Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Cave Art essays

Cave Art essays Some 30,000 years ago throughout Europe an artistic crusade began to commence that would later extend its roots far into the Eastern and Western world. Through the prehistoric art works discovered, future generations are able to analyze and start to piece together the behavioral patterns of early homo-sapiens. The most prevalent, and possibly the most important artwork to be discovered are the cave paintings located throughout the world. Present study and knowledge of this art is confined to works discovered well over 150 sites throughout Europe. While there are little specifics known regarding cave paintings, specialists have carefully analyzed why so much time and effort was spent on each of the works, and have drawn educated conclusions on their possible purposes and functions. The most convincing clue in which cave art provides us is the fact that early homo-sapiens were beginning to end a life of constant roaming, and begin to settle in more permanent societies. One of the earliest known sites of prehistoric cave paintings was discovered in December of 1994. The site became known as the Chauvet Cave and was located near Vallon-Pont-dArc in southern France. The cave paintings themselves are a trove of hundreds of animals and bird paintings; the most dynamic of the images depict wild animals grazing, running, or resting (Stokstad 47). Among the animals represented are the wild horse, bison, mammoth, bear, panther, owl, deer, aurochs, woolly-haired rhino, and the wild goat. In the caves, perfect footprints were left of homo-sapiens living some 30,000 years ago. These footprints suggest that it is a possibility animals could have been painted as a means to mark the eating habits of a particular environment; the artists intent may have been to provide hunting knowledge to future generations. It also suggests that the cave was used often by the Paleolithic homo-sapiens. Marilyn Stokstad, a major in art hist...

Friday, November 22, 2019

Pronounce the Spanish R

Pronounce the Spanish R The Spanish letter R is easy to pronounce but is often mispronounced by English speakers. Here are some tips for getting it right. Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 10 minutes Heres How: Keep in mind that there are two R sounds in Spanish: the single R sound and the double R (or RR) sound.Keep in mind that the single R sound is used whenever the single R appears in a word, except when its at the beginning of a word or after an L, N or S, when the RR sound is used.Keep in mind that the Spanish R doesnt have the distinctive R sound of English. Think of it as a separate letter entirely.Remember that the single R is pronounced with a single flap of the tongue against the roof of mouth.Say these words rapidly as you would if they were English words, and with the accent on the first syllable: peddo, pahdah, cahdah.Congratulate yourself. You have approximately pronounced the Spanish words pero (but), para (for) and cara (face).Note similarly that in English many words that have T or TT between vowels have the same sound, which is different than the T in today. Examples are cattle, bitter and attic.Practice using the same sound in other positions. For example, to say primo ( cousin), rapidly say pdee-mo, but pronounce the d by hitting your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Again congratulate yourself. Youre on your way to learning this sound.You can hear the r pronounced by native speakers in our audio lesson on pronouncing the r . Words spoken in that lesson are pero (but), caro (expensive), primo (cousin), tres (three), seà ±or (Mr.) and hablar (to speak).You can also get advice from About.com readers on pronouncing the r. Tips: Try to imitate the sound of the R as it is pronounced by native speakers.Dont even be tempted to pronounce the R as it is pronounced in English.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

The Power of the Media Tycoon Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

The Power of the Media Tycoon - Essay Example Today, the power of the media and the few people that control it, have been compared to world leaders in their ability to sway opinion and effect change. How does this power compare to the power of a US President While the media tycoons have the legal limitations of any business owner that answers to stockholders and a board of directors, they have the power to move public opinion, initiate social change, and influence foreign policy to an extent greater than any elected public official. In the United States almost all the information available comes from a media outlet. Academic research is generally reserved for the small circle of specialists that have a position that offers them an interest and gives them exposure to the topic. These articles will occasionally get anecdotally quoted by the media, but the reports can be used for the outlet's own self-serving agenda. Selected quotes taken out of context can mislead the viewers in an attempt to sway public opinion. These opinion-centric newscasts exert enormous control over what people think and how they think about it. The ability to slant the news is even more significant in light of the increasing concentration of media ownership. The period of 1984 - 1999 saw the number of major owners go from 50 to 15 (Hasen 1626). The reduced number of outlets translates to an increased numbers of viewers and more influence. Media owners such as Rupert Murdoch can stack ... Reporters and pundits can be richly rewarded by presenting material in line with the network's political views. They can also be summarily punished and fired for developing a politically unpopular story of a scandal or major corruption. The network owner leverages these strengths to highlight or diminish a story's importance in the viewer's mind. The president is unable to cap a story or keep facts out of the viewer's homes. The recent events surrounding the investigation into the firings of the US Attorneys is evidence of the president's lack of ability to control the news. It is solely in the hands of the network and the network leadership. When comparing a media tycoon's power in regards to public opinion to a president, it is helpful to consider the information disseminated during a national presidential election. Presidents and candidates are limited to advertising and 'free' news spots. They are limited in the amount of time and coverage they can get. News conferences can help a president get exposure for a program or to promote a political stance, but television news can paint the portrayal with an opinionated slant. The news is not simply responding to a market and giving viewers 'what they want'; they are actively promoting a social agenda. During a recent national election, coverage varied widely from Fox to NBC to CBS. They varied in the amount of coverage on issues such as race and gender and according to Larson, "...although network news shows generally compete for the same audience, have the same operating procedures, and have similarly trained workers, their stories differed" (23). News presentation has the ability to focus attention on a given event and make the event important

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Customers Relastion1 Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Customers Relastion1 - Coursework Example The domestic operations are linked to enable their customers access a variety of international products, customized to meet the domestic needs. Its CRM system aims at maximizing convenience for their customers through the provision of round-the-clock banking. It also aims at empowering their customers in a manner that its competitors have not been able to match. HSBC offers a revolutionary e-banking platform besides the conventional banking methods such as teller, ATMs and phone banking. Customers can check balances, pay their bills, make domestic and international transfers and update their personal details with this easy-to-use internet based service. HSBC also conducts a marketing campaign of its business, corporate and institutional product offerings through the e-banking platform. Customers can also purchase certain products such as shares and insurance through the service. Actor’s Strategy Table Actions on Actions for HSBC CUSTOMERS HSBC Objectives: Improve convenience E mpower customers Problems: Technology Customer demands Means: Convenient banking hours Obtain and analyse customer information Constant technology improvement product development CUSTOMERS Demand for additional services More knowledge Objectives: Convenient banking Problems: Busy schedule Means: Seek best service offerings Service/Sale Profile: HSBC HSBC appreciates that a majority of its customers require quick, flexible and convenient services because of their busy schedules. Therefore, it has adopted a customer-oriented approach. For instance, some of its bank branches operate throughout the day and night to offer convenience. The e-banking and phone banking services allow the bank customers to access and transact from their accounts within and outside bank operating hours. The modern banking customer does not only demand for traditional banking services but also for financial advice to achieve their savings, insurance and investment needs. HSBC has already recognized this and th e potential it has for increasing profitability and has embarked on combining such services. It seeks to offer professional training for its staff members in these new aspects. It has also started a promotion campaign that offers product offerings with these integrated services. The CRM system helps the organization to recognize their most profitable customers. The organization then offers them specialised banking services through its HSBC Premier Service. The service guarantees VIP treatment across HSBC’s international network and a dedicated relationship manager or executive team that guide these customers to make financial decisions that suit their needs. HSBC can retrieve customer information that relates to their habits and preferences, and product and services demand from the system. After a thorough analysis of the data, the company can institute reforms such as improving its technology, provide staff training and develop new product offerings to meet the identified cu stomer needs. The online CRM platform has immense benefits in improving the effectiveness in customer service as it captures consolidated customer information that ranges from their accounts, portfolios and performance of their investment portfolios. The online platform significantly reduces administrative workload and makes data collection more efficient. This makes it easy for HSBC to customize their

