‘Manhunt’ written by Simon Armitage Essay

Introduction: In the poem ‘manhunt’ written by Simon Armitage, the poet uses form, structure and linguistic devices to convey the meaning of the poem. As the title of the poem suggests, the poem is written from the perspective a woman trying to find the person her husband was once, before he got injured. This poem explaines how War can cause Physical, emotional and psychological pain and how that can affect an intimate relationship. Structure: 13 stanzas of couplets each with irregular rhyme and rythm, which emphasises how mixed up and irregular their lives are as a result of the war. Structure: The poet also uses structure effectively to convey the meaning of the poem. As he introduces Different injuries in each couplet. Structure: The reader explores the husband’s body and mind the same way the wife has done. Each stanza consists of only two lines, this could represent how carefully the wife has to be around the husband in order not to hurt him, or to trigger a horrific memory of the past. The repetition of ‘and’ in several stanzas shows that this is an active process and only can the wife try and help her husband a little. The repetition of ‘only then†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ suggests the slow painstaking process of trying to mend his wounds. Language: Armitage uses imagery effectively to portray the meaning of the poem, this is done by the use of metaphors , ‘the damaged, porcelain collar-bone’ this quote is saying how precious his collar bone is, and how breakable it is. The ‘porcelain’ emphasises how fragile her husband is and how careful she has to be around him.The poet cleverly uses a recount style that allows the speaker to reflect on her relationship with her husband. Evidence to support this is when she speaks of â€Å"the frozen river that ran through his face† the use of metaphors is powerful and emotive and highlights her feeling at this time.‘The parachute silk of his punctured lung’ is another metaphor used to describe the man’s injuries. Parachutes are used in military, a punctured parachute will be useless as it will not do its job. This could suggest that the man is now, in this state, no use as he feels nothing, againg going back to ‘the frozen river which ran through his face’ indicating everything has stopped and not moving – he has no emotions. My personal Opinion: In conclusion this poem makes me feel sympathetic because of their situation. A quote to support this is: â€Å"the hurt of his grazed heart† which conveys pain to the reader.

Banned Book Project

In the history of literature and arts, there exists some works that were banned for public appreciation. Among the said banned written works is the Bible itself. There are certain reasons of the society why books and other types of written works are banned for the public to see. In this regard, the book entitled â€Å"A Brave New World† by Aldous Hauxley.Why has this book been banned and how does the writer fairly present his idealisms of utopian community? These major questions are to be addressed in the paragraphs that follow. About The Author Aldous Hauxley is a British writer who opted to stay in California during the year 1937.He is a known social satirist writer. He has also been a contributor of the Vanity Fair and Vogue magazines. Aside from this, he has also been known for having a fine collection of poems that has been published as a book of collections during the year 1916. The said book has been entitled The Burning Wheel and had a fair share in the book selling ma rket. Aside from the said creations, he has also been able to come up with four satirical novels, which also became very successful in the book industry. The said novels were entitled Chrome Yellow (1921); Antic hay (1923); Those Barren Leaves (1925) and Point Count Point (1928).After these four successful novels came the creation of the Novel â€Å"Brave New World†. However, unlike the previous creations that were done by Huxley, this Novel received the least appreciation by major socialist groups. How did this Banned Book Project page 2 happen? What is the reason behind the banning of the said novel? These questions shall be entertained by discussing the inner context of the said literature. About The Book It has been noted by Huxley himself that the Novel he wrote has been inspired by the novel written by H. G. Wells entitled â€Å"Men like Gods†.The said novel dealt with a utopian community that is introduced by an optimist view of the future. The title on the othe r hand has been based upon Miranda’s speech in Shakespeare’s written work entitled â€Å"The Tempest†. In act V scene I it could be read: â€Å"O! Wonder! How many goodly creatures are there here! O brave new world That has such people in it! † (41) As it could be obviously observed in the context of the stanza, where the title has been taken from, a utopian society could be depicted from the lines pertaining to the phrase â€Å"brave new world†.From this context, the theme of the novel written by Huxley has been created. Mainly discussing a future situation of the human society basing from the actual contemporary situation of the society. However, when it comes to the novel by Huxley, the future was presented in a horrible situation. This is the reason why many socialists were alarmed and decided to ban the said literature. As it could be seen, the future was presented in a negative utopia. Banned Book Project page 3 A Brief Analysis of the NovelT he time when the novel was written were the years pertaining to the Industrial Revolution. The massive changes that the said era brought to the human society has inspired Huxley to write the novel in a more industrial focused sense of setting. In a futurist fantasy, the idealism of Huxley of a utopian community based upon the development of the present situations in the society towards the future has been clearly stated in the novel. The focus of the theme of the â€Å"Brave New World† is particularly pointed towards the fear of loosing ones identity in a fast-paced system of things.Mainly, this shock of the new society is based upon the personal shock that Huxley experienced the first time he set foot in California. The industrialization of the said community has inspired Huxley to write his novel basing from the said social situation. In an era of people naturally interested in foreseeing the future, Huxley provided the readers with the truth that they did not much like to know. However, it is according to him that if the present situations of those times would continue to progress at a fast pace, the future would much likely turn out to be what his novel suggests.The story started in London. The situation of the world was much likely centralized by a world government that is called â€Å"The World State†. Through the said government, the society is divided into five classes, mainly, the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Epsilon. The whole human society is characterized to be continuously happy. However, the said happiness is rigidly ill defined. It is characterized by a trained community in becoming good consumers. Everyone in the society is encouraged to have a social life, being aloof from the society is discouraged, aside form this; sexualBanned Book Project page 4 promiscuity is a social norm. Human production is also encouraged but not in a natural way. On the other hand, the reproduction process happens in a laboratory wherein hybrid childre n are enhanced and reproductions are controlled in a way that the industry could still further support the population. On another part of the story, another society is introduced. It is situated in New Mexico. Most likely, this society depicts the present situation of the human community, whereas there is fashion, arts and science that identifies a person’s happiness.Normal reproduction is also present in the said community. The characters that came from this side of the story considered London’s advancement and happiness to be a soulless situation that is dried up by the progress of industrialization. Why the Novel Was Banned As clearly described on the previous paragraphs, the novel has been highly inclined to picturing a an ideal society when it comes to economic status, however, when it comes to morals and individual being, the said society is indeed a negative community.For this reason, the socialists who were able to know the contents of the said novel feared tha t the society who would be able to read the said literature would be able t have a negative view of the future and would consider sexual promiscuity and other immoral ways of living as a social norm. This may then lead to a social downfall when it comes to morality and individuality. On the contrary, it could be observed that the novel has been a simple exaggeration of the actual situation of the society at present. In a mere measurement of the social situations at present, it could be recognized that there is indeed a possibility byBanned Book Project page 5 which a future society as to that situation which was portrayed in the novel of Huxley. As it could be seen, sexual relations today are even promoted through the media. Pornography and the materials that introduce it to the society are even considered as a norm. All these are manifested by the profit driven world that exists in the society today. In an optimistic way, the publication and the distribution of the book may have wa ken up the society as to how things might turn out to be if they continue to thrive in a profit-focused situation.Personally, the author of this literature analysis sees the banning of the book to be an unnecessary move of the socialists. As the author views the work of Huxley as a wake up call to the human society for them to at least have time to change their ways and be more positively inclined especially when it comes to morals. Conclusion In a positive view, the novel of Huxley may be an exaggeration of the present situation in the society. However, publishing it may have caused many readers to become more aware of the changes that happen in the society and thus shift their profit-driven priorities towards a more morality-focused life.Young children may not understand the context of the novel as a whole; however, making them see the need of social change is a vital part of ensuring a social future inclined to a more morally clean social view. Hence, it could be noted that banni ng the said novel may have been a mistaken move for the socialist groups. BIBLIOGRAPHY Aldous Huxley. (1998). Brave New World. Harper Perennial Modern Classics; Reprint edition BLTC. (2005). BRAVE NEW WORLD ? A Defense Of Paradise-Engineering. http://www. huxley. net/. (December 1, 2006). Shakespeare Homepage. (2005). The Tempest. http://www-tech. mit. edu/Shakespeare/tempest/. (December 1, 2006).

How International Differences in the Ownership and Financing Essay

Explain how international differences in the ownership and financing of companies could lead to differences in financial reporting. There are major international differences in accounting practices whereby different companies in a country may use different accounting systems. This differences between companies mainly influenced by a company’s country, size, sector or number of stock exchange listings. It is very significant that banks are the capital provider for small family-owned business in Germany, France and Italy. However, in the United States and the United Kingdom there are large numbers of companies that rely on millions of private shareholders for finance. There are three type of financial system has been formalized by Zysman which are capital market system, credit-based government systems and credit-based financial institution systems. These types could be simplified further to ‘equity’ and ‘credit’. In United States and United Kingdom, companies are finance by investors rather than by individual shareholders. So, in these countries with a widespread ownership of companies by shareholders who do not have access to internal information, there will be a pressure for disclosure, audit and fair information. Thus, this will lead to a different financial reporting. On the other hand, in ‘credit’ countries, few of the listed companies are dominated by bankers, governments or founding families. In Germany, important owners of companies as well as providers of debt finance are the banks. Besides that, listed companies in continental European countries are also dominated by banks, governments or families where the information published is not so detail. Hence, this can automatically lead to differences in financial reporting. In addition to that, most continental European countries and in Japan, the external financial reporting has been created for the purpose of protecting creditors and for governments due to the lack of ‘outsider’ shareholders. So, due to the greater important creditors in these countries, it leads to more conservative accounting. This is because creditors want their money back if companies suffer losses or damages, whereas shareholders may be interested in an unbiased estimate of future prospects. Hence, this could lead to some differences in financial reporting.

