The Foils in Shakespeares Hamlet :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

Foils in critical point          A foil is a minor charater in a literary work that compliments the main character through and through similarities and differences in personality and plot. Among all the foils in Shakespeares Hamlet, Titles Laertes has the biggest impact on Hamlets character. While Hamlet maintained his status as prince, it was Laertes that represented the well bred son of the olympian family and the traditional revenge hero. The thesis does not cover the essay.        Some similarities in Laertes and Hamlet were that they were both students. Laertes and Hamlet were dutiful sons that who were outraged and felt personally wronged by their bugger offs deaths. They swore to get revenge against the assailant. Laertes and Hamlet both blamed Claudius for the deaths of their fathers. no Also, Hamlet and Laertes posed a threat to Claudius because of their potential for becoming king. They go above the law in order to seek justice, which discredits the honorable basis of their actions. There was a shared love for Laertess sister, Ophelia. Hamlet and Laertes have seen the ghost of Hamlets father. ?         One of the differences in Laertes and Hamlet was that Laertes allowed his temper and grievance of his fathers death to be known. Whereas when Hamlets father died, he secretatively sic ran ? and was deemed crazy. Laertes goes to school and indulged in a Parisian lifestyle, as Hamlet chose to study at Wittenburg in a more subdued environment. Interesting point Laertes has a lot of passion whereas Hamlet has none. Laertes was only raised by his father as Hamlet had a mother and father to raise him. Also, Laertes was portrayed as the well bred son of the counselor of a royal family and Hamlet portrayed ? the role of a commoner. The ghost of Hamlets father would burble to Laertes as he would to Hamlet. Not true       Being an ambitious young prince was a s imilarity in Fortinbras and Hamlet. They are both on a mission of revenge. Also, both Fortinbras and Hamlet lost their fathers. no Ironically Denmark is a similarity because it was initially controlled by Fortinbras father, then Hamlet H-50s father, then Hamlet, and finally returning to Fortinbras. Nice point Fortinbras had a family tie with Hamlets love Ophelia. This needs a citation from the play -- I dont remember it.

Use of the Supernatural in Shakespeares Macbeth Essays -- Macbeth ess

Use of the Supernatural in Macbeth In Shakespeares bump The disaster of Macbeth, Shakespeare uses an underlying motif of the supernatural to control the characters and add a new dimension to the play. Shakespeare uses a large motif of light vs. darkness throughout the play to present moral choices and religious ideas. When the play opens, there is thunder rolling around and the witches on stage. The thunder is symbolic of darkness and gives the audience the first pestle that the play will not be ordinary. The witches who only appear in darkness, elements of the supernatural, are one of Shakespeares classic ways of catching the audiences attention and of also put the mood for the play. Another motif present in Macbeth is appearance vs. reality. In this motif, Shakespeare uses concepts that either hint at the characters delusion or that a supernatural essence has taken over and controls what is real and what is not. An example of this is seen when Macbeth sees the dagger before him . The dagger could just be a hallucination or it could be a visual sensation sent from the wi...

The Era of Social Reform Essay examples -- Sociology

The Industrial Revolution was a period of in which fundamental changes occurred in agriculture, factories, mining, transportation, machinery, economical policies, and in the social structure of England. Industrialization began in Great Britain and it was a major turning point in history. It changed the way countries produced its goods. England turned into an agricultural ball club to an industry and manufacturing society. During this era, there was a huge impact on the growth of cities, employment of skilled and unskilled workers, the role of women and families, and laws and national policies. During this time, there was a gravid advancement with technology and along with it came the growth of cities. The growth of cities has been seen as a consequence in the Industrial Revolution. Before this era, many people lived in farms or small villages working in agriculture. They would do everything by hand. However, with the occurrence of the Revolution everything changed. The new enclosure laws, which allowed farmers and landlords to fence their fields at the owners expense, had left(a) many poor farmers bankrupt and small farms disappeared into large estates. Charles Turnip Townshend introduced crop rotations that restored nutrients to the soil, allowing for greater yield and scientific breeding to improve the quality of herds. The result was an development in productivity with fewer agricultural workers (Robert Edgar Pg.535). This caused more people to leave the farms to work in the factories. Also, the introduction of new machinery that produced greater amount of output make many workers redundant. As a result, many people that lived in farms journeyed to the city to look for work. This required them to move to towns and cities ... ...empts by Parliament to pass laws and national policies designed to improve working conditions and regulations relative to children and women in the workforce. The changes from the revolution left a permanent mark and are very important to society today. Works CitedBland, Celia. The mechanistic Age The Industrial Revolution in England. New York, NY Facts on File, 1995. Print.Lines, Clifford John. Companion to the Industrial Revolution. Ed. Barrie Stuart. Trinder. New York Facts on File, 1990. Print.Edgar, Robert R., Neil J. Hackett, George F. Jewsbury, Barbara Molony, and Matthew S. Gordon. Civilizations past & Present. 12th ed. Vol. 2. New York Pearson/Longman, 2008. Print.Thomas Malthus try on the Principle of Population (1798). Thomas Malthus Essay on the Principle of Population (1798). Constituion Society, 10 Sept. 2002. Web. 28 May 2012.

A Career as a Public Health Specialist Essay -- Occupational Issues

There is no doubt with the advances in technology that, as a population, we are inveterate to live longer yet with the cost of medical care constantly on the raise, is it any wonder an industry would develop out of the concept of snag maintenance? We are after all, all too aware of this concept from large corporations who strive to maintain their expensive equipment in an attempt to secure the crapper line, to the local neighbor who would rather afford the costs of preventative maintenance over the expense of replacing a broken down vehicle. To that effect, automobile manufacturers gull even begun to include major necessary preventative maintenance items in their owners manuals. For instance, I have to replace my timing belt and pee pump every 75k miles in my Nissan. Interestingly enough, while we were focused on maintaining everything else around us, somehow we forgot to consider our most valuable complex asset, our bodies. How is it that the maintenance of a human health and its performance somehow got left over looked and left to fall through the cracks? The need for public health specialistsUntil till recent years the thought of humans not only living well in to their 80s and 90s, but living vibrant lives was concept that did not appear to go hand-n-hand. However, today the thought is not only real but, the concept and relevance of quality of life, both before and well into the twilight years, is much important than ever before thus making the demand for, and need, of educators and health advocacy even greater. So, what is public health?The concept of public health is not a foreign one it ultimately emerged from the practice of heroic medicine. Yet today it has evolved into something ... ... us, knowingly or unknowingly, at greater risk that can and possibly will lead us to a dark place. If this trend is allowed to concern or, perhaps revelation through education suffices and people start making their health a priority, one thing is for su re, either way, the future of the public health professional is not only bright but it will only continue to get brighter.Sources1.www.whatispublichealth.org/what/index.html Title What is Public wellness2.www.healthstate.mn.us/pathways/specialtyareas.html Title Public Health Career Specialty Areas Sub-Specialties of Public Health3.www.whatispublichealth.org/faqs/index Title What is Public Health? Frequently Asked Questions4.www.pzfizerpublichealth.com/publichealthbooks.aspx 5.www.whatispublichealth.org/impact/achievement.html Title What is Public Health? Impact of Public Health

Lewis Latimer :: essays research papers

Lewis Latimer&9&9&9Lewis Howard Latimer was born in Chelsea, mom, on kinfolk 4, 1848, six years after his parents, George and Rebecca Latimer, had run away from slavery in Virginia. They were determined to be free and that their children be born on free soil. Because of his atonic complexion, George was able to pose as a plantation owner with the darker-skinned Rebecca as his slave. Shortly after arriving in Boston, Massachusetts, he was recognized as a evanescent and jailed while his wife was taken to a safe hiding place. The arrest was protested vigorously by the community. Frederick Douglass, a former slave who had escaped to Massachusetts several years earlier, and abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison spoke forcefully against the arrest. There was a trial, and the attempts to recapture George and return him to Virginia caused considerable agitation in Boston. When the trial seek ruled that Latimer still belonged to his Virginia owner, an African-American minister paid $400 f or his release. Although free, George was still extremely poor, working as a barber, paper-hanger and in other odd jobs to assume his wife, three sons, and one daughter. &9&9Lewis Latimer, the youngest child, attended grammar school and was an excellent student who loved to read and draw. Most of his time, though, was spent working with his father, which was typical of children in the 19th century. In 1857, the Supreme Court ruled that a slave named Dred Scott could not be considered a free man although he had lived in a free state. George Latimer disappeared shortly after the decision became known. Because he had no official papers to prove he was a free man, he possibly feared for his safety device and that of his family. &9&9With his father gone and his mother struggling to keep the family together, Lewis falsified his age and joined the U.S. Navy in 1864 when he was sixteen years old. When the civil War ended he was honorably discharged and returned to Boston to seek employme nt. In 1868 he secured a job as an office boy in the Crosby and Gould patent law firm, a company that specialized in helping inventors protect their patents. By closely observing draftsmen at work and reading books on the subject, Latimer taught himself mechanical drawing. He learned to skillfully use the vital tools of the trade, such as T squares, triangles, compasses, and rulers, and mastered the art of drawing to scale.

Lewis Latimer :: essays research papers

Lewis Latimer&9&9&9Lewis Howard Latimer was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on September 4, 1848, six years subsequently his parents, George and Rebecca Latimer, had run away from slavery in Virginia. They were determined to be free and that their children be born on free soil. Because of his light complexion, George was able to pose as a plantation owner with the darker-skinned Rebecca as his slave. Shortly after arriving in Boston, Massachusetts, he was recognized as a fugitive and jailed while his wife was taken to a safe hiding place. The arrest was protested vigorously by the community. Frederick Douglass, a former slave who had escaped to Massachusetts several years earlier, and emancipationist William Lloyd Garrison spoke forcefully against the arrest. There was a trial, and the attempts to recapture George and return him to Virginia caused considerable agitation in Boston. When the trial judge ruled that Latimer still belonged to his Virginia owner, an black minister pai d $400 for his release. Although free, George was still extremely poor, working as a barber, paper-hanger and in other odd jobs to support his wife, three sons, and one daughter. &9&9Lewis Latimer, the youngest child, attended grammar school and was an excellent student who loved to read and draw. Most of his time, though, was spent working with his mother, which was typical of children in the 19th century. In 1857, the autonomous Court ruled that a slave named Dred Scott could not be considered a free man although he had lived in a free state. George Latimer disappeared shortly after the decision became known. Because he had no official papers to prove he was a free man, he possibly feared for his safety and that of his family. &9&9With his father gone and his mother struggling to keep the family together, Lewis falsified his age and joined the U.S. Navy in 1864 when he was sixteen years old. When the Civil War ended he was honorably discharged and returned to Boston to seek empl oyment. In 1868 he secured a job as an office boy in the Crosby and Gould patent law firm, a company that specialized in helping inventors protect their patents. By closely observing draftsmen at work and reading books on the subject, Latimer taught himself mechanical drawing. He wise to(p) to skillfully use the vital tools of the trade, such as T squares, triangles, compasses, and rulers, and mastered the art of drawing to scale.

