Eye For An Eye Or Turn The Other Cheek? :: essays research papers fc

It is a time of mourning for the United States. They are straightaway being compared with the countries they, themselves, condemn. The death penalty is cruel and unusual because it breaks sacred amendments and commandments. The death penalty should no longer be an option. According to many people, "we collect progressed since the feral stone-age," (Alexander 1) yet our Judicial system does not seem to figure it. Murdering someone is a barbaric act, whether it is by an individual, society, or our government. Everyone has heard the saying, "two wrongs dont make a right," what would one call the death penalty? The death penalty must be eliminated because it kills innocents and destroys our fundamental human rights "the right to heart" (Reddall 1), it is racially biased, it is based on revenge not as a deterrent and it does not deter crime, it is more expensive, and it goes directly against The Bible.Whether someone wants to believe it or not, innocent peopl e have been sent to death row. "From 1900 to 1985, 350 people imposed with the death penalty were innocent, and 23 of those people were actually put to death" (Cruel 2). Supporters of the death penalty seem to show no remorse for these deaths. One supporter said, "In the medical profession almost 100,000 people are wrongly killed every year by errors, and we tie them and move on" (McLaughlin 2). These barbaric acts should not come as a shock, though. "The United States is one of only five countries in the world that execute minors. The U.S. joins Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen" (Cruel 1). It seems ironic that all four otherwise countries the U.S. condemns for humans rights violations. "Abma criticized the U.S. for using a double standard in human rights cases. He said a large gap exists between what the U.S. is saying to others and what the U.S. is doing to its birth citizens. He cited cases of police brutality and poor prison conditions, asi de the obvious death penalty, as examples" (Yashiro 1). I have full sympathy for the families of murder and other crimes, but I refuse to accept that one death justifies another (Reddall 1). Capitol punishment is an act from ages ago and should no longer be used. Although, the argument already seems logical there is still more that can be argued.Contrary to popular belief, capitol punishment is 4 to 6 times more expensive than life imprisonment (McLaughlin 2).

Hamlets Soliloquy - To be, or not to be :: Hamlet essays

Hamlets Soliloquy - To be, or not to be Hamlets To be, or not to be soliloquy is arguably the nigh famous soliloquy in the history of the theatre. Even today, 400 years after it was written, most people are vaguely familiar with the soliloquy still though they may not receipt the play. What gives these 34 lines such universal appeal and recognition? What about Hamlets introspection has prompted scholars and theatregoers alike to ask questions about their have got existence over the centuries? In this soliloquy, Shakespeare strikes a chord with a fundamental human concern the validity and worthiness of life. Would it not be easier for us to exclusively enter a never-ending sleep when we find ourselves facing the daunting problems of life than to suffer / the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune? However, it is perhaps because we do not know what this endless sleep entails that humans usually opt against suicide. For in that sleep of death what dreams may come / When we have shuffled off this mortal coil / must(prenominal) give us pause. Shakespeare seems to understand this dilemma through his character Hamlet, and thus the phrase To be, or not to be has been immortalized indeed, it has pervaded our culture to such a incomparable extent that it has been referenced countless times in movies, television, and the media. Popular movies such as Billy Madison quote the famous phrase, and www.tobeornottobe.com serves as an online archive of Shakespeares works. Today, a Shakespeare stereotype is held up by the bulk of society, where they see him as the god of drama, infallible and fundamentally superior to modern playwrights. However, this attitude is not new. Even centuries ago, the faith of Shakespeares work inspired and awed audiences. In a letter dated October 1, 1775, Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, commenting on David Garricks production of Hamlet (1742-1776) to his friend Heinrich Christian Boie, likens the To be, or not to be soliloquy to the Lords Prayer. He says that the soliloquy does not naturally make the same impression on the auditor as Hamlets other soliloquies do,But it produces an infinitely great effect than could be expected of an argument on suicide and death in tragedy and this is because a large part of the audience not moreover knows it by

Compulsive Gambling and It’s Cost to the Economy :: essays research papers

Compulsive Gambling and Its Cost to the EconomyMore than 5 million Americans are pathological, compulsive and problem gamblers, and another 15 million are at risk of becoming sightly like them. A cat valium definition of problem dramatic play is a progressive disorder characterized by a continuous or periodic loss of control over manoeuvre and irrational thinking and behavior despite the consequences. When gambling interferes with any ones life, it can be categorize as an addiction or disease, just like alcohol and drug addiction is categorize as a disease. A study conducted for the National Gambling Impact Study Commission plunge that 20 million American have or could develop gambling problems. Also they have estimated those 1.8 million American adults as well as up to 1.1 million American adolescents age 12 through 17 engage in severe pathological gambling each year. As legalize gambling has become more common in the United States problems have sprung up as well. That negativ e influence is becoming more apparent as gambling is more widely available. It is becoming increasingly easy to gamble in the United States particularly in the last 10 years, and problems with gambling are a lot more common now than they ever were. Studies show that for every dollar gambling produces for a regional economy, three dollars are lost because of the economic and kind cost of gambling. The study has also said that if the government legalizes more gambling, taxpayers will lose money, whether they gamble or not. The gambling industry believes it is just selling an exculpatory form of family entertainment, but they dont mention how much the players lose or how gambling encourages addictive behavior or the enormous costs it creates for the lie down of society. It has been said that, gamblers with higher counts of gambling symptoms will have higher rates of problem. There many consequences associated with compulsive, pathological and problem gamblers. Examples of such cons equences include job and pecuniary problems, divorce, poor health, and criminal involvement. These addictions are the lifeblood of the gambling industry, said an economist from the University of Illinois by name Earl Grinols.

We All Scream For Ice Cream Essay -- essays research papers fc

We All S mosh For Ice puzzle outWho in their pay off mind could say no to the irresistible taste of scum salve? Being one of my most favorite snacks, I will admit that a carton of trumpery weft never stays in the fridge for more than a week. I can remember always having ice cream as a very special treat when I was younger, mostly chocolate and vanilla. Nowadays there ar so many flavors of ice cream from simple chocolate to cola flavored. Ice cream whitethorn not be as popular as you think it is so here are some fun facts the show on the dot how much us Americans love this simple dessert. Currently, ice cream is Americas import most favorite dessert according to a 1997 Nielsen survey. active 2.3 billion dollars of ice cream is sold in the Americas per stratum. Its competition, the cookie, holds 3.6 billion dollars in sales per year. The United States is currently the number one domain in the world for consumption of ice cream. Its followers are New Zealand, Denmark, and Sw eden, to name a few. I consume a large amount of ice cream, but to discover that each American consumes about 23.2 quarts of ice cream a year I was shocked Keep in mind this is just an average because in the Northern Central States they consume over 41.7 quarts a year. For myself ice cream is best enjoyed a sunny day when you just cannot search to escape the heat, this is why ice cream sales are the highest in the months July (National Ice Cream Month) and August. I do not want any of my readers to chasten to tell me they do no... We All Scream For Ice Cream Essay -- essays research papers fcWe All Scream For Ice CreamWho in their right mind could say no to the irresistible taste of ice cream? Being one of my most favorite snacks, I will admit that a carton of ice cream never stays in the fridge for more than a week. I can remember always having ice cream as a very special treat when I was younger, mostly chocolate and vanilla. Nowadays there are so many flavors o f ice cream from simple chocolate to cola flavored. Ice cream may not be as popular as you think it is so here are some fun facts the show just how much us Americans love this simple dessert. Currently, ice cream is Americas second most favorite dessert according to a 1997 Nielsen survey. About 2.3 billion dollars of ice cream is sold in the Americas per year. Its competition, the cookie, holds 3.6 billion dollars in sales per year. The United States is currently the number one country in the world for consumption of ice cream. Its followers are New Zealand, Denmark, and Sweden, to name a few. I consume a large amount of ice cream, but to discover that each American consumes about 23.2 quarts of ice cream a year I was shocked Keep in mind this is just an average because in the Northern Central States they consume over 41.7 quarts a year. For myself ice cream is best enjoyed a sunny day when you just cannot seem to escape the heat, this is why ice cream sales are the highest in the m onths July (National Ice Cream Month) and August. I do not want any of my readers to try to tell me they do no...

Art History :: essays research papers

EXTERNAL history.Considered along with LAS MENINAS to be one of the most important masterpieces of DIEGO DE VELAZQUUEZ ,as if final perido,this metological scene despits Minerras dispute with Arachne over weaving abilities.Traditionally cosidered to represent women working at the tapestry workshop of Santa Isable but it now prored that it is mythological subject.It was in all likelihood painted around 1657.The title of "THE SPINNERS",as it ispopularly known,is a later invention and seems to have been inspired by the women who are spinning in the foregroundthey were workers in the Santa Isabel tapestry factory in Madrid.This Velazquez painting, considered for a long represent a generic theme,actually hides the depiction of a mythological theme draped in the everyday undertaking of a tapstry workshop.In the mid forties,sepcialists refused to interpet it as a simple every day scen.Their doubt were clarified when reearcher Maria Luisa Caturla brought to light aninventory in which an unknowed VelazquezsFable of Arachae was mentioned,owned by huntsman to King Philip 4th,Don Pedro de Arcc.One of the problems that hindired the identification of the subject lay in the fact that the work did not belong to collections and documentary information existed about it.INTERNAL HISTORYThe Fable of Archa,as related in Ovids Metamorphoese,tells how Minerva,goddess of the guiles and of war,competes with Arachne,famous for her skill in spinning in weaving a tapestry.The young spinner was insolent abundant to prevent in her work one of the love advantures of the goddess father Jove,and by way of punishment,she was transformed into a spider.ICONOGRAPHY Even so,Velazquez had used Baroque recourse of inserting a picture within a picture since he was a youngman, and he linked to reverse the order of important of the story(i.e putting the trivial forward and the original behind) This public opinion poll was added onto it in the 18th century,on the upper part and both side s.It is not know if this aws done to restore it to its original state (it was thought to have suffered molest in the Alcazar fire of 1734) or if it was simply and attempt to complete the scene to make it larger.Certain scholar say it is an Apology of fine arts,intended to show the superiority of the art of painting over the hand crafts, while others see it a Political Allegory after Ripas Iconology.TECHNIQUEThe Spinning wheels turns rapidily showing the loose Velazquez technique.The canvas was probable damaaged by the fire in the Alcazar(1734) and an upper s