Telecommunications Industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Telecommunications Industry - Essay Example Popular link protocols for local area networks (LANs) appeared in the 1970s. AT&T was the first biggest telecommunications company. In 1913, AT&T committed to dispose its telegraph stock. The Telecommunication Act of 1996 changed the regulation and opened the market for competition. AT&T continued to act as the leader, establishing standards for others to follow. In 2000s, the telecommunication industry saw a lot of mergers and reorganizations. Bell Atlantic and GTE combined to form Verizon. Lucent Technologies hived off its enterprise solution group into a new company. Cisco, Nortel Networks, and DSL started making names in voice and data communications and the Internet business. The telecommunications industry is growing at a fast pace. New technology is bringing in new opportunities, and telecommunication companies are catching up fast. The convergence of the computer, Internet, and cellular phones, along with the increased access options through fiber optic, wireless, satellite, and DSL is leading to a continuously connected global community. Information exchange takes place with the push of a button, and the most remote locations are now accessible through the satellite or cellular. This high speed growth is creating new companies, which are further getting merged into the major telecom entities. Some of the large Some of the largest international telecommunications companies known for innovative technology and products are AT&T, British Telecom, Deutsche Telekom, NTT, SBC Communications, Verizon Communications, Vodafone, and WorldCom. Venture Capital and Start-up Financing Activities Venture Capital (VC) investment is when a third party takes equity in a company. A strong, self-sustaining, and vibrant VC industry is a critical factor to create an enterprise culture in which emerging entrepreneurs get encouragement to take risks and build successful businesses. Private sector funding is crucial to enable government policies. Venture capitalists have always backed the high potential telecommunications business. The top VCs, as listed in Forbes.com include Promod Haque (Norwest Venture Partners), Vinod Khosla and Tom Perkins (Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers), David Strohm (Greylock), Lawrence Sonsini (Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati), and Paul Chamberlain (Morgan Stanley). One of the most successful VC backed start up company would be Cisco Systems (Mayer and Kenney 2004). Industry Statistics The VC industry plays a major role in the U.S. economy. In 2007, USA saw a VC investment of $29.4 billion in 3,813 deals. The investment in telecommunication industry stood at $2.1 billion dollars from 290 deals, though it decreased from $2.6 billion (301 deals) in 2006. As against this, the Life Sciences sector (Biotechnology and Medical Device industries together) received a VC investment of $9.1 billion in 2007 (862 deals). Software investing was flat at $5.3 billion in 905 deals. Internet-specific companies got $4.6 billion from 748

Violence and civil rights struggle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Violence and civil rights struggle - Essay Example Martin Luther King and Malcom X arose to fight for the position of the blacks in the America community, and today they are acknowledged for the moves. What are the different takes on violence and civil rights struggles? Blacks suffered discrimination in America on housing and employment as well as abuse and lynching from whites and never exercised the right to vote. This was regardless of the fact that slavery in the United States ended in the late 19th century, as the struggle of the black population against the ill treatment brought about the early activists such as Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. However, although the two individuals among others shared the same thought of ending violence on African American, there takes on violence and civil rights struggle were different. Martin Luther, for example, advocated for peaceful demonstrations for he was against violence of any kind in the society. He believed that peaceful demonstrations would lead to opening up of a room for negoti ation between martin whites and the African Americans. On the issue of the civil rights, martin Luther advocated for human rights where everyone in the nation had equal treatment regardless of race. In the times of Luther King, despite the fact that slave trade and forced labour were no long dead, discrimination and racism was very popular. Malcom X, on the other hand, was revolutionary and radical. He preached independence through the necessary means possible and hence advocated for violence. He is very much unlike Martin Luther King who preached non-violence and obedience philosophy; a similar approach to Gandhi’s during the struggle in India. A combination of the two activists approaches although quite contrasting brought a strong support on the black American movements in relation to violence and discrimination. They brought some life In the face of the struggle and hence why they are prominent and make a huge part of the African America. Malcom X was brought to the limel ight as he was the leader of the demonstrating Muslims, the papers and the radio speaking of the events that had happened at the Lenox Avenue. He can be described as a non-violent man but on the other hand a strong willing man, ready to rally crowds through violence if need be, to protect the rights of other individuals. At the time of these happenings, the whites are said to have not been bothered by the revolution of the blacks unless it threatened the status quo. Movements for civil rights are the political movements that were uprising at the times of people like martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X that took the form of civil resistance. The main aim was to bring about nonviolent aims of resistance but they were accompanied by civil unrest and armed rebellion. What are the consequences of violence becoming part of civil right struggles? Maclom X was one of the renowned Muslim leaders and a Lenox avenue fraces brought him to light after being reported in The Amsterdam News to have told the police officials, â€Å"we do not look for trouble, in fact we are taught to steer clear of trouble. We do not carry knives or guns, but we are also taught than when one finds something that is worthwhile getting into trouble about, he should be ready to die, then and there for that particular thing.† This ensued after the police were holding back a man who had witnessed an incident at the Lenox Avenue and told the Moslems that one of their brother had been beaten by a police man. At the police station, a crowd of Muslims swelled led by Malcolm X

Selection Method and Job Performance (human Resource Class) Assignment

Selection Method and Job Performance (human Resource Class) - Assignment Example A cognitive test would likely measure problem solving and education levels which might be a good predictor of how well a person would perform and how likely it is that they would be promoted further down the line. However, a cognitive test like this might not be a great predictor of areas like citizenship or absences. Since this particular selection method is seeking to hire computer programmers, the cognitive test would be helpful for specific job traits or categories, but those that use it should be aware of the fact that the result might not be correct because the p value is greater than 0.05. Even though the correlation value is high at .5625, it is still a risk and should only be used for predicting performance and promotion potential. I would personally be hesitant to use this cognitive test because of the fact that there is a great possibility that the correlation is not accurate and therefore not helpful in predicting a specific aspect of an employee’s abilities. I thi nk if this test was modified or used in conjunction with another selection method, it would be much more reliable and much more practical means of selection and prediction.

Public Relation Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Public Relation Crisis - Essay Example This discussion will critically analyze the two cases chosen for depicting the PR crisis and how PR crisis impacts the overall reputation of the firm. The analysis will be done on the basis of how the companies were impacted due to the PR crisis. As the essay stresses that Public Relation is defined as the process of managing and controlling the inflow and outflow of information between an organization, an individual and the public. It is basically an approach by which organizations try to gain exposure to their target addressees by employing topics of public interest and spreading some zesty news. The primary rationale behind practising public relation is to convince the investors, employees, partners, customers, and stakeholders about the company’s products, political decision and leadership activities. Some of the evident ways by which the practise of public relation can be portrayed are winning industry awards, working closely with the press, speaking at meeting or confere nce, and employee communication. In the present business environment, importance of public relation has been like never before. Public relation is now treated as one of the most vital management disciplines. This paper explores that a crisis generally descends without any warning. It does not even give time to take any kind of precautionary measures. A crisis suddenly expands hysterically leaving hardly any chances for an immediate recovery. Moreover it disrupts the business transactions and at times intimidates the survival of an organization. ... In the present business environment, importance of public relation has been like never before. Public relation is now treated as one of the most vital management disciplines. Moreover, if properly practised public relation can play a crucial role in maintaining a sound relationship with the internal and external stakeholders of the company. The support is also important to meet the goals and objectives of the organization. In general public relation is a mere communication activity, that put emphasis on the two way communication process. Therefore it is way by which a mutual understanding between the organization, its stakeholders and the customers is established (Kitchen, 1997, p.8). Public Relation Crisis: A Brief Overview A crisis generally descends without any warning. It does not even give time to take any kind of precautionary measures. A crisis suddenly expands hysterically leaving hardly any chances for an immediate recovery. Moreover it disrupts the business transactions and at times intimidates the survival of an organization (Fearn-Banks, 2010, p.2). Some of the example of PR crisis includes Johnson & Johnson's cyanide-laced Tylenol capsules, PepsiCo's can tamper rumours, Texaco's racial discrimination lawsuit, Odwalla Foods' apple juice E-Coli outbreak, Cadbury's worm infested candy bars, JetBlue's week-long operational breakdown and The Red Cross' rogue tweet among many others. Public relation crisis is some time referred to as the communication crisis from the organizational context of view. However it is also important to overcome the issue effectively. It can be done by adopting sound crisis management techniques. Some of the ways by which the challenge can be faced are

Timing Mediation Initiatives Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Timing Mediation Initiatives - Essay Example tween Israel and Hamas, where neither party could overcame one another, hence the need of secret negotiations for purposes of stopping the war (Zartman & De Soto, 2010). This was a stalemate, and hence it is a proof that when it occurs, then the time is ripe for mediation. In determining a stalemate, and making a decision on whether it is ripe for mediation, there is a need of assessing the costs of the conflict, and analyzing the losses that both parties have suffered (Zartman & De Soto, 2010). If the organizations have suffered numerous losses, and the costs of maintaining the conflict is becoming expensive, then this is the right time of mediation. Furthermore, there is a need of looking if there are changes in the leadership of an organization. If these changes occur, chances are high that the new leadership would embrace peace, and hence there is a need of starting the process of mediation (Zartman & De Soto, 2010). An example is the end of the 1992 war between Israel and Palestine, with the emergence of a new leader, Itzak Rabin. It is important to explain that if a new leadership that does not embrace dialogue and reconciliation come to power, chances are high that the mediation efforts would fail. For instance, the emergence of Tassos Papadopoulos as the Greek leader of the Cypriots was able to reduce any chances of a peaceful settlement between the Greek Cypriots, and the Turkish Cypriots (Zartman & De Soto, 2010). Subjective indicators also play a role in determining whether a conflict is ripe of mediation or not. This includes the utterances of influential leaders within the parties to a conflict. This is because these leaders have the capability of influencing the party leadership into entering into a negotiation or

