Free Essays on Zeno Ans The First Paradox Of Motion

Name: Preven Chetty Zeno of Elea furthermore, the principal oddity of movement {including its connection to the hypothesis on Maya also, an informative supplement on Lao Tzu} - So as to get Zeno and his contentions against movement it is useful to know his experience. This is troublesome in light of the fact that Zeno was alive in 450 B.C and there are barely any materials about him. A large portion of our data is aberrant and conceivably all of Zeno’s contentions on movement have risen up out of one book. What we can securely accept anyway was that Zeno was a follower of Parmenides and a supporter of his speculations. Foundation Theories Parmenides (c.515,445 B.C) accepted that there is no genuine change on the planet and that all of the truth is really one. Parmenides changed the course of Greek way of thinking and not until Plato and Aristotle (384-322 BC) would any thinker challenge his supernatural suppositions. Parmenides compositions are as a philosophical sonnet and in the sonnet it is said that he was driven in a chariot to the entryways of light and dull where he met a heavenly goddess who gave him that reality can't be created or decimated, is all indistinguishable, unaffected and complete ( Mautner, T, 1996). It is intriguing to note now that Parmenides monistic perspective on the world isn't just to be found in mainstream Greek way of thinking however it is additionally the establishment of Indian way of thinking. In old India, even before the hour of Parmenides there was a developing agreement among researchers that the universe is fanciful and is a projection of the One Being. In this way the truth is a deception (otherwise called Maya) and its shifted and changing nature is bogus for it is generally a certain something (Edgerton, F, 1952). Regular in Indian way of thinking is the possibility that the faculties are additionally a result of Maya (for example : obliviousness). Want is seen as bogus since it is resulting from ignor... Free Essays on Zeno Ans The First Paradox Of Motion Free Essays on Zeno Ans The First Paradox Of Motion Name: Preven Chetty Zeno of Elea furthermore, the main oddity of movement {including its relationship to the hypothesis on Maya also, a reference section on Lao Tzu} - So as to get Zeno and his contentions against movement it is useful to know his experience. This is troublesome in light of the fact that Zeno was alive in 450 B.C and there are barely any materials about him. A large portion of our data is backhanded and potentially all of Zeno’s contentions on movement have risen up out of one book. What we can securely expect anyway was that Zeno was a pupil of Parmenides and a supporter of his speculations. Foundation Theories Parmenides (c.515,445 B.C) accepted that there is no genuine change on the planet and that all of the truth is really one. Parmenides changed the course of Greek way of thinking and not until Plato and Aristotle (384-322 BC) would any thinker challenge his otherworldly presumptions. Parmenides compositions are as a philosophical sonnet and in the sonnet it is said that he was driven in a chariot to the entryways of light and dim where he met an awesome goddess who gave him that reality can't be produced or demolished, is all indistinguishable, unaffected and complete ( Mautner, T, 1996). It is fascinating to note now that Parmenides monistic perspective on the world isn't just to be found in mainstream Greek way of thinking however it is likewise the establishment of Indian way of thinking. In old India, even before the hour of Parmenides there was a developing agreement among researchers that the universe is fanciful and is a projection of the One Being. Therefore the truth is a dream (otherwise called Maya) and its fluctuated and changing nature is bogus for it is generally a certain something (Edgerton, F, 1952). Regular in Indian way of thinking is the possibility that the faculties are likewise a result of Maya (for example : numbness). Want is seen as bogus since it is conceived out of ignor...

In Dubious Battle essays

In Dubious Battle articles In Dubious Battle : Criticizing Communism and Capitalism John Steinbeck in his extraordinary strike novel In Dubious Battle gives, Steinbeck doesn't just acclaim socialism or free enterprise so far as that is concerned. He is basically telling the positive and the negative of both. Steinbeck censures socialism by indicating how it dehumanizes a person by making the individual view individuals as basically items to be abused for the Party. He lauds socialism by showing the extraordinary devotion that Jim, Mac, and others have to the reason and by exhibiting the outrageous persecution that the couple of rich landowners put forth for the working men. By continuing in this design all through the novel Steinbeck gives a genuinely exact delineation of socialism. One of the essential purposes behind this fastidious outline of socialism is that Steinbeck looked for and got data from real socialists. In a letter to his specialists Steinbeck composes, My data for this book came generally from Irish and Italian socialists whose preparation was in th e field, not in the drawing room. They do what they can under the circumstances.(Lisca 113) This clarifies the virtuoso behind Mac's character and the virtuoso that Jim gained later in the novel. The two of them had the capacity to do precisely what the Irish and Italian field laborers did, and that was to utilize all that they could to propel the socialist reason. Macintosh and Jim utilized everybody and everything that ran over their ways. They started utilizing individuals when they got off the train in the Torga Valley. They took a chance with the lives of Lisa, London's better half, and her infant kid to get the men to fill in as a group and trust one another. Macintosh played specialist and acted like he knew how to delver a child when the main thing he knew was to keep the zone clean (Levant). He got the men to cooperate to help convey the infant. Macintosh ensured that each man felt like he had planned something supportive for the objective of conveying the infant, regardles s of whether they... <! In Dubious Battle papers John Steinbecks, In Dubious Battle, is a common novel that catches the lives of transient apple plantation laborers in Torgas Valley, California during the 1930s. Steinbeck composed this novel to teach others, through great writing, about the issues average workers Americans face when abused and constrained by a free enterprise social society. Macintosh and Jim are work coordinators who make a trip into Torgas Valley to examine the conditions that the transient laborers face as they pick apples for low wages and poor working conditions. Macintosh is a veteran work coordinator who accepts that the working men of America are being misused by the serious control of entrepreneur social frameworks. Macintosh accepts that the estimation of work goes to the business people and not the laborers. The pay battle is of extraordinary worry to Mac. When inquired as to whether he is an extreme he replied, Anybody that needs a living compensation is a radical. (Steinbeck, 1936) Jim is newcomer to the reason. Steinbeck utilizes Jims character as somebody that joins the work development in the wake of encountering the setback of an entrepreneur framework. For instance, Jim was thumped and captured for vagrancy when he was tuning in to an extreme gathering outside his work place. This out of line and unlawful conduct caused Jim to join the opposite side. The side that battled against the abuse of the regular workers. Steinbeck utilizes the two characters to draw out issues that impact the regular workers. When Mac and Jim show up in Torgas Valley, they depict themselves as transient laborers and start their examination concerning the abuse of the laborers. Steinbeck starts instructing us by demonstrating the peruser how the laborers really lived. Steinbeck represents this when a pregnant spouse of a transient specialist is frozen to bring forth her infant in an unsanitary tent, with no specialist or clinical supplies. This is a case of poor everyday environments. Working conditions p... <!

Discussion format 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Conversation group 2 - Assignment Example What should be thought about both of these large organizations is that they give a significant number of the items to the lesser realized store brands. In one store the mustard may have the store name on it, however it really was made by either Kraft of Heinz. In numerous occurrences these store brands are made in a similar production line and simultaneously. These items are placed into various jugs or plastic holders that convey the store’s name or brand. This is how business is being done so as to keep the expense of the store thing low. Not many individuals see how this is practiced. The bigger organizations are not harmed by the store brands. What these organizations might want for one to accept is that they have the customer’s enthusiasm on a fundamental level, when in reality all they are keen on is the cash that one will spend on their item. 2. Macy’; s versus JC Penny has been contenders for a long time; they have fundamentally the same as customers. Anyw ay the Penny customer will in general be somewhat more economical and is continually watching her financial plan. The Macy’s customer is an all the more friendly and prepared to spend. The two stores are in a similar ball park; however in their very own round.

What to Expect From Epistemology Essay Topics?

What to Expect From Epistemology Essay Topics? How to Choose Epistemology Essay Topics Together with the topics, you'd come across loads of papers at no cost. To choose which subject you're likely to discuss, it's crucial to see the complete collection of good persuasive speech topics from the specific area of study. Since you can see, a number of the topics listed are new and tackle the present issues happening in the World today. Showing awareness about recent changes in the subject you're writing on is very vital to win a fantastic grade. Existing events are frequently the topic of argumentative topics for college students. The issue, nevertheless, is that not all businesses can be relied on to deliver quality essays on time so you need to be mindful in selecting one. Controversial issues are happening all of the time, all you have to do is turn on the news and you'll be able to locate a vast collection of topics to select from. Among the most prevalent issues in our world today is the matter of deforestation. To begin with, when considering what you wish to say, think of what sort of role you wish to play, and what type of medium would suit that very best. If you would like to pursue philosophy communication for a career, that's different. The next thing to do is to make your ontology in the Protege. What's more, you produce an extremely practical knowledge that will also be used, by a considerable number of individuals. Up in Arms About Epistemology Essay Topics? It's important to understand that essay to pics are just basic ideas that leave you pondering a notion that might be a huge deal to somebody else. Possessing no concept of the persuasive essay topics, you just do not understand what to write about. Argumentative essay topics are so important since they are debatableand it's vital to at all times be critically considering the world around us. Argumentative essay topics cover a wide number of subjects, and can be quite persuasive if a superior essay represents them. Another good idea is to receive some absolutely free essay examples of different sorts and on various subjects to find a general idea of the way in which a thriving debatable paper looks. Qualities of a very good persuasive essay topic The topic needs to be specific. Selecting an excellent topic for your essay is among the most significant and frequently tricky parts for many students. There are several interesting and challenging Shakespeare essay topics to select from. The writers at Paper Masters will help you with answering the challenging questions that epistemology poses. Philosophy is now perceived by many people to be irrelevant. You have to know all parts of financial topics after you choose them. If it's a college essay, it is critical to consider what aspects of it is going to be evaluated. Take notes concerning all possible topics you are able to consider. It will be simpler that you compose an excellent persuasive essay if it's a subject in which you have knowledge. Epistemology Essay Topics Help! Be aware that philosophers generally have an extremely blended view on Epistemology. Kant wanted to create the form of knowledge that metaphysics is into the sort of knowledge that mathematics is. Just like ontology, epistemology was also studied from the start. Epistemology Epistemology is the subject of philosophy that's concerned with knowledge. Belief does not need to be true to be regarded as as a belief. Emotion is crucial, without doubt. Intuition is a kind of rational insight. Knowledge is the awareness and knowledge of particular facets of reality.