Art History :: essays research papers

EXTERNAL HISTORY.Considered along with LAS MENINAS to be one of the nigh important masterpieces of DIEGO DE VELAZQUUEZ ,as if final perido,this metological scene despits Minerras dispute with Arachne over weaving abilities.Traditionally cosidered to represent women working at the tapestry workshop of Santa Isable but it right off prored that it is mythological subject.It was probably painted around 1657.The title of "THE SPINNERS",as it ispopularly known,is a later invention and seems to have been inspired by the women who are spinning in the sidle upthey were workers in the Santa Isabel tapestry factory in Madrid.This Velazquez painting, considered for a long represent a generic theme,actually hides the depiction of a mythological theme draped in the everyday labour of a tapstry workshop.In the mid forties,sepcialists refused to interpet it as a simple every day scen.Their doubt were clarified when reearcher Maria Luisa Caturla brought to light aninventory in which an un knowed VelazquezsFable of Arachae was mentioned,owned by huntsman to King Philip 4th,Don Pedro de Arcc.One of the problems that hindired the identification of the subject lay in the fact that the work did not belong to collections and documentary information existed to the highest degree it.INTERNAL HISTORYThe Fable of Archa,as related in Ovids Metamorphoese,tells how Minerva,goddess of the arts and of war,competes with Arachne,famous for her skill in spinning in weaving a tapestry.The young spinner was insolent enough to prevent in her work one of the love advantures of the goddess father Jove,and by way of punishment,she was transformed into a spider.ICONOGRAPHY Even so,Velazquez had used baroqueness recourse of inserting a picture within a picture since he was a youngman, and he linked to reverse the order of important of the story(i.e putting the junior-grade forward and the fundamental behind) This canvas was added onto it in the 18th century,on the upper part and both sides .It is not know if this aws done to restore it to its original state (it was popular opinion to have suffered damage in the Alcazar fire of 1734) or if it was simply and attempt to complete the scene to make it larger.Certain scholar say it is an Apology of fine arts,intended to intend the superiority of the art of painting over the hand crafts, while others see it a Political Allegory after Ripas Iconology.TECHNIQUEThe Spinning wheels turns rapidily show the loose Velazquez technique.The canvas was probable damaaged by the fire in the Alcazar(1734) and an upper s

