The whale pedigree Essay Example for Free

The whale pedigree Essay Its evident that the evolution to the present day whale has been a long one. A lot of changes have taken place from the postulated land dwelling animal to a fully marine organism. It is a step wise process that first started with a partially marine organism and then to a fully marine organism. The fully marine organism under went both physical and physiological changes to evolve to the present day whales. These changes included alteration of limbs to flippers, fusion of some of the skull bones and modification of the olfactory organs. These organs have since developed more advanced functions with the increased demand for more metabolic rates. The theories explaining the linage of whales are very important and to some extent have shown significant similarities among the species thought to be related to whales. The ancestors of whale underwent lot of modification for example ability to hear under water, reduction of the limbs, and change of nostrils towards the posterior and greater chances to move under water. Archaeocete Gray Roqual Sperm Pigmy right Right(whales) Beaked White Dolphins Porpoises Gange river River (Dolphins) Extinct whale ancestors Sinonyx The fossil study of sinonyx shows that it lived about 50 million years ago and fed on other animals (carnivorous). Sinonyx was about five feet long with a small brain, drawn out head, short legs and a large skull. It was found along sea shores and was thought to be related to whales and dolphins because of their long muzzle which almost resembled that of present day dolphins. The long muzzle was associated with fish hunting. It is suggested that with time these features evolved to the present day whale specialized organ. However, later phylogenetic tests showed that sinonyx is not closely related to cetaceans. It had 44 teeth consisting of molars with many cusps and thin tearing teeth. Sinonyx lived along sea shores, smaller body, and long muzzle compared to the present day whales which live in the ocean, are very large and very huge. They had large sagittal crest with a large mass of muscles for strong grip of their prey. The present day whales either have teeth or not. Those without teeth have a baleen having on their upper jaw mostly adapted for feeding Archaeocete (ancient whales) This stage is thought to be between sinonyx and whales. Its remnants were first excavated in Pakistan and are thought to have been living around 52 million years ago. They had better developed limbs which allowed them to live in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. As time passed they are thought to have started spending more time in the ocean and giving birth on land. It was similar to sinonyx apart from its evolved premolars which were more triangular with a single serrated cusp and two rooted molars. With time they spread to many oceans and seas of the world. The Archaeocete lived in water but were not able to acquire deep dives like the present day whales. They later evolved to zygorhiza which was the first fully aquatic Archaeocete. Ambulocetus (the walking whale) It was similar to the present day crocodile with its limbs adapted for swimming more than walking which were flippered. They swimmed predominantly and the fossils show that they lived about 49 million years ago and survived on both salty and fresh waters. It had teeth similar to those of Archaeocete and an elongated muzzle. Though it lacked a blow nose it was able to swim well under water. The limbs of ambulocetus were changing allowing them to be more adapted for swimming and less adapted for walking. Their cervical vertebrae of the ambulocetus were relatively long than those of the present day whales. Ambulocetes did not have ears and received information by use of vibrations on both land and sea. They usually lay on the ground to detect the vibrations of their prey. The muzzle of this organism has changed very much in comparison to the present whale in which there is formation of baleen plate. The throat of a whale grooves and expands to hold a lot of water that contain krill which is fed on by the whale. The baleen plate pushes the water out of the mouth remaining with only the food. Baleen therefore acts as a sieve separating the krill from the water. Basilosaurus (king lizard) It is estimated to have lived between 34 and 40 million years ago with a length of around 60 feet. It looked like a whale snake and budged horizontally or vertically. They had small hind limbs that were not able to effectively propel basilosaurus when moving. It had a single large nostril that was used for breathing effectively especially when in water. With time these organisms were unable to move on terrestrial environment. There is difference of the position of the nostril in which the present whale nostril is more to the posterior position for blowing off air when breathing at the water surface. These changes have made the present day whale to be more adapted especially in breathing while in aquatic environment. Pakicetids These organisms lived at around 53 million years ago and looked like dogs or wolves with hoofed feet. Their skull and teeth resembled the of the present day whales. The saggital crest was high and narrow with the lambdoidal crest being predominant. Pakicetids resemble the mesonychid hunting both on land and along the shores. They had small ears that were adapted for hearing and are later adapted for hearing under water in the present day whales. The middle ear of pakicetids was not well developed thus unable to maintain its pressure that limited this organism to dive in deep waters like the present day whales. The preset whale is more adapted to survive in water for instance it is able to dive deeply and swim swiftly since the limbs have been adapted to the aquatic environment. The ears of the ancestor whales have gradually disappeared. The ears are adapted for hearing in the deep seas by receiving vibration signals from other whales like during courtship or tracking their prey.

