Pandora: disintermediator or disintermediated? Essay

For Pandora, one of the biggest players in Internet radio, figuring out the future is both challenging and intimidating. If the regular challenges of growing a new company aren’t enough, Pandora also faces a market that is reeling in turmoil. In the new digital world, the way people listen to music continues to change dramatically. It seems likely that Pandora will either lead the changes or fall victim to them. Pandora was founded just over a decade ago. At that time, a vast majority of music listeners were still getting their groove on in one of two ways: They either popped a CD into their home, car, or personal CD player or they turned on the old AM/FM radio. But the advent of digital formats like MP3s has had a huge impact on CD sales and has drawn people away from what is now called â€Å"terrestrial radio.† Moreover, like the music business, the radio business has faced major changes of its own. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 reduced limitations on the number of stations that one owner could hold. This led to huge ownership groups that consolidated and standardized listening formats. The result is less diversity on the radio, with shorter playlists and fewer artists represented. From one city to the next, all across the United States, radio stations have started to sound more alike. Both these trends – combined with the explosion of Internet usage and changes in online technologies – have led to a deluge of companies trying to capitalize on the future of music distribution. This includes download services such as iTunes, subscription services such as Rhapsody and eMusic, an endless number of Internet radio stations, and even satellite   radio network SirriusXM. Today, with an ever†growing list of listening devices and cloud music services that store personal music libraries so they can be accessed anywhere by any device, listening trends continue to evolve. But one thing about the future is certain: The business of listening to music is full of disruption and confusion. Things are changing fast and the winning products and services—indeed, the survivors—are yet to be determined. The Power of People Amid the chaos, Pandora has carved out its own niche, setting itself apart as an automated music recommendation service. It isn’t a play†on†demand service, where members can simply choose the exact song and artist they want. Rather, listeners enter an artist or song suggestion. The playlist starts with a track by the r equested artist and inserts additional songs by that artist every once in a while. But in between, Pandora cues up songs by other artists similar in nature to the requested material. If an unliked or unwanted song plays, the listener can click the â€Å"thumbs down† icon or just skip the song and it will be removed from the list. Users can also create stations by browsing artists alphabetically, or they can tune in to pre†made genre stations or to other users’ stations. Listener’s can create as many stations as they wish, each oriented around the initial input. Lots of online services employ similar recommendation features (think Netflix and Amazon). But Pandora has set a precedent by the predictive power of its recommendation software. The Pandora software is amazingly precise at choosing material that fits with what the user wants. According to Tim Westergren, founder and Chief Strategy Officer for Pandora,

Developing Cultural Flexibility

Developing Cultural Flexibility Portfolio| December 14 2011 | Contents Page Section| Page Number| Q1 – What is the significance of national identity as a source of individuals’ culture? | 2| Q2 -In what aspects of work and employee relations should international managers be aware of religious sensitivities? | 3-4| Q3 -What are Hofstede’s culture dimensions? What correlations does Hofstede make among groups of countries and how valid are they for you? | 5| Q4 – Why do firms’ internationalise’? What are the implications of doing so for their role as employers and how will it affect your role in the future as an employee? 6-7| Bibliography| 8| Q1 -What is the significance of national identity as a source of individuals’ culture? I begin with a definition of culture – ‘the ideas, customs and social behaviour of a particular society’ (Oxford Dictionaries, 2011). In terms of the question I am looking at how significantly ideas, customs and social behaviour of a nation’s identity affects that of the individual’s culture. It’s important to talk about stereotypes, they effect how people perceive the individual and their culture, also it can affect the individual as they may alter their culture to allow them to stand out from their national stereotype e. . people may stereotype Italians as loud and arrogant but some Italians may change their culture to quiet and well-mannered to make themselves more appealing for jobs abroad. Hofstede wrote that culture is ‘A collective programming of minds’, and to some extent I agree with him, people are proud of where they come from and like to promote their nation through their actions, this can mould their actions to some extent. An example is whilst I have been at university I have lived with a Chinese student, we have both said that we had expectations of each other before we had even talked. He expected me to be obsessed with football and beer, whilst I thought he would be a great cook and clever. This ability to anticipate an individual’s culture because of the national identity can be a great starting point for friendship, but it can have a negative effect. Observational learning plays a huge part in our development through child hood, we watch and repeat what our parents and family do. If we have a problem we deal with it how we see them deal with it, I think that this is how individuals develop their culture, not so much from their national identity. Edgar Schein’s belief is that culture is – â€Å"shared systems of beliefs and values†, that culture is the answers to problems. These answers can be learned as a nation, as part of a family or as an individual. It is how individuals deal with these problems that makes their culture individual to them. Although Schein’s 3 levels of culture can to some extent be related to national identity for example the ‘Values and Beliefs’ and ‘Artefacts and creations’. Individual’s belief can be down to their nation’s beliefs, although I think that would have been more applicable in the past. With the development of the internet and communication methods I think that individuals now have the media to find out and decide their own culture. People are travelling all over the world, picking up bits of other cultures and adding to their own. It was similar when America was discovered, people from all over the world moved there bringing their own culture, although there is an American identity, there are patches of America that retain the culture that their people bought with them all. To conclude I believe that national identity is fairly significant to individual’s culture, more so if the individual moves abroad than if they stay in their country. Q2 -In what aspects of work and employee relations should international managers be aware of religious sensitivities? Religion is important throughout the world, with countries becoming more multicultural different religions are clashing leading to war and strained international relationships. This can happen on a smaller scale within organisations. It is up to managers and employees to be aware of each other’s beliefs and respect each other enough to allow them to have their own beliefs. This can be a minefield for today’s international managers where equality is key to running an effective, productive place to work. Globalisation, development in technology, cheaper transportation and international bonds (e. g. European Union) has led to an increase in multi-religious staff, which if international managers are aware of and can work with, it has the potential to offer a lot to organisations, employees bringing different ideas and dvice to the table because of their different religions and knowledge. A difficult example of managing religious sensitivities is allowing Sikhs to carry their ceremonial knife known as ‘Kirpan’ with them at work. It poses difficult problems, one being that it’s dangerous and could create a lot of tension within an organisation. It is an article of faith for the Sikh bu t does that mean its ok to carry a weapon at work? I found an article on the BBC which was headed ‘Sikhs should be allowed to carry ceremonial knives in schools †¦ can religion ever justify loopholes in the law†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Although this is based on schools, it carries the same principle. Should religion be more important than the law of the country? International managers can experience culture shock on 3 different levels: 1. Emotions – e. g. euphoria to depression 2. Thinking – e. g. from stereotyping to culturally effective thinking 3. Social Skills and Identity – e. g. from national to transnational social skills and an international identity (Source Marx 1999) International managers need to master these 3 levels to achieve global management which Bartholomew and Adler (1996) define as ‘The need for a conceptual shift from a hierarchical perspective of cultural influence, compromise and adaption to one of collaborative cross cultural learning’. This is the aim of all global organisations, although it can be a very slow and hard process it is important and the end result would be a driven team of respected employees. International managers need to be aware of religious holidays, example Jewish festivals, Christmas etc. Should they allow every religious holiday or none? Managers need to prepare for religious holidays e. g. ensure that they have enough stock over the Christmas period when sales increase. A manager cannot be seen to favour certain religions as this could lead to discrimination and problems within the workforce. With globalisation comes an expectancy to work together as a team, not be seen as separate religious groups who are distant to each other. It is partly the manager’s job to ensure this happens but it’s also down to the individuals. We live in a global community, it is now time to start developing a multicultural organisational community. This will be a real test for international managers and organisations. Q3 -What are Hofstede’s culture dimensions? What correlations does Hofstede make among groups of countries and how valid are they for you? Geert Hofstede (b. 1928) carried out a cross cultural study of 116,000 employees of IBM in 40 countries. From his results he distinguished national cultures in terms of five orientations which are: (D. A. BUCHANAN, 2010): 1. Social Orientation – Cultures in the East e. g. India, China have a collective interest where the interests of the group are more important than each individuals gains or praise. Whereas the western counties e. g. UK, America have a more individualistic approach where the individual interests are seen as more important, this idea of personal gain above shared gain. 2. Power Orientation – The idea that some national cultures accept that some people are of a higher authority, they accept the hierarchical idea of power on levels, that some people are born into power whereas other cultures believe that you earn power, and that there should be minimum power difference as it exploits others. 3. Uncertainty Orientation – This describes how cultures react and adapt to change and uncertainty. He found that some cultures prefer structure and consistency and find the uncertain threatening whilst others relish change and new opportunities. 4. Goal Orientation – Also known as masculine and feminine culture orientation. This finds out what motivates people to try and achieve their goals. The masculine orientation is more aggressive assertive behaviour, where material possessions, power and money are motivators. The feminine orientation is the more passive side, where the wellbeing and quality of life of other people is a motivator. 5. Time Orientation – This looks at how different cultures work, is it with short term goals in mind or do they plan for the long term. Those that value long term planning, look forward to future market positions, they ensure that they are ready to meet future commitments. Dedication and hard work are essential. Whereas the short term outlook look for short term profits and value past traditions. Hofstede’s has been criticised over his work, he conducted his survey for IBM because they were concerned with declining morale, it wasn’t designed to distinguish ifferent ‘national cultures’. The use of a survey is also criticised, ‘Many researchers allude a survey is not an appropriate instrument for accurately determining and measuring cultural disparity. ’ (M. L. JONES, 2007) Another criticism is that Hofstede’s study makes the assumption that the population is a homogenous whole, whereas there are always ethnic units and subdivisions wi thin society. It seems to ignore the fact that communities can have very different cultures to the one that is seen as the national culture. It would be impossible to accurately represent all different cultures per nation. Hofstede’s is more of an overview of the national culture and should not be used to stereotype the whole population. Q4 – Why do firms’ internationalise’? What are the implications of doing so for their role as employers and how will it affect your role in the future as an employee? More firms are beginning to ‘internationalise’ and try their hand at the global market, with the goal of making a profit and increasing it year after year. This requires businesses to adapt to the changing times. It has and still is becoming much easier to internationalise, with the development of the internet, faster and cheaper transport overseas, vast improvements in infrastructure and if you are part of a trading power e. g. The European Union, the international trading laws are much more flexible than they used to be. More Benefits for firms to internationalise Location – Find a more attractive market overseas where they wish to operate. May find a central location for main distribution centre to save on delivery costs. Low cost and labour charges – Companies want to produce goods quickly and cheaply so that they can get the biggest return on them e. g. Nike has manufactured its products in sweatshops because people are so desperate for work that they can pay them very little. The BBC’s panorama found as recently as in the year 2000, 12 year old girls in Cambodia were working 16 hours a day for little pay because they were so poor. This can lead to implications for firms that do this, bad publicity, drop in sales and a tarnished global image. Less competition – Large organisations are always on the lookout for gaps in the market that they can exploit, this includes overseas markets. If they feel that they offer something new or of a better quality than anything in that country they will try to set up there to capitalise. The image below clearly shows the three stages of internationalisation, with many firms hoping to remain in stage 2 with the positive factors although on either side there are potential implications. Source: Contractor et al. 2003, p. 27 A good example of internationalisation gone wrong is when Vale from Brazil bought out Inco in Canada. It seemed a straight forward move, Inco and Vale had both been successful in their own markets. It turned out to be a bad combination because they didn’t understand or accept each other’s different culture on how they handled business and each other. It ended up costing Vale a lot of money and tarnished their image and reputation. I think that as a future employee internationalisation will affect me greatly, I chose this course because I think that understanding and respecting other cultures is very important, before any business is done it is important to learn what makes people tick, then you know how to motivate them to a certain extent. In my opinion it can be hugely overlooked, if it wasn’t I think that many disagreements could be averted. Dealing with people is a huge part of business whether its potential investors or a fellow employee, if you understand peoples cultures very often you can learn from them, leading to very clever organisational cultures that can motivate and inspire the majority of the workforce leading to a smoother internationalisation process. Bibliography D. A. BUCHANAN, A. A. (2010). Organizational Behaviour. Essex: Pearson Education Ltd 2010. Kenyon, P. (2000, October 15). Gap and Nike: No Sweat? Retrieved December 13, 2011, from BBC: http://news. bc. co. uk/1/hi/programmes/panorama/970385. stm Loerrach. (2003). The impact of internatioalization on organizational culture a comparative study of international US and German companies, 7-48. M. L. JONES. (2007). Hofstede – Culturally Questionable, 7-8. RICKY W, P. M. (2007). International Business 5th Edition. GRIFFIN. Roache, R. ( 2010, February 9). Should religion be an excuse for carrying daggers? Retrieved December 13, 2011, from BBC: http://news. bbc. co. uk/1/hi/magazine/8506074. stm Unknown. (2011, December 13). Retrieved December 13, 2011, from Oxford Dictionaries: http://oxforddictionaries. com/definition/culture