Chapter 22 Owl Post Again

encrustHermi ace was tugging at his sleeve, double-dyed(a) at her watch. Weve got exactly go transactions to get back down to the hospital wing with f totally out anybody seeing us before Dumbledore locks the door Okay, verbalise kick up, wrenching his gaze from the sky, lets go.They slipped with the doorway behind them and down a tightly spiraling stone staircase. As they reached the bottom of it, they heard voices. They flattened themselves against the wall and listened. It sounded akin rig and Snape. They were walk quickly along the corridor at the foot of the staircase. only hope Dumbledores not going to strike difficulties, Snape was saying. The Kiss will be performed immediately?As soon as Macnair returns with the Dementors. This whole Black affair has been highly embarrassing. I cant tell you how much Im seeming forward to informing the Daily Prophet that weve got him at goal. I daresay theyll want to interview you, Snape and once young elicits back in his ri ght mind, I expect hell want to tell the Prophet exactly how you relieve him.Harry clenched his teeth. He caught a glimpse of Snapes smirk as he and Fudge passed Harry and Hermiones hiding topographic point. Their footsteps died away. Harry and Hermione waited a few winks to make sure theyd really gone, whence started to run in the opposite direction. Down one staircase, then some other, along a new corridor then they heard a cackling ahead.Peeves Harry muttered, grabbing Hermiones wrist. In hereThey tore into a deserted classroom to their left just in clipping. Peeves seemed to be bouncing along the corridor in unsmooth good spirits, laughing his head moody.Oh, hes horrible, whispered Hermione, her ear to the door. I bet hes all excited because the Dementors are going to finish off Sirius. She checked her watch. terce minutes, HarryThey waited until Peevess gloating voice had faded into the distance, then slid back out of the room and broke into a run again.Hermione what ll happen if we dont get back internal before Dumbledore locks the door? Harry panted.I dont want to think of almost it Hermione moaned, checking her watch again. One minuteThey had reached the end of the corridor with the hospital wing entrance. Okay I can hear Dumbledore, give tongue to Hermione tensely. Come on, HarryThey crept along the corridor. The door opened. Dumbledores back appeared.I am going to lock you in, they heard him saying. it is five minutes to midnight. Miss Granger, three turns should do it. Good luck.Dumbledore backed out of the room, closed the door, and took out his wand to sorcerousally lock it. Panicking, Harry and Hermione ran forward. Dumbledore looked up, and a wide smile appeared nether the long silver mustache. Well? he verbalise quietly.We did it tell Harry breathlessly. Sirius has gone, on Buckbeak.Dumbledore beamed at them.Well done. I think He listened intently for any sound within the hospital wing. Yes, I think youve gone too get at b ottom Ill lock you in Harry and Hermione slipped back inside the dormitory. It was empty except for Ron, who was tranquilize lying motionless in the end bed. As the lock clicked behind them, Harry and Hermione crept back to their own beds, Hermione tucking the Time-Turner back under her robes. A moment later, Madam Pomfrey came striding back out of her office.Did I hear the headmaster leaving? Am I allowed to look after my patients now?She was in a really bad mood. Harry and Hermione thought it dress hat to accept their chocolate quietly. Madam Pomfrey stood over them, making sure they ate it. But Harry could hardly swallow. He and Hermione were waiting, listening, their nerves jangling. And then, as they both took a fourth prepare of chocolate from Madam Pomfrey, they heard a distant ejaculate of fury echoing from somewhere above them.What was that? utter Madam Pomfrey in alarm.Now they could hear angry voices, growing louder and louder. Madam Pomfrey was staring at the doo r. authentically theyll wake everybody up What do they think theyre doing?Harry was trying to hear what the voices were saying. They were drawing nearer He must feature Disapparated, Severus. We should have left individual in the room with him. When this gets out HE DIDNT DISAPPARATE Snape roared, now very close at hand. YOU CANT APPARATE OR DISAPPARATE INSIDE THIS CASTLE THIS HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH POTTERSeverus be commonsensible Harry has been locked up BAM.The door of the hospital wing burst open.Fudge, Snape, and Dumbledore came striding into the ward. Dumbledore alone looked calm. Indeed, he looked as though he was quite enjoying himself. Fudge appeared angry. But Snape was beside himself. turn up WITH IT, POTTER he bellowed. WHAT DID YOU DO?Professor Snape shrieked Madam Pomfrey. Control yourselfSee here, Snape, be reason commensurate, verbalize Fudge. This doors been locked, we just saw THEY HELPED HIM ESCAPE, I KNOW IT Snape howled, pointing at Harry and Hermi one. His face was twisted spit was flying from his mouth.Calm down, man Fudge barked. Youre talking nonsenseYOU DONT KNOW POTTER shrieked Snape. HE DID IT, I KNOW HE DID IT That will do, Severus, tell Dumbledore quietly. Think about what you are saying. This door has been locked since I left the ward ten minutes ago. Madam Pomfrey, have these students left their beds?Of course not said Madam Pomfrey, bristling. I would have heard themWell, thither you have it, Severus, said Dumbledore calmly. Unless you are suggesting that Harry and Hermione are able to be in two places at once, Im afraid I dont see any point in troubling them further.Snape stood there, see occasion, staring from Fudge, who looked thoroughly shocked at his behavior, to Dumbledore, whose eyes were twinkling behind his glasses. Snape whirled about, robes swishing behind him, and stormed out of the ward.Fellow seems quite unbalanced, said Fudge, staring after him. Id watch out for him if I were you, Dumbledore.Oh, hes not unbalanced, said Dumbledore quietly. Hes just suffered a severe disappointment.Hes not the only one puffed Fudge. The Daily Prophets going to have a field day We had Black control and he slipped through our fingers yet again All it needs now is for the story of that Hippogriffs escape to get out, and Ill be a laughingstock Well Id separate go and notify the Ministry..And the Dementors? said Dumbledore. Theyll be removed from the school, I trust?Oh yes, theyll have to go, said Fudge, running his fingers distractedly through his hair. Never dreamed theyd tone-beginning to administer the Kiss on an free boy Completely out of control no, Ill have them packed off back to Azkaban tonight Perhaps we should think about dragons at the school entrance.Hagrid would like that, said Dumbledore, smiling at Harry and Hermione. As he and Fudge left the dormitory, Madam Pomfrey move to the door and locked it again. Muttering angrily to herself, she headed back to her office.There was a lo w moan from the other end of the ward. Ron had woken up. They could see him sitting up, rubbing his head, looking around.What what happened? he groaned. Harry? Why are we in here? Wheres Sirius? Wheres lupine? Whats going on?Harry and Hermione looked at each other.You explain, said Harry, helping himself to some much chocolate.When Harry, Ron, and Hermione left the hospital wing at noon the next day, it was to find an al virtually deserted castle. The sweltering, heat and the end of the testings meant that everyone was taking full advantage of another Hogsmeade visit. Neither Ron nor Hermione felt like going, however, so they and Harry wandered onto the grounds, still talking about the extraordinary events of the previous night and wondering where Sirius and Buckbeak were now. Sitting near the lake, reflection the giant squid waving its tentacles lazily above the water, Harry lost the thread of the conversition as he looked across to the opposite bank. The stag had galloped tow ard him from there just refinement night.A shadow fell across them and they looked up to see a very bleary-eyed Hagrid, mopping his sweaty face with one of his tablec big moneyh-sized handkerchiefs and beaming down at them.Know I shouldn feel happy, after wha happened las night, he said. I mean, Black escapin again, an, everythin notwithstanding guess what?What? they said, pretending to look curious.Beaky He escaped Hes free Bin celebratin all nightThats wonderful said Hermione, giving Ron a reproving look because he looked as though he was close to laughing.Yeah cantve tied him up properly, said Hagrid, gazing happily out over the grounds. I was worried this mornin, mind thought he mighta met Professor lupine on the grounds, but lupin says he never ate anythin las night.What? said Harry quickly.Blimey, haven yeh heard? said Hagrid, his smile fading a little. He lowered his voice, even though there was nobody in sight. Er Snape t ageing all the Slytherins this mornin. Thought e veryoned know by now Professor Lupins a werewolf, see. An he was loose on the grounds las night. Hes packin now, o course.Hes packing? said Harry, alarmed. Why?Leavin, isn he? said Hagrid, looking surprised that Harry had to ask. Resigned firs thing this mornin. Says he cant attempt it happenin again.Harry scrambled to his feet.Im going to see him, he said to Ron and Hermione.But if hes resigned ?C doesnt sound like theres anything we can do I dont care. I still want to see him. Ill meet you back here.Lupins office door was open. He had already packed most of his things. The Grindylows empty tank stood next to his battered old suitcase, which was open and nearly full. Lupin was bending over something on his desk and looked up only when Harry knocked on the door.I saw you coming, said Lupin, smiling. He pointed to the sheepskin he had been poring over. It was the Marauders part.I just saw Hagrid, said Harry. And he said youd resigned. Its not true, is it?Im afraid it is, said Lupi n. He started opening his desk drawers and taking out the contents.Why? said Harry. The Ministry of Magic dont think you were helping Sirius, do they?Lupin crossed to the door and closed it behind Harry.No. Professor Dumbledore practiced to convince Fudge that I was trying to save your lives. He sighed. That was the final straw for Severus. I think the loss of the Order of Merlin hit him hard. So he er accidentally let slip that I am a werewolf this morning at breakfast.Youre not leaving just because of that said Harry.Lupin smiled wryly.This time tomorrow, the owls will start arriving from parents. They will not want a werewolf teaching their children, Harry. And after last night, I see their point. I could have bitten any of you. That must never happen again.Youre the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher weve ever had said Harry. Dont goLupin shook his head and didnt speak. He carried on emptying his drawers. Then, while Harry was trying to think of a good argument to mak e him stay, Lupin said, From what the headmaster told me this morning, you saved a lot of lives last night, Harry. If Im proud of anything Ive done this year, its how much youve learned. Tell me about your Patronus.How dyou know about that? said Harry, distracted.What else could have driven the Dementors back?Harry told Lupin what had happened. When hed finished, Lupin was smiling again.Yes, your father was always a stag when he transformed, he said. You guessed right thats why we called him Prongs.Lupin threw his last few books into his case, closed the desk drawers, and dour to look at Harry.Here I brought this from the Shrieking Shack last night, he said, handing Harry back the Invisibility Cloak. And He hesitated, then held out the Marauders Map too. I am no longer your teacher, so I dont feel guilty about giving you back this as well. Its no use to me, and I daresay you, Ron, and Hermione will find uses for it.Harry took the map and grinned.You told me Moony, Wormtail, Padfoo t, and Prongs wouldve wanted to lure me out of school you said theyd have thought it was funny.And so we would have, said Lupin, now ambit down to close his case. I have no hesitation in saying that James would have been highly disappointed if his son had never ground any of the secret passages out of the castle.There was a knock on the door. Harry hastily stuffed the Marauders Map and the Invisibility Cloak into his pocket.It was Professor Dumbledore. He didnt look surprised to see Harry there.Your carriage is at the gates, Remus, he said.Thank You, Headmaster.Lupin picked up his old suitcase and the empty Grindylow tank.Well good-bye, Harry, he said, smiling. It has been a real pleasure teaching you. I feel sure well meet again sometime. Headmaster, there is no need to see me to the gates, I can manage.Harry had the impression that Lupin wanted to leave as quickly as possible.Good-bye, then, Remus, said Dumbledore soberly. Lupin shifted the Grindylow tank slightly so that he an d Dumbledore could move hands. Then, with a final nod to Harry and a swift smile, Lupin left the office.Harry sat down in his vacated chair, staring glumly at the floor. He heard the door close and looked up. Dumbledore was still there.Why so miserable, Harry? he said quietly. You should be very proud of yourself after last night.It didnt make any difference, said Harry bitterly. Pettigrew got away.Didnt make any difference? said Dumbledore quietly, It made all the difference in the world, Harry. You helped uncover the truth. You saved an innocent man from a terrible fate.Terrible. Something stirred in Harrys memory. Greater and more terrible than ever before Professor Trelawneys predictionProfessor Dumbledore yesterday, when I was having my prediction exam, Professor Trelawney went very very strange.Indeed? said Dumbledore. Er stranger than usual, you mean?Yes her voice went all deep and her eyes rolled and she said she said Voldemorts servant was going to set out to return t o him before midnight. She said the servant would help him come back to power. Harry stared up at Dumbledore. And then she sort of became normal again, and she couldnt remember anything shed said. Was it was she making a real prediction?Dumbledore looked mildly impressed.Do you know, Harry, I think she might have been. he said thoughtfully. Whod have thought it? That brings her total of real predictions up to two. I should offer her a pay raise.But Harry looked at him, aghast. How could Dumbledore take this so calmly?But I stopped Sirius and Professor Lupin from killing Pettigrew That makes it my fault if Voldemort comes backIt does not, said Dumbledore quietly. Hasnt your experience with the Time-Turner taught you anything, Harry? The consequences of our actions are always so complicated, so diverse, that predicting the future is a very difficult business indeed. Professor Trelawney, bless her, is living proof of that. You did a very noble thing, in saving Pettigrews life.But if he helps Voldemort back to powerPettigrew owes his life to you. You have sent Voldemort a deputy who is in your debt. When one wizard saves another wizards life, it creates a certain bond between them and Im much mistaken if Voldemort wants his servant in the debt of Harry Potter.I dont want a connection with Pettigrew said Harry. He betrayed my parentsThis is magic at its deepest, its most impenetrable, Harry. But trust me the time may come when you will be very glad you saved Pettigrews life.Harry couldnt imagine when that would be. Dumbledore looked as though he knew what Harry was thinking.I knew your father very well, both at Hogwarts and later, Harry, he said gently. He would have saved Pettigrew too, I am sure of it.Harry looked up at him. Dumbledore wouldnt laugh he could tell DumbledoreI thought it was my dad whod conjured my Patronus. I mean, when I saw myself across the lake I thought I was seeing him.An easy mistake to make, said Dumbledore softly. I expect youll tire of hearing it, but you do look extraordinarily like James. Except for the eyes you have your mothers eyes.Harry shook his head.It was stupid, thinking it was him, he muttered. I mean, I knew he was dead.You think the dead we loved ever genuinely leave us? You think that we dont recall them more clearly than ever in times of great trouble? Your father is alive in you, Harry, and shows himself most plainly when you have need of him. How else could you produce that particular Patronus? Prongs rode again last night.It took a moment for Harry to realize what Dumblefore had said.Last night Sirius told me all about how they became Animagi, said Dumbledore, smiling. An extraordinary achievement not least, keeping it quiet from me. And then I remembered the most unusual form your Patronus took, when it charged Mr. Malfoy down at your Quidditch stone against Ravenclaw. You know, Harry, in a way, you did see your father last night. You found him inside yourself.And Dumbledore left the offi ce, leaving Harry to his very conf employ thoughts.Nobody at Hogwarts now knew the truth of what had happened the night that Sirius, Buckbeak, and Pettigrew had vanished except Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Professor Dumbledore. As the end of term approached, Harry heard many different theories about what had really happened, but none of them came close to the truth.Malfoy was furious about Buckbeak. He was convinced that Hagrid had found a way of smuggling the Hippogriff to safety, and seemed outraged that he and his father had been outwitted by a gamekeeper. Percy Weasley, meanwhile, had much to say on the subject of Siriuss escape.If I manage to get into the Ministry, Ill have a lot of proposals to make about Magical Law Enforcement he told the only person who would listen his girlfriend, Penelope.Though the weather was perfect, though the atmosphere was so cheerful, though he knew they had achieved the near impossible in helping Sirius to freedom, Harry had never approached the end of a school year in worse spirits.He certainly wasnt the only one who was sorry to see Professor Lupin go. The whole of Harrys Defense Against the Dark Arts class was miserable about his resignation.Wonder what theyll give us next year? said Seamus Finnigan gloomily.Maybe a vampire, suggested Dean Thomas hopefully.It wasnt only Professor Lupins departure that was weighing on Harrys mind. He couldnt help thinking a lot about Professor Trelawneys prediction. He kept wondering where Pettigrew was now, whether he had sought sanctuary with Voldemort yet. But the thing that was lowering Harrys spirits most of all was the prospect of returning to the Dursleys. For maybe one-half an hour, a glorious half hour, he had believed he would be living with Sirius from now onhis parents best friendIt would have been the next best thing to having his own father back. And while no news of Sirius was definitely good news, because it meant he had successfully gone into hiding, Harry couldnt help feeli ng miserable when he thought of the home he might have had, and the fact that it was now impossible.The exam results came out on the last day of term. Harry, Ron, and Hermione had passed every subject. Harry was astonied that he had got through Potions. He had a shrewd suspicion that Dumbledore might have stepped in to stop Snape failing him on purpose. Snapes behavior toward Harry over the past week had been quite alarming. Harry wouldnt have thought it possible that Snapes dislike for him could increase, but it certainly had. A muscle twitched unpleasantly at the inlet of Snapes thin mouth every time he looked at Harry, and he was constantly flexing his fingers, as though itching to place them around Harrys throat.Percy had got his top-grade N.E.W.T.s Fred and George had scraped a handful of O.W.L.s each. Gryffindor House, meanwhile, largely thanks to their spectacular performance in the Quidditch Cup, had won the House championship for the third year running. This meant that th e end of term feast took place amid decorations of scarlet and gold, and that the Gryffindor table was the noisiest of the lot, as everybody celebrated. Even Harry managed to forget about the trip back to the Dursleys the next day as he ate, drank, talked, and laughed with the rest.As the Hogwarts persuade pulled out of the station the next morning, Hermione gave Harry and Ron some surprising news.I went to see Professor McGonagall this morning, just before breakfast. Ive decided to drop Muggle Studies.But you passed your exam with three hundred and twenty percent said Ron.I know, sighed Hermione, but I cant stand another year like this one. That Time-Turner, it was driving me mad. Ive handed it in. Without Muggle Studies and Divination, Ill be able to have a normal schedule again.I still cant believe you didnt tell us about it, said Ron grumpily. Were supposed to be your friends.I promised I wouldnt tell anyone, said Hermione severely. She looked around at Harry, who was watching Hogwarts disappear from view behind a mountain. Two whole months before hed see it again.Oh, cheer up, Harry said Hermione sadly.Im okay, said Harry quickly. Just thinking about the holidays.Yeah, Ive been thinking about them too, said Ron. Harry, youve got to come and stay with us. Ill fix it up with Mum and Dad, then Ill call you. I know how to use a fellytone now A telephone, Ron, said Hermione. Honestly, you should take Muggle Studies next year.Ron ignored her.Its the Quidditch domain of a function Cup this summer How about it, Harry? Come and stay, and well go and see it Dad can usually get tickets from work.This proposal had the effect of cheering Harry up a great deal.Yeah I bet the Dursleysd be pleased to let me come especially after what I did to Aunt margarine.Feeling considerably more cheerful, Harry joined Ron and Hermione in several games of Exploding Snap, and when the witch with the tea cart arrived, he bought himself a very large lunch, though nothing with chocola te in it.But it was late in the afternoon before the thing that made him truly happy turned up.Harry, said Hermione suddenly, peering over his shoulder. Whats that thing outside your window?Harry turned to look outside. Something very small and gray was bobbing in and out of sight beyond the glass. He stood up for a better look and saw that it was a tiny owl, carrying a letter that was much too big for it. The owl was so small, in fact, that it kept tumbling over in the air, buffeted this way and that in the trains slipstream. Harry quickly pulled down the window, stretched out his arm, and caught it. It felt like a very fluffy Snitch. He brought it carefully inside.The owl dropped its letter onto Harrys seat and began zooming around their compartment, apparently very pleased with itself for accomplishing its task. Hedwig clicked her beak with a sort of dignified disapproval. Crookshanks sat up in his seat, following the owl with his great yellow eyes. Ron, noticing this, snatched t he owl safely out of harms way.Harry picked up the letter. It was addressed to him. He ripped open the letter, and shouted, Its from SiriusWhat? said Ron and Hermione excitedly. Read it aloudDear Harry, I hope this finds you before you reach your aunt and uncle. I dont know whether theyre used to owl post. Buckbeak and I are in hiding. I wont tell you where, in case this owl falls into the wrong hands. I have some doubt about his reliability, but he is the best I could find, and he did seem eager for the job. I believe the Dementors are still searching for me, but they havent a hope of finding me here. I am planning to allow some Muggles to glimpse me soon, a long way from Hogwarts, so that the security on the castle will be lifted. There is something I never got around to telling you during our brief meeting. It was I who sent you the Firebolt Ha said Hermione triumphantly. See I told you it was from himYes, but he hadnt jinxed it, had he? said Ron. Ouch The tiny owl now hooting h appily in his hand, had nibbled one of his fingers in what it seemed to think was an affectionate way.?C Crookshanks took the order to the Owl Office for me. I used your name but told them to take the gold from my own Gringotts vault. Please consider it as thirteen birthdays worth of presents from your godfather. I would also like to apologize for the panic I think I gave you that night last year when you left your uncles house. I had only hoped to get a glimpse of you before starting my journey north, but I think the sight of me alarmed you. I am enclosing something else for you, which I think will make your next year at Hogwarts more enjoyable. If ever you need me, send word. Your owl will find me. Ill write again soon. Sirius Harry looked eagerly inside the envelope. There was another piece of parchment in there. He read it through quickly and felt suddenly as warm and contented as though hed swallowed a bottleful of hot butterbeer in one gulp.I, Sirius Black, Harry Potters godf ather, hereby give him permission to visit Hogsmeade on weekends. Thatll be good enough for Dumbledore said Harry happily. He looked back at Siriuss letter. Hang on, theres a PS. I thought your friend Ron might like to keep this owl, as its my fault he no longer has a rat. Rons eyes widened. The minute owl was still hooting excitedly. Keep him? he said uncertainly. He looked closely at the owl for a moment then, to Harrys and Hermiones great surprise, he held him out for Crookshanks to sniff.What do you reckon? Ron asked the cat. Definitely an owl?Crookshanks purred.Thats good enough for me, said Ron happily. Hes mine.Harry read and reread the letter from Sirius all the way back into Kings Cross station. It was still clutched tightly in his hand as he, Ron, and Hermione stepped back through the barrier of platform nine and three-quarters. Harry patched Uncle Vernon at once. He was standing a good distance from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, eyeing them suspiciously, and when Mrs. Weasley hug ged Harry in greeting, his worst suspicions about them seemed confirmed.Ill call about the World Cup Ron utter after Harry as Harry bid him and Hermione good-bye, then wheeled the trolley bearing his trunk and Hedwigs cage toward Uncle Vernon, who greeted him in his usual fashion.Whats that? he snarled, staring at the envelope Harry was still clutching in his hand. If its another form for me to sign, youve got another Its not, said Harry cheerfully. Its a letter from my godfather.Godfather? sputtered Uncle Vernon. You havent got a godfatherYes, I have, said Harry brightly. He was my mum and dads best friend. Hes a convicted murderer, but hes broken out of wizard prison and hes on the run. He likes to keep in march with me, though keep up with my news check if Im happy And, grinning broadly at the look of horror on Uncle Vernons face, Harry set off toward the station exit, Hedwig rattling along in front of him, for what looked like a much better summer than the last.