Mt. Lemmon

Mt. Lemmon towers 9000 feet above sea level starting at the foot of the Catalina Mountains in Tucson, Arizona. This ludicrous eco-environment can be compared as a trip from Mexico to Canada in 25 miles with regards to vegetation distribution (Dotucson).On the base of the mountain cranial orbit, the dominant vegetation resembles that of a desert landscape, all the desert plant and wildlife co-exist among the ever creeping metropolitan city limits. Saguaro cactus abounds standing tall against the backdrop of the enormous mountain range (Azentertain, 2006). As one treks to go upward from the wide base, bushes and smaller plant varieties and grasses are observed to flourish.This vegetation is relatively widely distributed among wind blown shudder shitations. Going further up to the peak of the mountain, the scenery drastically changes to become a dense quality of aspen trees, pine and fir, which cover the upper portion of the big land mass. These forest landscapes predominantly occ upy regions up to the snow covered areas during winter seasons.The very unique environment characteristic of Mount Lemmon may be attributed with the physical factors of the mountain. Apparently, the lush vegetation in the upper part of the mountain receives adequate amounts of rain water to support its forest. However, some related factors in the form of boulders and contour variations may have trapped the water in the upper part, making the base areas dry and scarce with water. This causes the bottom landscape to have a desert ecosystem. The Aspen fire in 2003 may be seen as a factor in changing the vegetation of the mountain. A good number of be trees may not be able to support the watershed in a certain time segment since many trees and animals have died of the fire. However, the burned forest materials will serve as elements to further nourish the soil. This will eventually give better vegetation conditions for other plants and animals in the future.ReferencesAZentertain. 2006. Mt. Lemmon, AZ-the long drive into some other world. Retrieved May 13, 2007 from http//emol.org/tucson/mtlemmon/information.html.Dotucson. Mt Lemmon. Retrieved May 13, 2007 from http//www.dotucson.com/visit.asp?qry=431.

Relflection Paper Essay

When enrolling into a new folk, it is normal to have expectations. I am excited and nervous at the same period. I understand that the future semester will provide many challenges I will have to face. I am excited to see how I will grow academically everyplace the course of the semester. I find myself eager about learning new things and refreshing my knowledge on things I have forgotten.It has been a long time since I have studied the growth and development of humans. I have strengths to bring to this class as well as weaknesses that I plan to movement on during this class. By the end of this course I expect to be able to apply what I learn in counseling and become a fail writer. While this class will be more stimulating than what I have been used to I hope that with the help of my classmates and my professor I can make this class a positive learning experience.During my undergraduate career, I took many psychology classes involving the human development. In one of my undergradu ate classes, aliveness Development, we went through the lifespan of people from birth until death. I took this class online and the class involved a lot of self-teaching. Because the class was online, assignments consisted of mostly online tests. While I lettered a lot, I do not feel as if I learned all that I could. I am looking forward to fetching this class on a more challenging level and having a deeper understanding in human growth and development.One of my biggest weaknesses is engaging in class discussions and presentations. Although I have an extroverted personality, I am very shy when it comes presentations. It takes time for me to get comfortable speaking in front a gathering of people. While doing presentations and engaging in class discussions, I get very nervous. In this class, a big part of my grade comes from this. Therefore, in this class I expect to get over my fear of public speaking. I hope that with the help of my professor I gain confidence about speaking in front of groups of people.I deprivation to be able to take what I have learned in this class, apply it to counseling and also have a better understanding of what I have learned. This class will be an introduction of what to look forward to for the next three years. I am not used to writing papers and having to do so much reflective thinking. I believe this experience will help me become a better writer.In order for me to achieve all of my expectations, it is important that my professor help me when I need it, challenge me and give me constructive critism. In addition, if I want to take all that I can from this class it is imperative for me to give this class all that I have and spend time reading and complemental my projects. I know that during this semester, there will be challenges but with the instruction of my professor, I plan to grow in my profession.

China Trade from Early 17th Century to Mid 19th Century Essay

Around 17th and 18th century, Western countries were extremely eager to reach the profitable Chinese market due to its privileged geological location. Although china had professiond their riches with Europe along the Silk Road for centuries, Chinese government were afraid that the sea trade to the south would potentially corrupt their imperial demesne and further try to conquer the country. From 1700 onwards, the government established a set of rigid restrictions imposing the practice of Co-hong to confine foreign trades and merchants in Canton.However, by later(a) 18 century, the concern system seemed to change. The British commenced the opium trade, which created a steady demand among Chinese addicts and further solved the chronic imbalanced trade. As the Opium War stony-broke out with Britain, China was no seven-day on the top of the world. The Celestial Empire not solitary(prenominal) was forced to be subservient to British affair regulations, barely also somewhat bec ame a semi-colonial country. The East India Company founded in 1600 that held a monopoly in east India by the British government was rapidly enlarging its global trading influence in China.By sending a company trader to address their concern regarding to the unreasonable restrictions on trade in Canton, the voice James Flint was arrested and imprisoned for being breaking the Canton trading law. This incident showed Chinas superior attitude toward Westerners and how they manipulated the trade irrationally in their best interest disregarding the concerns of foreign traders. The growing number of foreign traders in the late eighteenth century strongly threatened the Qing.They feared that the trade with foreign merchants would give the opportunity for Westerners to corrupt China therefore, a set of laws that was so called Canton system was established. The system restricted all European trades to only one port Canton and foreign merchants were forbidden to abode in the city except tra ding season. Moreover, the Europeans had to obey the licensed Co-Hong merchants, of who were responsible for controlling the trading behavior in Canton. As a result, these complex and irksome rules created a tension between foreigners and Chinese merchants, British traders especially.In 1792, a British embassador Lord George Macartney set sail to China hoping to seek the approval of the Qing Emperor to loosen some of the trading restrictions to the British traders. Yet, the letters to the Emperor was unreservedly rejected the response was fairly disappointing. Emperor Qianlongs edicts to George III in response to McCartneys demands on English traders showed his arrogant and condescending attitude toward the British. As your ambassador can see for himself, we possess all things. I set no value on objects strange or ingenious, and have no use for you countrys manufacturers. (105 Cheng and Letz with Spence) Furthermore, in his second edict, he stated, But your Ambassador has now put forward new requests which completely fail to recognize the Thrones principle to treat strangers from afar with indulgence and to exercise a pacifying control over barbarian tribes, the world over. (106 Cheng and Letz with Spence) He describes foreigners as barbarians, which showed how he disrespected all Westerners and mensurable China as the most superior in the world other countries would have obey Chinese law.British viewed Qings legal enactment as unreasonable and perceived the Chinese officials as obstinate governance, which further exasperated the existed tension between the two nations. Meanwhile, a network of opium was widely distributed end-to-end China. In order to pay for the tremendous demand of Chinese tea, silk and porcelain pottery in Europe, Britain and other European nations determined to import the one product which became the actor that corrupted the Imperial Empire opium.Opium addiction level arose in a short period of time, which affected not only the imper ial troop but also the governmental officials. Thus, Emperor Daoguang appointed Commissioner Lin to confiscate opium from English ships and refused to pay indemnity to the British traders. The efforts of the Qing dynasty to coerce the opium restraints resulted in the trading conflict, which had already existed for decades between Britain and China triggered the Opium War in 1840. Lord Palmerstons dispatch to the Emperor of China was a message to inform the Qing that Great Britain would no longer be submissive. The British government therefore has determined at once to send out a Naval and Military Force to the Coast of China to act in support of these demands, and in order to convince the Imperial Government that the British Government attaches the upmost importance to his matter, and that the affair is one which will not engage of delay. (125 Cheng and Letz with Spence) The dispatch simply showed the Britains intentions to use force to protect its subjects in China, Canton in par ticular.After the damaging defeats in the war, the first unequal treaty, accordance of Nanjing was signed after the War, which awakened China from its fantasy of superiority. In the Treaty, China opened several ports and exposed its markets to Western merchants, which turned the central kingdom into a semi-colonial country. Consequently, the role in the national economy had reversed. China was now forced to obey all the demands in the Treaty of Nanjing signed with the British. China was no longer the Celestial Empire inversely, it was slowly sliding down from the top of the world.

Philadelphia’s 1793 Yellow Fever: Narrative of the Proceedings of Black People Essay

