Battle of Raymond in the Civil War

Battle of Raymond in the Civil War Battle of Raymond - Conflict Dates: The Battle of Raymond was fought May 12, 1863, during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Armies Commanders Union Major General James B. McPherson12,000 men Confederate Brigadier General John Gregg4,400 men Battle of Raymond - Background: In late 1862, Major General Ulysses S. Grant began efforts to capture the key Confederate bastion of Vicksburg, MS. Located high on the bluffs above the Mississippi, the city was key to controlling the river below. After several false starts, Grant elected to move south through Louisiana and cross the river south of Vicksburg. He was aided in this effort by Rear Admiral David D. Porters gunboats. On April 30, 1863, Grants Army of the Tennessee began crossing the Mississippi at Bruinsburg, MS. Sweeping aside Confederate defenders at Port Gibson, Grant moved inland. With Union forces to the south, the Confederate commander at Vicksburg, Lieutenant General John Pemberton, began organizing a defense outside of the city and calling for reinforcements from General Joseph E. Johnston. The bulk of these were directed to Jackson, MS though their transit to the city was hampered by damage inflicted to the railroads by Colonel Benjamin Griersons cavalry raid in April. With Grant advancing northeast, Pemberton expected the Union troops to directly drive on Vicksburg and began pulling back towards the city. Successfully keeping the enemy off balance, Grant instead set his sights on Jackson and cutting the Southern Railroad which connected the two cities. Using the Big Black River to cover his left flank, Grant advanced with Major General James B. McPhersons XVII Corps on the right with orders to proceed through Raymond to strike the railroad at Bolton. To McPhersons left, Major General John McClernands XIII Corps was to sever the Southern at Edwards while Major General William T. Shermans XV Corps was to attack between Edwards and Bolton at Midway (Map). Battle of Raymond - Gregg Arrives: In an effort to halt Grants advance towards Jackson, Pemberton directed that all reinforcements reaching the capital be sent twenty miles southwest to Raymond. Here he hoped to form a defensive line behind Fourteen Mile Creek. The first troops to arrive in Raymond were those of Brigadier General John Greggs over-strength brigade. Entering the town on May 11 with his tired men, Gregg found that local cavalry units had not properly posted guards on the area roads. Making camp, Gregg was unaware that McPhersons corps was approaching from the southwest. As the Confederates were resting, Grant ordered McPherson to push two divisions into Raymond by noon on May 12. To comply with this request, he directed Major General John Logans Third Division to lead the advance. Battle of Raymond - First Shots: Screened by Union cavalry, Logans men pushed towards Fourteen Mile Creek early on May 12. Learning from locals that a large Confederate force was ahead, Logan deployed the 20th Ohio into a long skirmish line and sent them towards the creek. Hampered by rough terrain and vegetation, the 20th Ohio moved slowly. Shortening the line, Logan pushed Brigadier General Elias Dennis Second Brigade forward into a field along the west bank of the creek. In Raymond, Gregg had recently received intelligence which implied that Grants main body was south of Edwards. As a result, when reports arrived of Union troops near the creek, he believed them to be part of a small raiding party. Marching his men from the town, Gregg concealed them on the hills overlooking the creek. Seeking to lure the Federals into a trap, he sent a small guard detachment to the bridge over the creek in the hope that the enemy would attack. Once the Union men were across the bridge, Gregg intended to overwhelm them. Around 10:00 AM, Union skirmishers pushed towards the bridge but halted in a nearby tree line rather than attacking. Then, to Greggs surprise, they brought forward artillery and began firing on the Confederates near the bridge. This development led Gregg to conclude he was facing a full brigade rather than a raiding force. Undeterred, he altered his plan and shifted his command to the left while preparing for a larger ambush. Once the enemy was across the creek, he intended to attack while also sending two regiments through the trees to strike the Union artillery. Battle of Raymond - Gregg Surprised: Across the creek, McPherson suspected a trap and directed the remainder of Logans