Apartheid - A History and Overview

Theme of Death in William Faulkners A Rose for Emily Essay

Theme of Death in William Faulkners A Rose for Emily William Faulkners A Rose for Emily is a tragic tale of a Southern aristocrat, Miss Emily Grierson, who is the subject of a towns obsession. The narrator, a member of the town, tells the story of what transpires in a decaying old Southern house that is always under the watchful eye of the townspeople. They witness Miss Emilys life, her fathers death, her turn to insanity and the death of both her and her lover. The theme of death runs throughout this tale, which is understandable considering the events that take place in the story. Faulkner uses foreshadowing to foretell events that will transpire later in the story. Because of this foreshadowing, a reader†¦show more content†¦This description of Emilys hair is important, because one of Emilys hairs will be found next to Homers body, and it also shows how Emily is decaying like the house and items inside. Early in the story Emily writes a letter on stationary of an archaic shape and with fading ink. The references here are to the way she is always described growing older and decaying. Even Emilys house shares her short squat characteristic and coquettish decay. The insanity of Miss Emily is also foretold in A Rose for Emily. When the body of Homer is found in her bed, the reader can understand that Emily killed him, because her mental stability had been questioned a number of times. The narrator begins these allusions to her mental state when he tells how the mayor, Colonel Sartoris, bestows a special tax exemption upon Miss Emily. Colonel Sartoris makes up a story so unbelievable that it is described as so outlandish that only a woman could have believed it. Later, the townspeople talk about her great-aunt, the lady Wyatt, who had gone completely crazy. They wonder about poor Emily with the insanity in her family. Her mental state comes into question again when the town removes the body of her father. She is said to have broke down and finally let them in to take and bury the body. This is an obvious analogy to her having a mental breakdown. This is followed with the statement that the townspeople didShow MoreRelatedEs say on Oh Who Will Protect Poor Emily?1027 Words   |  5 PagesIn Faulkner’s â€Å"A Rose for Emily†, there is a constant theme of protection for Emily Grierson, because she was a woman living in the south after the civil war and the requirements that were placed on women enable to be honorable. That is to say that, women needed to be protected by the men of the community during that time in history and women’s actions were constantly under watch to see if a woman was honorable and worthy of protection or not. Within the story, there are many instances in which thisRead More Symbolism and Theme in William Faulkners A Rose for Emily Essay examples1463 Words   |  6 PagesSymbolism and Theme in William Faulkners A Rose for Emily  Ã‚  Ã‚   In William Faulkners short story A Rose for Emily, a series of interconnected events collectively represent a single theme in the story. Symbolism is the integral factor involved in understanding the theme. A Rose for Emilys dominant theme is the search for love and security, a basic human need which can be met unfavorably in equivocal environments. Faulkners use of symbolism profoundly develops the theme of the story, bringingRead MoreA Rose For Emily Literary Analysis875 Words   |  4 PagesAdopting new ideas allows for both the individual and society to progress. William Faulkner packs the short story â€Å"A Rose for Emily† with different types of literary devices that describes the fight against change in the post-U.S. Civil War South. Faulkner’s story takes place in the Southern town of Jefferson Mississippi in the late 1800’s, early 1900’s. The symbolism of the primary characters (Emily Grierson, her father and the Grierson estate) chronicles how difficult change is in Jefferson. AssumingRead MoreWilliam Faulkner s A Rose For Emily1181 Words   |  5 Pages Is William Faulkner s A Rose for Emily iconic American literature? Faulkner uses setting, theme and plot to show the ways â€Å"A Rose for Emily† is an iconic American literature. Faulkner saw the Forum magazine with his short story he wrote, â€Å"A Rose for Emily† and found out that was his first national publication. The Mississippi Writers Page says, â€Å"The man himself never stood taller than five feet, six inches tall, but in the realm of American literature, William Faulkner is a giant† (MWP). Read MoreEssay about A Withering Rose inWilliam Faulkner’s, A Rose For Emily540 Words   |  3 PagesWilliam Faulkner’s, A Rose For Emily, encompasses various themes, but the theme most prevalent in the short story is decay. Time waits for no one, and for Miss Emily Grierson, time left her behind. A Rose For Emily depicts the motionless decay of a woman stuck in time, as her concept of reality is lost. Throughout the story Faulkner characterizes Emily and the atmosphere around her as addled and withered. In the sho rt story, A Rose For Emily, by William Faulkner, a woman is ultimately overcome byRead MoreA Stream of Consciousness in A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner745 Words   |  3 Pagesâ€Å"A Rose for Emily† is a short story written by American author William Faulkner and centres around an old lady named Emily. The story is written in the classic Faulkner method of a streaming consciousness. By constructing the story through use of the stream of consciousness, Faulkner is able to manipulate the predetermined short story structure and create an outstanding, critically acclaimed story. In using the thematic concept of creating contrasts between two opposing entities, Faulkner is ableRead MoreWilliam Faulkner s A Rose For Emily1316 Words   |  6 Pagesminuscule detail in the writing. In order to fully enjoy William Faulkner’s â€Å"A Rose for Emily† readers must do the latter. Faulkner is a witty writer; some symbols are less obvious than others in his writing. To fully appreciate and obtain full meaning of the text readers must pay attention to his symbols and how they contribute to the greater theme. William Faulkner uses symbolization in â€Å"A Rose for Emily† to develop a theme of personal struggle. Emily faces many personal struggles: her relationship withRead MoreAnalysis of William Faulkners A Rose for Emily Essay1187 Words   |  5 PagesAnalysis of William Faulkner’s â€Å"A Rose for Emily† In â€Å"A Rose for Emily†, William Faulkner uses symbolism, imagery, simile and tone. Faulkner uses these elements to lead his characters to an epiphany of letting go of out-dated traditions and customs. The resistance to change and loneliness are prominent themes within â€Å"A Rose for Emily†. Faulkner uses â€Å"A Rose for Emily† to caution his readers that things are not always what they appear to be. The tone of â€Å"A Rose for Miss Emily† couldRead MoreMurder in the Novels, The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe and A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner733 Words   |  3 Pagesmurder? If you answered murder stories then you are in luck. The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poes and William Faulkners A Rose for Emily are compelling murder stories, full of dynamic characters, vivid detail, and compelling points of view. These two stories encompass the elements of plot, character, setting and point of view among others. Although the elements of the central theme of murder are different, these stories share other elements that make these stories unique. In the short storyRead MoreWilliam Faulkner s A Rose For Emily And Dry August2559 Words   |  11 PagesWho knew a high school dropout would become one of the most well-known authors still known today? Even though William Faulkner did not finish school (â€Å"William Faulkner – Biographical†), he certainly knew how to capture a reader’s attention and drop them into a new world with just a pen. The style in which he writes is unique. With only three semesters of college, he was forced to create from nearly a blank slate; college had not brainwashed him in to a repetitive nature with writing a certain