Psychology – Reflection on Self

Our universe has the general tendency to move from order to disorder. And yet look at how complex we are. The puzzle becomes: How does our universe creates complexity? David Christian said, â€Å"The universe can create complexity but with great difficulty. † According to him, we live in the â€Å"goldilocks region† of our universe – not too hot, not too cold, but just right for the creation of complexity. Then, things slightly more complex started to appear stage by stage. Each stage is magical because it creates something utterly new appearing almost out of nowhere.We have known that DNA accumulates information through random errors some of which just happened to work. But DNA actually generated a faster way of accumulation information. It produced organisms with brain. And those organisms can learn and accumulate information first-hand. The sad thing about it is when the organism dies; the information dies with them. We, humans, appeared about 200 thousand yea rs ago. What makes humans different is our way of communication, the human language. A system of communication so powerful and precise that we can share our knowledge and form a collective memory that accumulates from generation to generation.The main reason why as a species humans are so creative and intelligence. But then things started to get more complex, emotions, intuition and consciousness started to materialize. We became much more sensitive and perceptive to our environment. We began to reflect upon our different behaviours. That is when â€Å"the self† emerges out of the mere reflection upon our behaviour and social interaction. Our self-concept determines our level of performance in our everyday lives. All the changes we act on the outside begin in the inside of our self-concept.The way we think, act, interact and everything that happens in our life is the manifestations of our self-concept and the way we understand it. Our outer life is always a reflection of our inner life. It is extremely important to know ourselves in order to be very clear of our values, principles, beliefs and ideals. These elements contribute as a whole on how we behave and interact with other people. Our self-concept influences our emotions, behaviour and even the way other people respond and interact with us. The problem with that though is when we think about ourselves negatively.Everything starts to be affected from just the way we think about ourselves. We start to become helpless and depressed. â€Å"We are born with pain. We are born through difficulties,† Nik Vujicic once said. Nik Vujicic was born without limbs. He tried to drown himself when he was 10 years old because he felt like he was hopeless and abandoned. He felt like it was only him against the world. But the one thought that saved him was what will his family feel and suffer when he would kill himself saying, â€Å"You know what’s worse about being born without limbs? It’s being born without limbs who gives up on living.†Personally, I don’t know why we are born this way. But we have a choice, either be angry for what we don’t have or be thankful for what we have. If Nik Vujicic, limbless but can still smile despite difficulties and trials, then so can we. When we feel like we don’t have love and hope, we start to become helpless and lose the strength to love. We start to doubt and question our very own existence when we lose those qualities. We all have those people who are going to bring us down no matter how good our day is, or bring us even lower when we are having a bad day.But when we think and accuse those people as the greatest discouragement of our lives, we’re wrong because they’re not- we are. We have a choice to give up on living or get up. Those things are like the wounds or scars in a tree bark. Judging from how a tree grows, it will never go away. But we can grow as much as we want and let those kinds of things be a small part of our lives, or we succumb to it and die. We need to remind ourselves that we are important and special, and our values are not determined by our social status, background and the way we look.During fifth grade, I was oppressed by many people even my own teacher because I was a bad kid. There was one time I was accused of doing something and I tried to defend myself saying that what happened was an accident, but it was futile. I could only do so much. People were already saying that I was the â€Å"black sheep† of my family and that I was very different from my other siblings. What happened will forever be a scar in my memory but I have to grow. I have to stand up for myself and continue on living.Everyday we make choices, and most often the simple choices are the ones that can have the huge effect for the rest of our lives. The world needs love and hope. Let us start our day by giving just that. We are here for a reason. William Barkley said, †Å"The greatest two days in anyone’s life is the day you were born and the day you know why. † We may not be able to get a miracle but we can be a miracle for others. We need to remind other people that they are important. In order to help ourselves, we first need to become selfless, not egocentric but sociocentric.Just like one famous song would state, â€Å"Love is something if you give it away. It will come right back to you. † When I was a kid even until now, I was always inquisitive and curious. I was really thinking if an optimistic belief in ourselves and self-confidence would really make a difference. I wanted to find out how do you really become successful. Eduardo Briceno asked, â€Å"What do you think is the the key to achieving goals and success? † Most people believed that it’s hard work, persistence and focus but Briceno showed that these are all products of something more potent that anyone could develop.Josh Waitzkin, a chess internat ional master and the subject for the movie â€Å"The Search for the Next Bobby Fisher,† is an example of a person who achieved great success. No one won more international competitions than him. But even more impressive, Waitzkin took on the challenge of mastering a complete new field, martial arts. It was very different from chess. After intense devotion, hard work and some broken joints, he became a great martial artist having won two international competitions. Believe it or not, Waitzkin said that the greatest thing that ever happened to him was losing his first international chess championship.He avoided the greatest psychological trap. The key trap Waitzkin avoided was believing that he was smarter than other people and that he didn’t have to work hard. He could’ve thought of himself as a protà ©gà © but he didn’t. He said, â€Å"The moment we believe that success is determined by an ingrained level of ability, we will brittle in the face of adve rsity. † Stanford University Professor Carol Dweck discovered that some people think that intelligence is fixed while other people see intelligence as Waitzkin does as something that we can develop and grow.In a study she did, several hundred seventh graders were surveyed for which kind of mindset they had and were tracked for two years. Result showed that students with growth mindset increased their performance over time. The only difference between the two groups was a different perspective of what intelligence is. â€Å"The key to success is not only effort, focus and persistent but it is the belief that we can develop ourselves and the growth mindset that creates them. † If we are to fulfill our potentials, we have to start thinking differently.Our thoughts influence our actions because if we don’t believe it then no one else will. We have to realize that we are not constant and locked to our contemporary abilities. We can change our ability to think and perf orm. Because when we lose sight in the belief that we can do something, we are done. In fact, most of the greatest thinkers of our era were once thought of as having no potential and future. Einstein once thought of committing suicide regretting why was he even born. But along with him and other great achievers from Mozart to Robert Boyle built their intelligence and abilities.â€Å"We are what we repeatedly do,† Aristotle famously proclaimed. â€Å"Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. † Once we start to believe in ourselves, that’s when confidence and excellence comes in. Excellence is not something we are born with. We have to work our way to it. We have to make it a habit. William James once said, â€Å"Any sequence of mental action which has been frequently repeated tends to perpetuate itself; so that we find ourselves automatically prompted to think, feel, or do what we have been before accustomed to think, feel, or do.†But before excellence and success, we have to believe in ourselves. The real way of achieving self-esteem and self-confidence is not by being born with it but by working and being certain of it. The key insight of the context is the belief that we can somehow do it, being confident about it and that we have to work hard at something in order to attain it. We must be confident about what we do because we’ve done it a million times. By that, we bring our game to a whole new level. Einstein worked for 10 years in completing his equations for the General Theory of Relativity.Behind it is the understanding that setbacks and failures are part of growth. Every time we became discouraged at something we are doing at, we start to tell ourselves that, â€Å"I can’t do it. † When we hear that, let us talkback with affirmation, â€Å"I can’t do it but not yet. † Just a little faith in ourselves can create great leaps. Having an optimistic belief in ourselves does create competence and effectiveness on what we do. As I would paraphrase a key text in the Bible, â€Å"Faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. †

Collaborative Consumption Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Collaborative Consumption - Essay Example The concept of collaborative consumption has been aided by advancing technology and peer communities that reinvents old behaviours of the market on new scale and ways that have not been witnessed before. Examples of aspects that enhance collaborative consumption include: car sharing marketplaces such as Zipcar, huge marketplaces such as Craiglist and eBay, and peer-to-peer communities such as GuideHop (Walljasper, 2010, p. 28). Several studies have shown that collaborative consumption is greatly disrupting the traditional business models, while at the same time reinventing old market behaviours thereby influencing how people consume and what they consume. Since collaborative consumption is disrupting the traditional business models and reinventing old market behaviours, it is conceivable that this new era will require a dramatic re-evaluation of everything that we know regarding improvement of the relationship between the customers and the suppliers. It is no doubt that the extent of re-evaluation would be bigger than even imagined. This is some sort of paradigm shift from â€Å"common consumption† that has been characterized by a number of problems, miscommunication being its biggest problem (Baron and Harris, 2008, p. 113). Collaborative consumption is informed by the theory of collaboration which basically states that collaboration is enhanced among people when the collaborators are expecting beneficial outcome from the collaboration. Price et al (2006, p. 51) argues that this theory holds that collaboration is vital towards eliminating inherent selfish nature of human beings by making them see benefits out of combined actio ns and efforts. Further, collaborative consumption is informed by the collaboration theory assumption that it has a causal outcome; that is, if causal outcome is higher then the collaborators would have higher commitment and participation levels. Even though â€Å"common consumption† is still prominent in the marketplaces, it is emerging that everything is becoming collaborative. The world has in recent times has experienced immense renting and swapping of clothes, homes, and cars through technologies and peer communities such as Airnb, Zipcar, and RentCycle (Walljasper, 2010, p. 57). Collaborative consumption is a theory in itself that holds that people can buy something without necessarily owning it. The view of not owning something after buying it notwithstanding, a person buying it should take responsibility for them, be it clothes, electric, or car. The era of collaborative consumption requires dramatic re-evaluation in respect to both customer-supplier relationship and how we look at the community. This dramatic re-evaluation has to entail the understanding of the resurgence of community, the values in the community, and how members of the community connect to one another. The same re-evaluation should be applied to the customer- supplier relationship. As has been noted, consumers and suppliers in this model calls for more responsibilities; as such, it is critical to re-evaluate the accountability and the responsibility aspects in the model (Holt, 2005, p. 6). Collaborative consumption has been touted as one of the greatest revolutions of our time and may be as significant as the industrial revolution. It has been argued

Changing Context of Workforce Planning and Labour Market Change Research Paper

Changing Context of Workforce Planning and Labour Market Change - Research Paper Example The report indicates that the LFS essentially tracks two different types of teleworkers, including those working in their premises and those working in particular places like on the train, at their client’s homes, or in the cars. However, all the two types of teleworking services use the home comfort as their primary setups. In 2005, the majority of teleworkers worked in several places but used the home as their center. The number represents a whopping 1.8 million out of a total 2.4 million. These figures just demonstrate how the labor market is vigorously shifting from the more demanding contractual basis to the less critical self-employment context. There are several factors central to the sudden change in the labor market context. The first primary aspect is the advancement in technology. The new skills and equipment have revolutionized and redefined the entire workforce because it has brought a range of capabilities that were initially far-fetched. For example, in the case study, the rise of computers and telephones has changed the game because it has made work easier for builders. They can efficiently execute particular duties at home and at the same time communicate with clients. This scenario contrasts the traditional white-collar-job setup that requires an employee to link remotely with the employer. Apart from technology, several other reasons perhaps drive employees away from the customary right jobs, hence making home based work more appealing and convenient. First, some contracts are not guaranteed.