The 1793 yellow fever outbreak was a national problem. At this time the United States Capital was located in Philadelphia, PA. This experi custodyt w indisposed focus on the outbreak in Philadelphia, PA, particularly how a few different views of the African American community played a role. During this disgusting time thousands of local anesthetic residents fled Philadelphia, including prominent members of government such as the first United States President, George Washington along with many other community members. A local paper had an ad looking for people of color to help attend to the sick.The ad too assured those helped would not get sick ,and would be compensated. Responding to this ad was Absalom Jones and Richard Allen. Both men were leaders in the African American Community as soundly as free men. Fast forward to the details of what happened during this period. in that respect were multiple theories as to the cause of the outbreak. Who could or couldnt contract the dis ease was unclear as well. Also, accusations of theft and price gouging were made regarding those who helped. Then an article was scripted by Matthew Carey, a prominent white printer in Philadelphia.While he praised Richard Allen and Absalom Jones for their work (Winch) he suggested that blacks had caused the epidemic, and that some black nurses had charged high fees and still stolen from those for whom they cared. (Carey) This caused a printed rebuttal by Allen to save the reputation of the African American community. Allen wrote for everyone to read about what he personally saw, as he stayed in Philadelphia during the outbreak, and was on the front line helping. Multiple accounts of the helping blacks were noted in his text. Examples of African Americans caring for, treating, and burying the ill are given.In most of these instances no bullion was taken by the African Americans who stepped up to help. However, Mr. Allen did admit there were a few instances of shady acts by members of his community. Mr. Careys accusation of the price gouging and stealing from the ill wasnt supported by any examples. We feel ourselves hurt most by a partial, censorious paragraph, in Mr. Careys second edition, of his account of the sickness, in Philadelphia pages 76 and 77, where he asperses the blacks alone, for having taken advantage of the distressed situation on the people.See more how to start a narrative essay introduction(Crowley and Stancliff 283). Since this was printed in multiple editions it appears Mr. Carey did very well financially selling papers, rather than reporting factual information. We believe he has made more money by the sales agreement of his scraps than a dozen of the greatest extortioners among black nurses. (Crowley and Stancliff 284). Mr. Allen acknowledges that some blacks have committed crimes, but they have been convicted of their crimes. He also points out Mr. Carey didnt make up stick around to offer any help to the ill rather, he fled his hom etown to help assure his health.Mr. Allen uses some powerful stats in a letter to the city manager of Philadelphia. The purpose was to show what happened to the beds of the sick after they had passed away and that they were not price gouging. This would counter the claims of Mr. Carey about the blacks stealing from the ill and over charging. The letter was of a chart showing what was paid to the men and women for their service, and what costs were incurred, Then end result was an out pocket loss of over $27,000 in todays terms, if the reincarnation from pounds to dollars chart is correct.Mr. Allen used stats, comparisons, and eye witness accounts to back up his claims that the majority of the blacks who helped during this crisis did so with good intentions, often turning down money offered to them. He also gives a couple of very strong examples of whites taking advantage of the ill. One being of a white woman caring for a couple that two died in one night. She had demanded six po unds, and upon searching bulges in her clothing, she was found in possession of buckles from the gentleman that had passed, among other things.Another account was of four white men that demanded forty dollars just for carrying a coffin downstairs. Lastly, a white woman who was caring for an elderly lady was found with rings, one on her finger and other in her pocket. The Philadelphia mayor praised Allen and Jones as well as the African American community for all their help. All the stats and eye witness accounts of what happened makes Mr. Allens account plausible and admirable. Mr. Carey was not there for the duration of the epidemic and did not back up his accusations with evidence. This also makes Mr.Allens account more convincing. Mr. Allen seems to cover the good and bad accounts of his community. When he examines the whites that helped all that was noted was that of stealing and price gouging. Again, the article Mr. Carey prints doesnt back up his community with any examples of good deeds. In conclusion, Mr. Allen, the author did his best to keep going his community to anyone that read his text. He was very clear, easy to understand, and didnt seem to present a biased view. He presented his account, both the good as well as the bad, and made me feel like Mr.Carey was not a credible author. Works Cited Crowley, Sharon, and Michael Stancliff. A narrative of the proceedings of the black people during the late rottenly calamity in Philadelphia. Critical Situations a Rhetoric for Writing in Communities. Lauren A. Finn. Penguin Academics, 2008. 281-95. Print. Carey, Matthew. A short account of the malignant fever. 1794. P. 63 web. Retrieved June 20 2013. Winch, Julie. on Jones and Allens responses to Carey. Part 3. Philadelphia, Yellow Fever Epidemics. PBS. org. 1998. Retrieved June 20 2013.

Describing City

As I walk through the streets, I can touch confusion that never seems to end. There seems to be an endless amount of cars flowing through the streets and honking their monot unmatched horns. Some of the vehicles are large trucks that seem to add the peevish noise generated by rest of the motor vehicles around me. Everyone seems to be in a hurry, not worrying about anything going on around them. The underground terminal has stores and shops lining the walls. As I walk by, I can olfactory property all sorts of things. When I walk by the Starbucks Coffee, I can smell coffee and milk. When I pass by the numerous bagel shops, I can smell bagels and cream cheese.When I look around, I see the huge departures board with names of stations and corresponding train numbers and departure times. Looking down, all I can see is the movement of a cumulus of people Some are carrying bags and some are dragging rolling backpacks. All seem to be unconscious of anything going on around them, scarce ly they somehow manage not to run into anyone else, almost operating like robots. As I go up the stairs to the ground level, I give away the pollution of the city it is a mix between carbon monoxide from cars, trash, and other indistinguishable pollutants.On the streets, I see an endless flow of cars in traffic, some(prenominal) of which have a small illuminated sign with the word TAXI on top. Some are very tall, some are medium size, and in that respect is the occasional small building. The people on the sidewalks are doing various things but everyone is unaware of the chaos going on around them. When I go into one of the many coffee shops, I can tell everything that the store sells just by smelling the air in and around the store. I go in and see many people dressed in suits reading newspapers, talking on cell phones, or sipping on coffee.

Prison Term Policy Recommendation Paper

In September 2011 there exit be a vote on a bill that will double the prison curse of anyone confideting fortify robbery, in the state of Wisconsin. The hope of the bill sponsors is that the increased penalties will dissuade a someone from committing armed robbery. Senator McKenzie is aw ar of pop support for the bill however, he has asked for my recommendation of whether or non the measure will commence any genuine curb gear up on the rate of incidence. When State Senator McKenzie asked me for my recommendation, I looked for studies on the deterrent effect of lengthy prison terms, for armed robbery.The studies I read debate that, whereas there whitethorn be a slight decrease in recidivism, the reduction was not epoch-making enough to mention that a longer sentence has a significant deterrent effect on those commit armed robbery. The reduction of crime is not directly contributable to the length of sentence. Rather than focus, too intently, on studies of the deterrent effect of stiffer penalties, I trust that it is more important to look at the other factors, which may lead a person to commit an armed robbery.There ar three criminology theories in particular, which may influence a execrables decision to commit a violent crime. The biological supposition theorizes that some nation are born to be bad something in his or her biological makeup causes them to behave in a violent fashion. The rational choice opening theorizes that people have free will and, if they commit a violent act it is that they choose to do so. Finally, the mental theory theorizes that there is a mental deficiency that leads a person to commit criminal acts. What is Armed Robbery?To begin, it is important to make why armed robbery should receive greater penalties than non-armed robbery. When a person commits armed robbery, he or she is using, or threatening to use, a weapon the criminal is intimidating the victim into relinquishing his or her money or property (Crimi nalDefense impartialityyer. com, 2011). When weapons are involved, the danger that someone will be flagitiously harmed or killed significantly increases. The purpose of the bill, on focusing on armed robbery, is to deter criminals from using abandon in the commission of his or her crime.The main question to be considered is why does a criminal commit an armed robbery? judgement this question may eventually lead to the genuine determination of how to reduce and eliminate crime three theories of criminal behavior in particular may hold the key. Biological Theories The first theory to consider is the biological theory. Is there something in the fundamental makeup of an individual that may lead him or her to effect and criminal activities?Cesare Lombraso, a 19th century Italian medical doctor, is one of the best known scientific biological theorists. One of his theories posited that, if a person had an developing brain (e. g. inferior brain) they would be incapable of conforming to the rules and laws of society because they would be unable to understand why what they are doing is wrong. Lombroso performed autopsies on numerous criminals, including an Italian pass who attacked and killed eight of his fellow soldiers, and found deformities of the criminals brains.This led him to conclude that a reason for the criminals behavior was that the criminal had inferior reasoning capabilities, and therefore, the criminal could not understand the difference between what is right and wrong (Schmalleger, 2009). A biological theory, by evolutionary theorist Charles Darwin, theorized that because life favors the strongest and best individuals, those who are able to break power and possessions are most likely to procreate, thus continuing his or her genes. Animals, including humans, are driven to ggression, and crime, to cleanse his or her economic and social positions to facilitate his or her search for a mate (Schmalleger, 2009). Lombraso and Darwin determined that biolo gy is the cause behind aggressive and criminal behavior. Rational Choice Theory A second theory is the classical school of criminology referred to as the rational choice theory, or free will. This theory posits that a person chooses to commit criminal acts that circumstances such as social and economic hardships lead a person to commit crime.The theory maintains that a person will consider the pros and cons of committing a criminal act if the benefits outweigh the penalty, the person will commit the crime (Law Library Free Legal Encyclopedia, 2011). According to this theory, a person with low social standing, and often impoverished would be more likely to commit armed robbery to improve his or her economic conditions, thus improving his or her social position.Classical theorists Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham were two theorists who supposed that if the punishment were greater than the benefits of the crime, individuals would be deterred from committing criminal (Schmalleger, 2009). However, this theory does not appear to take into account the desperation factor if someone is impoverished, possible living on the streets, his or her desperation for basic requirements may be such that there is no deterrent strong enough to stop him or her. Psychological Theory The threesome theory is based on psychological factors.Sigmund Freud and J. Dollard proposed theories that, when a person is significantly frustrated, over a long period, aggression is the natural outcome (Schmalleger, 2009). According to this belief, if a person lives in depravation long enough, the individual will eventually become frustrated enough that he or she may resort to armed robbery, to improve his or her economic status. Another psychological theory, which is popular in current times, is that violent video games, television, and movies, are the driving force behind violent criminal performance.Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman, a former assistant professor of psychology at West Point, ca lls video game, hypnotic murder simulators (Schmalleger, 2009, p. 231). This theory posits that people become desensitized to violence and lose perspective they no longer see right and wrong, therefore they may resort to criminal activity to obtain what they want. Whether any, or all, of these theories have merit, it is fool that there are factors other than simple greed that can lead to a person committing a violent crime such as armed robbery.Without being able to narrow down the factors of why a person is likely to commit an armed robbery, it is difficult at best to determine what will deter him or her from committing the crime. It is my belief that too many factors contribute to a persons decision to commit the crime, to believe that simply lengthening the sentence will be effective. Studies Two studies in particular, on the deterrent effect of longer sentences on criminals committing armed robbery, indicate that although there may be a slight deterrent effect, there is not a s ignificant deterrent effect by increasing sentence length.In 2006, Italy passed a bill that gave mildness to thousands of criminals with three or fewer years left on his or her sentences. If the criminals were to commit any further crimes within the next five years, not however would the individual have to serve the sentence for whatever crime was committed, the sentence would be extended by whatever time had not been previously served (University of pelf Press Journals, 2009). This gave three scientists, Francesco Drego, Roberto Galbiati, and Pietro Vertova the opportunity to study the deterrent effect of longer sentences on recidivism rates.In 2009, the scientists published their discoveries in the Journal of Political Economy the results indicate that an increase of sentencing, by as little as one month, reduced the recidivism rate by 1. 3% in less serious crimes however, for criminals committing more serious offenses, of which armed robbery is one, there was virtually no dete rrent effect (University of Chicago Press Journals, 2009). Although this study is encouraging for less serious crimes, it does not indicate that there is a significant reduction of serious and/or violent crimes because of the longer sentencing.Another study conducted by the economists David S. Lee of Columbia and Justin McCrary of Michigan, focused on Florida recidivism rates, discovered that even though imprisonment and sentences increase from three to 17% after the age of 18, depending on the seriousness of the crime, there was no significant repose in recidivism rates when juvenile criminals transitioned to adult courts. It was, in fact, because the individual was incarcerated and unable to commit more crimes that there was a drop in criminal activity between the ages of 17 and 19 (Waldfogel, 2007).Conclusion There are too many factors, which may cause a person to commit an armed robbery, to believe that simply lengthening the prison term will be effective. If a person is biolog ically inclined toward criminal activity, longer sentences will not be sufficient to override his or her biological programming. If they have inferior cognitive abilities, because of underdeveloped brains, they will be unable to comprehend the significance of a longer sentence a longer sentence would have no more significance to them than a shorter sentence.If the person has endured frustration long enough that they tactile sensation his or her only choice it to take what they want by force, they are unlikely to consider the prison sentence before they commit the act. Or they may determine that even if they are caught, at least they will have a roof over their heads, food on their plate, and clothes on their back, if they are sent to prison. For some criminals this may, in fact, be an inducement to commit the crime.If a person has become psychologically warped by social media, they may have lost the capability to judge right and wrong, thereby losing the capability to consider the consequences of his or her actions a longer sentence would not be sufficient deterrence. Finally, if the person has made the choice, of his or her own free will, to commit an armed robbery, even after weighing the pros and cons, doubling his or her sentence is going to have in truth little deterrent effect.Many criminals believe that they will not be apprehended or they believe they will be able to reduce their sentence through a plea bargain. When a criminal chooses to commit a crime, they are also choosing to accept the penalty should they be caught. Of the three theories, I believe that a criminal who falls under the rational choice theory has the best chance of being deterred. This criminal is the one who is most likely to understand the significance of a longer sentence.However, as the Italian and Florida studies indicated, imposing longer sentences did little to deter violent criminals. As violent crime is not, in my opinion, a rational act, it is unlikely that armed robbers w ould fall under the rational choice theory hence, they are unlikely to be deterred by doubling their prison sentence. My passport While I do not believe that doubling the prison sentences of armed robbers will have a significant deterrent effect on armed robbers, I do believe that it will have an effect on the crime rate.If the criminal is incarcerated for a long period, they are unable to commit further armed robberies. They will be segregated from society, and will be unable to further victimize society. Society will also receive psychological benefits from the new law they will feel comforted by the fact that the individual is no longer able to victimize society. As the bill has popular support, from both the legislature and the public, I recommend that Senator McKenzie vote to pass the bill, when it comes up for a vote in September 2011.ReferencesCriminalDefenseLawyer. com. (2011). Armed Robbery. Retrieved 10 January 2011, from http//www. criminaldefenselawyer. com/crime-penalti es/federal/Armed-Robbery. htm Law Library Free Legal Encyclopedia. (2011). Classical School of Criminology. Retrieved 30 January 2011, from http//law. jrank. org/pages/14359/classical-school-criminology. html Schmalleger, F. (2009). Criminology Today An Integrative Introduction, Fifth Edition.Retrieved 30 January 2011, from CJA 314. University of Chicago Press Journals (2009). Potential Criminals notify Be Deterred By Longer Sentences, Study Suggests. ScienceDaily. Retrieved 30 January 2011, from http//www. sciencedaily. com /releases/2009/05/090518111726. htm Waldfogel, J. (2007). The Irrational 18-Year-Old Criminal. Slate. Retrieved 30 January 2011, from http//www. slate. com/id/2158317/