Raymond’s Run Essay Essay

This is a story by the writer Toni Cade Bambara who describes the events that take place in the life of a secretive girl named Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker, a little African-American girl with a squeaky voice that has passion to run. However the tale begins describing the members of her family, the author writes more astir(predicate) Hazel and her brother Raymond. Raymond is non quite right apparently he suffers a metal disease. Hes bigger and older than Hazel, but a lot of people call him Hazels little brother because he needs to be looking after.Squeaky often takes strolls down Broadway so she can practice her breathing exercises while she keeps an eye on her brother all the time. She makes Raymond walk on the inside because he always makes fantasies so he starts ciphering hes a circus performer and that the curb is a tightrope strung high in the air. Hazel is known as atomic number 80 because she is the swiftest thing in the neighborhood, only her father can beat her to Ams terdam Avenue with Hazel having a two hydrant head start and him run with his hands in his pockets and whistling.Hazel is loyal to her brother, always ready to protect him. Shes a person, who doesnt tolerate standing and listening talks from somebody else, she likes to get right everyplace things quickly. She doesnt like much a girl named Gretchen and her friends Mary Louise Williams from Baltimore and Rosie because Gretchens a potential rival for the fifty-yard dash. She believes shes tough, not a strawberry or someone who enjoys dancing on her toes, she likes to run and this passion had made her to win many trophies, ribbons and its because of her velocity.Every time merely before she takes off in a race, she feels like she is in a dream, the kind you have when youve fever and feel hot and weightless. She usually dreams she flies over a sandy beach in the early morning sun, touching the leaves of the trees. She also perceives the smell of apples just like in the country when sh e used to think she was a choo-choo train. Near the end Hazel competes against Gretchen P. Lewis at the May Day races, she wins and Gretchen comes in second.This result makes her realize that she is not the only working person who tries rugged to get things done, so she started to look her rival in a very different way with a big smile of respect between them. So there she was, thinking about all the prices shes have got and that she could retire by the time, it occurred to her that she could train her brother to become a champion as the impost of the family is. Other characters

Merits and Demerits of Police Identification

?Discuss any four types of guard acknowledgement parade emphasizing on their respective merits and short comings. Police appointment parade can be referred to as a situation whereby suspects believed to have committed a crime are presented or lined-up for witnesses to range if indeed the superstar or group of persons who committed the crime is amongst the line-up. This method is used inorder to help the police confirm if indeed suspect did commit the crime. There are just about(prenominal) ways in which police identification parades can be conducted.Depending on the type of situation and resources available for use be it human or scientific will most preferably assist the police on what methods to put in (type of identification parade). When police forces are carrying out their functions, they also have a duty to have regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and to take steps to foster good relations. The main focus of my pick o ut is to address notwithstanding four of these identification parades and analyze into detail their main objectives and discuss their merits and where they f on the whole short.Some of the identification parades we know of may weigh in variant levels with regards to effectiveness. Others are judged to be more effective whiles some others are least effective. In this code, identification by an eye-witness arises when a witness who has seen the offender committing the crime and is attached an opportunity to identify a person suspected of involvement in the offence in a painting identification or similar procedure. From a legal point of view the question that an identification parade attempts to answer is whether the suspect is in fact the culprit.First of all, I would like to discuss about the video identification. With this method, suspects are kept in a confined area or room under a surveillance camera. A video identification is when the witness is shown moving images of a known suspect, to add upher with similar images of others who resemble the suspect. Sometimes in absence of the videos photographs of assumed suspects are shown to the witness to help identify the culprit. Even though it is sometimes useful, it is not the best since it shows still-life images which shows only one sided angle on the view of things and in that locationby makes it difficult for identification.The video is more profitable in suspect identification because since at that place are moving images and gives different angles on the view of things. Examples are the different kinds of expressions and mood swings exhibited by, the witness can substantially identify the suspect if indeed he o she is part. These eye-witness identification procedures are designed to test an eye witness ability to identify suspects and to provide safeguards against off-key identity. Secondly, the identification parade that will be considered here is the line-up.With this procedure, suspects are arra nged or lined up for witnesses to view and see which of them are or is the culprit. Here, the police officer in charge instructs the suspects to turn to whichever direction the witness asks. The witness is hence asked to point out to the real culprit(s) who indeed committed the crime. Since this is an discourteous parade, things could get complicated and physical in the sense that, if the witness pin points the suspect, and tempers are not calm, the suspect might step forward and harass the witness physically.In some cases, witnesses might be forced to give false data when they stare directly into faces of the suspects. Some suspects make facial expressions which are very threatening to witnesses and therefore conclude that the witness is not part of the parade for fear for their life. In other cases too, the witness might point to the wrong person who also has an carriage like that of a criminal (shabbily dressed, muscular, bony face, black lips) . Also depending on the type of question the witness is asked, he or she might give false information.Example if the police asks which of them attacked you or committed the offence? the witness is implied to just chose a suspect even if, the real culprit is not among the parade. Such questions are imperatives which do not really ask a direct question but instead expects you to comply or conform. Apart from this method shortcoming, there is no question that its sometimes reliable. Thirdly, identifications can be carried out by using a one-way mirror which is a better procedure as compared to that of the open line-ups.With this method, suspects are lined up in a room which is much secured with glass windows from which the witness can have a clear view of all the suspects present. The windows here are made of glass which are tinted, so suspects do not see whatever that goes on international but the witness who is outside the room sees all that goes on inside. Identification of culprit(s) becomes difficult for the witness if suspects are dressed in almost the same way and there is the chance that, there exist some similarities between any of the suspects, in particular when the culprit is involved.Also not all eye witness have very good memeory when it comes to facial recognition. Furthermore, there is the sort of identification which has to do with verbal recognition. Here, different set of audio recordings of different suspects are selected and then played for the witness to identify the culprit. This method is only used in critical situations where the witness did not see the suspect but heard the person speak. This could be difficult for the witness to identify especially when the tapes been played are similar.Sometimes too, the suspect is kept in a confined room with a recording device and is asked by the police to mention specialized words suggested by the witness. These words are sometimes the ones the witness heard the suspect say at the time of the incident. In conclusion to the a bove procedures, the police force can put in severe measures that could enhance or yield positive and effective results to make their work much easier and simpler. There are also instances whereby two or more procedures of identification are incorporated into one to help solve cases which are very delicate and special.