division to move up. While one brigade was held in reserve, Brigadier General John E. Smiths brigade was quietly deployed on Dennis right. Ordering his troops to advance, Logans men moved slowly through the vegetation towards the deep banks of the creek. Due to a bend in the creek, the first across was the 23rd Indiana. Reaching the far bank, they came under heavy attack from Confederate forces. Hearing the enemy yell, Colonel Manning Force led his 20th Ohio to the 23rd Indianas aid. Coming under fire, the Ohioans used the creek bed for cover. From this position they engaged the 7th Texas and 3rd Tennessee. Hard pressed, Force requested the 20th Illinois to advance to his regiments aid (Map). Surging past the 20th Ohio, the Confederates pushed forward and soon encountered Logans main body which was in a nearby tree line. As the two sides exchanged fire, the Union troops at the creek began falling back to join their comrades. In an effort to better understand the situation, McPherson and Logan directed Union forces to withdraw a short distance back to a fence line. Establishing a new position, they were pursued by the two Confederate regiments who believed the enemy was fleeing. Encountering the new Union line, they began to take heavy losses. Their situation quickly worsened when the 31st Illinois, which had been posted on Logans right began attacking their flank. Battle of Raymond - Union Victory: On the Confederate left, the two regiments that Gregg had ordered to get into the enemys rear, the 50th Tennessee and consolidated 10th/30th Tennessee, pushed forward and scattered the Union cavalry screen. Seeing his cavalry retreating, Logan became concerned about his right flank. Racing around the field, he pulled two regiments from Brigadier General John Stevensons reserve brigade to plug holes in the line and dispatched two more, the 7th Missouri and 32nd Ohio, to cover the Union right. These troops were later joined by additional regiments from Brigadier General Marcellus Crockers division. As the 50th and 10th/30th Tennessees emerged from the trees and saw the Union troops, it quickly became clear to Gregg that he was not engaging an enemy brigade, but rather an entire division. As the 50th and 10th/30th Tennessees pulled back into the trees, the 3rd Tennessee began to crumble as the flanking fire from the 31st Illinois took its toll. As the Tennessee regiment disintegrated, the 7th Texas came under fire from the entire Union line. Attacked by the 8th Illinois, the Texans finally broke and fled back across the creek with Union forces in pursuit. Seeking new instructions, Colonel Randal McGavock of the 10th/30th Tennessee dispatched an aide to Gregg. Unable to find their commander, the aide returned and informed McGavock of the Confederate collapse to their right. Without informing the 50th Tennessee, McGavock advanced his men on an angle to attack the Union pursuers. Charging forward, they began to slow Logans advance until they were taken in the flank by the 31st Illinois. Sustaining heavy losses, including McGavock, the regiment began a fighting withdrawal to a nearby hill. Here they were joined by Greggs reserve, the 41st Tennessee, as well as remnants of other shattered regiments. Pausing to reform their men, McPherson and Logan began firing on the hill. This continued as the day passed. Frantically attempting to restore order to his command, Gregg saw McPhersons line moving to flank his position on the hill. Lacking the resources to contest this, he began retreating towards Jackson. Fighting a delaying action to cover the withdrawal, Greggs troops took growing losses from Union artillery before fully disengaging. Battle of Raymond - Aftermath: In the fighting at the Battle of Raymond, McPhersons corps sustained 68 killed, 341 wounded, and 37 missing while Gregg lost 100 killed, 305 wounded, and 415 captured. As Gregg and arriving Confederate reinforcements were concentrating at Jackson, Grant decided to mount a major effort against the city. Winning the Battle of Jackson on May 14, he captured the Mississippi capital and destroyed its rail connections to Vicksburg. Turning west to deal with Pemberton, Grant defeated the Confederate commander at Champion Hill (May 16) and Big Black River Bridge (May 17). Falling back to the Vicksburg defenses, Pemberton turned back two Union assaults but ultimately lost the city after a siege which ended on July 4. Selected Sources Civil War Trust: Battle of RaymondBattle of RaymondNational Park Service: Battle of Raymond