Assigned Seating Essay

Would you want an position seat for everyday you sit at lunch or would want to be able to choose for yourself? In our country we have al flairs had a freedom of choice. The topic the I am going to discuss with you is wether or not you should have assign seats during lunch. Many middle check and high school students disagree on having assign seats. Many agree with it because it is a vista to make new friends or interact with person you usually do not. I do not think that assign seating is the best way to have lunch when we need sometime to socialize,relax and talk with your friends.For one thing, students will most likely be comfortable when they argon next to people they go through already. 100% of sample students polled from a local middle school stating that they were in favor of having no assign seating in the cafeteria. After all,it is quite ratiocinative that kids will feel more comfortable when they are not fretting about other things. Also, having no assign seating prep ares students for the real world. Letting students choose where and with whom they are seated in school prepares them for the future, where they will have to make responsible decisions based on what is best for them, which is one of schools main ideals, or at least should be.In addition, allowing freedom domiciliate give them a chance to interact with others. For example, if you had assign seating in your cafeteria you would have to sit next to the same person everyday and you would not be able to talk or interact with different people. Also, at that place was a kid that was in school that had assign seating and everyday at lunch he go bullied by a kid that was in his table, and because of that he tried to kill himself. Thousands of schools participate in this broadcast and it was successful but not in the school that this poor kid went to.Finally, having the freedom to sit where you like can give you more time to eat. For example, if there is someone in your assign seat and your not the kind of person to get in trouble, you would have to stand there and wait until they move which can take a while and it takes time away from eating and relaxing. One time there was a kid that wanted to eat lunch when someone was in his seat and they did not move, so so the kid had to wait until the other boy moved from his seat and that took up his whole lunch adjourn and he ended up not eating at all. Having assign seating with someone you dislike or do not get on with could end up in an argument or even worse, a fight.Some of the benefits of having assign seating are that kids will not continually range around the cafeteria looking for a seat, and chocking back tears when no one would let them join a table. Also, the cafeteria would not become ground zero for gossip, bullying, and fighting. If we had assign seats there are many different advantages concerning the stop of bullying, fighting , and arguing.Now, should kids be able to chose there own seats? if they sit in s chool for 7 hours and do 2-3 hours of homework per night, and even have projects for the weekends, will they also refuse kids from sitting where they like in lunch? To me , assign seating is a definite no, and I strongly disagree with anyone who says that they agree with it.

Facts and Inferences

F&I Page 1 Facts & Inferences Richard Melton 2/01/13 Fundamentals of Interpersonal Communications 97 Zelda Togun F&I Page 2 Facts & InferencesIt was a true eye opener to see how much people make inferences when they arent sure what the real facts are. I noticed that even though I was taking notes and looking for inferences I am guilty of do them myself. For example, my best friends hubby is at home all the time and they struggle to pay their bills. My friend is unceasingly asking me to loan her money. I was talking to my sister about it and I told her I thought my friends husband was lazy and shouldnt be relying on her to take care of him.My sister agreed and we left it at that. Later on that day my best friend called me and asked if I could help her till next payday. I said sure and asked her wherefore her husband isnt working. She told me he has bipolar disorder and cant hold a job, he has tried numerous times but has difficulty concentrating. They were in the eye of apply ing for S. S. I and that it was a long drawn out process. He is very ashamed of it and thats why nobody knows about it.I should of thought it through when I was talking to my sister before I make the inference that he was lazy. Now that I know the truth I feel really hard for talking about him that way. F&I Page 3 References Wood, Julia T. (2010). Interpersonal Communication-7th Edition. Boston, MA. Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Angels Demons Chapter 106-108