International Expansion Strategies of Taco Bell-Samples for Students

Question: Discuss about the International Expansion Strategies of Taco Bell. Answer: Generic strategies Taco Bell is one of the largest fast food chains that operates mainly in the United States. This food chain operates in 6500 restaurants, outlets, and carters to almost 36.8 million customers all over the world. The generic strategies is defined as the strategies the company will use in order to gain competitive advantage, which includes cost leadership, focus and differentiation (Brenes et al. 2014). The food chain Taco-Bell is a subsidiary of the famous food chain Yum! Brands, Inc. This group also owns the other famous food chains such as Pizza Hut and KFC. In order to enter the market of Vietnam, the company has to adapt to new strategies. The fast food market of America differs from that of the market of Vietnam (Riasi 2015). Thus, Taco Bell has to use some other strategy, different from the one they use in the markets of America. The society of Vietnam going to a fast food chain is done only on occasions and not a part of their daily lives, unlike in America (Hoffman 2017). Thus , the company has to shift its focus from the cost focus to the differentiation focus, in order to gain advantage in the market of Vitenam. Figure 1: Porters Generic Strategies (Source: Miller and Friesen 1986) VRIO Taco Bell have targeted the Vietnamese market in order to enter the market and expand their business. Through the use of the Yum brand, Taco Bell might enter the market of the Vietnam fast food, through the other food chains of Yum (Riasi 2015). For example, since KFC is also a part of the Yum group, Taco Bell could use the brand of KFC to enter the market of Vietnam. Moreover, they can target the same customers of KFC and Pizza Hut, since these are already established brands under Yum, and has a strong market hold in Vietnam. Values- The products of Taco Bell is valuable for the customers (Brenes et al. 2014). Moreover, the values for money for the customers are also high. Rarity- The brand is a rare one in the market of Vietnam and one of its kinds. Immitability- The immitability of the brand as well as the recipe is high, as the recipe of the food of Taco Bell could be imitated easily (Riasi 2015). The ability to exploit the resources of the company is also very high. Organization - The company will try to establish themselves as a family restaurant such that the Vietnamese could be attracted to the newly launched brand (Weng et al. 2017). Yum has a prominent presence in Vietnam through the food chains such as KFC and Pizza Hut. This assignment highlights the expansion of market of Taco Bell into the Vietnamese market and the dangers of being stuck in the centre. The Vietnamese fast food market is dominated by Lotteria (Burgers, Rice Dishes and Fried Chicken), along with other competitors such as Jollibee (Fried Chicken, Spaghetti, Burgers and Rice Dishes), McDonalds and Street Food. Yum! However, Taco Bell can enjoy the benefits of existing contacts from the other subsidiaries of Yum, namely KFC and Pizza Hut (Riasi 2015). A play corner for children will be present in the restaurant making it a family destination. Since the Vietnamese people are culturally enriched hence including the culture of Mexico, along with the authentic Mexican food will also attract more customers. Along with authentic Mexican food, a fusion of the Mexican and Vietnamese food could also be recommended. Thus, Taco Bell could avoid the risks that a new entrant company has in a new market. Porters five forces The Porters five forces is used to analyse the competitive environment that Taco Bell will encounter, as it ventures its entry to the Vietnamese fast food market. Bargaining power of the buyers The bargaining power of the buyers is moderate. This is because the consumers often react to the changes in the price of the food products of Taco Bell (Miller and Friesen 1986). They have the power not to accept the new brand Taco Bell as gladly as KFC or Pizza Hut. Thus, the buyers power is moderate. Suppliers bargaining power This is quite low since Taco Bell is a subsidiary of Yum brands, which already has a set of reputed suppliers for KFC and Pizza Hut (Riasi 2015). Thus, the supplies for Taco Bell has low bargaining power, as they could be easily replaced by substitute suppliers. Threat of new entrants The threat of the new entrants is low since the popular brands such as KFC and Pizza Hut are a part of the same group of companies Yum and pose as advantages and not threats. The new entrants have much more disadvantage than Taco Bell (Weng et al. 2017). Threat of substitutes The threat of substitutes is high, since a similar Vietnamese company might be more accepted by the market of Vietnam, thus giving a strong threat to Taco Bell (Riasi 2015). Threat from rivals This is low, since Taco bell wants to give its customers a real feel of Mexican food. This is done to add a flavour of real Mexican food (Riasi 2015). This cannot be easily substituted in the market of Vietnam. Figure 2: Portes five forces (Source: Miller and Friesen 1986) Diamond theory The Porters Diamond theory highlights the competitive advantages that is enjoyed by Taco Bell in the perspective of the global market (Riasi 2015). Firm strategy, structure and rivalry- These are some of the dynamic conditions that dominate the business world. These conditions also enhance the productivity of Taco Bell (Management.net, 2017). Demand condition- The more the customers are demanding the products, the greater is the pressure on the company to meet the demands and innovate the products of Taco Bell. The related supporting industries- The related industries support each other and help in sharing of information and innovation (Management.net, 2017). Factor conditions- Each company has its own essential factors that are essential for the operation of the company. For Taco Bell, skilled employees are needed as factor conditions, along with technological support. Figure 3: Porters Diamond theory (Source: Management.net, 2017) Benefits Serial number Benefits Description 1 Global recognition 1. Taco Bell gets global recognition in expanding the business in the International market 2 New Markets 1. New consumer base and new market acquired 3 Greater exposure 1. Taco Bell gets a better exposure in the market of Vietnam 4 Higher profits 1. With international expansion, higher profit is seen in Taco bell 5 Competitive advantage 1. Being a part of the Yum brand, it gains competitive advantages 6 Innovation 1. Taco Bell incorporates innovation with global innovation 7 Expansion 1. The company and its revenue is expanded with international business 8 Larger consumer base 1. More customers are attracted to the company, thus creating a larger consumer base Risks Serial number Risks Description 1 Regulatory risk 1. Taco Bell could face risks in regulation while expanding its business in Vietnam 2 Incentives 1. The incentive that are given to the employees have to be at par, with the economic structure of Vietnam 3 Trade Barriers 1. Since Vietnam is not yet ready for the Mexican food, hence the lack of acceptance could be a trade barrier 2. Threat from Chinese economy 4 Currency risks 1. Since the currency of Vietnam has a low market value than US dollars, hence currency risks could be faced 5 Cultural distance 1. The cultural difference between America and Vietnam could be a major risk 2. Currency rate is volatile 6 Location specific disadvantages 1. The location of Vietnam is less exposed to the people of the world, hence location specific disadvantages are faced by Taco Bell 2. Lack of trained employees 7 Demographic disadvantages 1. Differences in the culture of America and Vietnam 2. The Vietnamese people consume fast food only on occasions, unlike the Americas, who consume fast food every day 8 Social barriers 1. The people might not be able to accept Taco Bell, as well as the American References Brenes, E.R., Montoya, D. and Ciravegna, L., 2014. Differentiation strategies in emerging markets: The case of Latin American agribusinesses.Journal of Business Research,67(5), pp.847-855. Hoffman, D.D., 2017. New Media's Impact on the Fast Food Industry: A Comparative Study of Taco Bell and Chick-fil-A. Management.net, (2017).Summary of Diamond model - Michael Porter. Abstract. [online] Valuebasedmanagement.net. Available at: https://www.valuebasedmanagement.net/methods_porter_diamond_model.html [Accessed 9 Aug. 2017]. Miller, D. and Friesen, P.H., 1986. Porter's (1980) generic strategies and performance: an empirical examination with American data: part I: testing Porter.Organization studies,7(1), pp.37-55. Riasi, A., 2015. Competitive advantages of shadow banking industry: An analysis using Porter diamond model.Business Management and Strategy,6(2), pp.15-27. Weng, S.J., Gotcher, D. and Kuo, C.F., 2017. Lining up for quick serviceThe business impact of express lines on fast-food restaurant operations.Journal of Foodservice Business Research,20(1), pp.65-81.

Week_5 Essays - , Term Papers, Research Papers

|Name: Dhulfiqar |Date: 9/19/19---9/1/19 | Graded Assignment Activity Log In this Physical Education course, you will use this activity log to keep track of your physical activity. Your teacher will review your activity log each week and then enter your participation points in the Gradebook. You will receive 2 participation points for each entry in your activity log. If a week includes 5 regular school days, you can earn 10 participation points for completing an entry each day. | |Day 1 |Day 2 |Day 3 |Day 4 |Day 5 | |Start Time |12:30 PM |2 PM |1:00 AM |2:00 PM |11 AM | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |Stop Time |1:30 PM |3 PM |1:30 AM |2:30 PM |11:44 PM | | | | | | | | |Location |Turkey, |Turkey, |Turkey, |Turkey, |Turkey, | | |Private GYM,|Private GYM,|Private GYM,|Private GYM,|Private GYM,| | |Pool |Pool |Pool |Pool |Pool | | | | | | | | |Your Score |___ of 10 | Notes:

The Main Turning Points in the Modern History of the Middle East and their Impact on the Region