Describe the causes and efffects of the Pliocene warm period Literature review

Describe the causes and efffects of the Pliocene warm period - Literature review Example The age was marked by various critical tectonic occasions that made the scene we know today. One such occasion was the joining of the tectonic plates of North and South America. This joining was realized by a movement of the Caribbean Plate, which moved somewhat eastwards and structured an area connect over the Isthmus of Panama. The association between North and South America had a noteworthy effect on widely varied vegetation in two regards: (1) ashore, the production of an area extension empowered animal groups to relocate between the two landmasses (Cane et al, 2001 412). This prompted a relocation of armadillo, ground sloth, and porcupines from South to North America and an attack of canines, felines, bears and steeds in the inverse bearing. (2) The joining of the two tectonic plates likewise prompted changes in the natures domain. An environment with species that had been associating for billions of years now got divided into the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This thus had a cri tical effect on the advancement of the species which got disconnected from one another. Throughout the Pliocene the tectonic plates of India and Asia additionally impacted, which framed the Himalayas. In North America, the Cascades, Rockies, Appalachians, and the Colorado levels were elevated, and there was movement in the mountains of Alaska and in the Great Basin reaches of Nevada and Utah. The end of the Pliocene was checked in North America by the Cascadian transformation, throughout which the Sierra Nevada was hoisted and tilted to the west. In Europe, numerous mountain ranges developed, including the Alps, which were collapsed (Dowsett, 2007 478). Throughout the span of the Pliocene, the worldwide atmosphere got to be cooler and drier. The start of the age saw various changes in temperature, which offered route to the general cooling pattern towards the end

Department of Defense (DOD) Information Technology infrastructure Research Paper

Department of Defense (DOD) Information Technology infrastructure Audit - Research Paper Example This will achieved by CompTech’s detective controls. The company will provide an alarm system that uses laser technology to detect intrusion and report it immediately to the police. This will ensure that the confidentiality of data and information within the DOD is safeguarded from intruders. The department of Defense (DOD) within its directives provides that DOD information must be protected from security breaches by one or more physical controls (Online Information for Defense Community 2012). It is in this regard that that the CompTech Inc. will provide physical security through locks which inhibit access to sensitive data and information within the DOD. Physical barriers will be installed within the DOD to prohibit access to data warehouses. The physical barriers that CompTech Inc. will provide for the DOD include passwords to entry and exit doors including the elevators. Through physical protection, the privacy of data within the department will be guaranteed. In order to comply with the information security program that is recommended by the DOD, CompTech Inc. will ensure that the department recovers quickly from any losses of data that emanate from security breaches. The company will achieve this through the design and installation of data recovery software that will act as a corrective control for data losses. This will ensure availability of data for use without any delays hence implementation of quick corrective measures. The Critical Program Information within DOD’s requirements and directives will be adhered to by CompTech Inc. in its procedural controls. The company will design and present training applications will help employees within the department to have adequate skills and knowledge on safeguarding the system. This will lead to a situation where the integrity of information within the DOD is maintained. CompTech Inc. will provide the DOD with secure systems which are designed and installed with firewalls,

'The accounting 'economics' of innovation Essay

'The accounting 'economics' of innovation - Essay Example Success in these 2 markets depended on product quality, price, availability, and on-time delivery. Currently, with the wide scope of Whirlpool’s operations, it has disjointed information systems implemented in the various business units which hamper the company’s success in meeting its customer and operations requirements. To remedy this, Whirlpool is evaluating the plan to implement a company-wide enterprise resource planning system, called Project Atlantic. The cost of Project Atlantic is sizeable both in financial and non-financial terms. A rigorous capital investment appraisal, both quantitative and qualitative need to be conducted before embarking on the project (Case Resource). Question 1: Summarize the main factors that Whirlpool Corp needs to take into account when deciding whether to invest in the enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems named Project Atlantic. Your summary should include: Whirlpool Corp’s Project Atlantic is an undertaking to design and implement an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that would allow the company to better serve its consumer and contract markets for appliances, as well as reduce its inventory by 12 days of sales. Enterprise resources are the manpower, machines and materials necessary for business operations and which have to be properly allocated and utilized to achieve business objectives. The main factors that Whirlpool Corp needs to take into account to decide whether to invest in Project Atlantic are the benefits that can be derived from the project; the costs of design, implementation and maintenance; whether benefits outweigh the costs and when will the company get payback from the ERP systems; how long will the process of designing and implementing take and what external and internal resources are necessary; and what changes need to be undertaken by the company to enable the new systems to fit in, how will

Set Induction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Set Induction - Essay Example The set should be clear enough for the students to know what is expected of them. It should also help them have an idea of what to expect from their instructor. A good set should also help create motivation among learners. This motivation will help enhance clarity and enable students to be fully engaged in the whole learning process (Schuck, 227). Proper set induction by course instructors is necessary for creating interest in and understanding of a new subject among students. I attended an in-depth science class to assess the impact of set induction on students. The lecturer just went straight for the lecture notes once the lesson began. There was no introduction to the lesson; therefore there was nothing to grip the attention of the students. The lecturer used power-point presentations for his notes, which were all in the class text books. I thought that set induction to the subject was lacking. The lecturer did nothing to introduce the students to the new concept of the lesson, and yet this is a science class in which students need to understand the concept from the beginning. The lecturer did not welcome the students, and I sensed some indifference in the way he started the lecture without settling the students down. This sense of indifference was also obvious among the students who lost attention during the early stages of the lesson. Some of them turned to other activities that were not related at all to what they were learning, like sending emails and messages on their phones. I think that the way the lecturer started his lecture was not the right way to go about any learning process. He should have used a simple set induction to get the students ready for whatever he was going to teach them. I think the students turned to other activities other than paying attention to what the lecturer was saying due to the fact that they did not understand anything he said. The lack of attention could also be attributed to the fact that the instructor used

Negotiating skills and strategies Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Negotiating skills and strategies - Term Paper Example It is argued that negotiation is unavoidable in life since we need something from others in our daily lives and an agreement based on common understanding can be reached through negotiation. Thus, negotiation broadly encompasses the process by which we arrange exchanges of things we want for the things we have. Negotiation can take place between different parties and this process is at times regarded as â€Å"a zero-sum transaction- what one gains, the other loses whereby their approach to the deal is to give less than they receive,† (Kennedy, 2004, p.13). More often than not, people negotiate because they value things differently. The monitory value is seen as very important when people engage in negotiation and these parties often prefer a win-win situation with the aim of reaching an acceptable agreement. However, it is argued that there are naturally gifted negotiators but when it comes to aspects concerning legal practitioners and mediators, it can be noted that negotiato rs are not naturally gifted and this can be observed from the difference between a ‘Master Negotiator’ and a ‘Novice Negotiator’(Noble, 2001). There are different styles of negotiation and there are also many factors that influence the success or failure of a negotiation process. From this assertion, this report seeks to discuss the factors that influence the negotiation process and measures that can be implemented in order to improve negotiation skills. The report will explain in detail the phases involved in the negotiation process through an analysis of the details of the interview that was conducted by the writer. 2.0 Summary of readings and the interview Negotiation is a process that can be divided into three phases namely: the pre bargain phase, bargain phase and the closure phase (Noble, 2001). This first phase is mainly concerned with gathering information that can be used in the negotiation process and is also concerned with establishing a rapport between the two parties involved. The goals and expectations of the negotiation process are set at this stage. Gathering information about the other partner is advantageous in that one will be better positioned to set realistic goals and plan according to the budget that might be available. The second phase in the negotiation process is concerned with the logistics involved and the tactics that can be used by the negotiator to reach a mutual agreement. Resolutions are made at this stage and the third stage is concerned with implementation of the agreement made. This phase also involves documentation of the contents of the agreement. Since this paper is based on negotiating skills and strategy, the writer chose to interview a manager at Kaiser Permanente who oversees many union employees out of interest emanating from

Project Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Project - Research Paper Example This improves service delivery. The most crucial step in enhancing customer service quality is hiring qualified personnel. After hiring the right candidates, they should be trained to impart efficient customer service skills in relation to the company culture. Once absorbed into the company structures, employees should be empowered to provide. This provides them with a leeway and flexibility necessary in enhancing customer satisfaction. Feedback surveys confirm the efficiency of the training programs. The last stage of the process involves improvement of the outdated services and systems. Executive Summary Purpose of the Report The purpose of the report is to explain the impacts of customer service function in Delyumy Company, outlining the procedure followed in the formulation of efficient customer service training and show the benefits that the company attains from employee training. Secondary research included the use of various books and scholarly journals while the primary resea rch entailed the personal interviews with Rijkaard Reagan, Barry Feig and Jenifer Miles. Efficient Customer Service Training Findings from scholarly journals, books and personal interviews revealed that the golden rule for ensuring quality customer service is treating the employees well. Lack of proper treatment ranges from lack of recognition and rewards as well as inefficient training programs. ... After hiring the right candidates, they should be trained to impart efficient customer service skills in relation to the company culture. Once absorbed into the company structures, employees should be empowered to provide. This provides them with a leeway and flexibility necessary in enhancing customer satisfaction. Feedback surveys should be conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of the training programs. The last stage of the process involves improvement of the outdated services and systems. Table of Contents Transmittal Memorandum 2 Executive Summary 2 Customer Service Training 5 Secondary Research 6 Customer Service 6 Benefits of Effective Customer Service 6 Customer Service Training 7 Benefits of Employee Training 8 Primary Research 8 Interviews 8 Conclusion 10 Recommendations 12 In a recent meeting, managers and supervisors for the company (your choice) where you work (your choice) expressed concerns about employees' customer-service skills. Moreover, they wondered whether a specific set of procedures should be established — especially for new employees. They have asked you to investigate the customer service practices at other companies like yours to determine what skills should be emphasized and what procedures — if any — should be adopted. Customer Service Training Customer service is the ability of an organization to constantly and consistently provide customers with what they require i.e. ensuring satisfaction. It can also be defined as encounters that customers have with employees as they engage in their duties. Customer service is the most visible and significant aspect of organizational performance, especially in the hotel industry.

How multi agencies work together Essay Example for Free

How multi agencies work together Essay There are many agencies that we work with to help with children and young peoples development. When we look at behavioural development, social interactions and speech development all these agencies link together. We use nursery transition days to help the child settle into their new environments and arrange intake visits and meetings with the school for a smoother transition. Social services is used if we have any concerns of a childs well being so then police and a designated social worker would also be involved. The health team are always on hand to help if any families need support with parenting or any development issues. They will then offer parents appropriate courses such as nurturing. At Playgroup we can point in the right direction of any help needed such as our family intervention officers who go into the family homes and will discuss any problems families may have. We run a language and play session which families are invited to where they can enjoy some one to one time with their child to do various activities that will enhance development and build parents confidence too. We have various teachers who can give us support too that work within flying start that can give advice on childrens development and help observe children if we feel there are any problems. Also we can offer one to one support to children if they need it as many of us have had relevant training through senco. We work with health visitors on a daily basis as they are in the same building as us. They give us all relevant information on new children due to start and if there are any concerns with children already with us. We would discuss any issues we have with any children to the designated health visitor of the child as they have all relevant information on that child. Sogs assessments are a good way to see if a child is lacking in any developmental stage and these are used to determine if any outside agencies are called in to discuss anything further. We have also worked closely with social services and have attested child protection conferences. These help us understand what is going on with the child in their home environment and will help us understand if there have been changes in the childs development at Playgroup too. We are able to keep all information confidential and it is only available to the relevant people involved. All staff are made aware of any children that are put on the child protection  list and all staff have their child protection training updated so we are aware of what we do if we are unsure of a childs well being.