The Occurrence American Revolution - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 708 Downloads: 10 Date added: 2019/04/26 Category History Essay Level High school Tags: American Revolution Essay Did you like this example? The American Revolution The Occurrence American Revolution was justified as it had tremendous ramification on different spheres of the American nation. The revolutionary war affected the politics, economy and democratic advancement and contributed to the emancipation of the American people from the oppressive rule of the British. The fact that the American Revolution led to the development of a democratic American Nation cannot be underestimated. It is relevant to note that the freedom that America achieved from the yokes of the British colonialist is identified as a model of democratic principles and has equally influenced many other countries in the world. The American war, therefore, affected America in gigantic proportions. Argument It is important to propose that the American Revolution is considered the longest military conflict that occurred in America before the Vietnam War. The American War of Independence occurred between the years of 1775-83 and had the objective of freeing the American nation from the influence of the British colonialism (Allison 57). Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Occurrence American Revolution" essay for you Create order The aftermath of the war was the realization of independence of the United States. It is evident that Britain had colonized the United States for a long time. The revolution was therefore tailored to free the United States from the oppressive grip of the British colonialists. It is clear that the American Revolution was justified as it played a significant role towards the freedom of the United States from the British rule. It equally influenced political decisions and triggered the occurrences of other revolutions in different parts of the world. The revolution was justifiedas it offered the minorities an opportunity to be freed from the oppressive policies of the white majorities. It is evident that the African Americans and Indian Americans had been discriminated and segregated by the white majorities. The whites, therefore, believed that in case of war, this groups of people would voluntarily support Britain in order to emancipate themselves. The revolution was necessary because it was a culmination of ten years of unfriendly relationship between the American colonies and the British colony. The revolution, therefore, spread rapidly in April 1775 through the military gunfire. This was the beginning of the revolutionary war that led to the emergence of the new American nation. The American colonies were against the proposed form of leadership that was being advocated for by Britain. The idea of themonarch was violently opposed by the colonies. There was controversy on how the electorate would make their voices heard through the elections. It is, however, important to note that despite the revolution decisions, the American nation has come out as an oasis of democratic governance as it has been a representation of democratic principles that have not only positioned the nation in an enviable position but equally spread the same principles to other countries. The American nation has insistently prioritized implementation of the bill of rights with the passage of the new constitution that has stabilized the American nation. The democracy that has been achieved in the United States through the adoption of the constitution has helped in the formation of a government. The constitution and democratic principles adopted by the US has led to the empowerment of the citizens in tremendous ways. It is true that the United States was able to form a truly democratic government in 1776 after the provincial congress drafted the Bill of right as well as the constitution. After the constitution and declaration of rights were passed, it fundamentally guaranteed basic rights to the citizens. The Patriots followed suit by the adoption of the bill of rights before forming governments on their respective states. This reinforced the reasons why the colonies were determined to gain their liberty by fighting what was considered to be the oppressive colonial government. The constitution embraced the importance of personal freedoms among American citizens. The creation of the creation of the new government that was based on democratic principles was a big achievement for the United States. The passage of the constitution passed the sovereignty authority to the people but not individuals. The idea of the government of the people and for the people, therefore, justified the revolutionary vision of the people. In a nutshell, the United States has continually advocated for the creation of a government based on written democratic principles.

Alexander The Great s Influence On The Persian Empire

Alexander the Great, he is one the most glorified and historically significant leaders within history. Unique, the one word that could be used to describe the details and importance of his life. Unlike his predecessors that came before him, what sets him apart has to be how he rose to power and how he used that power. And even though he only lived until the age of 33, he accomplished what those that came before him failed to do so. The topics to be discussed are how he rose to power and what he managed to accomplish through military strategies and his cultural influence on the Persian Empire. In order to actually understand how Alexander the Great came to power, we must first explore into his background. He was born around 356 B.C.E in July within the capital city of Macedonia. When he was just a small child, he spent his time observing his father, Phillip the II, who during that time was the current leader of Macedonia. His father was a force to be reckoned with, and scholars like to link this to Alexander’s future success within the empire. Along with watching his father, little Alexander at the age of 13, eventually gained a very smart and intelligent tutor by the name of Aristotle. Of which, was a very successful philosopher that taught him literature and rhetoric. It would later serve a purpose in increasing Alexander’s interest in many subjects such as science, medicine and philosophy. This process of his training would continue on until he reached the age of 16. LaterShow MoreRelatedThe Persian Empire By Cyrus The Great1710 Words   |  7 Pagescentu ry BCE the Persian Empire was the main empire dominating most of the Mediterranean Sea. It ran from part of modern Afghanistan and Pakistan in to modern day Turkey and portions of Northern Greece. The Persian Empire was a strict state with powerful kings ruling over the massive empire. The empire ruled over a vast ethnic group and proved to have success in diversity, especially with Jews, whose history have been well documented with the Persian Empire. The beginning of the Persian Empire is accreditedRead MoreAlexander IIi Of Macedonia Truly Worthy Of The Title Essay953 Words   |  4 PagesWas Alexander III of Macedonia really worthy of the title â€Å"†Great† or was he just a megalomaniac conditioned into this belief by his followers? Well, if you consider his military legacy which is almost as large as the swath of territory he conquered spanning from modern day Greece to northern India, or the fact that his over 2,000 year old combat tactics are still being taught at military academies the world over, I don’t believe the word â€Å"great† would be too far from imagination. When AlexanderRead MoreHow Great Was Alexander The Great?810 Words   |  4 PagesHow Great Was Alexander the Great? You are trudging through the desert. The sun is blazing and you are already very dehydrated. You are very discouraged and are ready to give up. Some scouts came back from a search for water they are carrying a helmet in their hands. You see them walk past you towards the King. Of course he gets it. You get jealous and upset. You see him lift up the helmet †¦ and dump it on the sandy floor. What’s happening? Why did he waste it. You hear him speak, â€Å"If there is notRead MoreThe Persian Royal Road Improve Governing And Communism Essay1737 Words   |  7 PagesEssential Questions Chapter 4 - Christopher Hallinan Why would the Persian Royal Road improve governing and communism in the Persian Empire? The Persian Royal Road was very beneficial for governing and communication because it allowed people to go throughout the empire efficiently. According to the Behistun inscription, how does Darius the first justify his assumption to power and why is his relationship to Ahuramazda significant? He says that he has power because Ahuramazda gave him controlRead MoreThe Trade Networks And The Persian Civilizations1123 Words   |  5 Pages 1.Which had a larger impact on the Persian civilizations - trade networks, diffusion of food and goods, spread of religion, or spread of disease? Please explain all 4 and choose one overall. I think the trade networks had a larger impact on the Persian civilizations. I believe the promotion of trade and economic integration by building and maintaining roads and issuing currencies determines the empire s success. The trade network linked lands from India to Egypt in a vast commercial zone.Read MoreSources Of Information About Alexander The Great1599 Words   |  7 PagesAlexander the great 1. Evaluate the ancient writers as sources of information about alexander the great Alexander the Great was born in the Pella region of Macedonia on July 20, 356 B.C., to parents King Philip of Macedon and Queen Olympia. Alexander the great served as the king of Macedonia from 336 to 323 BC. During his time leadership he united Greece reestablished the Corinthian league and conquered the Persian Empire, alexander was known as a conqueror during his time at the helm. He also becameRead MoreThe Capitol And Administrative Center Of Darius Empire906 Words   |  4 Pageslater great Achaemenid empire. 2. Persepolis pg. 162 The capitol and administrative center of Darius massive empire. Significance- The biggest city to exist at the time wit the most complex governing, city structure, and buildings of the era, a massive monument to Darius empire. 3. Satrapies pg. 163 A form of government that allowed people, called satraps, selected by the ruler to govern smaller areas, similar to states and governors. Significance- This system allowed a massive empire to beRead MoreThe Great Leader Of The Macedonian Empire2306 Words   |  10 Pagesmen’s empires. Alexander the Great leader of The Macedonian Empire that stood for 13 years. In contrast to Genghis Khan’s Mongol empire which began in 1206, and fell in 1368. Although difficult to compare to men and empires form totally different eras, Genghis Khan had a bigger impact on the world with his empire. In order to fully examine both empires in areas other than biographical. The focus in comparison will be in the following areas: rise to power, enemies, size of forces, terrain, empire durationRead MoreThe Qualities Of A Good Leader1694 Words   |  7 Pagesfollowers. Alexander the great was able to conquer most of the known world within his short life time as a result of his successful leadership skills. Born in the Pella region of Macedonia on July 20, 356 B.C., Alexander the Great was the son of King Philip II of Macedon and Queen Olympia, daughter of King Neoptolemus. Growing up in the royal court of Pella, Alexander hardly ever saw his father who spent most of his time occupied by military campaigns and affairs. Due to this Alexander grew up withRead MoreEssay about The Rise and Fall of the Persian Empire2007 Words   |  9 PagesIran was included in the territory of what was then the ancient Persian Empire. For centuries Iran (land of the Aryans) was also referred to as Persia, which was the official name until 1935. Fourteen years had passed before the Iranian government allowed the use of both names. Few groups of people today have significant history like the Iranians, descending from the ancient Persians, who possess one of the world’s richest and oldest cultures. Historically, a variety of other cultures and groups