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Recruitment and Selection Process Essay Example for Free

Recruitment and Selection Process Essay Stages of recruitment and selection process – In a nut shell: 1. Job analysis: Determining the different aspect of a job through job description and job specification 1.1 Job description: Role within an organisation and lists the main tasks and responsibilities 1.2 Job specification: Highlights the characteristics a candidate needs for a post and the desired qualities 2. Sourcing: Attracting or identifying candidates internally or externally through advertisement (i.e. recruitment agencies, institutions, internet†¦etc) 3. Screening and selection: Assessing potential candidates, specifically, relevant skills, knowledge, aptitude, qualifications, and educational or job-related experience. Screening can be achieved by evaluating resumes and job applications, interviewing, and job-related or behavioural testing 4. On-boarding/induction: Process of helping new employees become a productive member of an organisation Definition: The process of sourcing and screening potential candidates that shares similar values and beliefs aligned with the organisation along with the desired knowledge, skills and experience to competently fulfil the defined job descriptions and specifications (Australian Human Resource Institute n.d, para. 1). Job Analysis: A job analysis is a systematic process where information regarding a job vacancy, specifically its duties and responsibilities as well as the knowledge, skills and abilities required, are collected to formulate a job description and job specification tailored to the organisation’s specific needs (HR Council n.d, para. 2) Job Description: The objective of a job description, according to HR Council (n.d), is to effectively ‘increase individual and organisational effectiveness’ by  aligning the daily duties and responsibilities of an employee with the overall mission, vision and value statement of the organisation Job Specification: Job specification, sometimes referred to as employee specification, is a written statement outlining the specific requirements demanded by an organisation including, but not limited to, characteristics, traits and qualifications that a potential candidate must possess to be considered for the position that he or she is applying for (Heathfield n.d; Management Study Guide n.d). Sourcing: According to Recruiter (n.d), sourcing is a process that ‘encompasses deep organizational talent strategy issues and in general, the practice and need to acquire human talent for any source of business need’. Sourcing can be seen as a tactic or as a strategy. When sourcing is referred to as a tactic, this often means ‘the practice of finding specialized candidates on the internet or through phone work’ (Recruiter n.d, para. 3). In contrast, sourcing as a strategy means ‘a number of different broad hiring initiatives or approaches to particular labour markets’ (Recruiter n.d, para. 5). Screening and selection: The process of screening and selection involves assessing and comparing potential candidates against a predetermined selection criteria factoring in their level of education, competencies, experience, skills and abilities and personal characteristics (ZeePedia n.d, p.82) as well as evaluating whether if their values and beliefs are compatible with the organizations overall mission, vision and values (Mayhew n.d, para. 5). Induction: Induction is a formal process where, according to Department of Human Services (2014), ‘new members of the organisation are welcomed to the organisation and given details about their position’ and introducing the hierarchy and line of communication involving the key people in the workplace (Department of Human Services 2014, para. 10). They are also  briefed on their roles, responsibilities and expectations in the daily operations. Sources: Australian Human Resource Institute n.d, RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION, Australian Human Resource Institute, retrieved 4 March 2015, HR Council n.d, Getting the Right People, HR Council, retrieved 6 March 2015, HR Council n.d, Getting the Right People, HR Council, retrieved 6 March 2015, Management Study Guide n.d, Job Description and Job Specification, Management Study Guide, retrieved 7 March 2015, Heathfield, S n.d, Job Specification, About Money, retrieved 7 March 2015, Recruiter n.d, Sourcing, Recruiter, retrieved 11 March 2015, ZeePedia n.d, SELECTION: Initial Screening, Advantages of Successful Screening, ZeePedia, retrieved 8 March 2015, Mayhew, R n.d, Methods of HR Selection Techniques, Demand Media, retrieved 8 March 2015, Department of Human Services 2014, Recruitment, selection and induction, Department of Human Services, retrieved 11 March 2015,

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Comparing Tell Tale Heart and The Black Cat :: comparison compare contrast essays

Tell Tale Heart and The Black Cat.    The two short stories that I have chosen by Edgar Allan Poe are The Tell Tale Heart and The Black Cat.   These two stories in particular have many things in common as far as technique goes, but they do have some significant differences between the two.   In this paper I will try to compare and contrast these two short stories and hopefully bring something to the readers attention that wasn't there at first.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One of the main differences in these two short stories is the way in which the reader finds out the ending of the stories.   In The Black Cat the reader finds out the ending of the story in the traditional format. At the end of the short story. However, in The Tell Tale Heart the reader knows the ending at the very beginning of the story.   An advantage of having the story come full circle is that it allows the reader to try and focus on other aspects of the story such as why and how. Poe makes the ending very clear to the reader, in doing this he makes the reader read with anticipation.   The anticipation that is created makes the story more enjoyable.   The Black Cat is written in the more traditional sense, which has its advantages as well. A traditional way of writing is having the story flow from beginning to end.   Poe is able to develop the characters as the story goes along and of course by not knowing the ending the story is full of sur prises that make it unpredictable.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another difference in technique that Poe uses between the two short stories is the way that the anger in placed.   In The Tell Tale Heart the main character's anger is placed on the direct object of whom he has problem with, but in The Black Cat the main character chooses to displace his anger on to an animal whom he had no prior qualms with.   I think what Poe was trying to convey was that sometimes our anger is directed at the things that really can't fight back, in a normal circumstance (in the story there were supernatural aspects with would not occur in a normal environment).   As we read the story and see how the man is displacing his anger we realize that at one time or another we have all done this.