International Marketplace essays

International Marketplace essays The Everyday Effects of the International Marketplace American is increasingly connected to the rest of theworld as a global economy becomes more important. We participate in the international marketplace both as providers of goods and as consumers. How we buy and sell affects us both in terms of what goods we can choose from, but also what jobs are available, and what kinds of industries will come to dominate our economy. One of the most important changes in recent years in our place in the global economy is the dropping of trade barriers with such political moves as the approval of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This has had an impact on our economy which has filtered down to the everyday lives of our people, both as workers and as consumers. On the one hand, NAFTA has been good in that it has caused the dropping of tariffs by Mexico and Canada, making U. S. goods more affordable in those countries. This has helped to stimulate some areas of the American economy by opening up new markets to sell our products abroad. In urging the passage of NAFTA, the Clinton Administration publications said that NAFTA would increase high wage jobs, boost U.S. growth, and expand the base from which U.S. firms and workers could compete in a world-wide market. It predicted job gains of approximately a million due to increased Mexican exports, and suggested that by 1995 there would be approximately 200,000 more high wage jobs created due to the opening of free markets. The industries most expected to benefit were those dealing in computer technology, machine tools, aerospace equipment, telecommunications equipment, electronics, and medical devices all areas where wages were already 12 per cent higher than the national average (Expanding (1993), 3-5). Such growth in jobs would have an effect on the workers and their communities, giving a boost to both individual wealth and the community itself. These benefits spread outward...

Source Analysis Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Source Analysis Assignment - Essay Example The inconsistency may be due to differing style and theological conception as highlighted in Genesis 1 and 2 resulting to a different order of creation. In the first account, man and woman were created after the birds and animals and formed the climax of the creation while in the second creation account man was created before the animals and birds while the creation of the woman followed their creation (Gen 2: 19-22). The two accounts show some disagreement as the sequence of creation of events is an indication that two authors were involved. Looking at the style and form of writing in chapter one, it is very clear that chapter 1 is very precise, measured, and stereotyped while chapter shows diversity as there are no recurrence of formulae such as to create. Chapter 1 is more systematic while chapter 2 is spontaneous such as in the case of the earth which is first dry (GEN 2:5). In the first account, the earth emerges from the waters and the order of filling it is very different with that of the chapter 2. There is a great discrepancy between the two creations of man stories in chapters 1 and 2. The differences may also be due to mechanical errors of the editors during compilation disturbing the order of creation. The second account seems to be more dramatic with an imagination that captures the heart with more influence on the feelings of the reader and less on the intellect part of the reader. There are other major differences between the two creation accounts. One of them is the conception of God in which the first one sees God as majestic and dignified. The second views God as somebody with humanistic traits such as speaking, walking, and behaving like an earthy man. Other differences such as the case in which he creates man and woman at the same time in chapter one (Gen 1: 27), while in chapter 2, man was created first and women was created later

Counterargument of an essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Counterargument of an - Essay Example It is not the advertising that attracts and influences the individual but the contents included in the advertisement. Â  A company’s main aim may not be to sell their products or services alone because there are other important objectives of advertising such as advertising the company itself and introducing the new product in market. Company’s main objective varies from time to time and is considered necessary when it serves the purpose it is intended. However, the most important thing is to reach the target market as much as possible but not all people. Advertising may be received differently by consumers depending on whoever does the advertising and the contents of advertising. Consumers are different depending on the target market and therefore advertising is not bound to have similar effect on most consumers as alleged. Company’s main objectives cannot be targeting children alone since it depends entirely on what the company deals in. There is no way a company dealing in electronics would want to target kids since kids do not even have the capacity of purchasing the products. Furthermore, if any company targets kids, the kids may change their taste either by intending to experience something new or due to change fashion and