The primary goal of this paper is to provide the sufficient analysis of the turning points in the history of the Middle East and explain their effect on the development of the region. Following the historical flow of events allows determine the reasons for the potential actions and the ability to understand the future of the Middle East. The first turning point is the â€Å"Palestinian issue†, which lead to the establishment of the Palestinian state.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Main Turning Points in the Modern History of the Middle East and their Impact on the Region specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Nonetheless, despite having the opposing opinions, Palestinians and Israelis were able to find time for the negotiations and resolve the existing problem between two nations. Nonetheless, the problem tends to exist despite introducing the dialogue between two countries related to the establishment of p eace (Kronish 88). In this instance, no solution was found due to the controversial opinions about the right solution, as the participants tend to pursue different goals. It could be said that the collapse of USSR was the second turning point in the history of Israel, as it dramatically affect the flow of events in different spheres in different spheres of the country. As for its contribution to the development of Israel, this era increased the population of the Jews due to the cultivation of the positive thinking towards Jews’ migration. Moreover, the collapse underlined the significance of the United States of America in the world. Another change agent is the relationship between Kuwait and Iraq. In this case, the United States of America liberated Kuwait and destroyed the Iraq’s social and economic infrastructures. This flow of events led to the popularity of Saddam Hussein and desire to liberate Palestine. In this instance, Saddam Hussein was one of the main figure s in the politics, which determined the formation of the particular attitude towards the Middle East countries (Cockburn and Cockburn 56). The global rise of terrorism due to the collapse of the USSR, leading positions of the Unites States of America in the military issues was another changing point in Israel and the politics of the Middle East. In this instance, it could be assumed that the actions of the United States define the presence of terrorism in the world. Supporting the political and repressive systems of the Middle East countries contributes to the desire to fight for the rights and have the absence of injustice with the assistance of aggression (Allison et. al par. 1). Furthermore, the tragedy, which occurred on September 11, 2009, in the United States of America, which involved the attacks of Pentagon and World Trade Center. In this instance, the planes were hijacked by the people from Saudi Arabia. These cruel actions contributed to the development the antiterrorist p olicies. Nonetheless, it is unclear whether this policy had a positive impact on the development of the international relationship, as it started the open war against the terrorism. It could be assumed that the negative attitude towards the terrorism was a driver for the presence of violent acts towards Israel by Palestinians. This particular fact led to the collapse of the Israeli government and necessity for reelections. The combination of the turning points, which are mentioned above, determined the attitudes towards particular religions in the world.Advertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The elections of Obama as the president of the United States of America determined the political flow of actions and aimed towards finding a solution to the Israeli/Palestinian problem. In this instance, Obama actively contributes to the development of the particular solutions to the issue. Nonetheless, i t remains unclear whether his actions correspond with the interests of Israel and Palestine (McConnell 10). In turn, the globalization is another point, which determines the development of the Middle East. The existence of this approach proposed the belief that Muslim culture causes particular danger to Christianity and peace in the world. Another historical phenomenon is rapidly increasing the number of the nongovernmental organization. In this instance, this action contributed to the development of Al-Qaeda and cultivation of the prejudice against the Middle East relation to the correlation of terrorism and Muslim religion. Additionally, the continuous intervention of the other states, which are not located in the Middle East, contributed to the definition and establishment of the borders between the states. The presence of these views created the development of the Arab allies and its controversial actions towards Iraq. The external intervention was the primary driver for this ev ent due to the Iraq land being rich in the natural resources. Furthermore, the United Nations introduced the sanctions to change the position of Iraq in this conflict. These sanctions caused a significant damage to Iraq’s citizens. However, the primary goal was to weaken the position of Saddam Hussain and his influence in the world. The control of Iraq continued to exist due to the potential risks of production and distribution of the dangerous weapons. Another aspect is the desire of Turkey to become a member of the European Union. This feature was a primary driver for the development of the different policies, which emphasize the importance of human rights and relations. Changing and modifying of the laws, freedoms, rights, and policies brought Turkey closer to the standards, which are actively promoted by the European Union. Nonetheless, the establishment of the reforms and instability of the economic and political situation led to the domination of the Islamic party durin g the elections. This aspect identified the future ability of Turkey to become a part of the European Union, as the country’s leaders lack the ability to cultivate the trend towards the respect of the human rights. The influence of the NGOs cannot be underestimated due to their ability to drive significant attention to the refugees. Nonetheless, the wars in the Gulf States was the primary reason for the disparity during the oil distribution. In this instance, being rich in natural resources resulted in giving a significant share of the income to the countries such as Syria and Egypt.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Main Turning Points in the Modern History of the Middle East and their Impact on the Region specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In this instance, the strong position of Kuwait was determined by the inability to find oil and other natural resources on time. This aspect determined the ability of Kuwait to remain undiscovered as a country with a high potential of the natural resources. The processes of liberalization and privatization in the 1980s determined the economic situation in the Middle East. In this instance, it remained evident that some of the countries will experience a significant economic downturn, and some of them gain particular profit from the operations. This aspect identifies the difficulties, which are associated with the following process, as the Middle East countries are highly dependent on the export of a single product. These economic aspects identify the flow of the events and introduction of the external sanctions and economic policies due to the necessity to maintain the situation in control. Although, it is clear that it is unclear how the financial resources can be distributed clearly. The Islamic politics continued to rise due to paying high attention to the terrorists. In this instance, Osama bin Laden was one of the critical figures in the cu ltivation of the necessity of training for the terrorists. Providing financial support for the development of bombs and other particular features. The United States of America contributed to the confrontation by bombing particular weapon factories. Nonetheless, the globalization of the terrorism took place, as Osama bin Laden developed the plan for the bombing the U.S. embassies around the world. These actions are the main causes for the activation of the terrorists in the modern world due to the strong opposition to the terrorist movement. Egypt also remained one of the common goals for the cultivation of Islamic traditionalism. Nonetheless, it could be said that this attitude was one of the crucial reasons for the development of the terroristic movements among Egyptians. Despite being highly criticized by the government of the United States of America, the problem was not taken into account and analyzed critically. This fact contributed to the development of the terroristic moveme nt and actions in the context of terrorism. In this case, the various terrorist groups tend to develop across the Middle East and Africa including such countries as Egypt (Laqueur 143).Advertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The occupation of Iraq by the American forces created confusion and caused a sequence of events, which formed the current state of the Middle East. The desire to build the democracy in Iraq and prevention of the future risks were the primary reason for the American intervention. However, despite having positive intentions, the active participation of the United States of America was a determinant of the jihadi movement development. This aspect created a significant confusion among the election of the parties and caused a massacre of the innocent people. Furthermore, this fact was a reason for the mobilization of the forces in Saudi Arabia and escalation of the conflict. The United States of America were actively training military forces of the Saudi Arabia, but the explosion continued its presence. Additionally, the political changes related to the presence of women in politics were questioned and Middle East countries including Oman, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. In this in stance, the internationalization and constant intervention of the United States of America contributed to the change of attitudes and presence of the different social roles. Nonetheless, the ability to understand the importance of the women’s civil rights and freedoms in politics (Al-Sabah 133). The influence of the democratic nature of the West cannot be unnoticed in this case. However, the difference in mindset and attitudes cannot modify the commonly accepted principles, which are supported by the religion in the Middle East. In turn, the active sanctions of the United States of America prevented Iran from building its infrastructure and establishing military force. Nonetheless, the Iranians were able to reach the international community by convincing investing in the gas and oil industries. The actions were not successful, and the dysfunction of the economy was defined by the sanctions. In turn, any propaganda of the freedom of thinking and portrayal of other political ex pressions was aggressively prohibited. The presence of these policies questioned the abilities of the political leaders to have a right decision-making. In this instance, the United Nations continued to pose the sanctions to Iran to avoid the potentially risky and dangerous consequences. Nonetheless, the question between Israelis and Palestinians continued to rise, and the election of Barak was one of the potential aspects, which defined the decision. In this instance, the relationships of Israel with the United States of America contributed to finding the solution to the issue and defining the potential interests of all countries. Nonetheless, Syria was also involved in the conflict due to its vehement connection to the first Gulf War. Nonetheless, the United States of America developed a relationship and regulation of the conflict between Jordan and Israel. However, the controversies continue to exist due to the eccentric actions of each state and the inability to act in accordanc e with commonly accepted principles. In the end, it remains evident that the intervention of the United States of America and other countries in the flow of the events in the Middle East determined the development of the particular movements and coalitions to protect the rights of the population. In this case, the foreign involvement negatively affect the formation of the particular social groups. In conclusion, it is apparent that the issues, which are actively emphasized in the text, have a tendency to remain unsolved due to the focus on the other aspects of the countries and analysis of the social roles. It is evident that all countries have to contribute to finding the solution to the terrorism issue simultaneously due to the situation of high risk. Works Cited Al-Sabah, Meshal. Gender and Politics in Kuwait: Women and Political Participation in the Gulf. New York: I.B. Taurus Co Ltd, 2013. Print. Allison, Graham, Nicholas Burns, Ashraf Hegazy, Joseph Nye, and Stephen Walt 2011 . What Role Should the U.S. Play in Middle East. Web. Cockburn, Andrew, and Patrick Cockburn. Saddam Hussein: An American Obsession. London: Verso, 2001. Print. Kronish, Ron. â€Å"The Other Peace Process: Inter-Religious Dialogue in the Service of Peace in Israel and Palestine.† Palestine-Israel Journal of Politics, Economics, and Culture, 20/21.4/1 (2015): 88. Print. Laqueur, Walter. The New Terrorism: Fanaticism and the Arms of Mass Destruction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000. Print. McConnell, Scott. â€Å"Obama Solves His Israel Problem (If Not Palestine’s).† The Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, 32.4 (2013): 10. This essay on The Main Turning Points in the Modern History of the Middle East and their Impact on the Region was written and submitted by user Paityn Cantu to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Syllabus for Mass Communication and Media Studies Essays

Syllabus for Mass Communication and Media Studies Essays Syllabus for Mass Communication and Media Studies Paper Syllabus for Mass Communication and Media Studies Paper In this frame and then select File Print Frame to print this page Course Description (Formerly COM AAA. Fulfills the general education requirement In communications but is not a writing course. ) Prerequisite: WRIT 101 or WRIT 101 S. A survey of mass communication designed to enhance media literacy. The goal is to interpret, evaluate, and produce media messages. Topics include media industries and the impact of the media, as well as regulation, policy, and ethical issues. Emphasis is on critical thinking and analysis of vital aspects of pervasive elements of popular culture, such as news, advertising, childrens entertainment, and a free press. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: COM AAA or COM 302. Course Introduction We live In a media-saturated culture where media literacy Is Important. This course Is designed to make you a more literate consumer and potential producer of media content. Course topics will Include the following: 1 . Overview of Mass Communication (background, historical/cultural aspects) 2. Print Media (newspapers, magazines, book publishing) 3. Electronic Media (radio, sound recording, motion pictures, television, the Internet) 4. Media Professions (news, public relations, advertising) 5. Regulation of the Mass Media (laws, rules, regulations, and ethics) 6. Impact of Mass Communication (global perspective and social effects) Course Goals/ObJectives After completing this course, you should be able to: 1 . Demonstrate media literacy by accessing, Interpreting, evaluating, and producing media messages 2. Trace the development and evolution of mass media In order to analyze, interpret, and evaluate the role, impact, and regulation of media in society 3. Recognize and apply mass communication theories in order to analyze, interpret, and evaluate how media shape peoples views of reality. Course Materials Title: Dynamics of Mass Communication (SIS) Author: Dominick, Joseph Edition: 12TH Copyright: 2012 publisher: MCGRAW HILL (Singapore) ISBN: 9780071318266 Grading Information Class Participation: 20 percent Writing Assignment: 25 percent Midterm Exam: 25 percent Final Exam: 30 percent TOTAL: 100 percent Technical Requirements for Written Assignments: Written assignments will be valuated on your command of the following technical and formatting skills: Spelling and Grammar Content and understanding of course concepts Strong thesis and/or argument Originality of topic, thesis and research Extent of research and sources used (No Wisped, please! Properly attribution of sources with proper in-text MEAL formatting The grade ranges for this course are as follows: 90-100 = A 80-89 = B 70-79 = c 60-69 = D 59 F Project Descriptions Reading Assignments: Reading assignments are to be completed on time (I. E. , by the Monday of the week they are scheduled for discussion). You shou ld be prepared to participate in class discussions about the assigned reading. Participation will count toward the class participation portion of your grade. Writing Assignment: You will be required to prepare a 5-7 page (double-spaced) analysis of a topic related to mass communication. Specific topics will be yours to choose, based on the readings, class discussions and topics raised in this course. It is possible that not everyone shares the same views as you. Free and open discussions, which include the opportunity for intellectual and emotional disagreement, are fundamental in an educational environment and should be expected by all class members. Language In this course, our language should not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, economic status, educational background, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, personal appearance, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Written work should conform to standard rules of English usage, grammar and spelling. One final note: please dont plagiarism. In the past, I have personally caught FOUR students trying to turn in essays and/or assignments copied from other sources. COMIC instructors have access to sophisticated tools to root out plagiarism. To put it succinctly, if you cheat I will catch you and you will fail this course. If you take research or information from another source, cite it properly and you should be fine. Plagiarism is the theft of intellectual property and results in an automatic failing grade. Academic Policies Academic Policies are not course specific and are therefore created and housed separately from this syllabus. You may access and print Academic Policies from the Syllabus sub-menu in your classroom.