The Role Of Health Ngos Health And Social Care Essay

The Role Of Health Ngos Health And Social Care Essay Health care in Nigeria is structured along, and administered through the universal three tiers: the primary level run by the local government, the secondary by the state and the tertiary by the federal government (FMOH 2005). The contribution of Nigerias health sector to the national economy remains poorly defined, and as a result Nigeria was ranked a dismal 187th position among the 191 United Nation member state (WHO 2000).Health care facilities are inadequate in Nigeria (Yohesor 2009) and this includes health centres, personnel and medical equipment. Moreso, the state of existing facilities is often deplorable due to lack of maintenance. As Lee states: A health care system is an organizational framework for the distribution or servicing of the health care needs of a given community. It is a fairly complex system of inter-related elements that contribute to the health of people-in their homes, educational institutions, in work places, the public (social or recreational) and the psychological environments as well as the directly health and health-related sectors. (Lee 2009: 1). However, with the many social and infrastructural problems confronting the country is the pursuit of the politically attractive tertiary health care which, arguably, has remained the only attractive area of the health system, to the detriment of other levels of care. The neglect of Nigerias health care, with special reference to the primary health care system, its maldistribution, will result in an inverted health care pyramid. By implication, rather than produce health for the people, would always have the threat to collapse on itself. According to Asuzu (2003), Nigerias health care system has experienced past reforms, ranging from the traditional health care system that existed in the individual Nigerian communities and the ethnic groups before the era of colonization till date. Though Nigerias health care system is geared towards ensuring availability and accessibility of health care by Nigerians, yet the nations health care remains a major concern. On the other hand, health care reform is the process of improving the performance of existing systems of assuming efficient and equitable responses to future changes. It has also been defined as sustainable, purposeful change aimed at improving the health sector; health care reform is initiated by public or political action, is motivated by dissatisfaction caused by the failure to deliver outcomes and implemented on a sector wide level (Berman 1995). This presupposes that reforms might address the problems of poor quality of care, inefficiencies in the delivery of services, inequalities and limited access to health, level of accountability and insufficient responsiveness to client needs. Globally, it would seem Non-governmental Organizations have undertaken a wide range of functions, including but not limited to, humanitarian assistance, developmental aid, and promotion of human rights and lobbying to protect the environment. In other words, the role of non-governmental (NGOs) might have been seen to expand. Capturing the essence of health NGOs, Gilson states: †¦..humanitarian assistance is assistance given to meet the challenges of a humanitarian crisis, almost always includes provision of some type of healthcare, be it preventive action (such as providing shelter, clean water and sanitary facilities, immunization against epidemics) or management of emergencies (such as injuries from a disaster). Arguably, Nigeria is currently undergoing health sector reform aimed at achieving improved efficiencies in resource utilization, improved quality of health services as well as greater equity of access to health services. Jong-Chan (2002) asserts that given the strong influence they possess, NGOs remain the only sector that can empower the public to demand a stable national health program; NGOs should bring their experiences in health care reform to bear in order to strengthen their unique position in the health care system, independent of both governmental dominance and medical autonomy. In the light of the above assertion, it would seem Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have always been in the forefront of advancing novel ideas, and in encouraging and supporting governments to implement them. At a simple level, NGOs generally represent the voice of the people at all levels- local, national and international, and have taken on roles such as advocacy, education and training (Ogunbekun, 2004:3), and have been active in monitoring and improving what has, or has not, been implemented or achieved. For example, NGOs have been in the front burner in promoting, developing and improving a comprehensive and holistic approach to health care services. For change to happen, it would be necessary to collaborate with the relevant stakeholders in the health sector, whether they work in government, in administration, or as providers of the necessary services, to bring about needed change and improvement; also to ensure the people understand and support the changes which need to be made (Lorgen, 1998). Moreso, health professional associations might be effective in working with health NGOs in improving health care delivery. Often, they seek the advice of health professionals regarding issues around health care, essentially because they know that medical ethics require physicians to provide objective advice on health issues, in the best interests of their patients (Pfeiffer 2003). Health NGOs, together with health professionals, might also employ the skills and experiences that NGOs have garnered in putting information and messages across to the public in such a way that the public is able to understand and this will be necessary in improving health care. The role or value of NGOs in advancing health is hinged on three premises, emerging from the research endeavour of George Washington Universitys Centre for international Health: Individual health and communities socio-economic development are intrinsically linked; Well targeted health promotion activities can contribute not only to better health but can also enhance an individuals social well-being ; Local NGOs whose members are responsive to the communities they serve, are more likely to provide this linkage through fostering community empowerment. Many NGOs are involved in training programmes which is a role they seem to have undertaken at all levels. Therefore, they are well-positioned to assist the relevant government departments in bringing about changes and improvement in health care system (Gilson 2003). It would follow that NGOs should be invited by governments to assist as partners in creation of awareness, mobilization and development of training programmes on health care reforms. Also, health NGOs seem to have the capacity to empower communities to act on their own behalf, equipping people to improve the social and physical environments conducive for healthy lifestyles, and of health advocacy to enable policy makers to recognize and appreciate the necessity for improvements in health care conditions (Starfield 2011). Following the policy statement of World Health Organizations 1978 Alma Ata Conference, also known as the Alma Ata Declaration, which proposed that primary health care (PHC) be adopted for health planning and delivery, emphasizing on equity in health, disease prevention, and a comprehensive strategy to promote individual and community health (Rodriguez 2001), a health education strategy might suggest that within a socio-political context, health education aims to increase individuals consciousness of his or her health status, and the causes and determinants of that status, thereby increasing the possibility for positive action. As Asuzu (2003) points out †¦ NGOS act as catalyst by encouraging the various departments concerned with health to become actively involved in reform exercises†¦ This would be effective if different NGOs work in synergy. For instance, in addition to health NGOs, there is involvement of other relevant NGOs such as womens NGOs that concentrate on activities to improve the status of women and development NGOs whose centre of interest or activity is particularly on issues around development. Health NGOs, arguably, are dependent on their mandate or project charter which is in tandem with the overall programmes of a health care system within which they operate. According to Ohanyido (2012), the roles of health NGOs are summarized below: †¢ work to ensure that the health services are efficient, effective, and accessible. †¢ work within the health system to ensure that the number of well-trained staff is available through capacity- building or advocacy to government etc. †¢ help ensure that the health information system is able to generate useful data on health determinants and health system performance, and also avoid creating parallel systems †¢ work with all stakeholders to ensure that there is access to medicines, vaccines, and medical technologies in an equitable fashion. †¢ strengthen health financing systems by exploring funding sources and advocating to stakeholders to raise adequate funds for health, and ensuring that people can access affordable services. †¢ strengthen the system by ensuring that the Leadership must guarantee effective oversight, regulation, and accountability. Nonetheless, in order to work efficiently and effectively in improving health care system, health NGOs themselves must also be found to be accountable, transparent, and seem to be representing the interests of the people.