Concepts of Leadership

Concepts of Leadership LEADERSHIP CONCEPTS Leadership is universally reviewed and defined by numerous authors and originators. Leaders have the ability to inspire and influence others in a team and encourage them to perform effectively towards organizational goals. Mullins explained, Leadership is the relationship through which one person influences the behavior or action of other people (Mullins 2010:373). Leaders in the modern age conceive an ambiance that motivates the skills and develop receptivity of learning among the team members and initialize steps to participate in human resources and financial performances. Gary yukl believed that Leaders should have a crystal clear vision before motivating the team members towards cultural change in the organization (Gary yukl 2010:308). An inspired vision is cardinal to accumulate hold from the team members and outsiders. Leadership is about generating a specific vision which stands out and in this modern world. ¹ In addition Leadership is not about leaders, it is about the functions of leaders. Leaders could be effective, if the three areas of needs are satisfied within the work ². The achievement of the leader can be extemporizing by fulfilling the following three needs (Mullins 2010:378): Task needs; Team maintenance needs; Individual needs. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/dd/Three_circles.png Source: Adair ,Action centered Leadership. John Adair model of Action-centered leadership induces to understand the relationship between the leader and team. It benefits the organization to complete the tasks before the targeted time and attain companys goals. The traditional role of Action-centered leader is to monitor and control the activities of group and leaders should serve as an advisor and consultant ³. It gives attention not only for the functional aspects but also the behavioral aspects of leadership. CONCLUSION: I personally feel this model to be more effective considered to other types of model. It is because; this model balances both Individual needs and Team satisfaction. This model serves as an example to demonstrate the relationship between the management and Leader. Therefore, Action centered model of leadership is preferred for any kind of organization to produce effective results. Reference: Laurie J.Mullins (2010) Nineth Edition edn. Management Organisational Behavior. Italy: Prentice Hall wikipedia (n. d.) Functional Leadership model [online] available from [20/03/11] Gary Yukl (2010) Seventh edition edn. Leadership in Organisation. New jersey: Prentice Hall Lyman W. porte, Harold l. angle, Robert W.Allen Second editon. Organisational Influence process CURRENT LEADERSHIP RESEARCH: In todays present situation, Power aspect occupies a vital role in the current stage of leadership environment. Traditionally, Leadership is connected with Power aspect and infers to control, co-ordinate and influence them towards succeeding the organization goals or economy. Power is identified as the capacity of one person to inspire another person (YUKL 2010:199). Power is the ability of one, who influences the behavior and attitude of other people ¹. Leadership style varies in relation with each Leader. It is identified as the way Leaders perform and behave in the organization towards subordinates. According to French and Raven, there are five significant types of power (Mullins 2010:397), Reward power is grounded on the approach of his/her employer and capability to abide by the regulations of the organization. It can develop a source of influence towards leader ². This will assist organization in achieving its goals and perspectives. One of the finest instances for this power is GOOGLE, where employers are given freedom of innovative action and praised for innovations. Coercive power is borne with associates who have the power to punish subordinates for not completing the desired role. It is being hinged on subordinates conception that Leader charge, if the directives are not compiled with. This power is related Authoritative style is leadership. For Instance: I have personally faced in my workplace for not attending the group meetings and I was been warned by the high level authorities. Legitimate power defines that he/she in a position to imply authority over the subordinates and make them to follow the directives. This power is usually dealt with the level of position they are placed. Higher the position, Greater the power ³ For Instance: In Indian Police academy, CBI has higher power than any police officer. Expert power is basically identified as the expertise which the leader naturally or practically possesses. This category is radically narrowed and exclusive knowledge will remain continuously within the leader. They dont make inconsistent and restless decisions and they even act confidently (Gary Yukl 2010:209). Referent power is the capacity of an individual to influence admiration and apperceive attractiveness. It is depicted with personal characteristics, charisma and strong loyalty towards them. It is considered among one of the five social powers. For Instance: Steve Jobs and Bill Gates are the best examples of referent power. They both have the attractiveness to extract peoples attention. They fall under the category of Charismatic Leadership Style. C:UsersMuthuRamanDesktoppowerpoints.png Source: (hakunamatatajumbojumbo.blogspot.com) References: Laurie J.Mullins (2010) Nineth Edition edn. Management Organisational Behavior. Italy: Prentice Hall Power [online] available from http://www.strom.clemson.edu/becker/prtm320/notes/power320.pdf> [20/03/2011] Power and its types [online] available from http://www.hrbartender.com/2010/training/7-types-of-power-in-the-workplace/> [25/03/2011] Gary Yukl (2010) Seventh edition edn. Leadership in Organisation. New jersey: Prentice Hall. LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOR The path goal theory: According to GREAT MAN THEORY Leaders are born and not made. In the changing world, Leaders are rarely born and many leaders are situational type of leaders. Leaders do not have the inherent capabilities to lead a team or society. One has to develop his/her skills to control a group of people. Many leaders are now situational and apply practical concepts to solve problems I prefer this type of behavior since it could be helpful to tackle situations physically and psychologically and even financially. The path goal theory of leadership was discovered to examine the behavior of a leader. Initially Evans (1970) covered only two types of behavior namely supportive and Directive Leadership. (Mullins 2010:388) Later, House and Mitchell (1971) added upon two more behaviors called Participative and Achievement behavior. (Gary Yukl 2010:169). The directive leader behavior exemplify to situations where the leaders monitor followers and allows them to perform their specified tasks and direct them to abide by the rules and regulations. This leadership behavior is similar to Ohio State University Studies. Feedback: I had experienced this type of leadership behavior when I was working in one of the Leather Company in INDIA.I was fresh to the Industry and I had no idea about the process and procedures. The team manager used to discuss the dated targets should be achieved? When should be the purchase made? Etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦But there was no opinions directed from the manager like how to achieve it? How to hit the target? There was a lack of communication between the leader and subordinates. The Supportive leader behavior indulges an accessible way and friendly manner and concentrates immense concern for the welfare and necessities of the subordinates. This behavior is helpful in stressful situation and when the tasks are given psychological manner. The Participative Leader behavior means taking into account about the views and opinions of subordinates before the task is performed or completed. Feedback: My colleagues were so supportive when I was preparing for debate on OFFLINE MARKETING. This behavior was very helpful in identifying the lack of communication skill in me and team members were so cooperative and understanding. The Achievement-oriented Leader behavior indulges in implying organizational goals to extract better performances and higher confidence from subordinates. Feedback: When I used to work in HDFC, Team leaders used to throw up various packages; if the particular allotted amounts of products are sold they will be taken a free trip to Maldives. I banged highest amount of commission in the year for successfully completing the 50000+ target worth of Insurance products within targeted dates. All these types of behavior can be felt or experienced in different situations by same person. Leaders use any of the above mentioned behavior to induce followers and to attract them. References: Gary Yukl (2010) Seventh edition edn. Leadership in Organisation. New jersey: Prentice Hall University of Exeter (n. d.) The rewiew of Leadership Theories and framework [online] available from http://centres.exeter.ac.uk/cls/documents/mgmt_standards.pdf [24/03/2011] Path goal theory of Leadership [online] available from http://changingminds.org/disciplines/leadership/styles/path_goal_leadership.htm [25/03/2011] The five practices of Exemplary Leadership [online] available from http://media.wiley.com/product_data/excerpt/83/07879567/0787956783.pdf [24/03/2011] What does it mean to lead? [online] available from http://www.russellconsultinginc.com/docs/Leadership.htm [24/03/2011] HOW TO OVERCOME KEY TENSION OF A LEADER? Leadership is gaining vital role over management success. As we have critically analyzed the leadership concepts, behaviors and about how leaders fondle powers using different styles, we get into the key tensions of leaders and how the leader can overcome using the prominent five practices of exemplary leadership: Model the way Inspire a shared vision Challenge the process Enable others to act Encourage the heart If the leaders are to be effective the above practices are to be experienced. For Instance, Mahatma Gandhi is one of the prominent and significant leaders in India and is called as Father of Nation. He played a key role in attaining freedom with his clear vision and confidence on the people. The main purpose of the freedom struggle was to gain freedom from British government for Indian people. What made Gandhi to stand out? His approach towards pertaining freedom and his leadership skills made people to follow him. His behavior style towards the people was very supportive and participative. His vision was much focused and he led the people of the country towards Non Violence concept. This makes him transformational leader and charismatic leader. Leader-member exchange theory (LMX) explains leader should have an exchange relationship with followers to establish participation and infer commitment towards freedom.(Gary Yukl 2010) President Barack Obama says Throughout my life, I have always looked to Mahatma Gandhi as an inspiration. Exemplary leaders enable all members to act together. Victor Vroom and Lyman porter says The relationship between motivation and performance is moderated by the amount of freedom to act (John Miner 2010:97). Finally, Gandhi overcame all the issues with the help of exemplary leadership practices and expectancy motivational theories.

Effects of, and Uses for Paracetamol

Effects of, and Uses for Paracetamol Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a widely used medicinal drug available over the counter The chemical name for Paracetamol is N-acetyl-p-aminophenol. Over-the-counter (OTC) Analgesic and antipyretic action with weak anti-inflammatory action Synergic effect with other analgesics, especially codeine and NSAIDs, resulting in better overall pain control Major ingredient in cold flu remedies Used in combination with opioid analgesics Oral Paracetamol has an oral bioavilabity of 63-89%. A drug given orally goes through first pass metabolism. Intravenous Intravenous administration of paracetamol has a bioavilabity of 100% Rectal Paracetamol has a rectal bioavilabity of 24-98%. Bioavailability is the amount of dose absorbed from the site of administration Oral administration has a little first pass metabolism in the liver and is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract First pass metabolism involves the drug being absorbed into the portal vein system via the intestine wall after which it is carried to the liver. Before the drug reaches its target site it may therefore to some extent be metabolised in the liver. A plasma concentration of 10-20mcg.ml-1 for paracetamol results in an antipyretic effect however the concentration needed to lead to an analgesia effect is not properly known. All three routes of administration have a significant difference in the time needed to reach peak plasma concentrations. Of all three routes intravenous administration reaches peak plasma concentration in the shortest amount of time and suppository takes the longest, Oral : For adults 325-650mg tablets can be taken every 4 to 6 hours 1 gram can be taken every 4 hours with a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours. Rectal: suppositories are available in 250 and 500mg. Two 500mg suppositories can be taken by adults and children over 12 IV: The maximum dose that can be given is 3g in 24 hours For children there new dosage guidelines that put children into 7 precise age groups Since IV administration has 100% bioavilabity there is a high chance of toxicity in patients that have renal and/or hepatic problems Absorbed through the wall of the intestine and into the blood. Speed and efficiency of the absorption is determined by several factors which include the pKa, log P and molecular mass of the drug Low molecular mass and is almost completely unionised in the small intestine which allows it to be absorbed more easily Oral Bioavailability – 70%-90% Rectal Bioavailability – 30%-70% Distributed throughout the body fluids in a homogeneous way Analgesic activity is attributable to the small fraction that penetrates into the brain Binds to plasma proteins at less than 20% A high degree of protein binding makes the drug long acting The glucuronidation and sulfation pathway for paracetamol metabolism lead to the production of unharmful and on toxic products. The middle N-Hydroxylation and rearrangement pathway mediated by the isoenzyme of cytochrome p450 (CYP2E1 and CYP3A4) pathway leads to the production of toxic metabolite NAPQ1 which covalently binds to cell macromolecules in overdose. In normal cases NAPQ1 binds with glutathione resulting in an unrhamful and nontoxic product. Part A of the figure shows the metabolism of paracetamol in a healthy individual. Around 95% of the drug is conjugated with glucuronide and excreted in the urine. The leftover is conjugated with glutathione Part B shows the metabolism of paracetamol in an individual that is starved. The conjugation of glutathione does not take place adequately and its depletion results in the build of hepatotoxic NAPQ1 Excreted in urine Predominantly in the form of inactive glucuronide and sulphate conjugates A small amount of the drug is converted to a very reactive alkylating metabolite that is inactivated with reduced glutathione and is excreted in the urine as cysteine and mercapturic acid conjugates Paracetamol is absorbed from the GI tract and a peak plasma concentration occurs within 10-60 minutes after being taken orally. It has a half-life of approximately 2 hours It is distributed into the majority of body tissues Has an elimination half life ranging from 1-3 hours The volume of distribution for paracetamol is around 1L/Kg of body weight with an insignificant amount of the drug binding to plasma protein. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) – specifically COX-2 Reduces the oxidised form of the COX enzyme, preventing it from forming pro-inflammatory chemicals Peripheral anti-inflammatory activity is usually limited by high level of peroxides present in inflammatory lesions (including several other factors) Metabolites of paracetamol act upon the spinal cord via TRPA1-receptors modulates the endogenous cannabinoid system Paracetamol works inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins Because of its selectivity for COX-2 it does not significantly inhibit the production of the pro-clotting thromboxanes. Metabolies: suppressing the signal transduction from the superficial layers of the dorsal horn to alleviate pain. The nuclear receptor constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) can be activated by paracetamol. This induces the expression of three cytochrome P450 enzymes that lead to the transformation of paracetamol into N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) is a reactive and toxic metabolite. It can be detoxified by conjugation with glutathione Paracetamol is a safe drug and doesn’t cause toxicity unless taken in the wrong dosage or in extreme circumstances such as starvation. Also when taken with alcol for long periods of times it enhances toxicity as the coentration of toxic metabolites such as NAPQ1 increases. NAPQ1 firstly goes through detoxification in the liver via glutathione conjugation catalysed by the enzyme GST and then goes through acetylation in the kidneys. This step is catalysed b M-acetyl transferase. It then gets excreted in the urine. The cytochrome p450 enzyme (isoenzyme CYP2E1) procures hepatoxic metabolites in small quantities. The phase 1 metabolism of paracetamol mediated by p450 gives rise to NAPQ1, that is detoxified by phase 2 conjugation with glutathione. During overdose depletion of glutathione occurs and NAPQ1 accumulates Phase 1 metabolism is where the drug molecule foes though basic structural alteration through reduction, hydrolysis, or oxidation (which is catalysed cytochrome p450 enzymes) Phase 2 metabolism involves conjugation (an ionised group attaches to the drug) making it metabolite water soluble. In the case of paracetamol overdose NAPQ1 can accumulate and can possibly lead to liver damage if left untreated It can also damage other organs that contains P450 enzymes such as the kidneys where the toxicity could result in renal dysfunction and pancreas. Liver toxicity can be prevented by blocking the activation of CAR with an antagonist or Paracetamol overdose occurs at around 7-8 g  in an adult and more than 150 mg/kg in children. Liver damage : The centrilobular zone is the first zone in the liver that gets affected by the toxicity. In extreme cases zones 1 and 2 present in the parenchyma get damaged. Kidney damage: renal dysfunction leads to the need of dialysis as a tubular necrosis table place because of the localised formation of NAPQ1.