Business Communication Methods-Free-Samples-Myassignmenthlep.com

Question: Discuss about the Implementation of Digital Communication tools from Direct and Instant messaging to Social Intarnet, chat rooms to discussion forums on Charles Schwab brokerage firm and how can affect the work of each department. Answer: Introduction The report gives an overview of the business communication undertaken by Charles Schwab Brokerage Firm. Thus, the report gives an overview of the Charles Schwab Brokerage Firm. There is also discussion on the importance of timing and up to date information in a financial industry. The report also discusses about the real execution of the communication strategies that includes chat rooms, discussion forums, internal blogs and instant and direct messaging facilities. Further, the report also discusses about the impact of the communication strategies on the brokerage firm. There are also necessary recommendations provided on the improvement of the company. Overview on Charles Schwab Brokerage Firm Charles Schwab Brokerage Firm is largest in terms of a brokerage firm with around 10 million active brokerage accounts of clients and $2.90 trillion assets of Client. The firm found by Charles R. Schwab in the year 1971 located in San Franscisco, California. The company however became Charles Schwab Co., Inc. in the year 1973. The company offers services to institutions and individuals that make online investment ("Investment Services: Stocks, Mutual Funds, ETFs | Charles Schwab", 2017). Moreover, the company also offers a platform for online trading where sale and purchase of financial securities takes place. The financial securities offered by the company includes preferred stocks, common stocks, future contracts, mutual funds, exchange traded funds and investments on fixed income. In addition, the firm also provides cash management services and margin lending which they do with the help of registered investment advisors. Presently, the firm has 335 branches with around 16,000 full time employees. These employees are responsible for the operation of the four primary divisions that includes wealth management, banking, trading and investing (Answers to Investing Retirement Questions | Charles Schwab", 2017). The company however has a prolonged history of corporate social responsibility that included employee volunteerism, community involvement and financial education program. However, the initiatives undertaken by the company includes: They initiate a program along with partnership with boys and girls club of America that teaches them basic techniques about money so that they can spend, save and invest wisely. They also collaborate with MoneyWise website and implement workshops for tackling topics related to money management along with engaging content and hands-on tool. The firm also initiates financial education in classrooms Ensures financial support for a variety of community and charity event especially selected by the employees. The firm develops, implements and researchers numerous environment friendly practices for reduction of the carbon footprint. The customers of Charles Schwab Brokerage Firm can feel confident about the fact that the company ensures safety of their personal information ("How to Invest | How to Invest Money | Charles Schwab", 2017). The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Customer Protection Rule and Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) along with Llyods coverage of additional SIPC make sure that the customer does not undergo extreme financial losses even if the company goes bankrupt. The firms security guarantee protects the customers from 100% losses. Importance of Timing and Up- to- date Information in Financial Industry Timing Market timing plays a very important role in the financial industry. The timing plays an important role due to the increasing message rates, higher trading of frequency and deeper analytic queries. This has set the need for precision of micro second level precision in the financial sector (Barron, Byard Liang, 2013). Thus, market timing refers to the strategy that deals with making buying or selling decisions of financial assets through the prediction of future movements of market price. The prediction however depends on outlook of the economic or market conditions resulting from fundamental or technical analysis. Market timing is sensible when there is an apparent bubble that has the capability of lasting for many years before the collapse of the prices. However, market timing is another name that defines trading (Shichor, 2012). Timing is crucial because every trader attempts to predict the futuristic price movements regardless of the fact whether trading is on individual stocks or collection of stocks including mutual funds. In absence of market timing trading of brokerage firms would not have taken place. Up to date Information The financial service industry has a vital role in World economy as it helps in moving money from entities that has excess funds to the ones that are in dire need for fund. Therefore, the financial service industry includes firms engaged in activities like lending, investing, insurance, trading, securities, brokerage firms and security insurance. Their clients however include individuals, non profit organizations, businesses and agencies of government (Poess et al., 2014). Of them, brokerage firm facilitates in the selling and buying of financial securities amongst the seller and the buyer. These firms trade securities and public stocks through its stockbrokers. Such firms are also responsible for offering margin loans for purchasing investments on the credit subjected to the agreed conditions and term. However, the traditional brokerage firms are source of updated stock quotes as well as prices. Thus, up to date information helps financial service industry in keeping a track of thes e stocks. Real Execution of Communication Strategies Thus to conceive, implement and ensure actual execution of communication strategies like direct and instant messaging, chat rooms, internal blogs and discussion forums there is the need for three critical components (Downs Adrian, 2012): The first step refers to the implementation of a higher level strategy. This includes increasing awareness, community and generation of publicity. The second step refers to the mid level strategy which mainly focuses on increasing the traffic. The third step however refers to low level strategy where the focus is mainly on the fact that the implementation of these communication strategies proves to be beneficial for the financial sector. How the Communication Strategies help the Company Instant and Direct Messaging The Direct and Indirect messaging facilities enables people in using chat communication via internet for relaying real time information in back and forth manner. Often this is as a tool for social media networking however many company makes use of these instant messaging facilities as part of their business routine (Pazos, Chung Micari, 2013). The instant messaging facilities are communication strategies with various advantages and disadvantages mentioned as follows: Ensure Cost Saving The financial sector through facilities of instant messaging enables real time communication among two people in any portion of world without having to pay charges for the domestic or international distances by only using a telephone. It is these phone companies that offer various plans for this unlimited instant messaging across local and long distance. Thus, the reduced cost associated with the instant messaging facilities proves to be beneficial for the financial industry. Ensure Convenience The financial industry through the instant messaging facilities also ensures convenience as they allow fast real time conversation. Thus, the instant messaging facilities will not stop a business associate from whatever he or she is doing in order to answer to the higher authorities. Invitation to Virus In instant message facilities the sender possesses the power to send files during conversation. Though this amounts of some amount of convenience amongst the business associates but at the same time can come across as an internet criminal or hacker. Instant message invites viruses that can not only destroy the entire network but also the computer. Risk of Sharing Sensitive Information There might be chances when the instant messaging program gets hacked by the criminals and therefore important messages get encrypted without prior knowledge to the financial industry. Sharing information through instant messaging therefore becomes a risk for the future and current projects of the company. Chat Rooms Businesses make use of Chat rooms for connecting with other office, potential customers and clients (Wild, Wild Han, 2014). There is a place for chat for almost every company which enables them to interact quickly with the visitors. The benefits of having chat rooms are as follows: Ensuring Brainstorming: The Chat rooms ensures the most secure location for the employees of any financial company for the purpose of meeting and brainstorming Enables Conferencing with the Clients: The Chat rooms enables the users to take a part in the discussion from any location and thereby come to any ideal solution (Jenks, 2014). Thus, the real time interactions do not require the employees to closely sit together which makes the discussion more comfortable. Provides Customer Support The concept of live Chat room has become quite common for business websites as they enable them in providing immediate answers to the client questions. Ensures Distance Training The chat room provides easier and lower cost means for the training of the employees. However, the trainers can be online through chat at varied points throughout the week thereby allowing employees in accessing training as per their convenient time (Chang Wang, 2012). Employee Support Chat room can also act as a support for the employees as they can clear their queries by entering into a live chat. Leads to Enhanced Productivity Through the live chat room facilities employees tend to become more productive as they do have to travel for attending a conference or discussion. Discussion Forums The discussion forum plays a crucial role for any financial industry and people get attracted towards any discussion forum for the following reasons (Hartman, DesJardins MacDonald, 2014). Ensures Providing Customer Support The financial industry focuses on undertaking discussion forum for ensuring happy customers. Helps in Retention of the Audience The presence of the discussion forum also helps audience retention. The industry can however create such forums either through social media platforms or a well designed website. Helps in Market Research However for any business market research is an important aspect. Therefore, the financial industry must do it rightly by adopting the right approach (Quinn, 2014). Thus, collection of information should be done in a manner so that the audience do not act like guinea pigs. It is here that discussion forum comes into play provides information related to market. Enables Personal Interaction Most of the clients look forward to invest in a company with a good image. Discussion forum not only helps in personal interaction with their clients but at the same time helps in portraying a good image of the company. Provides Customer Based Support The presence of discussion forums enables the company in answering the questions rightly. This procedure thus might have a dramatic effect on the retention of the customers. Enables Project Management or Collaboration There are times when a financial company finds itself in a soup as it is unable to find the right approach that works for the company. However, discussion forum helps in finding such approach. Helps in Creation of Knowledge Base The knowledge base is important for a financial company as it beneficial to the clients, customers and employees (Jussila, Krkkinen Aramo-Immonen, 2014). This is however enabled through discussion forum. In addition, this also helps for on boarding of newer employees Internal Blogs Internal Blogs will enrich the financial company in a number of ways which are as follows (Treem Leonardi, 2013): Helps in knowledge and information sharing: Internal blog acts powerful tool for the financial industry in terms of knowledge sharing and information. When a change in an organization needs to communicated to everyone then blogging seems to be very helpful. Helps in communicating the vision of the company: An internal blog helps in effectively communicating the vision of the company and its core values to the employees. This helps the employees in collectively working towards them. Helps in increased involvement and communication: The internal blog also aids the employees in publishing a post and accordingly gather ratings and comments for such discussion and keep it going (Chau Xu, 2012). This promotes open communication amongst employees thereby boosting their involvement and employee engagement. Helps in building the community and culture of the company: Internal blog by the financial company help in fostering its culture and ensure a sense of community building. However, the employees can use blogs for promoting the upcoming events, celebrating employee milestones and also increase awareness. Recommendation The implementation of the digital communication tool can lead to improvement in the functioning of the financial sector through: Support Service through Every Channel The financial institutions through digital communication tools can escape the risk of losing the customers to the competitors. This can be done through the effective use of email, web, instant messaging, social media, videoconferencing and instructional videos. Ensure More Secured Interactions: The financial institutions through the effective use of digital communication tools can also lead to more secured information by maintaining privacy, identification of theft and keeping information secured. Conclusion The report ends in the note light of providing necessary recommendations that will lead to improvement of the brokerage firm. Through the report one also gets to know the real execution of the communication strategies in a financial industry. These strategies however include chat rooms, discussion forums, internal blogs and instant and direct messages. There is also a mention of how these communication strategies are helping the brokerage firm under discussion. Through the report one will also get to know how timing and up to date information is necessary for a financial organization References: Answers to Investing Retirement Questions | Charles Schwab. (2017).Schwab.com. Retrieved 30 November 2017, from https://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/investing/why_choose_schwab Barron, O. E., Byard, D., Liang, L. (2013). Analyst pessimism and forecast timing.Journal of Business Finance Accounting,40(5-6), 719-739. Chang, D. S., Wang, T. H. (2012). Consumer preferences for service recovery options after delivery delay when shopping online.Social Behavior and Personality: an international journal,40(6), 1033-1043. Chau, M., Xu, J. (2012). Business intelligence in blogs: Understanding consumer interactions and communities.MIS quarterly,36(4). Downs, C. W., Adrian, A. D. (2012).Assessing organizational communication: Strategic communication audits. Guilford Press Hartman, L. P., DesJardins, J. R., MacDonald, C. (2014).Business ethics: Decision making for personal integrity and social responsibility. New York: McGraw-Hill. How to Invest | How to Invest Money | Charles Schwab. (2017).Schwab.com. Retrieved 30 November 2017, from https://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/investing/retirement_and_planning/how_to_invest Investment Services: Stocks, Mutual Funds, ETFs | Charles Schwab. (2017).Schwab.com. Retrieved 30 November 2017, from https://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/investing/invest.h Jenks, C. (2014).Social interaction in second language chat rooms. Edinburgh University Press. Jussila, J. J., Krkkinen, H., Aramo-Immonen, H. (2014). Social media utilization in business-to-business relationships of technology industry firms.Computers in Human Behavior,30, 606-613. Pazos, P., Chung, J. M., Micari, M. (2013). Instant messaging as a task-support tool in information technology organizations.The Journal of Business Communication (1973),50(1), 68-86. Poess, M., Rabl, T., Jacobsen, H. A., Caufield, B. (2014). TPC-DI: the first industry benchmark for data integration.Proceedings of the VLDB Endowment,7(13), 1367-1378. Quinn, M. J. (2014).Ethics for the information age. Pearson. Shichor, D. (2012). The late trading and market-timing scandal of mutual funds.Crime, law and social change,57(1), 15-32. Treem, J. W., Leonardi, P. M. (2013). Social media use in organizations: Exploring the affordances of visibility, editability, persistence, and association.Annals of the International Communication Association,36(1), 143-189. Wild, J. J., Wild, K. L., Han, J. C. (2014).International business. Pearson Education Limited.