SA4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

SA4 - Essay Example ors’, Empires of images† and the â€Å"veil† by different offer critical arguments about the significance of the physical appearance in the society. From the article â€Å"Empires of Images†, the author exposes the evident obsession of women appearing more physically appealing (Bordo 2). The urge to conceal the adverse effects of age, women have relied on different products and surgical operations aimed at modifying the looks of an individual. The people choosing this path are only acting in response to root social problem that involves the criticality of physical appearance as a criterion to judge people. It introduces a competitive notion of being flawless and seeking the impossible perfection. This frenzy only occurs because the globe places extreme importance on physical appearance. In this text, only a single example of a celebrity judged according to her personality and competence, while the numerous other examples involve people judged according to their physical appearance, and hence their undying desire to attain a measure of perfection (Bordo 5). Notably, the text by Grealy titled the â€Å"Mirrors† also brings out a similar perspective, according to the experience of the author (Grealy 34). The author accepted multiple surgical operations after the adverse effects presented on the face during the removal of a cancerous tumor. The procedure served to alter the appearance of the author, deforming the face and leaving her physically unattractive. In such a state, the author faced multiple challenges because of the social stigma extended to her because of her physical appearance. It was unfortunate that the society was blind to the inside beauty that an individual had, a factor that compelled the author to accept the multiple numbers of operations in a bid to alter the face and make it more appealing (Grealy 36). In different residential areas, the author struggled with the evident rejection and isolation because of the physical appearance until she could

Cities of Salt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cities of Salt - Essay Example The historical setting of this novel is crucial in explaining the relationship that existed between tradition and modernity. This novel is set in an Arabian emirate, where western companies are involved in hunting for oil (Munif, 9). This leads into the transition of the people of this emirate from their traditional methods or ways, in to modernity. The author uses this dynamic for purposes of explaining the forces of commoditization and alienation which are depicted to any emerging capitalistic culture. Take for example Miteb al-Hathal, the leader of Wadi al-Uyoun (Munif, 22). This person is confronted by the various changes occurring in his home, and he finds it difficult to use words for purposes of explaining these changes. The silence of Miteb and his disappearance is a representation of the loss that his people are experiencing. It is a symbol of the effects of imposed modernization, and even people who are supportive of it, are unable to use language for purposes of explaining the events and issues that is affecting their lives. A good example that can be used to illustrate this point is Daham al-Muzil (Munif, 25). He is an enthusiastic and loyal worker of Ibn Rashed, an Arabic Speaking individual. He refuses to stop working for Rashed, and learn modern skills that come with technology (Munif, 25). Furthermore, he is unable to speak effectively with the Western workers, who were speaking English. This is a sign that Daham al-Muzil was reluctant to embrace modernity by learning new skills, and working for the new companies that were searching and hunting for oil in the emirates. In this novel, the dramatic change from the Bedouin nomadic culture to modernity, which is represented by Western companies, is problematic. For example, when modernity arrives at Wadi al-Uyoun, the people in this region have been living in a similar manner as their ancestors (Munif, 29). These

Illustrative Transactions and Financial Statements Answers Essay Example for Free

Illustrative Transactions and Financial Statements Answers Essay Identify potential problems with regression data. 7. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of alternative cost estimates. 8. (Appendix A) Use Microsoft Excel to perform a regression analysis. 9. (Appendix B) Understand the mathematical relationship describing the learning phenomenon. Why Estimate Costs? Managers make decisions and need to compare costs and benefits among alternative actions. Good decision requires good information about costs, the better these estimates, the better the decision managers will make (Lanen, 2008).. Key Question What adds value to the firm? Good decisions. You saw in Chapters 3 and 4 that good decisions require good information about costs. Cost estimates are important elements in helping managers make decisions that add value to the company (Lanen, 2008). Learning Objective One: Understand the reasons for estimating fixed and variable costs The reasons for estimating fixed and variable costs The basic idea in cost estimation is to estimate the relation between costs and the variables affecting costs, the cost drivers. We focus on the relation between costs and one important variable that affect them: activity (Lanen, 2008). Basic Cost Behavior Patterns By now you understand the importance of cost behavior. Cost behavior is the key distinction for decision making. Costs behave as either fixed or variable (Lanen, 2008). Fixed costs are fixed in total, variable costs vary in total. On a per-unit basis, fixed costs vary inversely with activity and variable costs stay the same. Are you getting the idea? Cost behavior is critical for decision making. The formula that we use to estimate costs is similar cost equation: Total costs = fixed costs + {variable cost per unit} number of units T c = f + {v} x |With a change in Activity |In Total |Per Unit | |Fixed Cost |Fixed |Vary | |Variable |Vary |Fixed | What Methods are used to Estimate Cost Behavior? Three general methods used to estimate the relationship between cost behavior and activity levels that are commonly used in practice: Engineering estimates, Account analysis Statistical methods (Such as regression analysis) (Lanen, 2008). Results are likely to differ from method to method. Consequently, it’s a good idea to use more than one method so that results can be compared. These methods, therefore, should be seen as ways to help management arrive at the best estimates possible. Their weakness and strengths require attention. Learning Objective Two: Estimate costs using engineering estimates. Engineering Estimates Cost estimates are based on measuring and then pricing the work involved in a task. This method based on detailed plans and is frequently used for large projects or new products. This method often omits inefficiencies, such as downtime for unscheduled maintenance, absenteeism and other miscellaneous random events that affect the entire firm (Lanen, 2008). Identify the activities involved Labor |Rent |Insurance |Time |Cost | Advantages of engineering estimates |Details each step required to perform an operation |Permits comparison of other centers with similar operations | |Identifies strengths and weaknesses. | | Disadvantages of engineering estimates 1. Can be quite expensive to use. Learning Objective Three: Estimate costs using account analysis. Account Analysis Estimating costs using account analysis involves a review of each account making up the total costs being analyzed and identifying each cost as either fixed or variable, depending on the relation between the cost and some activity. Account analysis relies heavily on personal judgment. This method is often based on last period’s cost along and is subject to managers focusing on specific issues of the previous period even though these might be unusual and infrequent(Lanen, 2008) . Example: Account Analysis (Exhibit 5. 1) |3C Cost Estimation Using Account Analysis | |Costs for 360 Repair Hours | |Account |Total |Variable Cost |Fixed Cost | |Office Rent $3,375 |$1,375 |$2,000 | |Utilities |310 |100 |210 | |Administration |3,386 |186 |3,200 | |Supplies |2,276 |2,176 |100 | |Training |666 |316 |350 | |Other |613 |257 |356 | |Total |$10,626 |$4,410 |$6,216 | |Per Repair Hour |$12. 25 ($4,410 divided by 360 repair-hours) | 3C Cost Estimation Using Account Analysis (Costs at 360 Repair-Hours. A unit is a repair- hour) Total costs = fixed costs + {variable cost per unit} number of units T c = f + {v} x |$10,626 = $6,216 + $12. 25 (360) |$10,626 = $6,216 + $$4,410 | Costs at 520 Repair-Hours Total costs = fixed costs + {variable cost per unit} number of units |Tc = $6,216 + {$12. 25} 520 |Total costs = $6,216 + $ $6,370 |$12,586 = $6,216 + $ $6,370 | Advantage of Account Analysis 1. Managers and accountants are familiar with company operations and the way costs react to changes in activity levels. Disadvantages of Account Analysis 1. Managers and accountants may be biased. 2. Decisions often have major economic consequences for managers and accountants. Learning Objective Four: Estimate costs using statistical analysis. The statistical analysis deals with both random and unusual events is to use several periods of operation or several locations as the basis for estimating cost relations . We can do this by applying statistical theory, which allows for random events to be separated from the underlying relation between costs and activities. A statistical cost analysis analyzes costs within the relevant range using statistics. Do you remember how we defined relevant range? A relevant range is the range of activity where a cost estimate is valid. The relevant range for cost estimation is usually between the upper and lower limits of past activity levels for which data is available (Lanen, 2008). Example: Overhead Costs for 3C ( Exhibit 5. 2) The following information is used throughout this chapter: Here we have the overhead costs data for 3C for the last 15 months. Let’s use this data to estimate costs using a statistical analysis. |Month |Overhead Costs |Repair-Hours |Month |Overhead Costs |Repair-Hours | |1 |$9,891 |248 |8 |$10,345 |344 | |2 $9,244 |248 |9 |$11,217 |448 | |3 |$13,200 |480 |10 |$13,269 |544 | |4 |$10,555 |284 |11 |$10,830 |340 | |5 |$9,054 |200 |12 |$12,607 |412 | |6 |$10,662 |380 |13 |$10,871 |384 | |7 |$12,883 |568 |14 |$12,816 |404 | | | | |15 |$8,464 |212 | A. Scattergraph Plot of cost and activity levels Does it look like a relationship exists between repair-hours and overhead costs? We will start with a scatter graph. A scatter graph is a plot of cost and activity levels. This gives us a visual representation of costs. Does it look like a relationship exists between repair-hours and overhead cost? We use â€Å"eyeball judgment† to determine the intercept and slope of the line. Now we â€Å"eyeball† the scatter graph to determine the intercept and the slope of a line through the data points. Do you remember graphing our total cost in Chapter 3? Where the total cost line intercepts the horizontal or Y axis represents fixed cost. What we are saying is the intercept equals fixed costs. The slope of the line represents the variable cost per unit. So we use â€Å"eyeball judgment† to determine fixed cost and variable cost per unit to arrive at total cost for a given level of activity. As you can imagine, preparing an estimate on the basis of a scatter graph is subject to a high level of error. Consequently, scatter graphs are usually not used as the sole basis for cost estimates but to illustrate the relations between costs and activity and to point out any past data items that might be significantly out of line. B. High-Low Cost Estimation A method to estimate costs based on two cost observations, usually at the highest and lowest activity level. Although the high-low method allows a computation of estimates of the fixed and variable costs, it ignores most of the information available to the analyst. The high-low method uses two data points to estimate costs (Lanen, 2008). Another approach: Equations V = Cost at highest activity Cost at lowest activity Highest activity Lowest activity F = Total cost at highest activity level V (Highest activity) Or F = Total cost at lowest activity level V (Lowest activity) Let’s put the numbers in the equations | | | |V = $12,883 $9,054 |V = $10. 0/RH | |568 – 200 | | F = Total cost at highest activity level V (Highest activity) F = $12,883 $10. 40 (568), F= $6,976 Or F = Total cost at lowest activity level V (Lowest activity) F = $9,054 $10. 40 (200) Rounding Difference C. Statistical Cost Estimation Using Regression Analysis Statistical procedure to determine the relationship between variables High-Low Method: Uses two data points. Regression analysis Regression is a statistical procedure that uses all the data points to estimate costs. [pic] Regression Analysis Regression statistically measures the relationship between two variables, activities and costs. Regression techniques are designed to generate a line that best fits a set of data points. In addition, regression techniques generate information that helps a manager determine how well the estimated regression equation describes the relations between costs and activities (Lanen, 2008). We recommend that users of regression (1) fully understand the method and its limitations (2) specify the model, that is the hypothesized relation between costs and cost predictors (3) know the characteristics of the data being tested (4) examine a plot of the data . For 3C, repair-hours are the activities, the independent variable or predictor variable. In regression, the independent variable or predictor variable is identified as the X term. An overhead cost is the dependent variable or Y term. What we are saying is; overhead costs are dependent on repair-hours, or predicted by repair-hours. The Regression Equation |Y = a + bX |Y = Intercept + (Slope) X |OH = Fixed costs + (V) Repair-hours | You already know that an estimate for the costs at any given activity level can be computed using the equation TC = F + VX. The regression equation, Y= a + bX represents the cost equation. Y equals the intercept plus the slope times the number of units. When estimating overhead costs for 3C, total overhead costs equals fixed costs plus the variable cost per unit of repair-hours times the number of repair-hours. We leave the description of the computational details and theory to computer and statistics course; we will focus on the use and interpretation of regression estimates. We describe the steps required to obtain regression estimates using Microsoft Excel in Appendix A to this chapter. Learning Objective Five: Interpret the results of regression output. Interpreting Regression [pic] Interpreting regression output allows us to estimate total overhead costs. The intercept of 6,472 is total fixed costs and the coefficient, 12. 52, is the variable cost per repair-hours. Correlation coefficient â€Å"R† measures the linear relationship between variables. The closer R is to 1. 0 the closer the points are to the regression line. The closer R is to zero, the poorer the regression line (Lanen, 2008). Coefficient of determination â€Å"R2† The square of the correlation coefficient. The proportion of the variation in the dependent variable (Y) explained by the independent variable(s)(X). T-Statistic The t-statistic is the value of the estimated coefficient, b, divided by its standard error. Generally, if it is over 2, then it is considered significant. If significant, the cost is NOT totally fixed. The significant level of the t-statistics is called the p-value. Continuing to interpret the regression output, the Multiple R is called the correlation coefficient and measures the linear relationship between the independent and dependent variables. R Square, the square of the correlation cost efficient, determines and identifies the proportion of the variation in the dependent variable, in this case, overhead costs, that is explained by the independent variable, in this case, repair-hours. The Multiple R, the correlation coefficient, of . 91 tells us that a linear relationship does exist between repair-hours and overhead costs. The R Square, or coefficient of determination, tells us that 82. 8% of the changes in overhead costs can be explained by changes in repair-hours. Can you use this regression output to estimate overhead costs for 3C at 520 repair-hours? Multiple Regressions Multiple regressions are used when more than one predictor (x) is needed to adequately predict the value (Lanen, 2008). For example, it might lead to more precise results if 3C uses both repair hours and the cost of parts in order to predict the total cost. Let’s look at this example. |Predictors: |X1: Repair-hours |X2: Parts Cost | 3C Cost Information | |Month |Overhead Costs |Repair-Hours ( X1) |Parts ( X2) | |1 |$9,891 |248 |$1,065 | |2 |$9,244 |248 |$1,452 | |3 |$13,200 |480 |$3,500 | |4 |$10,555 |284 |$1,568 | |5 |$9,054 |200 |$1,544 | |6 |$10,662 |380 |$1,222 | |7 |$12,883 |568 |$2,986 | |8 |$10,345 |344 |$1,841 | |9 |$11,217 |448 |$1,654 | |10 |$13,269 |544 |$2,100 | |11 |$10,830 |340 |$1,245 | |12 |$12,607 |412 |$2,7 00 | |13 |$10,871 |384 |$2,200 | |14 |$12,816 |404 |$3,110 | |15 |$8,464 |212 |$ 752 | In multiple regressions, the Adjusted R Square is the correlation coefficient squared and adjusted for the number of independent variables used to make the estimate. Reading this output tells us that 89% of the changes in overhead costs can be explained by changes in repair-hours and the cost of parts. Remember 82. % of the changes in overhead costs were explained when one independent variable, repair-hours, was used to estimate the costs. Can you use this regression output to estimate overhead costs for 520 repair-hours and $3,500 cost of parts? Learning Objective Six: Identify potential problems with regression data. Implementation Problems It’s easy to be over confident when interpreting regression output. It all looks so official. But beware of some potential problems with regression data. We already discussed in earlier chapters that costs are curvilinear and cost estimations are only valid within the relevant range. Data may also include outliers and the relationships may be spurious. Let’s talk a bit about each. Curvilinear costs |Outliers |Spurious relations |Assumptions | 1. Curvilinear costs Problem: Attempting to fit a linear model to nonlinear data. Likely to occur near full-capacity. Solution: Define a more limited relevant range (example: from 25 – 75% capacity) or design a nonlinear model. If the cost function is curvilinear, then a linear model contains weaknesses. This generally occurs when the firm is at or near capacity. The leaner cost estimate understates the slope of the cost line in the ranges close capacity. This situation is shown in exhibit 5. 5. 2. Outliers Problem: Outlier moves the regression line. Solution: Prepare a scatter-graph, analyze the graph and eliminate highly unusual observations before running the regression. Because regression calculates the line that best fits the data points, observations that lie a significant distance away from the line could have an overwhelming effect on the regression estimate. Here we see the effect of one significant outlier. The computed regression line is a substantial distance from most of the points. The outlier moves the regression line. Please refer exhibit 5. 6. 3. Spurious or false relations Problem: Using too many variables in the regression. For example, using direct labor to explain materials costs. Although the association is very high, actually both are driven by output. Solution: Carefully analyze each variable and determine the relationship among all elements before using in the regression. 4. Assumptions Problem: If the assumptions in the regression are not satisfied then the regression is not reliable. Solution: No clear solution. Limit time to help assure costs behavior remains constant, yet this causes the model to be weaker due to less data. Learning Objective Seven: Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of alternative cost estimation methods. Statistical Cost Estimation Advantages 1. Reliance on historical data is relatively inexpensive. 2. Computational tools allow for more data to be used than for non-statistical methods. Disadvantages 1. Reliance on historical data may be the only readily available, cost-effective basis for estimating costs. 2. Analysts must be alert to cost-activity changes. Choosing an Estimation Method Each cost estimation method can yield a different estimate of the costs that are likely to result from a particular management decision. This underscores the advantage of using more than one method to arrive at a final estimate. Which method is the best? Management must weigh the cost-benefit related to each method (Lanen, 2008). Estimated manufacturing overhead with 520 repair-hours and $3,500 parts costs *. The more sophisticated methods yield more accurate cost estimates than the simple methods. |Account Analysis = $12,586 |High-Low = $12,384 |Regression= $12,982 |Multiple Regression= $13,588* | Data Problems Missing data Outliers Allocated and discretionary costs Inflation Mismatched time periods No matter what method is used to estimate costs, the results are only as good as the data used. Collecting appropriate data is complicated by missing data, outliers, allocated and discretionary costs, inflation and mismatched time periods. Learning Objective Eight: (Appendix A) Use Microsoft Excel to perform a regression analysis. Appendix A: Microsoft as a Tool Many software programs exist to aid in performing regression analysis. In order to use Microsoft Excel, the Analysis Tool Pak must be installed. There are software packages that allow users to easily generate a regression analysis. The analyst must be well schooled in regression in order to determine the meaning of the output! Learning Objective Nine: (Appendix B) Understand the mathematical relationship describing the learning phenomenon. Learning Phenomenon Leaning phenomenon refers to the systematic relationship between the amount of experience in performing a task and the time required to perform it. The learning phenomenon means that the variable costs tend to decrease per unit as the volume increase. Example: | |Unit |Time to Produce |Calculation of Time | |First Unit |100 hours |(assumed) | |Second Unit |80 hours |(80 percent x 100 hours | |Fourth Unit |64 hours |(80 percent x 80 hours | |Eighth Unit |51. hours |(80 percent x 64 hours | |Impact: Causes the unit price to decrea se as production increases. This implies a nonlinear model. | Another element that can change the shape of the total cost curve is the notion of a learning phenomenon. As workers become more skilled they are able to produce more output per hour. This will impact the total cost curve since it leads to a lower per unit cost, the higher the output. Chapter 5: END!! COURSE WORK EXERCISE 5-25 – A B PROBLEM 5-47 -A B REFERENCES Lanen , N. W. , Anderson ,W. Sh. Maher ,W. M. ( 2008). Fundamentals of cost accounting. New York : McGraw-Hill Irwin. [pic]

