside the church took on expressions similar to those of my companions. Troubled. Worried. Uncomfortable. The three guys came to a stop by us, pushing their way into our circle. â€Å"I thought you might be here, Kolya,† said one. He spoke in perfect English, and it took me a moment to realize he was talking to Nikolai. I would never understand Russian nicknames. â€Å"I didn’t know you were back,† replied Nikolai stiffly. Studying the two of them, I could see a distinct resemblance. They had the same bronze hair and lean build. Brothers, apparently. Nikolai’s brother’s gaze fell on me. He brightened. â€Å"And you must be the unpromised American girl.† It didn’t surprise me that he knew who I was. After the memorial, most of the local dhampirs had left telling tales about the American girl who had fought battles against Strigoi but carried neither a promise mark nor a graduation mark. â€Å"I’m Rose,† I said. I didn’t know what was up with these guys, but I certainly wasn’t going to show any fear in front of them. The guy seemed to appreciate my confidence and shook my hand. â€Å"I’m Denis.† He gestured to his friends. â€Å"Artur and Lev.† â€Å"When did you come to town?† asked Nikolai, still not looking happy about this reunion. â€Å"Just this morning.† Denis turned to Viktoria. â€Å"I heard about your brother. I’m sorry.† Viktoria’s expression was hard, but she nodded politely. â€Å"Thank you.† â€Å"Is it true he fell defending Moroi?† I didn’t like the sneer in Denis’s voice, but it was Karolina who voiced my angry thoughts. I hadn’t noticed her approaching our group. She didn’t look happy to see Denis at all. â€Å"He fell fighting Strigoi. He died a hero.† Denis shrugged, unaffected by the angry tone of her voice. â€Å"Still makes him dead. I’m sure the Moroi will sing his name for years to come.† â€Å"They will,† I replied. â€Å"He saved a whole group of them. And dhampirs too.† Denis’s gaze fell back on me, his eyes thoughtful as he studied my face for a few seconds. â€Å"I heard you were there too. That both of you were sent into an impossible battle.† â€Å"It wasn’t impossible. We won.† â€Å"Would Dimitri say that if he were alive?† Karolina crossed her arms over her chest. â€Å"If you’re only here to start something, then you should leave. This is a church.† It was funny. Upon meeting her, I’d thought she seemed so gentle and kind, just an ordinary young mother working to support her family. But in this moment, she seemed more like Dimitri than ever. I could see that same strength within her, that fierceness that drove her to protect loved ones and stand up to her enemies. Not that these guys were her enemies, exactly. I honestly didn’t yet understand who they were. â€Å"We’re just talking,† said Denis. â€Å"I just want to understand what happened to your brother. Believe me, I think his death was a tragedy.† â€Å"He wouldn’t have regretted it,† I told them. â€Å"He died fighting for what he believed in.† â€Å"Defending others who took him for granted.† â€Å"That’s not true.† â€Å"Oh?† Denis gave me a lopsided smile. â€Å"Then why don’t you work for the guardians? You’ve killed Strigoi but have no promise mark. Not even a graduation mark, I heard. Why aren’t you out there throwing yourself in front of Moroi?† â€Å"Denis,† said Nikolai uneasily, â€Å"please just leave.† â€Å"I’m not talking to you, Kolya.† Denis’s eyes were still on me. â€Å"I’m just trying to figure Rose out. She kills Strigoi but doesn’t work for the guardians. She’s clearly not like the rest of you soft people in this town. Maybe she’s more like us.† â€Å"She’s nothing like you,† Viktoria snapped back. I got it then, and a chill ran down my spine. These were the kind of dhampirs that Mark had been talking about. The true unpromised ones. The vigilantes who sought out Strigoi on their own, the ones who neither settled down nor answered to any guardians. They shouldn’t have unnerved me, not really. In some ways, Denis was right. In the simplest terms, I really was like them. And yet†¦ there was an air about these guys that just rubbed me the wrong way. â€Å"Then why are you in Russia?† asked one of Denis’s friends. I already couldn’t remember his name. â€Å"This is a long trip for you. You wouldn’t have come here without a good reason.† Viktoria was picking up her sister’s anger. â€Å"She came to tell us about Dimka.† Denis eyed me. â€Å"I think she’s here to hunt Strigoi. There are more in Russia to choose from than there are in the States.† â€Å"She wouldn’t be in Baia if she was hunting Strigoi, you idiot,† returned Viktoria evenly. â€Å"She’d be in Vladivostok or Novosibirsk or somewhere like that.† Novosibirsk. The name was familiar. But where had I heard it? A moment later, the answer came to me. Sydney had mentioned it. Novosibirsk was the largest city in Siberia. Denis continued. â€Å"Maybe she’s just passing through. Maybe she’ll want to join us when we go to Novosibirsk tomorrow.† â€Å"For God’s sake,† I exclaimed. â€Å"I’m right here. Stop talking about me like I’m not. And why would I want to go with you?† Denis’s eyes gleamed with an intense, feverish light. â€Å"Good hunting there. Lots of Strigoi. Come with us, and you can help us go after them.† â€Å"And how many of you will come back from this?† Karolina asked in a hard voice. â€Å"Where’s Timosha? Where’s Vasiliy? Your hunting party keeps getting smaller each time you return here. Which one of you will be next? Whose family will be the next to mourn?† â€Å"Easy for you to talk,† retorted the friend. Lev, I think his name was. â€Å"You stay here and do nothing while we go out and keep you safe.† Karolina gave him a disgusted look, and I recalled how she was dating a guardian. â€Å"You go out and rush into situations without thinking. If you want to keep us safe, then stay here and defend your families when they need it. If you want to go after Strigoi, go join the guardians and work with those who have some sense.† â€Å"The guardians don’t hunt Strigoi!† cried Denis. â€Å"They sit and wait and cower before the Moroi.† The unfortunate part was, he had a point. But not entirely. â€Å"That’s changing,† I said. â€Å"There’s a movement to start taking the offensive against the Strigoi. There’s also talk of the Moroi learning to fight with us. You could help be a part of that.† â€Å"Like you are?† he laughed. â€Å"You still haven’t told us why you’re here and not with them. You can say what you want to the rest of this group, but I know why you’re here. I can see it in you.† The crazy, eerie look he gave me almost made me think that he could. â€Å"You know the only way to rid the world of evil is to do it on our own. To seek out the Strigoi ourselves and kill them, one by one.† â€Å"Without a plan,† finished Karolina. â€Å"Without any thought of the consequences.† â€Å"We’re strong and we know how to fight. That’s all we need to know when it comes to killing Strigoi.† And that was when I understood. I finally got what Mark had been trying to tell me. Denis was saying exactly what I had been thinking since I left St. Vladimir’s. I’d run off without a plan, wanting to throw myself into danger because I felt I had a mission that only I could carry out. Only I could kill Dimitri. Only I could destroy the evil within him. I’d been giving no thought to how I’d pull it off-seeing as Dimitri had beat me more often than not in fights when he was still a dhampir. With a Strigoi’s strength and speed now? The odds were definitely against me. Still, I hadn’t cared. I’d been obsessed, convinced I had to do this. In my own head, what I had to do made sense, but now†¦ hearing those sentiments from Denis, it sounded crazy. Just as reckless as Mark had warned. Their motives might be good-just as mine were-but they were also suicidal. Without Dimitri, I honestly hadn’t cared much about my own life. I’d never been afraid to risk it before, but now I realized there was a big difference between dying uselessly and dying for a reason. If I died trying to kill Dimitri because I had no strategy, then my life would have meant nothing. Just then, the priest walked over and said something to us in Russian. From his tone and expression, I think he was asking if everything was okay. He’d mingled with the rest of the congregation after the service. Being human, he probably didn’t know all the dhampir politics afoot, but he could undoubtedly sense trouble. Denis offered him a simpering smile and gave what sounded like a polite explanation. The priest smiled in return, nodded, and wandered off when someone else called to him. â€Å"Enough,† said Karolina harshly, once the priest was out of earshot. â€Å"You need to go. Now.† Denis’s body tensed, and mine responded, ready for a fight. I thought he might start something then and there. A few seconds later, he relaxed and turned to me. â€Å"Show them to me first.† â€Å"Show you what?† I asked. â€Å"The marks. Show me how many Strigoi you’ve killed.† I didn’t respond right away, wondering if this was a trick. Everyone’s eyes were on me. Turning slightly, I lifted the hair off the back of my neck and showed my tattoos. Little lightning-shaped molnija marks were there, along with the mark I’d gotten for the battle. From the sound of Denis’s gasp, I was guessing he’d never seen that many kills before. I let my hair go and met his gaze levelly. â€Å"Anything else?† I asked. â€Å"You’re wasting your time,† he said at last, gesturing to the people behind me. â€Å"With them. With this place. You should come with us to Novosibirsk. We’ll help make your life worthwhile.† â€Å"I’m the only one who can make anything of my life.† I pointed down the street. â€Å"You were asked to leave. Now go.† I held my breath, still bracing for a fight. After several tense moments, the group retreated. Before turning around, Denis gave me one last piercing look. â€Å"This isn’t what you want and you know it. When you change your mind, come find us at 83 Kasakova. We leave at sunrise tomorrow.† â€Å"You’ll be leaving without me,† I said. Denis’ smile sent another chill down my spine. â€Å"We’ll see.† How to cite Blood Promise Chapter Thirteen, Essay examples