Functions of the main organs Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Functions of the main organs - Research Paper Example It has the yes for vision .In addition, this bird of prey has a skeleton that is made of tiny bones to support its body and protect internal organs. The owl has a beak that it uses majorly for feeding (Owl Center, n.d). Just like other organisms adapt to their environments for survival, the owl has some specific adaptation that makes it survive in the environments where they live. The first area where the owl has adapted to is hunting at night. Majority if owls are nocturnal and they hunt for food during the night (Owl Center, n.d). They have therefore adapted to see their prey at night, something that some other birds cannot be able to do. The first area of adaption is the owl’s eyesight. The owl’s eyesight is physiologically adapted to the environment to make the animal a good hunter at night. One aspect that makes the owl to have good sight at night is the sunken eyes (Owl Center, n.d). The owl is known to have sunk eyes which are able to collect available light at night and intensify it to make the bird be able to see its preys at night. Even though it does not have perfect vision at night, it can still be able to see its preys in the darkness. The second physiological adaption of the owl that aids good vision even at night is the large eyes. A large section of the owl’s head contains its eyes. The eyes are large and are able to collect maximum light to aid vision even at night. In addition, the eyes of the owl are located close together (Owl Center, n.d). This therefore gives it an overlapping field of view. The eyes are located at the front of its head and not the side and this makes it able to see what is ahead of clearly. Even though the eyes are located close to each other in the front of the bird’s head, it is still able to see round. This is because the owl has a flexible neck that makes it possible for it to turn its head round. This is facilitated by the fourteen vertebrae in the owl’s neck that

Nursing And Diabetes Essay Example for Free

Nursing And Diabetes Essay Patients with diabetes need to understand what diabetes is. Patients who understand what diabetes is and the complicated process associated with the disease are more likely to comply with the prescribed regimen. Diabetes Mellitus is a syndrome with disordered metabolism and inappropriate hyperglycemia due to either a deficiency of insulin secretion or to a combination of insulin resistance and inadequate insulin secretion to compensate (Davis, 2001). Diabetes is a chronic progressive disease that requires lifestyle changes, especially in the areas of nutrition and physical activity. The overall goal of medical and nutritional therapy is to assist persons with diabetes in making self-directed behavioral changes that will improve their overall health (Franz, 2012). Blood glucose monitoring and goals of blood glucose monitoring Testing blood glucose levels pre-meal and post-meal can help the patient with diabetes make better food choices, based on how their bodies are responding to specific foods. Patients should be taught specific directions for obtaining an adequate blood sample and what to do with the numbers that they receive. Research has found that patients who have had education on the use of their meters and how to interpret the data are more likely to perform self-blood glucose monitoring on a regular basis (Franz, 2012). There are many different glucose monitors available for patients. The patient needs to have a device that is easy for them to use and convenient. A patient’s visual acuity and dexterity skills should be assessed prior to selecting a blood glucose monitoring device. A device is usually selected to meet the patient’s needs in collaboration with a diabetic educator at a health care facility. The patient needs to be reminded to record the blood glucose values on a log sheet with the date and time and any associated signs and symptoms that he/she is experiencing at the time the specimen was obtained. This log should be shared with his/her primary care practitioner. A discussion of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) should include the reasons for doing the test, how it is performed and how the health care practitioner will interpret the data. These laboratory tests are ordered on a routine basis along with other laboratory tests that are being monitored for the patient. A simple method to describe the HbA1c is to tell the patient that the test measures the amount of sugar that attaches to the protein in the red blood cell. The test shows the average blood sugar during the last three months. The higher the blood sugar the higher the HbA1c. The high blood sugar over a long period of time causes damage to the large and small blood vessels therefore increasing the risk of complications from diabetes. Medications and Insulin The patient with diabetes needs to be reminded that the addition of medications to help manage his/her diabetes is not because they are failing at diet management. Many patients with diabetes become depressed or despondent when they have to begin taking oral hyperglycemic medications and/or insulin. The teaching session should include a review of the different types of oral diabetic agents. A review of the different types of insulins and how to mix insulins should also be discussed. Teach the patient about self-administration of insulin or oral agents as prescribed, and the importance of taking medications exactly as prescribed, in the appropriate dose (Davis, 2001). Patients should be provided with a list of signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia and actions to take in each situation. Complications from Diabetes The teaching regarding the complications encountered from diabetes should stress the effect of blood glucose control on long-term health (McGovern, 2002). The patient should be taught how to manage their diabetes when he/she has a minor illness, such as a cold, flu or gastrointestinal virus. The patient should also be taught how to watch for diabetic effects on the cardiovascular system, such as cerebrovascular incidents/stroke, coronary artery disease, and peripheral vascular disease. Patients should be taught how to be alert for signs of urinary tract, respiratory tract infections and signs of renal disease. Assessment for signs of diabetic neuropathy should also be included in the teaching plan. Diabetes is the leading cause of death by disease in the United States, it also is a contributing factor in about 50% of myocardial infarctions and about 75% of strokes as well as renal failure and peripheral vascular disease. Diabetes is also the leading cause of new blindness (McGovern, 2002). Patients with diabetes should also receive education on the importance of smoking cessation, cholesterol and lipid management, blood pressure monitoring and management and management of other disease processes. Skin and Foot Care Teach the patient to care for his feet by washing them daily, drying them carefully particularly between the toes, and inspecting for corns, calluses, redness, swelling, bruises, blisters, and breaks in the skin. The patient should be encouraged to report any changes to his/her health care provider as soon as possible. Advise the patient to wear non-constricting shoes and to avoid walking barefoot. The patient may use over-the-counter athlete’s foot remedies to cure foot fungal infections and should be encouraged to call their health care provider if the athlete’s foot doesn’t improve (McGovern, 2002). The patient should be reminded that he/she needs to treat all injuries, cuts and blisters particularly on the legs or feet carefully. Patients should be aware that foot problems are a common problem for patients with diabetes. Informing them of what to look for is an important teaching concern. The signs and symptoms of foot problems to emphasize are: feet that are cold, blue or black in color, feet that are warm and red in color, foot swelling, foot pain when resting or with activity, weak pulses in the feet, not feeling pain although there is a cut or sore on the foot, shiny smooth skin on the feet and lower legs Exercise and Diabetes A moderate weight loss of ten to twenty pounds has been known to improve hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The target goal for body weight for patients with diabetes is based on a reasonable or healthy body weight. â€Å"Reasonable body weight is the weight an individual and health care professional acknowledge as achievable and maintainable, both short-term and long-term (Franz, 2012, p.8).† More emphasis is now placed on waist circumference, rather than on actual weight. A waist circumference greater than 40 inches in men and greater than 35 inches in women indicates a risk for metabolic disease. This is now part of what is referred to as metabolic syndrome. Reducing abdominal fat improves insulin sensitivity as well as lipid profiles. The benefits from exercise result from regular, long term, and aerobic exercise. Exercise used to increase muscle strength is an important means of preserving and increasing muscular strength and endurance and is useful in helping to prevent falls and increase mobility among the elderly (Franz, 2012). Regular exercise can improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system, improve strength and flexibility, improve lipid levels, improve glycemic control, help decrease weight, and improve quality of life and self-esteem. Exercise increases the cellular glucose uptake by increasing the number of cell receptors. The following points should be considered in educating patients regarding beginning an exercise program. Exercise program must be individualized and built up slowly. Insulin is more rapidly absorbed when injected into a limb that is exercised, therefore can result in hypoglycemia (Ferri, 1999). Patients need to be informed that exercise of a high intensity can also cause blood glucose levels to be higher after exercise than before, even though blood glucose levels are in the normal range before beginning exercise. This hyperglycemia can also extend into the post-exercise state and is mediated by the counter-regulatory hormones (Franz, 2012, p. 62). The exercise program should include a five to ten minute warm-up and cool-down session. The warm-up increases core body temperature and prevents muscle injury and the cool-down session prevents blood pooling in the extremities and facilitates removal of metabolic by-products. Research studies show there are similar cardiorespiratory benefits that occur when activity is done in shorter sessions, (approximately 10 minutes) accumulated throughout the day than in activity sessions of prolonged sessions (greater than 30 minutes) (Franz, 2012). This is an important factor to emphasize with patients who don’t think they have the time and energy for exercise. Diet and Diabetes The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has established nutritional guidelines for patients with diabetes. Their focus is on achieving optimal metabolic outcomes related to glycemia, lipid profiles, and blood pressure levels. Patients with diabetes need to maintain a healthy diet consisting of multiple servings of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, fish, lean meats, and poultry (Franz, 2012). The exchange diet of the ADA includes protein, bread, fruit, milk, and low and intermediate carbohydrate vegetables (Ferri, 1999). The food/meal plan is based on the individual’s appetite, preferred foods, and usual schedule of food intake and activities, and cultural preferences. Determination of caloric needs varies considerably among individuals, and is based on present weight and current level of energy. Required calories are about 40 kcal/kg or 20 kcal/lb per day for adults with normal activity patterns (Davis, 2001). Emphasis should also be placed on maintaining a consistent day-to-day carbohydrate intake at meals and snacks. It is the carbohydrates that have the greatest impact on glycemia. â€Å"A number of factors influence glycemic responses to foods, including the amount of carbohydrate, nature of the monosaccharide components, nature of the starch, cooking and food processing, and other food components (Franz, 2012, p.13).† Maintaining a food diary can help identify areas of weaknesses and how to prepare better menu plans. Recommendations for fiber intake are the same for patients with diabetes as for the general population. It is recommended that they increase the amount of fiber to approximately 50 grams per day in their diet. Insoluble and soluble globular fiber delay glucose absorption and attenuate the postprandial serum glucose peak, they also help to lower the elevated triglyceride levels often present in uncontrolled diabetes (Ferri, 1999). The discussion of diet management should also include a discussion of alcohol intake. Precautions regarding the use of alcohol that apply to the general public also apply to people with diabetes. Abstaining from alcohol should be advised for people with a history of alcohol abuse, during pregnancy, and for people with other medical conditions such as pancreatitis, advanced neuropathy, and elevated triglycerides. The effects of alcohol on blood glucose levels is dependent on the amount of alcohol ingested as well as the relationship to food intake. Because alcohol cannot be used as a source of glucose, hypoglycemia can result when alcohol is ingested without food. The hypoglycemia can persist from eight to twelve hours after the last drink of alcohol. When alcohol is ingested in moderation and with food, blood glucose levels are not affected by the ingestion of moderate amounts of alcohol. If the patient plans to consume alcoholic beverages they are to be included in the meal plan. The patient should be reminded that no food should be omitted because of the possibility of alcohol induced hypoglycemia (Franz, 2012). Coping with Diabetes The patient needs to understand that the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus as with any chronic illness can be unexpected and potentially devastating. Grief is the most common reaction of an individual diagnosed with diabetes. Resolution of the grief is dependent on variables such as education, economics, geography, and religious and cultural factors. The support of family and friends affects the long-term acceptance of the disease progression. Patients need to be aware that depression is common with chronic diseases such as diabetes. The depression should be recognized and treated as soon as possible since depression can affect glycemic control and complicate the management of the diabetes (Buttaro, 2008). The patient needs to understand that diabetes is a lifelong disease process that requires a lifetime commitment and lifestyle changes. The patient should be educated about empowerment – having the resources and knowing how and when to use them. The skills of empowerment that help the patient reflect on life satisfaction in the following areas: physical, mental, spiritual, family related, social, work related, financial, personal. The patient should be encouraged to establish goals which emphasize at least two of these areas in which he/she has control. In the session of coping with diabetes the patient should be assisted to develop better problem solving skills, which are necessary to manage a life-long disease such as diabetes. Coping with diabetes should also include stress management concepts. Stress management concepts should include: a definition of stress, the body’s reaction to stress, the effects of stress on diabetes management, identifying stressors, identifying methods of coping, relaxation exercises and identifying support systems to tap into. Management of the disease process should include eliminating or minimizing other cardiovascular risk factors for example blood pressure control, lipid control, and smoking cessation. Patients with diabetes should also be instructed on what to do when they become sick with a cold, flu, gastrointestinal virus, or other minor illness. They need to be aware that these minor illnesses can affect their diabetes and blood glucose levels (McGovern, 2002). Instruction on what to do when they become ill and the importance of continuing to take their diabetes medications and/or insulin and other general care should be discussed. Some basic guidelines for management during an illness or sick-day include maintain adequate hydration because of the risk of dehydration from decreased fluid intake, polyuria, vomiting, diarrhea, and evaporative losses from fever. Patient should be instructed to drink at least eight ounces of calorie free liquids every hour while they are awake. The beverages should be caffeine-free, since caffeine acts as a diuretic and can actually increase the chances of hypovolemia. If the patient is unable to tolerate fluids by mouth, antiemetic suppositories or intravenous fluids may be required. Vomiting that is persistent and intractable may require emergency room care. The patient should be encouraged to perform blood glucose monitoring more frequently while he/she is ill and to initiate urine ketone monitoring with urine dipsticks, during the illness (Franz, 2012). The patient should be instructed to continue taking his/her insulin and/or oral antidiabetic agents while ill and even when unable to eat. The omission of insulin is a common cause of ketosis and can result in a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. The patient should be given a list of foods that contain fast acting carbohydrates that they can consume when they experience signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Patients should be encouraged to seek regular ophthalmologic examinations to detect for diabetic retinopathy. Regular dental examinations should also be encouraged to evaluate to potential areas that can become infected and possible oral lesions. Summary The teaching program for the patients with diabetes is designed to be held for six sessions. However, the sessions can be lengthened or shortened to meet the needs of the intended audience. These two to three hour sessions allow the patient to absorb the material that is being taught and to be able to ask questions. The learning needs are focused on managing their glucose levels and preventing complications of diabetes. The patient needs to be educated on the multiple disease processes associated with diabetes and the factors affecting each of these areas. The patient also needs to have the knowledge of how to manage their diabetes when they are ill and warning signs that they are hypo/hyperglycemic. Diabetic patients should be advised to contact their health care provider any time they are unsure what to do or have questions on how to manage their disease. There are many teaching handouts and pamphlets that are available free of charge from the various agencies. These handouts are available on a wide variety of subjects that can be used with the teaching plan. The evaluation criteria for the teaching plan would include an evaluation tool in which the patients could complete anonymously at the end of the program. References Buttaro, T.M., Trybulski, J., Bailey, P.P., Sandberg-Cook, J. (2008). Primary Care: A Collaborative Practice, 3rd. Edition. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby, Inc. NO Davis, A. (2001). Adult Nurse Practitioner: Certification Review. Philadelphia, PA; Mosby, Inc. Ferri, F. (2012). Clinical Advisor: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby, Inc. NO Franz, M. (Ed.) (2001). Diabetes Management Therapies: A Core Curriculum for Diabetes Education. 4th Edition. Chicago, IL: American Association of Diabetes Educators. Franz, M. (2012). American Diabetes Association Guide to Nutrition Therapy for Diabetes, 2nd Edition. Alexandria, VA: American Diabetes Association. Herfindal, E. and Gourley D. (2000). Textbook of Therapeutics: Drug and Disease Management. Seventh Edition. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. NO McGovern, K., Devlin, M., Lange, E., and Mann, N. (Eds.) (2002). Disease Management for Nurse Practitioners. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corporation.