Body Image free essay sample

Bianca, thirteen years old, worked a lot harder in gym, walked home faster than she usually would, and skipped meals when she noticed she had less space between her thighs. Seven year old Sharon goes to an eating disorder hospital and faints multiple times because she thinks she is fat. Bryan, twenty-one years old, overdosed on steroids and ended up in the hospital because he was not as big and built as the other guys in the gym. People constantly compare themselves and never seem satisfied with the way they look. With the changes in society and things and people being idolized, teens feel pressured to be something they are not and develop negative body image. From a young age, people begin to pay more attention to how they picture themselves and how they think others see them. Some develop positive body image, but others develop negative body image. It is estimated that millions more struggle with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem tied to dissatisfaction with body image (â€Å"Body Image amp; The Media† 1). We will write a custom essay sample on Body Image or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page According to Fitzhugh, some contributions to negative body image may be being neglected or abused during childhood, being around people who judge others only by the way they look, and being teased about appearance as a child or teenager (6). Another contribution to negative body image is the media. The media plays a hugh role to the way people view themselves. It influences the decisions a person makes in an average day and affects the environment as well. Body image is more than just physical appearance or how attractive you look (Fitzhugh 4). Fitzhugh states that it can be complex and includes physical sensations from the body, your emotions, and your thoughts (4). It is how one sees them self when they look in the mirror, what they believe about their own appearance (including memories, assumptions, and generalizations), and how someone feels about their body, including their height, weight, and shape. It is also how sense and control your body, how you feel in your body, not just about your body. The media, also known as the blame of body image, advertises to people what is hot and what is not. Lynn-nore Chittom and Laura Finley both  agree that advertising campaigns with pencil-thin models are partly to blame for statistics, and contribute to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and depression. Some methods of advertisement are using digitally altered images of models to grab your attention (Fitzhugh 13), using celebrities to endorse the product, and statistics and images to show that the product works. Men and women who are insecure about their bodies are more likely to buy beauty and body building products, new clothes, and diet aids (Ballaro and Wagner) to make them feel better about themselves. Teenagers learn what society considers an ideal physique primarily from the media. They are bombarded with images in magazines, movies, on television, and in music that display what is fashionable and attractive. Experts conclude that viewing images of extremely thin models or strong and muscular men may negatively influences peoples’ body image. Once seen in the media and knowing what is idolized, societies desires are then reflected into the environment. The environment is the biggest challenge facing the nation. Constantly being surrounded by methods, objects, and people that will make someone feel better about themselves, pressure them and will eventually affect their attitude. Your environment sets examples for you, helps you to decide who to surround yourself with, and helps you to develop your body image. To most teens and adolescents, the environment that matters the most to them is school. School is the place where kids get to see who and what is popular as well as who and what is out and uncool. A big concern in this environment skinny versus fat. According to the NEDA, National Eating Disorder Association, eighty percent of girls and boys are unhappy with their appearance and approximately forty-five percent are dieting on any given day (Chittom and Finley). Studies say that more than ninety percent of high school junior and senior women diet regularly (â€Å"Body Image†). With so much lack of positive body image, how can anyone be satisfied with themselves? When people have a positive body image, they tend to feel good about themselves generally and are in touch with their bodies, and this can lead to them taking care of themselves in a healthy way (Fitzhugh 5). As appose to those with negative body image, they are not as in touch with themselves physically, emotionally, and mentally. Feeling this way may cause people to develop disorders and complications. Some of them being Anorexia Nervosa, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Bulimia Nervosa, and Muscle Dysmorphia. Other people even result to plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. There have also been cases where people become obsessed with doing this. It is unhealthy and another factor to poor body image. The littlest flaws become major issues to these people. The effects of negative body image may seem minor at one point, but they eventually become more drastic and cause a domino effect of more health problems and complications. Body image issues need to be addressed, and friends are often the first ones to be concerned, so they are in the best position to help. If a friend has a body image issue, the NEDA has several recommendations to help, including learning more about eating disorders and understanding the facts about weight, nutrition, and exercise (â€Å"Body Image†). Talking honestly, being caring, offering compliments, and being a good role model can all help. The NEDA stresses, however, that anyone struggling with an eating disorder or depression needs professional help, so it is also important to know when to seek help for yourself or a friend (â€Å"Body Image†). As the media, parents, teachers, and teens all become more aware of the problems related to body image, more can be done to help people achieve healthy levels of body image. Body image plays a major role in many peoples lives. It is only from a new way of looking at a problem that people will begin to feel better about themselves. More people should focus on making more time to accept the natural dimensions of their body instead of drastically trying to change them. They cannot change their bodies for new ones. So the best thing to do is find peace with the one you have. Your body is where you are going to be living for the rest of your life. Do you not agree it is time to make it home?

Uncommon Clay essays

Uncommon Clay essays Uncommon Clay was devised and directed by Jeanine Thompson. I saw the 8:00 PM at the Thuber Theatre. This play purpose was to relate to others the hardships and ordeals that Camille Claudel had dealt with from her child hood all the way up to her containment in a psychiatric asylum. As the play opens, an old woman who is Camille in her old age, which is referred to as the Current Camille, greets us. She begins to tell a story beginning when she was at the age of 17 and moving right up to where she is admitted into an insane asylum. Along the way Camille reveals to the audience; the happiness, hardships, betrayal, and emptiness that she goes through during her life. In this play, there are many artistic influences presented. Three that stood out were from Antonin Artaud, The Bread and Puppet Theatre, and Bertolt Brecht. Artuads purpose was to create a theatre that shared and involved the audiences reactions and emotions. This is shown during Camilles struggle with her love affair with Rodin and how it transforms into a bitter illusion of betrayal and insanity. Artaud wanted to connect mind, body, and spirit. Jeanine Thompson is doing just that with Camilles sculptors. Her mind creates these sculptors, which evokes a spirit. Bread and Puppet Theatre is seen with Camilles loss of spirit. She displays this when she destroys most of her work. Her hands into the sculptures transformed her spirit. She was so afraid of her art being stolen or commercialized she had lost her spirit. Her sculptures had life and movement in them, which displays the Puppet part of this theatre. Had her art told a story by the way she positioned the body parts, such as the seen where she keeps going behind Rodin's back and adjusting the model. She wants the model a certain way with her arms in to relate a feeling of tension, which is part of the conventions of the Bread and Puppet Theatre. Finally see a lot of B...

Interaction Design Problem Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Interaction Design Problem - Assignment Example In addition, the software design effectiveness from the client’s viewpoint is greatly concerned with the user interface. In this scenario, the system or software user interface is the screen connections and designs among operational screens that permit the client to communicate with the application. Hence, it forces software developers to produce products that convene the requirements of the users. In fact, the software that convinces the requirements of uses is taken as a more user friendly system (Harish). This paper will analyze some of the major interaction design related problems in technology based systems. At the present, system developers are paying a great deal more attention on interface design however in this situation there are also some issues still present in some extensively engineered systems. In this scenario, the basic aim of this research is to assess and analyze Facebook’s Timeline interaction design problems. In this paper, I will discuss some of th e major issues and interaction design problems with Facebook Timeline. This research will also highlight some the basic issues in a less software based application. For this purpose I am going to assess and analyze the interaction design problems in the automated navigation system. Facebook Timeline Interaction Design Problem In this scenario, it is assessed; that Facebook can soon be altering its new beacon web based social network feature that shares user’s personal details (if we are not discovering it personally) through 3rd party websites outside the Facebook. In this scenario, the main interaction design issue is about the Facebook timeline interface. In Facebook Timeline interface people need to work themselves into frenzies regarding privacy and in danger to deactivate. A small number of people really did, and eventually the Newsfeed turned into one of the the majority dynamic (as well as addicting) constituents of the entire Facebook web based social network (Krause; Brown; Mueller). Additionally, the Facebook Timeline idea encompasses a number of flawed aspects regarding user interaction. In this scenario, because of user interface, privacy, or anything is yet remotely technical. In addition, the challenge is very straightforward people, and their web based characteristics have changed. In fact, the Timeline, by getting and classifying all of our past posts and activities on the website, stops us from ever cutting loose and starting over (Krause; Brown; Mueller). Figure 1 Facebook Timeline Exposing all Posts Formerly, we could alter our profile picture. We could delete some items that tacky album we posted online during freshman orientation. However, if we did not dynamically delete our web based content, our drunken photos, activity, midnight rants, jokes faded away with time. However, with the Timeline Facebook interface we have all these contents back to user’s notice. In addition, by using the new Timeline Facebook feature, all cont ents that we previously posted is back. Moreover, if we have been still partially active on Facebook for the previous few years, there is just too much of it to probably delete manually (Krause; Brown; Mueller). Figure 2 Timeline Previous Details Panel Moreover, this is one of the biggest personal user privacy issues

Silent Film Music Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Silent Film Music - Essay Example As many composers say, composing music is like using all your skills to bring out what you are thinking, feeling and have in mind, to expose your bare soul the moment of the situation you are composing for. So, music creates emotions that we are already capable of feeling, it is enjoyable and makes us feel good and sometimes makes us want to dance and that is based on a biology theory. Also, music can relate with mathematics as many philosophers said. Music is everywhere, in radios, CDs, films/movies. As people know, films without sound are not understandable. This is the reason why back in the early years of films, the producers soon decided to connect their pictures, movements and ideas with sound. Silent films began to have more meaning through them. The 1920's, stands out of the history because of the radical changes that America underwent. In that decade, America, while being one of the wealthiest countries, had the resources to evolve in almost every field and therefore many ef fective changes in fashion, hairstyles, entertainment and music are recognized. Therefore, all films during that period were acknowledged from the wide public as one of the most powerful factors of the contemporary life. At the beginning of that time, it was found from the industry that the popularity could help with propagate to itself the relative for arts of music. During the influential years of the Silent Films, the musical accompaniment was reinforced by a pianist striking a tuneless mechanical instrument, with the same loud tunes and melodies in the ears of someone, whether the screen showed a romantic scene of two lovers kissing or a villain threatening an innocent civilian. But during the 1920's all this had been changed when large images began to circulate with a specially prepared effective score. Major film industries presented the known deluxe shows with symphony orchestras to accompany films but also involved short presentations on stage in the context of full scale re creational programs which often included actors, singers or a variety of show acts. In the early 1920's, Jazz ruled the background music on films, but regularly films with variety in their music gave the opportunity for popular jazz mitigated by the classical music, both accompanied by the film as part of extra entertainment acts. Many of the best musicians in the country were now playing in film houses and in some theatres the cost of music was the third than the total operating theatre cost. Discerning businessmen searching to optimize cost-effective modalities for the provision of musical background for the films were the motivating power behind the introduction of the organ pipe accompaniment. Pipe Organs that were installed in Churches were changed to respond to the requirements of the film theatres by adding tremolo effects.   2. Silent Film Music â€Å"Where words fail, music speaks, and without music, life is just like a journey through a desert.† (Anderson, 2008) T he beauty of music is found in every soul as everyone can appreciate good music. Music regulates our moods and leads to a healthy life. Music is soothing and music is something to which every ear responds. It is proved through a research that the rate of heart beat changes when music is turned on (What is Music, 2004). It’