X-Mass Proprietary Limited Company

Question: Prepare a constitution of X-Mass Proprietary Limited Company management rule. Answer: X-Mass Proprietary Limited Company Whenever a Company or any business structure plans to get set up, first of all it should be noted that whether it suits the need of the individual or not. Legal and professional advice needs to be taken about all possible circumstances. The person starting a Company should understand all the legal obligations that are applicable to the Company. When a Company gets registered as an Australian company, the company once registered as an Australian company, can conduct business throughout Australia without any need to get itself register in individual states and territories. Procedure to set up a Proprietary Limited Company Choose Company Name (Section 147 148 of ASIC) A proprietary company that is to be set up must contain the word 'Proprietary' or the abbreviation 'Pty' in its name and the name selected should also show the liability of its members, the members' liability will be considered as unlimited, if the name doesnt contain any word related to liability. For example: The company name must end with the word 'Proprietary Limited', if the liability of the company's members is limited to the amount unpaid on their shares,. The company name will only end with the words 'Proprietary', if the liability of the members is unlimited. Will choosing the name of the Company, it is to be seen that the name chosen is not already registered to another Company or business. The name applicability needs to be checked so ensure that whether the name is available or not. While deciding the name of the Company following words or phrases should not be used without the prior approval of specified Minister or government agency. Words that cannot be used include: building society trust university chamber of commerce, and chartered The name suggested should not also build a misleading connection with government or with the royal family or an ex-servicemen's organisation. Registration of the Company An application needs to be files for registration of the Company. Form 21 needs to be filed by the applicant for this purpose. The form needs to filled along with the application fees to Australian Securities and Investments Commission. When the application goes to the department with the correct fees, an ACN is issued to the Company. Once the ACN is issued the Company comes into existence and the same remains in existence till the company is deregistered. When the Company gets registered, in two working days, an eight digit unique number is issued to the company, this number can be used to see the company records, lodge forms and receive annual statement online. As per section 117 of ASIC, related to registering a company, a person must lodge an application to ASIC.Application form should contain following: Proposed company type which is to be registered Proposed company name. Every person who consents to be the member, their name and addresses. Family name and date of birth of all those persons who decides to be the director. Family name and date of birth of all those persons who decides to be the company secretary. Each person who has given consent in writing to become the director or CS of the company, their address. Companys Proposed registered Office address. Company s proposed principal place of business State or Territory Jurisdiction wherein company is taken to be registered (CCH Australia Limited, 2011) At times of filling up the application form under section 20 all the above points needs to be complied with. A proprietary limited company has to get an address registered in the form 201. However, a company can get the address of a registered office changed. As per section 142, this requires a notice to be lodged not later than 20 days post change occurs in prescribed format. Notice takes effect later off: 7th day after the notice or Day Later to notice date as defined in the notice as a date from which notice is to be effective. As per Section 134, at times the company need to be registered; they must consent how the company will be internally governed. Internal governance operates under: Replaceable rules: - Under replaceable rules, the company does not required to have its own written constitution. Under this rules, the constitution need not to be kept up to date with the required law, even in the case that the replaceable rules are amended. As per section 135 (1) and Section 135 (2) these rules refer to those rules which automatically apply on the Company and they can be replaced and modifies though a specifically adopted written constitution. This rule governs matters like: The appointment of Directors The powers of the directors The regulations related to directors meetings The regulations related to members meetings Any special rights for special class of shares Regulations elated to transfer of shares Own constitution: A constitution is a written document. A Company can go for its own constitution as well. At times of registration of the Company, Proprietary companiesdo not have to lodge their constitution. Even it is not mandatory for the Proprietary companiesto go for constitution. A combination of both A company constitution includes the following: Name of the Company: The name which is been registered with ASIC. Man Object: The management needs to mention the main object of the company, which was in consideration at times of forming the Company. Subsidiarys objects: In this column the company needs to disclose the secondary objectives of the company. These objectives are not as important as the main object. The Company can have many subsidiary objectives but will have only limited main objects. Powers: The Company needs to brief its powers in the column, which it possesses to achieve the main objects. Rules: These refer to the rules of the organisation. For e.g. Re membership, executive committee, meetings including AGM etc. Income and property: The Income and property of the company should be used for aiming towards the main object of the Company. Winding up: In case of winding up of the company and surplus left after meeting all the liabilities and debts will not be distributed among the members. The surplus portion will be allocated to some other charitable institution or institutions having its main objects in line to the main objects of the Company Addition alteration or amendments: No addition, alteration or amendments in the constitution shall be allowed to be made without the approval of the Revenue Commissioners. Keeping of accounts: Annual audited accounts need to be maintained with the Revenue Commissioners. The constitution and the replaceable rules governing the company internally, will affect the contract between the members, between the company and the directors and between the Company and the members. As per the provisions of law, in case of the proprietarycompany where only one person is the sole director and the shareholder o the company, then in this case, replaceable rules will not apply. However, in this case section 201F and 198E will apply. A company by passing a special resolution can change or modify the constitution. Resolution is called as special, when the same is being passed by 75% of the eligible voters. If the company decides to issue preference shares, then firstly the company needs to update the constitution. This updating is possible either by passing a special resolution or by setting it out in the constitution. It includes the followings; Repayment of capital; Participation in surplus assets and profits; Cumulative and non-cumulative dividends; Voting rights ; and Priority of payment of capital and dividends in relation to other shares or other classes of shares. As per section 169, every company that has been registered in the law, need to maintain a shareholder register. The shareholder register will contain the following information: Name and address of the member along with the date on which he became the member of the Company. Total numbers of shares allocated to the member. Total numbers of shares held by the member. The class of shares held by the members Information whether the shares are fully paid off or not. Total amount paid on the shares. Total amount unpaid on the shares. As per the provisions of law if any changes are required to be made in the share register, then in this case, the proprietary company will sent the notice to the ASIC within the time frame provided in section 178D. So, in the case provided, if the proprietary Limited company decides to issue new preference shares then firstly necessary changes will be required to be made in the constitution and then the member register will be updated and necessaryintimations will be sent to ASIC. References: CCH Australia Limited, 2011, Australian Corporations Securities Legislation 2011: Corporations Act, 2001, ASIC Act 2001, related regulations; Available at: https://books.google.co.in/books?id=uMspq6WTSIMCdq=Sec+117+ASICsource=gbs_navlinks_s Guidance about replaceable rules and written constitutions Proprietary Companies; Available at: https://www.incorporator.com.au/l3/30b_01_written_constitutions_and_replaceable_rules_in_the_context_of_a_proprietary_pty_company.asp