Cell and Voice Over Internet Protocol Research :: essays research papers

Cell and Voice Over Internet Protocol Research Our contract is coming up for renewal from Nextel our current provider of cellular service, and SBC our local and long distance landline service. I will research three cellular service and Voice over the Internet Protocol providers (VoIP). By looking at three of each will give a good idea of what is out there and what trends of services to expect. For cellular, I will choose a phone to increase our work force productivity that cannot be done with our current type of phone, and find a plan that can meet our changing needs. For VoIP, pricing plans and equipment included. Finally I will give my conclusion on which companies to go with and why. Cellphone Providers Cingular phone   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  BlackBerry 7100g Features: Built-in Speakerphone, Bluetooth capable, Polyphonic speaker and downloadable ring tones, Downloadable games and graphics, Blackberry handheld software, and Quad-band world phone operates on 850/1900 and 900/1800 MHz GSM/GPRS networks (http://onlinestorez.cingular.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phones/cell-phones.jsp?source=INC230056&_requestid=50674). Clingular plans Nation 1000 FamilyTalk w/Rollover – 79.99 first two lines, 14.99 per additional line this package comes with 1000 anytime minutes, nights and weekend is unlimited, mobile to mobile is unlimited. Nation 1500 FamilyTalk w/Rollover – 99.99 first two lines, 14.99 per additional line this package comes with 1500 anytime minutes, nights and weekend is unlimited, mobile to mobile is unlimited (http://onlinestorez.cingular.com/cell-phone-service/wireless-phone-plans/cell-phone-plans.jsp). Nextel phone BlackBerry 7520 features: Walkie-Talkie Services, Speakerphone, Color display (65K colors), Group Connect Walkie-Talkie, Multimedia Messaging Service, Direct Talk - The Off-Network Walkie-Talkie, Web and Email Capable, Ring Tones, Applications & Games, Adheres to Military 810F Spec (http://nextelonline.nextel.com/NASApp/onlinestore/en/Action/DisplayPhones). Nextel Phone Plan Nextel National 1000 has 1000 monthly minutes for 55.99, the night and weekend minutes are unlimited direct connect is included. (http://nextelonline.nextel.com/NASApp/onlinestore/en/Action/DisplayPlans) TMobile phone The BlackBerry 7100t is the first of its kind--a full-featured mobile phone that delivers the power of BlackBerry e-mail. This is one sweet little phone, loaded with all of the cool features you want, like integrated Bluetooth ® connectivity, speakerphone, and downloadable ringtones. Moreover, surf the Web the way it was meant to be with an ultra-large, high-resolution color screen (http://www.tmobile.com/products/overview.asp?phoneid=246167&class=pda). T- Mobile phone plans The FamilyTime plan is 69.99 a month with 1000 whenever minutes, and the weeknight and weekends are unlimited (http://www.t-mobile.com/plans/FamilyTimeRatePlanDetails.asp). Voice over the Internet Protocol What is VoIP/Internet Voice?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  VoIP allows you to make telephone calls using a computer network, over a data network like the Internet. VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that travels over the internet then converts it back at the other end so you can speak to anyone with a regular phone number.

Bermuda Triangle Essay -- Science Exploratory

Bermuda Triangle The Bermuda triangle, or the devil’s triangle, is an imaginary area located off the southeastern Atlantic coast of the United States. It is the greatest modern mystery of our supposedly well understood world. It is noted for a very high incidence of unexplained losses of ships, small boats, and aircraft. The tips of the triangle are generally thought to be Bermuda, Miami, Fla., and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Many theories attempting to explain the many disappearances have been offered throughout the history of the area. The most practical seem to be environmental and those that involve human error. Some reports even go as far as to saying that there are UFO’s kidnapping ships and planes, and that the lost city of Atlantis is below the Bermuda triangle. Weird disappearances and sightings in the Bermuda triangle date back to 1492, when the first voyage to America took place. Christopher Columbus when sailing through the imaginary place called the Bermuda triangle wrote of weird sightings in the ship log. He recorded that he and his crew had observed a large ball of fire fall into the sea and that the ship's compass was behaving differently. On October 11, which is the day Columbus landed on Cuba, Columbus and another man saw a light over the water, which disappeared suddenly. Within hours land was sighted. These incidents have been thought to be the first known indications that the Bermuda Triangle is filled with bizarre happenings, Columbus himself was not apparently bothered by what he had seen. The ball of fire might have been a meteor, a fire on the shore, a torch in an Indian's boat or even a hallucination. Whatever it was, Chris Columbus provided the Bermuda Triangle with a five hundred-year story. (3) Many ships and planes have been lost in the triangle. Of unexplained stories, the most famous of them all is of flight 19. The mission called for the thirteen men to fly due east fifty-six miles to Hens and Chicken Shoals to conduct practice-bombing runs. When they had completed that objective, the flight plan called for them to fly an additional sixty-seven miles east, then turn north for seventy-three miles and finally straight back to base, a distance of 120 miles. This course would take them on a triangular path over the sea. About an hour and a half into the mission Lt. Taylor reported that his compass was not working. Planes t... ...pearances occurred. Each was a world away from the other. One was off Australia, the other off Puerto Rico in the Bermuda Triangle, yet both were very similar. Both pilots were sober, one was a US Marine. Both reported a strange object harassing or, at the very least, very interested in their aircraft. Both could not describe exactly what it was. But in both cases, when it came in closer, it apparently caused a disruption of radio communication and cut out electro-magnetic power, causing the engine to sputter. Neither aircraft left any trace. Both carried ELTs, automatic alarms that are jettisoned when the aircraft impacts. This triggers them to send their electronic SOS signals, guiding rescuers to the point of the incident. Yet in both these incidents they were hushed, for no signal was ever picked up. (2) The Great Bermuda Triangle is one of the biggest mysteries still alive today. It has created many stories, some true, some untrue; there have been many unexplained disappearances in this imaginary place. Peoples lives have been lost, and ships and planes seemed to enter and never come out. Whatever it is, it will always be a mystery, a mystery of the Great Bermuda Triangle. Bermuda Triangle