Everest Report Essay Example for Free

Everest Report Essay Introduction Everest simulation is a group task program created by Harvard this program allows teams to gain new experiences in relation to group tasks. The Everest teams were given two opportunities to complete the simulation, during the two simulations team members learnt how to problem solve and make strong decisions to ensure the group and individual goals were met. This exercise is a valuable tool to learn as it places students in teamwork situation within professional organisations. The following report will examine both simulations outcome of results and the significant events which took place. Focusing on the group and individual’s experience based on the theory concepts attitudes, leadership and groups and teams. As the results were at a distance the report will look at the type of strategy’s adapted between  both attempts. As we did not have a clear leadership style and no clear communication within the first simulation this affected the overall confidence and support in achieving a higher group and individual score this report will discuss what type of leadership theory was approached during both simulations and the change of structure through the group experience. Preparation of Everest Simulation As the Everest simulation is a group based task we were formed into our numbered groups. Group 35 decided during the tutorial to take part in the first simulation through face to face contact, in this meeting were technical issues within the Wi-Fi system and we could not continue with the Everest climb. Some members suggested we continue at a later time through the Skype program. During this conclusion we had a few encounters as a few of the team members including myself were not familiar within the Skype program ,including the time chosen for first climb would not be suitable for group members external conditions. It had seemed we were facing a dilemma, we found ourselves problem solving even before the first Everest climb. As a group we problem solved to ensure we could support all members individual commitments with minimal conflict. It is imperative when forming a group task to ensure all group members are satisfied with the final decision according to (Lakein’s, 1973 cited in Macan, 1994) there were forms of time management descriptions were individuals confirm the importance of their personal needs and facing the task of prioritising these activities to ensure the goals are met and accomplished. This evidence suggests that most individuals preparing for a group task will prioritise and be committed to complete the Everest simulation1. Critical Analysis of Attitudes / groups and teams within Everest simulation 1and 2 Group experience and result: This first group reflection is based on the first Everest simulation which subsequently took place via a virtual mode of Skype, This virtual interaction gave the group a total group result/of 67 The attitudes of the team were very positive in building strong relationships with one another, this first simulation was at a forming stage and we moved into the storming  stage of adapting to each other’s behaviours and personality’s. Time management had become an issue as we were trying to contact a few Everest tem members who did not respond to the initial set time for virtual meeting after 45minutes after the initial start time. As there was a cultural diverse group of personality we found ourselves developing strategies within a social interaction, gaining respect for each individual member and personal commitments. As prior to commencement there were difficulties with computer problems during face to face meeting within the library. It is imperative as a group that consistency is vital to gain a more efficient and effective result in productiveness. Motivation and emotional factors of not knowing each other on a closer bases and the link of a virtual experience was a concern ( Baltes, 2002, cited in , Bordia, 1997) Demonstrates that studies have shown computer based teams are less satisfied and positive of those who meet in a face to face environment. As we all had no prior recognition of familiarisation w it one another this became a little difficult to conduct a virtual group task, As our score was a little low this may have been due to the unclear communication of a virtual experience at times as a group it was unclear to know if we would proceed due to messaging being transmitted and encoded with no clear construction. As stated by (Bos 2002 and Jensen, 2000 cited in Hertel, 2012) â€Å"Differences between computer-me diated and face-to-face teams for negotiation tasks have seldom been explored. It is usually recommended that negotiation and conflict management should rather be realized face-to-face than at a distance because they involve complex interaction and the need to build trust† As a group within the first simulation we had no clear discussion on the Everest group goals and what we initially would like from this experience prior to climb. Due to the external noises and distractions during the virtual simulation through Skype at times it seemed there was low level of satisfaction in completing the tasks in front, once the simulation was completed their was job satisfaction in completing a score of 67%. Everest Simulation 2 was completed as another form of meeting this time we wanted to build a better performance rate in the second simulation, we decided it may be more productive to meet in house face to face, this was probably the most suitable decision. At this stage were forming close  relationships and building trust as a group, getting to know the behaviours of one another. Our second team score was 96% this was a significant rise in results, the probability of a higher score may have come from the confidence we all gained in communicating as a team and not as individuals. There was a sense of inclusion and respect for all suggestions on how we would help all team members meet the goals of the summit climb more effectively and efficiently. This was not evident within the virtual simulation as we had no group structure or clear goals. Individual Experience and result: My individual experience and result of the first simulation within the Attitudes and group and team theory, I originally was very hesitant as I knew it was imperative to form a strong team ethic to ensure we succeeded in the tasks set out by the Everest simulation. Originally I have only ever been in face to face situations with group tasks; I was excited about a new challenge of virtual learning but at the same time not sure about how I could build trust through the comfort of technology. As an individual researched the job description of my position as the marathoner, this preparation was to ensure I could support my team members in the higher success of reaching the summit and meeting the group goals and individual goals set. During and before the climb we had no briefing regarding the Everest team goals and we just commenced the climb as a member of a team I know this is an important part of team building of relationships and discuss within your team. This can also affect the trust of a group and team and we are already reluctant to gain relationships with team members, I wondered whether this may have been due to the virtual experience I had been a part of as discussed by (Li 2004 cited in Brahm and Kunze, 2012) moderating the role of trust is more difficult in the virtual team thus can create trust attitudes and the relationship of team trust and team cohesiveness. My total result for the first Everest simulation was at 67% I feel this may have been due to the confusion on whether to speak up or just sit back and not interact with the group due to the lack of clear communication. The Everest simulation 2 was a much more positive and enjoyable task as an individual I was more confident with a face to face meeting, at one stage I was a natural leader by gaining the confidence in expressing my interest and advice in  having the next simulation meeting together. I suggested this may create a higher score for us as a team. As an individual I could relate to the flexibility of a virtual meeting but was hesitant in the process and the clear low result we may achieve. Speaking up and having voice was the start of feeling comfortable within my team environment, there may have been other team members who felt the same decision was necessary as stated by (Argyris, 1991 cited in Morrison, Wheeler-Smith, Kamdar 2011, pg. 183) â€Å"Group and team members often do not share their opinions, ideas, and concerns, and such an absence of voice can have serious negative implications for group performance†. As an individual going into a group task I feel it is important to have your say to benefit your team in success. My individual score of the second simulation was a result of 100% this high score I feel was from the result of strong decision making and problem solving within the group. We also had sufficient time between climbs to take our time and work through questioning every step we took as a group; I fe el my extroverted approach to this questioning assisted in the high individual score. In the end it is vital to have clear goals and achieve success through positive and effective construction within a team environment. Group Experience within Leadership Everest simulation one and the leadership dynamic through the virtual experience of Skype may have affected the initial role of the team leader and the response of no clear structure or coordination within the group. As our group existed to remain new to the first simulation we were still adapting to each other’s behaviours. As a leader it is imperative to gain confidence in building the relationships within your group, the team leader assigned seemed quite held back and not confident in becoming assertive within the decision making process, whether this was due to a virtual leadership role and difficulties familiarisation of a new group of people.. We as a group required a strong leader who could guide us all in our role for a successful climb. Our leader was more of a Laissez-faire style who generally was happy for all team members to come together and have freedom in the decision making process. At the beginning of the confusion in the virtual Everest climb our leader was introverted but was a supportive leader and happy for us to move when required. The group still had respect for the  authority of the leader as this member was still in form of legitimate power due to the job description and role within the Everest simulation. We all know the role we were required to play. Our group had quite a few natural leaders who were supportive with the knowledge of what was the next option. Put a quote in about importance of a strong clear confident leader; also talk about difficulties faced by leaders in virtual roles During the first climb there were a few scenarios were as a group we would problem solve wether to move on and leave the critically ill, I found myself waiting on the other end of disruptions from a clear answer from our team leader. In the end it felt more like a self-reflective answer from all members on their own individual goals. Individual experience and result: My individual experience of Everest simulation one was at first curious to see how leadership would be demonstrated through a virtual experience, as managing group or team in a work environment can have its challenges my initial thought was leading a team with no visual contact could affect the process. As we did not have a briefing or discuss the goals of the team I felt it was unorganised through the leadership process. I knew the role of the leader would have some advantage in ensuring we all meet our own individual goals and those of the Everest team as discussed by At times I feel l was a natural leader who assisted my team in achieving maximum success through supportive questions and answers. At the same time I was aware we were all team members from diverse cultural backgrounds, i respected this and showed respect for all my team members. Leadership was not as strong at the first simulation, but progressed over periods as we started to form a stronger group. As stated in our Team contract we referred to having a specific team leader but collaborated together in a final vote. Virtual teams can have difficulty in leading (Hertal udo,2005 pg 72) suggest that virtual experiences â€Å"by hand are feelings of isolation and decreased interpersonal contact, increased chances of misunderstandings and conflict escalation, and increased opportunities of role ambiguity and goal conflicts due to commitments to different work-units. Following from this quote it is evident from our second simulation of face to face interaction, we had a change in leadership style our leader demonstrated characteristics  in becoming a democratic leader, this assisted me in growing confidence to become more effective and efficient in meeting the individual and team goals and my leader became more engaged in the learning process. This may have also resulted in a final group result of 96% and my individual result of 100%. Due to the change in leadership we become a confidant ad trustworthy group with a sense of social glue. Leadership with social face to face interaction showed more qualities for a successful leader and team. Conclusion Based on the analysis of the two attempts of the Everest simulations it is recommended that as a group we remained more productive and efficient in meeting our goals through face to face collaboration. As our results varied remarkably amongst both simulations The Everest simulation is a wonderful learning device to gain improvement in new expertise utilised in the team and group environment of a workplace, ensuring group development throughout the process likewise evident in the significance of integrating the team contract and policies to track when members required assistance. References: 1:Baltes et al., 2002; Bordia, 1997; Hollingshead McGrath, 1995; Warkentin et al., 1997) page 86 cited in 2: Gersick, Connie J G. (1988). TIME AND TRANSITION IN WORK TEAMS TOWARD A NEW MODEL OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT. Academy of Management Journal. 31 (1), 9-41. http://search.proquest.com.wwwproxy0.library.unsw.edu.au/docview/199773909?accountid=12763 3: Hertel, Guido Geister, Susanne Konradt, Udo. (2005). managing virtual teams: A review of current empirical research. Human Resource Management Review. 15 (1), 69-95. 4: Morrison, Elizabeth Wolfe 1; Wheeler-Smith, Sara L. 1; Kamdar, Dishan 2. (January 2011.). Speaking Up in Groups: A Cross-Level Study of Group Voice Climate and Voice.[Article]. Journal of Applied Psychology 96 (1), 183-191. 5 .P. J. Lamberson and Scott E. Page. ( April 2012). Optimal Forecasting Groups. Management science. 58 (4), 805-810http://mansci.journal.informs.org/content/58/4/805.full.pdf+html 6.Macan, Therese Hoff. (June 1994). Time Management: Test of a Process Model. Journal of Applied Psychology.. 79 (3), 381-391. 7.Taiga Brahm, Florian Kunze, (2012) The role of trust climate in virtual teams, Journal of Managerial Psychology, Vol. 27 Iss: 6, pp.595 – 614 cited on 11/10/13 http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=17047848show=abstract HHAY, RATHTANA V, KLEINER, BRIAN H (2013). Effective communication in virtual teams Industrial Management/ Business source premier. 55 (4), 28-30. Cited 12/10/13

National Debt :: Argumentative Economy Economics Papers

National Debt How large are we going to allow the national debt to become? If we believe that it never comes due then its size is of little concern. However, that belief is like that of the ostrech; bury your head in the sand so you can not see the problem and the problem goes away. The fact is that the size of the debt is nearly five trillion dollars and grows by an average of 620 million dollars every day! The cause is that every year the government spends more than it collects in taxes. The government makes up the difference by borrowing billions of dollars annually, competing against private enterprise for the use of money saved by American citizens. That money should be used for investments to improve our standard of living and create a brighter future. Instead, our savings are being used by the government to pay for todays consumption, for special interests and for the interest on money borrowed in earlier years. At the present rate of growth the interest payment will eventually be greater than the current debt. Can we afford this? Are there enough creditors to support such an enormous burden? What will happen to our future, our childerns future? We are spending it for them now before they have a say about it. Surely this trend of deficit spending is leading us to national bankruptcy. A new policy geared toward a zero deficit must be adopted. This means that we must change the way we view spending on the entitlement programs, defense and domestic discretionary programs. Between 1980 and 1990 the national debt quadrupled from 800 million to 5 trillion. The current trend of spend every cent we can get our hands on and borrow the rest by mortgaging our future must be stopped. The fact that past investment in government bonds was sound and secure does not predict that the future will remain the same. How can