Monday, November 11, 2019

A Game of Thrones Chapter Fifteen

Sansa Eddard Stark had left before dawn, Septa Mordane informed Sansa as they broke their fast. â€Å"The king sent for him. Another hunt, I do believe. There are still wild aurochs in these lands, I am told.† â€Å"I've never seen an aurochs,† Sansa said, feeding a piece of bacon to Lady under the table. The direwolf took it from her hand, as delicate as a queen. Septa Mordane sniffed in disapproval. â€Å"A noble lady does not feed dogs at her table,† she said, breaking off another piece of comb and letting the honey drip down onto her bread. â€Å"She's not a dog, she's a direwolf,† Sansa pointed out as Lady licked her fingers with a rough tongue. â€Å"Anyway, Father said we could keep them with us if we want.† The septa was not appeased. â€Å"You're a good girl, Sansa, but I do vow, when it comes to that creature you're as willful as your sister Arya.† She scowled. â€Å"And where is Arya this morning?† â€Å"She wasn't hungry,† Sansa said, knowing full well that her sister had probably stolen down to the kitchen hours ago and wheedled a breakfast out of some cook's boy. â€Å"Do remind her to dress nicely today. The grey velvet, perhaps. We are all invited to ride with the queen and Princess Myrcella in the royal wheelhouse, and we must look our best.† Sansa already looked her best. She had brushed out her long auburn hair until it shone, and picked her nicest blue silks. She had been looking forward to today for more than a week. It was a great honor to ride with the queen, and besides, Prince Joffrey might be there. Her betrothed. Just thinking it made her feel a strange fluttering inside, even though they were not to marry for years and years. Sansa did not really know Joffrey yet, but she was already in love with him. He was all she ever dreamt her prince should be, tall and handsome and strong, with hair like gold. She treasured every chance to spend time with him, few as they were. The only thing that scared her about today was Arya. Arya had a way of ruining everything. You never knew what she would do. â€Å"I'll tell her,† Sansa said uncertainly, â€Å"but she'll dress the way she always does.† She hoped it wouldn't be too embarrassing. â€Å"May I be excused?† â€Å"You may.† Septa Mordane helped herself to more bread and honey, and Sansa slid from the bench. Lady followed at her heels as she ran from the inn's common room. Outside, she stood for a moment amidst the shouts and curses and the creak of wooden wheels as the men broke down the tents and pavilions and loaded the wagons for another day's march. The inn was a sprawling three-story structure of pale stone, the biggest that Sansa had ever seen, but even so, it had accommodations for less than a third of the king's party, which had swollen to more than four hundred with the addition of her father's household and the freeriders who had joined them on the road. She found Arya on the banks of the Trident, trying to hold Nymeria still while she brushed dried mud from her fur. The direwolf was not enjoying the process. Arya was wearing the same riding leathers she had worn yesterday and the day before. â€Å"You better put on something pretty,† Sansa told her. â€Å"Septa Mordane said so. We're traveling in the queen's wheelhouse with Princess Myrcella today.† â€Å"I'm not,† Arya said, trying to brush a tangle out of Nymeria's matted grey fur. â€Å"Mycah and I are going to ride upstream and look for rubies at the ford.† â€Å"Rubies,† Sansa said, lost. â€Å"What rubies?† Arya gave her a look like she was so stupid. â€Å"Rhaegar's rubies. This is where King Robert killed him and won the crown.† Sansa regarded her scrawny little sister in disbelief. â€Å"You can't look for rubies, the princess is expecting us. The queen invited us both.† â€Å"I don't care,† Arya said. â€Å"The wheelhouse doesn't even have windows, you can't see a thing.† â€Å"What could you want to see?† Sansa said, annoyed. She had been thrilled by the invitation, and her stupid sister was going to ruin everything, just as she'd feared. â€Å"It's all just fields and farms and holdfasts.† â€Å"It is not,† Arya said stubbornly. â€Å"If you came with us sometimes, you'd see.† â€Å"I hate riding,† Sansa said fervently. â€Å"All it does is get you soiled and dusty and sore.† Arya shrugged. â€Å"Hold still,† she snapped at Nymeria, â€Å"I'm not hurting you.† Then to Sansa she said, â€Å"When we were crossing the Neck, I counted thirty-six flowers I never saw before, and Mycah showed me a lizard-lion.† Sansa shuddered. They had been twelve days crossing the Neck, rumbling down a crooked causeway through an endless black bog, and she had hated every moment of it. The air had been damp and clammy, the causeway so narrow they could not even make proper camp at night, they had to stop right on the kingsroad. Dense thickets of half-drowned trees pressed close around them, branches dripping with curtains of pale fungus. Huge flowers bloomed in the mud and floated on pools of stagnant water, but if you were stupid enough to leave the causeway to pluck them, there were quicksands waiting to suck you down, and snakes watching from the trees, and lizard-lions floating half-submerged in the water, like black logs with eyes and teeth. None of which stopped Arya, of course. One day she came back grinning her horsey grin, her hair all tangled and her clothes covered in mud, clutching a raggedy bunch of purple and green flowers for Father. Sansa kept hoping he would tell Arya to behave herself and act like the highborn lady she was supposed to be, but he never did, he only hugged her and thanked her for the flowers. That just made her worse. Then it turned out the purple flowers were called poison kisses, and Arya got a rash on her arms. Sansa would have thought that might have taught her a lesson, but Arya laughed about it, and the next day she rubbed mud all over her arms like some ignorant bog woman just because her friend Mycah told her it would stop the itching. She had bruises on her arms and shoulders too, dark purple welts and faded green-and-yellow splotches, Sansa had seen them when her sister undressed for sleep. How she had gotten those only the seven gods knew. Arya was still going on, brushing out Nymeria's tangles and chattering about things she'd seen on the trek south. â€Å"Last week we found this haunted watchtower, and the day before we chased a herd of wild horses. You should have seen them run when they caught a scent of Nymeria.† The wolf wriggled in her grasp and Arya scolded her. â€Å"Stop that, I have to do the other side, you're all muddy.† â€Å"You're not supposed to leave the column,† Sansa reminded her. â€Å"Father said so.† Arya shrugged. â€Å"I didn't go far. Anyway, Nymeria was with me the whole time. I don't always go off, either. Sometimes it's fun just to ride along with the wagons and talk to people.† Sansa knew all about the sorts of people Arya liked to talk to: squires and grooms and serving girls, old men and naked children, rough-spoken freeriders of uncertain birth. Arya would make friends with anybody. This Mycah was the worst; a butcher's boy, thirteen and wild, he slept in the meat wagon and smelled of the slaughtering block. Just the sight of him was enough to make Sansa feel sick, but Arya seemed to prefer his company to hers. Sansa was running out of patience now. â€Å"You have to come with me,† she told her sister firmly. â€Å"You can't refuse the queen. Septa Mordane will expect you.† Arya ignored her. She gave a hard yank with the brush. Nymeria growled and spun away, affronted. â€Å"Come back here!† â€Å"There's going to be lemon cakes and tea,† Sansa went on, all adult and reasonable. Lady brushed against her leg. Sansa scratched her ears the way she liked, and Lady sat beside her on her haunches, watching Arya chase Nymeria. â€Å"Why would you want to ride a smelly old horse and get all sore and sweaty when you could recline on feather pillows and eat cakes with the queen?† â€Å"I don't like the queen,† Arya said casually. Sansa sucked in her breath, shocked that even Arya would say such a thing, but her sister prattled on, heedless. â€Å"She won't even let me bring Nymeria.† She thrust the brush under her belt and stalked her wolf. Nymeria watched her approach warily. â€Å"A royal wheelhouse is no place for a wolf,† Sansa said. â€Å"And Princess Myrcella is afraid of them, you know that.† â€Å"Myrcella is a little baby.† Arya grabbed Nymeria around her neck, but the moment she pulled out the brush again the direwolf wriggled free and bounded off. Frustrated, Arya threw down the brush. â€Å"Bad wolf!† she shouted. Sansa couldn't help but smile a little. The kennelmaster once told her that an animal takes after its master. She gave Lady a quick little hug. Lady licked her cheek. Sansa giggled. Arya heard and whirled around, glaring. â€Å"I don't care what you say, I'm going out riding.† Her long horsey face got the stubborn look that meant she was going to do something willful. â€Å"Gods be true, Arya, sometimes you act like such a child,† Sansa said. â€Å"I'll go by myself then. It will be ever so much nicer that way. Lady and I will eat all the lemon cakes and just have the best time without you.† She turned to walk off, but Arya shouted after her, â€Å"They won't let you bring Lady either.