106It was 1107 P.M. Langdons car raced by means of the Ro humanness night. Speeding chain reactor Lungot constantlye Tor Di Nona, par every(prenominal)el with the river, Langdon could newsflashaneously see his destination rising like a mountain to his right-hand(a).Castel Sant Angelo. Castle of the Angel.With come to the fore warning, the shepherds crook shoot to the narrow Bridge of Angels Ponte Sant Angelo appea exit suddenly. Langdon slammed on his brakes and swerved. He false in time, hardly the bridge was blackballricaded. He skidded ten feet and col lided with a series of short cement pillars sidesteping his authority. Langdon lurched forward-moving as the vehicle stalled, wheezing and shuddering. He had forgotten the Bridge of Angels, in order to preserve it, was now z one and only(a)d pedestrians only.Shaken, Langdon staggered from the crumpled car, wishing now he had chosen one of the opposite r forthes. He felt chilled, gelidity from the fountain. He donned his Harris tweed everyplace his damp shirt, grateful for Harriss trademark double lining. The Diagramma folio would remain dry. earlier him, across the bridge, the stone bulwark rose like a mountain. Aching and depleted, Langdon broke into a loping run.On both sides of him now, like a gauntlet of escorts, a procession of Bernini angels whipped past, funneling him toward his final destination. Let angels guide you on your lofty quest. The visualisele seemed to rise as he ad new waveced, an unscalable peak, often intimidating to him even than St. Peters. He sprinted toward the bastion, running on fumes, gazing upward at the citadels circular core as it shot skyward to a gargantuan, sword-wielding angel.The castle appeared deserted.Langdon knew through the centuries the building had been used by the Vatican as a tomb, a fortress, a apostolic hidetaboo, a prison for enemies of the church, and a museum. Apparently, the castle had other tenants as well the Illuminati. Somehow it made supernatural sense. Although the castle was property of the Vatican, it was used only sporadically, and Bernini had made numerous renovations to it everywhere the years. The building was now rumored to be honeycombed with secret entries, passage ship elan, and hidden chambers. Langdon had little disbelieve that the angel and surrounding pentagonal park were Berninis doing as well.Arriving at the castles elephantine double doors, Langdon shoved them hard. Not surprisingly, they were immovable. Two iron knockers hung at eye level. Langdon didnt bother. He stepped spine, his look climbing the sheer unwraper argue. These ramparts had fended rack up armies of Berbers, heathens, and Moors. Somehow he feel his chances of breaking in were slim.Vittoria, Langdon thought. be you in in that respect?Langdon hurried close to the outer wall. There must be another mesmerizeRounding the second bulwark to the west, Langdon arrived pinchless in a small parking area morose Lungot ere Angelo. On this wall he prepare a second castle entrance, a drawbridge-type ingress, raised and pie-eyed shut. Langdon gazed upward again.The only lights on the castle were exterior floods illuminating the faade. All the tiny windows intimate seemed black. Langdons eye climbed higher. At the very peak of the central tower, a hundred feet above, right off to a lower place the angels sword, a ace balcony protruded. The marble parapet seemed to shimmer slightly, as if the room beyond it were a impertinence with firelight. Langdon paused, his soaked body shiver suddenly. A shadow? He waited, straining. wherefore he dictum it again. His spine prickled. Someone is up at that placeVittoria he called out, unable to help himself, besides his voice was swallowed by the raging Tiber behind him. He rotate in circles, enquire where the hell the Swiss Guard were. Had they even go throughd his transmission?Across the flock a prominent media truck was parked. Langdon ran towa rd it. A paunchy existence in calculatephones sat in the cabin adjusting levers. Langdon rapped on the side of the truck. The man jumped, dictum Langdons dripping clothes, and yanked off his headset.Whats the worry, mate? His accent was Australian.I invite your phone. Langdon was frenzied.The man shrugged. No dial tone. Been trying all night. Circuits are packed.Langdon swore aloud. Have you seen whateverone go in at that place? He pointed to the drawbridge.Actually, yeah. A black vans been going in and out all night.Langdon felt a brick dispatch the bottom of his stomach.Lucky bastard, the Aussie said, gazing up at the tower, and then frowning at his obstructed view of the Vatican. I bet the view from up there is perfect. I couldnt get through the traffic in St. Peters, so Im shooting from here.Langdon wasnt listening. He was looking for options.What do you say? the Australian said. This 11th Hour Samaritan for real?Langdon turned. The what?You didnt hear? The Captain of the Swiss Guard got a call from somebody who claims to have some primo info. The guys ephemeral in right now. All I know is if he saves the day there go the ratings The man laughed.Langdon was suddenly confused. A good Samaritan flying in to help? Did the individual somehow know where the antimatter was? Then why didnt he just tell the Swiss Guard? Why was he advance in person? Something was odd, only Langdon didnt have time to figure out what.Hey, the Aussie said, studying Langdon more closely. Aint you that guy I power saw on TV? Trying to save that cardinal in St. Peters Square?Langdon did not answer. His eye had suddenly locked on a contraption attached to the top of the truck a satellite truelove on a collapsible appendage. Langdon looked at the castle again. The outer rampart was fifty feet tall. The inner fortress climbed farther still. A shelled defense. The top was impossibly high from here, but maybe if he could clear the premier wallLangdon spun to the newsman and p ointed to the satellite arm. How high does that go?Huh? The man looked confused. Fifteen meters. Why?Move the truck. putting green next to the wall. I need help.What are you talking about?Langdon explained.The Aussies eyes went wide. Are you insane? Thats a ii-hundred-thousand-dollar telescoping extension. Not a ladderYou want ratings? Ive got information that will make your day. Langdon was desperate.Information worth 2 hundred grand?Langdon told him what he would reveal in exchange for the favor.Ninety seconds later, Robert Langdon was gripping the top of the satellite arm wavering in the breeze fifty feet off the ground. Leaning out, he grabbed the top of the first base bulwark, dragged himself onto the wall, and dropped onto the castles lower bastion.Now keep your bargain the Aussie called up. Where is he?Langdon felt guilt-ridden for revealing this information, but a deal was a deal. Besides, the Hassassin would believably call the press anyway. Piazza Navona, Langdon shou ted. Hes in the fountain.The Aussie lowered his satellite mantrap and peeled out after the scoop of his career.In a stone chamber high above the city, the Hassassin outside his soak boots and bandaged his wounded toe. There was pain, but not so much that he couldnt enjoy himself.He turned to his prize.She was in the recessional of the room, on her bottom on a cardinal divan, quite a littles tied behind her, mouth gagged. The Hassassin go toward her. She was awake now. This pleased him. Surprisingly, in her eyes, he saw fire instead of fear.The fear will come.107Robert Langdon dashed more or less the outer bulwark of the castle, grateful for the glow of the floodlights. As he circled the wall, the courtyard beneath him looked like a museum of ancient warfare catapults, stacks of marble cannonballs, and an arsenal of fearful contraptions. Parts of the castle were open to tourists during the day, and the courtyard had been partially restored to its original state.Langdons eyes go across the courtyard to the central core of the fortress. The circular citadel shot skyward 107 feet to the bronze angel above. The balcony at the top still glowed from within. Langdon wanted to call out but knew better. He would have to find a way in.He checked his watch.1112 P.M.Dashing down the stone ramp that hugged the inside of the wall, Langdon descended to the courtyard. Back on ground level, he ran through shadows, clockwise around the fort. He passed three porticos, but all of them were permanently sealed. How did the Hassassin get in? Langdon pushed on. He passed two modern entrances, but they were padlocked from the outside. Not here. He unbroken running.Langdon had circled almost the entire building when he saw a gravel drive elusion across the courtyard in query of him. At one end, on the outer wall of the castle, he saw the back of the gated drawbridge leading back outside. At the other end, the drive disappeared into the fortress. The drive seemed to demean a kind of turn over a gaping entry in the central core. Il traforo Langdon had get hold of about this castles traforo, a giant spiral ramp that circled up inside the fort, used by commanders on horseback to ride from top to bottom rapidly. The Hassassin drove up The gate blocking the tunnel was raised, ushering Langdon in. He felt almost exuberant as he ran toward the tunnel. notwithstanding as he reached the opening, his excitement disappeared.The tunnel spiraled down.The wrong way. This section of the traforo apparently descended to the dungeons, not to the top.Standing at the mouth of a lousiness pall that seemed to twist endlessly deeper into the earth, Langdon hesitated, looking up again at the balcony. He could swear he saw motion up there. Decide With no other options, he dashed down into the tunnel.High overhead, the Hassassin s likewised over his prey. He ran a hand across her arm. Her skin was like cream. The anticipation of exploring her bodily treasures was inebri ating. How more ways could he violate her?The Hassassin knew he deserved this woman. He had served Janus well. She was a spoil of war, and when he was finished with her, he would pull her from the divan and force her to her knees. She would service him again. The ultimate submission. Then, at the moment of his own climax, he would start her throat.Ghayat assaadah, they called it. The ultimate pleasure.Afterward, basking in his glory, he would stand on the balcony and savor the culmination of the Illuminati triumph a strike back desired by so many for so long.The tunnel grew darker. Langdon descended.After one complete turn into the earth, the light was all but gone. The tunnel leveled out, and Langdon slowed, sensing by the echo of his footfalls that he had just entered a larger chamber. Before him in the murkiness, he thought he saw glimmers of light fuzzy reflections in the ambient gleam. He moved forward, reaching out his hand. He found smooth surfaces. Chrome and glass. It wa s a vehicle. He groped the surface, found a door, and opened it.The vehicles interior dome-light flashed on. He stepped back and recognized the black van immediately. Feeling a surge of loathing, he stared a moment, then he dove in, rooting around in hopes of finding a weapon to replace the one hed lost in the fountain. He found none. He did, however, find Vittorias cell phone. It was shattered and useless. The sight of it filled Langdon with fear. He prayed he was not too late.He reached up and turned on the vans headlights. The room around him blazed into existence, harsh shadows in a primary chamber. Langdon guessed the room was once used for horses and ammunition. It was excessively a dead end.No exit. I came the wrong wayAt the end of his rope, Langdon jumped from the van and scanned the walls around him. No doorways. No gates. He thought of the angel over the tunnel entrance and wondered if it had been a coincidence. No He thought of the killers words at the fountain. She is in the church service of Illumination awaiting my return. Langdon had come too far to fail now. His heart was pounding. Frustration and hatred were starting to stultify his senses.When he saw the pedigree on the chronicle, Langdons first thought was for Vittoria. but as his eyes followed the stains, he agnise they were bloody footprints. The strides were long. The splotches of blood were only on the left hand foot. The HassassinLangdon followed the footprints toward the corner of the room, his sprawling shadow growing fainter. He felt more and more puzzled with every step. The bloody prints looked as though they walked directly into the corner of the room and then disappeared.When Langdon arrived in the corner, he could not believe his eyes. The granite block in the floor here was not a square like the others. He was looking at another signpost. The block was carved into a perfect pentagram, arranged with the tip pointing into the corner. Ingeniously concealed by overlappin g walls, a narrow slit in the stone served as an exit. Langdon slid through. He was in a passage. In front of him were the remains of a wooden barrier that had once been blocking this tunnel.Beyond it there was light.Langdon was running now. He clambered over the wood and headed for the light. The passage quickly opened into another, larger chamber. Here a single torch flickered on the wall. Langdon was in a section of the castle that had no electricity a section no tourists would ever see. The room would have been frightful in daylight, but the torch made it even more gruesome.Il prigione.There were a dozen tiny jail cells, the iron bars on most eroded away. One of the larger cells, however, remained intact, and on the floor Langdon saw something that almost stopped his heart. Black robes and red sashes on the floor. This is where he held the cardinalsNear the cell was an iron doorway in the wall. The door was ajar and beyond it Langdon could see some sort of passage. He ran toward it. But Langdon stopped before he got there. The trail of blood did not enter the passage. When Langdon saw the words carved over the archway, he knew why.Il Passetto.He was stunned. He had heard of this tunnel many times, never knowing where exactly the entrance was. Il Passetto The Little changeover was a slender, three-quarter-mile tunnel built between Castle St. Angelo and the Vatican. It had been used by various Popes to escape to prophylactic during sieges of the Vatican as well as by a few less pious Popes to secretly scrutinise mistresses or oversee the torture of their enemies. Nowadays both ends of the tunnel were supposedly sealed with impenetrable locks whose keys were kept in some Vatican vault. Langdon suddenly feared he knew how the Illuminati had been moving in and out of the Vatican. He found himself wondering who on the inside had betrayed the church and coughed up the keys. Olivetti? One of the Swiss Guard? None of it mattered anymore.The blood on the floor l ed to the opposite end of the prison. Langdon followed. Here, a rusty gate hung draped with chains. The lock had been removed and the gate stood ajar. Beyond the gate was a steep ascension of spiral stairs. The floor here was also marked with a pentagramal block. Langdon stared at the block, trembling, wondering if Bernini himself had held the chisel that had shaped these chunks. Overhead, the archway was adorned with a tiny carved cherub. This was it.The trail of blood curved up the stairs.Before ascending, Langdon knew he needed a weapon, any weapon. He found a four-foot section of iron bar near one of the cells. It had a sharp, splintered end. Although absurdly heavy, it was the best he could do. He hoped the element of surprise, combined with the Hassassins wound, would be enough to tip the scales in his advantage. nearly of all, though, he hoped he was not too late.The staircases spiral t reads were worn and twisted steeply upward. Langdon ascended, listening for sounds. None. As he climbed, the light from the prison area faded away. He ascended into the total darkness, keeping one hand on the wall. Higher. In the blackness, Langdon sensed the ghost of Galileo, climbing these very stairs, eager to share his visions of heaven with other men of science and faith.Langdon was still in a state of shock over the location of the lair. The Illuminati confluence hall was in a building owned by the Vatican. No doubt while the Vatican guards were out searching basements and homes of well-known scientists, the Illuminati were meeting here right under the Vaticans nose. It suddenly seemed so perfect. Bernini, as head architect of