The Blue Sword CHAPTER THIRTEEN

It was two days later when, as the morning sun shone down on them, Harry first saw Istan again; and she altered their course a little to the north, for it was not the town she was aiming for, but Jack Dedham's garrison. She prayed to anything that might be listening that he would be there, not off on some diplomatic sortie or border-beating. She could not imagine trying to explain her errand to anyone else; she did not think Jack would conclude that she was mad. She did think that anyone else – even Dickie; especially Dickie – would. But even if Jack were at the fort, and believed her story, would he help her? She didn't know, and didn't dare make guesses. But she and Terim and Senay, even with Senay's father's reinforcements, would not be very effective by themselves. Rather more effective than I would have been by myself, though, she thought. The first evening, after Senay and Terim had joined her, and after the animals were settled and the other two human beings were asleep, Harry had cut herself a long straight slender branch from a tree, and stripped it with the short knife she kept in one boot. When they set out that evening she tied it lengthwise to Sungold's saddle, so it rubbed against her right leg as she rode, but at least it did not threaten either of her companions, who rode close at her sides. They eyed it, but said nothing. When she first recognized Istan looming out of the dawn light at them, she paused, took out her knife again, and deliberately ripped several inches of hem from her white tunic, unlashed her branch, and tied the raveling bit of cloth to one end of it. She tucked the other end just under one leg, and held it upright with one hand. â€Å"It is a sign that we come in peace,† she explained, a little sheepishly, to her friends; their faces cleared, and they nodded. It was still very early. The town was silent as they skirted it; nothing, not even a dog, challenged them as they rode toward the fort. Harry found herself watching out of the corners of her eyes, looking for any odd little wisps of fog that might be following them. The dogs ought to bark. She didn't see any fog. She didn't know if either of her companions was a fog-rouser; and she knew only too well that she did not know what she herself was capable of. They rode up to the closed gate of the fort, the horses' hooves making small thunks in the sandy ground, kicking up small puffs of grit; she thought of the fourposter pony, who was no doubt drowsing in his stall now, dreaming of hay. Harry looked at the fort gate in surprise; as she remembered, and she was reasonably sure that she remembered correctly, the gate was opened at dawn, with reveille, and stayed open till taps at sunset. The gate, wooden and iron-barred, in a wall of dull yellow brick, was higher than her head as she sat on Sungold, looking up; and its frame was higher yet. They rode right up to it, and no one hailed them; and they stood in front of it, at a loss, their shadows nodding bemusedly at them from the grey wood before them and Harry's little flag limp at the end of its pole. Narknon went up to the gate and sniffed it. Harry had never thought of the possibility of not being able to get inside the fort in the first place. She rode up next to the gate and hammered on it with her fist. As her flesh struck the solid barrier it sent a tingle up her arm, and a murmur of kelar at the base of her skull told her that she could walk through this wall if she had to, to pursue her purpose. In that instant she realized exactly how Corlath had stolen her from the bedroom that at present was not so far from where Sungold stood; and she understood as well that the kelar must see some use in her errand at the Outlander fort to back her so strongly; and for that she did not know whether to be glad or sorry or fearful. And if fearful, for the sake of whom? Her new people – or her old friends? And she had a quiver of wry sympathy for how the Hill-king must have felt, walking up the Residency stairs in the middle of the night; and then she tipped her head back to stare at the Outlander wall, and touched her calf to her Hill horse's side, to move him away from that wall. â€Å"Since when is this gate closed during daylight?† she shouted; and Homelander speech tasted strange in her mouth, and she wondered if she spoke the words as a Hillwoman might. With her words, the spell, whatever spell it might be, was broken; and the three Hill riders suddenly blinked, as if the sun had grown brighter; and a small panel shot back, beside the gate and above their heads; and a man's face glared down. â€Å"Where did you come from, Hillman, and what do you want of us?† He looked without pleasure at the white rag. â€Å"We came from the Hills,† Harry said, grinning, â€Å"but I am no Hillman; and we would like speech with Colonel Dedham.† The man scowled at her. She suspected that he did not like her knowing Jack's name. â€Å"He does not speak to Hillfolk – or those who ride like Hillfolk,† he added disagreeably. By now there were several faces peering over the wall at them; Harry did not recognize any of them, and found this strange, for she had known at least by sight nearly all of Dedham's men. She had not been gone for so many months that it seemed likely the entire complement of the fort could have changed. She squinted up at them, wondering if her eyes or her memory was playing her tricks. She frowned at her interlocutor's tone. â€Å"You could bear a message to him, then,† she said, trying to decide if it was worth the possibility of some kind of uproar if she said her name. â€Å"Hillfolk – † began the man at the window, and his tone was not encouraging. â€Å"Oh, Bill, for the love of God, the new orders say nothing about rudeness,† said one of the faces at the fence. â€Å"If you won't carry a message as requested, I will – and I'll be sure to mention why an off-duty man had to do it.† â€Å"Tom?† said Harry hesitantly. â€Å"Is that Tom Lloyd?† There was a tense and breathless silence, and the man at the open panel hissed something that sounded like â€Å"witchcraft.† The voice from the fence came again, slowly but clearly: â€Å"This is Tom Lloyd, but you have the advantage of me.† â€Å"True enough,† said Harry dryly, and shook back her hood and looked up at him. â€Å"We danced together, some months ago: my brother, Di – Richard, collected favors from all his tall friends to dance with his large sister.† â€Å"Harry – † said Tom, and leaned over the fence, his shoulders outlined against the light, his face and hands as pale as the desert sand. â€Å"Harry?† â€Å"Yes,† said Harry, shaken at how strange he looked to her, that she had not recognized him before he spoke. â€Å"I need to talk to Colonel Dedham. Is he here?† Harry's heart was in her mouth. â€Å"Yes, he is: reading a six-months-old newspaper from Home over a cup of coffee right now, I'd say.† Tom sounded dazed. â€Å"Bill, you wretch, open the gate. It's Harry Crewe.† Harry's legs were tight on Sungold's sides, and the big horse threw his head up and shivered. â€Å"He don't look like Harry Crewe,† Bill said suddenly. â€Å"And what about the two with him – her? And that funny-colored leopard?† â€Å"They're my friends,† said Harry angrily. â€Å"Either open the gate or at least take my message.† â€Å"I can't leave my post – another man'll have to take the word. I won't open the gate to Hillfolk. It's Hillfolk it's closed for. Tom's too easy. How do I know you're Harry Crewe? You look like a bloody Darian, and you ride like one, and you can't even talk right.† Harry's pulse began to bang in her ears. â€Å"For pity's sake – â€Å" â€Å"Not you, Tom,† said Bill; â€Å"we already know as how you're off duty. Get another man what's on.† â€Å"Don't bother,† said Harry, between her teeth; â€Å"I'll take the message myself. I know where Jack's quarters are.† She dropped her pole in the dust, and, conscious she was doing a supremely stupid thing, she brought Sungold a few more dancing steps away from the gate, turned him, and set him at it. He went up and over with a terrific heave of his hindquarters, and Harry had reason to be grateful for the perfect fit of her saddle; but once in the air he seemed to float, and look around, and he came down as lightly as a blown leaf. He trotted two steps and halted, while Harry tried to look calm and lofty and as though she had known what she was doing all the time. The leap was over in a few seconds, and no one had expected anything so incredible, even from a Hillman; now men were shouting, and there was a crowd all around her. She thought no one would shoot her out of hand, but she wasn't quite sure, so she waited, instead of going in search of Jack Dedham as she had threatened. Sungold stretched his neck out and shook himself. Narknon flowed over the gate behind them – there was a howl of fear and wrath from Bill – and the cat trotted to Sungold and crouched under his belly. But she did not have to look for Jack after all, because the row at the gate brought him at a run scant seconds after Sungold's leap. He rounded the narrow corner of some dark building opposite the place where Sungold stood. The horse lifted first one foot and then another, unaccustomed to such noisy reckless human beings, but still obedient to his rider's wishes. He replaced each foot in just the print it had left. Jack came to a halt, barely avoiding running into them. Sungold pitched his ears toward the balding grey-haired Outlander who stood now, stock still, staring: his eyes traveled from the big chestnut horse down to the laconic cat, up to the horse's rider, and his jaw visibly dropped. Harry's hood was still back on her shoulders, and her bright hair flamed in the young sunlight; he recognized her immediately, although he had never seen such an expression on her face before. A moment passed while he could think of nothing; then he strode forward with a cry of â€Å"Harry!† and raised his arms, and she, a young girl again with a young girl's face, ungracefully tumbled off her horse and into them. He thumped her on the back, as he might have one of his own men back from an impossible mission and long since given up for lost; and then he kissed her heartily on the mouth, which he would not have done to any of his own men; and Harry hugged him around the neck, and then, embarrassed, tried to back away. He held her shoulders a minute longer and stared at her; they were much of a height, and Tom Lloyd, looking wistfully on, found himself thinking that they looked very much alike, for all of the girl's yellow hair and Hill clothing; and he realized, without putting any of it into words, that the girl he had danced with months ago, and thought about as he blacked his boots, and lost sleep over when she disappeared, was gone forever. Harry drew a hasty sleeve across her eyes; and then Tom, emboldened by his commander's behavior, hugged her too, but backed away without meeting her eyes; and Harry, even preoccupied as she was, was briefly puzzled by Tom's air of farewell, and she guessed something of what her brother had never told her. The whole fort was aroused; there were dozens of men standing around staring, and asking questions of one another; some were in uniform, and some looked like they had fallen out of bed a minute before; a few carried rifles and were looking around wildly. A few of those rifles were pointed at Narknon, but the cat had sense enough not to move, or even yawn and display her dangerous-looking fangs. The Outlanders asked each other questions, and there was a lot of shrugging; but while their colonel's evident delight in their sudden Hill visitor allayed any immediate fears they might have, Harry thought they looked tense and wary, as men may who live long under some strain. â€Å"What should I ask first?† said Jack. â€Å"Why are you here? Your horse tells me where you've been these months past – God, what an animal – but I am totally awestruck by the intelligence †¦ although, come to think of it, I don't seem to be surprised. Do you know that the entire station turned out to look for you when you vanished? Although I doubt in fact that you know anything of the sort; I flatter myself I searched as painstakingly as anyone, but what the Hills take, if they mean to keep it, they keep it, and I rather thought they meant to keep you. Everyone was sure the Hillfolk did have something to do with your evaporating like that – although it was more a superstition than a rational conclusion, as nary a trace of anything did we find; no rumors in the marketplace either. Amelia, poor lady, had well-bred hysterics, and Charles chewed his mustaches ragged, and Mrs. Peterson took her girls south to Ootang. And your brother stopped talkin g to everybody, and rode three horses to death – and he takes good care of his horses, usually, or I wouldn't have him here. I don't think he even noticed when Cassie Peterson left.† Harry blushed, and looked at her feet. â€Å"So you see, he does care – you've wondered, haven't you? He wasn't too fond of his commanding officer there for the weeks that it lasted, for I couldn't somehow work up the proper horror – oh, I was worried about you, but I was also †¦ envious.