† She was gone before Sansa could think of a reply, chasing Nymeria along the river. Alone and humiliated, Sansa took the long way back to the inn, where she knew Septa Mordane would be waiting. Lady padded quietly by her side. She was almost in tears. All she wanted was for things to be nice and pretty, the way they were in the songs. Why couldn't Arya be sweet and delicate and kind, like Princess Myrcella? She would have liked a sister like that. Sansa could never understand how two sisters, born only two years apart, could be so different. It would have been easier if Arya had been a bastard, like their half brother Jon. She even looked like Jon, with the long face and brown hair of the Starks, and nothing of their lady mother in her face or her coloring. And Jon's mother had been common, or so people whispered. Once, when she was littler, Sansa had even asked Mother if perhaps there hadn't been some mistake. Perhaps the grumkins had stolen her real sister. But Mother had only laughed and said no, Arya was her daughter and Sansa's trueborn sister, blood of their blood. Sansa could not think why Mother would want to lie about it, so she supposed it had to be true. As she neared the center of camp, her distress was quickly forgotten. A crowd had gathered around the queen's wheelhouse. Sansa heard excited voices buzzing like a hive of bees. The doors had been thrown open, she saw, and the queen stood at the top of the wooden steps, smiling down at someone. She heard her saying, â€Å"The council does us great honor, my good lords.† â€Å"What's happening?† she asked a squire she knew. â€Å"The council sent riders from King's Landing to escort us the rest of the way,† he told her. â€Å"An honor guard for the king.† Anxious to see, Sansa let Lady clear a path through the crowd. People moved aside hastily for the direwolf. When she got closer, she saw two knights kneeling before the queen, in armor so fine and gorgeous that it made her blink. One knight wore an intricate suit of white enameled scales, brilliant as a field of new-fallen snow, with silver chasings and clasps that glittered in the sun. When he removed his helm, Sansa saw that he was an old man with hair as pale as his armor, yet he seemed strong and graceful for all that. From his shoulders hung the pure white cloak of the Kingsguard. His companion was a man near twenty whose armor was steel plate of a deep forest-green. He was the handsomest man Sansa had ever set eyes upon; tall and powerfully made, with jet-black hair that fell to his shoulders and framed a clean-shaven face, and laughing green eyes to match his armor. Cradled under one arm was an antlered helm, its magnificent rack shimmering in gold. At first Sansa did not notice the third stranger. He did not kneel with the others. He stood to one side, beside their horses, a gaunt grim man who watched the proceedings in silence. His face was pockmarked and beardless, with deepset eyes and hollow cheeks. Though he was not an old man, only a few wisps of hair remained to him, sprouting above his ears, but those he had grown long as a woman's. His armor was iron-grey chainmail over layers of boiled leather, plain and unadorned, and it spoke of age and hard use. Above his right shoulder the stained leather hilt of the blade strapped to his back was visible; a two-handed greatsword, too long to be worn at his side. â€Å"The king is gone hunting, but I know he will be pleased to see you when he returns,† the queen was saying to the two knights who knelt before her, but Sansa could not take her eyes off the third man. He seemed to feel the weight of her gaze. Slowly he turned his head. Lady growled. A terror as overwhelming as anything Sansa Stark had ever felt filled her suddenly. She stepped backward and bumped into someone. Strong hands grasped her by the shoulders, and for a moment Sansa thought it was her father, but when she turned, it was the burned face of Sandor Clegane looking down at her, his mouth twisted in a terrible mockery of a smile. â€Å"You are shaking, girl,† he said, his voice rasping. â€Å"Do I frighten you so much?† He did, and had since she had first laid eyes on the ruin that fire had made of his face, though it seemed to her now that he was not half so terrifying as the other. Still, Sansa wrenched away from him, and the Hound laughed, and Lady moved between them, rumbling a warning. Sansa dropped to her knees to wrap her arms around the wolf. They were all gathered around gaping, she could feel their eyes on her, and here and there she heard muttered comments and titters of laughter. â€Å"A wolf,† a man said, and someone else said, â€Å"Seven hells, that's a direwolf,† and the first man said, â€Å"What's it doing in camp?† and the Hound's rasping voice replied, â€Å"The Starks use them for wet nurses,† and Sansa realized that the two stranger knights were looking down on her and Lady, swords in their hands, and then she was frightened again, and ashamed. Tears filled her eyes. She heard the queen say, â€Å"Joffrey, go to her.† And her prince was there. â€Å"Leave her alone,† Joffrey said. He stood over her, beautiful in blue wool and black leather, his golden curls shining in the sun like a crown. He gave her his hand, drew her to her feet. â€Å"What is it, sweet lady? Why are you afraid? No one will hurt you. Put away your swords, all of you. The wolf is her little pet, that's all.† He looked at Sandor Clegane. â€Å"And you, dog, away with you, you're scaring my betrothed.† The Hound, ever faithful, bowed and slid away quietly through the press. Sansa struggled to steady herself. She felt like such a fool. She was a Stark of Winterfell, a noble lady, and someday she would be a queen. â€Å"It was not him, my sweet prince,† she tried to explain. â€Å"It was the other one.† The two stranger knights exchanged a look. â€Å"Payne?† chuckled the young man in the green armor. The older man in white spoke to Sansa gently. â€Å"Ofttimes Ser Ilyn frightens me as well, sweet lady. He has a fearsome aspect.† â€Å"As well he should.† The queen had descended from the wheelhouse. The spectators parted to make way for her. â€Å"If the wicked do not fear the Mng's Justice, you have put the wrong man in the office.† Sansa finally found her words. â€Å"Then surely you have chosen the right one, Your Grace,† she said, and a gale of laughter erupted all around her. â€Å"Well spoken, child,† said the old man in white. â€Å"As befits the daughter of Eddard Stark. I am honored to know you, however irregular the manner of our meeting. I am Ser Barristan Selmy, of the Kingsguard.† He bowed. Sansa knew the name, and now the courtesies that Septa Mordane had taught her over the years came back to her. â€Å"The Lord Commander of the Kingsguard,† she said, â€Å"and councillor to Robert our king and to Aerys Targaryen before him. The honor is mine, good knight. Even in the far north, the singers praise the deeds of Barristan the Bold.† The green knight laughed again. â€Å"Barristan the Old, you mean. Don't flatter him too sweetly, child, he thinks overmuch of himself already.† He smiled at her. â€Å"Now, wolf girl, if you can put a name to me as well, then I must concede that you are truly our Hand's daughter.† Joffrey stiffened beside her. â€Å"Have a care how you address my betrothed.† â€Å"I can answer,† Sansa said quickly, to quell her prince's anger. She smiled at the green knight. â€Å"Your helmet bears golden antlers, my lord. The stag is the sigil of the royal House. King Robert has two brothers. By your extreme youth, you can only be Renly Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End and councillor to the king, and so I name you.† Ser Barristan chuckled. â€Å"By his extreme youth, he can only be a prancing jackanapes, and so I name him.† There was general laughter, led by Lord Renly himself. The tension of a few moments ago was gone, and Sansa was beginning to feel comfortable . . . until Ser Ilyn Payne shouldered two men aside, and stood before her, unsmiling. He did not say a word. Lady bared her teeth and began to growl, a low rumble full of menace, but this time Sansa silenced the wolf with a gentle hand to the head. â€Å"I am sorry if I offended you, Ser Ilyn,† she said. She waited for an answer, but none came. As the headsman looked at her, his pale colorless eyes seemed to strip the clothes away from her, and then the skin, leaving her soul naked before him. Still silent, he turned and walked away. Sansa did not understand. She looked at her prince. â€Å"Did I say something wrong, Your Grace? Why will he not speak to me?† â€Å"Ser Ilyn has not been feeling talkative these past fourteen years,† Lord Renly commented with a sly smile. Joffrey gave his uncle a look of pure loathing, then took Sansa's hands in his own. â€Å"Aerys Targaryen had his tongue ripped out with hot pincers.† â€Å"He speaks most eloquently with his sword, however,† the queen said, â€Å"and his devotion to our realm is unquestioned.† Then she smiled graciously and said, â€Å"Sansa, the good councillors and I must speak together until the king returns with your father. I fear we shall have to postpone your day with Myrcella. Please give your sweet sister my apologies. Joffrey, perhaps you would be so kind as to entertain our guest today.† â€Å"It would be my pleasure, Mother,† Joffrey said very formally. He took her by the arm and led her away from the wheelhouse, and Sansa's spirits took flight. A whole day with her prince! She gazed at Joffrey worshipfully. He was so gallant, she thought. The way he had rescued her from Ser Ilyn and the Hound, why, it was almost like the songs, like the time Serwyn of the Mirror Shield saved the Princess Daeryssa from the giants, or Prince Aemon the Dragonknight championing Queen Naerys's honor against evil Ser Morgil's slanders. The touch of Joffrey's hand on her sleeve made her heart beat faster. â€Å"What would you like to do?