The Rise And Fall Of Julius Caesar

The Rise And Fall Of Julius Caesar This paper will explain that having absolute control or power over another human- being or, in Caesars case an entire nation is a major responsibility. Caesar had the authority and was convinced that his way was the only way in the end it only produced negative results. Caesar was known in Roman History as the first dictator who was declared as dictator for life with no limits on how long he could remain ruler. Also how Caesar became popular with the lower and middle class and how he was killed by plotters who didnt want to lose their financial gain or political power. Gaius Julius Caesar was born in Rome, Italy on July 12th or 13th in the year 100 BC. Young, Caesar lived through one of the most horrifying decades in the history the city of Rome. The city was assaulted twice and captured by Roman armies, first in 87 BC by the leaders of the populares. The second attack was carried out by Marius enemy of Sulla, leader of the optimates. The patricians were small in numbers and their status was no longer a political advantage. Caesar and his family belonged to one of the original aristocracy; they were neither rich nor influential. Caesar was influenced by his mother and with her blessings he sought out notoriety for his familys name. Caesar became the man of the household after his fathers death at the age of sixteen. Caesar sought out election to the public office so that he could obtain distinction for himself and his family, in 86 with the help of his Uncle Marius Caesar was appointed Flamen Dialis. In 78 B.C. Caesar traveled to Rhodes to study rhetorics and returned in 73 B.C. On his journey his was captured by pirates and he convinced them to raise his ransom after all he was an original aristocracy and that increased his prestige. A naval force overcame his captors and they were later crucified. After his wifes death, Caesar met and fell in love with Pompeia, a relative of Caesars then friend, Pompey. Pompey later married Caesars daughter Julia in 59 BC. Caesars own attachment to Pompey and Pompeys marriage to Julia ended when she died in 54 BC. The marriage to Pompeia ended in 62 BC. Caesar divorced his wife because of the allegation that she had been implicated in the offense of Publius Clodius, who was awaiting trial for breaking into Caesars house the. Previous December. He was disguised as a woman at the festival of the Bona Dea, which no man is allowed to attend Caesar had secured for five years the governorship of three provinces. The provinces were Cisalpine Gaul, Transalpine Gaul, and Illyricum. He left Rome and remained in Gaul until his invasion of Italy. He continued north of the Alps each summer and left his armies there in garrison each winter while he came south to conduct the civil administration of Cisalpine Gaul and Illyricum and to keep in contact with Rome. Caesar became determined to conquer and make a province of the whole of Gaul. After his defeat of the Belgic tribes in the north and the submission of the maritime tribes on the Atlantic seaboard, he believed that the task had all but been accomplished. The optimates in control of the senate now awake to the immense increase in Caesars personal power, wealth, and prestige, kept Pompey in Italy, allowing him to govern his Spanish provinces by deputies. The next year Spain made Caesar there governor. When he finally returned to Rome he joined forces with Pompey and Crassus. With a successful year running Spain Caesar was elected as Consul through political alliance through Pompey and Crassus. They were called the first Triumvirate. Crassus wanted a revision on the contract for collecting taxes in the province of Asia. Pompey wanted ratification on eastern settlement and land for his discharged troops. Where Caesar wanted to gain command of a big military. At a disorderly public gathering the agrarian bill was passed authorizing Pompeys veterans to purchase land in January 59 BC. A fellow consul Calpurnius Bibulus was thrown from the platform and has consular Insignia was broken. Knowing that they were superstitious Bibulus tried everything to stop Caesar and his followers from passing anymore laws, but he was only able to postpone them by saying that the stormy skies wouldnt allow it. Caesar had disregarded Bibulus behavior and allowed the legislative program of the triumvirate to be carried out. With the results of his action Caesar and his friends faced better attacks. The political opponents continued to say that the legislation was unconstitutional as well as invaded. Caesar returned to Rome for a short time in 47 BC before leaving to travel to Africa to crush his opponents. Caesar became increasingly interested in public affairs, and tried to gain the favor of the people. In 65 BC, he was elected to the office of aedile and organized public games. Caesar returned Marius trophies to their former place of honor in the capitol, thus lying claim to leaders of the Populares. Caesar won favor because he spent much money to provide recreation for the people, a lthough he went into great debt doing so. In 62 BC, Caesar became praetor, the office next in rank to consul. Catiline, a dissatisfied Roman politician, plotted a revolt. In breaking up this plot, leading aristocrats sought to disgrace the entire group of popular leaders, including Caesar, but they failed to hurt his political prospects. In 60 BC, Caesar allied himself with Marcus Licinius Crassus and Gnaeus Pompey in the First Triumvirate, an alliance that held considerable power in Rome. Crassus was a man of enormous wealth and political ambition. In 49 BC, Caesar had himself appointed dictator and consul after he defeated Pompeys troops in many battles. From the time that he had first faced battle and discovered his own military genius, Caesar was evidently fascinated and obsessed by military and imperial problems. He gave them an absolute priority over the more delicate, but no less the fundamental task of revising the Roman constitution. He met Pompeys army in Greece where, at Pharsalus in 48 BC, he defeated Pompeys for ces but Pompey escaped to Egypt. Caesar followed him later to find out that Pompey had been murdered. Within sixty days, Caesar became master of Italy. It took him nearly five years to complete the conquest of Pompey and his followers. As an orator, Caesar ranked second only to Cicero, the great Roman statesman and philosopher. Caesar is also famous as a writer. His Commentaries on the Gallic War describe his conquests in Gaul. The clear direct style of his work makes it a model of historical writing. Caesar used wisely the power he had won, and made many important reforms. He tried to control dishonest practices in the Roman and provincial governments. He improved the calendar, cleaning up confusion that had existed for hundreds of years. Caesar gave poor people in Rome an outlet to improve their way of living by establishing colonies, notably at Carthage and Corinth. Caesar had proved he was capable of governing Rome and its vast possessions. Yet, many of Caesars actions offended Roman pride. Caesar treated the Senate as a mere advisory council, and the senators resented this disrespect. He also offended many Romans by assuming the office of dictator. He returned in 78 BC when Sulla died and began his political career as prosecuting advocate. By training, Caesar was a politician rather than a soldier, but he knew he needed military victories to gain greater fame. Caesar gained military force and a loyal army from a campaign to conquer Gaul in 58 BC. It soon became clear that he was a military genius. Caesar had now become undisputed master of the Roman world. He pardoned the followers of Pompey. The people honored Caesar for his leadership and triumphs by granting him the powers of dictator for 10 years. Later, he was made dictator for life. In 49 BC, the conservatives ordered Caesar to give up his army. Caesar did not surrender his army to leave them defenseless, but instead did the opposite. Caesar used his army to invade Britain twice in 55 and 54 BC. He won this battle to lead to the conquering of Gaul, which included present day France, and Belgium, as well as parts of Holland, Germany, and Switzerland in 50 BC. Caesar then led his army of 5000 soldiers across the Rubicon, a stream that separated his provinces from Italy. This caused the start of the Roman Civil War. He conquered all territories east to the Rhine River, drove the Germans out of Gaul, and then crossed the Rhine to show the great might of Rome. He won this war to make Cleopatra ruler of Egypt. After his victory, Cleopatra was driven away from the throne. While this was going on Caesar invaded Alexandria. Caesar had gone to Alexandria in pursuit of Pompey, who was Caesars rival to become the next ruler of Rome. While looking for Pompey Caesar met and fell in love with Cleopatra. Caesar helped her regain power by defeating her enemies. Caesar asked her to return to Rome with him to pursue their love and she did. She gave birth to a little boy named Caesarion claiming that it was for Caesar. While she was giving birth Caesar was off claiming another victory. He then defeated Pharnaces II, King of Pontus. Caesar had a saying Veni, Vidi, Vici meaning I came, I saw, I conquered. Caesar, being unaware of a plot to murder him, took his seat in the senate chair. As the meeting progressed, Caesar was handed a petition by one of the conspirators. As expected, he declined granting the petition, thus making crowds gather around him to urge him to agree upon it. With further reluctance the first blow was struck to Caesars neck. Soon all the conspirators were striking him with their swords. In all, twenty-three swords penetrated Caesars skin, but only one was fatal. Caesars last words, as he looked upon his conspirators, are translated into, And you too, Brutus? . At that moment of recognition, Caesar fell to his death. The body of Julius Caesar lay for some time undisturbed where it had fallen. Of the slaves whom Caesar gathered over time, only three remained. They gathered around his body and examined the wounds. After the examination the slaves decided to carry the body home. They had found a nearby chair to place Caesars body on to carry him home to Calpurnia. After a provocative funeral oration by Marc Antony, Caesars body was burned by the mob in the forum. At the games in his honor the following July, a comet appeared. It was regarded as evidence of his godhead and he was formally renamed as divus Julius, or divine Julius. Octavius, whose name became Caesar Octavianus after his adoption by Caesars will, solved, by his creation of the Roman principate, the constitutional problem that Caesar failed to solve.

