Afternoon Tea Report

Sam Blandford Student number: 21184301 Tutor: Peter Cross Professional Pastry Techniques 1 Title: Afternoon Tea Report Contents Page Page Number Introduction3 Methodology4 Current trends5 The Science of Gluten6 Gluten free afternoon tea7 Conclusion10 Bibliography11 Introduction In this report investigations will be carried out to determine what the current trends in items served in afternoon teas are as well as the way in which afternoon tea is served. Other factors that will be looked at include the changing clientele of establishments that serve afternoon tea.The range in price and quality of afternoon teas around the country and the type of places that choose to offer afternoon tea will also be investigated. Now, afternoon tea has been around since the early nineteenth century when tea first started to become popular in the UK. It ‘s invention is often credited to the 7th Duchess of Bedford (http://www. teamuse. com/article_001203. html) who it is thought used it to stave of f a â€Å"mid afternoon sinking feeling†.This was most likely as a result of it being commonplace in these times to only eat 2 meals a day, Breakfast and dinner with dinner being commonly served as late as 9 in the evening. The solution to this was to have a small pot of tea, with a light snack, usually a sandwich or cake of some sort at around 4pm. This is still the traditional time for afternoon tea to be had and many afternoon teas are very careful to keep to traditional items when serving afternoon tea as it is seen as an important part of British history and culture.Some more modern places are keener to adapt and branch out as will be explained later on in the report. Methodology To carry out this investigation research would need to be carried out into what afternoon teas are available and how they vary depending on factors like location, type and price. To this it was concluded a number of establishments would be chosen in cities across the UK and investigate what they had to offer. To do this their websites would be looked at in the hope that they would give me some useful information regarding their afternoon tea menu without me having to visit them in person.This quickly became a problem as it became apparent that the main players in the afternoon tea market, such as the Ritz-Carlton and the Savoy, both of which at the most expensive range of the market had very vague menus for their sweet items on their afternoon tea menus. This could be to so that competitors do not know what they are selling but could also be that because from a business point of view, afternoon teas are a great way to use up anything that is left over.This could have been quite limiting however, after looking at cheaper places it was discovered that they offered far more detailed menu descriptions such as The Milestone and The Goring. Another thing that was looked at over the course of this investigation was the clientele that visit establishments that are serving afternoo n tea. It was discovered that an increasingly large amount of Japanese tourists are visiting afternoon tea establishments. This is because Japanese people are very keen on a sense of history according to the Japan times something that many British establishments excel at providing.This is according to the Japan Times which says: â€Å"What Japanese people tend to appreciate most about Britain is its sense of tradition. The idea of setting aside time in the afternoon for tea is attractive, since it appeals to the Japanese love of continuity† this clearly demonstrates why more and more Japanese people choose to eat afternoon tea, though this could also be down to their superior economy enabling them to have more disposable income to spend on things like afternoon tea. Other clientele areas that are increasingly choosing to eat afternoon tea are the so-called ladies who lunch.These are the kind of women who are wealthy enough to be able to afford afternoon tea on a regular basis and often do so in a large grop of similar women. However this can have a bad effect on their health as a recent study by Dr Anne McTiernan found that those who regularly eat lunch away from home are more likely to gain weight than those who eat at home as reported in a national newspaper (http://www. dailymail. co. uk/health/article-2172900/A-weighty-warning-ladies-lunch-Those-eat-regularly-lose-fewer-pounds. tml) this shows how the rise in afternoon teas popularity can have detrimental effects on peoples health. Current trends In recent times afternoon tea has had a resurgence in popularity in the UK after a period where it was seen as somewhat old fashioned and out of touch with modern times where fast food establishments are plentiful. It may be difficult to attain the reason for this but retailer Debenhams, who has reported a 119% profit increase over the last 2 years in the sales of china cups and saucers.This shows a massive increase in afternoon tea popularity fuelled large ly by the money of many wealthy Asian businessmen and women enjoying afternoon tea either in the UK or in Asia where many things from British culture are becoming very popular, such as private schooling. For example recently Wellington College in Berkshire was paid to build an exact replica of itself in the Chinese city of Tianjin. This shows how Asian economic growth has helped to popularise afternoon tea again in Britain as many Asian people see Britain as the ideal template for their own country.Other factors that have helped to encourage the boom in afternoon tea popularity are the increasing number of establishments that offer it now and at varying prices making it affordable for people with less disposable income. For example an afternoon tea at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh is only ? 37 compared to ? 85. This shows how the more reasonable pricing of some afternoon teas can be a contributing factor in its booming popularity among both British and Foreign clientele. Something else that was noticed when looking at afternoon teas is the vast array of teas that are now available.One teashop that was looked researched in Cardiff had 300 teas on offer for service with an afternoon tea. This is different from when the first mention of afternoon tea came about where you were lucky if a handful of teas were on offer. The Science of Gluten. Gluten is a mixture of proteins that is found in many wheat-based products and other grains such as rye or oats. Gluten consists of two proteins gliadin and glutenin, which is mixed with starch in the endosperm of a wheat kernel.Together they make up 80% of the protein in wheat or other cereals gluten is useful in baking both breads and cakes as it gives the products elasticity and also allows them to keep their shape better. Gluten forms when glutenin molecules cross over creating a web like structure, which contributes to thickness and stretchiness of the dough. If yeast is added to the mixture it produces carbon dioxide bu bbles, which become trapped in the structure causing the dough to rise. Baking the dough solidifies the gluten, which along with starch helps to stabilise the shape of the product.Usually different flours are used in the production of breads to those of cakes and pastries as bread flour has a higher gluten content. This provides the stretchiness needed for good bread and pastry products, it is important to develop the gluten to just the right level or else the bread or pastry will either be too rubbery or too tough or to short, for example when making tartlets or other pastry products it is important not to work the dough too much as this risks developing the gluten too much resulting in a tough and chewy product rather than the more crispy product that is desired.Gluten is also used in the production of many imitation meat products such as Quorn and tofu as when gluten is cooked in a broth it produces a rubbery meat like texture. Gluten free afternoon tea. In doing this research gl uten free afternoon tea options available for those who suffer from coeliac disease were looked at. Many reviewers on online consumer sites found the food to be bland at tasteless particularly at the Ritz where many suggested that the ratio of topping to gluten free bread was far too excessive, many also found the pastry options to be far below the usual high standard that they expect.Others also commented on the poor quality of the Gluten free options and the snooty vibe of the waiting staff who they felt looked down on them because of their intolerance. However at other places such as Browns the gluten free options has been found to be almost identical to those that contained gluten, particularly the gluten free pastries. This lacking of taste from gluten free products is not uncommon as many products contain alternative flours and other ingredients that do not contain gluten such as potato flour and rice flour.These have a different taste to conventional flours and also have diff erent properties causing to both look and taste differently and usually inferior to products made with conventional flour. Currently few gluten free products exist that consistently come close to matching the flavour and texture of normal products such as Genius bread and Warburton’s who produce a variety of gluten free cakes. During the course of this investigation a number of products were thought up that were suitable for gluten free afternoon teas. One of these was a champagne jelly with a brandy syllabub cream and a frosted grape topping.This product was suitable for consumption by coeliac as it contained no wheat based products at all as its ingriedients consisted of   1 pint (570 ml) champagne or medium-dry sparkling white wine|   1 pint (570 ml) champagne or medium-dry sparkling white wine| 2 large lemons| 6 oz (175 g) caster sugar| 4 x 0. 4 oz (11 g) packs powdered gelatine| For the syllabub:| 2 tablespoons of the same wine as above| 1 tablespoon brandy| juice ? lemon| 1 oz (25 g) caster sugar| 5 fl oz (150 ml) double cream| For the frosted grape decoration:| 4-5 oz (110-150 g) seedless grapes| egg white| caster sugar| All these ingridients came to ? 13 for each quantity of ingridient. A rough diagram of this gluten free desert is shown below Champagne Jelly Syllabub Cream Bubbles Conclusion To conclude my report into afternoon teas it has been discovered that afternoon teas are coming back in a big way with celebrities helping to fuel the growth in demand for them. Also they have caught on abroad with Asia showing particular interest in them as they look to grow into a more developed country, perhaps basing that growth on culture much like the British did.Also it has been looked at the different options available for afternoon teas and how different the pricing strategies are for different levels of establishments. Another thing that has been noticed was the sheer variety of teas offered in some places and also a multitude of different cak e and bread mixes as well as sandwich fillings that are available for someone to have with afternoon tea today. Bibliography Tea  and tourism: tourists, traditions and transformations (L, Jolliffe, 2007 | | Teas  of the world (N,H Woodward, 1980) The  rough  guide  to London (R, Humphreys, B, Chaplin, 2008 7th edition) |