† Be with you, Sansa thought, but she said, â€Å"Whatever you'd like to do, my prince.† Jofftey reflected a moment. â€Å"We could go riding.† â€Å"Oh, I love riding,† Sansa said. Joffrey glanced back at Lady, who was following at their heels. â€Å"Your wolf is liable to frighten the horses, and my dog seems to frighten you. Let us leave them both behind and set off on our own, what do you say?† Sansa hesitated. â€Å"If you like,† she said uncertainly. â€Å"I suppose I could tie Lady up.† She did not quite understand, though. â€Å"I didn't know you had a dog . . . â€Å" Joffrey laughed. â€Å"He's my mother's dog, in truth. She has set him to guard me, and so he does.† â€Å"You mean the Hound,† she said. She wanted to hit herself for being so slow. Her prince would never love her if she seemed stupid. â€Å"Is it safe to leave him behind?† Prince Joffrey looked annoyed that she would even ask. â€Å"Have no fear, lady. I am almost a man grown, and I don't fight with wood like your brothers. All I need is this.† He drew his sword and showed it to her; a longsword adroitly shrunken to suit a boy of twelve, gleaming blue steel, castle-forged and double-edged, with a leather grip and a lion's-head pommel in gold. Sansa exclaimed over it admiringly, and Joffrey looked pleased. â€Å"I call it Lion's Tooth,† he said. And so they left her direwolf and his bodyguard behind them, while they ranged east along the north bank of the Trident with no company save Lion's Tooth. It was a glorious day, a magical day. The air was warm and heavy with the scent of flowers, and the woods here had a gentle beauty that Sansa had never seen in the north. Prince Joffrey's mount was a blood bay courser, swift as the wind, and he rode it with reckless abandon, so fast that Sansa was hard-pressed to keep up on her mare. It was a day for adventures. They explored the caves by the riverbank, and tracked a shadowcat to its lair, and when they grew hungry, Joffrey found a holdfast by its smoke and told them to fetch food and wine for their prince and his lady. They dined on trout fresh from the river, and Sansa drank more wine than she had ever drunk before. â€Å"My father only lets us have one cup, and only at feasts,† she confessed to her prince. â€Å"My betrothed can drink as much as she wants,† Joffrey said, refilling her cup. They went more slowly after they had eaten. Joffrey sang for her as they rode, his voice high and sweet and pure. Sansa was a little dizzy from the wine. â€Å"Shouldn't we be starting back?† she asked. â€Å"Soon,† Joffrey said. â€Å"The battleground is right up ahead, where the river bends. That was where my father killed Rhaegar Targaryen, you know. He smashed in his chest, crunch, right through the armor.† Joffrey swung an imaginary warhammer to show her how it was done. â€Å"Then my uncle Jaime killed old Aerys, and my father was king. What's that sound?† Sansa heard it too, floating through the woods, a kind of wooden clattering, snack snack snack. â€Å"I don't know,† she said. It made her nervous, though. â€Å"Joffrey, let's go back.† â€Å"I want to see what it is.† Joffrey turned his horse in the direction of the sounds, and Sansa had no choice but to follow. The noises grew louder and more distinct, the clack of wood on wood, and as they grew closer they heard heavy breathing as well, and now and then a grunt. â€Å"Someone's there,† Sansa said anxiously. She found herself thinking of Lady, wishing the direwolf was with her. â€Å"You're safe with me.† Joffrey drew his Lion's Tooth from its sheath. The sound of steel on leather made her tremble. â€Å"This way,† he said, riding through a stand of trees. Beyond, in a clearing overlooking the river, they came upon a boy and a girl playing at knights. Their swords were wooden sticks, broom handles from the look of them, and they were rushing across the grass, swinging at each other lustily. The boy was years older, a head taller, and much stronger, and he was pressing the attack. The girl, a scrawny thing in soiled leathers, was dodging and managing to get her stick in the way of most of the boy's blows, but not all. When she tried to lunge at him, he caught her stick with his own, swept it aside, and slid his wood down hard on her fingers. She cried out and lost her weapon. Prince Joffrey laughed. The boy looked around, wide-eyed and startled, and dropped his stick in the grass. The girl glared at them, sucking on her knuckles to take the sting out, and Sansa was horrified. â€Å"Arya?† she called out incredulously. â€Å"Go away,† Arya shouted back at them, angry tears in her eyes. â€Å"What are you doing here? Leave us alone.† Joffrey glanced from Arya to Sansa and back again. â€Å"Your sister?† She nodded, blushing. Joffrey examined the boy, an ungainly lad with a coarse, freckled face and thick red hair. â€Å"And who are you, boy?† he asked in a commanding tone that took no notice of the fact that the other was a year his senior. â€Å"Mycah,† the boy muttered. He recognized the prince and averted his eyes. â€Å"M'lord.† â€Å"He's the butcher's boy,† Sansa said. â€Å"He's my friend,† Arya said sharply. â€Å"You leave him alone.† â€Å"A butcher's boy who wants to be a knight, is it?† Joffrey swung down from his mount, sword in hand. â€Å"Pick up your sword, butcher's boy,† he said, his eyes bright with amusement. â€Å"Let us see how good you are.† Mycah stood there, frozen with fear. Joffrey walked toward him. â€Å"Go on, pick it up. Or do you only fight little girls?† â€Å"She ast me to, m'lord,† Mycah said. â€Å"She ast me to.† Sansa had only to glance at Arya and see the flush on her sister's face to know the boy was telling the truth, but Joffrey was in no mood to listen. The wine had made him wild. â€Å"Are you going to pick up your sword?† Mycah shook his head. â€Å"It's only a stick, m'lord. It's not no sword, it's only a stick.† â€Å"And you're only a butcher's boy, and no knight.† Joffrey lifted Lion's Tooth and laid its point on Mycah's cheek below the eye, as the butcher's boy stood trembling. â€Å"That was my lady's sister you were hitting, do you know that?† A bright bud of blood blossomed where his sword pressed into Mycah's flesh, and a slow red line trickled down the boy's cheek. â€Å"Stop it!† Arya screamed. She grabbed up her fallen stick. Sansa was afraid. â€Å"Arya, you stay out of this.† â€Å"I won't hurt him . . . much,† Prince Joffrey told Arya, never taking his eyes off the butcher's boy. Arya went for him. Sansa slid off her mare, but she was too slow. Arya swung with both hands. There was a loud crack as the wood split against the back of the prince's head, and then everything happened at once before Sansa's horrified eyes. Joffrey staggered and whirled around, roaring curses. Mycah ran for the trees as fast as his legs would take him. Arya swung at the prince again, but this time Joffrey caught the blow on Lion's Tooth and sent her broken stick flying from her hands. The back of his head was all bloody and his eyes were on fire. Sansa was shrieking, â€Å"No, no, stop it, stop it, both of you, you're spoiling it,† but no one was listening. Arya scooped up a rock and hurled it at Joffrey's head. She hit his horse instead, and the blood bay reared and went galloping off after Mycah. â€Å"Stop it, don't, stop it!† Sansa screamed. Joffrey slashed at Arya with his sword, screaming obscenities, terrible words, filthy words. Arya darted back, frightened now, but Joffrey follo wed, hounding her toward the woods, backing her up against a tree. Sansa didn't know what to do. She watched helplessly, almost blind from her tears. Then a grey blur flashed past her, and suddenly Nymeria was there, leaping, jaws closing around Joffrey's sword arm. The steel fell from his fingers as the wolf knocked him off his feet, and they rolled in the grass, the wolf snarling and ripping at him, the prince shrieking in pain. â€Å"Get it off,† he screamed. â€Å"Get it off!† Arya's voice cracked like a whip. â€Å"Nymeria!† The direwolf let go of Joffrey and moved to Arya's side. The prince lay in the grass, whimpering, cradling his mangled arm. His shirt was soaked in blood. Arya said, â€Å"She didn't hurt you . . . much.† She picked up Lion's Tooth where it had fallen, and stood over him, holding the sword with both hands. Jofftey made a scared whimpery sound as he looked up at her. â€Å"No,† he said, â€Å"don't hurt me. I'll tell my mother.† â€Å"You leave him alone!† Sansa screamed at her sister. Arya whirled and heaved the sword into the air, putting her whole body into the throw. The blue steel flashed in the sun as the sword spun out over the river. It hit the water and vanished with a splash. Joffrey moaned. Arya ran off to her horse, Nymeria loping at her heels. After they had gone, Sansa went to Prince Joffrey. His eyes were closed in pain, his breath ragged. Sansa knelt beside him. â€Å"Joffrey,† she sobbed. â€Å"Oh, look what they did, look what they did. My poor prince. Don't be afraid. I'll ride to the holdfast and bring help for you.† Tenderly she reached out and brushed back his soft blond hair. His eyes snapped open and looked at her, and there was nothing but loathing there, nothing but the vilest contempt. â€Å"Then go,† he spit at her. â€Å"And don't touch me.†