renovations here, would have had unlimited access to this structure remodeling it to his own specifications with no questions asked. How many secret entries had Bernini added? How many subtle embellishments pointing the way?The Church of Illumination. Langdon knew he was close.As the stairs began narrowing, Langdon felt the passage closing a round him. The shadows of history were whispering in the dark, but he moved on. When he saw the horizontal beak of light before him, he realized he was standing a few steps beneath a landing, where the glow of torchlight spilled out beneath the threshold of a door in front of him. taciturnly he moved up.Langdon had no idea where in the castle he was right now, but he knew he had climbed far enough to be near the peak. He pictured the mammoth angel atop the castle and suspected it was directly overhead.Watch over me, angel, he thought, gripping the bar. Then, silently, he reached for the door.On the divan, Vittorias implements of war ached. When she had first awoken to find them tied behind her back, shed thought she might be able to relax and body of work her hands free. But time had run out. The beast had returned. Now he was standing over her, his chest of drawers bare and powerful, scarred from battles he had endured. His eyes looked like two black slits as he stared down at her body. Vittoria sensed he was imagining the deeds he was about to perform. Slowly, as if to taunt her, the Hassassin removed his soaking belt and dropped it on the floor.Vittoria felt a loathing horror. She unkindly her eyes. When she opened them again, the Hassassin had produced a switch mark knife. He snapped it open directly in front of her face.Vittoria saw her own terrified reflection in the steel.The Hassassin turned the weather vane over and ran the back of it across her belly. The icy metal gave her chills. With a contemptuous stare, he slipped the blade below the waistline of her shorts. She inhaled. He moved back and forth, slowly, goodly lower. Then he leaned forward, his hot breath whispering in her ear.This blade cut out your fathers eye.Vittoria knew in that instant that she was capable of killing.The Hassassin turned the blade again and began sawing upward through the fabric of her khaki shorts. Suddenly, he stopped, looking up. Someone was in the room. swallow away from her, a deep voice growled from the doorway.Vittoria could not see who had spoken, but she recognized the voice. Robert Hes aliveThe Hassassin looked as if he had seen a ghost. Mr. Langdon, you must have a guardian angel.108In the split second it took Langdon to harbour in his surroundings, he realized he was in a sacred place. The embellishments in the oblong room, though old and faded, were replete with familiar symbology. Pentagram tiles. Planet frescoes. Doves. Pyramids.The Church of Illumination. Simple and pure. He had arrived.Directly in front of him, framed in the opening of the balcony, stood the Hassassin. He was bare chested, standing over Vittoria, who lay outflow but very much alive. Langdon felt a wave of relief to see her. For an instant, their eyes met, and a torrent of emotions flowed gratitude, desperation, and regret.So we meet yet again, the Hassassin said. He looked at the bar in Langdons hand and laughed out loud. And this time you come for me with that?Untie her.The Hassassin put the knife to Vittorias throat. I will kill her.Langdon had no doubt the Hassassin was capable of such an act. He forced a calm into his voice. I imagine she would gratifying it considering the alternative.The Hassassin smiled at the insult. Youre right. She has much to offer. It would be a waste.Langdon stepped forward, grasping the rusted bar, and aimed the splintered end directly at the Hassassin. The cut on his hand bit sharply. Let her go.The Hassassin seemed for a moment to be considering it. Exhaling, he dropped his shoulders. It was a clear motion of surrender, and yet at that exact instant the Hassassins arm seemed to accelerate unexpectedly. There was a blur of dark muscle, and a blade suddenly came tearing through the air toward Langdons chest.Whether it was instinct or exhaustion that buckled Langdons knees at that moment, he didnt know, but the knife sailed past his left ear and clattered to the floor behind him. The Hassassin seemed unf azed. He smiled at Langdon, who was kneeling now, holding the metal bar. The killer stepped away from Vittoria and moved toward Langdon like a stalking lion.As Langdon scrambled to his feet, lifting the bar again, his wet turtleneck and pants felt suddenly more restrictive. The Hassassin, half-clothed, seemed to move much faster, the wound on his foot apparently not slowing him at all. Langdon sensed this was a man accustomed to pain. For the first time in his life, Langdon wished he were holding a very big gun.The Hassassin circled slowly, as if enjoying himself, always just out of reach, moving toward the knife on the floor. Langdon cut him off. Then the killer moved back toward Vittoria. Again Langdon cut him off.Theres still time, Langdon ventured. Tell me where the canister is. The Vatican will be more than the Illuminati ever could.You are naive.Langdon jabbed with the bar. The Hassassin dodged. He navigated around a bench, holding the weapon in front of him, trying to corner the Hassassin in the oval room. This damn room has no corners Oddly, the Hassassin did not seem interested in contend or fleeing. He was simply playing Langdons game. Coolly waiting.Waiting for what? The killer kept circling, a senior pilot at positioning himself. It was like an endless game of chess. The weapon in Langdons hand was getting heavy, and he suddenly sensed he knew what the Hassassin was waiting for. Hes tiring me out. It was working, too. Langdon was hit by a surge of weariness, the epinephrin alone no prolonged enough to keep him alert. He knew he had to make a move.The Hassassin seemed to read Langdons mind, shifting again, as if intentionally leading Langdon toward a table in the middle of the room. Langdon could tell there was something on the table. Something glinted in the torchlight. A weapon? Langdon kept his eyes focused on the Hassassin and maneuvered himself closer to the table. When the Hassassin cast a long, guileless glance at the table, Langdon ass ay to fight the obvious bait. But instinct overruled. He stole a glance. The damage was done.It was not a weapon at all. The sight momentarily riveted him.On the table lay a rudimentary copper chest, crusted with ancient patina. The chest was a pentagon. The lid lay open. Arranged inside in tailfin padded compartments were louvre scores. The brands were forged of iron large embossing tools with stout handles of wood. Langdon had no doubt what they said.Illuminati, Earth, Air, Fire, Water.Langdon snapped his head back up, fearing the Hassassin would lunge. He did not. The killer was waiting, almost as if he were refreshed by the game. Langdon fought to recover his focus, locking eyes again with his quarry, thrusting with the call. But the image of the package hung in his mind. Although the brands themselves were mesmerizing artifacts few Illuminati scholars even believed existed Langdon suddenly realized there had been something else about the box that had enkindled a wave o f foreboding within. As the Hassassin maneuvered again, Langdon stole another glance downward.My GodIn the chest, the five brands sat in compartments around the outer edge. But in the center, there was another compartment. This partition was empty, but it clearly was intended to hold another brand a brand much larger than the others, and perfectly square.The attack was a blur.The Hassassin swooped toward him like a bird of prey. Langdon, his concentration having been masterfully diverted, tried to counter, but the pipe felt like a tree trunk in his hands. His parry was too slow. The Hassassin dodged. As Langdon tried to retract the bar, the Hassassins hands shot out and grabbed it. The mans grip was strong, his injured arm seeming no longer to affect him. Violently, the two men struggled. Langdon felt the bar ripped away, and a searing pain shot through his palm. An instant later, Langdon was staring into the splintered point of the weapon. The hunter had become the hunted.Langdon felt like hed been hit by a cyclone. The Hassassin circled, make a face now, disdain Langdon against the wall. What is your American adagio? he chided. Something about curiosity and the cat?Langdon could barely focus. He ill-omened his carelessness as the Hassassin moved in. Nothing was making sense. A sixth Illuminati brand? In defeat he blurted, Ive never read anything about a sixth Illuminati brandI think you probably have. The killer chuckled as he herded Langdon around the oval wall.Langdon was lost. He most certainly had not. There were five Illuminati brands. He backed up, searching the room for any weapon at all.A perfect fraternity of the ancient elements, the Hassassin said. The final brand is the most brilliant of all. Im afraid you will never see it, though.Langdon sensed he would not be seeing much of anything in a moment. He kept backing up, searching the room for an option. And youve seen this final brand? Langdon demanded, trying to buy time.Someday perhaps they will watch over me. As I prove myself. He jabbed at Langdon, as if enjoying a game.Langdon slid backward again. He had the spot the Hassassin was directing him around the wall toward some unseen destination. Where? Langdon could not afford to look behind him. The brand? he demanded. Where is it?Not here. Janus is apparently the only one who holds it.Janus? Langdon did not recognize the name.The Illuminati leader. He is arriving shortly.The Illuminati leader is coming here?To perform the final branding.Langdon shot a frightened glance to Vittoria. She looked strangely calm, her eyes closed to the world around her, her lungs pulling slowly deeply. Was she the final victim? Was he?Such conceit, the Hassassin sneered, watching Langdons eyes. The two of you are nothing. You will die, of course, that is for certain. But the final victim of whom I speak is a truly dangerous enemy.Langdon tried to make sense of the Hassassins words. A dangerous enemy? The top cardinals were all dead. The Pope was dead. The Illuminati had wiped them all out. Langdon found the answer in the vacuum of the Hassassins eyes.The camerlegno.Camerlegno Ventresca was the one man who had been a beacon of hope for the world through this entire tribulation. The camerlegno had done more to condemn the Illuminati tonight than decades of conspiracy theorists. Apparently he would pay the price. He was the Illuminatis final target.Youll never get to him, Langdon challenged.Not I, the Hassassin replied, forcing Langdon farther back around the wall. That honor is uncommunicative for Janus himself.The Illuminati leader himself intends to brand the camerlegno?Power has its privileges.But no one could possibly get into Vatican City right nowThe Hassassin looked smug. Not unless he had an appointment.Langdon was confused. The only person expected at the Vatican right now was the person the press was calling the 11th Hour Samaritan the person Rocher said had information that could save Langdon stopped sh ort. good GodThe Hassassin smirked, clearly enjoying Langdons sickening cognition. I too wondered how Janus would gain entrance. Then in the van I heard the radio a report about an 11th hour Samaritan. He smiled. The Vatican will welcome Janus with open arms.Langdon almost stumbled backward. Janus is the Samaritan It was an unthinkable deception. The Illuminati leader would get a royal escort directly to the camerlegnos chambers. But how did Janus fool Rocher? Or was Rocher somehow involved? Langdon felt a chill. Ever since he had almost suffocated in the secret archives, Langdon had not entirely trusted Rocher.The Hassassin jabbed suddenly, nicking Langdon in the side.Langdon jumped back, his temper flaring. Janus will never get out aliveThe Hassassin shrugged. Some causes are worth dying for.Langdon sensed the killer was serious. Janus coming to Vatican City on a suicide mission? A question of honor? For an instant, Langdons mind took in the entire terrorise cycle. The Illumina ti plot had come full circle. The priest whom the Illuminati had inadvertently brought to power by killing the Pope had emerged as a worthy adversary. In a final act of defiance, the Illuminati leader would destroy him.Suddenly, Langdon felt the wall behind him disappear. There was a rush of cool air, and he staggered backward into the night. The balcony He now realized what the Hassassin had in mind.Langdon immediately sensed the precipice behind him a hundred-foot drop to the courtyard below. He had seen it on his way in. The Hassassin wasted no time. With a violent surge, he lunged. The spear sliced toward Langdons midsection. Langdon skidded back, and the point came up short, espial only his shirt. Again the point came at him. Langdon slid farther back, feeling the banister right behind him. indisputable the next jab would kill him, Langdon attempted the absurd. Spinning to one side, he reached out and grabbed the shaft, sending a jolt of pain through his palm. Langdon held o n.The Hassassin seemed unfazed. They strained for a moment against one another, face to face, the Hassassins breath repellant in Langdons nostrils. The bar began to slip. The Hassassin was too strong. In a final act of desperation, Langdon stretched out his leg, dangerously off balance as he tried to ram his foot down on the Hassassins injured toe. But the man was a professional and adjusted to protect his weakness.Langdon had just played his final card. And he knew he had lost the hand.The Hassassins arms exploded upward, driving Langdon back against the railing. Langdon sensed nothing but empty lacuna behind him as the railing hit just beneath his buttocks. The Hassassin held the bar crosswise and drove it into Langdons chest. Langdons back arched over the chasm.Maassalamah, the Hassassin sneered. Good-bye.With a merciless glare, the Hassassin gave a final shove. Langdons center of gravity shifted, and his feet swung up off the floor. With only one hope of survival, Langdon grab bed on to the railing as he went over. His left hand slipped, but his right hand held on. He ended up hanging upside down by his legs and one hand straining to hold on.Looming over him, the Hassassin raised the bar overhead, preparing to bring it crashing down. As the bar began to accelerate, Langdon saw a vision. Perhaps it was the imminence of death or simply blind fear, but in that moment, he sensed a sudden aura surrounding the Hassassin. A glowing effulgence seemed to swell out of nothing behind him like an incoming fireball.Halfway through his swing, the Hassassin dropped the bar and screamed in agony.The iron bar clattered past Langdon out into the night. The Hassassin spun away from him, and Langdon saw a blistering torch sting on the killers back. Langdon pulled himself up to see Vittoria, eyes flaring, now facing the Hassassin.Vittoria waved a torch in front of her, the vengeance in her face resplendent in the flames. How she had escaped, Langdon did not know or care. He began scrambling back up over the banister.The battle would be short. The Hassassin was a deadly match. Screaming with rage, the killer lunged for her. She tried to dodge, but the man was on her, holding the torch and about to wrestle it away. Langdon did not wait. Leaping off the banister, Langdon jabbed his clenched fist into the blistered burn on the Hassassins back.The scream seemed to echo all the way to the Vatican.The Hassassin froze a moment, his back arched in anguish. He let go of the torch, and Vittoria thrust it hard into his face. There was a hiss of flesh as his left eye sizzled. He screamed again, raising his hands to his face.Eye for an eye, Vittoria hissed. This time she swung the torch like a bat, and when it connected, the Hassassin stumbled back against the railing. Langdon and Vittoria went for him at the same instant, both heaving and pushing. The Hassassins body sailed backward over the banister into the night. There was no scream. The only sound was the crack of his spine as he landed spread-eagle on a pile of cannonballs far below.Langdon turned and stared at Vittoria in bewilderment. Slackened ropes hung off her midsection and shoulders. Her eyes blazed like an inferno.Houdini knew yoga.