The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle Chapter Two

The police had found Stefan's abandoned car by Old Creek Road. That meant he'd left it somewhere between Drowning Creek and the woods. Elena stumbled on the overgrown path through the graveyard, but she kept moving, head down, arms hugging her light sweater to her. She had known this graveyard all her life, and she could find her way through it blind. By the time she crossed the bridge, her shivering had become painful. It wasn't snowing as hard now, but the wind was even worse. It cut through her clothes as if they were made of tissue paper, and took her breath away. Stefan, she thought, and turned onto Old Creek Road, trudging northward. She didn't believe what Damon had said. If Stefan were dead she wouldknow. He was alive, somewhere, and she had to find him. He could be anywhere out in this swirling whiteness; he could be hurt, freezing. Dimly, Elena sensed that she was no longer rational. All her thoughts had narrowed down to one single idea. Stefan. Find Stefan. It was getting harder to keep to the road. On her right were oak trees, on her left, the swift waters of Drowning Creek. She staggered and slowed. The wind didn't seem quite so bad any more, but she did feel very tired. She needed to sit down and rest, just for a minute. As she sank down beside the road, she suddenly realized how silly she had been to go out searching for Stefan. Stefan would come to her. All she needed to do was sit here and wait. He was probably coming right now. Elena shut her eyes and leaned her head against her drawn-up knees. She felt much warmer now. Her mind drifted and she saw Stefan, saw him smile at her. His arms around her were strong and secure, and she relaxed against him, glad to let go of fear and tension. She was home. She-was where she belonged. Stefan would never let anything hurt her. But then, instead of holding her, Stefan was shaking her. He was ruining the beautiful tranquility of her rest. She saw his face, pale and urgent, his green eyes dark with pain. She tried to tell him to be still, but he wouldn't listen.Elena, get up , he said, and she felt the compelling force of those green eyes willing her to do it.Elena, get up now – â€Å"Elena, get up!† The voice was high and thin and frightened. â€Å"Come on, Elena! Get up! We can't carry you!† Blinking, Elena brought a face into focus. It was small and heart-shaped, with fair, almost translucent skin, framed by masses of soft red curls. Wide brown eyes, with snowflakes caught in the lashes, stared worriedly into hers. â€Å"Bonnie,† she said slowly. â€Å"What are you doing here?† â€Å"Helping me look for you,† said a second, lower voice on Elena's other side. She turned slightly to see elegantly arched eyebrows and an olive complexion. Meredith's dark eyes, usually so ironic, were worried now, too. â€Å"Stand up, Elena, unless you want to become an ice princess for real.† It should have been warmer inside the car, but Elena's nerve endings were coming back to life, making her shake, telling her how cold she really was. Winter is an unforgiving season, she thought as Meredith drove. â€Å"What's going on, Elena?† said Bonnie from the back seat. â€Å"What did you think you were doing, running away from school like that? And how could you come out here?† Elena hesitated, then shook her head. She wanted nothing more than to tell Bonnie and Meredith everything. To tell them the whole terrifying story about Stefan and Damon and what had really happened last night to Mr. Tanner – and about after. But she couldn't. Even if they would believe her, it wasn't her secret to tell. â€Å"Everyone's out looking for you,† Meredith said. â€Å"The whole school's upset, and your aunt was nearly frantic.† â€Å"Sorry,† said Elena dully, trying to stop her violent shivering. They turned onto Maple Street and pulled up to her house. Aunt Judith was waiting inside with heated blankets. â€Å"I knew if they found you, you'd be half-frozen,† she said in a determinedly cheerful voice as she reached for Elena. â€Å"Snow on the day after Halloween! I can hardly believe it. Where did you girls find her?† â€Å"On Old Creek Road, past the bridge,† said Meredith. Aunt Judith's thin face lost color. â€Å"Near the graveyard? Where the attacks were? Elena, howcould you?†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Her voice trailed off as she looked at Elena. â€Å"We won't say anything more about it right now,† she said, trying to regain her cheerful manner. â€Å"Let's get you out of those wet clothes.† â€Å"I have to go back once I'm dry,† said Elena. Her brain was working again, and one thing was clear: she hadn't really seen Stefan out there; it had been a dream. Stefan was still missing. â€Å"You have to do nothing of the kind,† said Robert, Aunt Judith's fianc ¦. Elena had scarcely noticed him standing off to one side until then. But his tone brooked no argument. â€Å"The police are looking for Stefan; you leave them to their job,† he said. â€Å"The police think he killed Mr. Tanner. But he didn't. You know that, don't you?† As Aunt Judith pulled her sodden outer sweater off, Elena looked from one face to another for help, but they were all the same. â€Å"Youknow he didn't do it,† she repeated, almost desperately. There was a silence. â€Å"Elena,† Meredith said at last, â€Å"no one wants to think he did. But – well, it looks bad, his running away like this.† â€Å"He didn't run away. He didn't! Hedidn't – â€Å" â€Å"Elena, hush,† said Aunt Judith. â€Å"Don't get yourself worked up. I think you must be getting sick. It was so cold out there, and you got only a few hours of sleep last night†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She laid a hand on Elena's cheek. â€Å"I'm not sick,† she cried, pulling away. â€Å"And I'm not crazy, either – whatever you think. Stefan didn't run away and he didn't kill Mr. Tanner, and I don't care if none of you believes me†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She stopped, choking. Aunt Judith was fussing around her, hurrying her upstairs, and she let herself be hurried. But she wouldn't go to bed when Aunt Judith suggested she must be tired. Instead, once she had warmed up, she sat on the living room couch by the fireplace, with blankets heaped around her. The phone rang all afternoon, and she heard Aunt Judith talking to friends, neighbors, the school. She assured all of them that Elena was fine. The†¦ the tragedy last night had unsettled her a bit, that was all, and she seemed a little feverish. But she'd be good as new after a rest. Meredith and Bonnie sat beside her. â€Å"Do you want to talk?† Meredith said in a low voice. Elena shook her head, staring into the fire. They were all against her. And Aunt Judith was wrong; she wasn't fine. She wouldn't be fine until Stefan was found. Matt stopped by, snow dusting his blond hair and his dark blue parka. As he entered the room, Elena looked up at him hopefully. Yesterday Matt had helped save Stefan, when the rest of the school had wanted to lynch him. But today he returned her hopeful look with one of sober regret, and the concern in his blue eyes was only for her. The disappointment was unbearable. â€Å"What are you doing here?† Elena demanded. â€Å"Keeping your promise to ‘take care of me'?† There was a flicker of hurt in his eyes. But Matt's voice was level. â€Å"That's part of it, maybe. But I'd try to take care of you anyway, no matter what I promised. I've been worried about you. Listen, Elena – â€Å" She was in no mood to listen to anyone. â€Å"Well, I'm just fine, thank you. Ask anybody here. So you can stop worrying. Besides, I don't see why you should keep a promise to amurderer. â€Å" Startled, Matt looked at Meredith and Bonnie. Then he shook his head helplessly. â€Å"You're not being fair.† Elena was in no mood to be fair either. â€Å"I told you, you can stop worrying about me, and about my business. I'm fine, thanks.† The implication was obvious. Matt turned to the door just as Aunt Judith appeared with sandwiches. â€Å"Sorry, I've got to go,† he muttered, hurrying to the door. He left without looking back. Meredith and Bonnie and Aunt Judith and Robert tried to make conversation while they ate an early supper by the fire. Elena couldn't eat and wouldn't talk. The only one who wasn't miserable was Elena's little sister, Margaret. With four-year-old optimism, she cuddled up to Elena and offered her some of her Halloween candy. Elena hugged her sister hard, her face pressed into Margaret's white-blond hair for a moment. If Stefan could have called her or gotten a message to her, he would have done it by now. Nothing in the world would have stopped him, unless he were badly hurt, or trapped somewhere, or†¦ But Stefan was in trouble, and she had to find him somehow. She worried about it all through the evening, desperately trying to come up with a plan. One thing was clear; she was on her own. She couldn't trust anyone. It grew dark. Elena shifted on the couch and forced a yawn. â€Å"I'm tired,† she said quietly. â€Å"Maybe I am sick after all. I think I'll go to bed.† Meredith was looking at her keenly. â€Å"I was just thinking, Miss Gilbert,† she said, turning to Aunt Judith, â€Å"that maybe Bonnie and I should stay the night. To keep Elena company.† â€Å"What a good idea,† said Aunt Judith, pleased. â€Å"As long as your parents don't mind, I'd be glad to have you.† â€Å"It's a long drive back to Herron. I think I'll stay, too,† Robert said. â€Å"I can just stretch out on the couch here.† Aunt Judith protested that there were plenty of guest bedrooms upstairs, but Robert was adamant. The couch would do just fine for him, he said. After looking once from the couch to the hall where the front door stood plainly in view, Elena sat stonily. They'd planned this between them, or at least they were all in on it now. They were making sure she didn't leave the house. When she emerged from the bathroom a little while later, wrapped in her red silk kimono, she found Meredith and Bonnie sitting on her bed. â€Å"Well, hello, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern,† she said bitterly. Bonnie, who had been looking depressed, now looked alarmed. She glanced at Meredith doubtfully. â€Å"She knows who we are. She means she thinks we're spies for her aunt,† Meredith interpreted. â€Å"Elena, you should realize that isn't so. Can't you trust us at all?† â€Å"I don't know. Can I?† â€Å"Yes, because we're yourfriends. † Before Elena could move, Meredith jumped off the bed and shut the door. Then she turned to face Elena. â€Å"Now, for once in your life, listen to me, you little idiot. It's true we don't know what to think about Stefan. But, don't you see, that's your own fault. Ever since you and he got together, you've been shutting us out. Things have been happening that you haven't told us about. At least you haven't told us the whole story. But in spite of that, in spite of everything, we still trust you. We still care about you. We're still behind you, Elena, and we want to help. And if you can't see that, then youare an idiot.† Slowly, Elena looked from Meredith's dark, intense face to Bonnie's pale one. Bonnie nodded. â€Å"It's true,† she said, blinking hard as if to keep back tears. â€Å"Even if you don't like us, we still like you. â€Å" Elena felt her own eyes fill and her stern expression crumple. Then Bonnie was off the bed, and they were all hugging, and Elena found she couldn't help the tears that slid down her face. â€Å"Yangtze?† Bonnie's eyes widened. â€Å"But why would he want to kill a dog?† â€Å"I don't know, but he was there that night, in your house. And he was†¦ angry. I'm sorry, Bonnie.† Bonnie shook her head dazedly. Meredith said, â€Å"Why don't you tell the police?† Elena's laugh was slightly hysterical. â€Å"I can't. It's not something they can deal with. And that's another thing I can't explain. You said you still trusted me; well, you'll just have to trust me about that.† Bonnie and Meredith looked at each other, then at the bedspread, where Elena's nervous fingers were picking a thread out of the embroidery. Finally Meredith said, â€Å"All right. What can we do to help?† â€Å"I don't know. Nothing, unless†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Elena stopped and looked at Bonnie. â€Å"Unless,† she said, in a changed voice, â€Å"you can help me find Stefan.† Bonnie's brown eyes were genuinely bewildered. â€Å"Me? But what can I do?† Then, at Meredith's indrawn breath, she said, â€Å"Oh.Oh.† â€Å"You knew where I was that day I went to the cemetery,† said Elena. â€Å"And you even predicted Stefan's coming to school.† â€Å"I thought you didn't believe in all that psychic stuff,† said Bonnie weakly. â€Å"I've learned a thing or two since then. Anyway, I'm willing to believeanything if it'll help find Stefan. If there's any chance at all it will help.† Bonnie was hunching up, as if trying to make her already tiny form as small as possible. â€Å"Elena, you don't understand,† she said wretchedly. â€Å"I'm not trained; it's not something I can control. And – and it's not a game, not any more. The more you use those powers, the more they useyou. Eventually they can end up using you all the time, whether you want it or not. It'sdangerous. â€Å" Elena got up and walked to the cherry wood dresser, looking down at it without seeing it. At last she turned. â€Å"You're right; it's not a game. And I believe you about how dangerous it can be. But it's not a game for Stefan, either. Bonnie, I think he's out there, somewhere, terribly hurt. And there's nobody to help him; nobody's even looking for him, except his enemies. He may be dying right now. He – he may even be†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Her throat closed. She bowed her head over the dresser and made herself take a deep breath, trying to steady herself. When she looked up, she saw Meredith was looking at Bonnie. Bonnie straightened her shoulders, sitting up as tall as she could. Her chin lifted and her mouth set. And in her normally soft brown eyes, a grim light shone as they met Elena's. The match rasped and threw sparks in the darkness, and then the candle flame burned strong and bright. It lent a golden glow to Bonnie's pale face as she bent over it. â€Å"I'm going to need both of you to help me focus,† she said. â€Å"Look into the flame, and think about Stefan. Picture him in your mind. No matter what happens, keep on looking at the flame. And whatever you do, don't say anything.† Elena nodded, and then the only sound in the room was soft breathing. The flame flickered and danced, throwing patterns of light over the three girls sitting cross-legged around it. Bonnie, eyes closed, was breathing deeply and slowly, like someone drifting into sleep. Stefan, thought Elena, gazing into the flame, trying to pour all her will into the thought. She created him in her mind, using all her senses, conjuring him to her. The roughness of his woolen sweater under her cheek, the smell of his leather jacket, the strength of his arms around her. Oh, Stefan†¦ Bonnie's lashes fluttered and her breathing quickened, like a sleeper having a bad dream. Elena resolutely kept her eyes on the flame, but when Bonnie broke the silence a chill went up her spine. At first it was just a moan, the sound of someone in pain. Then, as Bonnie tossed her head, breath coming in short bursts, it became words. â€Å"Alone†¦Ã¢â‚¬  she said, and stopped. Elena's nails bit into her hand. â€Å"Alone†¦ in the dark,† said Bonnie. Her voice was distant and tortured. There was another silence, and then Bonnie began to speak quickly. â€Å"It's dark and cold. And I'm alone. There's something behind me†¦ jagged and hard. Rocks. They used to hurt – but not now. I'm numb now, from the cold. So cold†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Bonnie twisted, as if trying to get away from something, and then she laughed, a dreadful laugh almost like a sob. â€Å"That's†¦ funny. I never thought I'd want to see the sun so much. But it's always dark here. And cold. Water up to my neck, like ice. That's funny, too. Water everywhere – and me dying of thirst. So thirsty†¦ hurts†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Elena felt something tighten around her heart. Bonnie was inside Stefan's thoughts, and who knew what she might discover there? Stefan, tell us where you are, she thought desperately. Look around; tell me what you see. â€Å"†Thirsty. I need†¦ life?† Bonnie's voice was doubtful, as if not sure how to translate some concept. â€Å"I'm weak. He said I'll always be the weak one. He's strong†¦ a killer. But that's what I am, too. I killed Katherine; maybe I deserve to die. Why not just let go?†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"No!† said Elena before she could stop herself. In that instant, she forgot everything but Stefan's pain. â€Å"Stefan – â€Å" â€Å"Elena!† Meredith cried sharply at the same time. But Bonnie's head fell forward, the flow of words cut off. Horrified, Elena realized what she had done. â€Å"Bonnie, are you all right? Can you find him again? I didn't mean to†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Bonnie's head lifted. Her eyes were open now, but they looked at neither the candle nor Elena. They â€Å"Elena,† the voice said, â€Å"don't go to the bridge. It's Death, Elena. Your death is waiting there.† Then Bonnie slumped forward. Elena grabbed her shoulders and shook. â€Å"Bonnie!† she almost screamed. â€Å"Bonnie!† â€Å"What†¦ oh, don't. Let go.† Bonnie's voice was weak and shaken, but it was her own. Still bent over, she put a hand to her forehead. â€Å"Bonnie, are you all right?† â€Å"I think so†¦ yes. But it was so strange.† Her tone sharpened and she looked up, blinking. â€Å"What was that, Elena, about being a killer?† â€Å"You remember that?† â€Å"I remember everything. I can't describe it; it was awful. But what did that mean?† â€Å"Nothing,† said Elena. â€Å"He's hallucinating, that's all.† Meredith broke in. â€Å"He? Then you really think she tuned in to Stefan?† Elena nodded, her eyes sore and burning as she looked away. â€Å"Yes. I think that was Stefan. It had to be. And I think she even told us where he is. Under Wickery Bridge, in the water.†