Essay -- Science Exploratory Bermuda Triangle The Bermuda triangle, or the devil’s triangle, is an imaginary area located off the southeastern Atlantic coast of the United States. It is the greatest modern mystery of our supposedly well understood world. It is noted for a very high incidence of unexplained losses of ships, small boats, and aircraft. The tips of the triangle are generally thought to be Bermuda, Miami, Fla., and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Many theories attempting to explain the many disappearances have been offered throughout the history of the area. The most practical seem to be environmental and those that involve human error. Some reports even go as far as to saying that there are UFO’s kidnapping ships and planes, and that the lost city of Atlantis is below the Bermuda triangle. Weird disappearances and sightings in the Bermuda triangle date back to 1492, when the first voyage to America took place. Christopher Columbus when sailing through the imaginary place called the Bermuda triangle wrote of weird sightings in the ship log. He recorded that he and his crew had observed a large ball of fire fall into the sea and that the ship's compass was behaving differently. On October 11, which is the day Columbus landed on Cuba, Columbus and another man saw a light over the water, which disappeared suddenly. Within hours land was sighted. These incidents have been thought to be the first known indications that the Bermuda Triangle is filled with bizarre happenings, Columbus himself was not apparently bothered by what he had seen. The ball of fire might have been a meteor, a fire on the shore, a torch in an Indian's boat or even a hallucination. Whatever it was, Chris Columbus provided the Bermuda Triangle with a five hundred-year story. (3) Many ships and planes have been lost in the triangle. Of unexplained stories, the most famous of them all is of flight 19. The mission called for the thirteen men to fly due east fifty-six miles to Hens and Chicken Shoals to conduct practice-bombing runs. When they had completed that objective, the flight plan called for them to fly an additional sixty-seven miles east, then turn north for seventy-three miles and finally straight back to base, a distance of 120 miles. This course would take them on a triangular path over the sea. About an hour and a half into the mission Lt. Taylor reported that his compass was not working. Planes t... ...pearances occurred. Each was a world away from the other. One was off Australia, the other off Puerto Rico in the Bermuda Triangle, yet both were very similar. Both pilots were sober, one was a US Marine. Both reported a strange object harassing or, at the very least, very interested in their aircraft. Both could not describe exactly what it was. But in both cases, when it came in closer, it apparently caused a disruption of radio communication and cut out electro-magnetic power, causing the engine to sputter. Neither aircraft left any trace. Both carried ELTs, automatic alarms that are jettisoned when the aircraft impacts. This triggers them to send their electronic SOS signals, guiding rescuers to the point of the incident. Yet in both these incidents they were hushed, for no signal was ever picked up. (2) The Great Bermuda Triangle is one of the biggest mysteries still alive today. It has created many stories, some true, some untrue; there have been many unexplained disappearances in this imaginary place. Peoples lives have been lost, and ships and planes seemed to enter and never come out. Whatever it is, it will always be a mystery, a mystery of the Great Bermuda Triangle.

A Game of Thrones Chapter Five

Jon There were times—not many, but a few—when Jon Snow was glad he was a bastard. As he filled his wine cup once more from a passing flagon, it struck him that this might be one of them. He settled back in his place on the bench among the younger squires and drank. The sweet, fruity taste of summerwine filled his mouth and brought a smile to his lips. The Great Hall of Winterfell was hazy with smoke and heavy with the smell of roasted meat and fresh-baked bread. Its grey stone walls were draped with banners. White, gold, crimson: the direwolf of Stark, Baratheon's crowned stag, the lion of Lannister. A singer was playing the high harp and reciting a ballad, but down at this end of the hall his voice could scarcely be heard above the roar of the fire, the clangor of pewter plates and cups, and the low mutter of a hundred drunken conversations. It was the fourth hour of the welcoming feast laid for the king. Jon's brothers and sisters had been seated with the royal children, beneath the raised platform where Lord and Lady Stark hosted the king and queen. In honor of the occasion, his lord father would doubtless permit each child a glass of wine, but no more than that. Down here on the benches, there was no one to stop Jon drinking as much as he had a thirst for. And he was finding that he had a man's thirst, to the raucous delight of the youths around him, who urged him on every time he drained a glass. They were fine company, and Jon relished the stories they were telling, tales of battle and bedding and the hunt. He was certain that his companions were more entertaining than the king's offspring. He had sated his curiosity about the visitors when they made their entrance. The procession had passed not a foot from the place he had been given on the bench, and Jon had gotten a good long look at them all. His lord father had come first, escorting the queen. She was as beautiful as men said. A jeweled tiara gleamed amidst her long golden hair, its emeralds a perfect match for the green of her eyes. His father helped her up the steps to the dais and led her to her seat, but the queen never so much as looked at him. Even at fourteen, Jon could see through her smile. Next had come King Robert himself, with Lady Stark on his arm. The king was a great disappointment to Jon. His father had talked of him often: the peerless Robert Baratheon, demon of the Trident, the fiercest warrior of the realm, a giant among princes. Jon saw only a fat man, red-faced under his beard, sweating through his silks. He walked like a man half in his cups. After them came the children. Little Rickon first, managing the long walk with all the dignity a three-year-old could muster. Jon had to urge him on when he stopped to visit. Close behind came Robb, in grey wool trimmed with white, the Stark colors. He had the Princess Myrcella on his arm. She was a wisp of a girl, not quite eight, her hair a cascade of golden curls under a jeweled net. Jon noticed the shy looks she gave Robb as they passed between the tables and the timid way she smiled at him. He decided she was insipid. Robb didn't even have the sense to realize how stupid she was; he was grinning like a fool. His half sisters escorted the royal princes. Arya was paired with plump young Tommen, whose white-blond hair was longer than hers. Sansa, two years older, drew the crown prince, Joffrey Baratheon. He was twelve, younger than Jon or Robb, but