Benchmarking - Marketing assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Benchmarking - Marketing assignment - Essay Example The set standards for the classification of this type of coffee suggests that it can only grow at certain height and therefore the brand as such has to meet certain criteria in order to be categorized as blue mountain coffee. There are two important reasons as to why the Blue Mountain Coffee became the leading coffee brands in the world. First is the overall quality of the coffee which is relatively superior to other brands of coffee whereas secondly, strict quality controls and protection has been ensured in order to make the brand an exclusive brand. These characteristics of the product therefore made it one of the most acceptable coffee brands in the world. Jamaica’s Blue Mountain Coffee is considered as the most controversial coffee brands in the world. It is also however, one of the premium brands of coffee due to its overall aroma, flavor as well as acidity and other qualities. It is however, argued that overproduction and changes in environment in recent years has resulted into the decline in the overall quality of the coffee. (Flock)2 Jamaica’s Blue Mountain Coffee shot to the prominence during 1960’s and 1970’s when it was considered as the best coffee in the world. It takes around seven years to mature and contains less caffeine as compared to other commercially produced brands of coffee. The history of Blue Mountain Coffee suggests that it was introduced in the region by Sir Nicholas Lawes during 1728. However, gradually, it spread to other parts of the Blue Mountain Area and as such was widely cultivated and exported. 3During first half of 20th Century, the overall quality of the coffee deteriorated thus resulting into significant reduction in exports of the brand from Jamaica. However, in 1948 Coffee Industry Regulation Act was passed in order to promote the industry as well as the social and economic life of those who are involved in the cultivation of the coffee. It is