Islamic Fasting and Christian Season of Lent Essay

Islamic Fasting and Christian Season of Lent - Essay Example This paper provides a detailed summary of the Christian Lenten season compared to Islam's fasting season. The two religions exhibit similarities and differences in various ways and pose different impacts on the respective religions. Ash Wednesday is the first day that Christians use to mark the period in western Christianity. The main purpose of Ash Wednesday is to remind us that lent is present, and we need to make an effort to acquire a close relationship to God through repenting. This is realization that God truly loves us because he died for us. The cross of ashes on one's forehead represents that Jesus does forgive all sins. Ash Wednesday is also a reminder that all people need God’s help, and it is a symbol that Jesus will help us (Allen 9). The period of Lent begins forty days before Easter and culminates in Easter Sunday. The Sundays are not inclusive in the forty days since God intended them for resting. Christians observe this period of Easter by fasting and repentin g their sins. The church has set this period aside to give Christians a chance to reflect on the sacrifice, life, suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ. Roman Catholics, Anglican, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Methodist comprise the churches that observe Lent. The Churches of Eastern Orthodox observe the Great Lent during the 40 days that precede Palm Sunday. Their practice of fasting continues during the holy week of Orthodox Easter. The Orthodox churches do not observe Ash Wednesday and their Lent season begins on Clean Monday (Allen 15). During this period, the Christians have an obligation to give up things they do regularly or make themselves righteous by praying frequently and doing meritorious deeds. Giving up meat is a sacrifice that Christians exercise. Fasting should enable Christians to become better people by sacrificing themselves for the benefit of other people. Giving up meats on Fridays is a form of sacrifice that represents the death, suffering, and sacrifice t hat Jesus went through during the time of his persecution (Allen 39). The Stations of the Cross’ are a significant part that Catholics partake in during the Lenten season. This is the practice that commemorates the journey of the death of Jesus. The stages presents all events that took place before the soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross. The steps remind us of the amount of suffering that Jesus endured. The priest reads the fourteen parts or other individuals act them. The Lent season provides us with renewal of hope. It encourages us during hardships and tragic experiences (Allen 51). Lent is a fulfilling season for Catholics since it a person’s relationship with God closer. People consider Lent to be a source of warming in their lives. This is because it is during this period that the relationship between one and God strengthens. The critical part of lent and the basis of the Lenten season is the intrinsic feeling inside a person. This feeling makes one feel scrupulo us about doing an admirable deed. It teaches people to help other without expecting anything in return (Allen 77). The best part of Lenten season is that it enables us to draw closer to God through temporary sacrifice that we make. It gives Christians a chance to balance between cutting themselves off marvellous things and fasting. This season gives us hope that God will guide us during hardships and tragedies. We attain hope of guidance from God through the fact that Jesus resurrected and thus conquered death. The same way, God will assist us conquer tragedies and hardships. The worst part of the Lenten season is that it interferes with ones day to day life activities. People accidentally