this site has my paper Essays - Communication, Human Communication

Participant # 1 23/M Security Officer RB:?What effects do you think communication technologies may be having on society, communities, individuals, or on other aspects of our culture P1: Well the first thing that comes to mind has to be the innovations of modern technology, which has made communication quicker and instantaneous. I mean I can talk to anyone, anywhere on the planet basically. RB: Any specific technology you use? P1: Oh yes! I use Facebook, Myspace (sometimes), Skype, Google Wave and many more. All have made it possible for me to talk to my family and friends in California, Boston. I can see them while we chat over the computer with programs like Skype. It's all quite exciting. But a major pitfall is the effect the technology is having with others in face-to-face communication. It's not like back in the day where people could just walk outside and have a conversation with their neighbors, now you walk outside and the neighborhood is empty it seems, and if you do see your neighbor it for a brief moment because they and everyone are on the run. I guess all I can say is, that's the way it is. RB: Why do you say, ?that's the way it is? P1: because that's the product of conditioning. The world is going with the flow and progressing with the technology, incorporating it in most if not all aspects of their lives. You know it's funny to see all these online-dating websites these days. It's as if people are scared of each-other. Its all a bit awkward. RB: What other effects do you think there may be? P1: I think we will get to a point where zombies walk the Earth, and not the brain thirsty ones, those who are so disconnected with the world around them wearing ear-buds connected to iPods, surgically attached cellphones at birth, and who knows what else...Maybe we will become technology. Like the saying goes, ?you are what you eat?...You are what you consume, and that a hell of a lot of technology. On a serious note, I think people will become and more detached from reality as the years and technology progress. It's already happening now. Walk around downtown Chicago and watch the people as they pass you by, no eye contact, looking at the floor, texting and talking on cellphone while driving. We're all going to die one day because of technology. Weapons are even smart now. RB: What other communication technology effects come to mind? P1: My friend I don't think I have anymore. Unless you'd like me to speak more about some apocalyptic conspiracy theories? RB: Nope! That will do. Thank you so much for your time and entertaining, yet insightful input. Participant # 2 28/M Unemployed, Skater RB:?What effects do you think communication technologies may be having on society, communities, individuals, or on other aspects of our culture P2:Personally I feel like communication technology has gone past the point of practical and straight to invasive. I don't like it. But at the same time I don't think I could function without it. That's the sad part. RB: What aspect(s) of communication technology can't you live/function without? P2: I could live without all of it honestly. We all can. We never will though. The evolution of technology makes old ways of living impossible. Who do you know these days that doesn't have a cell phone or the internet? They have made them life necessities now rather than luxuries. And although they have a number of perks I find they mostly provide a means to steal some of my everyday freedoms. RB:What other effects might there be? P2:All I'm saying is that the world worked perfectly for centuries without these technologies and now that we have them the human race seems to be inefficient at almost everything but technology. Person to person social interaction has got to be at an all time low these days. RB:Is communication technology dulling peoples abilities to effectively communicate face-to-face? P2:Exactly. I grew up in a neighborhood that was very tight knit. We had to go out and interact with other kids cuz it was the only way. So much of this new generation rely on the internet and online gaming for socializing that the streets are empty. No kids playing. Nobody knows anyone in my neighborhood anymore. It's sad. I