A New Sense Of Life :: essays research papers

A New Sense of Life   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Baldwin’s Discovery of What it Means to Be an American, it was said that to be an American was a truly free feeling. The fact is you could change yourself mid-life and still hold worth and prowess. The idea of being considered a great author, and also as being a great actor, holds different places here in America then in Europe, or even Canada. Most places would hold the profession of an author to have more of an elegance then an actor. The author holds more intellectual ground, then that of one who can act out a part and memorize lines. (Not so much as the idea of being a writer, then an actor, but how you present yourself.)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If someone asks you, â€Å"Who are you?†, you might simply answer, â€Å"I am a carpenter.† or â€Å"I am a congressman.† Say you have a job that would not be as high on the social ladder as these. For example, use the profession of a garbage man. He gets paid as much as the carpenter, but in society, that profession isn’t looked upon like a carpenter, or a congressman. Along the same lines, a congressman, or even a carpenter, can turn around at the pinnacle of his career, and choose to be a garbage man, if that’s what his heart seeks. America has a view unlike any other nation, in which you can start over at any time. You can take control of your life by going back to school, learning what you want to, thus becoming something completely different at the age of 50.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Unlike many eastern nations, where you are dedicated to that one job concept, (IE. If you’re an incredible trumpet player, you will be that for the rest of your life, and that’s that), in America you have the option to move about in the job market, to try out different professions, and feel your way through life. You can see evidence of that by the fact junior colleges are very popular among older people. In America, you are allowed to go to school for the rest of your life if you want to, and the school will work around your current employment schedule. The meaning of life in America is different than that of any other country. You can go where you want and be whomever you want. A New Sense Of Life :: essays research papers A New Sense of Life   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Baldwin’s Discovery of What it Means to Be an American, it was said that to be an American was a truly free feeling. The fact is you could change yourself mid-life and still hold worth and prowess. The idea of being considered a great author, and also as being a great actor, holds different places here in America then in Europe, or even Canada. Most places would hold the profession of an author to have more of an elegance then an actor. The author holds more intellectual ground, then that of one who can act out a part and memorize lines. (Not so much as the idea of being a writer, then an actor, but how you present yourself.)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If someone asks you, â€Å"Who are you?†, you might simply answer, â€Å"I am a carpenter.† or â€Å"I am a congressman.† Say you have a job that would not be as high on the social ladder as these. For example, use the profession of a garbage man. He gets paid as much as the carpenter, but in society, that profession isn’t looked upon like a carpenter, or a congressman. Along the same lines, a congressman, or even a carpenter, can turn around at the pinnacle of his career, and choose to be a garbage man, if that’s what his heart seeks. America has a view unlike any other nation, in which you can start over at any time. You can take control of your life by going back to school, learning what you want to, thus becoming something completely different at the age of 50.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Unlike many eastern nations, where you are dedicated to that one job concept, (IE. If you’re an incredible trumpet player, you will be that for the rest of your life, and that’s that), in America you have the option to move about in the job market, to try out different professions, and feel your way through life. You can see evidence of that by the fact junior colleges are very popular among older people. In America, you are allowed to go to school for the rest of your life if you want to, and the school will work around your current employment schedule. The meaning of life in America is different than that of any other country. You can go where you want and be whomever you want.

herody Free Essays: Heroes in the Poem Women and Homers Odyssey :: comparison compare contrast essays

Heroes in the Poem Women and Homer's Odyssey A hero is a brave and strong person, who is also very human. A hero feels fear and every other emotion that we do. A true hero is a person who does something great and does not expect to be given any thing in return. A hero does something that effects a large number of people. A hero thinks more of others than he or she thinks of him or her self. The characters in the poem, "Women", and The Odyssey are both epic heroes. Odysseus is a strong and brave man, but I think he lacks one of the major characteristics of a hero. I think he thinks of himself more than of others. I think the characters in the poem, "Women," are better heroes because they can be related to easier. I don't think the poem characters are like an epic hero because they are less into them selves than an epic hero. They also seem to have done lesser things, I mean epic heroes always do something so great, like take twenty men on, or lead an army to victory. Everyday heroes seem to be more realistic and do something that's great, but its not written up in every news paper in the country. Odysseus is a brave man that did great things. In The Odyssey he conquers a monster using smarts and strength. He also looks out for his crew mates. He is faithful to his wife, well, in his mind he is. He kills many men on his own in a battle at his home. He cries a couple of times in the story, showing sensitivity. Overall, Odysseus is a brave and caring human that is a little too conceited He is also very smart, like in the book when Odysseus said, "He thought he'd find out, but I saw through him."(on page 750 line723.) Also like most epic heroes Odysseus is physically strong, like when Odysseus said, "I rammed it deep in his eye."(on page 751 line 843.) Odysseus rammed a large spike into the beast's eye. The poem "Women" was a great description of black women in the mid

The Patient Griselda, by Giovanni Boccaccio Essays -- Literary Analysi

â€Å"The Patient Griselda†, by Giovanni Boccaccio, has hidden meanings to it. Domestic violence from Gualtieri to his chosen wife, Griselda is apparent. Gualtieri feels as though his is condoned to such abuse of his wife because of her low-born social class status, her non-nobility. He further oppresses his power over her by disallowing her to have control over the upbringing of their children. Gualtieri, a young Italian marquis, was pressured by his servants to marry. His subjects were in fear that there would not be an heir to maintain the stability of their state. Gualtieri agrees to marry, but makes it clear to his subjects that he will he will find his own wife. The marquis makes his people promise that they will not question him nor criticize his choice for a wife. â€Å"My friends, since you still persist in wanting me to take a wife; I am prepared to do it, not because I have any desires to marry, but rather in order to gratify your wishes. You will recall the promise you gave me, that no matter whom I should choose; you would rest content and honour her as your lady†, (Boccaccio 164). The beginning of the marriage was peaceful. Then Griselda gave birth to a daughter. It is at this time that Gualtieri begins to â€Å"test† Griselda. His tests are actually forms of emotional abuse. He begins by testing Griselda’s obedience by having the child taken away to be raised elsewhere by woman kinfolk. He told Griselda that their daughter was dead, that he had her killed by his subjects. He repeats this same test with the birth of their son a few years later. Griselda, with no words of protest, surrenders both her children to their deaths by their own father, her husband. Griselda was abused by Gualtieri from the beginnin... ...ers as you would have others do unto you†. If it had been Griselda putting her husband through these so called â€Å"tests†, the outcome would have been very different. There would not have been any kind of a â€Å"happy ending†. Works Cited Boccaccio, Giovanni. everything2.com. Tuesday November 2000. 4 August 2010 . Campbell, Emma. "Sexual Poetics and the Politics of Translation in the Tale of Griselda." (2006): 17. Damrosch, David and David L. Pike. The Longman Anthology of World Literature Second Edition. Pearson Education, Inc., 2009. Davis, Walter R. "Boccaccio's Decameron ." The Implications of Binary Form (2003): 20. Fulton, Helen. "The Performance of Social Class:." Domestic Violence in The Griselda Story (n.d.): 42. Jaster, Margaret Rose. ""Controlling clothes, manipulating mates: Petruchio's Griselda"." (2001): 13.