Middle ages Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Middle ages - Assignment Example Schools and universities were established in Europe which was the initial steps to renaissance. 2. What modern institutions have their origin in the middle Ages? The first medieval universities were initially established in France, Spain and England during the twelfth and thirteenth century imparting education on subjects such as theology, art, medicine and law. These institutes evolved from contemporary Christian cathedral schools. 3. What is important about the form of Dante's Divine Comedy? Dante Alighieri wrote the Divine Comedy which is an epic poem. It is considered to be an asset to Italian literature and the greatest work of world literature. His work is a comedy with a vision. He describes hell and heaven in a literal, interesting and elaborate manner. He also interlinks life during the Italian renaissance to the depiction of hell because of the prevailing social evils and heaven to the enlightened future which was about to come. 4. What is symbolic retribution? It is a repr esentational punishment which is usually expressed during the principle protests. It can also be referred to as 'token punishment'. In simpler words is a punishment which represents or symbolizes a sin, the perversion that develop in the intellect. Hence "The symbolic retribution is the constant and eternal reminder of choice." (Forman, 88) 5. What is the frame narrative? A frame narrative is a story which is contained in a story. This can also be at times contained in another story. 6. Is the plague narrated in the introduction a fact or fiction? The Plague by Albert Camus as narrated in the introduction is a nonfiction and factual novel based on the widespread spread of the Plague disease in the Algerian city. This novel is about common people looked for solidarity and fought to bring stability in their life irrespective of the spread of this disease. 7. What types of tales are contained in the Decameron? Give examples. The Decameron is an allegory, being a frame narration it cont ains hundred tales which are presented by ten young people. It encompasses a wide range of tales which are belonging to various genres like tragic, erotic, humor, practical jokes as well as the teachings of life that comprised of morality, values and guidance.Some examples of The Decameron tales are the translator (Musa) and Beowulf on the Beach. 8. How many Canterbury pilgrims are there? There are about twenty nine pilgrims in the Canterbury. 9. How many Canterbury tales were planned? In this book the author Chaucer planned to write a total of 120 tales. He initially planned to write a total of 120 takes but failed to do in his lifetime. 10. How many stories were completed? In the book The Canterbury the author Chaucer, was able to complete a total of 24 tales in his lifetime. 11. Characterize the language of Chaucer. Chaucer chose to write from life. His work is a great narration of consistent impersonation. Chaucer had the capability to fit the tale with the teller. He was divers ified and works on exploring and bringing about the uniqueness in his characters through the use of the perfect words at the perfect time. Emphasis was also laid on the ambiguity of the language used. Chaucer being thoroughly involved in his work concentrated on even the slightest of the detail. His work shows the in depth study and thorough knowledge of the rhetoric manifestations which are precisely narrated with fair and precise use of

Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security - Essay Example Since the passage of Medicare and Medicaid, the Obama care represents one of the most important regulatory overhauls of the U.S. healthcare system. The significant role of the PPACA was felt in healthcare system due to its incorporation with Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act amendments in the United States. The ACA was enacted in order to increase the affordability and quality of health insurance. Through this health care act, there was a provision of lowering the uninsured rates through the expansion of public and private insurance coverage. This bill, additionally, reduced the cost of healthcare for both the individual patients and the government. Lastly, the â€Å"Obama care† introduced mechanisms like subsidies, mandates and insurance exchanges. This act established a universally single-payer health care system in the United States. It was roughly an equivalent of Canada’s Medicare. Under a single care insurance model, all the medical care were supposed to be catered for by the government of the United States. The major aim of National Health Care Pact was to end the need for private health insurance and premiums. This entirely probably was aimed at recasting the privately owned health care insurance company and boosting the affordability and efficiency of the United States health care system (Mathews, 2014). The external factors that led to the implementation of the Patient Protect and Affordable Care Act and the United States National Health Care Act was to have an efficient and affordable healthcare system to the public. Health care, as a national government policy, is a very crucial docket especially when it comes to the expenses communally incurred to cater for these expenses. The implementation of â€Å"Obama Care† considerably considered the accessibility of health services to the public, which is the basic entity of both the federal and national governments (Institute of medicine, 2005).

Saving Californias Surf Breaks Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Saving Californias Surf Breaks - Research Paper Example   With the advent of surfing environmentalism also came the task of educating both the surfing and non-surfing public of how waves are created, how rock formations in the sea and its other natural resources aid wave formation and how human interference, such as coastal developments and road constructions, affects the process. Educating the public about surfing basics is not complete without talking about surf breaks, which are crucial in creating wave breaks that surfers ride (Butt, 2009). â€Å"A surf break is defined as a permanent obstruction, such as a reef, headland, bombora [and] rock or sandbar, which causes waves to break† (Silmalis, 2007). Although what constitutes the actual wave that surfers ride involves a more complex combination of weather, wind direction, tides, and ocean current, an integral part of this fusion are surf breaks (Diel and Menges, 2008, p. 84). The texture and shape of the sea floor determine the height of the wave (p. 87). Hence, beaches rich in coral reefs—which are considered to be the best surf breaks—and blessed with great bombora and other rock and sand formations are considered to be prime surf spots (Almond, 2009, p. 93). California is home to some of the world’s best surf spots, and preserving the state’s surf breaks is a huge task that involves more than the occasional â€Å"Save the Beach† rallies. For instance, in 2008, about 3,000 surfers and environmentalists expressed their opposition to an $875 million toll road project that would â€Å"block sediment that creates world-class waves at San Onofre State Beach† by showing up for the marathon commission hearing (Flaccus, 2008). The Save the Waves Coalition is a prime example of a non-profit surfing environmentalist organization that teams up with local, national and international agencies to â€Å"preserve and protect surfing locations around the planet and to educate the public about their value† (Kampion, 2009, p. 117).     

The Case against Marriage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Case against Marriage - Essay Example To begin with, the purpose of marriage has undergone a sea change. In the past, it â€Å"was how women ensured their financial security, got the fathers of their children to stick around, and gained access to a host of legal rights†. However, the feminist movement and other developments made significant changes in the lives of women. At present, they are at least as educated as men are, and make as much money as men do. The authors claim, â€Å"We’re also breadwinners in two thirds of American families† . In addition, women can establish their legal rights even without a legal marriage. Thus, while marriage was a necessity for women â€Å"to survive† (par. 8) in the past, it is not so at present. Thus, the authors note that due to the changes above discussed, at present what women look for in marriage is â€Å"a best friend, a business partner, somebody to share sex, love and chores†. In simple terms, what women expect in marriage is a â€Å"soul m ate†; not security anymore. In addition, the authors point out quoting social scientists that the institution of marriage as a long term contract is not as effective as people would love to believe. Quoting Curtis Bergstrand, the article states, â€Å"social science tells us fundamentally that this system is not working†. Moreover, there is the finding that â€Å"20 years into marriage, 90 percent of couples have lost the passion they originally felt†. Based on this, the authors point out that marriage was a stable institution in the past because of the dependence of women on their husbands for survival.

Gps systems in todays society Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Gps systems in todays society - Research Paper Example 4). The space segment is made up of at least 24 GPS satellites that orbit the earth twice a day in a specific pattern. The control segment is the segment responsible for constantly monitoring from the ground, the satellite’s movements, signals and orbital configuration. The user segment consists of the GPS receiver which collects and processes signals from the GPS satellites which then determines and computes location, velocity and time. Three aspects were emphasized during the development of the GPS3 (Zogg 9). First, it must assist its users in determining position, speed, and time, whether an object is in motion or at rest. Second, irrespective of the weather, it must have a continuous global, 3-dimensional positioning capability with a high degree of accuracy. And lastly, even ordinary people must be able to use it. This last aspect is the reason why GPS is now widely used not only in military operations but also in our everyday lives. GPS has a plethora of uses in our society today. Its applications can be found in various industries. Foremost among its uses is the tracking of people, commodities and the different modes of transportation. GPS receivers are used for determining position, speed and time. It can be used everywhere except in areas where receiving a signal is impossible such as innermost parts of buildings, caves, underwater or other subterranean locations. In the military which was originally the intended purpose of the GPS, aircrafts, ships, submarines and tanks use it for basic navigation, target designation, close air support and weapon technology4 (Garmin Ltd. 6). In aviation, GPS is very useful because pilots use it for navigation and determining airport approaches. In space, GPS helps track and control satellites in orbit. Space shuttles also use the same technology. At sea, the most typical use of GPS is for navigation by recreational