A Game of Thrones Chapter Three

Daenerys Her brother held the gown up for her inspection. â€Å"This is beauty. Touch it. Go on. Caress the fabric.† Dany touched it. The cloth was so smooth that it seemed to run through her fingers like water. She could not remember ever wearing anything so soft. It frightened her. She pulled her hand away. â€Å"Is it really mine?† â€Å"A gift from the Magister Illyrio,† Viserys said, smiling. Her brother was in a high mood tonight. â€Å"The color will bring out the violet in your eyes. And you shall have gold as well, and jewels of all sorts. Illyrio has promised. Tonight you must look like a princess.† A princess, Dany thought. She had forgotten what that was like. Perhaps she had never really known. â€Å"Why does he give us so much?† she asked. â€Å"What does he want from us?† For nigh on half a year, they had lived in the magister's house, eating his food, pampered by his servants. Dany was thirteen, old enough to know that such gifts seldom come without their price, here in the free city of Pentos. â€Å"Illyrio is no fool,† Viserys said. He was a gaunt young man with nervous hands and a feverish look in his pale lilac eyes. â€Å"The magister knows that I will not forget my friends when I come into my throne.† Dany said nothing. Magister Illyrio was a dealer in spices, gemstones, dragonbone, and other, less savory things. He had friends in all of the Nine Free Cities, it was said, and even beyond, in Vaes Dothrak and the fabled lands beside the JadeSea. It was also said that he'd never had a friend he wouldn't cheerfully sell for the right price. Dany listened to the talk in the streets, and she heard these things, but she knew better than to question her brother when he wove his webs of dream. His anger was a terrible thing when roused. Viserys called it â€Å"waking the dragon.† Her brother hung the gown beside the door. â€Å"Illyrio will send the slaves to bathe you. Be sure you wash off the stink of the stables. Khal Drogo has a thousand horses, tonight he looks for a different sort of mount.† He studied her critically. â€Å"You still slouch. Straighten yourself† He pushed back her shoulders with his hands. â€Å"Let them see that you have a woman's shape now.† His fingers brushed lightly over her budding breasts and tightened on a nipple. â€Å"You will not fail me tonight. If you do, it will go hard for you. You don't want to wake the dragon, do you?† His fingers twisted her, the pinch cruelly hard through the rough fabric of her tunic. â€Å"Do you?† he repeated. â€Å"No,† Dany said meekly. Her brother smiled. â€Å"Good.† He touched her hair, almost with affection. â€Å"When they write the history of my reign, sweet sister, they will say that it began tonight.† When he was gone, Dany went to her window and looked out wistfully on the waters of the bay. The square brick towers of Pentos were black silhouettes outlined against the setting sun. Dany could hear the singing of the red priests as they lit their night fires and the shouts of ragged children playing games beyond the walls of the estate. For a moment she wished she could be out there with them, barefoot and breathless and dressed in tatters, with no past and no future and no feast to attend at Khal Drogo's manse. Somewhere beyond the sunset, across the narrow sea, lay a land of green hills and flowered plains and great rushing rivers, where towers of dark stone rose amidst magnificent blue-grey mountains, and armored knights rode to battle beneath the banners of their lords. The Dothraki called that land Rhaesh Andahli, the land of the Andals. In the Free Cities, they talked of Westeros and the SunsetKingdoms. Her brother had a simpler name. â€Å"Our land,† he called it. The words were like a prayer with him. If he said them enough, the gods were sure to hear. â€Å"Ours by blood right, taken from us by treachery, but ours still, ours forever. You do not steal from the dragon, oh, no. The dragon remembers.† And perhaps the dragon did remember, but Dany could not. She had never seen this land her brother said was theirs, this realm beyond the narrow sea. These places he talked of, Casterly Rock and the Eyrie, Highgarden and the Vale of Arryn, Dorne and the Isle of Faces, they were just words to her. Viserys had been a boy of eight when they fled King's Landing to escape the advancing armies of the Usurper, but Daenerys had been only a quickening in their mother's womb. Yet sometimes Dany would picture the way it had been, so often had her brother told her the stories. The midnight flight to Dragonstone, moonlight shimmering on the ship's black sails. Her brother Rhaegar battling the Usurper in the bloody waters of the Trident and dying for the woman he loved. The sack of King's Landing by the ones Viserys called the Usurper's dogs, the lords Lannister and Stark. Princess Elia of Dorne pleading for mercy as Rhaegar's heir was ripped from her breast and murdered before her eyes. The polished skulls of the last dragons staring down sightlessly from the walls of the throne room while the Kingslayer opened Father's throat with a golden sword. She had been born on Dragonstone nine moons after their flight, while a raging summer storm threatened to rip the island fastness apart. They said that storm was terrible. The Targaryen fleet was smashed while it lay at anchor, and huge stone blocks were ripped from the parapets and sent hurtling into the wild waters of the narrow sea. Her mother had died birthing her, and for that her brother Viserys had never forgiven her. She did not remember Dragonstone either. They had run again, just before the Usurper's brother set sail with his new-built fleet. By then only Dragonstone itself, the ancient seat of their House, had remained of the Seven Kingdoms that had once been theirs. It would not remain for long. The garrison had been prepared to sell them to the Usurper, but one night Ser Willem Darry and four loyal men had broken into the nursery and stolen them both, along with her wet nurse, and set sail under cover of darkness for the safety of the Braavosian coast. She remembered Ser Willem dimly, a great grey bear of a man, half-blind, roaring and bellowing orders from his sickbed. The servants had lived in terror of him, but he had always been kind to Dany. He called her â€Å"Little Princess† and sometimes â€Å"My Lady,† and his hands were soft as old leather. He never left his bed, though, and the smell of sickness clung to him day and night, a hot, moist, sickly sweet odor. That was when they lived in Braavos, in the big house with the red door. Dany had her own room there, with a lemon tree outside her window. After Ser Willem had died, the servants had stolen what little money they had left, and soon after they had been put out of the big house. Dany had cried when the red door closed behind them forever. They had wandered since then, from Braavos to Myr, from Myr to Tyrosh, and on to Qohor and Volantis and Lys, never staying long in any one place. Her brother would not allow it. The Usurper's hired knives were close behind them, he insisted, though Dany had never seen one. At first the magisters and archons and merchant princes were pleased to welcome the last Targaryens to their homes and tables, but as the years passed and the Usurper continued to sit upon the Iron Throne, doors closed and their lives grew meaner. Years past they had been forced to sell their last few treasures, and now even the coin they had gotten from Mother's crown had gone. In the alleys and wine sinks of Pentos, they called her brother â€Å"the beggar king.† Dany did not want to know what they called her. â€Å"We will have it all back someday, sweet sister,† he would promise her. Sometimes his hands shook when he talked about it. â€Å"The jewels and the silks, Dragonstone and King's Landing, the Iron Throne and the SevenKingdoms, all they have taken from us, we will have it back.† Viserys lived for that day. All that Daenerys wanted back was the big house with the red door, the lemon tree outside her window, the childhood she had never known. There came a soft knock on her door. â€Å"Come,† Dany said, turning away from the window. Illyrio's servants entered, bowed, and set about their business. They were slaves, a gift from one of the magister's many Dothraki friends. There was no slavery in the free city of Pentos. Nonetheless, they were slaves. The old woman, small and grey as a mouse, never said a word, but the girl made up for it. She was Illyrio's favorite, a fair-haired, blue-eyed wench of sixteen who chattered constantly as she worked. They filled her bath with hot water brought up from the kitchen and scented it with fragrant oils. The girl pulled the rough cotton tunic over Dany's head and helped her into the tub. The water was scalding hot, but Daenerys did not flinch or cry out. She liked the heat. It made her feel clean. Besides, her brother had often told her that it was never too hot for a Targaryen. â€Å"Ours is the house of the dragon,† he would say. â€Å"The fire is in our blood.† The old woman washed her long, silver-pale hair and gently combed out the snags, all in silence. The girl scrubbed her back and her feet and told her how lucky she was. â€Å"Drogo is so rich that even his slaves wear golden collars. A hundred thousand men ride in his khalasar, and his palace in Vaes Dothrak has two hundred rooms and doors of solid silver.† There was more like that, so much more, what a handsome man the khal was, so tall and fierce, fearless in battle, the best rider ever to mount a horse, a demon archer. Daenerys said nothing. She had always assumed that she would wed Viserys when she came of age. For centuries the Targaryens had married brother to sister, since Aegon the Conqueror had taken his sisters to bride. The line must be kept pure, Viserys had told her a thousand times; theirs was the kingsblood, the golden blood of old Valyria, the blood of the dragon. Dragons did not mate with the beasts of the field, and Targaryens did not mingle their blood with that of lesser men. Yet now Viserys schemed to sell her to a stranger, a barbarian. When she was clean, the slaves helped her from the water and toweled her dry. The girl brushed her hair until it shone like molten silver, while the old woman anointed her with the spiceflower perfume of the Dothraki plains, a dab on each wrist, behind her ears, on the tips of her breasts, and one last one, cool on her lips, down there between her legs. They dressed her in the wisps that Magister Illyrio had sent up, and then the gown, a deep plum silk to bring out the violet in her eyes. The girl slid the gilded sandals onto her feet, while the old woman fixed the tiara in her hair, and slid golden bracelets crusted with amethysts around her wrists. Last of all came the collar, a heavy golden torc emblazoned with ancient Valyrian glyphs. â€Å"Now you look all a princess,† the girl said breathlessly when they were done. Dany glanced at her image in the silvered looking glass that Illyrio had so thoughtfully provided. A princess, she thought, but she remembered what the girl had said, how Khal Drogo was so rich even his slaves wore golden collars. She felt a sudden chill, and gooseflesh pimpled her bare arms. Her brother was waiting in the cool of the entry hall, seated on the edge of the pool, his hand trailing in the water. He rose when she appeared and looked her over critically. â€Å"Stand there,† he told her. â€Å"Turn around. Yes. Good. You look . . . â€Å" â€Å"Regal,† Magister Illyrio said, stepping through an archway. He moved with surprising delicacy for such a massive man. Beneath loose garments of flame-colored silk, rolls of fat jiggled as he walked. Gemstones glittered on every finger, and his man had oiled his forked yellow beard until it shone like real gold. â€Å"May the Lord of Light shower you with blessings on this most fortunate day, Princess Daenerys,† the magister said as he took her hand. He bowed his head, showing a thin glimpse of crooked yellow teeth through the gold of his beard. â€Å"She is a vision, Your Grace, a vision,† he told her brother. â€Å"Drogo will be enraptured.