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Operating System Security Flaws Essay

As basic users, security is one feature that most of us overlook when it comes to operating systems until it is too late. In this paper we will discuss the security flaws within the Windows Operating system, and then discuss countermeasures to fix the system flaw. We will first look at some known flaws in Windows 7 and Windows 8. An Information Security Engineer at Google had decided to reveal a flaw that affected two of Microsoft’s newest operating systems that allowed attackers to obtain higher privileges on an unpatched computer. The vulnerability was caused due to an error within the ‘win32k.sys’ when it processes certain objects and it can be exploited to cause a crash or perform arbitrary code with kernel privilege. A more recent flaw in Windows has been identified as the Zero-Day Vulnerability; the Microsoft Windows Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) package manager remote code execution vulnerability (CVE-2014-4114) permits attackers to embed OLE files fro m external locations. CVE-2014-4114 flaw can be exploited to download and install malware on to the target’s computer. This vulnerability affects all versions of Windows to include; Windows Vista Service Pack 2, Windows 8.1 and Windows Server versions 2008 and 2012. The Microsoft technology allows rich data from one document to be embedded in another document or link to a document. The OLE is usually used for embedding locally stored content but this flaw allows the unprompted download and execution of external files. The attackers send the targeted individuals or corporations a spear-phishing email that contains a malicious PowerPoint (PPT) file attachment; this email is detected by Symantec as Trojan.Mdropper. The sent file contains two embedded OLE documents containing URLs. If the targeted individual opens the PPT file, the URLs are contacted and two files are downloaded which in turn will install the malware on the computer. When the malware is installed on the victim’s  computer, this creates a back door that allows the attackers to download and install other malware; the malware can a lso download updates for itself to include an information stealing component. Microsoft is advising customers that there is no patch currently available for this vulnerability; they have supplied a fixit tool that decreases the attacks. While the present exploits are using PowerPoint files to deliver the malware, given the type of flaw, they may start using different office files such as word documents or excel spreadsheets. The second zero-day vulnerability is CVE-2014-4113, which is a local elevation of privilege vulnerability; this flaw has been seen in attacks against Windows Server 2003/R2, 2008/R2, Windows 2000, Windows Vista and Windows XP SP3. This flaw cannot be used on its own to compromise a victim’s security. The attacker would need to gain access to a remote system running any of the above lists operating systems before they could execute code within the context of the Windows Kernel. (â€Å"Sandworm Windows Zero-Day Vulnerability Being Actively Exploited In Targeted Attacks†, 2014). Microsoft’s security advisory states the company is vigorously working to provide broader protections to their customers; the company states that the resolution of the issue may include providing a security update through a monthly patch update or providing an unscheduled security update. As stated above Microsoft issued a temporary fixit tool that can be applied to 32-64 bit versions of PowerPoint 2007, 2010 and 2013. This can be used until an official patch is released. Also another countermeasure to avoid downloading malware on to your operating system is not open any PowerPoint Presentations or documents from unknown parties, even mail from known addresses should be avoided unless you can confirm with the sender that the email was intentionally sent. Many emails are compromised because some individuals make their passwords to easy or they have downloaded spyware and the attacker gets that information and uses their email to send out their virus to other users. I have received emails from my mother when I didn’t expect them and I would inform her that her email had been hacked. Many are not aware that this has happened unless they are told, References: Google Engineer Finds Critical Windows 7 / 8 Security Flaw. (2001-2014). Retrieved from http://news.softpedia.com/news/Google-Engineer-Finds-Critical-Windows-7-8-Security-Flaw-355406.shtml Sandworm Windows zero-day vulnerability being actively exploited in targeted attacks. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/sandworm-windows-zero-day-vulnerability-being-actively-exploited-targeted-attacks