taller than either, to Jon's vast dismay. Prince Joffrey had his sister's hair and his mother's deep green eyes. A thick tangle of blond curls dripped down past his golden choker and high velvet collar. Sansa looked radiant as she walked beside him, but Jon did not like Joffrey's pouty lips or the bored, disdainful way he looked at Winterfell's Great Hall. He was more interested in the pair that came behind him: the queen's brothers, the Lannisters of Casterly Rock. The Lion and the Imp; there was no mistaking which was which. Ser Jaime Lannister was twin to Queen Cersei; tall and golden, with flashing green eyes and a smile that cut like a knife. He wore crimson silk, high black boots, a black satin cloak. On the breast of his tunic, the lion of his House was embroidered in gold thread, roaring its defiance. They called him the Lion of Lannister to his face and whispered â€Å"Kingslayer† behind his back. Jon found it hard to look away from him. This is what a king should look like, he thought to himself as the man passed. Then he saw the other one, waddling along half-hidden by his brother's side. Tyrion Lannister, the youngest of Lord Tywin's brood and by far the ugliest. All that the gods had given to Cersei and Jaime, they had denied Tyrion. He was a dwarf, half his brother's height, struggling to keep pace on stunted legs. His head was too large for his body, with a brute's squashed-in face beneath a swollen shelf of brow. One green eye and one black one peered out from under a lank fall of hair so blond it seemed white. Jon watched him with fascination. The last of the high lords to enter were his uncle, Benjen Stark of the Night's Watch, and his father's ward, young Theon Greyjoy. Benjen gave Jon a warm smile as he went by. Theon ignored him utterly, but there was nothing new in that. After all had been seated, toasts were made, thanks were given and returned, and then the feasting began. Jon had started drinking then, and he had not stopped. Something rubbed against his leg beneath the table. Jon saw red eyes staring up at him. â€Å"Hungry again?† he asked. There was still half a honeyed chicken in the center of the table. Jon reached out to tear off a leg, then had a better idea. He knifed the bird whole and let the carcass slide to the floor between his legs. Ghost ripped into it in savage silence. His brothers and sisters had not been permitted to bring their wolves to the banquet, but there were more curs than Jon could count at this end of the hall, and no one had said a word about his pup. He told himself he was fortunate in that too. His eyes stung. Jon rubbed at them savagely, cursing the smoke. He swallowed another gulp of wine and watched his direwolf devour the chicken. Dogs moved between the tables, trailing after the serving girls. One of them, a black mongrel bitch with long yellow eyes, caught a scent of the chicken. She stopped and edged under the bench to get a share. Jon watched the confrontation. The bitch growled low in her throat and moved closer. Ghost looked up, silent, and fixed the dog with those hot red eyes. The bitch snapped an angry challenge. She was three times the size of the direwolf pup. Ghost did not move. He stood over his prize and opened his mouth, baring his fangs. The bitch tensed, barked again, then thought better of this fight. She turned and slunk away, with one last defiant snap to save her pride. Ghost went back to his meal. Jon grinned and reached under the table to ruffle the shaggy white fur. The direwolf looked up at him, nipped gently at his hand, then went back to eating. â€Å"Is this one of the direwolves I've heard so much of?† a familiar voice asked close at hand. Jon looked up happily as his uncle Ben put a hand on his head and ruffled his hair much as Jon had ruffled the wolf's. â€Å"Yes,† he said. â€Å"His name is Ghost.† One of the squires interrupted the bawdy story he'd been telling to make room at the table for their lord's brother. Benjen Stark straddled the bench with long legs and took the wine cup out of Jon's hand. â€Å"Summerwine,† he said after a taste. â€Å"Nothing so sweet. How many cups have you had, Jon?† Jon smiled. Ben Stark laughed. â€Å"As I feared. Ah, well. I believe I was younger than you the first time I got truly and sincerely drunk.† He snagged a roasted onion, dripping brown with gravy, from a nearby trencher and bit into it. It crunched. His uncle was sharp-featured and gaunt as a mountain crag, but there was always a hint of laughter in his blue-grey eyes. He dressed in black, as befitted a man of the Night's Watch. Tonight it was rich black velvet, with high leather boots and a wide belt with a silver buckle. A heavy silver chain was looped round his neck. Benjen watched Ghost with amusement as he ate his onion. â€Å"A very quiet wolf,† he observed. â€Å"He's not like the others,† Jon said. â€Å"He never makes a sound. That's why I named him Ghost. That, and because he's white. The others are all dark, grey or black.† â€Å"There are still direwolves beyond the Wall. We hear them on our rangings.† Benjen Stark gave Jon a long look. â€Å"Don't you usually eat at table with your brothers?† â€Å"Most times,† Jon answered in a flat voice. â€Å"But tonight Lady Stark thought it might give insult to the royal family to seat a bastard among them.† â€Å"I see.† His uncle glanced over his shoulder at the raised table at the far end of the hall. â€Å"My brother does not seem very festive tonight.† Jon had noticed that too. A bastard had to learn to notice things, to read the truth that people hid behind their eyes. His father was observing all the courtesies, but there was tightness in him that Jon had seldom seen before. He said little, looking out over the hall with hooded eyes, seeing nothing. Two seats away, the king had been drinking heavily all night. His broad face was flushed behind his great black beard. He made many a toast, laughed loudly at every jest, and attacked each dish like a starving man, but beside him the queen seemed as cold as an ice sculpture. â€Å"The queen is angry too,† Jon told his uncle in a low, quiet voice. â€Å"Father took the king down to the crypts this afternoon. The queen didn't want him to go.† Benjen gave Jon a careful, measuring look. â€Å"You don't miss much, do you, Jon? We could use a man like you on the Wall.† Jon swelled with pride. â€Å"Robb is a stronger lance than I am, but I'm the better sword, and Hullen says I sit a horse as well as anyone in the castle.† â€Å"Notable achievements.† â€Å"Take me with you when you go back to the Wall,† Jon said in a sudden rush. â€Å"Father will give me leave to go if you ask him, I know he will.† Uncle Benjen studied his face carefully. â€Å"The Wall is a hard place for a boy, Jon.† â€Å"I am almost a man grown,† Jon protested. â€Å"I will turn fifteen on my next name day, and Maester Luwin says bastards grow up faster than other children.