† â€Å"She's too skinny,† Viserys said. His hair, the same silver-blond as hers, had been pulled back tightly behind his head and fastened with a dragonbone brooch. It was a severe look that emphasized the hard, gaunt lines of his face. He rested his hand on the hilt of the sword that Illyrio had lent him, and said, â€Å"Are you sure that Khal Drogo likes his women this young?† â€Å"She has had her blood. She is old enough for the khal,† Illyrio told him, not for the first time. â€Å"Look at her. That silver-gold hair, those purple eyes . . . she is the blood of old Valyria, no doubt, no doubt . . . and highborn, daughter of the old king, sister to the new, she cannot fail to entrance our Drogo.† When he released her hand, Daenerys found herself trembling. â€Å"I suppose,† her brother said doubtfully. â€Å"The savages have queer tastes. Boys, horses, sheep . . . â€Å" â€Å"Best not suggest this to Khal Drogo,† Illyrio said. Anger flashed in her brother's lilac eyes. â€Å"Do you take me for a fool?† The magister bowed slightly. â€Å"I take you for a king. Kings lack the caution of common men. My apologies if I have given offense.† He turned away and clapped his hands for his bearers. The streets of Pentos were pitch-dark when they set out in Illyrio's elaborately carved palanquin. Two servants went ahead to light their way, carrying ornate oil lanterns with panes of pale blue glass, while a dozen strong men hoisted the poles to their shoulders. It was warm and close inside behind the curtains. Dany could smell the stench of Illyrio's pallid flesh through his heavy perfumes. Her brother, sprawled out on his pillows beside her, never noticed. His mind was away across the narrow sea. â€Å"We won't need his whole khalasar,† Viserys said. His fingers toyed with the hilt of his borrowed blade, though Dany knew he had never used a sword in earnest. â€Å"Ten thousand, that would be enough, I could sweep the Seven Kingdoms with ten thousand Dothraki screamers. The realm will rise for its rightful king. Tyrell, Redwyne, Darry, Greyjoy, they have no more love for the Usurper than I do. The Dornishmen burn to avenge Elia and her children. And the smallfolk will be with us. They cry out for their king.† He looked at Illyrio anxiously. â€Å"They do, don't they?† â€Å"They are your people, and they love you well,† Magister Illyrio said amiably. â€Å"In holdfasts all across the realm, men lift secret toasts to your health while women sew dragon banners and hide them against the day of your return from across the water.† He gave a massive shrug. â€Å"Or so my agents tell me.† Dany had no agents, no way of knowing what anyone was doing or thinking across the narrow sea, but she mistrusted Illyrio's sweet words as she mistrusted everything about Illyrio. Her brother was nodding eagerly, however. â€Å"I shall kill the Usurper myself,† he promised, who had never killed anyone, â€Å"as he killed my brother Rhaegar. And Lannister too, the Kingslayer, for what he did to my father.† â€Å"That would be most fitting,† Magister Illyrio said. Dany saw the smallest hint of a smile playing around his full lips, but her brother did not notice. Nodding, he pushed back a curtain and stared off into the night, and Dany knew he was fighting the Battle of the Trident once again. The nine-towered manse of Khal Drogo sat beside the waters of the bay, its high brick walls overgrown with pale ivy. It had been given to the khal by the magisters of Pentos, Illyrio told them. The Free Cities were always generous with the horselords. â€Å"It is not that we fear these barbarians,† Illyrio would explain with a smile. â€Å"The Lord of Light would hold our city walls against a million Dothraki, or so the red priests promise . . . yet why take chances, when their friendship comes so cheap?† Their palanquin was stopped at the gate, the curtains pulled roughly back by one of the house guards. He had the copper skin and dark almond eyes of a Dothraki, but his face was hairless and he wore the spiked bronze cap of the Unsullied. He looked them over coldly. Magister Illyrio growled something to him in the rough Dothraki tongue; the guardsman replied in the same voice and waved them through the gates. Dany noticed that her brother's hand was clenched tightly around the hilt of his borrowed sword. He looked almost as frightened as she felt. â€Å"Insolent eunuch,† Viserys muttered as the palanquin lurched up toward the manse. Magister Illyrio's words were honey. â€Å"Many important men will be at the feast tonight. Such men have enemies. The khal must protect his guests, yourself chief among them, Your Grace. No doubt the Usurper would pay well for your head.† â€Å"Oh, yes,† Viserys said darkly. â€Å"He has tried, Illyrio, I promise you that. His hired knives follow us everywhere. I am the last dragon, and he will not sleep easy while I live.† The palanquin slowed and stopped. The curtains were thrown back, and a slave offered a hand to help Daenerys out. His collar, she noted, was ordinary bronze. Her brother followed, one hand still clenched hard around his sword hilt. It took two strong men to get Magister Illyrio back on his feet. Inside the manse, the air was heavy with the scent of spices, pinchfire and sweet lemon and cinnamon. They were escorted across the entry hall, where a mosaic of colored glass depicted the Doom of Valyria. Oil burned in black iron lanterns all along the walls. Beneath an arch of twining stone leaves, a eunuch sang their coming. â€Å"Viserys of the House Targaryen, the Third of his Name,† he called in a high, sweet voice, â€Å"King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the SevenKingdoms and Protector of the Realm. His sister, Daenerys Stormborn, Princess of Dragonstone. His honorable host, Illyrio Mopatis, Magister of the Free City of Pentos.† They stepped past the eunuch into a pillared courtyard overgrown in pale ivy. Moonlight painted the leaves in shades of bone and silver as the guests drifted among them. Many were Dothraki horselords, big men with red-brown skin, their drooping mustachios bound in metal rings, their black hair oiled and braided and hung with bells. Yet among them moved bravos and sellswords from Pentos and Myr and Tyrosh, a red priest even fatter than Illyrio, hairy men from the Port of Ibben, and lords from the Summer Isles with skin as black as ebony. Daenerys looked at them all in wonder . . . and realized, with a sudden start of fear, that she was the only woman there. Illyrio whispered to them. â€Å"Those three are Drogo's bloodriders, there,† he said. â€Å"By the pillar is Khal Moro, with his son Rhogoro. The man with the green beard is brother to the Archon of Tyrosh, and the man behind him is Ser Jorah Mormont.† The last name caught Daenerys. â€Å"A knight?† â€Å"No less.† Illyrio smiled through his beard. â€Å"Anointed with the seven oils by the High Septon himself.† â€Å"What is he doing here?† she blurted. â€Å"The Usurper wanted his head,† Illyrio told them. â€Å"Some trifling affront. He sold some poachers to a Tyroshi slaver instead of giving them to the Night's Watch. Absurd law. A man should be able to do as he likes with his own chattel.† â€Å"I shall wish to speak with Ser Jorah before the night is done,† her brother said. Dany found herself looking at the knight curiously. He was an older man, past forty and balding, but still strong and fit. Instead of silks and cottons, he wore wool and leather. His tunic was a dark green, embroidered with the likeness of a black bear standing on two legs. She was still looking at this strange man from the homeland she had never known when Magister Illyrio placed a moist hand on her bare shoulder. â€Å"Over there, sweet princess,† he whispered, â€Å"there is the khal himself.† Dany wanted to run and hide, but her brother was looking at her, and if she displeased him she knew she would wake the dragon. Anxiously, she turned and looked at the man Viserys hoped would ask to wed her before the night was done. The slave girl had not been far wrong, she thought. Khal Drogo was a head taller than the tallest man in the room, yet somehow light on his feet, as graceful as the panther in Illyrio's menagerie. He was younger than she'd thought, no more than thirty. His skin was the color of polished copper, his thick mustachios bound with gold and bronze rings. â€Å"I must go and make my submissions,† Magister Illyrio said. â€Å"Wait here. I shall bring him to you.† Her brother took her by the arm as Illyrio waddled over to the khal, his fingers squeezing so hard that they hurt. â€Å"Do you see his braid, sweet sister?† Drogo's braid was black as midnight and heavy with scented oil, hung with tiny bells that rang softly as he moved. It swung well past his belt, below even his buttocks, the end of it brushing against the back of his thighs. â€Å"You see how long it is?† Viserys said. â€Å"When Dothraki are defeated in combat, they cut off their braids in disgrace, so the world will know their shame. Khal Drogo has never lost a fight. He is Aegon the Dragonlord come again, and you will be his queen.† Dany looked at Khal Drogo. His face was hard and cruel, his eyes as cold and dark as onyx. Her brother hurt her sometimes, when she woke the dragon, but he did not frighten her the way this man frightened her. â€Å"I don't want to be his queen,† she heard herself say in a small, thin voice. â€Å"Please, please, Viserys, I don't want to, I want to go home.† â€Å"Home?† He kept his voice low, but she could hear the fury in his tone. â€Å"How are we to go home, sweet sister? They took our home from us!† He drew her into the shadows, out of sight, his fingers digging into her skin. â€Å"How are we to go home?† he repeated, meaning King's Landing, and Dragonstone, and all the realm they had lost. Dany had only meant their rooms in Illyrio's estate, no true home surely, though all they had, but her brother did not want to hear that. There was no home there for him. Even the big house with the red door had not been home for him. His fingers dug hard into her arm, demanding an answer. â€Å"I don't know . . . â€Å"she said at last, her voice breaking. Tears welled in her eyes. â€Å"I do,† he said sharply. â€Å"We go home with an army, sweet sister. With Khal Drogo's army, that is how we go home. And if you must wed him and bed him for that, you will.† He smiled at her. â€Å"I'd let his whole khalasar fuck you if need be, sweet sister, all forty thousand men, and their horses too if that was what it took to get my army. Be grateful it is only Drogo. In time you may even learn to like him. Now dry your eyes. Illyrio is bringing him over, and he will not see you crying.† Dany turned and saw that it was true. Magister Illyrio, all smiles and bows, was escorting Khal Drogo over to where they stood. She brushed away unfallen tears with the back of her hand. â€Å"Smile,† Viserys whispered nervously, his hand failing to the hilt of his sword. â€Å"And stand up straight. Let him see that you have breasts. Gods know, you have little enough as is.† Daenerys smiled, and stood up straight.