Inflation Rate Essay Example for Free

Inflation Rate Essay Inflation means a sustained increase in the aggregate or general price level in an economy. Inflation means there is an increase in the cost of living. What are the economic policies that lead to low inflation in an economy? 1. Monetary Policy In the UK and US, monetary policy is the most important tool for maintaining low inflation. In the UK, monetary policy is set by the MPC of the Bank of England. They are given an inflation target by the government. This inflation target is 2%+/-1 and the MPC use interest rates to try and achieve this target. The first step is for the MPC to try and predict future inflation. They look at various economic statistics and try to decide whether the economy is overheating. If inflation is forecast to increase above the target, the MPC will increase interest rates. Increased interest rates will help reduce the growth of Aggregate Demand in the economy. The slower growth will then lead to lower inflation. Higher interest rates reduce consumer spending because: * Increased interest rates increase the cost of borrowing, discouraging consumers from borrowing and spending. * Increased interest rates make it more attractive to save money * Increased interest rates reduce the disposable income of those with mortgages. * Higher interest rates increased the value of the exchange rate leading to lower exports and more imports. Base Rates and Inflation Base interest rates were increased in the late 1980s / 1990 to try and control the rise in inflation. 2. Supply Side Policies Supply side policies aim to increase long term competitiveness and productivity. For example, privatisation and deregulation were hoped to make firms more productive. Therefore, in the long run supply side policies can help reduce inflationary pressures. However, supply side policies work very much in the long term. They cannot be used to reduce sudden increases in the inflation rate. 3. Fiscal Policy This is another demand side policy, similar in effect to Monetary Policy. Fiscal policy involves the government changing tax and spending levels in order to influence the level of Aggregate Demand. To reduce inflationary pressures the government can increase tax and reduce government spending. This will reduce AD. 4. Exchange Rate Policy In the late 1980s the UK joined the ERM, as a means to control inflation. It was felt that by keeping the value of the pound high, it would help reduce inflationary pressures. The policy did reduce inflation, but at the cost of a recession. To maintain the value of the  £ against the DM, the government had to increase interest rates to 15%. The UK no longer uses this as an inflationary policy. 5. Wage Control Wage growth is a key factor in determining inflation. If wages increase quickly it will cause high inflation. In the 1970s, there was a brief attempt at wage controls which tried to limit wage growth. However, it was effectively dropped because it was difficult to widely enforce. Main Cause of Inflation 1. Demand pull inflation If the economy is at or close to full employment then an increase in AD leads to an increase in the price level. As firms reach full capacity, they respond by putting up prices leading to inflation. AD can increase due to an increase in any of its components C+I+G+X-M The link between output and inflation suggests that there will be a similar link between inflation and unemployment, The Phillips curve initially showed a link between money wages and unemployment, it was then argued an increase in wages would lead to inflation 2. Cost Push Inflation If there is an increase in the costs of firms, then firms will pass this on to consumers. There will be a shift to the left in the AS. Cost push inflation can be caused by many factors 1. The Labour Market If trades unions can present a common front then they can bargain for higher wages, this will lead to wage inflation. 2. Import prices One third of all goods are imported in the UK. If there is a devaluation then import prices will become more expensive leading to an increase in inflation E.G. a German car costs DM 40,000. If the exchange rate is DM  £1:3DM then it will be priced at  £13,333. If the E.R falls to  £1: 2DM then it will be priced at  £20,000 3. Raw Material Prices, The best example is the price of oil, if the oil price increase by 20% then this will have a significant impact on most goods in the economy and this will lead to cost push inflation. E.g. in early 2008, there was a spike in the price of oil to over $150 causing a rise in inflation. 4. Profit Push Inflation When firms push up prices to get higher rates of inflation. 5. Declining productivity If firms become less productive and allow costs to rise, this invariably leads to higher prices. Source: http://www.economicshelp.org/index.html PHILIPPINES INFLATION RATE The inflation rate in Philippines was recorded at 2.90 percent in December of 2012. Inflation Rate in Philippines is reported by the The National Statistics Office (NSO). Historically, from 1958 until 2012, Philippines Inflation Rate averaged 9.1 Percent reaching an all time high of 62.8 Percent in September of 1984 and a record low of -2.1 Percent in January of 1959. In Philippines, the most important categories in the Consumer Price Index are: food and non-alcoholic beverages (39 percent of total weight); housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (22 percent) and transport (8 percent). The index also includes health (3 percent), education (3 percent), clothing and footwear (3 percent), communication (2 percent) and recreation and culture (2 percent). Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, furnishing, household equipment, restaurants and other goods and services account for the remaining 15 percent. This page includes a chart with historical data for Philippines Inflation Rate. Source: http://www.tradingeconomics.com/philippines/inflation-cpi causes Historically, a great deal of economic literature was concerned with the question of what causes inflation and what effect it has. There were different schools of thought as to the causes of inflation. Most can be divided into two broad areas: quality theories of inflation and quantity theories of inflation. The quality theory of inflation rests on the expectation of a seller accepting currency to be able to exchange that currency at a later time for goods that are desirable as a buyer. The quantity theory of inflation rests on the quantity equation of money, that relates the money supply, itsvelocity, and the nominal value of exchanges. Adam Smith and David Hume proposed a quantity theory of inflation for money, and a quality theory of inflation for production.[citation needed] Currently, the quantity theory of money is widely accepted as an accurate model of inflation in the long run. Consequently, there is now broad agreement among economists that in the long run, the inflation rate is essentially dependent on the growth rate of money supply relative to the growth of the economy. However, in the short and medium term inflation may be affected by supply and demand pressures in the economy, and influenced by the relative elasticity of wages, prices and interest rates.[29] The question of whether the short-term effects last long enough to be important is the central topic of debate between monetarist and Keynesian economists. In monetarism prices and wages adjust quickly enough to make other factors merely marginal behavior on a general trend-line. In the Keynesian view, prices and wages adjust at different rates, and these differences have enough effects on real output to be long term in the view of people in an economy. Keynesian economic theory proposes that changes in money supply do not directly affect prices, and that visible inflation is the result of pressures in the economy expressing themselves in prices. Monetarist view Monetarists believe the most significant factor influencing inflation or deflation is how fast the money supply grows or shrinks. They consider fiscal policy, or government spending and taxation, as ineffective in controlling inflation.] According to the famous monetarist economist Milton Friedman,Inflation is always and everywhere a monetary phenomenon.[49] Some monetarists, however, will qualify this by making an exception for very short-term circumstances. Unemployment A connection between inflation and unemployment has been drawn since the emergence of large scale unemployment in the 19th century, and connections continue to be drawn today. In Marxian economics, the unemployed serve as a reserve army of labour, which restrain wage inflation. In the 20th century, similar concepts in Keynesian economics include the NAIRU (Non-Accelerating Inflation Rate of Unemployment) and the Phillips curve. Rational expectations theory For more details on this topic, see Rational expectations theory. Rational expectations theory holds that economic actors look rationally into the future when trying to maximize their well-being, and do not respond solely to immediate opportunity costs and pressures. In this view, while generally grounded in monetarism, future expectations and strategies are important for inflation as well. A core assertion of rational expectations theory is that actors will seek to head off central-bank decisions by acting in ways that fulfill predictions of higher inflation. This means that central banks must establish their credibility in fighting inflation, or economic actors will make bets that the central bank will expand the money supply rapidly enough to prevent recession, even at the expense of exacerbating inflation. Thus, if a central bank has a reputation as being soft on inflation, when it announces a new policy of fighting inflation with restrictive monetary growth economic agents will not believe that the policy will persist; their inflationary expectations will remain high, and so will inflation. On the other hand, if the central bank has a reputation of being tough on inflation, then such a policy announcement will be believed and inflationary expectations will come down rapidly, thus allowing inflation itself to come down rapidly with minimal economic disruption. Austrian view For more details on this topic, see The Austrian view of inflation and monetary inflation The Austrian School asserts that inflation is an increase in the money supply, rising prices are merely consequences and this semantic difference is important in defining inflation.[50] Austrians stress that inflation affects prices in various degree, i.e. that prices rise more sharply in some sectors than in other sectors of the economy. The reason for the disparity is that excess money will be concentrated to certain sectors, such as housing, stocks or health care. Because of this disparity, Austrians argue that the aggregate price level can be very misleading when observing the effects of inflation. Austrian economists measure inflation by calculating the growth of new units of money that are available for immediate use in exchange, that have been created over time.[51][52][53] Critics of the Austrian view point out that their preferred alternative to fiat currency intended to prevent inflation, commodity-backed money, is likely to grow in supply at a different rate thaneconomic growth. Thus it has proven to be highly deflationary and destabilizing, including in instances where it has caused and prolonged depressions.[54] Real bills doctrine Main article: Real bills doctrine Within the context of a fixed specie basis for money, one important controversy was between the quantity theory of money and the real bills doctrine (RBD). Within this context, quantity theory applies to the level of fractional reserve accounting allowed against specie, generally gold, held by a bank. Currency and banking schools of economics argue the RBD, that banks should also be able to issue currency against bills of trading, which is real bills that they buy from merchants. This theory was important in the 19th century in debates between Banking and Currency schools of monetary soundness, and in the formation of the Federal Reserve. In the wake of the collapse of the international gold standard post 1913, and the move towards deficit financing of government, RBD has remained a minor topic, primarily of interest in limited contexts, such as currency boards. It is generally held in ill repute today, with Frederic Mishkin, a governor of theFederal Reserve going so far as to say it had been completely discredited. The debate between currency, or quantity theory, and banking schools in Britain during the 19th century prefigures current questions about the credibility of money in the present. In the 19th century the banking school had greater influence in policy in the United States and Great Britain, while the currency school had more influence on the continent, that is in non-British countries, particularly in the Latin Monetary Union and the earlier Scandinavia monetary union. Anti-classical or backing theory Another issue associated with classical political economy is the anti-classical hypothesis of money, or backing theory. The backing theory argues that the value of money is determined by the assets and liabilities of the issuing agency.[55] Unlike the Quantity Theory of classical political economy, the backing theory argues that issuing authorities can issue money without causing inflation so long as the money issuer has sufficient assets to cover redemptions. There are very few backing theorists, making quantity theory the dominant theory explaining inflation.[citation needed] - Controlling inflation A variety of methods and policies have been used to control inflation. Stimulating economic growth If economic growth matches the growth of the money supply, inflation should not occur when all else is equal.[56] A large variety of factors can affect the rate of both. For example, investment inmarket production, infrastructure, education, and preventative health care can all grow an economy in greater amounts than the investment spending.[57][58] Monetary policy The U.S. effective federal funds ratecharted over fifty years. Main article: Monetary policy Today the primary tool for controlling inflation is monetary policy. Most central banks are tasked with keeping their inter-bank lending rates at low levels, normally to a target rate around 2% to 3% per annum, and within a targeted low inflation range, somewhere from about 2% to 6% per annum. A low positive inflation is usually targeted, as deflationary conditions are seen as dangerous for the health of the economy. There are a number of methods that have been suggested to control inflation. Central banks such as the U.S. Federal Reserve can affect inflation to a significant extent through setting interest rates and through other operations. High interest rates and slow growth of the money supply are the traditional ways through which central banks fight or prevent inflation, though they have different approaches. For instance, some follow a symmetrical inflation target while others only control inflation when it rises above a target, whether express or implied. Monetarists emphasize keeping the growth rate of money steady, and using monetary policy to control inflation (increasing interest rates, slowing the rise in the money supply). Keynesians emphasize reducing aggregate demand during economic expansions and increasing demand during recessions to keep inflation stable. Control of aggregate demand can be achieved using both monetary policy and fiscal policy (increased taxation or reduced government spending to reduce demand). Fixed exchange rates Under a fixed exchange rate currency regime, a countrys currency is tied in value to another single currency or to a basket of other currencies (or sometimes to another measure of value, such as gold). A fixed exchange rate is usually used to stabilize the value of a currency, vis-a-vis the currency it is pegged to. It can also be used as a means to control inflation. However, as the value of the reference currency rises and falls, so does the currency pegged to it. This essentially means that the inflation rate in the fixed exchange rate country is determined by the inflation rate of the country the currency is pegged to. In addition, a fixed exchange rate prevents a government from using domestic monetary policy in order to achieve macroeconomic stability. Under the Bretton Woods agreement, most countries around the world had currencies that were fixed to the US dollar. This limited inflation in those countries, but also exposed them to the danger of speculative attacks. After the Bretton Woods agreement broke down in the early 1970s, countries gradually turned to floating exchange rates. However, in the later part of the 20th century, some countries reverted to a fixed exchange rate as part of an attempt to control inflation. This policy of using a fixed exchange rate to control inflation was used in many countries in South America in the later part of the 20th century (e.g. Argentina (1991–2002), Bolivia, Brazil, and Chile). Gold standard The gold standard is a monetary system in which a regions common media of exchange are paper notes that are normally freely convertible into pre-set, fixed quantities of gold. The standard specifies how the gold backing would be implemented, including the amount of specie per currency unit. The currency itself has no innate value, but is accepted by traders because it can be redeemed for the equivalent specie. A U.S. silver certificate, for example, could be redeemed for an actual piece of silver. The gold standard was partially abandoned via the international adoption of the Bretton Woods System. Under this system all other major currencies were tied at fixed rates to the dollar, which itself was tied to gold at the rate of $35 per ounce. The Bretton Woods system broke down in 1971, causing most countries to switch to fiat money – money backed only by the laws of the country. According to Lawrence H. White, an F. A. Hayek Professor of Economic History who values the Austrian tradition,[59] economies based on the gold standard rarely experience inflation above 2 percent annually.[60] However, historically, the U.S. saw inflation over 2% several times and a higher peak of inflation under the gold standard when compared to inflation after the gold standard.[61] Under a gold standard, the long term rate of inflation (or deflation) would be determined by the growth rate of the supply of gold relative to total output.[62] Critics argue that this will cause arbitrary fluctuations in the inflation rate, and that monetary policy would essentially be determined by gold mining.[63][64] Wage and price controls Another method attempted in the past have been wage and price controls (incomes policies). Wage and price controls have been successful in wartime environments in combination with rationing. However, their use in other contexts is far more mixed. Notable failures of their use include the 1972 imposition of wage and price controls by Richard Nixon. More successful examples include the Prices and Incomes Accord in Australia and the Wassenaar Agreement in the Netherlands. In general, wage and price controls are regarded as a temporary and exceptional measure, only effective when coupled with policies designed to reduce the underlying causes of inflation during the wage and price control regime, for example, winning the war being fought. They often have perverse effects, due to the distorted signals they send to the market. Artificially low prices often cause rationing and shortages and discourage future investment, resulting in yet further shortages. The usual economic analysis is that any product or service that is under-priced is overconsumed. For example, if the official price of bread is too low, there will be too little bread at official prices, and too little investment in bread making by the market to satisfy future needs, thereby exacerbating the problem in the long term. Temporary controls may complement a recession as a way to fight inflation: the controls make the recession more efficient as a way to fight inflation (reducing the need to increase unemployment), while the recession prevents the kinds of distortions that controls cause when demand is high. However, in general the advice of economists is not to impose price controls but to liberalize prices by assuming that the economy will adjust and abandon unprofitable economic activity. The lower activity will place fewer demands on whatever commodities were driving inflation, whether labor or resources, and inflation will fall with total economic output. This often produces a severe recession, as productive capacity is reallocated and is thus often very unpopular with the people whose livelihoods are destroyed (see creative destruction). Cost-of-living allowance The real purchasing-power of fixed payments is eroded by inflation unless they are inflation-adjusted to keep their real values constant. In many countries, employment contracts, pension benefits, and government entitlements (such as social security) are tied to a cost-of-living index, typically to the consumer price index.[65] A cost-of-living allowance (COLA) adjusts salaries based on changes in a cost-of-living index. Salaries are typically adjusted annually in low inflation economies. During hyperinflation they are adjusted more often.[65] They may also be tied to a cost-of-living index that varies by geographic location if the employee moves. Annual escalation clauses in employment contracts can specify retroactive or future percentage increases in worker pay which are not tied to any index. These negotiated increases in pay are colloquially referred to as cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) or cost-of-living increases because of their similarity to increases tied to externally determined indexes.