Thursday, November 7, 2019

How to Convert Celsius to Kelvin

How to Convert Celsius to Kelvin Celsius and Kelvin are the two most important temperature scales for scientific measurements. Fortunately, its easy to convert between them because the two scales have the same size degree.  All that is needed to convert Celsius to Kelvin is one simple step. (Note its Celsius, not Celcius, a common mis-spelling.) Celsius To Kelvin Conversion Formula Take your Celsius temperature and add 273.15. K  °C 273.15Your answer will be in Kelvin. Remember, the Kelvin temperature scale does not use the degree ( °) symbol. The reason is because Kelvin is an absolute scale, based on absolute zero, while the zero on the Celsius scale is based on the properties of water. Also, measurements given in Kelvin will always be larger numbers than in Celsius. Celsius To Kelvin Conversion Examples For example, if you want to know what 20 °C is in Kelvin: K 20 273.15   293.15 K If you want to know what -25.7 °C is in Kelvin: K -25.7 273.15, which may be rewritten as: K 273.15 - 25.7 247.45 K More Temperature Conversion Examples Its just as easy to convert Kelvin into Celsius. Another important temperature scale is the Fahrenheit scale. If you use this scale, you should be familiar with how to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit and Kelvin to Fahrenheit.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

How to Write a Book in 10 Steps (The Ultimate Guide)

How to Write a Book in 10 Steps (The Ultimate Guide) How to Write a Book: The Ultimate Guide Just about everyone has thought of writing a book at some point - even if you don’t consider yourself a â€Å"writer,† you probably have an inkling of a book somewhere in your head. But whether you’ve only just had your lightbulb moment or you’ve been mulling over a great idea for years, there’s no time like the present to learn how to write a book!Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula here, since every writer has their own unique process. No doubt you’ll discover what works for you over the course of your authorial journey. That being said, there are still certain things you absolutely need to know if you ever want to cross the finish line! We’re excited to share our very best tips, tricks, and other info in this all-inclusive guide to  how to write a book. How to write the book of your dreams in just 10 steps ðŸ“â€" âÅ"  1. Nail down your book ideaNailing down your book idea involves more than just being able to state what it's about - although that is part of it. To really nail down your book idea, you should be able to answer the three important "W" questions:What is it about?Why does it matter?Who will want to read it?Once you’re able to answer these questions, you’ll fill in the blanks of the following sentence:.For example: "CEOs will read my book about workplace culture because it offers insights into the practices of the top ten companies voted 'best places' to work in the USA."Or: â€Å"Female fantasy readers will read my book about the first queen of a patriarchal land because it’s unique and empowering to a new generation of fantasy fans.†Let’s break down the various elements of this equation and show you how to identify them in your own premise.The WhatThe  Ã¢â‚¬Å"what"  is the seed of your book. It’s the beginning of something, and before it can sprout into something more, you have to nail down the essence of what you want to say. This often coincides with the eventual theme of your book - but don’t worry too much about that right now.Instead, just figure out how you would describe your topic to someone in a single sentence. If someone were to ask you right now, â€Å"Oh, what are you writing about?† then the what would be your answer. Whether it’s an adventurous mouse’s tale (tail?) or a vegan cookbook, your â€Å"what† will become the crux of your book.On the off chance that you’re reading this guide and don’t yet have a â€Å"what† - you just know that you want to write a book - consider checking out some writing prompts to inspire you!The WhoIf you’re writing fiction, the â€Å"who† will typically come down to genre - â€Å"romance readers,† â€Å"fantasy readers,† â€Å"sci-fi readers,† etc. You’ll also consider ag e, i.e. if it’s a children's, young adult, or new adult novel.If you're writing non-fiction, it’s all about utility. Who will find the information in your book most useful? The exception here is memoir, in which case your readers may just be looking for entertainment. But if you’re writing a guide, an informative tell-all, or even a historical book, your target audience will be people who want to learn from you.No matter your wheelhouse, it’s extremely helpful to come up with a proto-persona for the person who’ll be buying your book. This should represent your ideal customer and is key to reaching your target audience. Coming up with a hypothetical reader makes it much easier to specifically write to them, which will make them more inclined to buy your book.The WhyAnd finally, the â€Å"why.† With the innumerable experiences and wild ideas that people have in their lives, we all have plenty of books that we could write. Indeed, as we reveal in the Reedsy podcast Bestseller, up to 81% of all people believe they have a book inside them. (Not literally - that would be a lot of stomachaches - but in the â€Å"potential writer† sort of way.)So why is this particular book the one you should write? And, just as importantly, why are you the one who should write it? What makes you qualified, and what makes you passionate about this particular subject? You need to determine a) why this book will matter to other people, and b) why you are the right person to address this topic.Your final result of answering these three "W" questions will be the essential thesis from which you work throughout this process. Once you have this prepared, you can move onto the next step: outlining.2. Outline your bookCreating an outline is one of the most important parts of writing a book - in addition to your â€Å"three Ws† thesis, your outline forms a huge part of the foundation on which you will build your book. Even if youâ€℠¢ve never worked from an outline before, or don’t think you need one (i.e. if you're a pantser, not a plotter), there’s no harm in cobbling one together. 9 Types of Editing: A Guide for Authors Read post If you don’t want to wait, or if you don’t trust your own judgment, you can get someone else to look over your manuscript with fresh eyes! Friends and family are a great resource, but consider looking for beta readers, or hiring one of those pro editors we mentioned.Don’t try to fix every issue at the same timeThese days we’re all apparently expected to multitask flawlessly, but take it from us: do not multitask your editing. If you’re doing it yourself, it’s best to break editing tasks down into a list and complete each item separately.For example, your first task might be to look for glue words and extraneous adverbs, your second task might be to break up run-on sentences, your third task might be to look for inconsistencies, and so on and so forth. Doing all these at once will surely lead to oversight - and exhaustion - so just take them on one at a time. You can go here to download a comprehensive editing checklist.7. Write the second d raftEdits all done? That means you’re ready for rewrites: the part where you actually transform your first draft into the second. It’s a magical process, even if does require a good deal of work. The following are some things to think about as you take this penultimate step of writing a book.Nail the opening hookLike reducing glue words, nailing the hook is another simple but pivotal fix you can make to your manuscript. That’s because both editors and readers are prone to quick judgements. If they positively judge your book by its cover and make it to the first page, the opening lines are the next test - and failure to pass could mean they give up on it entirely.Consider the following opening lines:â€Å"Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.† - Anna Kareninaâ€Å"We are going to die, and that makes us the lucky ones.† - Unweaving The Rainbowâ€Å"It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs, and I didn't know what I was doing in New York.† - The Bell Jarâ€Å"In the fall of 1993, a man who would upend much of what we know about habits walked into a laboratory in San Diego for a scheduled appointment.† - The Power of HabitThrough the use of strong statements or interesting anecdotes, each of these hooks creates intrigue right away. But that doesn’t mean you should go for clickbaity, flashy, second hand-car-salesman exclamations here. Rather, consider the aspects of your book that will naturally pique human interest, and lead with that.Rework those inconsistenciesInconsistencies are the plague of edits and rewrites: you have to deal with them or they’ll just get worse. So after highlighting them (or having someone else point them out) during the editing process, you need to prioritize inconsistencies in rewrites. Basic factual inconsistencies and superficial descriptive contradictions should be pretty quick to deal with. But f or deeper plot/structural problems, here are a few tactics you can try:1. Examine character dynamics. One of the most obvious indicators of inconsistent characterization is character dynamics - think of them as the canary in the coal mine. If character dynamics seem unnatural, there’s probably something else wrong†¦ probably because you haven’t made your characters well-rounded enough to sustain themselves.As a result, this is one of those fixes that will probably take some time. But if you sense something wrong with your character dynamics, don’t be afraid to take a deeper dive into overall characterization.2. Eliminate subplots. Luckily, this one's a bit less labor-intensive. Sometimes to root out confusing inconsistencies, you need to delete subplots or side stories that contradict either the main narrative, or your characters’ personalities and motivations. You may also have a subplot or secondary story that you love, but that doesn’t rea lly go anywhere. We know that cutting it out will be hard; just bite the bullet and do it.3. Explore different endings. The ending is often where spotty characterization rears its ugly head. For instance, a character who hates another character throughout the book does a 180 and falls in love with them (how many poorly plotted romances fall victim to this?). Or maybe a character who was seemingly making progress reverts to their previous, terrible self (we’ll call this the Andy Bernard phenomenon, one that any devoted fan of The Office will recognize).So don’t just leave a bad ending in place if it contradicts what would realistically happen. Again, it might be a lot of work to change, but your readers will thank you for â€Å"keeping it real† (as the kids say).Consider your conclusionSpeaking of your book’s ending, it’s important to consider not just potential inconsistencies, but the overall impact of your ending. Have you worked through all the problems you’ve posed throughout the book? Did you tie in all the themes you wanted to address, and does the ending subtly re-emphasize them? Will readers be satisfied with this point of resolution? (You may have to ask other people for their opinion on this.)Unlike rewriting your hook/intro, reworking your conclusion may involve going back throughout your book to insert other bits and pieces as well. For example, you might realize that you haven’t incorporated a certain theme enough for it to resonate in the conclusion. This means you have to retroactively work it into previous chapters. Again, don’t be afraid of the workload: embrace it as the thing that will make your book the best that it can be.8. Publish your book (if you want to!)Our heartiest congratulations to you - you’ve written a book! 👠 Your journey’s not quite over, though: now you get to decide what to do with it.Though we’ve titled this step â€Å"get it published,à ¢â‚¬  that’s not necessarily what you have to do next. Maybe you’ve written a book just to prove you that you could. But even so, it’s good to have the necessary information, in case you do eventually decide to pursue that route.Here’s a selection of our best resources on both traditional publishing and self-publishing, in the order that you’d most likely have to use them.Self-publishingIf you want to self-publish your book, but don’t know where to start:How to Self-Publish a Book (free course)All the considerations and requirements that go into self-publishing:The Essential Self-Publishing Checklist (blog post)For after you’ve self-published and you’re ready to start marketing:How to Create the Ultimate Book Marketing Plan (blog post)Traditional publishingWant to lock in a publisher before you start your non-fiction book?How to Submit a Non-Fiction Book Proposal (free course)If you’re hoping to acquire an agent who wil l represent your book:How to Write a Query Letter That Agents Can't Resist (free course)A comprehensive overview of traditional publishing:Traditional Publishing 101 (free course)Ultimately, what you do with your manuscript is up to you. But whether you keep locked in a chest (/untouched folder on your desktop) or publish it for all the world to see, just know that you’ve achieved something amazing - something you may not have believed possible just a few short months ago! So once again, well done. And if you do decide to publish, we can’t wait to see what you’ve created.  Ã°Å¸â€œâ€"Before you go, we can’t forget our last tip: once you’re finished, reach out to us with your top tips so we can add them to this post, and help other aspiring authors reach their goals. Or if you have some already, leave them in the comments below!