Agriculture industry

Agriculture is an art, science and industry of managing the growth of plants and animals for human use. In broad sense, agriculture includes cultivation of the soil, growing and harvesting the crops, breeding and raising livestock, daring and forestry. Modern agriculture is engineering and technology based. Therefore, mechanization has eased much of the back breaking toil to the farmer. Agriculture is the backbone of economy of most of the countries of the world.About 48 percent of world's labour force is engaged with agriculture. For some countries, agriculture is the major source of foreign exchange for example Sri Lanka depends upon tea, Denmark specializes in dairy products and Australia in wool. Nations depends on agriculture not only for food but for national income and raw materials for industry as well, trade in agriculture is a constant international concern. Agricultural scientists are of opinion that, about 40% of 37 million acre land of the world may be considered cultiva ble.Today, only 5. 5 million sq miles (10% to 11%) of the land surface is actually cultivated. It is fact that nature sets the outer limits of man’s potential resources, because physical limitation, like temperature, rainfall, soil character and physiography, fix up the outer limit of cultivable land. Factors Governing Agriculture: Today, agriculture has become an industry. Therefore, like all other industries, its development depends upon multiple factors.Basically, physical environment imposes limits on the distribution of agricultural activity but cultural environment at the same time has its own importance for this activity because, agricultural patterns in the world are the result of interaction among the influences exerted by the physical, economic and social factors. The factors of agriculture can be divided into following classification. I. Physical Factors II. Human Factors / Non Physical Factors A. Economic Factors B. Political Factors C. Social / Cultural Factors P hysical Factors of Agriculture:Man’s agricultural activities depend on the physical environment in which he lives although he often has tried to minimize the restrictions imposed by the natural conditions. Nature in its diverse manifestations provides man in different areas with a variety of possibilities for development. To examine the agricultural activity of man in the world, it is necessary to know about the natural and physical factors of the world, which are as follows: 1. Terrain 2. Climate 3. Soils 4. Water Resources 5. Forest Cover 1. Terrain:Many agricultural geographers have analysed the influences of terrain on agriculture and it indeed plays a significant role in land-use variation. The three most significant aspects of terrain are: (i). Attitude (ii). Slope (iii). Drainage texture (i). Attitude: The primary consequence of altitude is decrease in air pressure with the increase in elevation. At the height of 3500 m and above the decreased atmospheric pressure caus es nausea and agricultural activities cannot be carried out despite conditions being favourable to numerous domesticated plants.Usually the rarefied air of the high mountains increased transpiration rates of plants, which unfortunately restricts growth. In tropics, altitude is of special significance for utilization of the land for agriculture. Modification in temperature and not infrequently in humidity conditions associated with increasing elevation make these areas habitable for farming communities. The important secondary consequences of increasing elevation, both agronomically and economically significant are decreased temperature, increased precipitation, increased wind velocity, poor soil and rugged relief.All these factors a negative role on agricultural activity and they minimize the agriculture and agricultural products. Even increase in precipitation on elevations are has significant role for agriculture because at those place moisture results in snowfall which makes agri culture very difficult. (ii). Slope: Slope of land is also one of the important physiographic aspects influencing the agricultural land use of an area. It is universal fact that with increase in steepness of slope the use of even very simple farm machinery becomes difficult. Steep slopes are generally avoided by farmers.Livestock farming may be equally effected by slope. It is difficult for animals to more on and graze in the pasture situated on very steep slopes. Accessibility is the most potent factor in agricultural land-use in mountainous regions at any slope or elevation, and inaccessibility at places can put all the development efforts in reverse gear. Easy access is essential specially for perishable agricultural commodities like vegetable and fruits grown in mountainous area, although technological developments have reduced its significance. Milk and meat cannot be kept for a long time and need quick transportation.Soil erosion is a major problem of almost every slope. Soil erosion affects the agricultural activity of that area moreover the arrangements of irrigation cannot be easily made on the hilly areas with slopes. Sunshine is another issue related with slpe. Agriculture is practiced only at sun facing slopes. The slopes which do not receive direct rays of sun are unable to grow crops. (iii). Drainage Texture: Drainage texture is expressed as the total length of streams per unit area, while its reciprocal is the distance between two adjacent channels.These are two important parameters by which one can estimate soil erosion. The critical value of drainage density per square km which may cause faster soil erosion. The heartland of water erosion areas satisfy almost all the requisites of soil erosion. Soil erosion from cultivated fields, grazing lands, forest areas and the catchment areas of big rivers affects a nation’s agricultural economy as a whole. Accelerated erosion produces abnormal quantities of sand, silt, and shingle that are carrie d from the field and stream system and deposited on the lower land, lessening its productivity.Excessive water erosion areas coincide approximately with the areas of confluence of many tributaries or areas of joints and cracks. 2. Climate: Climate controls agriculture more than any other factor. The pole-ward limit of agriculture is set by the isotherm for the warmest month. Particular climate suits particular crops. Temperature and rainfall are two main controlling factors of agriculture and some others are snow, wind, mist and fog etc. we can make a list of them as. (i). Temperature (ii). Winds (iii). Snow (iv). Humidity (v). Fog (vi). Sunlight (vii). Rainfall (i).Temperature: For plant growth certain upper and lower limits of temperature control the plantation in certain areas temperature of lower limit and temperature of upper limit, certainly control the agricultural activity in the world. While some plants grow in the high temperatures and like rubber, rice, banana, tea, date, oil palm etc. Some plants requires moderate or low temperatures like wheat, barley, almonds and oranges etc. Natural vegetation distribution regions clearly depict temperature control likewise, the agricultural regions and products follows the temperature control.(ii). Winds: Winds and atmospheric pressure exert direct and indirect influence on the agriculture. The zones of trade winds especially eastern corners of continents are not suitable for agriculture due to aridity. High winds generally act as deterrent to the growth of crops in various ways. * Unusual high velocities of winds may damage the standing crops. * Snow drifts and chilled winds may damage the crops. * Hot and dry winds may not allow to grow crops in their areas. (iii). Snow: Snow has its own bearing on livestock and cropping.Snow drift results in loss; and melting of large masses of snow creates floods and water logging. In general, there are two major places where snow falls, i. e. higher elevations and higher l atitude. When snow fall occurs heavily, it blocks the roads, tracks, foot paths. This retards the accessibility to field and markets. In general, it slackens all the agricultural activities of the area. Agricultural activities are resumed with the advent of summer season. Unfortunately huge losses often occur along the streams by sudden flooding caused by a large mass of melting snow.On the other hand, snow cover is advantageous to agriculture because it insulates the ground from extremely low air temperature and retards deep penetration of frost action. This make soil available for cultivation rather more quickly when the snow begins to thaw. (iv). Humidity: Humidity is one of the prominent elements of weather from the farmer’s point of view and plays a significant role in changing agro climatic conditions from place to place. Of the many possible beneficial influences of high atmospheric humidity on plant growth, following are most significant.* Many a plant can absorb mois ture directly from an under saturated air of high humidity. * Humidity affects the photosynthesis in plants. * Most plants grow well in conditions of high atmospheric humidity because very often saturated air stops transpiration. (v). Fog: Fog, that is very thick mist, is really much like low hanging clouds and appears as a dense mass of small water drops in the lower layers of atmosphere. The negative aspect of fog manifests itself when it persists for several consecutive days, blocking the sun’s light. Consequently plant growth is retarded and plants are likely to be attacked by pests and diseases.On the other hand fog and mist are the sources of moisture supply in many areas like crops of tomatoes, peppers, beans and other vegetables can be grown in southern California where fogs are frequent without irrigation and even rainfall does not come in the growing season. (vi). Sunlight: Sunlight is a factor of great physiological importance to plants because it helps in the form ation of chlorophyll. The source of sunlight is the sun and its attribute depends upon the sunshine. The total amount of light that falls on the earth varies from place to place.The intensity, quantity and duration of the sunlight depend upon the latitude, altitude, season and the conditions of the atmosphere at a given place. On all the places on equator, the sun shines for 12 hours a day round the year. However away from the equator towards the poles the days become progressively longer during summer reverse is the case during winter when days are comparatively shorter. This seems to account for the fact that summer crops mature faster than the winter ones since the former can get the needed light and sunshine in the minimum possible period. (vii). Rain Fall:Rain fall is another climate element and major factor is mainly responsible for plant growth and distribution and certain areas for specific plants or agriculture practices etc. Rubber is the tree of the equatorial region, and requires high rain fall uniformly distributed throughout the year. It may be said that rain fall is the most important climatic factor as it determines the potential of any region in terms of crops to be produced, farming system to be adopted, the nature and sequence of farming operations to be followed, and the targets to be achieved in agricultural productivity.The cultivator are more optimistic about a bumper crop, in those seasons when moisture receipts are considerably above normal. In a region where rain fall is confined to a particular season and ground water resources are wanting, a drought will not be an unusual phenomenon. Sometimes the distribution of rain fall is so irregular, not only in amount but also in time and space, that it creates water deficiency everywhere. These variations may produce dry spells. Therefore, the emergence of way ward behavior of rainfall from year to year gives rise to different cropping patterns and imbalances in levels of agricultural produc tivity.3. Soils: Soils constitute the physical base for any agricultural enterprise. Farming is a business and good soil is the part of the farmer’s stock in trade. Together with their fertility and special qualities, soils influence the particular types of food, fibre, horticultural crops and olecultural crops. * Physical characteristics and properties of soil determines the types of the crops and their distribution. * Crop growth is determined to a considerable extent by the amount of nutrients in the soil. The three basic nutrients nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, contribute to soil fertility.* Differences in soil fertility have the greatest impact on agricultural land use throughout the world. Unenlightened farming may lead to the rapid soil exhaustion. Soil resources are very important, and these must be carefully husbanded, so that these are conserved and not exploited. Improvement in water supply to crops, use of chemical fertilizers, and high-yielding exotic seeds , accelerate the rate of cropping intensity but at the same time they may have very harmful effects on the soil. 4. Water Resources:Availability of water to the crops is very much important because without water crops cannot be survived and we cannot think about agriculture at all. On the other hand, sufficient and assured water supply to the farming systems would yield superior, stable, diversified and commercially profitable farming, and a vastly superior living standard to peasant proprietors. Many parts of the world use irrigation for the activity of agriculture. The major sources which are used for irrigation are: (i). Ground water (ii). Surface water (iii). Desalinated water (i). Ground water:Ground water is often called under ground water which occurs below the surface of the earth. On the whole ground water is very unevenly distributed beneath the surface of the land. Moreover, the behavior of such unique storage of underground water is not consistent. It varies from year to year and season to season. Ground water is a major source of irrigation. It can be used from simple Persian wells to modern tube wells. In ovrid areas it is used through Karez system. Judious tapping of ground water resources is the need of the hour for avoiding excessive over draft and depletion of ground water.Water table is also important for agricultural point of view. If water table is too low then (in the absence of surface water source), the area cannot grow crops. The very high water table causes the two dangerous disease of land; water logging and salinity means again the area cannot grow crops. (ii). Surface water: Surface water supply is controlled by several factors such as large quantity of water in the form of rivers, streams, lakes, glaciers, gentle surface gradient and soft land. These make possible the construction of a network of canals.For such schemes, ideal conditions are prevailed in the plains of Niles, Ganges and Indus etc. so that these all plains are inten sively irrigated. The main problems in surface water utilizations are: * Prevention from evaporation in dry lands is a major problem. * Intensive irrigation may invite water logging and salinity. (iii). Desalinated water: The ocean and inland seas are also the source of water. Containing about 93 percent of earth’s water but not usable because of salt and contaminations. It would be great value to areas along the coasts which are in need of supplementing the short supplies of agricultural water.Some attempts have been made to utilize desalinated water for agriculture but this process is no doubt very costly. It has been estimated that at present in the western part of United States desalinated water costs between between fifteen and twenty five times more than irrigation water obtained from rivers or wells. Now in this modern era the constantly expanding need for fresh water for various purposes, especially agricultural and industrial, requires technically and economically fe asible processes for desalination. 5. Forest Cover:In the beginning, agricultural development benefited from forests by the use of natural species to breed more resistant varieties of cultivated crops. In addition to this forest also satisfied man’s material and socio-economic needs. Forest are also important for environmental balance and for charging the ground water. They are also important for providing water for irrigation in terraced we lands in mountains. Forests are badly effected by the agricultural activities of man in many areas of the world but their preservations are very important.A recommended and balanced extent and density of forest cover has to be maintained, so as so keep an ecological balance between man, agricultural land use and natural vegetation cover for achieving an optimum efficiency in agricultural land use at minimum level of hazards and costs in an area. Human / Non Physical Factors: No doubt that Agriculture depends on physical environment but th e socio cultural forces can not be neglected at all. Agricultural activities depend upon interrelated physical and non-physical factors.Non physical factors can be classified as follows: A. Economic Factors B. Political Factors C. Social / Cultural Factors A. Economic Factors: Agriculture provides employment for 48% labour force of the world’s population. Therefore, its economic importance and development needs proper investment for certain facilities to improve its yields for economic welfare of the farmers and food requirements of the growing world population. The factors of agriculture that need money are known as economic factors of agriculture.(i). Capital (ii). Agricultural Machinery (iii). Transportation (iv). Market (v). Cold storage (vi). Irrigation (vii). Pesticides / Herbicides (viii). Fertilizers (ix). High yielding verities (i). Capital: The capital or investment is the basic requirement for the agricultural activity. To practice the agriculture on modern grounds , a large investment is required. (ii). Agricultural Machinery: To keep pace with changing nature of agricultural process, modern agricultural machinery is required.Now a days combined harvester, threshers, sprinkled irrigation are necessary to gain a handsome productions. (iii). Transportation: The role of faster means of transportation cannot be forgotton in agriculture fruits, vegetables and dairy products are perishable items and they can only bring to the market in the presence of faster means of transportation. The advancements of transportation methods reduces the expenditure and wastage of the agricultural products. (iv). Market: Market place is a very important factor in agriculture.The markets for perishable agricultural products must be located near to the farms to deliver products to consumers as rapidly as possible. (v). Cold storage: Now a days storage / cold storage are too much necessary for agriculture point of view because whole yield of crops cannot be consumed at once. Grain crops required a proper storage in this way, they can be consumed throughout the year for example wheat, vegetables like peas, tomatoes, potatoes required cold storage for preservation. (vi).