Ping Sweep and Port Scans Essay Example for Free

Ping Sweep and Port Scans Essay Information system threats are central to developments in information systems and should be viewed positively. Introduction The emergence of computers effectively led to a change in the approach to business operations. Information technology led to the development of a completely different approach to operations and is cited as a key driver to globalization which is central to the high level of competition being experienced in different industries. High levels of competition have led to an increase in the need for security since information is central to identification of opportunities and development of innovative approaches to operation. The internet as an information superhighway is especially laced with all kinds of security threats. Protocols are continuously being developed to try and ensure high levels of security; however the threats have managed to stay abreast due to the diversity they exhibit. Ping Sweep There are different modes used by an attacker to gain and interfere with the operations of a system. However, most attacks require a system to be active and therefore implement a mechanism to detect the activity of a system. Ping is one such technique that has found use in by both black and white hat hackers. The first step in the hackers’ manual is to determine the activity of a network and its connection status to the internet after which codes are subjected to the system to try and gain its control (Kurtz, McClure, Scambray, 2005). The actual mechanism involved in ping operations includes sending network packets and awaiting some unique response that will show the activity of the system. To effectively attack a network an attacker must gather as much information as possible; this is done by a ping sweep (Kurtz et al, 2005). A number of ping operations are done and each targeted at a specific IP address (Kurtz et al, 2005). To be effective in remote information collection, multithreaded sweep tools that allow for customized time-outs (Kurtz et al, 2005). Port Scanning The threats posed by ping operations are known to all administrators who often developed mechanisms to ensure that their security is not compromised. Open hosts are a key security threat and can be used by attackers to deal a deathly blow to systems (Scambray, McClure, 2007). Port scanning as a system maintenance mechanism is mainly concerned with searching network hosts to determine which ports are open. Administrators and crackers use port scanners which are software component to determine states of networks thus their vulnerability. Scanning can take on different approaches which include TCP, UDP or SYN scanning (Scambray, McClure, 2007). It is worth noting that the objective of the scanner determines the effects that the scanning activity will have on the network or system. A port scanning mechanism where multiple hosts are scanned to determine the one that is listening is referred to as a port sweep (Scambray, McClure, 2007). Implication Port scanning and ping sweeps can be dangerous depending on the objectives of the person or entity initiating them. They can be considered system threats or maintenance procedures depending on whether they are being initiated by a hacker or a system analyst. There are several approaches that have been developed to minimize the risk of malicious ping sweeps against a network. Disabling ICMP protocols for networks connected directly to the internet and configurations of firewalls to do the same is effective in dealing with ping sweeps (Kurtz et al, 2005). Port scanning is used to gather information on a networks security which can then be used to cause malfunctions such as buffer overflows. Conclusion Port scans and ping sweeps can be used by administrators and hackers and are thus both beneficial and risk causing. Managers should ensure that their systems are developed in a manner that is security conscious in that even if it is scanned no security weakness should be discovered. Dealing with the threat of port scan can cause inefficiencies though ping sweeps can be dealt with effectively. Developing a robust network that is near perfect is the ultimate approach to dealing with the threats posed by ping seeps and port scans which are just information seeking mechanisms. Being aware that versatile and creative hackers are in a position to scan a system is motivation enough to ensure system security is kept up to date with development in information technology. Thus, scanners and sweepers are motivators behind the development and improvements in information strategies aimed at development of secure information systems. References Kurtz, G. , McClure, S. , Scambray, J. (2005). Hacking Exposed: Network Security Secrets Solutions. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional. Scambray, J. , McClure, S. (2007). Hacking Exposed Windows: Windows Security Secrets and Solutions. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional.