Changing Concepts Of Amphibious Operations Management Essay

Changing Concepts Of Amphibious Operations Management Essay Amphibious flexibility is the greatest strategic asset that a sea power possesses. -B.H. Liddell Hart Deterrence or Defence, 1960 INTRODUCTION Amphibious operations are operations launched from the sea onto the land by naval and landing forces. It uses naval firepower, logistics and strategy to project military power ashore. In the present day, amphibious warfare is the most complex of all military manoeuvres. The undertaking requires an intricate coordination of numerous military specialties, including air power, naval gunfire, naval transport, logistical planning, specialised equipment, land warfare, tactics, and extensive training in the nuances of this manoeuvre for all personnel involved  [1]  . The National Defence Strategy 2008 (NDS) of the United States projects that over the next twenty years,, population, resources, and environmental changes combined with social and geopolitical changes would create instability and uncertainty  [2]  . The situation calls for a change in military capabilities and capacities commensurate to the requirement along with institutional agility and flexibility to plan early and respond effectively along with other services and international partners. The Worlds population will, by 2025, would increase by more than 30 percent and be more heavily concentrated within the littorals. More than 60 percent of the Earths population will live in urban areas in 2025  [3]  . This portends a world dominated by complex urban littorals, where competition exists for vital resources and at the same time a youthful population becomes increasingly disenfranchised. Concurrently, there will continue to be a blurring of what was previously thought to be distinct forms of war or conflict. Mass communications will highlight the drama of human suffering, and disadvantaged populations will be ever more painfully aware and less tolerant of their conditions. Extremist ideologies will become increasingly attractive to those in despair and bereft of opportunity. Criminal elements will also exploit this social instability  [4]  . Diminishing overseas access is another challenge anticipated in the future operating environment. Countries may be hesitant to grant access for a variety of reasons. Diminished access will complicate the maintenance of forward presence, necessitating new approaches to responding quickly to developments around the world  [5]  . All of these challenges illustrate the importance of being able to operate in littoral regions, this demand signals the applicability of amphibious forces for missions across the range of military operations. The range of operations extends from military engagement, security cooperation, and deterrence activities to crisis response and limited contingency operations, and if necessary, major operations and campaigns  [6]  . AIM The aim of this paper is to examine new concepts in Amphibious Operations taking place in the world to respond to the new world order and asymmetric threats in the 21st century. PRESENT DAY AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS Amphibious operations employ a landing force embarked in ships or craft to accomplish a number of assigned missions. These missions may be conducted in permissive, uncertain, or hostile environments across the range of military operations. A landing force is composed of Army forces task-organized to conduct amphibious operations, while an amphibious task force is composed of Navy forces task-organized for the same purpose. An amphibious force is a landing force and an amphibious task force put together  [7]  . Recent history, the strategic environment, and maritime strategy all imply that individual naval platforms, forward deployed and globally distributed, must be capable of more diverse, smaller-scale amphibious missions while retaining the ability to re-aggregate for larger-scale events. The following types of amphibious operations, are in vogue presently  [8]  :- Amphibious Engagement and Crisis Response. A type of amphibious operation which contributes to conflict prevention or crisis mitigation. These may include operations such as security cooperation, foreign humanitarian assistance, civil support, non combatant evacuations, peace operations, recovery operations, or disaster relief. Amphibious Raid. A type of amphibious operation involving a swift incursion into or a temporary occupation of an objective, followed by a planned withdrawal. Amphibious Assault. A type of amphibious operation that involves the establishment of a landing force on a hostile or potentially hostile shore. Amphibious Withdrawal. A type of amphibious operation involving the extraction of forces by sea in ships or craft from a hostile or potentially hostile shore. Amphibious Demonstration. A type of amphibious operation conducted for the purpose of deceiving the enemy by a show of force with the expectation of deluding the enemy into a course of action unfavorable to him. MODERN CONCEPTS IN AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS Operational Manoeuvre from The Sea (OMFTS) OMFTS is not merely a way of introducing an expeditionary force onto foreign soil but also of projecting expeditionary power directly against a centre of gravity or critical vulnerability  [9]  . OMFTS was developed by the US in response to the change in the global threat from the cold war to the chaos in the littorals. OMFTS enhances the naval expeditionary force by providing a task-organized, Sea Based, Operational Manoeuvre Element (OME) that can respond across the spectrum of conflict. Because expeditionary forces operate in international waters and are not restrained by global political pressures, the ability to respond quickly to a combatant commanders requirement is key when a quick response is necessary  [10]  . Concepts that help provide flexibility, protection and decisive impact to OMFTS are operational depth, mission depth, tempo, reach back, enabling force and exploitation force  [11]  . Operational Maneuver from the Sea links naval warfare and manoeuvre warfare. OMFTS uses critical components of warfare such as speed, mobility, fire support, communications, and navigation to exploit enemy weaknesses across the entire spectrum of conflict. OMFTS enables expeditionary forces to provide Army and Air Force flow when sustained operations are required. This can be as simple as creating the command and control architecture for the combatant commander to use or as complex as taking a forward air base for the flow of larger forces. An OMFTS capable task force can also act as an exploitation force when serving as an OME by attacking units or supply depots of enemy forces already engaged by other friendly forces.  [12]   The capture of Seoul in 1950 was a classic example of an Operational Manoeuvre from the Sea. It was a completely focused operation, unified under a single commander, that flowed coherently from San Diego, Sasebo, and Pusan, through an amphibious power projection at Inchon, to key objectives well inland. The Seoul operation was focused on a critical North Korean vulnerability, the lines of support (and withdrawal) through the Han River Valley at Seoul. It maintained that focus and with it an unmatched tempo of aggressive action. As a result, it was crushingly successful, leading to the destruction of the North Korean Army and the liberation of South Korea. If the operation had lost its focus, however, and been planned and executed as merely an amphibious lodgement at Inchon, it would have generated only an operationally insignificant tactical victory.  [13]   Use of the sea is the main difference in OMFTS from all other types of operational manoeuvre warfare. The sea ensures an avenue for friendly movement at the same time it acts as a barrier to the enemy and a means of avoiding disadvantageous engagements. OMFTS applies across the full spectrum of military operations, from Major Theater War (MTW) to Small Scale Contingencies (SSC) and applies manoeuvre warfare to expeditionary power projection in naval operations or as part of a joint or multinational campaign. OMFTS is not merely moving around the enemy but projecting power to the enemys Center of Gravity (COG) on our terms. By using a manoeuvrable naval power to launch an assault at the time and place we determine, the enemys weakness will be decisively exploited. OMFTS envisions making the beach transparent to amphibious warfare through STOM.  [14]   Ship to Objective Manoeuvre (STOM) OMFTS requires new tactical concepts for amphibious operations. Although the focus is on operational objectives ashore, the sea becomes essential manoeuvre space for the landing force. Successful execution of OMFTS demands that the landing force maintain the momentum gained by manoeuvre at sea. This is achieved by Ship-to-Objective Manoeuvre (STOM)  [15]  . STOM employs the concepts of manoeuvre warfare to project a combined arms force by air and surface means against inland objectives. It takes advantage of emerging trends in Command, Control, Communications, Computing, Intelligence and Information C4I2 Systems to land forces in their tactical array from the ships directly to the objective, replacing the cumbersome ship-to-shore movement of current amphibious warfare. True STOM is not aimed at establishing a beachhead, but at landing combat units ashore in their fighting formations, to a decisive place, and in sufficient strength to ensure mission accomplishment. The advantages of STOM over conventional amphibious operations are  [16]  :- STOM provides tactical as well as operational surprise, something seldom possible in past amphibious operations. Operations can begin over the horizon and project power deeper inland with more speed and flexibility than conventional amphibious operations. The enemy has to defend a vast area against seaborne mobility and deep power projection as compared to conventional beachhead. This will also force the enemy to thinly spread his defenses thus allowing friendly forces greater freedom of manoeuvre at sea and ashore. The gradient of shores and relative location of beaches with respect to the objective is rendered insignificant. Naval forces can take advantage of night and adverse weather conditions, as well as the ability to control the electromagnetic spectrum. These capabilities will enable exploitation of known enemy vulnerabilities, create opportunities, achieve tactical surprise, and result in mission accomplishment. Tenants of STOM. The key elements of STOM are  [17]  :- Operational objective. Focuses on the operational objective and provides increased flexibility to strike enemy critical vulnerabilities. Sea as Manoeuvre Space. The open sea can be a protective barrier or a freeway of supreme mobility. Movement of forces is faster on sea than on land. Outflanking of enemy defence forces can easily be achieved. Strength against Weakness. STOM applies strength against weakness and projects combat power through gaps located