Issues and Ideas in Social Welfare (4 Article Basis)

In this paper, I will discuss issues and ideas related to social welfare. They are found and outlined in the afterlife(a) articles Divided We reject Why Inequality Keeps Rising written by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), The Spirit take Why More pertain Societies Almost Always Do Better written by Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett, The Canadian dream is well within Reach written by Amelia Karabegovic and Charles Lammam, and Tackling Inequality straightway written by Sherri Torjman and Ken Battle.I will also present my view against or for each article that is discussed. In the first article, Divided We Stand Why Inequality Keeps Rising, we are presented with a negative outlook towards the future of Canadas ball club. OECD informs us of a growing division in the midst of the adequate and the poor that continues to widen, non only in Canada, scarce in many countries over the world. The OECD (2011) states that in well-off economies, the riche st 10% of the population is about nine propagation that of the poorest 10% (p. ). One of the largest causes of income inequality comes from wages and salaries. Those who are classified as high income earners increase their salaries at a faster rate than those classified as low income earners. A contribution to the increase in income inequality is the technological progression. Workers who are highly skilled benefit with an increase in technology, allowing those with higher upbringing and skill to further their income. A nonher is the tax and benefit systems.The tax and benefit systems are introduced with tighter rules that do not help or favour the lowest income groups. To adjudicate this inequality issue, OECD suggests that the best thing indemnity makers consider to do is embellish in human capital, promote employment, and create policies and tax systems that are supportive. OECD presents important points and suggestions for policy makers and governments in all countries. Th ough they may be hard to implement, the need for action increases as the divide between the rich and poor widens. Like the author, I agree with these principles.People, especially those in low income groups, need the support of the government through programs and policies. If these programs and policies were created but fundamentnot help those who need it most, one may question wherefore they are in place. To make them effective they may need to be formd or redistributed in a way that works. The next article, The Spirit Level Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better provides readers with a distinctive view on how unequal societies create disadvantages and how these disadvantages create a great inequality.In a study of 33 countries, a small connection was found between income inequality and homicide rates, but no connection was found between public spending on health and education. However, Wilkinson and Pickett shed light on an important growing connection between income inequality and social dysfunction. The greater the inequality, the greater the need is for government intervention. It is easy to assume that the more unequal a society is, the more dysfunctional it may be. To make the most difference with the least well-off, greater equality is needed.Having an unequal society not only affects those in low income groups, but affects those on all levels. Those in well-off groups have the income and expertness to spend more on consumer goods, allowing them to vote on what is being produced. As Wilkinson and Pickett said, government intervention is needed. Because they have the power to enforce new rules and regulations, the government should be able to regulate how equal a society should be and eliminate dysfunction when able. The third article, written by Amelia Karabegovic and Charles Lammam, enlightens us with a positive future for Canada.Their studies have found that many individuals start out in low income groups and then climb to the middle o r high income groups. Low income jobs are meant to be short-term and a step towards a better paid job. Karabegovic and Lammam found that 60% moved into a higher income group in one year, 79% did so after two, and nearly 90% after six. (paragraph 7). Karabegovic and Lammam write with an optimistic attitude for Canadas future. Though they describe low income groups as stepping stones to higher income jobs, this is not always the case.If greater inequality is rising, as it says in the previous articles, then those in low income groups may find it harder to find a job, or crimson one with a higher paying income. Yes, Canadas dream may absolutely be attainable, but that comes after dealing with the difficult problems like distress and inequality. This cannot be accomplished without hard work and the cooperation of all individuals. The last article, Tackling Inequality Now written by Sherri Torjman and Ken Battle, was published on the Caledon Institute of sociable Policy website in Jan uary of 2012.Torjman and Battle give readers a perspective to how a Canadian society is perceived today. They say the best way to start change is by recreating and reorganizing the different programs and systems that policy makers create. However, instead of moving society in a positive way, the federal government made expensive changes that moved in a negative direction. Especially during the recession and difficult economic seasons, the programs and policy choices that are meant to help failed to do so. Programs like the Working Income Tax Benefit and utilisation Insurance were created to help, but did not provide support to those who needed it.Often, those in low income groups were not qualified for the programs provided. With the Working Income Tax Benefit program, the amount invested would merely make a difference. Torjman and Battle suggest that it is important for the government to focus on bettering the Canada Child Tax Benefit and the Working Income Tax Benefit and to inv est in education and work training. This article gives readers an honest insight to how the government and the public need to pay attention, improve, and change one of the main issues in society today inequality.As previous articles mentioned, these issues are something Canada struggles to fix. I concur with many of the points Torjman and Battle make. It seems as though the government has the money to create, continue, and improve these social welfare projects and policies, but they are not using it in an efficient manner. Torjman and Battle hypothesize and conclude that if the government invested more money in the programs that did work and benefit others, Canada would be heading down a positive road.In conclusion, inequality has grown over the past years causing money to be spent continuously, but not always in the right places. It is easy to talk about changes and think about what can be improved, nevertheless making sure the change happens can be difficult. No one can succeed w ithout the help of someone offering support. This idea of reaching out to each other and supporting those who need it most is what can be the start of changing inequality. Yes, the government plays a huge part in changing and shaping Canadas society, but so do the Canadians.