Beauty In The Media Media Essay

Beauty In The Media Media Essay Images of female bodies are everywhere. Women-and their body parts-sell everything from food to cars. Sex has become the selling point of a product, rather than the value of the product or service itself. Everywhere a person turns womens bodies are being graphically used to sell products. Popular film and television actresses are younger, taller and thinner all the time. Quite often they have to starve themselves, and will faint from hunger simply to maintain the body image that seems to be required for a standard of beauty that was set by media. These are the women that young girls are taught to idolize and emulate. Magazines published specifically for women are bursting with articles advising that if a woman can lose those twenty pounds and buy the right makeup and clothing, theyll have everything-a perfect marriage, great sex, loving children, and of course a rewarding career; all it takes is fitting into a mold. Beauty is no longer in the eye of the beholder, it is a set standard that can only be achieved by living up to impossible standards. Women attempt to change their attitudes and appearances to conform to a standard that through years of seeing images in magazines and on television have become normalized to the point where, often unconsciously, they are accepted ideas, values, and standards; for women far more than for men looks are crucial and more defining and it is hard to achieve and maintain the image that media has defined as beautiful. These values of attractiveness are being imposed on women, most of whom are larger and more mature than the actress and models shown, because women allow it to be so. Women allow themselves to try to fit a mold, to live up to that impossible standard. They allow themselves to believe that to be beautiful they have to act raunchy, dress slutty, and be thin, tall, and wear makeup; anything else is not attractive. Men on the other hand do not believe this to be true; as David, a young man in Ariel Levys book Female Chauvinist pigs, points out What girls dont understand is guys always want girls. If every girl dressed casually, youd still like girls(Levy Page 151). Women exhaust themselves living up to a standard they feel must be met in order to be liked, to be loved, or even to be wanted when the simple truth is they would be anyway. If this is the truth, why is it women do exhaust themselves? Some psychologists say the reasons are rooted in economics. Industries that present ideals that are difficult to achieve and maintain, are assured of growth and profits. Meaning, it is not a coincidence that youth and a slim figure are promoted in ads and media. By viewing these images repeatedly there begins to be hegemony, and therefore mentally women believe they actually do need the products that will help them achieve their goals of living up to the ever raising standard. This makes the stakes huge. By showing images of young, thin women made up with beauty products it makes the average women insecure about their own body, and how the male counterpart views the body of an average woman. Women that are insecure concerning their bodies are far more likely to purchase beauty products, new clothes, and diet aids. Research also indicates that constant exposure to images of young, thin, and often air-brushed female bodies is associated to loss of self-esteem, depression, and can lead to the development of unhealthy eating habits in young girls and women. The American research group Anorexia Nervosa Related Eating Disorders, Inc. reports that one out of every four college-aged women uses detrimental methods to control weight; including skipping meals, fasting, self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, and laxative abuse. The demands to be thin are also influencing young girls: statistics show that these extreme weight control measures are even being used by girls as young as five and six.   Many studies, such as one conducted by Marika Tiggemann and Levina Clark in 2006 titled Appearance Culture in Nine- to 12-Year-Old Girls: Media and Peer Influences on Body Dissatisfaction, indicate that almost half of all preadolescent girls desire to be thinner, and as a result have engaged in some form of unhealthy weight lose. Overall; research suggests that 90% of women are dissatisfied with their body image in some way. Media activist Jean Kilbourne comes to the concl usion that, Women are sold to the diet industry by the magazines we read and the television programs we watch, almost all of which make us feel anxious about our weight. Americans live in a media culture and when that media shows women who they ought to be and it is fed to women in a constant loop of ads, television, and billboards it is increasingly hard to escape. Conceivably the most disturbing factor is the fact that these media images of female attractiveness are unattainable to all but an extremely small percentage of women. When we look at popular icons of beauty it is clear just how unrealistic the standard is. For example, researchers generated a computer reproduction of a woman with the proportions of a Barbie-doll discovered that her back would be too frail to bear the weight of her upper body, additionally her body would be much too narrow to have any more than half a liver and a few centimeters of bowel. A  real woman with those proportions would experience chronic diarrhea and ultimately die from malnutrition. Yet the number of real life women and young girls who seek a similarly underweight body has become an epidemic, and unfortunately they can suffer equally devastating consequences to their health. Sadly, even womens magazines have ten and one-half  times more advertisments and articles promoting weight loss, and showing super thin and gorgeous women than mens magazines do. Furthermore, over three-quarters of the covers of womens magazines incorporate at least one message about how to change a womans appearance to please a man-by diet, cosmetic surgery, beauty products, or exercise. These magazines which ideally would promote better self image, and encourage all body types actually help promote the insecurities that lead to women continuing a self destructive cycle. This image of beauty is seen everywhere. Television and movies also reinforce the significance of a skinny body as the measure of a womans worth. Most of the female characters in TV comedies are underweight, the characters that are above average in size, or even what the average woman would be, tend to be given negative comments from male characters as well as other female characters about their bodies; and often these negative comments are followed by audience laughter. Although women have come a long way and now have a greater knowledge of the body image that media force feeds the effect of the media still has a strong hold on mentality and the lengths women go to achieve the unattainable. Everywhere women look there are images of slim women wearing hardly anything at all with their hair and makeup completely done. One only has to go outside and look at the billboards, turn on a television, or open a newspaper or magazine to experience these types of images. In a recent Macys ad the cover shows the image of Santa Clause; the typical older gentleman dressed from head to toe, while a young, fiery redheaded Mrs. Clause (or perhaps Mistress Clause?) leans in to kiss dear old saint nick; who has a finger up to his lips to whisper silence. Ads like these promote that older men should be with younger women, that secret affairs are sexy, and that young pretty girls are objects of clandestine desires. Other ads do not even try to disguise the sexuality and blatantly flaunt it to the audience. In a recent Volvo ad the manufacture displays the interior of a car, highlighting the parking brake in full upright position; the caption reading We Are Just As Excited As You Are leading a woman viewer to think that she should be excited, and thankfully it is nothing to be ashamed of because the masculine image is also excited. Many advertisements go even further, an Italian coffee ad shows a couple nude, and heavily sexualized in a sea of coffee beans. Ariel Levy says women are not just accepting this supersexualised culture they are fuelling it (Levy), which seems to be the case when a simple look around produces women and young girls wearing next to nothing and women in ads wearing absolutely nothing at all by their own choice. This barrage of main stream media about tin bodies, dieting and a beauty standard tells ordinary women that they are forever in need of modification-and that the female body is merely an object to be perfected. Jean Kilbourne argues that the overwhelming presence of media images of painfully thin women means that real womens bodies have become invisible in the mass media. The real tragedy, Kilbourne concludes, is that many women internalize these stereotypes, and judge themselves by the beauty industrys standards. Women learn to compare themselves to other women, and to compete with them for male attention. This focus on beauty and desirability effectively destroys any awareness and action that might help to change that climate. Sex and beauty are tools to sell more products; the poor body image and low self esteem only help to further sell items to enhance appearances; and slowly this has become an acceptable practice. The way we talk and think about appearances could use a radical makeover.