† He looked at her, smiling, wondering what her reaction would be to his words, wondering if he had said the right thing, knowing that the truth was not always its own excuse; knowing that his relief at seeing her made him talk too much and too freely – a reaction that had, often enough in the past, gotten him into trouble with his superior officers. And Harry looked back at him, and she smiled too, but she remembered the vertigo of the Outlander girl alone in a camp of the Hillfolk, surrounded by a people speaking a language she could not speak, whose hopes she did not understand, whose dreams she could not share. The people of the Hills had been her own people's foes for eighty years and more, for she was born and bred a Homelander; how could Jack – even Jack – speak of envy? Her smile froze, and her tunic napped against her back and hips, for she had, somehow, lost her sash, and she had hung Gonturan from Sungold's saddle, so as to look, she hoped, a little less like immediate war. Lost her sash. A Hillman would never lose his sash. What was she? Damalur-sol. Ha. She laid a hand on Sun-gold's shoulder, but when he turned his head to touch her with his nose she was not comforted, for he had lived all his life in the Hills. She wished bitterly that her brother had told her of Tom Lloyd, months ago. That was something she might have understood, and Tom was kind and honest. She swallowed and looked at Jack again, and he saw memory shining in her eyes, and he smiled sadly at her, and was sorry for any further pain his thoughtless words had given her. â€Å"Child,† he said quietly, â€Å"choices are always hard. But do you not think yours is already made?† Harry's fingers combed through her Hill horse's mane, and she said, â€Å"There never was a choice. I ride the only way open to me, and yet often and again it seems to me I am dangerously unfit for it.† She laughed a little and shakily. â€Å"It seems to me further that it is very odd that fate should lay so careful a trail and spend so little time preparing the one that must follow it.† Jack nodded. â€Å"It is not the sort of thing that is recorded in official histories, but I believe that such thoughts have come not infrequently to others – † he smiled faintly – â€Å"ensnared as you are.† Harry's hand dropped back to her side and she smiled again. â€Å"Colonel, I shall try not to take myself too seriously.† â€Å"And I shall try not to talk too much.† They grinned at each other, and knew that they were friends, and the knowledge was a relief and a pleasure and a hope to each of them, but for different reasons. Then Jack looked her over again, as if noticing the travel stains for the first time and said in a deliberately bright tone: â€Å"You look like you could use a bath †¦ My God, that sword: you're carrying a king's ransom casually across your pommel.† â€Å"Not casually,† said Harry somberly. â€Å"Questions later,† Jack said, â€Å"but I will hope that you will answer them. First food and rest, and then you will tell me a very long story, and it has to be the true one, although I don't promise to believe it.† â€Å"I am not quite alone, † said Harry, smiling again. â€Å"Will you let two friends of mine past your formidable gate as well?† â€Å"Not so formidable,† said Colonel Dedham. â€Å"I wish I'd arrived a minute earlier and seen that jump. I don't believe it.† â€Å"It's true, sir,† said Tom. â€Å"I believe it's true, I just don't believe it,† said Jack. â€Å"No doubt all of your story will be just as impossible. And just to start with, what is that?† he said, pointing at Narknon, who still had not moved. â€Å"She's a hunting-cat, a folstza. She adopted me soon after †¦ I left here.† Narknon, deeming the moment right, stood up slowly, and opened her big green eyes to their fullest extent, batted the long golden lashes once or twice at Jack, and began to pace toward him, while he gamely held his ground. Narknon paused a step away and started to purr, and Jack laughed uncertainly; whereupon the cat took the last step and rubbed her cheek against the back of his hand. Jack, with the look of a man who throws dice with the devil, petted her and Narknon redoubled the purr. â€Å"I think I'm being courted,† said Jack. â€Å"Narknon has an excellent sense of whose side it is most expedient to be on,† said Harry. â€Å"But – â€Å" â€Å"Yes, we will let your companions come in in the traditional fashion. Unbar the gate, there, Shipson, and be quick about it, before anything else comes over it. I don't like the new standing orders, and they obviously aren't much good besides.† Jack looked up from Narknon, who was now leaning her full weight against his legs and tapping her tail against the backs of his thighs, to gaze again at Sungold. â€Å"A real Hill horse. Can they all leap over Outlander forts before breakfast?† â€Å"No. Or they may, but most of their riders have more sense than to try it. Particularly after a journey such as we've had.† The excitement of seeing Jack again, and the reassurance of the warmth of his welcome, drained away from her, and she remembered that she was exhausted, and the sense of coming home to a place that was no longer home oppressed her further. â€Å"I'd like the bath and the food, and we all have to have sleep. But most of the story will have to wait; I'll tell you what I must, but †¦ we don't have much time.† â€Å"You are here for a purpose, and I can guess some of it. I'll try not to be stupid.† The gate opened, and Terim and Senay rode quietly through and stopped by Sungold's flank and dismounted. Harry introduced them, and they bowed, touching their fingers respectfully to their foreheads, but without the last flick outward of the fingers that indicates that the one addressed is of superior rank. When she said in Hill-speech, â€Å"And this is Colonel Dedham, whose aid we are here to seek,† she was pleased with the way her Outlander friend in his turn bowed and touched his fingers to his forehead, only glancing at her with mild inquiry. â€Å"I am sorry,† said Jack as he led the way to his quarters, â€Å"but I speak only a little of your Hill tongue. I must ask you to tell me what I need to hear in my own language, and apologize to your friends for the necessary rudeness of excluding them.† This was spoken in heavily accented but perfectly adequate Hill-speech, and Terim and Senay both smiled. â€Å"We understand the need for speed and clarity, and it would not have occurred to us to take offense,† said Terim, who had a king's son's swiftness for turning a diplomatic phrase; and Senay simply nodded. So Jack Dedham cleared off the table in the second of the two small rooms that were his, the table in question accustomed to duty as a dining-table and writing-desk, as well as a convenient surface to set any indeterminate object down on; and his batman brought breakfast for three. The three ate their way through it with enthusiasm, and the man, grinning, brought second breakfasts for three. â€Å"Make it four, Ted,† said Dedham. â€Å"I'm getting hungry again.† When they were finished, and Harry was staring into her teacup and realizing with uneasy chagrin that she'd rather be drinking malak, Jack filled his pipe and began to produce thick heavy clouds of smoke that crawled around the room and nosed into the corners. â€Å"Well?† he said. â€Å"Tell me in what fashion you have come to seek my aid.† Harry said, staring at the worn tips of her Hill boots, â€Å"The Northern army will be coming through the mountains †¦ soon. Very soon. Corlath's army is camped on the plain before the wide gap – the Bledfi Gap, we call it – the Gate of the North, you know, in the Horfel Mountains – â€Å" Jack said from a cloud of smoke: â€Å"The Gambor Pass, in the Ossander range. Yes.† â€Å"We want to plug the northwest leak, the little way through the mountains above Ihistan – where an undesirable trickle of Northern soldiers could come through and – â€Å" â€Å"And raze Istan, and go on to harass Corlath.† Harry nodded. â€Å"Not just harass; there are not many Hillfolk to fight.† â€Å"That explains, no doubt,† said Jack, â€Å"why there are only three of you – and a cat with long teeth – for the northwest leak, as you call it.† Harry smiled faintly. â€Å"It was almost one of me, alone.† â€Å"I would hazard, then, that you are not precisely here under Corlath's orders.† â€Å"Not exactly.† â€Å"Does he know where you are?† Harry thought about it, and said carefully, â€Å"I did not tell him where I was going before I left.† Her ribs missed the pressure of a sash. Dedham blinked a few times, slowly, and said, â€Å"I assume I am to conclude that he will be able to guess where you've gone. And these two poor fools decided to throw their lots in with an outlaw? I am impressed.† Harry was silent for a minute. For all her brave words to Jack at the fort gate, she felt that the path she had thought she was following had blurred and then lurched underfoot as soon as Sungold had jumped the wall. It was difficult for her now to remember who she was – damalur-sol and sashless – and why she was here, and where she was going; her thoughts ambled around in her head, tired and patternless. She remembered Luthe saying to her: â€Å"It is not an enviable position, being a bridge, especially a bridge with visions†; and she thought that in fact a nice clear vivid vision would be a great boon. She sighed and rubbed her eyes. â€Å"Corlath did not take at all kindly to Sir Charles that day, did he?† Jack smiled without humor. â€Å"Not at all kindly, no.† Harry scowled. â€Å"He's still cutting off his nose to spite his face, ignoring the northwest pass.† â€Å"Ritger's Gap,† said Jack. â€Å"He probably doesn't look at it that way, though. He came to us offering an alliance of mutual support, true, but he was doing us a favor by giving us the benefit of his spies' work in the north – which Sir Charles, in his less than infinite wisdom, chose to disbelieve. I would assume that your Corlath will now simply wipe out as many Northerners as he can, and what's left of his Hillfolk in the end will retreat to those eastern mountains of his. Whether or not the western plains are overrun with unchecked Northerners is not, finally, of great interest to him one way or another. Our decision not to help only means a few more divisions of the Northern army to harry them in their Hills: unfortunate but not of the first importance.† â€Å"If the Homeland got behind the attempt to throw back the Northerners – â€Å" â€Å"There was never any chance of that, my dear, believe me,† replied Jack. â€Å"You are attempting to be logical, I suspect, and logic has little to do with government, and nothing at all to do with military administration. â€Å"You are also still thinking like a Homelander – an Outlander, if you wish – for all you've learned to ride like a Hillman,† and his eyes settled on Gonturan, hanging by her belt over the back of Harry's chair. â€Å"You know Istan is here, and it seems like a waste to you that we should be obliterated without a chance; and you were also fortunately absent that day, and did not hear Sir Charles being insufferable. Sir Charles is a good man in many ways, but new things disconcert him. The idea of an alliance between Hill and Outlander is blasphemously new.† You are also still thinking like a Homelander – an Outlander, if you wish – for all you've learned to ride like a Hillman. The words hung before Harry's eyes as if sewn on a banner and then thrust into the ground at her feet as her standard. She looked at nothing as she said, â€Å"You are working up to telling me that there is nothing that can be done.† â€Å"No; but I am working up to telling you that there is no possibility of there being done what ought to be done – I agree with you, our, or at any rate my, country should get serious about the threat from the North. It is a real threat.† He rubbed his face with his hand, and looked momentarily weary. â€Å"I am glad you have put this chance, little as it is, in my hand. My orders, of course, forbid me to go skylarking off to engage the Northerners at Ritger's Gap or anywhere else – the official, illogical attitude is that this is a tribal matter, and if we stay quietly at home with our gates closed the wave will break and flow around us. I know this is nonsense, and so do a few of the men who've been here more than a few years. I've been brooding for months – off and on since Corlath's unexpected visit; I believed what he told us that his spies had brought back from the North – whether or not it's worth my pension to go try and do anything abou t it. I rather think it is, as we're sure to be killed if we stay at home and I'd rather be killed out doing something than have my throat slit in bed. You're just the excuse I've been looking for; it's been a bit hard to determine which dragon a solitary St. George should take on, when there seem to be dragons everywhere.