Zara Fast Fashion

1. Features of Zaras chore computer simulation that affect its operating political economy Zara owns much of its tune and most of its chime ins, while competitors Gap and H&M own all in all of their broths only turn outsource all of their production. Benetton, on the otherwise hand, owns all of its production but goes to market through licensing agreements. Zara places more emphasis on backward vertical integproportionn. Production runs ar short and inventory is strictly concordled. This is in contrast to diligence tr wipeouts of high volume production. Zaras product cycle time from the origination phase to the manufacturing phase is 4 to 5 hebdomads while the industry median(a) is 6 to 9 months. The short cycle time en competents Zara to commit to a bulk of its product much later than its competitors. 85% of Zaras in-house production occurs after the supremacyion has started in contrast to 20% in-house production of traditional retailers. Zaras set is lower than i ts competitors, but profit margins are higher due to direct efficiencies gained from a shortened, vertically integrated, deliver chain.At Zara, a high inventory turnover rate proceedss in token(prenominal) obsolescence costs, clearance sales or mark downs. Zara estimated 15%-20% of inwardness sales as markdowns/c put up-outs vs. 30% to 40% for its competitors. This helps to preserve a strong profit margin and bolster market image as a must buy now destination. Zaras advertising expenses are minimal (avg. 0. 3% of revenue) compared with 3% to 4% for other specialty retailers. These helps lower expenses and preserve strong profit margins. Zara, in turn, invests more money in renovating its terminalfronts and buying visor real estate for store locations. At Zara, 75% of display product is turned each 3 to 4 weeks which corresponds to the intermediate time between node visits. The average Zara shopper visits the chain 17 times a year. In contrast, the competition records an a verage of 3 to 4 customer visits per year. Zaras image creates a sense of urgency and forces loyal customers to check in frequently for the latest fashions. 2. Zaras Quick Response Capabilities Upstream and downriver activities Zaras quick-response cap cleverness is stupidd on improving coordination between retail stores and product manufacturers.This coordination allows Zara to respond faster to fashion trends, thus creating a war-ridden advantage for Zara. effectively utilizing information technology and vertically-integrated manufacturing drives Zaras quick response capability. Upstream Activities Design Teams continuously track customer preferences via information sent electronically from individual storefronts. Additionally, sales data is sent upstream from the stores to bring in instant feedback on Zaras new product lines generating replenishment parades for sold product.This instant upstream feedback, coupled with Zaras rapid product phylogeny gives Zara a compelli ng market advantage. Zara sources fabric and finished products from external suppliers using purchasing offices in Europe and Hong Kong. 50% of the fabric remains undyed to facilitate in-season updating via Comditel, a subsidiary of Inditex that manages the dyeing and patterning of unfinished fabric. Delaying production of unfinished fabric allows information flowing upstream to influence Zaras production. 40% of all garments are manufactured internally or by subcontractors located near Zaras headquarters. This 40% re collapses the most fashionable, time-sensitive garments that Zara considers attempty. Zaras local production network facilitates flexibility and risk-taking on fashion trends. downstream Activities Zara owns its own dispersion center in Arteixo. All merchandise from both internal and external suppliers passes through this distribution center. Shipments occur twice a week to each store. Items move through the center very quickly.For example, a vast majority of items a re at the center only a few hours and no item stays at the center for more than iii eld. On average, Zara spends 0. 3% of its revenue on media advertising, which is focus oned on opening season and end of season sales. Product cycles through the stores rapidly, with new designs arriving every trine weeks. This fast turnover results in a significant reduction of discounted merchandise. Display shelves are sparsely stocked creating a sense of urgency (buy now) in the minds of shoppers, resulting in immediate sales. Location is critical for Zara to attract repeat customers. Stores are from time to time relocated in response to ever-shifting popularity of shopping districts and traffic patterns. 3. Why great power Zara fail? Zara could fail due to falling into what is known as the growth trap. In the beginning, Zara established itself as selling medium-quality fashion wearing at affordable prices. Zara went on to gain a competitive advantage in the industry by growing a quick r esponse capability while at the same time keeping low customer pricing.As Zara begins to expand transnationally, the potential to lose their competitive advantage increases. For example, in South America, Zara had to present a high-end rather than a mid-market image. This goes against the image of medium quality fashion at affordable prices that Zara had build and maintained since their inception. As Zara slip bys to grow, their stores may eventually be found on every street corner around the world. As a result, Zara runs the risk that their products may become less laughable in the eyes of the consumer.According to the growth trap, efforts to grow can blur uniqueness, create compromises, reduce fit, and ultimately undermine competitive advantage. In the end, Zara runs the risk of becoming an ordinary retail chain as they lose sight of their competitive advantage and become more like every other retail player. In order to maintain their market share, Zara should remember their roots and focus on the excellence of their existing chain with very minimal increases in selling space.Zara betting FashionInditex Zara Fast fashion Case analysis Company Structure and Goals Overview Zaras vision on growth and globose schema -Building up fixed assets -Vertical integration -No advertising, creating premium stores -Fashion follower QR to fashion trends -Strongly customer oriented -Stable growth -Markdowns half the average (15% as supposed to 30% ) -Pricing market based Business model -Vertical operations and downstream activities -Multi-chain concept -Creative design team -Competitive advantage sustainable growth As attachment porters beers Five forces Company structure Financials) Problem Statement Growth challenge 20% per annum expected, 76% of justness value implicit on Inditexs stock price was based on expectations on future growth. Failure to deliver expected growth results might cause a serious startle in social clubs market capitalization. Room fo r non-local growth in average a retailer was present in 10 countries while e. g. a pharmaceutical company averaged operations in 125 countries.Problem statement is In what geographical area(s) should further Zara enlargement follow? Should at that place be some other logistics-distribution centre created as increase of operations might cause dis-economies of scale? Should it acquire additional chains precondition the complexity of managing those and the risk of own-product-replacements? Preserve the margins (visible threat to the sustainability of Indexs competitive advantage) Evaluation of the alternative solutions 1. Growth challenge Notes not much potential on the local market - contrastive markets require different lieu -though costs grow as distance grows, prices as well as change (margins are kept) -50% of all export is to developing countries -Zara shopper visits the store 17 times a year, average is 2-4 times -Creating a climate of scarmetropolis and opportunity in s tores Evaluate growth options in different markets Spain Europe str4 production in sexual union Africa, tur learn and East Europe. US production in Mexico and the Caribbean subjected to retailing oercapacity, less fashion- out front than Europe, demands larger sizes and exhibits considerable internal variations lacquer no quotas to restrict imports, produced in China. puerile market segment considered as the trendiest in the world Italy fashionable, visit stores frequently and spend more on fit out 2. Change in marketing strategy Current Three types of entering a market company owned stores, joint ventures, franchising Strategy is standard across the countries -No adv -One big shop central city (capital) Followed by smaller ones (spreading around the unpolished) -Shop windows used excessively -Products do not differ much from country to country -Model is downstream -No knowledge is shared -From design to stores within 4-5 weeks , industry average 9 months -Due to product testing, mischance rate only 1% compared to industry average of 10% 3. Change in pricing strategy Current Prices vary on the different markets, due to transport costs (all supplied from the base in Galicia) this changes positioning Lower mark-down than industry averageZara Fast FashionThe Spanish retail chain Zara has unique supply chain prudence practices that enable it to gain a competitive advantage over other fashion retailers in the industry. Zaras rapid response time enables the slopped to quickly respond to changing fashions while deliberately under producing products. This strategy, which is supported by competencies in logistic management, design and information systems, allows the company to maintain less inventory and higher profit margins and is a key factor to Zaras success. The firm should continue to add value by seeking new opportunities to expand in the retail market and maintain their sustainable growth.Financial Analysis world aware of a companys financial he alth and profitability of its competitors is highly essential for everyone interested in engaging in business with Inditex. In this part of the paper, through analysis of 4 key ratios and return on invested capital, we are going to discover some of the companys drivers of sustained competitive advantage. The 4 key ratios will focus mainly on companys liquidity, activity, solvency and profitability, while ROIC will show how well the company manages the capital invested in operations of the business.In order to measure ability of Inditex to meet its short term obligations and to assess liquidity, it is important to calculate current ratio. As shown in exhibits sectionalization below, in 2001, Inditedx had 1. 02 million in current assets, while Gap and H&M had 1. 48 and 3. 4 million Euros in current assets for every Euro in short-term debt. This indicates that Inditexs main competitors demonstrate greater ability to meet current wearments of debt therefore liquidity is not one of the companys success drivers. When it comes to comparing companys sales to various assets categories it is significant to take a look at the total assets turnover.This ratio indicates how efficiently assets are creation used to support sale. From 1999-2001, this ratio increased by 1. 2% still it was hush below industry performance. Currently Inditex is industry loss leader with total assets turnover of 1. 8. This shows that companys recourses are being well managed and that company is able to realize high level of sales from its investments in property, plant and equipment such as manufacturing facilities. Debt to equity ratio is used for solvency evaluation. The main purpose of this ratio is to show companys ability to repay long-term creditors.As shown in exhibits section, this ratio decreased from 1999-2001, however, when compared to its rivals, Inditex confirmed to have the best leverage among them. When it comes to companys financial flexibility and profitability it is highly essential to calculate Net earn Margin ratio. This ratio measures how successful a company has been at the business of making profit for each euro earned.As presented in the exhibits section, Inditex was and still is an industry leader with Net Profit Margin ratio of 10. 6% in 2001 and 13. 10% in 2010 which heart that company has currently . 3 of net income for every sawhorse sale. In addition, according to Inditexs income statement, we could see that company is delivering higher net income due to its ability to defend operating expenses and COGS much lower than competitors. Furthermore, the company is able to gain sustained competitive advantage by making its own products, efficiently covering lower advertising expenses and maintaining cost-effective number of employees per store. In order for Inditex to maintain continuous growth it is important to keep its profit margins at the high level.Last but not least ROIC (Return on Invested Capital) gives a favorable judgment on how well a company is using its money to generate returns. Inditex ROIC varied through past couple of years but is currently able to earn around 7% on each euro invested. From the exhibit table below, we could conclude that the company is making wiser investment decisions than its competitors. SCP Analysis Zara competes in a monopolistically competitive industry due to the number of players. No business in this type of industry has total control over the market price and there are no barriers to entry and exit.Because of its monopolistically competitive playing grounds, Zaras conduct is to increase its market power by producing demand for its heterogeneous products. Through distinction and cost leadership, Zara attempts to increase market demand by offering new items weekly while keeping a low inventory, thus making its products unique and attractive to consumers. Because of its backward vertical integration model, Zara creates a strong synergy throughout its production process.Zara h as sustained a competitive advantage globally by expanding into new markets and becoming more efficient. In a onopolistically competitive industry, Zara is expected to make profits in the short run but will wear out even in the long run because demand will decrease as average total costs increase. This means in the long run, a monopolistically competitive firm, such as Zara, will make zero frugal profit (AmosWEB, 2001). Porters Five Forces Barriers to Entry Due to the recent recession and weak economic market, many an(prenominal) new players have avoided entering the retail industry. Zara has taken advantage of this opportunity to be the first to enter into many markets across the world forrader its competitors.With the economic future improving, Zara will be facing more and more competition especially in the United States. Rather than implementing new strategies on how to narrow itself even more, Zara will need to focus more on creating brand awareness and staying on top in th e game. Zara has been the odd ball in the industry with its creative business model but with more and more retailers quickly catching on and critiquing their business model to match the economy changes, Zara faces intense competition. impertinent other retailers, for example Gap and H&M, Zara needs to fight threats around the globe.In the states, Zara competition is intensified with American retailers because many customers still do not know who Zara is or what it offers. In Europe, Zara is like a Macys for us in the states so the brand awareness is there but competition is still alike high. Many retailers in Europe offer the same products as Zara, at the same or similar prices therefore Zara needs to find ways to keep ahead of competition. Bargaining Power of Buyers Zara is famous for its business model of just in time inventory. No other retailer can produce a garment from scratch and have it hanging in the stores within weeks than Zara.Zara also distributes large number of ship ments to its stores around the world twice a week. All merchandise is shipped from Spain and all stores receive shipment on the same days, Monday and Thursday. Zara produces nearly 16,000 new designs a year which is much more than leading competitors. With the constant changing invest Zara keeps its inventory levels extremely low. Zara customers know that if they see something in the store to buy it right then and there because tomorrow that garment will not be there. US customers are still adapting to this quick turnaround time.With their advanced technology, Zara knows what its customers want and will deliver that to them within 2 weeks time. Bargaining Power of Suppliers Zara manufactures all its clothing in house. This way it has control of the entire process and can make changes more quickly and efficiently when needed. After the garments are cut and touch on for assembly, Zara sends out the fabric to different sewing companies to assemble the pieces. There are many competito rs that Zara can choose from when deciding where they want its clothes put together which makes the bargain power weak.Zara also took control of this process by taking over Comditel. Comditel is in charge of nearly the entire garment process. Once the garments are ready and fully assembled they are then stored in Zaras own distribution centers. From the distribution centers they are then shipped around the globe to the thousands of Zara stores. Like many other aspects of Zaras business model, the distribution center moves even more quickly. Once the garments are in the distribution centers, they only stay there for a maximum of 3 days before be sent out to the appropriate destination.Substitutes Some may describe Zara as a higher end replica of fashion forward items. The items featured on Prada, Chanel, and St. John runways will be replicated in 2 weeks in Zara stores at a much more affordable price but poorer quality. Therefore, there are not many substitutes that customers can us e because a majority of the products are out of the price range of many customers. This is a massive benefit for Zara because its customers are willing to pay a much less price for a lesser quality replica.Competition Zaras direct competitors include H&M, Gap, and Benetton. H&M offers nearly the same products as Zara to its customers, but a much lower quality and price. For those customers who are price sensitive, H&M would be their choice of retailer. The Gap possesses more competition in the states because it has been around longer and has its loyal customer base which is hesitant to shop elsewhere. Even though these retailers give Zara a run for its money, none of them can keep up with Zaras business model.Other retailers do not have in house production like Zara and ship their production to other countries for the brasslike labor costs. This does save money but it increases time. Time is money so while others are still in production stage, Zara is already selling out of the ga rment. VRIO Analysis We can use the VRIO framework to determine the competitive potential of Zaras resources and capabilities. As we break apart Zaras resources and capabilities, it is evident that Zara has create a highly effective, self-reinforcing business system.Three elements in particular (1) extensive vertical integration, (2) the companys flat management structure, and (3) exceptional communication and coordination throughout the business system allow Zara to successfully execute its Very Quick Fashion Follower business model. Each of the three make the grade of being Valuable, Rare, costly for competitors to Imitate, and for which the company has Organized to take advantage. Extensive Vertical Integration Zara prides itself in its vertical integration, with near full control over its value chain through to the end-user.The company owns or closely controls its manufacturing and distribution facilities, manages its own logistics and transportation, and wherever possible o wns its own stores (except for in markets with high risk or barriers to entry). This integration brings value primarily through speed-to-market, as Zara has achieved significantly shorter cycle times than its peers. Full vertical integration is rare in the preen industry, which typically sees companies foregoing direct involvement in elements of the value chain (e. g. , H&M outsourced all of its production, and Benetton sold the bulk of its production through licensees).It would be extremely costly for a competitor to imitate Zaras vertical integration, and even if they were able to do so it is unclear how much or how soon they would profit from it, as much of Zaras advantage comes from the degree to which it has developed its integrated organization over many years. Flat Management Structure while the drive, insight, and guidance provided by founder Amancio Ortega and other top executives have obviously been crucial to the success of Inditex, it is the structure and incentives t hey have put in place that authentically drive Zaras exceptionality.Zaras management structure is very flat, with autonomy and significant incentive-based compensation for store managers, thus closely aligning their interest with that of the company. This structure adds value to the company through diligent hands-on management at the local level, something so rare that Zaras CEO noted that the availability of store managers capable of handling these responsibilities was the single most important constraint on the rate of store additions. The structure would be highly difficult for ompetitors to imitate, as it has been built into the culture and processes of the company over several decades. Zara has certainly proven that it is able to organize around the flat structure model in fact many of the companys business processes depend on the communication and input of enabled employees at the edges of the business system. Exceptional Communication and Coordination From early on, Zara d eveloped a focus on communicating and coordinating activities up and down the value chain and across functions.This capability focused on speeding important information on customer preferences and trends to the store network, and feedback on successful and unsuccessful products back up the line to headquarters. Exceptional communication and coordination are crucial to maximizing the value derived from Zaras vertical integration and flat management structure. A look at the more disjointed businesses systems of peers such as The Gap and Benetton demonstrates how rare it is for all of a companys capabilities to simultaneously reinforce each other, and how difficult it would be for them to imitate Zara.Zara has successfully organized to coordinate its activities around the fast communication of close information about designs, customers, competitors, and micro- and macroeconomic factors both up the line to top management and to the edges of the network where store managers and employ ees interact with its customers. Each of these three capabilities passes the VRIO test, indicating that they are and then key competencies for Zara. Four Actions Framework In order to understand how Zara created a new value for both the buyer and the company, we utilize the Blue Ocean 4 Forces Analysis.Starting with what factors Zara raised above standard, we see what is also Zaras key resource, the companys application of vertical integration. While Zara is involved in both backward and forward integration, what sets it apart is precisely its backward integration into manufacturing. For instance, its competitors Gap and H&M are both practicing forward integration and unlike Zara, outsourcing their production. Zara is also constantly in communication with employees at the edges of its business system such as store managers in order to better identify and track customer preferences and trends.The company encourages increased frequency of customer visits with its short cycle times cu stomers flock to the stores in order to catch the current fashion trends and product lines. In addition, the company also raised responsibility and accountability for store managers by hiring experienced employees promoted within which the CEO believed was a necessary judgment especially for store additions. Zara increased market saturation leading to better economies of scale thus significantly cutting costs and raising higher awareness and increasing sales.On the other hand, Zara reduced several factors well below the industry standard in order to cut costs and increase customers willingness to pay. For instance, the company decreased the failure rate for new products with its intensified product testing program which included store-level personnel in the process. Zara also reduced its cycle time for design which enabled the company to offer the customer new designs in four to five weeks and existing products in two weeks the industry standard for this process was six months for d esign and three months for manufacturing.A pioneer in its industry, Zara proudly enjoyed engendering revenues at full price with only 10%-15% of its sales generated at discount prices compared to its European industry at 30%-40%. Lastly, Zara reduced its ad spending below industry standard at 0. 3% of its revenue while its competitors advertised 3%-4%. Although it is relatively unlikely for an apparel company to create factors that its industry has never offered, Zara formed a distinct vision among its competitors. The company was the first within its main rivals to saturate international markets as fast as it did.Zara is a global apparel retailer with a truly international scope. While from 1980s to 2011 H&M added eight-spot countries to its international expansion, and Gap five, while Zara was at thirty two countries. In the competitive apparel industry, Zara managed to eliminate what its competitors continuously took for granted. The company focused on a flat management system which allowed capturing trend preferences directly from the customer and applying to mass markets. Eliminating the separation between merchandising and manufacturing was especially beneficial to a fast and prolific design team.Strategic Vision Based on our analysis, Inditex has proven to be financially stable and can successfully manage its capital invested in its operations. Therefore, to maintain their sustainable growth and continue to add value, Inditex should use their commercial teams micro/macro evaluations to seek new country market opportunities. They should to continue to use one of the three modes of entry company-owned stores, joint ventures, and franchises, to open additional stores in European countries that have high apparel markets.Italy, Germany and United Kingdom are markets that show promise, especially Italy because of its high per capita spending on apparel. As discussed in our analysis, one of Zaras core competencies is its extensive vertical integration, and because the case mentioned a second base distribution hub already being built in Zaragoza, Spain, it can support additional European stores without being subject to diseconomies of scale. Increasing the density of Zaras store locations in Europe will achieve logistic efficiencies.Zara keeps transportation costs low on the supply side, since most of the production takes place in Spain. competent distribution and inventory systems help Zara minimize costs. Demand based production means there is very little inventory in Zaras supply chain, which results in lower working capital requirements and lower supplier opportunity costs. Another market that has potential is the United States. With changing consumer behaviors as a result of globalization, there are growth options available for specialty retailers like Zara.For example, Gaps current ratio of 2. 18 is higher than Zaras 1. 71 however Zaras 13. 10% net profit margin is preferred over Gaps 8. 21% (as illustrated in Exhibit A-1). The refore, as long as Zara can maintain its low production and overhead costs, which are high for its competitors, they should be able to compete in the US market. Inditex should invest in prime locations in major cities such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles to maintain its positioning strategy. Zara should most likely develop a second central distribution center in America.Zara can strategically locate its central distribution center in or near countries where manufacturing can be done with cheap labor cost, such as Mexico. The close proximity of the distribution center to the American market will decrease logistics and help maintain Zaras model of fast fashion and economies of scale. Internet retailing is another market opportunity that Inditex should consider. Zara can reach consumers faster and easier in the countries they are trying to expand into.This system can also help gauge consumer preferences from country to country. The internet retailing market will increase sales re venues and has a very low business risk considering the products are already being produced for the retail stores. Zaras online shop would complement its stores, adding an extra level of service for its customers. It would also expand its customer base to reach areas where stores are not located. Patrons can shop from anywhere in the world and at any time of day or night.This essentially means more shoppers and more sales for the business. Based on our analysis, the monopolistically competitive industry structure is not the key factor driving Zaras significant performance. Zara has leveraged its key resources to combine low price with product differentiation to create value and succeed in this industry structure. Zara has been able to increase the customers willingness to pay by constantly rotating its merchandise and creating a climate of scarcity and opportunity for customers.In conclusion, Zara has the potential for sustainable growth due to its competitive advantage and its abil ity to increase customers willingness to pay while decreasing its opportunity cost. The company keeps its operating income high, has a solid business model with unrivaled synergy and has various opportunities for expansion in the retail industry. Zara must continue to re-invent their image in order to stay fresh in the apparel industry and as long as they maintain their core competencies, they will continue to succeed.Zara Fast FashionInditex Zara Fast fashion Case analysis Company Structure and Goals Overview Zaras vision on growth and global strategy -Building up fixed assets -Vertical integration -No advertising, creating premium stores -Fashion follower QR to fashion trends -Strongly customer oriented -Stable growth -Markdowns half the average (15% as supposed to 30% ) -Pricing market based Business model -Vertical operations and downstream activities -Multi-chain concept -Creative design team -Competitive advantage Sustainable growth As attachment Porters Five forces Company structure Financials) Problem Statement Growth challenge 20% per annum expected, 76% of equity value implicit on Inditexs stock price was based on expectations on future growth. Failure to deliver expected growth results might cause a serious offset in companys market capitalization. Room for non-local growth in average a retailer was present in 10 countries while e. g. a pharmaceutical company averaged operations in 125 countries.Problem statement is In what geographical area(s) should further Zara expansion follow? Should there be another logistics-distribution centre created as increase of operations might cause dis-economies of scale? Should it acquire additional chains given the complexity of managing those and the risk of own-product-replacements? Preserve the margins (visible threat to the sustainability of Indexs competitive advantage) Evaluation of the alternative solutions 1. Growth challenge Notes not much potential on the local market -different markets require differ ent positioning -though costs grow as distance grows, prices also change (margins are kept) -50% of all export is to developing countries -Zara shopper visits the store 17 times a year, average is 2-4 times -Creating a climate of scarcity and opportunity in stores Evaluate growth options in different markets Spain Europe str4 production in North Africa, turkey and East Europe. US production in Mexico and the Caribbean subjected to retailing oercapacity, less fashion-forward than Europe, demands larger sizes and exhibits considerable internal variations Japan no quotas to restrict imports, produced in China. teenage market segment considered as the trendiest in the world Italy fashionable, visit stores frequently and spend more on clothing 2. Change in marketing strategy Current Three types of entering a market company owned stores, joint ventures, franchising Strategy is standard across the countries -No adv -One big shop central city (capital) Followed by smaller ones (spreadi ng around the country) -Shop windows used excessively -Products do not differ much from country to country -Model is downstream -No knowledge is shared -From design to stores within 4-5 weeks , industry average 9 months -Due to product testing, failure rate only 1% compared to industry average of 10% 3. Change in pricing strategy Current Prices vary on the different markets, due to transport costs (all supplied from the base in Galicia) this changes positioning Lower mark-down than industry average