The Da Vinci Code Chapter 52-55

CHAPTER 52The winding 185-acre est have of Cha tea leafu Villette was located twenty-five trans ventureions northwest of Paris in the environment of Versailles. De crossed by Franois Mansart in 1668 for the play of Aufflay, it was one of Pariss to the highest degree signifi fuelt historic c scornaux. Complete with cardinal rectangular lakes and gardens doing by Le Ntre, Chateau Villette was to a niftyer extent of a modest castle than a mansion. The estate lovesomely had be derive cognise as la Petite Versailles.Langdon brought the breakfit motor transport to a shuddering pinch at the foot of the mile-long drive mode. Beyond the courtly security gate, Sir Leigh Teabings re positioningnce rose on a meadow in the distance.The sign on the gate was in positionPRIVATE PROPERTY.NO TRESPASSING.As if to record his home a British isle unto itself, Teabing had not neertheless posted his signs in English, exactly when he had ins t totallyished his gates intercom instaur ation system on the right- go through side of the motortruck the passengers side everyw present in Europe except England. Sophie gave the misplaced intercom an odd look. And if someone arrives with issue a passenger? Dont hold. Langdon had already been by that with Teabing. He prefers things the way they argon at home.Sophie rolled d birth pat(p) pat(p) her window. Robert, youd burst do the talking.Langdon shifted his position, leaning forth across Sophie to press the intercom thatton. As he did, an alluring whiff of Sophies bouquet filled his nostrils, and he arrive at how pen up they were. He requireed there, awkwardly prone, while a telephone began ringing oer the petite expresser.Finally, the intercom crackled and an irritated french accent utter. Chateau Villette. Who is calling?This is Robert Langdon, Langdon called bulge out, sprawled across Sophies lap. Im a companion of Sir Leigh Teabing. I wishing his friend.My assure is sleeping. As was I. What is your business with him? It is a private matter. adept of great interest to him. Then Im received he will be delightful to receive you in the morning. Langdon shifted his weight. Its benign of an importationant. As is Sir Leighs sleep. If you be a patron, thence you ar aware he is in piteous health.Sir Leigh Teabing had suffered from polio as a claw and right off wore stagecoach couple and walked with crutches, exactly Langdon had found him such a bouncing and colorful man on his buy the farm visit that it hardly seemed an infirmity. If you would, please name him I break un coverted innovative teaching closely to the grail. Information that rear endnot wait until morning.There was a long pause.Langdon and Sophie waited, the truck idling loudly.A full keen passed.Finally, someone spoke. My good man, I daresay you are still on Harvard Standard Time. The vocalize was crisp and light.Langdon grinned, recognizing the thick British accent. Leigh, my apologies fo r wake you at this obscene hour.My manservant recognises me that not wholly are you in Paris, but you speak of the grail.I image that might get going you out of bed. And so it has. Any materialize youd outspoken the gate for an old friend?Those who seek the truth are to a greater extent than friends. They are brothers. Langdon rolled his eyeball at Sophie, well accustomed to Teabings predilection for salient antics. Indeed I will open the gate, Teabing pro introduceed, but first I essential confirm your insuret is trustworthy. A assay of your honor. You will answer three examinations.Langdon groaned, speak at Sophie. Bear with me here. As I mentioned, hes something of a character. Your first question, Teabing declared, his tone Herculean. Shall I serve you c rack upee, or tea? Langdon knew Teabings facial expressionings slightly the American phenomenon of coffee. Tea, he replied. Earl Grey.Excellent. Your second question. draw or sugar? Langdon hesitated. Milk,Sophi e whispered in his ear. I think the British command milk. Milk, Langdon said. Silence. Sugar? Teabing do no reply. confront Langdon now recalled the minuteter beverage he had been served on his last visit and realized this question was a play tricks. Lemon he declared. Earl Grey with lemonIndeed. Teabing sounded deeply disport now. And finally, I moldiness make the most grave of inquiries. Teabing paused and then spoke in a solemn tone. In which run of study did a Harvard sculler last outrow an Oxford man at Henley?Langdon had no idea, but he could reckon only one intellectual the question had been asked. Surely such a mockery has never occurred.The gate clicked open. Your imaget is true, my friend. You may pass.CHAPTER 53Monsieur Vernet The night manager of the monument Bank of Zurich felt relieved to hear the bank prexys voice on the phone. Where did you go, sir? The natural law are here, everyone is waiting for youI devote a itsy-bitsy problem, the bank presiden t said, sounding distressed. I desire your abet right away.You need much(prenominal) than a small(a) problem, the manager thought. The police had solo surrounded the bank and were threatening to commence the DCPJ captain himself show up with the secondment the bank had demanded. How can I help you, sir? Armored truck get three. I need to find it. Puzzled, the manager check into his delivery schedule. Its here. Dgetst jobs at the fill dock. Actually, no. The truck was stolen by the cardinal individuals the police are tracking. What? How did they drive out?I cant go into the specifics on the phone, but we have a situation here that could potentially be extremely chthonicprivileged for the bank.What do you need me to do, sir?Id corresponding you to stir up the trucks emergency transponder.The night managers eyes locomote to the LoJack control box across the room. akin more armored cars, each of the banks trucks had been fit with a radio-controlled homing device, w hich could be bring outd remotely from the bank. The manager had only used the emergency system once, later on a hijacking, and it had worked flawlessly locating the truck and transmitting the coordinates to the regime automatically. Tonight, however, the manager had the gist the president was hoping for a bit more prudence. Sir, you are aware that if I activate the LoJack system, the transponder will simultaneously inform the authori weds that we have a problem.Vernet was silent for some(prenominal) seconds. Yes, I write out. Do it anyway. Truck number three. Ill hold. I need the exact attitude of that truck the instant you have it. ad sound away, sir.Thirty seconds later, forty kilometers away, hidden in the undercarriage of the armored truck, a tiny transponder blinked to life.CHAPTER 54As Langdon and Sophie drove the armored truck up the winding, poplar-lined driveway toward the house, Sophie could already feel her muscles relaxing. It was a relief to be off the road, and she could think of few safer places to get their feet under them than this private, gated estate owned by a good- recordd foreigner.They off- break into the sweeping bankers bill driveway, and Chateau Villette came into interpret on their right. Three stories tall and at least sixty meters long, the edifice had gray perdition facing light up by outside spotlights. The coarse facade s similarlyd in stark juxtaposition to the immaculately landscaped gardens and glassy pond.The wrong lights were only if now coming on.Rather than unprompted to the front door, Langdon pulled into a parking area nestled in the evergreens. No reason to risk being spotted from the road, he said. Or having Leigh wonder why we arrived in a wrecked armored truck.Sophie gestureded. What do we do with the cryptex? We probably shouldnt leave it out here, but if Leigh sees it, hell certainly want to know what it is. non to worry, Langdon said, removing his jacket as he stepped out of the car. He wr apped the gaberdine coat around the box and held the practice bundling in his arms like a baby.Sophie looked dubious. Subtle.Teabing never answers his own door he prefers to make an entrance. Ill find somewhere inside to stash this forwards he joins us. Langdon paused. Actually, I should probably warn you originally you admit him. Sir Leigh has a sense of humor that slew often find a bit opposed. Sophie doubted anything tonight would strike her as strange anymore. The pathway to the main entrance was hand-laid cobblestone. It curving to a door of carved oak tree and cherry with a brass boob the size of a grapefruit. Before Sophie could nab the knocker, the door swung open from within.A straightlaced and elegant butler stood before them, make final ad fittingments on the white tie and tuxedo he had apparently plainly donned. He looked to be some fifty, with orderly features and an austere expression that left wee doubt he was unamused by their doubtfulnessing here.S ir Leigh will be down presently, he declared, his accent thick French. He is dressing. He prefers not to greet visitors while wearing only a nightshirt. May I take your coat? He scowled at the bunched-up tweed in Langdons arms. thank you, Im fine. Of course you are. Right this way, please.The butler guided them through a lush marble foyer into an exquisitely adorned drawing room, piano lit by tassel-draped Victorian lamps. The air inside smelled antediluvian, regal somehow, with traces of pipe tobacco, tea leaves, cooking sherry, and the earthen aroma of stone architecture. Against the far wall, flanked between two glisten suits of chain mail armor, was a rough-hewn hearth large enough to roast an ox. go to the hearth, the butler knelt and touched a find out to a pre-laid arrangement of oak logs and attractiveling. A fire debauchedly crackled to life.The man stood, straightening his jacket. His master requests that you make yourselves at home. With that, he departed, going away Langdon and Sophie a lonely(prenominal).Sophie wondered which of the fireside antiques she was supposed to sit on the Renaissance velvet diwan, the rustic eagle-claw rocker, or the pair of stone pews that looked like theyd been elevate from some Byzantine temple.Langdon unwrapped the cryptex from his coat, walked to the velvet divan, and slid the wooden box deep underneath it, well out of sight. Then, shaking out his jacket, he put it back on, smoothed the lapels, and grinningd at Sophie as he sit down down directly over the stashed treasure.The divan it is, Sophie thought, winning a seat beside him.As she stared into the growing fire, enjoying the warmth, Sophie had the sensation that her grandad would have loved this room. The dark wood dot was bedecked with Old Master headstoneings, one of which Sophie know as a Poussin, her grandfathers second-favorite painter. On the pall above the fireplace, an alabaster bust of Isis watched over the room.Beneath the Egyptian g oddess, inside the fireplace, two stone gargoyles served as andirons, their mouths gaping to cave in their menacing hollow pharynxs. Gargoyles had always panic-stricken Sophie as a child that was, until her grandfather cured her of the fear by taking her a take notre Dame Cathedral in a rainstorm. Princess, look at these barmy creatures, he had told her, pointing to the gargoyle rainspouts with their mouths gushing pissing. Do you hear that funny sound in their throats? Sophie nodded, having to make a face at the burping sound of the water gurgling through their throats. Theyre gargling,her grandfather told her. Gargariser And thats where they get the lightheaded name gargoyles. Sophie had never once more been afraid.The fond memory caused Sophie a pang of glumness as the harsh reality of the get through gripped her again. Grand-pere is gone.She pictured the cryptex under the divan and wondered if Leigh Teabing would have any idea how to open it. Or if we even should ask him .Sophies grandfathers final talking to had instructed her to find Robert Langdon. He had said zilch about involving anyone else. We needed somewhere to hide, Sophie said, deciding to trust Roberts judgment.Sir Robert a voice bellowed somewhere behind them. I see you be active with a maiden.Langdon stood up. Sophie jumped to her feet as well. The voice had come from the top of a curled whole tonecase that snaked up to the shadows of the second floor. At the top of the stairs, a form moved in the shadows, only his silhouette visible.Good evening, Langdon called up. Sir Leigh, may I present Sophie Neveu. An honor. Teabing moved into the light. Thank you for having us, Sophie said, now seeing the man wore metallic element leg braces and used crutches. He was coming down one stair at a time. I realize its quite late.It is so late, my penny-pinching, its early. He laughed. Vous netes pas Americaine?Sophie move her head. Parisienne.Your English is superb.Thank you. I analyse at the Royal Holloway.So then, that explains it. Teabing hobbled demoralise through the shadows. Perhaps Robert told you I schooled just down the road at Oxford. Teabing touch on Langdon with a devilish smile. Of course, I overly applied to Harvard as my safety school.Their innkeeper arrived at the shag of the stairs, appearing to Sophie no more like a dub than Sir Elton John. Portly and ruby-faced, Sir Leigh Teabing had bushy red whisker and jovial hazel eyes that seemed to lighter as he spoke. He wore pleated heave and a roomy silk shirt under a paisley vest. Despite the aluminum braces on his legs, he carried himself with a resilient, upright piano dignity that seemed more a spin-off of noble ancestry than any kind of conscious effort.Teabing arrived and extended a hand to Langdon. Robert, youve lost weight. Langdon grinned. And youve found some. Teabing laughed heartily, patting his rotund belly. Touche. My only carnal pleasures these daylighttimes seem to be culinary. Tu rning now to Sophie, he gently took her hand, bowing his head s lightly, breathing lightly on her fingers, and diverting his eyes. Mlady.Sophie glanced at Langdon, uncertain whether shed stepped back in time or into a nuthouse.The butler who had answered the door now entered carrying a tea service, which he set on a t fitting in front of the fireplace.This is Remy Legaludec, Teabing said, my manservant.The slender butler gave a stiff nod and disappeared yet again.Remy is Lyonais,Teabing whispered, as if it were an unfortunate disease. But he does sauces quite nicely.Langdon looked amused. I would have thought youd import an English staff?Good heavens, no I would not wish a British chef on anyone except the French tax collectors. He glanced over at Sophie. Pardonnez-moi, Mademoiselle Neveu. Please be informed that my distaste for the French extends only to politics and the soccer pitch. Your government steals my money, and your football squad recently humiliated us.Sophie offered an easy smile.Teabing eyeball her a issue and then looked at Langdon. Something has happened. You two look shaken.Langdon nodded. Weve had an interesting night, Leigh.No doubt. You arrive on my doorstep unpredicted in the middle of the night discourse of the grail. Tell me, is this indeed about the Grail, or did you only when say that because you know it is the lone topic for which I would rouse myself in the middle of the night?A little of both, Sophie thought, picturing the cryptex hidden beneath the couch. Leigh, Langdon said, wed like to talk to you about the Priory of Sion. Teabings bushy eyebrows bowleg with intrigue. The keepers. So this is indeed about the Grail. You say you come with