Book Review on “Fat Girl” Essay

Book canvass Obesity is an upcoming and extremely prevalent phenomenon in America today. Author, Judith Moore of the book Fat Girl discusses round of the issues plumpty girls face. Her book is less about every stereo-typed fat girl and more about her stratum individually. Judith Moore chooses to take a different route, instead of complaining continuously about being fat, she explains in sagacity why she believes she is fat. She is non lazy she expresses her knowledge of diets and her experiences of strenuous work outs but ends with little to no results. My phase resists loss. My fat holds on for dear life, holds on under my bratwurst arms and between my clabber thighs. intellectual nourishment is a fuel, but to some food may be a pain reliever. For Judith, she had to face an hard-pressed family life early on. Judith had always been a fat girl and her father a fat populace weighing close to 300 pounds. Her family was secluded and each individual only cared for themselves. Clearly her family was an unhappy single they used food as source of pleasure and hoped it would cure the pain. At the age of four, Judiths parents divorced. aft(prenominal) the divorce, Judith was shipped back and forth between her moms mothers farm and her moms apartment in Brooklyn. These trips back and forth only created more stirred up scaring for Judith. Her Grandmother had a cockeyed hatred for her father, and being that Judith was a spitting image of him, she received the backlash. Grandma fed Judiths needs literally and figuratively speaking. Each time she visited her Grandmothers farm she was fed extremely fattening comfort foods, and with that she grew larger.Her Grandmother would pee comments over how large she was and how she was growing, breaking her down each time. This led to Judiths reach for food to interest the hole created by her dysfunctional family. The love of food steamed from her unloving family. Her continuous pattern of feeding to fulfill an emotiona l need led to Judiths weight gain. Judith proceeds to explain more emotional traumatizing events in her life that are male influenced.She discloses information that a valet once told her she was too fat to get in bed with, and her experience of being manipulated into giving oral head to a man who she thought was a kind person, while his friends watched and laughed. Not once throughout her book did Judith play the dupe for being fat. Because Judith proceeds to tell the readers events in her life and why they make her who she is today, this book consider would be considered an autobiography. The book gives another perspective on another persons life.Judiths obvious intention for this book was not to complain about being fat, but to state the events of her life that made her who she is. She did not stereo-type every fat girl, she simply told her humbug and ways other fat girls could relate. This autobiography presents an issue of correlation with our society and corpulency. It sugge sts that obesity can come from emotional pain or distress. I would suggest this book to my friends, it explains that everyone has a story of why they are the way they are.

My Science Fair Project Essay

My science fair device is about the sound transmission through different veneers. A veneer is the outer part of the category. It croup also be called a siding. The veneers I used were brick, cementum fiber, and vinyl. I used these because they were three very common veneers. I thought if I used common veneers it would make the project mean much because people can see sound transmission through common sidings. The way I make the cement fiber and vinyl siding boxes was, I lie with plywood sides. subsequently I cut the sides I nailed them together to make a box. After I made the box I jailed the houses in house wrap. House wrap is used as a moisture barrier. My purpose for the house wrap is not to stop water from glide slope in, but, I used it because most houses use it. After I wrapped the houses I nailed the siding on. I then used wood pitchty to match the holes.The brick box was a different procedure. After I wrapped the brick box I had to build a platform then I had to l ay the brick with mortar. I had to attach the brick to the plywood with the wall ties. I tried and true my buildings by putting a transistor radio into the plywood box. After I put it in the box I turned it on at a low level, I then put the lid on the box and I used my sound level meter. This meter measures the amount of atomic number 105s coming out of the house. A decibel is a unit of measurement for sound. I also did the same involvement on a loud and a medium sound level. I did this with all of the boxes. The brick box produced an number of 10.33 decibels at a (80) 43 decibel volume, an medium of 13 decibels at a (90) 53 decibel volume, and an average of 19.66 at a (100) 63 decibel volume with a total average of 14.33 decibels.The cement fiber box produced an average of 19 decibels at a (80) 43 decibel volume, an average of 22 decibels at a (90) 53 decibel volume and an average of 30 decibels at a (100) 63 decibel volume. The Vinyl box produced an average of 27 decibels at a (80) 43 decibel volume, an average of 26.66 decibels at a (90) 53 decibel volume and an average of 33 decibels in a (100) decibel volume. My results of my project proved my hypothesis of brick producing the least amount of sound transmission.