or created in the adversarys defenses. These gaps are not necessarily geographical; they may be exploitable weaknesses, such as limited night fighting capability, poor command and control, lack of endurance or low morale. Tempo. Air and surface units manoeuvre from ships to inland positions faster than the enemy can effectively react. The landing force maintains the initiative and operates at a pace that allows it to dictate the terms of engagement. Operational surprise delays enemy identification and disrupts his response. The enemy continues to face dilemmas and a tempo of operations that denies him control of the battle and keeps him off-balance and reactive. Integration. Integrates all elements in accomplishing the mission. Thus employing all available assets in support of ship-to-objective manoeuvre in order to maximize the effectiveness of the landing force. Successful implementation of the STOM concept requires improvements in mobility, command and control, intelligence, fires, sea-based logistics, organisation, doctrine, training, and education. STOM takes advantage of innovations in technology to enhance the capability of naval forces to conduct amphibious operations in the 21st Century. Ship-to- Objective Manoeuvre directly links manoeuvre at sea to manoeuvre on land by seamless manoeuvre from over the horizon directly against objectives deep inland. SEA BASING Sea basing represents a future capability with antecedents in amphibious operations. A seabase is a system of systems enabling personnel, material, fires, and command and control to come together rapidly, integrate, and be projected as a flexible force capable of undertaking a broad spectrum of over-the shore operations. Such operations could range from humanitarian relief, operations other than war, and conflict prevention to brigade sized or larger combat operations. Even larger operations could be enabled by the addition of more seabases or by the ability to flow additional forces through the seabase. A seabase may serve as an integration point for joint as well as coalition forces. Sea basing is more than simply traditional amphibious assault operations. It entails the projection of land forces substantially beyond the beachhead, independent of in-theater land bases. A seabase also needs to sustain such forces for prolonged periods  [18]  . Sea basing can be defined as: The capacity and/or capability to project rapidly sustainable military power ashore from the sea  [19]  . From the period prior to the onset of a crisis through the completion of stabilization operations, Seabasing provides scalable power projection option through sequential and concurrent integration of the five primary Seabasing lines of operation as stated below and are described as  [20]  :- Close. Rapid closure of joint force capabilities to an area of crisis. Assemble. Seamless integration of scalable joint force capabilities on and around secure sea-based assets. Employ. Flexible employment of joint force capabilities to meet mission objectives supported from the sea base. Sustain. Persistent sustainment of selected joint forces afloat and ashore, through transition to decisive combat operations ashore. Reconstitute. The capability to rapidly recover, reconstitute and redeploy joint combat capabilities within and around the manoeuvreable sea base for subsequent operations. Overview of Sea Basing  [21]   Principles of Seabasing. There are seven overarching Seabasing principles that apply across a wide range of scenarios  [22]  : Use The Sea as Manoeuvre Space. Seabasing exploits the freedom of the high seas to conduct operational manoeuvre in the maritime (includes littoral) environment relatively unconstrained by political and diplomatic restrictions, for rapid deployment and immediate employment. Sea-based operations provide an operational flexibility to support the immediate deployment/employment/sustainment of forces across the extended depth and breadth of the battlespace. Leverage Forward Presence and Joint Interdependence. Joint forces operating from the sea base, in conjunction with other globally based joint forces; provide an on-scene, credible offensive and defensive capability during the early stages of a crisis. Combined with other elements of this joint interdependent force, forward deployed joint forces can help to deter or preclude a crisis or enable the subsequent introduction of additional forces, equipment, and sustainment. Protect Joint Force Operations. Seabasing provides a large measure of inherent force protection derived from its freedom of operational manoeuvre in a maritime environment. The combined capabilities of joint platforms in multiple mediums (surface, sub-surface, and air) provide the joint forces a defensive shield both at sea and ashore. The integration of these capabilities and freedom of manoeuvre effectively degrades the enemys ability to successfully target and engage friendly forces while facilitating joint force deployment, employment, and sustainment. Provide Scalable, Responsive Joint Power Projection. Forces rapidly closing the sea base by multi-dimensional means (air, surface, and subsurface) give the ability to rapidly scale and tailor forces/capabilities to the mission. Seabasing provides an option to mass, disperse, or project joint combat power throughout the battlespace at the desired time to influence, deter, contain, or defeat an adversary. Sustain Joint Force Operations From The Sea. Sea-based logistics entails sustaining forces through an increasingly anticipatory and responsive logistics system to support forces afloat and select joint/multinational forces operating ashore. The sea base is sustained through the interface with support bases and strategic logistics pipelines enabling joint forces to remain on station, where needed, for extended periods of time. Seabasing uses selective off-load to assemble and deliver tailored sustainment packages directly to joint forces operating ashore. Expand Access Options and Reduce Dependence on Land Bases. Seabasing integrates global and sea-based power projection capabilities to provide multiple access options to complement forward basing, and reduces reliance on forward basing when the security environment dictates. This includes theater access capabilities at improved and unimproved ports and airfields. Create Uncertainty for Adversaries. Seabasing places an adversary in a dilemma through the conduct of dispersed and distributed operations. The options of multiple points and means of entry require an adversary to either disperse or concentrate his forces, creating opportunities to exploit seams and gaps in defenses. NEW EMERGING PLATFORMS MV-22 Osprey. The Bell-Boeing MV-22 Osprey is an American multi-mission, military, tiltrotor aircraft with both a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability. It is designed to combine the functionality of a conventional helicopter with the long-range, high-speed cruise performance of a turboprop aircraft. The MV-22 originated from the United States Department of Defense Joint-service Vertical take-off/landing Experimental (JVX) aircraft program started in 1981.  [23]   LHA-6. The USS America (LHA-6) is based upon the USS Makin Island (LHD-8) design. The USS America is a gas-turbine powered warship capable of carrying a Marine Expeditionary Brigade with the capacity for carrying many Marine helicopters, MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, and F-35B V/STOL Joint Strike Fighters. This warship is due to be delivered to the Navy in 2012. At a displacement of 45,000 tons, and carrying a complement of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, it will be able to serve in the role of a small aircraft carrier, an America-class ship will be able to operate as a flagship for an expeditionary strike group or amphibious ready group. Warships of this type may also play a key role in the Maritime Pre-Positioning Force  [24]  . Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV). The JHSV Program will provide high speed, shallow draft transportation capability to support the intra-theater manoeuvre of personnel, supplies and equipment for the U. S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Army. The JHSV program merges the previous Army Theater Support Vessel (TSV) and the Navy High Speed Connector (HSC), taking advantage of the inherent commonality between the two programs. JHSV will be capable of transporting 600 tons 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots. The ships will be capable of operating in shallow-draft ports and waterways, interfacing with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, and on/off-loading a combat-loaded Abrams Main Battle Tank (M1A2). Other joint requirements include an aviation flight deck to support day and night air vehicle launch and recovery operations.  [25]   Mobile Landing Platform (MLP). The MLP is intended to be a new class of auxiliary support ship, as part of the US Navys Maritime Prepositioning Force of the Future (MPF-F) program. Theyre intended to serve as a transfer station or floating pier at sea, improving the U.S. militarys ability to deliver equipment and cargo from ship to shore when friendly bases are denied, or simply dont exist.  [26]   LMSR. Military Sealift Commands Large, Medium-Speed, Roll-on/Roll-off ship, or LMSR, program significantly expands the US sealift capability for the new millennium. All of the LMSRs have been prime movers of U.S. military equipment during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, supporting both combat and humanitarian missions. These vessels are among the largest cargo ships in the world and can carry more than 300,000 square feet of combat cargo at speeds up to 24 knots  [27]  . CONCLUSION 27. The future of Navies lies in ability to operate in the littoral regions of the world. The Naval forces of today have to continually evolve, maintain a robust amphibious capability and develop countermeasures to the hostile anti-access capabilities manifested in the growing threat of littoral warfare. The principles of war are constantly evolving. Speed and tempo of operations along with quick response are critical to success. Joint operations and ability to synergise forces are the order of the day. Future operations will be conducted with unilateral, joint or multi-national forces and will require a ready force that can respond quickly, project power, and attack with force across the entire spectrum of conflict. New concepts such as OMFTS, STOM and Sea Basing offer todays commander a scalable, interoperable, swift and decisive means to shape the international environment. The traditional concepts of establishing beach heads and hard landing is a thing of the past. The concept is to hit the objective directly without going through the tedious process of amphibious landings. Though these concepts place a greater demand on procurement and upgradation of present force levels and equipment, it is a necessity for the future. Niladri Bose Date : Sep 10 Cdr Student Officer Effective Words 3300