† â€Å"That's true enough,† Benjen said with a downward twist of his mouth. He took Jon's cup from the table, filled it fresh from a nearby pitcher, and drank down a long swallow. â€Å"Daeren Targaryen was only fourteen when he conquered Dorne,† Jon said. The Young Dragon was one of his heroes. â€Å"A conquest that lasted a summer,† his uncle pointed out. â€Å"Your Boy King lost ten thousand men taking the place, and another fifty trying to hold it. Someone should have told him that war isn't a game.† He took another sip of wine. â€Å"Also,† he said, wiping his mouth, â€Å"Daeren Targaryen was only eighteen when he died. Or have you forgotten that part?† â€Å"I forget nothing,† Jon boasted. The wine was making him bold. He tried to sit very straight, to make himself seem taller. â€Å"I want to serve in the Night's Watch, Uncle.† He had thought on it long and hard, lying abed at night while his brothers slept around him. Robb would someday inherit Winterfell, would command great armies as the Warden of the North. Bran and Rickon would be Robb's bannermen and rule holdfasts in his name. His sisters Arya and Sansa would marry the heirs of other great houses and go south as mistress of castles of their own. But what place could a bastard hope to earn? â€Å"You don't know what you're asking, Jon. The Night's Watch is a sworn brotherhood. We have no families. None of us will ever father sons. Our wife is duty. Our mistress is honor.† â€Å"A bastard can have honor too,† Jon said. â€Å"I am ready to swear your oath.† â€Å"You are a boy of fourteen,† Benjen said. â€Å"Not a man, not yet. Until you have known a woman, you cannot understand what you would be giving up.† â€Å"I don't care about that!† Jon said hotly. â€Å"You might, if you knew what it meant,† Benjen said. â€Å"If you knew what the oath would cost you, you might be less eager to pay the price, son.† Jon felt anger rise inside him. â€Å"I'm not your son!† Benjen Stark stood up. â€Å"More's the pity.† He put a hand on Jon's shoulder. â€Å"Come back to me after you've fathered a few bastards of your own, and we'll see how you feel.† Jon trembled. â€Å"I will never father a bastard,† he said carefully. â€Å"Never!† He spat it out like venom. Suddenly he realized that the table had fallen silent, and they were all looking at him. He felt the tears begin to well behind his eyes. He pushed himself to his feet. â€Å"I must be excused,† he said with the last of his dignity. He whirled and bolted before they could see him cry. He must have drunk more wine than he had realized. His feet got tangled under him as he tried to leave, and he lurched sideways into a serving girl and sent a flagon of spiced wine crashing to the floor. Laughter boomed all around him, and Jon felt hot tears on his cheeks. Someone tried to steady him. He wrenched free of their grip and ran, half-blind, for the door. Ghost followed close at his heels, out into the night. The yard was quiet and empty. A lone sentry stood high on the battlements of the inner wall, his cloak pulled tight around him against the cold. He looked bored and miserable as he huddled there alone, but Jon would have traded places with him in an instant. Otherwise the castle was dark and deserted. Jon had seen an abandoned holdfast once, a drear place where nothing moved but the wind and the stones kept silent about whatever people had lived there. Winterfell reminded him of that tonight. The sounds of music and song spilled through the open windows behind him. They were the last things Jon wanted to hear. He wiped away his tears on the sleeve of his shirt, furious that he had let them fall, and turned to go. â€Å"Boy,† a voice called out to him. Jon turned. Tyrion Lannister was sitting on the ledge above the door to the Great Hall, looking for all the world like a gargoyle. The dwarf grinned down at him. â€Å"Is that animal a wolf?† â€Å"A direwolf,† Jon said. â€Å"His name is Ghost.† He stared up at the little man, his disappointment suddenly forgotten. â€Å"What are you doing up there? Why aren't you at the feast?† â€Å"Too hot, too noisy, and I'd drunk too much wine,† the dwarf told him. â€Å"I learned long ago that it is considered rude to vomit on your brother. Might I have a closer look at your wolf?† Jon hesitated, then nodded slowly. â€Å"Can you climb down, or shall I bring a ladder?† â€Å"Oh, bleed that,† the little man said. He pushed himself off the ledge into empty air. Jon gasped, then watched with awe as Tyrion Lannister spun around in a tight ball, landed lightly on his hands, then vaulted backward onto his legs. Ghost backed away from him uncertainly. The dwarf dusted himself off and laughed. â€Å"I believe I've frightened your wolf. My apologies.† â€Å"He's not scared,† Jon said. He knelt and called out. â€Å"Ghost, come here. Come on. That's it.† The wolf pup padded closer and nuzzled at Jon's face, but he kept a wary eye on Tyrion Lannister, and when the dwarf reached out to pet him, he drew back and bared his fangs in a silent snarl. â€Å"Shy, isn't he?† Lannister observed. â€Å"Sit, Ghost,† Jon commanded. â€Å"That's it. Keep still.† He looked up at the dwarf. â€Å"You can touch him now. He won't move until I tell him to. I've been training him.† â€Å"I see,† Lannister said. He ruffled the snow-white fur between Ghost's ears and said, â€Å"Nice wolf.† â€Å"If I wasn't here, he'd tear out your throat,† Jon said. It wasn't actually true yet, but it would be. â€Å"In that case, you had best stay close,† the dwarf said. He cocked his oversized head to one side and looked Jon over with his mismatched eyes. â€Å"I am Tyrion Lannister.† â€Å"I know,† Jon said. He rose. Standing, he was taller than the dwarf. It made him feel strange. â€Å"You're Ned Stark's bastard, aren't you?† Jon felt a coldness pass right through him. He pressed his lips together and said nothing. â€Å"Did I offend you?† Lannister said. â€Å"Sorry. Dwarfs don't have to be tactful. Generations of capering fools in motley have won me the right to dress badly and say any damn thing that comes into my head.† He grinned. â€Å"You are the bastard, though.† â€Å"Lord Eddard Stark is my father,† Jon admitted stiffly. Lannister studied his face. â€Å"Yes,† he said. â€Å"I can see it. You have more of the north in you than your brothers.† â€Å"Half brothers,† Jon corrected. He was pleased by the dwarf's comment, but he tried not to let it show. â€Å"Let me give you some counsel, bastard,† Lannister said. â€Å"Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armor yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you.† Jon was in no mood for anyone's counsel. â€Å"What do you know about being a bastard?† â€Å"All dwarfs are bastards in their father's eyes.† â€Å"You are your mother's trueborn son of Lannister.† â€Å"Am I?† the dwarf replied, sardonic. â€Å"Do tell my lord father. My mother died birthing me, and he's never been sure.† â€Å"I don't even know who my mother was,† Jon said. â€Å"Some woman, no doubt. Most of them are.† He favored Jon with a rueful grin. â€Å"Remember this, boy. All dwarfs may be bastards, yet not all bastards need be dwarfs.† And with that he turned and sauntered back into the feast, whistling a tune. When he opened the door, the light from within threw his shadow clear across the yard, and for just a moment Tyrion Lannister stood tall as a king.