Bill to Law at Malaysia

3. Explain the process how a Bill becomes Law. Malaysia was a former British colony and prior to its independence a commission was appointed to draft the Federal Constitution based on the system of parliamentary democracy practiced in the Great Britain. Similar to the Westminster System, Malaysias Federal Constitution divides the structure of government into three branches Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary. Under the doctrine of separation of powers, the Legislature is the body which has the power to pass, amend, and repeal laws.There are ii legislative assemblies under the Westminster system, an upper house (In Malaysia, it is called the Dewan Negara) and a lower house (Dewan Rakyat). Before an Act becomes a law, it is called a Bill. There are two types of Bills, a Public Bill and a Private Bill. Under the Public Bills, there are Government Bills and Private Members Bills, where Government Bill is normally introduced by a Minister and Private Member Bill is initiated by a Memb er of Parliament. A Private Bill is a proposal for a law that would go through to a particular individual or a group of individuals, or corporate entity.A Bill will have to go through several(prenominal) stages before it becomes a law. When a Bill is introduced to MPs in the parliament, it is called the First reading material. The title of the Bill is read out and copies of it are copied out, no give takes place, entirely there will be a vote on whether the House wishes to consider the Bill further. During the Second Reading, the general principles contained in the Bill are debated by the MPs. Frequently, during this stage public attention will be drawn to the proposal and the debate between the MPs who support and against the bill begins.At the end of the debate a vote is taken a majority of MPs must be in favor of the Bill in order for it to progress all further. If the Bill passes the Second Reading, it will come to the Committee Stage. At this stage, a detailed examination of each clause of the Bill is undertaken by a military commission and the committee will subject the Bill to line-by-line examination and make amendments. The membership of the committee will usually be those MPs with special knowledge, or interest, in the subject of the Bill. Next, the amended Bill goes to the Report Stage the Bill will be reviewed by the House where it started.The amendments will be debated in the House. The Third Reading is the final vote and debate on the Bill. It is almost a formality, since a Bill which passed through all the stages is very unlikely to fail at this new-fangled stage. Another vote will be taken and if passed, then it goes through a similar process in another House. Finally, a Royal submit by the King is needed in order for the Bill to formally become a law. Under the Constitutional Amendment Act of 1983, the King cannot refuse to fool the bill if it has been passed by both of the Houses in the parliament. Thereafter, the Act is gazetted a nd becomes an Act of Parliament.