Natural Disaster and the Retail Business Owner Essay

Disaster and the Retail Business Owner Natural Disaster and the Business Owner People make difficult decisions in business everyday. People that make these decisions have to stand by them. The situation in this assignment, speaking of hurricane Katrina, I have mixed feelings on the business owner Brian decision. From a person on the outside looking in perspective, I felt he was wrong for raising the prices of the hotel rooms. But in reality, I had to put myself in the shoes of the business owner. In this situation I believe Brian should not give Lilly’s job back. It was Lilly’s decision to quit her job because she felt that Brian choice to raise the prices was wrong. Due to Brian being the owner of the motel it was his prerogative to raise the rates. Lilly told Brian if he was going to raise the rates then she would quit. I think Brian’s response by telling her by telling her to do what you have to do was more than fair. I felt Lily disrespected Brian telling him she quit and hanging up on him. That helps support my decision to not give her job back. Also, what happens when Brian makes a decision she doesn’t like? What says she won’t react and quit again? If I understand these terms correctly, I fell Lily falls under Deontology. She spoke her mind because it her decisions to do so and it was her right to do so and it was not for the greater good. I believe Brian falls in the category of Deontological Ethics as well. It was his right to raise the rates of his motel rooms. It was also his right to le Lilly go if she didn’t agree with his decision. Hurricane Katrina was a perfect opportunity to make money of a natural disaster. Many businesses took the opportunity to raise prices to profit of natural disasters. The decisions to profit off natural disaster are not happiness based. These higher prices will affect the hurricane victims. If Brian’s decision was to lower rates to accommodate hurricane victims, he would be bombarded with customers and most likely lose money. This would cause unhappiness to the business owner and happiness to the customer. I believe Lilly did not support her decision because if she did she would have not reapplied for the job. Brian did raise the rates regardless of Lily’s argument and threat to quit. So why did she quit if she was going to try to get her job back. References https://cdad. trident. edu/CourseHomeModule. aspx? course=17&term=110&module=1&page=bkg

10 Jobs for People Who Want to See Ghosts

10 Jobs for People Who Want to See Ghosts if you’re a fan of horror movies, you’re probably very excited for this year’s box office hits, but what if two hours of jump scares is not enough to satisfy your craving for the supernatural? you’re in luck, we’ve scoured the internet and based on movie logic, these jobs are perfect for people who want to see ghosts. are you ready to experience the supernatural?1. paranormal investigatorthis one is a given. if you’re serious about working with the supernatural, what better way than to have a job that directly explores supernatural cases?2. professorhow many famous characters have gotten their start in academia before moving on to investigating the supernatural? hmm.3. lawyerif you’re a lawyer, you’re probably going to come across clients who have experienced horrific events. that’s a recipe encountering the supernatural.4. police officersimilar to a lawyer, you’re probably going to come across some things you wish you hadn’t and that’s a recipe for encountering our ghostly friends.5. painterwant to discover a medieval painting from a haunted house? you know what to do.6. reporter  if movie logic tells us   anything, reporters follow clues that eventually lead them to paranormal activity.7. librarian  libraries are very quiet. perfect atmosphere for the dead.8. nursepeople die in hospitals every day. there is no more likely place to be haunted than a hospital. fact.9. hotel clerkit’s scientifically known that most hotels are haunted.  this is also a fact.10. accountant  the dead need to do their taxes, too!