information? Something new, Robert?Perhaps. Were not quite sure. We might have a better idea if we could get some information from you first.Teabing wagged his finger. Ever the wily American. A gritty of quid pro quo. Very well. I am at your service. What is it I can tell you?Langdon s ighed. I was hoping you would be kind enough to explain to Ms. Neveu the true nature of the blessed Grail.Teabing looked stunned. She doesnt know?Langdon shook his head.The smile that grew on Teabings face was almost obscene. Robert, youve brought me a virgin?Langdon winced, glancing at Sophie. saturated is the confines Grail enthusiasts use to describe anyone who has never heard the true Grail story.Teabing move eagerly to Sophie. How much do you know, my dear?Sophie quickly outlined what Langdon had explained front the Priory of Sion, the Knights Templar, the Sangreal documents, and the set apart Grail, which many claimed was not a loving cup but rather something far more efficacious.Thats all? Teabing fired Langdon a shameful look. Robert, I thought you were a gentleman. Youve robbed her of the adventI know, I thought perhaps you and I could Langdon apparently decided the untoward metaphor had gone far enough.Teabing already had Sophie locked in his twinkling gaze. You are a Grail virgin, my dear. And trust me, you will never forget your first time.CHAPTER 55 sit down on the divan beside Langdon, Sophie drank her tea and ate a scone, feeling the welcome effectuate of caffeine and fare. Sir Leigh Teabing was beaming as he awkwardly paced before the open fire, his leg braces clicking on the stone hearth.The blessed Grail, Teabing said, his voice sermonic. Most people ask me only where it is. I fear that is a question I may never answer. He turned and looked directly at Sophie. However the far more germane(predicate) question is this What is the dedicated Grail?Sophie comprehend a rising air of faculty member anticipation now in both of her male companions.To fully understand the Grail, Teabing continued, we essential first understand the account book. How well do you know the New volition? Sophie shrugged. not at all, really. I was raised by a man who worshipped da Vinci Da Vinci. Teabing looked both startled and pleased. An learn sou l. Superb Then you must be aware that Leonardo was one of the keepers of the private of the saintly Grail. And he hid clues in his art. Robert told me as much, yes. And Da Vincis views on the New Testament? I have no idea. Teabings eyes turned mirthful as he motioned to the nurseshelf across the room. Robert, would you mind? On the bottom shelf. La Storia di Leonardo.Langdon went across the room, found a large art book, and brought it back, setting it down on the get across between them. distortion the book to face Sophie, Teabing flipped open the straining cover and pointed inside the rear cover to a series of quotations. From Da Vincis notebook on polemics and speculation, Teabing said, indicating one quote in particular. I think youll find this relevant to our discussion.Sophie read the words.Many have make a trade of delusionsand false miracles, deceiving the fatheaded multitude. LEONARDO DA VINCIHeres another, Teabing said, pointing to a contrasting quote.Blinding igno rance does mislead us.O undeserving psyches, open your eyes LEONARDO DA VINCISophie felt a little chill. Da Vinci is talking about the Bible?Teabing nodded. Leonardos feelings about the Bible relate directly to the Blessed Grail. In incident, Da Vinci painted the true Grail, which I will show you momentarily, but first we must speak of the Bible. Teabing smiled. And everything you need to know about the Bible can be summed up by the great canon doctor Martyn Percy. Teabing cleared his throat and declared, The Bible did not arrive by fax from heaven.I beg your dethaw?The Bible is a product of man, my dear. Not of deity. The Bible did not fall as if by magic from the clouds. Man created it as a diachronic record of tumultuous times, and it has evolved through unnumbered translations, additions, and revisions. History has never had a authorized version of the book.Okay. delivery boy savior was a historic figure of staggering influence, perhaps the most enigmatic and inspirat ional attracter the world has ever seen. As the prophesied Messiah, deliveryman toppled kings, divine millions, and founded new philosophies. As a descendant of the lines of King soomon and King David, rescuer feature a rightful claim to the throne of the King of the Jews. Understandably, His life was enter by thousands of followers across the land. Teabing paused to sip his tea and then placed the cup back on the mantel. More than 80 gospels were considered for the New Testament, and yet only a relative few were chosen for inclusion Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John among them.Who chose which gospels to accommodate? Sophie asked.Aha Teabing burst in with enthusiasm. The fundamental ridicule of saviorianity The Bible, as we know it today, was collated by the goy Roman emperor moth Constantine the Great.I thought Constantine was a Christian, Sophie said.Hardly, Teabing scoffed. He was a lifelong irreligious who was baptized on his deathbed, too weak to protest. In Constant ines day, capital of Italys official pietism was sun worship the cult of Sol Invictus, or the Invincible Sun and Constantine was its head priest. Unfortunately for him, a growing tabu turmoil was gripping Rome. Three centuries after(prenominal) the crucifixion of rescuer Christ, Christs followers had multiply exponentially. Christians and pagans began warring, and the conflict grew to such proportions that it threatened to transgress Rome in two. Constantine decided something had to be done. In 325 A. D. , he decided to commingle Rome under a iodine righteousness. Christianity. Sophie was surprised. Why would a pagan emperor choose Christianity as the official religious belief? Teabing chuckled. Constantine was a very good businessman. He could see that Christianity was on the rise, and he simply backed the winning horse. Historians still curiosity at the brilliance with which Constantine converted the sun-worshipping pagans to Christianity. By fusing pagan symbols, dat es, and rituals into the growing Christian tradition, he created a kind of hybrid morality that was acceptable to both parties.Transmogrification, Langdon said. The vestiges of pagan religion in Christian symbology are undeniable. Egyptian sun disks became the halos of Catholic saints. Pictograms of Isis nursing her miraculously conceived son Horus became the blueprint for our modernistic images of the Virgin Mary nursing Baby deliverer. And almost all the elements of the Catholic ritual the miter, the altar, the doxology, and communion, the act of God- ingest were taken directly from earlier pagan mystery religions.Teabing groaned. Dont get a symbologist started on Christian icons. Nothing in Christianity is buffer. The pre-Christian God Mithras called the watchword of God and the Light of the human was born on declination 25, died, was buried in a rock tomb, and then resurrected in three days. By the way, December 25 is also the birthday of Osiris, Adonis, and Dionysu s. The new-sprung(a) Krishna was presented with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Even Christianitys hebdomadally holy day was stolen from the pagans.What do you mean?Originally, Langdon said, Christianity honored the Judaic Sabbath of Saturday, but Constantine shifted it to coincide with the pagans veneration day of the sun. He paused, grinning. To this day, most churchgoers attend work on Sunday morning with no idea that they are there on account of the pagan sun gods weekly tribute Sunday.Sophies head was spinning. And all of this relates to the Grail?Indeed, Teabing said. Stay with me. During this fusion of religions, Constantine needed to fort the new Christian tradition, and held a noted ecumenical gathering known as the Council of Nicaea.Sophie had heard of it only insofar as its being the birthplace of the Nicene Creed.At this gathering, Teabing said, many aspects of Christianity were debated and voted upon the date of Easter, the role of the bishops, the brass section of sacraments, and, of course, the divinityof Jesus.I dont follow. His divinity?My dear, Teabing declared, until that moment in history, Jesus was viewed by His followers as a mortal prophet a great and powerful man, but a man nonetheless. A mortal. Not the discussion of God? Right, Teabing said. Jesus establishment as the Son of God was officially proposed and voted on by the Council of Nicaea. stay fresh on. Youre maxim Jesus divinity was the result of a vote?A relatively close vote at that, Teabing added. Nonetheless, establishing Christs divinity was little to the further unification of the Roman empire and to the new Vatican power base. By officially endorsing Jesus as the Son of God, Constantine turned Jesus into a deity who existed beyond the scope of the human world, an entity whose power was unchallengeable. This not only precluded further pagan challenges to Christianity, but now the followers of Christ were able to redeem themselves only via the established sacred ch annel the Roman Catholic church building.Sophie glanced at Langdon, and he gave her a soft nod of concurrence.It was all about power, Teabing continued. Christ as Messiah was critical to the functioning of church and state. Many scholars claim that the early Church literally stole Jesus from His original followers, hijacking His human message, shrouding it in an healthy cloak of divinity, and using it to expand their own power. Ive written several books on the topic. And I model devout Christians send you hate mail on a effortless basis? Why would they? Teabing countered. The vast absolute majority of educated Christians know the history of their faith. Jesus was indeed a great and powerful man. Constantines underhanded political maneuvers dont diminish the stateliness of Christs life. cryptograph is saying Christ was a fraud, or denying that He walked the earth and inspired millions to better lives. All we are saying is that Constantine took advantage of Christs substantia l influence and importance. And in doing so, he shaped the face of Christianity as we know it today.Sophie glanced at the art book before her, eager to move on and see the Da Vinci painting of the Holy Grail.The twist is this, Teabing said, talking faster now. Because Constantine upgraded Jesus location almost four centuries after Jesus death, thousands of documents already existed chronicling His life as a mortal man. To rewrite the history books, Constantine knew he would need a bold stroke.From this sprang the most profound moment in Christian history. Teabing paused, eyeing Sophie. Constantine accredited and financed a new Bible, which omitted those gospels that spoke of Christs human traits and embellished those gospels that made Him godlike. The earlier gospels were outlawed, gathered up, and burned.An interesting note, Langdon added. Anyone who chose the veto gospels over Constantines version was deemed a heretic. The word heretic derives from that moment in history. The La tin word haereticus means choice. Those who chose the original history of Christ were the worlds first heretics. fortunately for historians, Teabing said, some of the gospels that Constantine attempted to stub out managed to survive. The Dead Sea Scrolls were found in the 1950s hidden in a cave near Qumran in the Judean desert. And, of course, the Coptic Scrolls in 1945 at Nag Hammadi. In addition to telling the true Grail story, these documents speak of Christs ministry in very human terms. Of course, the Vatican, in keeping with their tradition of misinformation, assay very hard to suppress the release of these scrolls. And why wouldnt they? The scrolls highlight glaring historical discrepancies and fabrications, clearly confirming that the modern Bible was compiled and edited by men who possessed a political agenda to advertize the divinity of the man Jesus Christ and use His influence to solidify their own power base.And yet, Langdon countered, its important to remember that the modern Churchs desire to suppress these documents comes from a sincere belief in their established view of Christ. The Vatican is made up of deeply sacred men who truly believe these opposite documents could only be false testimony.Teabing chuckled as he eased himself into a result opposite Sophie. As you can see, our prof has a far softer heart for Rome than I do. Nonetheless, he is correct about the modern clergy believing these opposing documents are false testimony. Thats understandable. Constantines Bible has been their truth for ages. Nobody is more indoctrinated than the indoctrinator. What he means, Langdon said, is that we worship the gods of our fathers. What I mean, Teabing countered, is that almost everything our fathers taught us about Christ is false.As are the stories about the Holy Grail.Sophie looked again at the Da Vinci quote before her. Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O unworthy mortals, open your eyesTeabing reached for the book and flipped toward the center. And finally, before I show you Da Vincis paintings of the Holy Grail, Id like you to take a quick look at this. He open up the book to a colorful graphical that spanned both full pages. I assume you recognize this fresco?Hes kidding, right? Sophie was perfect(a) at the most famous fresco of all time The LastSupper Da Vincis legendary painting from the wall of Santa maria delle Grazie near Milan. The decaying fresco portrayed Jesus and His disciples at the moment that Jesus denote one of them would betray Him. I know the fresco, yes.Then perhaps you would indulge me this little game? Close your eyes if you would. Uncertain, Sophie unlikable her eyes. Where is Jesus sitting? Teabing asked. In the center. Good. And what food are He and His disciples breaking and eating? Bread. Obviously. Superb. And what drink? Wine. They drank wine. Great. And one final question. How many wineglasses are on the table?Sophie paused, realizing it was the trick question. And after dinn er, Jesus took the cup of wine, manduction it with His disciples. One cup, she said. The chalice. The Cup of Christ.The Holy Grail. Jesus passed a single chalice of wine, just as modern Christians do at communion.Teabing sighed. Open your eyes.She did. Teabing was grinning smugly. Sophie looked down at the painting, seeing to her astonishment that everyone at the table had a glass of wine, including Christ. Thirteen cups. Moreover, the cups were tiny, stemless, and made of glass. There was no chalice in the painting. No Holy Grail.Teabings eyes twinkled. A bit strange, dont you think, considering that both the Bible and our cadence Grail legend celebrate this moment as the definitive arrival of the Holy Grail. Oddly, Da Vinci appears to have forgotten to paint the Cup of Christ.Surely art scholars must have noted that.You will be shocked to learn what anomalies Da Vinci include here that most scholars either do not see or simply choose to ignore. This fresco, in fact, is the entir e key to the Holy Grail mystery. Da Vinci lays it all out in the open in The Last SupperSophie scanned the work eagerly. Does this fresco tell us what the Grail really is?Not what it is, Teabing whispered. But rather who it is. The Holy Grail is not a thing. It is, in fact a person