Physics of the Lathe :: physics lathe wood

"How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood?" An age old tongue twister that has never been answered. In this rhyme, the common assumption is that the woodchuck is a small furry groundhog like creature, but there is another kind of wood chuck that is not as common but could chuck wood. Here we will explore this path of answering this age old riddle. In the production of many wood products a common manufacturing tool known as a lathe is used, and to hold the wood in the lathe a chuck is used. In order to calculate the amount of wood a wood chuck can chuck we must first define how the wood will be chucked. When wood chucking the chuck will be spinning around the spindle and an attachment will be used that will act as a catcher that will be on the outer radius of the chuck. We will also be able to calculate the velocity of the wood leaving the chuck and the kinetic energy. Lathes & Chucks A LATHE is "a machine tool designed primarily to do turning, facing, and boring. Their versatility permits multiple operations to be done with a single setup of the workpiece. Consequently, the lathe is the most common machine tool." The lathe used to theoretically calculate the amount of wood that can be chucked is the TECHNO CNC WOOD LATHE. This lathe has a spindle speed rate from 500 to 2000 RPM, which will be used to calculate the amount of wood chucked. The Chuck is an attachment that is the most commonly used way to hold a workpiece on the lathe. It attaches to the spindle on the lathe and is spun by it at speeds up to 4000 RPM depending on the lathe. The chuck that will be used for our calculations will have an approximate mass of 4 kilograms and a diameter of 6 inches. Wood Chucking To calculate the amount of wood that is chucked, and the other properties of wood chucking, using the TECHNO CNC WOOD LATHE the following values and assumptions will be used: * The spindle speed of the lathe has a range of 500-2000 RPM * The diameter of the chuck is 6 in. approximately 15 cm. * A one kilogram block of wood made out of American Spruce with a density of .

marketing :: essays research papers

The factor proportions model was originally developed by two Swedish economists, Eli Heckscher and his student Bertil Ohlin in the 1920s. Many elaborations of the model were provided by Paul Samuelson after the 1930s and thus sometimes the model is referred to as the Heckscher-Ohlin-Samuelson (or HOS) model. In the 1950s and 60s some noteworthy extensions to the model were made by Jaroslav Vanek and so occasionally the model is called the Heckscher-Ohlin-Vanek model. Here we will simply call all versions of the model either the "Heckscher-Ohlin (or H-O) model" or simply the more generic "factor-proportions model". The H-O model incorporates a number of realistic characteristics of production that are left out of the simple Ricardian model. Recall that in the simple Ricardian model only one factor of production, labor, is needed to produce goods and services. The productivity of labor is assumed to vary across countries which implies a difference in technology between nations. It was the difference in technology that motivated advantageous international trade in the model. The standard H-O model(1) begins by expanding the number of factors of production from one to two. The model assumes that labor and capital are used in the production of two final goods. Here, capital refers to the physical machines and equipment that is used in production. Thus, machine tools, conveyers, trucks, forklifts, computers, office buildings, office supplies, and much more, is considered capital. All productive capital must be owned by someone. In a capitalist economy most of the physical capital is owned by individuals and businesses. In a socialist economy productive capital would be owned by the government. In most economies today, the government owns some of the productive capital but private citizens and businesses own most of the capital. Any person who owns common stock issued by a business has an ownership share in that company and is entitled to dividends or income based on the profitability of the company. As such, that person is a capitalist, i.e., an owner of capital. The H-O model assumes private ownership of capital. Use of capital in production will generate income for the owner. We will refer to that income as capital "rents". Thus, whereas the worker earns "wages" for their efforts in production, the capital owner earns rents. The assumption of two productive factors, capital and labor, allows for the introduction of another realistic feature in production; that of differing factor-proportions both across and within industries.

Economy Of New Zealand :: essays research papers

The United States and New Zealand established close ties in 1942, when the U.S. provided security for New Zealand during World War II, and have remained close ever since. However, in 1984, the Labour party came into power in New Zealand, with intentions to bar nuclear-armed and nuclear-powered warships from New Zealand ports. Implementation of this anti-nuclear policy was incompatible with U.S. policy and disrupted the alliance under the Australian, New Zealand, and United States (ANZUS) security treaty of 1951. After unsuccessful attempts to remedy the issue, the United States suspended its ANZUS security obligation to New Zealand in 1986.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Despite the rupture in the ANZUS alliance, New Zealand has maintained close political, economical, and social ties with the United States. In trade, the U.S. is New Zealand second-largest supplier and customer after Australia. Trade between the two countries totaled $3.5 billion (with a $300 million surplus in the favor of the U.S.) in 1996; U.S. merchandise exports were $1.9 billion. U.S. foreign investment in New Zealand that same year totaled $4.8 billion, and was largely concentrated in manufacturing, forestry, telecommunications services, and finance. The two countries have also worked closely together to promote free trade in the World Trade Organization and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Labour party had not only changed nuclear policies in 1984, but also introduced a monetarist economic policy in a major effort to reduce the government budget deficit and inflation that resulted largely from an attempt in the 1970s to diversify New Zealand’s production. This new plan was executed through seven major alterations: 1)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The increase of privatizations through the sale of government-owned enterprises. 2)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Elimination of Government subsidies. 3)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Liberalization of import regulations. 4)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Exchange rates freely floated. 5)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Removal of controls on interest rates, wages, and prices. 6)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Reduction of marginal rates of taxation. 7)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cutbacks on health, education and social security benefits. This Laissez-Faire attitude did indeed decrease the deficit and lower inflation; it also increased growth, the value of the New Zealand Dollar, and unfortunately unemployment. The economy has improved greatly and with it unemployment has been brought down.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Currently New Zealand is finally recovering from the rapid economic growth it experienced in the mid-90s, now that the worst of the Asian financial crisis effects are over. New Zealand lost many export markets in Asia, but looked to the U.S. and European markets to replace the lost customers. The country remains dependent on trade due to its small size and isolation; price and access to foreign markets are a constant concern.