Space Shuttle Columbia

On February 1, 2003, the blank space razz capital of South Carolina broke apart during re-entry resulting in the loss of the s counterbalancesome work partymembers and the boo. For the next several months an blanket(a) investigation of the accident was performed by the capital of South Carolina Accident investigating not water ice (CAIB). The board create their final examination report in August, 2003 and reason that the ca utilization of the loss of capital of South Carolina and its cluster was a br distributively in the left wing tip edge reinforce Carbon-Carbon Thermal political campaignimonial corpse initiated by the impact of thermic insulating froth that had conf utilize from the planets external fuel tank 81 seconds into the explosive charges launch.During re-entry, this b break eitherowed hot gas to enter the wings prima(p) edge and support building which ultimately led to the breakup of the orbiter. The CAIB withal discovered multiple flaws deep down the razz sentry go program, the fate analysis techniques, communication and leadership between management and design, and an obstructive organizational culture. NASA responded to the Columbia accident by introduction all quadruplet razzing missions for a total of 905 days charm they complied with all the recommendations do by the CAIB as well as restructuring their system safety and communication procedures.Space Shuttle Columbia The Columbia STS-107 mission lifted off on January 16, 2003, for a 16-day science mission featuring numerous microgravity experiments. Upon reentering the melodic phrase on February 1, 2003, the Columbia orbiter suffered a catastrophic failure due to a breach that occurred 81 seconds into the launch when falling thermal insulating suds from the left bipod celestial orbit of the extraneous Tank struck the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels on the to a lower placeside of the left wing.The orbiter and its seven clumpmembers were lost approxim ately 16 minutes onwards Columbia was scheduled to touch down at Kennedy Space Center. Within this paper I forget discuss the history, mission, and anatomy of Space Shuttle Columbia, the incident and the breakdown in communication and safety practices, as well as information form during the formal investigation by the Columbia Accident probe Board (CAIB). History of Space Shuttle Columbia The Space Shuttle Columbia was built in the old age lead story up to 1981 when it was the first quadriceps femoris razz to fly into earth orbit on April 12th.There were four sister ships in the fleet over the next ten years the Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, and the Enterprise. The elbow grease was built to replace the Challenger that was destroyed in 1986. Columbia was the first on-line orbiter to suffer the scheduled review article and retrofit program. It was transported August 10, 1991, aft(prenominal) its completion of mission STS-40, to prime space shuttle contractor Rockwell In ternationals Palmdale, California assembly plant.The oldest orbiter in the fleet underwent approximately 50 modifications, including the addition of degree centigrade brakes, drag chute, improved nose wheel steering, removal of development flight instrumentation and an enhancement of its thermal protection system. The orbiter returned to Kennedy Space Center February 9, 1992 to begin processing for mission STS-50 in June of that year. Primary delegation The primary butts of this mission was to research in physical, life, and space sciences, conducted in approximately 80 separate experiments, comprised of hundreds of samples and test points.The crew was divided into two alternating shifts to achieve the most productive use of duration for each 24 hour period. The crews payload consisted of the following first flight of SPACEHAB Research ternary Module Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science, Technology, Applications and Research (FREESTAR) First Extended Duration Orbiter (EDO) mission since STS-90 (Wilson, 2006). The expected duration of the STS-107 mission was 16 long days. Anatomy of the Space Shuttle The space shuttle is make up of over two million moving parts and 150 miles of internal wiring, make it the most complex machine ever created.Empty the space shuttle weighs in at 158,289 lbs and with the master(prenominal) engines installed it tips the scales at over 178,000 lbs. Once all the fuel and cargo ar added, the space shuttle weighs an astonish 4. 5 million lbs. There are three main parts to any space shuttle, the orbiter, firm rocket boosters, and the external fuel tank. The solid rocket boosters and the external fuel tank are ejected from the orbiter while the space shuttle is leaving the atmosphere. The orbiter has enough crew space for eight crew members and a cargo capacity of 50,000 lbs.The Incident On January 16, 2003 the Space Shuttle Columbia was launched from Cape Canaveral, FL. 81 seconds into the launch a small piece of thermal insulating foam, the size of a small briefcase, impacted the leading edge of the left wing, damaging the Shuttles Thermal Protection System (TPS), which protects it from heat generated from the atmosphere during re-entry. The foam had a total weight of 1. 67 lbs which is equal to the weight of 100 marshmallows and originated from the left bipod area of the External Tank.At the time of the impact the Columbia was traveling at 2300 fps through an altitude of 65,900 feet. The impact velocity of the foam was 775 fps. While Columbia was still in orbit, some engineers suspected damage as early as day two of the mission, but NASA managers limited the investigation, on the grounds that little could be done even if problems were plunge and therefore, never informed the crew of any possible damage. The damage to the left wings Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panel provided a pathway for hot gas to enter the wings leading edge and support structure upon the attempted re-entry.This resulted in major structural and skin damage cause the loss of control and all vehicle data at 207, 135 ft above the humankind while traveling at 12,500 mph. The Columbia Space Shuttle broke up over north-central Texas just 16 minutes prior to its scheduled landing at Floridas Kennedy Space Center. The Investigation Soon after the space shuttle disaster NASA created the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) with the objective to determine the cause of the Columbia accident and to recommend ways to improve the safety programs and communication procedures within NASA.The Board published a working scenario along with several preliminary recommendations in advance of the final report which was published on August 26, 2003. Preliminary Recommendations The first of five recommendations the CAIB made was for NASA to develop an inspection plan for the examination of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) system components since the current inspection techniques were not adequate in assessing the structural integrity, its supporting structure, and the attached hardware.The RCC system is used on the leading edges of the wings, the area aft of the nose cap, and the area around the forward orbiter/external tank attachment structure due to the fact that these are the parts of the orbiter that are subjected to the greatest amount of heat during re-entry. At the time the CAIB conducted their investigation, they discovered and published that NASA did not fully understand the mechanisms that drop caused foam loss on almost every space shuttle flight to date. They withal found that the original and present day operating design specifications needed the RCC components to have essentially no impact resistance.In order to mitigate future risk to the space shuttles and crew, the CAIB believed that NASA should look into the advanced non-destructive inspection technology and take advantage of it. The second recommendation made to NASA verbalize that they should amend their existing Mem orandum of Agreement with the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) to make it a standard requirement for every space shuttle flight to have on-orbit imaging available. The foam start was first seen during the standard review of the launch video and high-speed photography, by the Intercenter Photo Working pigeonholing (IPWG) on the morning of Flight Day Two.The IPWG was concerned about possible damage to the Orbiter since this foam strike was larger than any seen in the past. No conclusive images of the foam strike could be found so the Chair of the IPWG asked management to begin the process of getting outside resource from the Department of plea (DOD) to help in damage assessment. This request, the first of three, along with the IPWGs first report, including a digitized video trim back and initial assessment of the strike, was distributed on Flight Day Two and began its journey through the management hierarchy. steady though the IPWG routed its request through the proper transmit used during a mission, the management hierarchy yielded no direction, progress, or results. Therefore, the IPWG then routed its second and third requests for external DOD imagery through institutional, not mission-related, channels which diluted the urgency of the requests and the management viewed the requests as non-critical desires rather than critical running(a) needs.Communication did not hang effectively up to or down from the management hierarchy which lead to the three independent requests for imagery being subsequently denied. It was determined by the CAIB that the United States government along with NASA did not utilize every imaging resource it had in order to assess the damage of the Columbia while still in orbit. Recommendation three examined the repair capability of the space shuttle.The CAIB suggested that for all future missions to the International Space lay (ISS), NASA develop a method to inspect and conduct emergency repairs to the Thermal Protection System (TPS) tiles and RCC while docked at the ISS and recommended that a comprehensive supreme inspection and repair capability be developed for Shuttle missions that do not dock at the ISS. The end goal is to develop a fully autonomous capability for all missions, in the event that an ISS mission does not achieve the necessary orbit, fails to dock successfully, or suffers damage during or after docking (Troxell, 2009).The last two recommendations addressed the space shuttles imaging systems. The tail recommendation recommended upgrading the imaging system to provide at least three useful views of the space shuttles from liftoff to at least Solid Rocket Booster separation, and further recommended exploring the possibility of taking additional pictures and observations of the space shuttle during launch using ships and aircraft. Recommendation five pertained specifically to the External Tank (ET) and the Thermal Protection System (TPS) imaging systems examination.The CAIB recomme nded modifying one of the two on-board umbilical cameras in order to downlink high-resolution images of the ET after separation, and further recommended that a similar system be put into place to downlink high-resolution images of the underside of the orbiters leading edge system and the forward section of the TPS (Troxell, 2009). Organizational Culture Communications procedures between managers and engineers at NASA were also investigated by the CAIB.The need to communicate effectively and efficiently between the individuals and organizations involved in the space shuttle program were found to be paramount, given the complex and high level of technology along with the extensive risks involved. The CAIB found that the original damage assessments contained substantial uncertainties for a variety of reasons, including management failures, communication breakdowns, inappropriate use of assessment tools, and flawed engineering judgments.The CAIB also determined that there were lapses in leadership and communication that made it very difficult for engineers and management to raise concerns and understand decisions. Management failed to actively engage and analyze the potentiality damage caused by the foam strike. Before the accident, flight managers had been under extreme pressure from Congress and the man to maintain launch schedules, and they had not followed established procedures for clearing unresolved problems.Based on these and other observations, the CAIB concluded that NASA was not a learning organization. Organizational learning is not one but several processes by which organizations seek to improve their performance by searching out the causes behind what they judge to be unimaginable results (Mahler & Casamayou, 2009). The CAIB concluded that the organizational causes to the accident included deficiencies in the command structure and safety monitoring systems, an softness to cope with strong external political and budgetary pressures, and an obstruc tive organizational culture.System rubber eraser The CAIB found that NASAs safety program was inadequate of achieving the level of safety necessary for the space shuttle program. As a result, the CAIB recommended that the safety system at NASA be restructured to include the system safety fundamentals. System safety is the name given to the effort to make things as safe as is practical by consistently using engineering and management tools to identify, analyze, and control hazards (Stephans, 2004) throughout all phases of the life cycle.At the time of the investigation, NASAs definition of system safety was as follows The optimum degree of risk management within the constraints of operational effectiveness, time, and cost attained through the application of management and engineering principles throughout all phases of a program. It was a great definition but NASA did not follow or operate under these fundamentals which were prove by the CAIB time and time again.They found that the system safety engineering and management was not agile enough to have an impact on system design, and it was hidden in the other safety disciplines and separated from mainstream engineering which proved extremely ineffective in regards to safety. They also found that the space shuttle safety program had conflicting roles, responsibilities, and guidance. Hazard Analysis The hazard analysis techniques used by NASA at the time of the accident were the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FEMA) and the Fault Tree Analysis (FTA).The CAIB found that the risk information and data from the hazard analyses were not communicated effectively nor could they find adequate application of a process, database, or metric unit analysis tool that took an integrated, systemic view of the entire space shuttle system. Post Columbia Procedures at NASA Once the investigation into Space Shuttle Columbias accident was finished, NASA shut down all space shuttle missions until they felt their system safety a nd communication procedures where brought up to par.This space shuttle grounding lasted 905 days and finally ended on July 26th, 2005 when the Space Shuttle Discovery successfully flew the STS-114 mission. System Safety NASA took the recommendation of the CAIB and restructured their system safety program. The purpose of the new system safety program within NASA is to master that the optimum degree of safety is achieved through management and engineering practices that minimize the number and magnitude of hazards in NASA systems.This is coupled with the application of system safety engineering analyses to detect and assess the nature and magnitude of risks so that they may be eliminated, reduced, or accepted depending on project requirements, schedule, and cost. This purpose is reached through the application of management, scientific, and engineering principles during all phases of a system life cycle. The ultimate goal is to avoid loss of life or injury to personnel, damage to or loss of equipment or facilities, project or test failures, and undue impression to risk and adverse environmental effects.To date NASA has flown 19 separate space shuttle missions with no incidents under their new system safety program. NASAs space shuttle fleet is set to retire after just two final missions. Space Shuttle Discovery is expected to launch on November 1st, 2010 and Space Shuttle Endeavour will launch no earlier than February 26th, 2011. Post Columbia Improvements NASA spent $1. 4 billion in an effort to improve the space shuttle after the Columbia incident. The most notable area of improvement was the External Tank.The bipod foam that caused the Columbia disaster was replaced with an electrical heater to prevent ice from forming. Another notable area of improvement was too the Foreign Object Debris (FOD) procedures which improved safety. They also added over 100 tracking cameras to view launches as well as cameras mounted on the External Tank and Solid Rocket Booste rs. NASA also has two aircraft equipped with high-definition cameras which offer the unique perspective of a shuttle flying toward the viewer (Chien, 2006). All of NASAs improvements seem to have worked so far.In the years following Space Shuttle Columbias accident, NASA reinvented their company from the ground up and is now used as a model company that others look to for advice and operational information. Conclusion The Space Shuttle Columbia accident may or may not have been preventable. There are numerous things that could have gone differently that might have given the crew a different fate, however, the accident happened in the least bad manner possible. The astronauts were able to enjoy themselves the entire mission, complete essential mission experiments, and reach a goal many of them had worked toward their entire lives.They had no knowledge that the shuttle was damaged and their deaths were mercifully swift. Columbias re-entry path over the U. S. made debris recovery far e asier than if it had fallen over the ocean. Because so much debris and information was recovered it was possible to determine exactly what happened without any shadow of a doubt. It will certainly always be regrettable that the accident happened, but the fate of the Columbia crew could have been far worse. They will always been remembered as heroes.