† Harry looked at Jack, conscious of Terim and Senay at her elbow, and a furry shoulder pressed against her feet under the table. The sense of dislocation was almost a physical thing, like a stomachache or a sore throat; but Jack's words now eased the sore place a little. The bridge could stretch to cross this chasm, perhaps, after all. She was still alone and still scared, but for the first time since she had ridden away from Corlath's camp she felt that her errand was not necessarily a mad one; and so her conviction that she was doomed to it was therefore a little less terrifying. And perhaps it did not matter in what world she belonged if both worlds were marching in step. And now that Jack believed her, she could depend on him; for Harimad-sol was still laprun, and while she was glad of Terim and Senay, they looked up to her, and she didn't entirely like the sensation. The old friendship with Jack had taught her what kind of man he was, and he would not be embarrassingly awed by Harimad-sol and her legendary sword. The literal-minded pragmatism of the Outlander psyche had its uses. But as the weight of solitude eased, his words laid a new weight on her: Were her perceptions so wrong then? Was she in fact thinking like a Homelander – and had she, then, betrayed her new allegiance? She opened the palm of her right hand, and looked at the small white scar that lay across it. What did Corlath think of her desertion? Had Luthe's fears for her been correct, and had she not been able to see the right way when the ways divided before her? â€Å"Harry.† Jack reached across the table and pulled her right hand toward him. â€Å"What is that?† She closed her fingers till what she suddenly felt was her brand of Cain disappeared. â€Å"It's a †¦ ritual I went through. I'm a king's Rider.† â€Å"Good Lord. How the – excuse me – how did you manage that? Not that I ever doubted your sterling qualities, but I know something of that tradition – king's Riders are the, um, the elite †¦ â€Å" â€Å"Yes,† said Harry. Jack only looked at her, but her mouth went dry. She swallowed and said, â€Å"They thought it would be †¦ useful †¦ to have a damalur-sol again.† â€Å"Lady Hero,† said Jack. â€Å"Yes.† She swallowed again. â€Å"Cor – Corlath said that this war had no hope, and something like – something like a damalur-sol was a little like hope. I – I have seen Lady Aerin – do you know about the Water of Sight? – and so they think I must be someone important too.† Jack studied her as a botanist might study a new plant. â€Å"Blood calls to blood, evidently. Although Richard is the straightest arrow I've ever seen: maybe it only runs from mother to daughter.† Harry brought her head up sharply and stared at her old friend. â€Å"What?† â€Å"Surely you know,† Jack said, frowning. â€Å"Your great-grandmother – mother's mother's mother – was a Hillwoman; one of rank, I believe. That was before we'd gained a proper foothold here, or we were at least still struggling to keep what we'd got. It was a terrible scandal. I don't know much about it; it makes Richard quite green even to think about it. Young Dick turns green rather easily about some things: but some curious sense of honor compelled him to tell me, as his commanding officer, so that I could make allowances if he went off screaming into the Hills of his ancestors, I suppose. The blood taint that Fate has seen fit to hand him seems to prey on his mind.† Jack had been watching her closely as he rattled on, and broke off abruptly. â€Å"My dear, you must have known of this?† Harry sat still in her chair, where she was sure she would sit forever, gazing in amazement at the story Jack had just told her. She must have looked very queer, for Terim said to her anxiously, â€Å"Harimad-sol, what is wrong? You look as if you have seen your father's ghost. Has this man said aught of ill to you?† Harry roused and shook her head, which felt thick and heavy. â€Å"No; he has just told me something that bewilders me even as it makes all plain.† Senay said softly: â€Å"Sol, might we know what it is?† Harry tried to smile. â€Å"He has said that my mother's grandmother was a Hillwoman, and thus the blood of your Hills runs in my veins.† The two looked back at her with the sort of surprise and consternation she was sure was still plain on her own face. Terim said: â€Å"But we know you must be one of us, or the king's madness would not come to you, and everyone knows that it does: already there are tales told of Harimad-sol at the laprun trials. The Water of Sight shows you things, and Lady Aerin speaks to you, and your eyes turn yellow when you are held by some strong emotion. In fact, they are yellow now.† Harry laughed: a little laugh and a weak one, but still a laugh, and she said to Jack, â€Å"My friends are not the least surprised by this intelligence, for all that it shakes me to my soul and makes my heart beat too fast – with fear or joy I am not quite sure. They say they have known me for a Hillwoman all along.† â€Å"I've no doubt that's true,† Jack said dryly. â€Å"You may be sure Corlath would have made no Outlander his Rider, even if the Lady Aerin ordered him to.† â€Å"But why was I never told?† Harry mused, still trying to collect her thoughts together in one place so that she could look at them. Perhaps she was a better-constructed bridge than she had realized; and she thought of beams and girders, and almost laughed; how Outlanderish an image that was, to be sure. And as she labeled that bit of herself Outlander she then was free to label some other bit Damarian; and she felt a little more like herself all over, as though she were fitting into her skin a little more securely. She still was not sure what she was, but at least she need not be unhappy for not knowing: and now, perhaps, she had the missing pieces she needed to begin to learn. â€Å"I think,† Jack said slowly, â€Å"that I have an idea about that. I had assumed that you did know, but I remember now how Richard and I talked about you when you were to come out here – he seemed to think it would be bad for you in a particular way – † He frowned, trying to remember clearly. â€Å"You were evidently a little too, um, bohemian for him, and he obviously thought living in the land of your grandmother's mother was going to aggravate the tendency. But I never thought he would, er †¦ â€Å" â€Å"Protect me from myself by keeping me in ignorance?† Harry smiled ruefully. â€Å"Well, I didn't know, but I'm not surprised. Angry maybe – how dare he? – but not surprised. He takes the man's responsibility toward his frail female relations very seriously, does Dickie. Drat him. Where is my inestimable brother? Here?† Jack was smiling at her, as she sat with her sword hilt touching her shoulder when she gestured. â€Å"No,† he said, â€Å"he's off being diplomatic, which is something he shows some brilliance at, for me and Sir Charles. We'd like some extra men here, just in case this silly tribal matter gets out of hand, and I would only get red and froth at the mouth, while Richard can look earnest and beseeching, and may even have some effect.† He looked gloomily at the table. â€Å"I torment myself, now and again, wondering whether, if Corlath had given us a bit more warning about what he had in mind, if Peterson and I could have brought Charles around – even a little – this mess we're in might have been, even a little, less of a mess. But it is not, as we say when we are being diplomatic, a fruitful source of inquiry.† Harry was thinking, For that matter, why didn't Mummy or Father tell me about my mysterious inheritance? They must have known, to tell my wretched brother – indeed, it must have been generally known to some extent; that explains why we were never quite the thing – I always thought it was just because we didn't give the right sort of dinner parties and spent too much time in the saddle. She went hot and cold, and her last shred of doubt about whether she had chosen wisely when she chose the Hills over the country that had raised her dissolved; but she had loved her family and her home, and she was without bitterness. She yanked her attention back as Jack began to speak again: â€Å"It's been a little anxious here lately. There is something, or there are somethings, hanging around the town and the fort; and twice my men have gone out scouting and found signs of battle; and once there was a corpse.† His face was drawn and old. â€Å"It wasn't quite human; although from a distance it would probably look human enough.† Harry said softly: â€Å"I have been told that much of the Northern army is not quite human.† Jack was silent for a little, then said: â€Å"In simple numbers I can't promise much. I don't want to risk forcibly anyone's neck but my own, as we will be going against orders, but there are a few men here I know who have the same attitude toward the Northerners that I do. I will put it to them.† Harry said, â€Å"So, how many and how quickly?† â€Å"Not very and very. Those of us who will go have been quivering like so many arrows on so many bowstrings for weeks; we'll be grateful for the chance to snap forward. Look: you and your friends can have a bath and a nap; and we should be able to march at sunset.† There had been something obscurely troubling Harry since she entered the fort so precipitously; and at first she had put it down to the confusion, to her first sight of Outlanders since she had ceased to be one herself; and the troubled reflections that this recognition had brought her. But the sense of not-quite-right, of a whiff of something unpleasant, or a vibration in the air, increased as the rest of her relaxed. She looked around her now, able to think about this specific disturbance, to focus on its cause if her kelar would point the way. She turned her head one way and another; it was much worse in the small closed space that was Jack's rooms. It was as she put her hand over the blue stone on Gonturan's hilt that she finally understood what it was. â€Å"One last thing,† she said. â€Å"Yes?† said Jack, but it took Harry a little time to put it in words. â€Å"No †¦ guns. Rifles or revolvers, or whatever it is you use. They'll only, um, go wrong.† And she shivered in the proximity of Jack's hunting-rifles hung on the wall, and two revolvers on belts hooked over the back of an unoccupied chair. Jack tapped his fingers on the table. â€Å"Not just rumors, then?† he said. Harry shook her head. â€Å"Not just rumors. It's not something I've seen, about guns – but I know. I know something of what the Hillfolk do, or are – and even if we could stop whatever it is we do, and I can't, because I usually don't know what I'm doing in the first place – I know too that, whatever it is, it will ride with those that we will be facing. And – and the presence of yours in this room,† and she waved her hand, while the other one still rested on the blue gem, â€Å"is making me feel †¦ edgy. It's the sort of thing I'm learning to pay attention to.† The room was suddenly smaller and darker than it had been before Harry spoke; Jack stared at her, seeing his young friend and seeing almost clearly the outline of the thing she had taken on in the Hills; and then an unexpected ray of sunlight fell through the window and the blue gem of her sword hilt blazed up as her hand slipped away from it, and her cheek and hair were lit blue. But the outline of her burden was gone. Jack thought, I am going to follow this child, to my death perhaps, but I am going to follow her, and be proud of the opportunity. â€Å"Very well. I believe you. It's rather pleasant to have one's favorite old-wives'-tales borne out as truth. You'll not want infantry anyway; and our cavalry is accustomed to its sabers.† â€Å"Now, about that bath?† Harry said. Ted was told to provide the baths and beds required; she and Senay were led to Jack's bathroom first, and Harry sank gratefully into the water in the tall tin tub, sliding down till the water closed over her face and she looked up at a wavering circular world. She had to come up at last to breathe, and the world opened out again. Senay unbraided and combed her long dark hair, which fell past her knees in well-ordered waves; Harry watched with envy. Her own hair was nearly so long, but it liked escaping whatever it was put into, and bits were always getting caught in things and snapped off; so while Senay's hair smoothly framed her face and smoothly twisted into a knot at the nape of her neck, Harry always had unrepentant tendrils launching themselves in all directions. Senay bound her sleek mane up again as Harry climbed, dripping, out of the tub. Senay slipped into the water with her own grateful sigh, and Harry put on the oversized ni ghtshirt Ted had laid out for her and stumbled into Jack's bedroom, where two cots had been set up by the bed. Narknon finished investigating all the corners of Jack's rooms, while Jack and Ted eyed her warily, soon after Harry finished her bath; but when the cat tried to squeeze herself next to her sol on the bed, Harry was so deeply asleep already that she refused to make room and Narknon, with a discontented yowl, had to sleep humped over her feet.