Providing equal opportunity for employment Essay

RECRUITMENT GUIDE Chern’s will provide equal opportunity for employment to all persons regardless of any discrimination based race, color, sex, religion, origin, age or disability and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout its organization. Steps 1)Identify Job openings through human resource planning/ strategic plan. Any Employee resignations/terminations could be helpful in identifying any internal job openings. 2) Develop position requirement by specifying job description/ job specifications. Identify job duties and responsibilities in it keeping in mind essential functions of the job which are critical for the position (minimum requirement or any preferred qualification). 3) Develop the recruiting plan for posting period and placement goals and implement it. 4) Post the position and build the diverse pool of application. Develop and use application forms- One type of application form that can be used to predict performance is a biographical information blank (BIB) also known as biodata form which is a detailed job application form requesting biographical data found to be predictive of success on the job, about the background, experiences, and preferences. Respond is the score. They are good as they are difficult to fake. 5) Review application material and develop the short list. Recruiting from within the organization ( As Chern’s believes in internal recruiting so they could use different internal recruiting methods like – Job posting( Notifying current employees about Vacant positions. Alternatively, Skills inventories ensure that internal candidates are identified and considered for transfer or promotion when opportunities arise). Some of the outside recruiting sources could be employee referrals as employees get bonuses if they refer someone. Alternatively, contacting former employees someone who already has worked with a company and had better knowledge of its culture and expectations. Educational institutions and online recruiting are best when the budget is low. One of the priority could be to hire a more diverse group. 6) Interview selected applicant- ask the only job-related questions, document selection process. The interview process is crucial. The approaches described below are simple, good practice and are relevant to the majority and minority candidates. * Develop questions based on the required and preferred skills and qualifications listed in the Job Description (JD). Candidates will respond differently based on work history, experience and skill level. * Be sure to ask the same set of core questions, listen carefully and allow candidates to respond adequately. Be prepared for candidates questions. The primary objective of the interview is to determine if the candidate can perform specific duties. * Take good notes during the meeting and immediately after, documenting the responses and job-related criteria. * Review duties and responsibilities of the job using the JD, individual qualifications, work history, relevant experience/training/educational background, career goals, travel requirements, equipment used and facilities, hours required, attendance requirements, performance expectations, any on-the-job training and staff development opportunities. * Identify potential management candidates clearly on interview notes. 7) Select finalist and verify job-related credentials- conducting reference checks 8) Make contingent job offer- request background check and education verification. 9) Close the notice of vacancy. 10) Schedule and conduct new employee processing. B) INCREASE FAIRNESS PERCEPTION When recruitment process is fair, and recruiters treat all applicants honestly and respectfully, it improves the chances of applicants accepting an offer for the job. The recruitment process should be relevant to the job and be consistent across all applicants. Make sure hiring is done to fill a real vacancy. It should be easy for candidates to apply.Also, explain the recruitment process to the applicant and give them the opportunity to show why they should be hired. Clear job description could help avoid discrimination of any sort. All applicants should be treated fairly throughout the selection and hiring process. High levels of fairness maintained throughout the recruitment process give Chern the best chance of recruiting top talent. Keep applicants informed of their progress or lack of progress through the process. Interviews should be conducted using standardized, approved methods with all questions to be predetermined by management. According to Stan M. Gully and Jean M. Phillips, authors of Strategic Staffing, there are three types of perceptions of fairness that applicants can feel related to a company’s recruitment and selection process. These are distributive, procedural and interactional fairness. Distributive is similar to how fair an applicant feels the hiring or promotion system is. Procedural refers to candidates beliefs that a company’s policies and procedures that guide the hiring or promotion decision were fair. It Includes the screening tools, tests, interview process as it relates to personality or integrity tests. Interactional fairness has to do with an applicant’s perception of treatment during the hiring process. If an applicant is no longer considered to be hired, they s hould be informed about is as soon as possible. Candidates feel important and create a positive image for those companies who follow them up on their applications and interview. When these things do not occur, the employer may find that there have been negative spillover effects as a consequence. When someone has a positive experience, he or she tells others and view the organization in a positive light. The same is true with a negative experience. The issue is that when someone does have a negative experience, he or she is much more likely to tell others about the experience and to discontinue association with the company. A good recruiter should be open to giving as well as receiving feedback. When using internal or external recruiters, Chern should ensure that the recruiter possesses characteristics that support candidates having a positive experience. These include being familiar with the position as well as the company. A recruiter who cannot answer questions about the job they are recruiting for or the company appears incompetent to the applicant, and this image is then attached to the company as well. Active listening skills, enthusiasm, intelligence, and trustworthiness all reflect well on the company. C and D) EMPLOYER BRAND Chern’s should define its mission and values that would flow through its employer branding communications. An ideal branding mission would be to inspire and influence others to connect with organizations core values. Like, Creating an environment where everyone feels welcome. Numerous methods could help in branding. Use of technology Digital marketing could attract new applicants as well engage and to retain the old one. Use of social media like facebook, twitter, and other sites helps the company to attract talent and reach masses. Employees who perform well and are there in the company from long can share their experiences through these sites or create their blog to let new candidates know what their experiences and success and failure stories have been so far. It would help talent connect and understand company’s culture. Photographs of any main events or about company’s environment could also be posted to drive traffic and interaction. It provides clear view of the organization. Communicating the brand image to employees from recruitment, into orientation and throughout their time with Chern’s will lead to the stronger brand image in the industry. It creates a positive image in their mind and makes them feel valued. What does company stand for should be listed on career page, known by all staff? Promote the family-oriented image the company holds with current employees and provide benefits that fit their needs will support the brand image. Having this firmly rooted family oriented foundation is the structure that supports employee empowerment and provides evidence of how the company values their people. When employees can understand the direction of their employer, see evidence that the employer cares about their well-being, they provide the best word of mouth advertising.

Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia

Do men and women view artistic pieces differently? When we consider numerous articles surrounding Antoni Gaudi’s architectural wonder Sagrada Familia, is there a difference between the way men and women view this piece of history. In the articles we are to analyze, we find that women are more subjectively critical than men who are somewhat more objective in the perceptions. In a architectural piece, the standpoints are unavoidable because they are readily visible to the public regardless of whether or not you want to see it. Gaudi’s ostentatious Gothic facade has acquired admiration and criticism over the years and we discuss this criticism of his work with reference to various articles seen from the viewpoint of both genders in order to ascertain whether there is indeed a difference between the genders’ perceptions. â€Å"Heresy or Homage in Barcelona† was written by Margot Hornblower in TIME magazine and is dated 28 January 1991. Hornblower describes the Sagrada Familia as â€Å"sensual, spiritual, whimsical, exuberant† (Hornblower, 1991). In this description, she obviously spares no time in making the piece seem irresistible. Furthermore, she insists that the building ‘symbolizes’ the city of Barcelona in a way that few other buildings do (Hornblower, 1991). Hornblower is complimentary of the piece of architecture that at times has been seen as gauche and over-the-top, she explains that very style of the building is almost a mockery of modern architecture (Hornblower, 1991). Although this in itself is not complimentary of the presence it holds in Catalina, but the way Hornblower has written it, makes it seem awesome in its own way. She does, however make it known that the fact that the Sagrada Familia was never completed poses a problem for many critics. The problem it appears, according to Hornblower is: who will be seen as fit to complete the work considering the immense esteem in which Gaudi was held? (Hornblower, 1991). The article was written prior to the 1992 Olympic Games and dissention was caused surrounding the people chosen to complete the piece. Hornblower writes about the difference between art nouveau and the man Suribachs who was chosen to complete the building (Hornblower, 1991). You can read also  Similarities and Conflicts in † a Streetcar Named Desire† This is comparable to another female writer who in fact wrote about the completion of the Sagrada Familia and is written by a Spanish female writer by the name of Rosario Fontova who writes for the El Periodico de Catalunya and is dated 22 October 2000. She writes factually about the re-evaluation of Gaudi’s work and the subsequent reopening of the Sagrada Familia as a completed work. She is completely unbiased and writes objectively although at times slightly on the complimentary side: â€Å"Part of the scaffolding has been removed, revealing the â€Å"Gaudian† shape of the temple's central nave as seen from the floor. (Fontova, 2000). From the other hand, male American writer for the New York Times also describes the Sagrada Familia in a complimentary fashion. Edward Schumacher writes for the New York Times Special on 1 January 1991 â€Å"Gaudi’s Church Still Divides Barcelona†. Similar to Hornblower’s article, Schumacher also explores the confli ct that surrounds the famous building. Schumacher, while complimentary, he does draw attention to the aspect of incongruity that the building holds, that is, its ‘exaggerated’ appearance (Schumacher, 1991). In this case Schumacher uses the word ‘exaggerated’ with the word ‘glorious’ in the phrase â€Å"The Sagrada Familia (Holy Family), a soaring, gloriously exaggerated Art Nouveau church that is taller than St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, was only a quarter done when Gaudi was killed by a streetcar in 1926. †(Schumacher, 1991). Schumacher therefore obviously looks fondly upon the architectural piece. Schumacher writes in the sense that the Familia Sagrada is a challenge to the old norms expected in fine art architecture. He believes, or writes at least that Gaudi challenged the ‘tired revival styles’ and formed his own ‘eclectic’ approach to building (Schumacher, 1991). He calls Gaudi a ‘visionary’ and goes into quite a lot of depth surrounding architectural terminology. He speaks about angularity, architraves, columns and vaults, meaning that to some extent he is learned in the field of architecture (Schumacher, 1991). Schumacher also goes into detail about the history of the Sagrada Familia, stating that Gaudi had seen the work as a culmination of his life’s work (Shumacher). He also explains the controversy surrounding the commission and building of the Sagrada Familia especially in terms of its artistic revival (Schumacher, 1991). Hattie Hartmann is a female writer for the New York Times and wrote â€Å"Barcelona Celebrates its own Architectural Visionary† dated 19 August 2002. She writes, in contrast to our first female writer in a very factual manner. She does not write much about how she feels about the piece but relates the facts and history surrounding the building. She acts as a sounding-board for what others think. The proposed route of the Madrid-Barcelona high-speed train passes near the Sagrada Familia site, and some say that offers an ideal opportunity to take another look at the current plans for the cathedral in its urban context before it is too late. †(Hartmann, 2002). This example shows the willingness of Hartmann to allow other opinions is strongly objective. Her choice of subject, however, also reveals the need to question what others believe and also in a way to stand up against the changes that might detract from the beauty and stature of the building. She writes about Gaudi’s popularity, his following and his status but refrains form using her own opinion of him and uses no emotive words regarding to herself in this situation (Hartmann, 2002). The differences between male and female discourse in terms of Gaudi’s work do not display any particular traits with regards to the way in which it is viewed form on gender to the other. One female writer (Hornblower) writes subjectively with many emotive words used to fondly describe the Sagrada Familia while the male writer, Schumacher does the same. The writer from Spain who obviously is familiar with the work is more factual and intent on creating a news-flash rather than advertising the piece. Fontova does not speak badly of the piece but refrains from making a value judgment on the building. On the one hand we have an American woman gushing Gaudi’s praise and on the other hand we see a local Catalan woman writing about the building as if it were part of her daily life. Schumacher does use far more technical terms in his description of the building while Hartmann and Hornblower both write with little weight placed on the technical value of the architecture. Fontova probably has more access to information surrounding the building works and is therefore more attentive to the technicalities. In the case of Sagrada Familia we see that the only real difference in perception of the piece is that the male writer appears to see the technical value of the building. The Sagrada Familia itself is a profoundly ostentatious and decorative building with an almost Gothic facade. His work pushed many boundaries in terms of breaking with norms and created a thoroughly art nouveau impression of the original religious relic that is the form of a cathedral. Comparable to Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel we see a modernised version of an old religious ideal. The Sagrada Familia has different meaning for different people and this is essentially the crux of the matter. For the Catalan female writer, Sagrada Familia is a part of her daily life, something she sees almost daily. It is also part of the Barcelonian heritage which the American writers, both male and female do not see. It is recognised by them but not necessarily seen in the same light. The male alternative to the praise given Gaudi’d works, is seen more from a technical point of view but is still strongly emotive. The female American writer was obviously in praise of Gaudi’s work more in terms of its aesthetic value than for its technical parts. There is therefore a difference between the way a local sees the building and a foreigner. There is also a difference in the purposes of the writing: Hartmann was more documentary about the piece and did not place as much importance on her own opinion as she did on the facts. The meaning behind the writing was predominantly in terms of the controversy the alterations to the building has caused. There was very little difference between the way males and females viewed the artwork in this particular case.