The Return: Midnight Chapter 42

â€Å"It's not a problem,†the fair ruler, Ryannen, said unexpectedly. â€Å"We can make it so that your Mr. Tanner repel ed an apparent vampire attack and the school cal ed in Alaric Saltzman to take his place and investigate. All right, Idola?† – to the redhead, and to the dark one – â€Å"All right, Susurre?† Elena wasn't All right. Despite the example she'd just had of turn-on-a-dime plotting and scheming, she was scarcely listening. Al she knew was that her voice had gone husky and that tears blurred her eyes. â€Å"And†¦for the Master Key – I want – â€Å" Stefan squeezed her hand. Elena suddenly realized that they were al standing, al three of them, beside her. And the look on every face was the same. Dead resolve. â€Å"I want Damon back.†Elena hadn't heard quite this note in her voice since the day she'd been told both her parents had died. If there had been a table, she would have put her clenched fists on it and did her best to loom over the women. As it was, she simply leaned toward them, speaking in a low and grating voice. â€Å"If you do that – bring him back, exactly as he was before he walked into the Gatehouse – then you get the Master Key and the treasures. You say no – and you lose everything. Everything. This is non-negotiable, get it?† She kept staring into Idola's green eyes. She refused to see dark Susurre drop her forehead onto three fingertips and begin to rub it in smal circles. She wouldn't give a glance to blond Ryannen, who was looking at her steadily, having gone into people-management mode. She stared directly into those green eyes under their wil ful eyebrows. Idola gave a little huff and shook her gorgeous head. â€Å"Look, someone clearly has screwed up in preparing you for this interview.†A glance at Susurre. â€Å"The other things you've asked for – al together, it forms a very heavy ransom. Do you understand that? Do you understand that it involves changing the memories of al the people for miles around your town, and changing them for every day of ten months? That it means changing everything in print about Fel ‘s Church – and that there is a lot in print – not to mention other media outlets? It means begging for three human spirits and weaving flesh around them again. I'm not sure we even have the personnel for this – â€Å" Blond Ryannen put a hand on the redhead's arm. â€Å"We have it. Susurre's women have little to do in the Nether World. I can lend you perhaps thirty percent of mine – after al , we're going to have to send up a petition to a higher Court for those spirits – â€Å" Idola the redhead interrupted. â€Å"All right. What I was saying is that we might just be able to manage – if you throw in the Key. However, your vampire companion – we can't give life back to the lifeless. We can't work with vampires. Once they're gone – they're gone.† â€Å"That's what you tell us!†Stefan cried, trying to get in front of Elena. â€Å"But why are we so particularly damned, of al creatures? How do you know it's impossible? Have you ever even tried? â€Å" Red-haired Idola was making a disgusted gesture, when Bonnie interrupted, her voice shaking. â€Å"It's ridiculous! You can rebuild a town, you can kil the person who's real y behind al Shinichi and Misao did, but you can't bring one little vampire back? You brought Elena back!† â€Å"Elena's death as a vampire al owed her to become the Guardian she was original y meant to be. As for the person who gave orders to Shinichi and Misao: It was Inari Saitou – Obaasan Saitou, as you knew her – and she is already dead, thanks to your friends in Fel ‘s Church, who weakened her – and to you, who destroyed her star bal .† â€Å"Inari? You mean Isobel's grandma? You're saying it was her star bal in the Great Tree's trunk? That's impossible!†Bonnie cried. â€Å"No, it's not. It's the truth,†blond Ryannen said simply. â€Å"And she's dead now?† â€Å"After a long battle which nearly kil ed your friends. Yes – but what actual y killed her was having her star bal destroyed.† â€Å"So,†dark Susurre said quietly, â€Å"if you fol ow the curve†¦in a way your Damon did die to save Fel ‘s Church from another massacre like the one on that Japanese island. He kept saying that was what he'd come to the Nether World to do. Do you not think he would be†¦satisfied? At peace?† â€Å"At peace?†Stefan spat bitterly, and Sage growled. â€Å"Woman,†he said, â€Å"you obviously have never met Damon Salvatore before.†The tone in his voice – more resonant, more threatening somehow – made Elena final y break off her staredown with the red-haired Idola. She turned and looked – – and saw the enormous room fil ed with Sage's out-spread wings. They weren't like any of her ephemeral Wings Powers. They were clearly part of Sage. They were velvety and reptilian, and, unfurled like this, they stretched from distant wal to wal , and touched the grand, golden ceiling. They also demonstrated why Sage didn't usual y wear shirts. He was beautiful this way, bronze skin and hair against those giant, leathery soft-looking arches. But Elena, after one look at him, knew that the time had come to play the ace up her sleeve. She turned around to meet Idola's green gaze squarely. â€Å"Al this time we've been bargaining for a Gatehouse ful of treasures,†she said, â€Å"and – one Master Key.† â€Å"A Master Key, stolen by the kitsune ages upon ages ago,†Susurre explained quietly, lifting her dark eyes. â€Å"And you've said that it's not enough for you to bring Damon back.†Elena forced her voice not to waver. â€Å"Not even if it were your only request.†Ryannen tossed a golden lock of hair over her shoulder. â€Å"So you say. But†¦what if I throw into the pot†¦another Master Key?† There was a pause, and Elena's heart began to pound in sick terror. Because it was the wrong kind of pause. There were no shocked gasps. No astonished glances from one Guardian ruler to another. No looks of disbelief. After another moment Idola said smugly, â€Å"If you mean the other stolen key that your friends had on Earth – it was confiscated as soon as they hid it. It was stolen property. It belonged to us.† She's been here too long, in the Dark Dimensions, Elena thought with one part of her mind. She's enjoying herself. Idola leaned toward her, as if to confirm Elena's guess. â€Å"It – simply – is not – possible,†she said emphatical y. â€Å"Real y, it isn't,†the fair Ryannen added briskly. â€Å"We don't know what happens to vampires. But they don't pass through our purview. We never see them after death. The simplest explanation is that they just – go out.†She snapped her fingers. â€Å"I don't believe that!† Elena was aware that her voice had risen in volume. â€Å"I don't believe that for one moment!† Voices, not attached to anyone in particular, burst into a clamor of argument around Elena, forming a sort of poem: Not possible. It's simply not possible! ( But please†¦) No! Damon is gone, and to ask where is like asking where a candle flame goes when it's blown out. ( But shouldn't you try to bring him back, at the least? ) Whatever has happened to gratitude? You four should be grateful that the other things you asked for can be done. ( But in exchange for both Master Keys – ) No Power we can command could bring Damon back! Elena must try to reconcile herself to reality. She has been pampered too much already! ( But what harm can it do to try again? ) All right! If you must know, Susurre has already forced us to try. And nothing came of it! Damon†¦is†¦gone! His spirit was nowhere to be found in the ether! That is what happens to vampires, and everyone knows it! Elena found herself looking down at her own hands, which were very clean but with broken nails and every knuckle bleeding. The outside world had become unreal again. She was inside herself, struggling with her grief, struggling with the knowledge that Idola, the central ruler of Guardians, hadn't even mentioned before that they had looked for Damon's spirit. And that it was†¦gone. Suddenly, the room was pressing in on her. There wasn't enough air. There were only these women: these powerful, magical Guardian women; who Stilldid not have enough power or magic to save Damon – or at least didn't even care enough to try twice. She wasn't sure what was happening to her. Her throat felt puffed out, her chest was both huge and tight. Each heartbeat sounded through her as if trying to shake her to death. To death. In her mind's eye, she saw a hand hold up a glass of Clarion Loess Black Magic. And then, Elena knew that she had to stand a certain way, and hold her arms a certain way, and whisper certain words in her own mind. But the last, the naming of the spel , had only to be said aloud at the end. At the end – when things slowed. When green-eyed Idola – what a perfect name for someone who idolized herself, Elena thought – and fair businesslike Ryannen and nurturing Susurre – al stared at her with open mouths, too shocked to move even a finger as, quietly and calmly, Elena said, â€Å"Wings of Destruction – â€Å" It was a soldier, just an ordinary one of the rank and file, one of the dark women, who stopped it. She leaped up onto the dais, and, with inhuman speed, slapped her hand over Elena's mouth, so that the final syl able was a mumble, and the golden, green, and blue hal did not explode into fragments with hot metal running in rivulets like lava, and the flower-fountain did not vaporize, and the stained-glass windows didn't shatter into atoms. Then there were more arms around Elena, holding her down, scarcely letting her breathe, even when she went limp for lack of air. Elena fought like an animal, with her teeth and nails, to escape. But she eventual y was completely restrained, pinned to the floor. She could hear Sage's deep voice raging and Stefan, in between desperate telepathic bursts to her, pleading and explaining, â€Å"She's Stillnot in reality! She doesn't even know what she's doing!† But louder, she could hear the voices of the Guardians. â€Å"She would have kil ed us al !†Ã¢â‚¬ Those Wings – I've never seen anything so deadly!†Ã¢â‚¬ A human! And with just three words, she could have wiped us out!†Ã¢â‚¬ If Lenea hadn't tackled her – â€Å"†Or if she had been another few feet away – â€Å"†She destroyed a moon, you know! No life on it at allnow, and ashes Stillfal ing from the sky!†Ã¢â‚¬ That isn't the point. The point is that she shouldn't have Wings powers at all. She's got to be clipped of them.†Ã¢â‚¬ That's right – clip her Wings! Do it! â€Å" Elena recognized Ryannen's and Idola's voices at the end there. She was Stilltrying to fight, but they held her so tightly and piled on her so ruthlessly that it had become a fight simply to get air and al she did was exhaust herself. And then they clipped her Wings. It was quick, at least, and Elena felt very little. What hurt most was her heart. Some proud, stubborn streak had been brought out with the fighting, and now she was ashamed to feel each pair cut off. First went Wings of Redemption, those great rainbow-hued arches. Then Wings of Purification, white and iridescent as frosted cobwebs. Wings of the Wind, like honey-colored thistledown. Wings of Remembrance, soft violet and midnight blue. And then Wings of Protection – emerald green and gold, the Wings that had saved her friends from Bloddeuwedd's frenzied attack on them the first time they had entered the Dark Dimensions. And, final y, Wings of Destruction – high, ebony arches with edges as delicate as black lace. Elena tried to keep silent as each power was taken. But after the first one or two had fal en at her sides, in shadows that perhaps only she could see, she heard a smal gasp, and realized that it was her own voice. And with the next cut, an involuntary little cry. For a moment there was silence. And then suddenly there was overwhelming noise. Elena could hear Bonnie keening and Sage roaring, and Stefan, gentle Stefan, shouting blasphemies and curses at the Guardians. Elena guessed from the stifled sound of his voice that he was fighting them, fighting to get to her. He reached her, somehow, just as the deadly, delicate Wings of Destruction were sheared from her shoulders and mind, and fel like tal shadows to the ground. It was good that he did reach her then, because at last, when Elena was the least dangerous she had been since the Powers of Wings had begun awakening in her, suddenly the Guardians seemed afraid. They stepped back from her, these strong and dangerous women, and only Stefan was there to catch her and hold her in his arms. Stunned, dazed, she was an eighteen-year-old girl who was ordinary. Except for her blood. They wanted to rob her of her blood as well†¦to â€Å"purify†it. The three rulers and their attendants had already gathered in a determined, multihued triangle around her and were working their magic when Sage bel owed, â€Å"Stop!