Saturday, November 2, 2019

The Aesthetics of the Dell Corporate Blog Assignment

The Aesthetics of the Dell Corporate Blog - Assignment Example This is important as the blog contains a lot of information for the viewer. The Dell Corporate also acts as a landing page for all of the company’s other smaller blogs about events, education as well as health care. The dominant colors are white and sky blue keeping in line with the very minimalistic, business-like layout of the page. The page starts out with an excerpt from the latest blog entry on the left hand side with links to new blog posts on the right hand side. As we scroll further down, 80 percent of page space is dominated by latest blog posts on the left hand side, while the left hand side is reserved for miscellaneous links differentiating the Dell blogs by language and location. There is also a search bar on the left hand side. Ample white space on the page lets the design breath nicely and ensures that page looks well put together and clutter free despite the huge amount of information it contains. The text font is an ode to the minimalist approach and is the st andard clean web typography font Arial in 9 point size. The headings are an 11.5 font size in Arial font, colored sky blue. Overall, the blog is clean, readable and very corporate! The Writers of the Blog   Most of the blogs are written by Lionel Menchacha who is the chief blogger for the Dell corporate blog. Other writers include Matt Domsch, Linux Technology Strategist and Bill Gorden, GM smart phones division. These folks have been at Dell from 10 to 25 years and are uniquely knowledgeable about its businesses and processes. Content Included In the Blog The content on the blog mostly includes news about the company. The posts are informative and the blog is regularly updated with new posts. The blog successfully outlines the company’s activities throughout all of its international units. Posts like â€Å"Making the Cloud a Possibility in Government† and â€Å"Why Big Data is a Big Deal for Energy† clearly demonstrate the emphasis on industry knowledge by De ll. The blog also contains informative posts for public, these includes topics such as cyber bullying etc. The Dell corporate blog is basically a landing page. This means the company has a large number of smaller blogs about every one of its interests and this landing page is used to manage and house all these blogs. The corporate blog features content from across the wide range of smaller bogs. Content of the Most Recent Post The most recent post on the blog is titled, â€Å"Our Story: Tracing Dell’s Solutions Heritage with Precision†. The author is Michael Dell, CEO Dell Corporation. This post is marked â€Å"Direct2Dell† specifying that the post was written exclusively for the main corporate blog and not one of other little blogs. In this post, the CEO outlines how the company entered into the workstations market during the mid-90s. It is written in the general interest of employees, shareholders and customers. The post is basically an introduction to an embe dded YouTube video about the same. The Target Audience Dell’s corporate blog serves as a newsletter of sorts for the employees. The posts are frequently based upon the latest developments within the business and products of Dell. According to an introduction the blog, it is intended for the â€Å"millions of Dell customers and employees interested in technical support, learning and conversation about the power to do more with technology.†Ã‚  (Direct2Dell) The Best Features of the Blog The best