Consequences Of Global Overfishing Environmental Sciences Essay

Consequences Of Global Overfishing Environmental Sciences Essay This essay covers the world crisis of overfishing and its effects on the global economic and environment. Essay has found that fisheries are facing unusual crisis due to overfishing and overfishing is further threaten to the future sustainability of fisheries, the livelihoods of coastal fisheries and ecosystems. The reason of overfishing is associated with increasing population of the world which demonstrates increased food requirements for the population. In consequence, increased food requirement has led to overfishing. As a result of overfishing, marine species have declined in population and causing change to marine ecosystems (Peter, 1994). This essay is concerned about the issue of overfishing, reason of overfishing and after-effects of overfishing. Other main concern of the easy is the role of large countries and multinational corporations and in the same regard, economic and commercial issues will also cover to understand how trade factors like exceeding quotas and commercial fishermen are more likely to be responsible for overfishing. Fish is the basic source of protein for 950 million people around the world and it is included as basic diet of many people. Fisheries are also important source of employment and 200 million people around the globe are associated with fishing for their survival (Fontaubert Lutchman, 2003). In addition, according to Dommen and Deere (1991), 40% of the global fishery production enters into international trade market with half of fishery which exports from developing countries. According to report of Gareth Porter (2003), Fisheries Subsidies and Overfishing: Towards a Structured Discussion released under United Nations Environment Programme, with expanding fishing in recent years there has been a considerable reduction in fish stocks and this reduction is more preferably observed in species for human consumption such as cod, haddock and plaice. Since 1950, fisheries production has increased about 6 % which is now fallen to zero (Miller Spoolman ¸2008). There is evidence for economic and environment harm causing due to overfishing whereas reduction in fishes has declined 100,000 jobs in last few years. Moreover, owing to these implications the cost of fishes in local markets have unusually risen (Weber, 1994). Considering all these consequences, overfishing has become one of the most serious environment and economic issues around the world. With the passing time it has become the tragedy of commons and situation of lack of property rights provides an open opportunity for everyone to catch as much fishes as they want regardless of considering for future. Under condition of tough competition commercial fishermen endeavor to deplete the seas as any fish left behind can be caught by someone else. As a result, world is going through common tragedy to which they are failed to addressed properly (Alessi, 2004). Overfishing and its Implications By definition overfishing is catching of exceeding number of fishes in order to hold sustainable fishing system by doing overfishing. Commonly, overfishing takes place when stock of fishes lose their stock down to an acceptable level. As a result of overfishing, fishes lose their capacity to survive as they largely depend on sea creature and able to breed new generation. An example of adverse effects of overfishing is that overfishing of sharks has led to upset the marine ecosystems (Shark Declines Threaten Shellfish Stocks, Study Says, National Geographic News, 2007). The fisherys potential to recover from the overfishing relies on the suitability of ecosystem  condition. Unusual changes in the composition of species can also lead to shift in ecosystem where other equilibrium energy flows encompasses the species compositions. However, there are number of factors involved in the overfishing in the world, but many studies have revealed that with the increasing activities of human an d extended living style, oceans are ruined and losing their natural beauty. In addition, in 1997, 50% of worlds population was located in sea areas including big cities of the world. This percentage is expected to remarkably increase to 75% (Marine environment and sustainable development, 2002). There is immense importance of coastal areas as they provide many resources for sustainability in the worlds economy and also extraordinary influence on economic and social advantages. It is estimated that 90% of international trade depends on marine transportation. Moreover, coastal resources provide 25 to 30 per cent to the global energy supplies. Fisheries also create jobs and demonstrate rapidly growing industry which is estimated to give 30 per cent of the worlds fish consumption (Porter, 1998). Moreover, tourism is another fastest growing industry while only coastal tourism generates $3.5 trillion in revenues. Thus, all these economic activities and growth in population is placing great impact on the importance of marine areas. Causes of Overfishing Despite the fact that increasing population has required more food and more demand of food has led to overfishing, there are some other reasons that cause overfishing (Nordquist Moore, 2000). Many reports reveal that fishing is the only industry in the world without any restriction and such open access of fishing makes fisheries to do overfishing (Fontaubert Lutchman, 2003). The fishermen have increased double in 25 past years. In addition, the reason that fishing is free and open access to fishing persuades many people to do overfishing without taking care of maintaining the fish stock. Second are the government subsidies to overfishing. Study of World Bank has estimated that even though subsidies are declining yet it is worth $20 billion a year. Moreover, fisheries also provide jobs especially in poor countries which further help them to expand their industry. Subsidies also lead many companies to develop high-tech fishing which causes overfishing. Since fishing industry is taken into account as the best source of employment and export revenue, this is further leading to overfishing around the world. However, increase growth rate is questionable for the sustainability of the industry; therefore international environment communities are concerned about this issue. Another reason to which overfishing is associated is the increasing technological advancement. Invention of distant water fleets have brought about the fishing industry to developing countries which do not possess large fleets for fishing. Many marine creatures have constant threat from the invention of technological development. Moreover, excessive trawling and dredging with poisonous and explosive materials have negative ecological impact (Miller Spoolman ¸2008). Other than that, unwanted fishes cause depletion of fish stocks, on the other hand, fishermen with the imposition of quotas on the number of fishes discard low value fish and hold only high value fishes. Discarded fish amounts20 milli on tons and it accounts for one fourth of the annual marine catch. Effects and Consequences of Overfishing According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation, there is 47% exploitation of world fish stocks and this leads to less expansion of marine creature in future. However, there are major changes in the composition of catching world marine species as they are caught when they are not grown or immature. With the decreasing harvesting, the fish prices are accelerating and making it less affordable fish. According to report, in 2002, 72% of the worlds marine fishes stock is harvested faster than their reproduction. Other than that, there are some negative effects on marine ecosystems. For this reason, there is greatest concern over the rapid depletion of fish population due to extensive commercial fishing. Moreover, world fish population has immensely dropped in the history while most of fish population has 90% declined. This increase number of decline in the population of fish has caused changes to marine ecosystems and also endangering the total productivity of sea creature. As a result of declining rate of production and its impact on marine ecosystems, people around the world are suffering. The consequences of overfishing can be classified into two major concerns including environment and economic consequences. As far as environment consequences of overfishing are concerned, overfishing may cause reduced harvest of targeted fish and excessive harvest of non-targeted, undersized and protected fished and at last ecosystem changes. In addition, consistent overfishing can possibly eliminate the largest fish population. Overfished population is characterized by the less productive fish which leads to decline in the fish stocks. Harvest of non-targeted marine species or bycatch is estima ted to form one quarter of world total fish catch. The bycatch method requires unwanted caught fishes to be discarded and at the time of discarding they are dead. The catching of unwanted fishes and marine species depend on the ways or fishing gears used to do fishing. Various types of fishing gears used are not capable of catching particular fish and usually trap unwanted catch. On the other hand, longlines can catch seabirds, turtles and other non-targeted fish along with the targeted catch. The use of gillnets catch seabirds, and other discarded fishes. Gillnets usually catch and kill marine species through ghost fishing. Trawls are specific to catch non-selective fishes and catch many different marine animals. Environmentally overfishing can have immense adverse effects on the ecosystem. In 1990, world total catch had reached a plateau. This plateau is maintained by changes in species composition (Porter, 2003). The most demanded fishes tend to be fished the most. Once one demanded species is depleted fishing moves down the food chain and decrease the marine ecosystem. Thus, considerable environmental changes can bring about negative effects on the fish production levels. Moreover, overfishing can also lead to changes in marine food web while leaving negative effects on the other marine species. Overfishing has indirect possible impact on the change of ecosystems such as coral reef ecosystems (Fontaubert Lutchman, 2003). This occurs due to removal of plant eating fishes with the reduction in plant grazing. Thus reduction in grazing allows the algae to coexist with corals to grow and possibly take over, particularly when there is high level of nitrogen in water. It occurs due to reduction in light that allow entering into water and then algae contribute to the loss of corals while relying on light. Besides environmental consequences caused by overfishing, there are economic consequences such as number of environmental costs, and mismanagement of fisheries can lead to loss of number of marine species as a result of rise in harvest. Fishery resources with best management can give total rise10 million metric tons in harvest which adds annually $16 billio n to worldwide gross revenues. Other consequences are accounted as reduction in numbers of fishes and size of fishes. There is remarkable decline in the stock of fishes and it is frequently leading to decreasing safe biological limits. Thus, undefined quantity of fish stocks has risen with the time. Moreover, reduction in size of fishes, which is not total amount of adult fishes but also average size of fish, has also decreased. As measured in 2008, the size of a cod is often considerably less than this at 33cm. reduction in the length of fishes has been measured for many marine species. Overfishing is more often caused by excessive bycatch which contributes to the fishing industry. Thus economy cost includes decreased food production in fisheries directed at the adult marine animal of young discarded in other fisheries and further decreases the employment in fisheries. Eventually overfishing causes significant effect on the economic and environment costs (Miller Spoolman ¸2008). The prevention of overfishing a nd allowing the stock to rebuild can considerably improve the stock productivity and maximize the revenue for industry. Therefore, there is need to adopt such measures that helps to stabilize both resources and industry (Somma, 2003). Subsidies Policy for Overfishing Many suggest that fishing crisis caused by overfishing can be controlled using subsides but at the same time subsidies is identified as root cause of the problem. By using effective funds, subsidies can be helpful to stimulate fishing practice which can overcome fishing crisis. In order to further protect the fishing, government authorities must consider over elimination of harmful government subsidies for this purpose funds need to be redirected towards causes like reduction in capacity, the creation of stock recovery, and stock assessments (Nordquist Moore, 2000). Moreover, the funding legislation structure can be used to influence to supporting sustainable fishing practices. However, subsidies can be good preventive measures but inappropriate subsidies of governments of the world are likely to earn more by increased subsidies although they can maintain the capacity of fishing fleets. In consequences, the creation of fishing controlling policies are promoting the overfishing rathe r than preventing the overfishing (Fontaubert Lutchman, 2003). The implementation of such policies which are intended to increase the overfishing must be eliminated or modified to be useful for saving the fish stocks. Despite the fact that governments can support the policy of anti overfishing but they are reluctant to remove such subsidies as they are more concerned about the fishing industry and other possible negative socio-economic implications for fishing communities. Many countries are increasing fleet modernization subsidies even though there is severe overfishing, other countries which reduced pressure from fishing has caused economic and social problems along the coast. Fishing Regulation and Impact on Overfishing There are prevailing fishing regulations such as quotas, property rights and protected or banned areas but they are not enforced (Porter, 1998). There is difficulty found in enforcing such regulations by government and it is more problematic in developing countries. As a result of inappropriate enforcement or negligence of government regarding protecting seas species it has been identified as cause of overexploitation. Inefficiency of government specifically in developing countries to enforce such regulations is considered as further incentive for a big scale industrial vessel. In addition, even though these regulations are implemented strictly, there is further possibility of illegal fishing which is very common in developing countries (Nordquist Moore, 2000). Role of Developed Countries in Overfishing The role of developed countries about overfishing is likely to more flourish the fishery industry in the world. Most of the EU countries including Britain, Spain, Denmark and France have encouraged the overfishing over the years and are aiding to fishery industry. A report has revealed that 29 percent of the EU has taken such measures that contribute to overfishing in the region. These contributions are justified with the modernization of fleet constructions. In addition, 17% is bestowed to take measures for healthy fisheries and fishing bans. Moreover, EU subsidies for fishing seemed to incapable in reducing the overcapacity of fleets which applies fishing pressure on the fishes stock. The important fish stock of EU has been engaged in overfishing which mainly includes sharks and prawns (Nordquist Moore, 2000). Ways to Combat Overfishing However, there are number of countries which recognized this issue as global problem and taking considerable measures for combating overfishing by imposing subsidies over fleet construction, the role of developed countries has been observed a little which indicates great hindrance for combating the overfishing. Many nations of the world have jointly agreed on the plan to overcome the severity of the problem through protecting the worlds major marine fishery resources, other destructive and wasteful fishing activity. For this reason an international plan of action for the management of fishing capacity has been designed to achieve the efficient and transparent fishing capacity management. Food and Agriculture Organization has estimated that in 1995 the world fishing fleet were about 3.8 million in numbers with 1.2 million vessels had storage space. Furthermore, in order to overcome the overfishing the first thing required is the reduction in the number of fishing fleets. Since reducti on in fishing capacity can be achieved by relocation of vessels in other countries fisheries, fisheries is usually a serious issue butt does not contribute to a global reduction of fishing capacity (Dommen et al, 1999). Even though there is great consideration over the matter of reducing the fishing capacity in highly populous country but mostly developed countries do not intend to reduce or change the fishing pattern on account of increasing social pressure. In this regard, the best way is to reduce bycatch could be effective for lowering the overfishing. For this purpose nations of the world have to take stronger enforcement and better regulation into consideration. Currently there are a few countries which have considered about imposing such ban or restriction on bottom trawling such as Scotland, Philippines, Greece, New Zealand and Kenya. Since there is record recovery measured in these courtiers after implementation of these principles, there is great concern of the developed c ountries which have not yet shown interest in implementing such regulations (Peter, 1994). Most recently, Economic and Trade Branch of the United Nations Environment Programmes has arranged workshop program on Fishery Subsidies and Sustainable Fisheries Management. The purpose of this workshop was to offer a platform for nations to share their opinions and effects of subsidies on the fisheries. Another example for combating overfishing can be drawn from the fishery policy of European Council of Fisheries Ministers that has taken long term recovery plan for fish stocks. The council plan proposal has resulted in some conflicts but after some social considerations such as allowing fishermen to fish at low level and not to stop them on the whole there is mutual consent over preventing overfishing. Besides, there is need to adopt some common strategies which provide commitment between upstream and downstream countries. Moreover, with mutual consent, nations can develop an international governance framework that allocates the water on equitable basis. Furthermore, since protection of ecosystems, which is in danger due to overfishing, must be considered by improving the policies for aquatic ecosystems protection and pricing products. Through improving the ecosystems protection and pricing products social and economical cost of the natural resources can be saved. In this respect, raising both public and political awareness is also significant which possesses concept of ecosystem-based management like integrated coastal zone. Natural resource management, which referred to the management of land, water and other natural resources, can be used as tool to promote the sustainable use of aquatic ecosystems. Conclusion With greater understanding about the importance of fishing in the economic and social effects, it is concluded that fishes are the most vital source of nourishment. Widespread overfishing has been causing the world to face numerous problems in regard to adverse environment effects and significant economic consequences. Since the poorest nations of the world are more likely to depend on the fishing for their survival, international organization must consider over such resolution which not only provides ultimate solution to environment problem but also decreases the possibility of deteriorating economic condition of the nations which is already in plague.