The Hunters: Moonsong Chapter Thirty-Four

I exchange satisfactory your place, Elena told Damon, looking around.Shed been mildly surprised when he invited her to dinner. A conventional date wasnt something she of all time associated with Damon, but on her modal value over she had been tingling with excitement and curiosity. Despite having lived in the same palace as Damon in the Dark Dimension, she had never entern a home hed made for himself. For al his brashness, she realized, Damon was oddly private.She would contain expected his apartment to be gothical y decorated in blacks and reds, like the vampire manors shed visited in the Dark Dimension. But it wasnt like that at al . Instead, it was minimalist, sleek and elegant in its simplicity, with clean pale wal s, lots of windows, furniture in glass and metal, and soft cool colors.It suited him somehow. If you didnt look alike deeply into his dark, ancient look, he could have been a menome young model or architect, clad in fashionable black, firmly rooted in the modern world.But not entirely modern. Elena paused in the living room to admire the view over the town stars sparkled in the sky higher up the boring lights of houses and car headlights on the roads. On a glass-and-chrome table below the window, something else sparkled just as b remunerately.Whats this? she asked, woof it up. It looked like a luckyen bal overlaid with a tracery of diamonds, just the right size to fit comfortably in her medallion.A treasure, Damon said, smiling. See if you can find the catch on the side.Elena felt the sphere with careful fingers, final y finding a cleverly concealed catch and pressing it. The bal unfolded in her hands, revealing a smal golden figure. A hummingbird, Elena saw, holding it up to inspect it, the gold chased with rubies, emeralds, and sapphires.Wind the key, Damon said, coming to stand behind her, one(a) cool hand on each of her sides. Elena found the smal key low on the pole of the bird and turned it. The bird arched its neck and spread its wings, moving slowly and smoothly, as a delicate tune began to play.Its beautiful, she said.Made for a princess, Damon told her, his eyes fixed on the bird. A dainty little toy, from Russia before the revolution. They had craftsmen there in those days. A fun place to be, too, if you werent a peasant. Palaces, feasts, and riding through the degree Celsius in sleighs piled with furs.You were in Russia during the revolution? Elena asked.Damon laughed, a dry sharp little sound. I was there before the revolution, darling. Get out before things go bad, thats always been my motto. I never cared enough to stay and see things through til the end. Before I met you, anyway.As the music stopped playing, Elena half turned, deficiencying to see Damons face. He smiled at her and reached to take her hand, closing the bird back into its sphere. Keep it, he said. Elena tried to protest it was surely priceless but Damon shrugged a little. I want you to have it, he said. Besides, I have a lot of treasures. You tend to accumulate things when you live several lifetimes. He ushered her into the dining room, where the table was set for one. be you hungry, princess? he asked. I had food brought in for you.He served her an amazing soup something she didnt recognize that was smooth and velvety on her tongue, with just a hint of modify fol owed by a tiny roast bird, which Elena dissected careful y with her fork, its smal bones cracking. Damon didnt eat, he never ate, but he sipped a glass of wine and watched Elena, smiling as she told him about her classes, nodding seriously as she told him about the tol that patrol ing every night was taking on Meredith.This was wonderful, she said at locomote, stil picking at the rich flourless chocolate tart hed brought out for dessert. I think its the best meal Ive ever had. Damon smiled. I want to give you the best of everything, he said. You should have the world at your feet, you acknowledge.Something in Elena stirred. She put her fork down and rose, walking over to the window to gaze out at the stars again. Youve been everywhere, havent you, Damon? she asked. She pressed her palm against the glass.Damon came up close behind her and pul ed her to face him, gently stroking her hair. Oh, Elena, he said. I have been everywhere, but the thing about the world is that it keeps changing, so its always new and exciting. There are so many places I want to show you, to see them through your eyes. Theres so much out there, so much life to live. He kissed her neck, his canines pushing gently against the vein on the side of her throat, then put his hands on her hips, turning her back toward the window, where a spread of stars glowed against the night. Most people never even see a tenth of what the human world holds, he murmured in her ear. Be extraordinary with me, Elena. His confidential information was warm on her throat. Be my dark princess. Elena leaned against him, trembling.Dear Diary,I dont know who I am anymore. Tonight, with Damon, I could almost picture my life if I took what he offered me, became his dark princess. The two of us, hand in hand, strong and beautiful and free. Everything I wanted without having to lift a finger, from jewels to clothes to wonderful food. A life above the concerns I used to have, somewhere far by. Experiencing and seeing wonders I cant even imagine.It would have to be a world without Stefan, though. Hes shut me out, utterly. But seeing me with Damon not just kissing, but being who Damon wants me to be would hurt him, I know.And I cant stand to do that anymore.Its like there are two paths in prior of me. One goes into the daylight, and its the ordinary girl I image I wanted to be parties and classes and eventually a job and a house and a regular life.Stefan wants to give me that. The other is in the darkness, with Damon, and Im just starting to realize how much that world has to offer, and how much I want to experience everything it holds.I always purvi ew Stefan would be with me on the daylit path. But now Ive lost him, and that path seems so lonely. Maybe the dark path really is my future. Maybe Damon is right, and I belong with him, in the night.I cant wait to see my surprise. just giggled as she and Zander crossed the lawn of the science building hand in hand. Youre so romantic. Wait til I tel the guys. Zander brushed a feather-light kiss across her cheek, his lips warm. They already know Ive lost al my cool guy points for you. I sang karaoke with you last night. sightly snickered. Well, after I introduced you to loathly Dancing, we had to sing the big duet, right? I cant believe youd never seen that movie before.Its because I used to be manly, Zander admitted. But now Ive seen the error of my ways. He gave her one of his slow smiles, and comelys knees nearly buckled. It was a cute movie. They reached the bottom of the fire escape, and Zander boosted her up and then climbed after her. When they got to the roof, Zander gestu red expansively at the scene before them. For our six-week anniversary, Bonnie, a deviation of our first date.Oh Thats so sweet Bonnie looked around. There was the ragged army blanket, covered with the pizza box and sodas. The stars shone overhead, just as they had six weeks ago. It was sweet it was a romantic idea even if their first date hadnt been al that amazing. Then she corrected herself it had actual y been a pretty amazing date, even though it had been simple.She took a seat on the blanket, then peeked into the pizza box and involuntarily grinned. Olive, sausage, and mushroom. Her favorite. At least one improvement in the re-creation, though, I see.Zander sat next to her and slipped his arm around her shoulders. Of course I know what you like on your pizza now, he said. Got to pay attention to my girl. Bonnie snuggled up beneath his arm, and they shared the pizza, gazing at the stars and talking cozily about this and that. When the pizza was al gone, Zander wiped his grea sy hands careful y with a napkin, then took both of Bonnies hands in his. I need to talk to you, he said seriously, his sky-blue eyes intent on hers.Okay, Bonnie said nervously, a flash of little terror starting in her stomach. Surely Zander wouldnt have brought her al the way up here and re-created their first date if he was planning to dump her, would he? No, that was a ridiculous idea. But he looked so solemn and worried. Youre not sick, are you? she asked, horrified by the idea.The corner of Zanders mouth twitched up into a smile.Youre so funny, Bonnie, he said. You just say whatever pops into your head. Thats one of the reasons why I spang you. Bonnies heart leaped into her throat, and she felt her cheeks flush. Zander loved her?Zander got serious again. I mean it, he said. I know its real y early, and you dont have to feel like you need to say something back, but I wanted you to know that Im fal ing in love with you. Youre amazing. Ive never felt like this before. Never.Tear s of happy surprise sprang into Bonnies eyes, and she sniffed, squeezing Zanders hands tightly. I feel it, too, she said in a tiny interpreter. These last few weeks have been amazing. I mean, I dont think Ive ever had as much fun as I do with you. We get each other, you know? They kissed, a long, slow, sweet kiss. Bonnie leaned against Zander and sighed contentedly. Shed never been so comfortable. Then Zander pul ed away.Bonnie reached out for him, but Zander took her hands again and gazed into her eyes. Its because Im fal ing in love with you, he said slowly, that I have to tel you something. You have the right to know. He squeezed his eyes closed tightly for a moment, then opened them again, looking at Bonnie as if he wanted to climb into her head and find out how she was going to react to what he said next. Im a werewolf, he said flatly.Bonnie sat frozen for a minute, her mind scrambling to understand. Then she shrieked and pul ed her hands away from him, jumping to her feet. Oh no, she gasped. Oh my God. Images were rushing through her mind Tyler Smal woods face twisting, horridly lengthening into a muzzle, his newly yel ow and slit-pupiled eyes glaring at her with vicious, bloodthirsty hatred. Meredith crumpled on her bed like an abandoned dol , blank-eyed as she told them how Samanthas corpse had been mauled. The flash of white-blond hair Meredith had seen when she chased a dark-clad figure away from a screaming girl. The black bruises on Zanders side.Meredith and Elena were right, she said, backing away from him.No No, its not like that, Bonnie, please, Zander said, scrambling to his feet so that they stood facing each other.His face was white and strained. Im a good werewolf, I swear, I dont we dont hurt people.Liar Bonnie shouted, furious. Ive known werewolves, Zander. To become one, you have to be a killer With that, she was off, scrambling down the fire escape to the relative safety of the ground. Dont look back, dont look back, hammered inside h er head. Get away, get away.Bonnie Zander cal ed from the top of the fire escape, and she heard him clattering down after her.Bonnie jumped the last few feet from the bottom of the fire escape and landed hard, stumbling. She straightened up and started to make it immediately. She had to get inside, had to find somewhere she wouldnt be alone.Out of the corner of her eye, she glimpsed movement in the shadows of the building. Jared and Tristan and, oh no, big muscular Marcus. Werewolves, she realized, just like Zander, part of his pack. Bonnie thought she was moving as quickly as she could, but, as they came into the light, she found a fresh spurt of speed.Bonnie Jared cal ed hoarsely, and they came after her.She was running faster than she ever had, breathless sobs torn from her chest, but it wasnt nearly fast enough.They were close behind her she could hear their heavy footsteps catching up to her.We just want to talk to you, Bonnie, Tristan cal ed, his voice level and calm. He didn t even sound out of breath.Stop, Marcus said. Wait for us, and oh God, he was coming up beside her now, and Tristan on her other side, cutting her off. They were moving in closer, physical composition her in.Bonnie stopped, her hands on her knees, panting for breath. Hot tears ran down her face and dripped off her chin. They had caught her. She had run and run, as fast as she could, but she hadnt been able to get away. The three guys were pacing around her, hemming her in, their faces wary.Theyd pretended to be her friends, but now they looked like hunters, circling her. Theyd lied, al of them.Monsters, she muttered like a curse, and pul ed herself upright, stil panting. They had caught her, but they hadnt get the better of her yet. She was a witch, wasnt she? She clenched her hands into fists and began to chant under her breath the charms Mrs. Flowers taught her for protection and defense. She didnt think she could beat three werewolves, not without the time to make a illusion c ircle, without any supplies, but maybe she could hurt them.Guys, wait. Stop. Zander was coming now, running across the col ege lawns toward them. Even through the hot tears clouding her vision, Bonnie could see how beautiful he was, how graceful and natural a runner, his long legs eating up the distance, and her heart ached just a little more. She had loved him so much. She went on chanting, feeling the power building up inside her like the pressure in a shaken can of soda, ready to pop.Zander came to a halt when he reached them, clasping Marcuss shoulder with one hand. The other three looked at him.She ran away from us, Tristan said, and he sounded baffled and resentful.Yeah, Zander said. I know. Tears were running down Zanders face, too, Bonnie realized, and he was qualification no move to wipe them away. He just looked at her, those beautiful blue eyes wide open, heartbreakingly sad. Back off, guys, he said without looking away from Bonnie. To her, then, he added, You do what yo u have to do. Bonnie stopped chanting, letting the built-up power drain away. She took a harsh gasp of air, and then, quick as an arrow, her heart pound as if it would burst out of her chest, she ran.