The United Northern and Southern Knights of the Ku Klux Klan

The United Northern and Southern Knights of the Ku Klux Klan Free Online Research Papers Some of our nation’s most horrific and tragic acts of the past 150 years have occurred by the hands of members of the Ku Klux Klan. The organization’s views on racial supremacy, immigration, and social terrorism are well-documented in the annals of history. Observations into a gathering of this group shed light onto the most profoundly influencing characteristic of this culture: fear. This study will examine the art and language, governance, and organizational survival of the culture, and how these elements contribute to the organization’s mission. The meeting - attended by 72 individuals of all ages (including as young as 12), sexes, economic statuses, and professions - was conducted in a town-hall type format, with three male leaders (Phil L., Jesse M., and Bill D.) organizing the event. Participants were encouraged to vocalize their opinions and ideas, and a general sense of camaraderie was fostered among the group. Those not in the culture, however, were unwelcome and generally seen as detrimental to the culture and its members. The culture’s many facets - although not apparent to its members - is one where a fear of loss of identity is the basis of every cultural product. Symbology and Speech Phil L. is the United Northern and Southern Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, Volusia County Chapter, â€Å"Imperial Klaliff.† During his speech, Phil L. continually used terminology exclusive to the KKK culture, which was specifically designed in 1915 by Imperial Wizard William Simmons as a means of â€Å"reviving† the movement. (1) Words such as â€Å"Klonvocation† (gathering), â€Å"Kludd† (chaplain), and â€Å"Klaven† (group chapter) are designed to further incorporate the letter â€Å"K† into the organization’s lexicon while maintaining at least a modicum of mystery to outsiders. These language rules were followed strictly; so much so the vocabulary itself became an art form, with a sophisticated canon and style. Those in the audience who used the language incorrectly or verbiage from outside the culture were corrected and, sometimes, admonished. The stringent adherence to the cultural lexicon is deeply rooted in a fear of openness. Bill D., an elder in the group, stated the KKK has always used code words and symbols to identify themselves among their peers, but keep their identities secret to those â€Å"who are out to keep whites from taking their rightful place.† He cited police and government agencies who target Klansmen for arrest and incarceration as a main reason for using secretive language. According to Phil L., the sight of hooded KKK members burning crosses is largely a thing of the past, used mostly at public displays by a small, radical faction of the organization and as propaganda to recruit new members. (2) Instead, the vast majority of today’s KKK uses its cultural images (logo, clothing, and propaganda) less to incite fear among African-American, Jewish, and foreign-born people, and more to identify themselves to each other. At the meeting, nearly every attendee had some form of identifying symbol or marker on him or her - ranging from a tattoo of the KKK cross-and-flame logo to waving Dixie flags to red belt buckles. The markers went beyond mere apparel, however, as there were strict rules defining the usage and placement of these artworks. As with the language, an unspoken canon was developed; again, based on fear of persecution. Throughout the meeting hall, posters of famous Klansmen lined the walls. A special segment of the room was devoted to art created by group members; each of which designed to perpetuate the KKK message. What was perhaps most interesting was the boldness of each of the pieces, which included paintings, drawings, and sculptures. The artists used hard lines and striking colors in their creations. There was, of course, a theme of superiority throughout the works, with images of whites dominating other cultures or icons. In the works depicting individuals, the lack of a pleasant expression was exceptionally notable. The artists portrayed the individuals as angry and violent, which was in stark contrast to the tenor of the meeting itself. While Phil L. asserts violence and anger are no longer a part of the real KKK message, it’s difficult to accept this when the artwork, symbology, and language connote a culture of fear - both afflicted and inflicted. Hierarchical Structure Every culture’s method of governance contributes to the creations and values of the populace, and the KKK is no different. In addition to the specialized jargon the organization uses to identify ranking members, it also employs clothing, seating placement, and preferential treatment to further exalt these members. However, what was perhaps most fascinating was how this aspect of the culture had a loosely defined ceiling. Bill D., clearly the oldest and most anger-filled member at the meeting, was regarded more with tolerance than with respect. His hate-filled rants did not have the riotous impact he had hoped, I believe, and group leaders often interrupted his speeches. Phil L. said Bill D. â€Å"comes from a different generation; one where men were set into action by rage, rather than calculated strategy.† This is culturally significant in that middle-aged members - the new leaders of the organization nationwide - have evolved the ways of the group to conform to the new sensibilities of the larger American culture today. Phil L. and his contemporaries among the KKK know rage-filled acts of violence would no longer be tolerated or effective. Instead, the leaders of the Klan today have created a culture of subversion and subtlety. Their crimes against other races and ethnicities are no longer a physical one. Instead, the Klan goal is to place Klan supporters in various level of government so that a more global approach to suppression can be achieved. Phil L. claims there are â€Å"at least 40 members of the U.S. Congress actively involved in the KKK or Klan-supporting activities.† The structure of the new KKK - especially the individual groups - is very formal, with rituals and ceremonies peppering almost every facet of the group. (3) Persons ascending to ranks of authority are rewarded with new cultural icons (patches with symbols, titles, ribbons), and the desire to advance in the hierarchy is pervasive, especially among the youth. Foundational Fortitude Contrary to Internet reports and information from various media sources, Phil L. says the KKK is alive and more active than ever before. He attributes the survival of the organization to two initiatives: a. The re-focus of the organization’s mission; and b. The commitment to recruiting young members. By placing KKK supporters in positions of power, Phil L. claims the group will enjoy an extended period of new-found prosperity. From a cultural perspective, this strategy has been employed - from the earliest civilizations - to varying degrees of success. The goal is to build the sense of racial and ethnic superiority in places where policy is made to affect change beneficial to that culture. This, I believe, is far more frightening than a hooded figure spewing hate and violence - at least those individuals are open and easy to see. Central to the perpetuation of any culture is the intrinsic need for those to physically progress those values, traditions, creations, and language. Where once the KKK was a closed organization, with the only new members being legacy individuals, the new Klan devotes a great deal of time, effort, and money into the recruitment of young people. (4) The KKK utilizes every part of its culture as recruitment tools, including fear, history, art, action, and desire for change. At the meeting, there were at least 13 members present under the age of 18, the youngest being a 12-year-old girl wearing a Dixie-flag shirt. After speaking with one of the young people, â€Å"Jake T.,† it was clear his participation was due entirely to the tradition of the culture. Jake T.’s parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents were all in the Klan, he said. Jake T. is a talented painter, as one of his works was on display in the art section of the room. His oil painting on canvas, entitled â €Å"Better than You,† was a representative work depicting a sword-wielding white man standing over a slain black man. The detail was exquisite and he made great use of perspective and leading lines to draw the viewer in to the work. When asked why he felt superior to African-Americans, he replied, â€Å"Because we’re just better. We always have been.† His response evidenced a conditioned approach toward racial superiority, perpetuated over more than a century of grooming. His was a microcosm of a larger condition pervasive throughout the KKK group. The social interactions were limited among this observer, many faces were obscured, and conversations within earshot were non-existent. These are all indications of fear-based reactions to an outside invading their culture. Culture of Fear This organization was selected for study because it is part of a mysterious and divisive culture outside of a realm of comfort. Before attending the meeting, the preconception of hate-mongering, venom-filled, distasteful content was expected. What was most surprising was the incredible organization of the group, with clearly defined rules and leadership, and an atmosphere of openness among its members (not available â€Å"outsiders†). It was most disconcerting to learn not only how many people are still active, but also the direction and subversive activities of the group. When examined closely, however, the underlying current of the group - which drives every aspect of their culture - is a tremendous and subconscious fear of loss of identity. This fear is evident in the art, language, activities, promotional material, recruitment, and structure of the culture as a whole. Ironically, the means with which this group historically attempted to alleviate this fear is through fear-inducing activities. This method has largely changed in recent years, but until people - as individuals - can eliminate this terror from their lives, there will always be a KKK and a culture of fear. 1. The Ku Klux Klan Rebounds, Mark Pitcavage, Anti-Defamation League, 2007 2. The Ku Klux Klan A Secret History, The History Channel, DVD, 1998 3. Letter from Cole Thornton, Imperial Wizard, United Northern and Southern Knights of the Ku Klux Klan (http://unskkkk.com) 4. Klan Getting Younger and Stronger, John Meacham, Newsweek, Oct. 2006 Research Papers on The United Northern and Southern Knights of the Ku Klux KlanAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 Europe19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraQuebec and CanadaAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementWhere Wild and West MeetBringing Democracy to AfricaHip-Hop is ArtThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andPETSTEL analysis of India

English Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 58

English - Essay Example It is proficient in making calls, playing games, social networking, text messaging, and watching videos just to name a few. Its stylish look is awesome and practical design elements such as gentle curves, smooth lines, and ergonomic grip makes natural fit for any lifestyle. It has amazing displays that enables the user to view documents and watch movies efficiently. According to Leishear (1), the Galaxy 3 has an outstanding multitasking performance that enables one to watch video while emailing or texting without closing or restarting the device. The user can watch videos while running other tasks, which makes it a great choice in today’s society that regards multitasking performance. With the 8MP camera and zero lag shutter speed, one can capture people and moving objects without delay. Significantly, it captures twenty continuous shots and selects the best photo. The device is made for intuitive and intelligent interaction. It is detects motions, voice, and face thus provides a convenient way to interact in a natural way. For instance, while browsing the web or reading an e-book, it identifies how the user is using the phone with bright displays for that reason. The user can command the device to take a photo, answer a call, play a favourite song, or send a text message. Additionally, one can easily switch to calling a friend with the instant call feature that enables the user to automatically dial the number. With this device, one cannot miss a message as it gives vibrating nudges to alert on the messages and missed calls (Leishear 1). The device has outstanding features designed for instant interaction and sharing regardless the location. With this device, one can transfer videos, documents, and photos instantly. In four minutes, one can successfully share a 1GB video file and send pictures in the flash. With no doubt, the device creates an opportunity to share important

The Implication of Theories of Activity for Management of Operation Essay

The Implication of Theories of Activity for Management of Operation - Essay Example Traditionally synthetic morphinomemetics have severe toxic side effects which rarely can become fatal. Hypotension is a characteristic of these drugs in addition to liver cirrhosis(because of high levels of toxicity) and urinary retention.Pain-free was regarded as promising because it had some advantages over other brands of morphinomimetics, namely;liver problem was considerably managed, no sign of tetramoraide syndrome was found and it’s effectiveness in obliterating pain was instant and exceptional, though hypotension could not be dealt with(and this was not conveyed to the consumers aka patients). In1993, 17% of the patients showed signs of orthostatic hypotension.1 Evidence suggested that Normoramide was the cause. A team led by Roland Peterson had worked tirelessly at eradicating the fatal liver problem but during the course of improving the drug, it was established that hypotension could not be dealt with. Pain-free indisputably was a significant breakthrough especially considering the miraculous pain relief it provided, and appeared to be potential ‘commercial blockbuster’. However, orthostatic hypertension could not be obliterated (as it was conveyed to the prospect consumers) and to this extent, it can be alleged that the company misled the consumers. In addition, the ‘innovation’ in the drug becomes questionable. The management omitted some very pertinent facts about the drug, which if they were known would have affected consumption decision of the patients. The instances of non-disclosure can be enumerated as follows. a) In 93, out of the patients tested with the drug 17% exhibited hypotension.2 The management sought an alteration of guidelines and after it was affected, these cases were written off as ‘occurrences prior to alteration† thus were disregarded.  

Narrative Autobiography. Life Experiences Essay

Narrative Autobiography. Life Experiences - Essay Example One of my friends, Jim said, â€Å"Why not prove our swimming skills today. It is really hot yet a sunny day for all of us to enjoy?† We all agreed to what Jim proposed. So finally we decided to go to a water park and have some fun together. When we got in there was a good crowd and people were having fun. It was a huge park for people to hang out and have a lot of fun. Since it was a warm sunny day and, also luckily it was a public holiday, therefore, one could easily find families and bunches of friends grouped up together for little fun and adventure. I was specifically attracted by an artificial water fall which ended up in a pool. So I said to my friends that I would be the one going first to jump into that water pool from a good height. I wanted to prove my swimming skills on my friends. So, with a deep breath I turned around, smiled and said, â€Å"Hey, since you guys are too young to jump down from such a good height therefore, I have decided that I will be the one ta king the lead and jumping off in the water, trust me, I am a born swimmer.† My friends were amazed and just so thrilled on the idea of jumping from such a great height and above that, what made them more excited was the idea that I proposed in front of them; me taking the lead! Somehow, deep down inside I was little nervous to jump down. But I convinced all my friends that it will be fun to jump from that height in the swimming pool. When we got up there I felt I would not be able to jump from that height and decided to back up. But the fact that I was the one who convinced them to come here on the first place everybody started making fun of me. One of my friends said, â€Å"You were dying to be the fish, desperately wanting to swim in the shallow water, go ahead.† I smiled back and said, â€Å"You will what a fine fish I can be, this is just a piece of cake for a good swimmer like me.† And that was not it other people standing there most of whom were kids and pe ople I had never even met in my whole life started making fun of me. So finally I had enough and thought that being such a good swimmer that I am what harm can it do if I jump. And if I don’t then of course my friends are going to mock me for the rest of my life. It was then when I decided to jump. So I jumped. When I fell in the pool I started swimming but after a while I realized that I was neither moving up or ahead instead I was drowning so I started screaming for help as loud as I can. Fortunately one of the swimmers heard my screams and pointed it out to the life guard who immediately came to my help and rescued me. And I thought that wasn’t embarrassing enough so I decided to ask yet another stupid question. I asked, â€Å"Is that pool deep† the life guard looked at me angrily and said â€Å"if you don’t know how to swim you shouldn’t be around that pool and it’s for your own safety that we make these rules.† Then all my friend s gathered around me and after making sure that I was not hurt they started laughing at me, â€Å" you are coward†, one of my friend laughed at me. But I realized that moment that sometimes it is better to be coward in order to learn the good things in life and to hold the true moments that you will remember all through your life. I smiled back at my friends and replied more humbly than ever before in my life, â€Å"Yes, I am coward enough to be a fish in my other life!†