Essay --

During exercise, in order to obtain energy, muscles have to burn carbohydrates and lipids, which causes the production of heat. The increase in metabolism during exercise increases the body’s core temperature (Burton, 2004). Circulating blood flow is used to transport the excessive metabolic heat produced by the working muscles. The heat is transported to the surface of the body and it is released to the environment. Radiation, convection or by evaporation of sweat, are the three main ways the body gets rid of excessive heat (Fortney, 1985). The hypothalamic neurons control the body temperature (Soare, etl,2011). These neurons modulate the autonomic and hormonal control of heat production and heat loss. This allows for the constant maintenance of core body temperature when the environment temperature changes (Soare, etl,2011). When the core body temperature is at an ideal temperature, the internal organs and the bodily systems work at their best. The ideal temperature to be at is 98.6 F. Having it below 96 F or over 100 F the organs and systems will not work properly. Exercise sessions performed 2-3 times a week can help improve cardiovascular fitness (White, 2013). Not being active enough increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other disorders. Over time, exercise reduces cardiovascular risk, reduces blood pressure and decreases insulin resistance (Cohen, 2013). The cardiovascular system is a direct beneficiary of increased physical activity. Exercise can minimize the effects of aging on the cardiovascular system and improve circulation, heart function, blood fat lipid levels, and reduce blood pressure. On the other hand, people who live a sedentary life are more prone to cardiovascular disease (Exercise for ... ...s that exercise will have on the body. Oxygen demand increases when doing a physical activity. This causes the person to breath heavy. During exercise, the respiratory rate will elevate and might remain elevated after heavy exercise for up to 1–2 h. During strenuous exercise, the heart rate and stroke volume increase to about 90% of their maximum values. The body can never use oxygen at a higher rate than the rate at which the cardiovascular system can transport oxygen to the tissues (Burton, 2004). Staying physically fit will lose body fat, increase energy, and improve confidence (Bergen, 2013). To prevent weight gain, 150-250 minutes of moderate exercise a week is recommended. People that exercise have decrease in body fat and an increase in quality of life. Their energy level was also measured and they scored higher than the controlled group (Burnham, 2002). Essay -- During exercise, in order to obtain energy, muscles have to burn carbohydrates and lipids, which causes the production of heat. The increase in metabolism during exercise increases the body’s core temperature (Burton, 2004). Circulating blood flow is used to transport the excessive metabolic heat produced by the working muscles. The heat is transported to the surface of the body and it is released to the environment. Radiation, convection or by evaporation of sweat, are the three main ways the body gets rid of excessive heat (Fortney, 1985). The hypothalamic neurons control the body temperature (Soare, etl,2011). These neurons modulate the autonomic and hormonal control of heat production and heat loss. This allows for the constant maintenance of core body temperature when the environment temperature changes (Soare, etl,2011). When the core body temperature is at an ideal temperature, the internal organs and the bodily systems work at their best. The ideal temperature to be at is 98.6 F. Having it below 96 F or over 100 F the organs and systems will not work properly. Exercise sessions performed 2-3 times a week can help improve cardiovascular fitness (White, 2013). Not being active enough increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other disorders. Over time, exercise reduces cardiovascular risk, reduces blood pressure and decreases insulin resistance (Cohen, 2013). The cardiovascular system is a direct beneficiary of increased physical activity. Exercise can minimize the effects of aging on the cardiovascular system and improve circulation, heart function, blood fat lipid levels, and reduce blood pressure. On the other hand, people who live a sedentary life are more prone to cardiovascular disease (Exercise for ... ...s that exercise will have on the body. Oxygen demand increases when doing a physical activity. This causes the person to breath heavy. During exercise, the respiratory rate will elevate and might remain elevated after heavy exercise for up to 1–2 h. During strenuous exercise, the heart rate and stroke volume increase to about 90% of their maximum values. The body can never use oxygen at a higher rate than the rate at which the cardiovascular system can transport oxygen to the tissues (Burton, 2004). Staying physically fit will lose body fat, increase energy, and improve confidence (Bergen, 2013). To prevent weight gain, 150-250 minutes of moderate exercise a week is recommended. People that exercise have decrease in body fat and an increase in quality of life. Their energy level was also measured and they scored higher than the controlled group (Burnham, 2002).

Who Are the Women in Shakespeares Macbeth? Essay -- Macbeth essays

Who Are the Women in Macbeth? Â   Shakespeare in his tragedy Macbeth has a very limited assortment of women characters. In fact, there is only one who has a sizeable role - Lady Macbeth; the other, Lady Macduff, makes only a brief appearance, and the witchesare questionable as females. In his book, On the Design of Shakespearean Tragedy, H. S. Wilson mentions the very wife-like manner in which the queen fulfilled her essential role in the tragedy: It requires an extraordinary exertion of will and persuasion from Lady Macbeth to strengthen his wavering purpose. Professor Kittredge used to point out to his classes that Lady Macbeth, in urging Macbeth to act, uses the three arguments that every wife, some time or other, uses to every husband: "You promised me you'd do it!" "You'd do it if you loved me!" "If I were a man, I'd do it myself!" But Macbeth's mind is made up by her assurance that they may do it safely by fixing the guilt upon Duncan's chamberlains. (72) Blanche Coles states in Shakespeare's Four Giants that Macbeth's wife had considerable leverage over her husband's mind: This was her opportunity to do as she had promised herself she would do after she had read the letter - to pour her spirits into his ear, to chasten with the valor of her tongue all that might impede him from the golden crown. We may be sure she took this opportunity to use all her monstrous powers of persuasion. Thus he goaded himself, or was goaded by his wife, into searing the terrible oath, whether he had any clear purpose of keeping it or not. (48-49) In Fools of Time: Studies in Shakespearean Tragedy, Northrop Frye shows that a lady is the actual driving force in the play: That Macbeth is being hurried into a premature ac... ...900. Ann Thompson and Sasha Roberts, eds. Manchester, UK: Manchester University Press, 1997. Kermode, Frank. "Macbeth." The Riverside Shakespeare. Ed. G. Blakemore Evans. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1972. Knights, L.C. "Macbeth." Shakespeare: The Tragedies. A Collectiion of Critical Essays. Alfred Harbage, ed. Englewwod Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1964. Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Macbeth. http://chemicool.com/Shakespeare/macbeth/full.html, no lin. Siddons, Sarah. "Memoranda: Remarks on the Character of Lady Macbeth." The Life of Mrs. Siddons. Thomas Campbell. London: Effingham Wilson, 1834. Rpt. in Women Reading Shakespeare 1660-1900. Ann Thompson and Sasha Roberts, eds. Manchester, UK: Manchester University Press, 1997. Wilson, H. S. On the Design of Shakespearean Tragedy. Toronto, Canada: University of Toronto Press, 1957.