† Elena, drooping over Stefan's shoulder, could see him vaguely, his velvety black wings Stillspread from wal to wal , Stilltouching the golden ceiling. Bonnie clung to him like a bit of stray dandelion fluff. â€Å"You have already diminished her aura to almost nothing,†he growled. â€Å"If you ‘purify'the blood of this pauvre petite completely, she wil die – and then she wil awaken. You wil have created un vampire, Mesdames. Is that what you wish?† Susurre reeled back. For the ruler of such a harsh and unyielding realm, she seemed almost too gentle – but not too soft to shear off my Wings, Elena thought, wriggling her shoulders to ease them. Maybe she didn't know how much it would hurt, another part of her mind offered vaguely. Then al her mind came together in an emergency meeting. Something warm and cooling was sliding down the back of her neck, in tiny droplets. Not blood. No, this was infinitely more precious than what the Guardians had taken away. Stefan's tears. She rocked hard, trying to take her own weight on her feet. Somehow, shakily, she managed it. She only realized just how shaky she was when she tried to lift a hand and wipe the tears off Stefan's cheeks with her thumb. Her whole hand wobbled as if she were making a childish joke. Her thumb struck his cheek with enough force to make anyone else wince. She looked at him with dumb apology, too shocked to try to speak. Stefan was speaking. Over and over. â€Å"It doesn't matter,†he was saying. â€Å"It's All right, love. Oh, lovely love, it wil be All right.†He wiped her eyes with a hand that was rock steady, and al the time he was looking only at her, and – she knew – thinking only of her. She knew that because she also knew the moment when it changed. Red hair was in her line of sight, blurred through new tears. Red hair and narrow green eyes, too close to her. That was when Elena felt Stefan remember that there was anything other than Elena in the world. His face changed. He didn't snarl or stick out his chin. The change was an entire alteration, but it centered around his eyes, which became deadly hard while everything else became sharp and fierce. â€Å"If you touch her again, you vicious bitch, I wil rip out your throat,†Stefan said, and each word was like a chip of ice-cold iron dropped onto the floor. Elena's tears stopped with the shock of it. Stefan didn't talk that way to women. Even Damon didn't – hadn't. But the words were Stillechoing in the sudden silence of the cathedral-like room. People were backing away. Idola was backing away too, but her lip was curled. â€Å"Do you think that because we are Guardians that we cannot harm you – ?†she was beginning, when Stefan's voice cut through hers cleanly. â€Å"I think that because you are ‘Guardians'you can kil sanctimoniously and get away with it,†Stefan said, and his lip made a far more compel ing – and frightening – line of scorn than Idola's had. â€Å"You would have kil ed Elena if Sage hadn't stopped you. Damn you,†he added softly, but with such utter conviction that Idola took another step backward. â€Å"Yes, you'd better ral y al your little friends around,†he added. â€Å"I might just decide to kil you anyway. I kil ed my own brother, as I'm sure you realize.† â€Å"But surely – that was only after taking a mortal blow yourself.†Susurre was between the two of them, trying to intercede. Stefan shrugged. He looked at her with the same contempt as he had the other ruler. â€Å"I Stillhad the use of my arm,†he said deliberately. â€Å"I could have decided to drop my sword, or to merely wound him. Instead I chose to put a blade straight through his heart.†He showed his teeth in a distinctly unfriendly smile. â€Å"And now I don't even need a weapon.† â€Å"Stefan,†Elena managed at last to whisper. â€Å"I know. She's weaker than I am and you don't want to see me kil her. That's why she's Stillalive, love. It's the only reason.†As Elena lifted half-frightened eyes to him, Stefan added in a voice only she could hear, Of course, there are some things about me you don't know, Elena. Things I'd hoped you'd never have to see. Knowing you – loving you – made me almost forget about them. Stefan's voice in her head woke something inside Elena. She lifted her head and looked at the blurry mass of Guardians around them. She saw strawberry-blond curls suspended in midair. Bonnie. Bonnie fighting. Doing it weakly, but only because a pair of the fair Guardians and another pair of dark ones were holding her in the air, one to each limb. As Elena stared at her she seemed to regain energy and fought harder. And Elena could hear†¦ something. It was faint and far away, but it almost sounded like†¦her name. Like her name spoken by whispering branches or the whirring of passing bicycle wheels. lay†¦nah†¦eee†¦lay†¦ Elena reached inwardly for the sound. She tried desperately to grasp whatever came after, but nothing happened. She tried a trick she would have found easy yesterday – channeling Power to the center of her telepathy. It didn't work. She tried her telepathy. Bonnie! Can you hear me? There wasn't even the slightest change in the smal er girl's expression. Elena had lost her link to Bonnie. She watched as Bonnie realized the same thing, watched the fight go out of the smal body. Bonnie's face, upturned in blank despair, was indescribably sad, and somehow indescribably pure and beautiful, al at once. That will never happen to us, Stefan's voice in her mind told her fiercely. Never! I give you my – No! Elena thought back, superstitiously terrified of a jinx. If Stefan swore, something might happen – she might have to become a vampire or a spirit – to ensure that he didn't break his word. He stopped, and Elena knew that he had heard her. And somehow this knowledge, that Stefan had heard a single word from her, Stilled her. She knew he wasn't spying. He'd heard because she'd sent the thought to him. She wasn't alone. She might be ordinary again; they might have taken her wings and most of the Power of her blood, but she wasn't alone. She leaned toward him, her forehead against Stefan's chin. â€Å"No one is alone.† She'd told Damon that. Damon Salvatore, a being who no longer existed. But who Stillcal ed forth from her one more word, one final cry. His name. Damon! He'd died four dimensions away. But she could feel Stefan backing her, amplifying her transmission, sending it like one last beacon through the multitude of worlds that separated them from his cold and lifeless body. Damon! There wasn't the slightest glimmer of an answer. Of course not. Elena was making a fool of herself. Suddenly something stronger than grief, stronger than self-pity, even stronger than guilt, took hold of her. Damon wouldn't have wanted her to be carried out of this hal – even by Stefan. Especial y by Stefan. He would have wanted her to show no sign of weakness to these women who'd shorn her and humiliated her. Yes. That was Stefan. Her love, but not her lover, wil ing to love her chastely from now until the end of her days†¦. The end†¦of her days? Elena was suddenly glad that she couldn't project to strangers telepathical y and that Stefan had set shields around them when he'd taken her into his arms. She turned to Ryannen, who was watching†¦warily, but Stillwith business in her eyes. â€Å"I'd like to go now, if you don't mind,†she said, picking up her backpack and slinging it over her shoulder with a gesture as arrogant as she could make it. There was a bolt of agony as the weight of the strap hit the place from which most of her wings had sprung, but she kept her face contemptuous and indifferent. Bonnie, back on the ground since she wasn't fighting any longer, fol owed Elena's lead. Stefan had left his backpack in the Gatehouse, but he gently cupped a hand around Elena's elbow, not guiding her, but showing that he was there for her. Sage's wings folded back into themselves and were gone. â€Å"You understand that for the return of these treasures which are ours by right – but which we were barred from retrieving – you wil be granted your requests with the exception of the imposs – â€Å" â€Å"I understand,†Elena said flatly, just as Stefan said, much more brusquely, â€Å"She understands. Just do it, wil you?† â€Å"It is already being organized.†Ryannen's eyes, dark blue splashed with gold, met Elena's with a look not entirely unsympathetic. â€Å"The best thing,†Sussure added hastily, â€Å"would be for us to put you to sleep and send you to your – your old, new dwellings. By the time you awaken, al wil have been accomplished.† Elena forced her face not to change. â€Å"Send me to Maple Street?†she asked, looking at Ryannen. â€Å"Aunt Judith's house?† â€Å"In your sleep, yes.† â€Å"I don't want to be asleep.†Elena moved even closer to Stefan. â€Å"Don't let them put me to sleep!† â€Å"No one's going to do anything to you that you don't want,†Stefan said, and his voice was like the edge of a razor. Sage rumbled his support, and Bonnie stared at the fair woman hard. Ryannen bowed her head. Elena woke up. It was dark, and she'd been asleep. She couldn't remember exactly how she'd fal en asleep, but she knew she wasn't on the palanquin, and she knew she wasn't in a sleeping bag. Stefan? Bonnie? Damon? she thought automatical y, but there was something odd about her telepathy. It felt almost as if it were confined to her own head. Was she in Stefan's room? It must be pitch-black outside, since she couldn't even see the outline of the trapdoor that led to the widow's walk. â€Å"Stefan?†she whispered, while various bits of information pooled in her mind. There was a smel , at once familiar and unfamiliar. She was lying on a comfortable double bed, not one of Lady Ulma's silken-and-velvet extravaganzas, but not any lumpy featherbed from the boardinghouse, either. Was she in a hotel? As these various thoughts came together in her brain, there was a soft quick rapping. Knuckles on glass. Elena's body took over. She tossed off the bedspread and ran to the window, mysteriously avoiding obstacles without thinking about them at all. Her hands wrenched aside curtains that she somehow knew were there and her skyrocketing heart brought a name to her lips. â€Å"Da – !† And then the world stopped and did its slowest somersault of al . The sight of a face, fierce and concerned and loving and yet strangely frustrated, just on the other side of the second-story window, brought Elena's memories back. Al of them. Fel ‘s Church was saved. And Damon was dead. Her head bent slowly until her forehead touched the cool pane of glass.