Competition and Performance in Supermarket Industry

Competition and Performance in Supermarket Industry Analyse the management aspects of competition and performance in the supermarket industry, based on the case study given in the attachment. What role have the competitive strategies of supermarkets had in their success? In evaluating the sources of sustainable competitive advantage, which seem most important: market positioning, high levels of market power, or high levels of internal efficiency? Taking into consideration the four current dominant supermarket chains in the UK; Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisions, whilst acknowledging the slightly smaller popular grocery retailers such as Waitrose and Marks and Spencer an analysis of their comparative individual strategic framework is not dissimilar in many ways. Certainly in terms of the top four providers they have increased their market share through relentless buy up of smaller local convenience stores and chains, in addition to undercutting local suppliers, making them more cost effective. This has resulted in the retail food industry becoming an Oligopoly market, where only a few firms dominate the market by way of high levels of branding, brand loyalty, stable prices and a strong interdependence between the leading stores in relation to their own strategic movements. The emphasis is on advertising campaigns and tough barriers for any new competitors to overcome. They are all benefitting considerably by their economies of sale.[1] Tesco controls over 30% of the overall British grocery market. A market position which provides it with the strength and confidence to succeed against its rival competitors. Not only is positioning integral to the strategic success of the supermarket giants. It was Wal-Marts massive buying power which ultimately enabled Asda to become the second highest retailer in the market, usurping Sainsbury’s in 2003 from its number two spot. Another key area of its successes however grew out of its ability to offer a range of non-food items, such as clothing and kitchen ware. By expanding and diversifying its products in this way it was able to increase its overall market power. In 2002 Asda’s Chief Executive Tony DeNuzio confirmed, â€Å"two thousand lines have been sourced jointly with Wal-Mart and these delivered prices unheard of in the UK market.[2] Similarly Sainsbury’s business success came under threat several years ago when its market position was threatened and eventually commandeered by Asda. It needed to increase its competitive advantage quickly and one of the main ways it achieved this was by expanding and improving its own internal communications systems. Following the decline in sales and competitive defeat to Asda it responded by initiating the Making Sainsbury’s Great Again strategy. A significant four year recovery plan which included terminating the outsourced contracting of its IT infrastructure to the company Accenture. It shifted instead to the development of its own in-house IT systems saving the company millions of pounds.[3] This internal efficiency was further enhanced in 2006 when Sainsbury’s introduced new schemes such as Try Something New Today’ which became their motto for both customers and employees with a new emphasis on training and development and colleague communication . The supermarket chain also introduced a comprehensive monthly employee survey, called Talkback providing them with an indication of the level of staff satisfaction and quality of overall service being provided to the customers. During the same year Sainsbury’s launched an apprenticeship scheme for qualifying its in-house bakers, together with a leadership scheme for its branch and regional managers, designed to improve the level of quality of its management team, in addition to empowering its own staff. A combination of new stores, new lines and internal enhancement enabled Sainsbury’s to increase their profits significantly over the last few years. In 2008 these have been confirmed as  £488 million, before tax. A rise of  £108 million compared to 2007. And an overwhelming profit increase of  £380 million for Sainsbury’s since 2006.[4] All of the factors relating to market position, market power and internal efficiency can determine the strategic effectiveness of a successful supermarket giant in terms of how they inter-relate and require shifting or reviewing depending on the situation and motivation for change. What have been the marketing strategies of supermarkets? Evaluate these strategies. Marketing Strategies appear to be progressing away from the traditional 4Ps of Product, Place, Price and Promotion as Marketing is beginning to become more about the relationship of the public to the organization itself. Markets are now so competitive that more innovative ways of attracting customers is becoming key to remaining successful. Perhaps one of the best examples of a successful marketing strategy in order to maintain its existing customer focus, in addition to gaining more direct information about them as individuals, is through Tesco’s Clubcard scheme. This scheme has enabled Tesco to create a retail strategy, to determine their customers and which market these customers fit into as well as what they are looking for from a supermarket.[5] Similarly its computers for school voucher scheme turned shopping into a means of providing equipment for schools, maintained loyalty amongst families with children, raising their profile as a community conscious organization. Asda’s marketing strategy has always focused heavily on value. In 2006 it developed a new  £45 million marketing strategy which killed off their â€Å"always low prices slogan. A whole new approach to marketing its products now fell under the umbrella of more for you for less, This was a result of Asda’s market share decreasing to 16.7% and a recognition of Sainsbury’s recovery success. Asda also wanted to accentuate the quality and freshness of its food and drink, as the low price concept had begun to have less and less impact on its customers. It invested an enormous  £45 million advertising campaign using celebrities and even abandoned the familiar reassuring ‘Asda Price’ jingle. [6] In 2007, still reeling from the repercussions of its multi-million takeover bid of Safeway Superstores Morrison’s decided to revamp its image and market itself in a completely new way. It changed its logo and introduced the new strapline â€Å"The food sp ecialist for everyone.† In a similar way to Asda, Morrison’s made the decision to move away from the budget concept and value of lower costing food towards an angle that emphasized the quality of its products; where they came from and how they were packaged and presented. [7] This immediately followed a particularly controversial period for Morrison’s who were the first stock exchange company to post their results after the charity Christian Aid announced it would actively expose and campaign against industries that were seen to be abusing the environment.[8] It therefore becomes fairly apparent from these few recent examples that many of the major supermarkets are focusing their marketing strategies around the current political climate of the country, alongside the ever fluctuating expectations of its consumers. Comparatively the supermarket chain Waitrose has consistently delivered a reputation for stocking quality products, that are fair trade and organic. With the contentious strapline ‘honestly priced’ Waitrose focuses specifically on food and drink and has not diversified its products in line with the other major supermarkets. It has a very different socio-economic demographic for its market and their approach differs from other supermarkets in that they are all about brand loyalty. It has an account card like many other stores but chooses not to promote it. Rewards include concert tickets or selected food items, again emphasizing its overall different audience. The same audience who utilisie the John Lewis brand, the controlling arm of the supermarket. And most importantly of all the Waitrose profits are ploughed directly back into the pockets of its employees, maintaining a holistic enterprise with a fair, honest and high profile image. To what extent should supermarkets take into account ethics and corporate social responsibility when designing their competitive strategies and their relationship with suppliers? Do these responsibilities extend to protecting local communities and convenience stores? How should environmental questions be accounted for? By way of suppliers it is fair to assume from the media attention received that UK farmers are often seen to be suffering the effects of the considerable pressures put upon them to deliver high quality for lower prices, in addition to smaller grocers who find it continuously difficult to compete against the costs implemented by the supermarkets. The long-term impacts of battles between grocers and now non-food retail companies in the wake of the growth in expansion of supermarkets in new product areas, indicates that local based shopping facilities could decline further in future years. In response to the seemingly unending expansion and development of supermarkets across the UK, with smaller convenience stores moving into small towns and villages the Office of Fair Trading, (OFT) published the findings of an investigation into Britain’s four largest supermarkets, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons. Primarily based on how they treated suppliers. The report discovered no issues with the relationship overall and the conclusion was positive. However, since these outcomes were made public there remains an ongoing observation of practices by supermarkets nationally and an increasing profile with regard to the social and environmental responsibilities these hugely powerful, profit hungry enterprises have become in recent years. Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR has become of significant importance to supermarkets, with some responding at higher levels than others. Marks and Spencer have introduced a five year eco strategy aiming to proactively tackle issues including climate change, waste reduction and ethical trading. And Sainsbury’s Active Kids initiative, allowing the 80% of all UK registered schools to redeem vouchers for sports equipment. Donating a generous  £7 million of their own profits towards the campaign. [9] However this does not take into account the lack of co-operation by the larger supermarkets to help prevent cheap alcohol binge drinking. Frank Soodeen the Communications Director for Alcohol Concern stated earlier this year that ‘Supermarkets have a responsibility to price alcohol realistically†¦This is not an ordinary product and continuing to cynically market it below cost in order to increase footfall increases the risk to the public health†¦In the current climate of social and environmental awareness, a tough policy for corporate social responsibility (CSR) is worth its weight in gold.’ [10] Asda has since become the first supermarket to remove all of its super strength canned beers and lagers. In addition it has taken forward a new proof of age scheme titled Challenge 25. Customers who purchase alcohol must now produce some form of identification if they appear to look younger than twenty five. Furthermore the Federation of Small Businesses claims around 2,000 independent retailers go out of business each year. Supermarkets selling items with no mark-up are subsequently pushing all other smaller independent traders out of business as they simply cannot compete. Fair trade is an ongoing concern, with cheap labour in foreign countries enabling the retail trade to adopt low cost prices through exploitation. Earlier this year Martin Hearson from the campaigns organization Labour Behind The Label was quoted as reiterating ‘In theory, all the main supermarkets are committed to this but in practice, we have seen very little ethics to live up to the promise to pay workers a living wage’[11] It is abundantly apparent that supermarkets play a significant role in CSR issues and have a responsibility to maintain a level of standards across a number of areas that impact on both local communities and larger global matters. Tesco recently published their own Corporate Social Responsibility policy, which can be found on their website accompanied by the following statement ‘Our Corporate Social Responsibility policy objective is to earn the trust of our customers by acting responsibly in the communities we serve. We recognise our impact on society at all levels and work to maximise the benefits we bring. Customers are at the heart of everything we do. CSR is good for our business and good for the communities where we operate. By building goodwill and trust with our customers, we can earn their lifetime loyalty, which is our core purpose.’[12] To what extent is it inevitable that local convenience stores will decline? Are there feasible strategic or marketing responses available to them? The University of Southampton having been carrying out research around the reaction of consumers to the take over and demise of the local convenience store. The impact on communities who had recently been party to the addition of a Tesco Express in their local town or village within four different geographical areas of Hampshire were analysed over a period of one year providing the following conclusions Many citizens moved away from travelling to the distant out of town supermarkets, preferring to use not only the local Tesco Express, but other local shops as well. The return of out of town shoppers brought about by the inclusion of a smaller Tesco actually encouraged the concentration of increased local shopping trends, rather than having a detrimental effect on the community. In response to the findings the research team leader Professor Wrigley commented â€Å"It is clear that the introduction of the Tesco Express format to these communities helped bring about a major re-localisation of top-up shopping – away from distant superstores towards local shops. If consumers can access the same quality of fresh food and product ranges locally as they do in larger supermarkets, then increasingly it seems they will divert their top-up shopping back into their local neighborhood. This may have potential benefits for other traders, but more interestingly has considerable significance in changing the way we shop – with more people walking and cycling to stores.’[13] This conclusive positive influence of supermarket chain presence in local environments is reflected less positively in a topical piece of correspondence from The Executive Chairman for the Association of Convenience Stores to the Inquiry Secretary of the Groceries Market Investigation Competition Commission in 2007. The letter documents an investigative outcome of Costcutter stores nationwide. Whereas the commission had found there to be no decline in the general consumer use of Costcutters. The outcomes of the evidence provided by the Association of Convenience stores details a very different picture altogether, noting ‘The case: IGD I William Reed reports a decline of 5000 stores between the years of 2000 to 2006, and the decline of independents added to symbol group independents has declined by 4,611 stores in the same time period.’ The correspondence goes on to claim that a significant number of independent retailers are closing regularly across the country. And those that have remained successful have been subjected to takeover bids by Tesco or Sainsbury’s. An example of one Tesco store opening in a market town in Yorkshire, demonstrated that the existing Costcutter nearby received a turnover of a 50% decrease.[14] Although it is clear that supermarkets are not able to meet all grocery shopping needs as more local convenience stores fall into decline, less choice will be available to the consumer. In addition minority groups and those unable to access large super stores out of town, who would ordinarily have completed their shopping locally are now being forced into taking the cheaper option the presence of a smaller convenience Tesco Metro or Sainsbury’s central provides, making the audience for independent and convenience retailers even narrower. How might suppliers respond to the pressure they face? Suppliers are consistently left with fewer choices in terms of providing produce at an economic level consistent with continued growth resulting from the lack of profit made impossible from value Supermarket trading. Not only are they reduced to having to cut their costs, but they are under pressure in other areas like having to accept longer payment plans and cut prices sometimes even further by having to contribute to special supermarket promotional activity. [15] One of the options remaining is for suppliers to consider moving their industries abroad or carrying out more overseas trading. Alternatively by changing their products to meet the demanding needs of consumers to be greener, more organic and free range and finding new ways in which production costs can be consequently reduced in the process to impart better profits would be advantageous. Adapting to new methods of meeting the demands of the supermarkets are a continued necessity for suppliers to survive in the current market. Some suppliers may end up trading overseas, with the supermarkets forced to then buy the same product abroad at a higher cost, but with the profits going back into the pockets of the supplier. This will have a consequent knock-on effect to how all global supply and demand is met in the future. Alternatively the creation of Stockless centres through an enhanced supermarket internet home delivery service would enable goods to transfer directly from the supplier to the consumer door-to-door with no over-head costs. This would help reduce any transportation or logistic costs or financial implications incurred by the suppliers. Some supermarkets are now co-operating at a much more intensive level with their suppliers by recruiting specialists employed to work directly as a point of liaison to collaborate with the supplier in specific matters relating to the quality of the product they are providing, as well as financial advice and support with storage, refrigeration and logistical problems. [16]There is perhaps potential then to increase this level of support and develop a closer working relationship between retailer and supplier in order that both are satisfied. Bibliography Ebrahimi, H, 14 May 2006, Financial Daily Mail article ‘Britain’s top competition watchdog has said it is ready to see small suppliers squeezed out of business by powerful supermarkets so long as savings are passed on to consumers’ Gummesson, E (1999) Total Relationship Marketing: From the 4Ps Product, Price, Promotion, Place of Traditional Marketing Management to the 30Rs the Thirty Relationships of the New Marketing Paradigm: Butterworth-Heinemann Juniper.T, April 24, 2006 ‘A not so super market’, Guardian Newspaper Knights, D, and Wilmott, H (2000) The Reengineering Revolution? : Critical Studies of Corporate Change: Sage Knights, M (2005) ‘Sainsburys calls time on IT outsourcing contract’, Computing magazine University of Southamption press release, 03 November 2005, ‘Consumers Respond to transformation in UK Convenience Store Sector’, ref 05/191 Letter from Colin Graves to Tim Oyler, 23 November 2007 http://www.competition-commission.org.uk/inquiries/ref2006/grocery/pdf/responses_prov_findings_main_party_costcutter.pdf, Date accessed 12/09/08 (2002) ‘Asda fuelled by Wal-Mart power Food Retailing’, Eurofood article 7 March, 2006, ‘Asda plans marketing revamp’, Yorkshire Regional Development Agency article www.retail-vision.co.uk http://www.j-sainsbury.com/ar06/overview/groupperformance.shtml/ Chairman’s statement (2008) http://www.j-sainsbury.com/ar08/chairman/index.shtml, Date accessed 10/09/08 1 Footnotes [1] Juniper.T, April 24, 2006 ‘A not so super market’, Guardian Newspaper [2] (2002) ‘Asda fuelled by Wal-Mart power Food Retailing’, Eurofood article [3] Knights,M (2005) ‘Sainsburys calls time on IT outsourcing contract’, Computing magazine [4] http://www.j-sainsbury.com/ar06/overview/groupperformance.shtml/ Chairman’s statement (2008) http://www.j-sainsbury.com/ar08/chairman/index.shtml, Date accessed 10/09/08 [5] www.retail-vision.co.uk [6] 7 March, 2006, ‘Asda plans marketing revamp’, Yorkshire Regional Development Agency article [7] Johnson, B (2007) ‘Morrisons has sterling strategy’, Advertising Marketing article [8] Johnson, B (2007) ‘Morrisons has sterling strategy’, Advertising Marketing article [9] http://www.j-sainsbury.co.uk/files/reports/cr2005/index.asp?pageid=90 [10] Gough,V, 04 July 2008, Article from mycustomer.com, http://www.mycustomer.com/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=133794u=pndm=phnd, Date accessed13/09/08 [11] Gough,V, 04 July 2008, Article from mycustomer.com, http://www.mycustomer.com/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=133794u=pndm=phnd, Date accessed13/09/08 [12] http://www.tesco.ie/csr/index.html, Date accessed 13/09/08 [13] University of Southamption press release, 03 November 2005, ‘Consumers Respond to transformation in UK Convinience Store Sector’, ref 05/191 [14] Letter from Colin Graves to Tim Oyler, 23 November 2007 http://www.competition-commission.org.uk/inquiries/ref2006/grocery/pdf/responses_prov_findings_main_party_costcutter.pdf, Date accessed 12/09/08 [15] Ebrahimi,H, 14 May 2006, Financial Daily Mail article ‘Britain’s top competition watchdog has said it is ready to see small suppliers squeezed out of business by powerful supermarkets so long as savings are passed on to consumers’ [16] Knights, D, and Wilmott, H (2000) The Reengineering Revolution?: Critical Studies of Corporate Change : Sage

USA vs Jeffrey Lee Parson :: essays research papers

United States of America Vs. Jeffrey Lee Parson United States of America, Plaintiff vs Jeffrey Lee Parsons, Defendant. With the help of the Cyber Squad in the Seattle Division of the FBI, United States Secret Service and victim, Microsoft Corporation, a complaint was filed on August 28, 2003. According to the plaintiff, this individual intentionally caused and attempted to cause damage to a protected computer. Using the Homeland Security Act and the Cyber Security Enhancement Act, the complaint was filed under the U.S.C. Title 18, Sections 1030(a)(5)(A)(i), 1030(a)(5)(B)(i), 1030(b), and 1030(c)(4)(A), and Section 2. On August 12, 2003, a computer worm was released called MSBlaster.B, which was distributed through two files â€Å"teekids.exe† ( which included code that directs compromised computers to attack the Microsoft domain name www.windowsupdate.com and a backdoor file â€Å"Lithium† ( which allows a way into a password protected system without use of a password and remote control a system). The worm itself targeted mostly Windows 2000 & Windows XP systems. If Windows NT or Windows 2003 servers do not have the appropriate patches, they too may be vulnerable. The function of the worm is to exploit the DCOM RPC vulnerability. All information obtained about an IP address from where authorities suspected the worm had came from led them to obtain a search warrant on a individual on August 19, 2003. On that day, FBI and USSS Special Agents seized seven computers throughout the household. The individual in question, Jeffrey Lee Parson, admitted to agents that he modified the Blaster worm and creating a variety of them including one named, W32/Lovesan.worm.b. Within the worm he placed code that would direct computers to his personal website, www.t33kid.com, so he could maintain a list of compromised computers. According to authorities, with the use of the worm and it’s code named â€Å"teekids.exe†, he was able to infect at least seven thousand computers upon releasing it to the internet. Using the â€Å"Lithium† file within the worm, he accessed the infected computers. He used those computers to launch and even larger attack called a DDos Attack (a target computer is inundated with requests from a overwhelming number of sources causing a computer to be overwhelmed and shut down). After he gained control, those seven thousand computers were used to launch the attack that contacted approximately 41,000 computers. Those were instructed to do an attack on the Microsoft web site. Federal investigators have estimated the cost of destruction to be around $1.