THE EPIPHANY OF DIVORCE Essay -- essays research papers

â€Å"Logic: The art of thinking and reasoning in strict accordance with the limitations and incapacities of the human misunderstanding.† Ambrose Bierce, American Writer, Journalist, Editor 1842-1914 The Epiphany of Divorce   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Through much evaluation and reflection I can identify one instance in my life when my perception of the situation was far from the true reality. The ending of my first marriage and the subsequent change in my thought process has allowed me to step out of a perpetual cycle of enculturation imposed upon me by society. †¢ What did you think was going on?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I felt there were no problems with this relationship. The perception was that we were happy, everything was going perfectly or so I thought. We were building a new home, building a future together, and building a better life. I was content and satisfied with life and the relationship I was in. The marriage was idyllic, with little to no confrontation or major crises and ultimately fulfilling. Because we never had any knock down drag out fights or spoke badly of one another there was the perception that everything must be ok. We were financially secure, young and healthy and in love, well at least I was. †¢ What was really going on?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The reality of the situation was my marriage was on the rocks. There was a rift developing within the marriage and I was blind to the reality. Blinded because I was working too much in my pro...

The Lost Symbol Chapter 67-70

CHAPTER 67 West of Embassy Row, all was silent again inside the walled garden with its twelfth-century roses and Shadow House gazebo. On the other side of an entry road, the young man was helping his hunched superior walk across an expansive lawn. He's letting me guide him? Normally, the blind old man refused help, preferring to navigate by memory alone while on the grounds of his sanctuary. Tonight, however, he was apparently in a hurry to get inside and return Warren Bellamy's phone call. â€Å"Thank you,† the old man said as they entered the building that held his private study. â€Å"I can find my way from here.† â€Å"Sir, I would be happy to stay and help–† â€Å"That's all for tonight,† he said, letting go of his helper's arm and shuffling hurriedly off into the darkness. â€Å"Good night.† The young man exited the building and walked back across the great lawn to his modest dwelling on the grounds. By the time he entered his flat, he could feel his curiosity gnawing at him. The old man clearly had been upset by the question posed by Mr. Bellamy . . . and yet the question had seemed strange, almost meaningless. Is there no help for the widow's son? In his wildest imagination, he could not guess what this could mean. Puzzled, he went to his computer and typed in a search for this precise phrase. To his great surprise, page after page of references appeared, all citing this exact question. He read the information in wonderment. It seemed Warren Bellamy was not the first person in history to ask this strange question. These same words had been uttered centuries ago . . . by King Solomon as he mourned a murdered friend. The question was allegedly still spoken today by Masons, who used it as a kind of encoded cry for help. Warren Bellamy, it seemed, was sending a distress call to a fellow Mason. CHAPTER 68 Albrecht Durer? Katherine was trying to put the pieces together as she hurried with Langdon through the basement of the Adams Building. A.D. stands for Albrecht Durer? The famous sixteenth-century German engraver and painter was one of her brother's favorite artists, and Katherine was vaguely familiar with his work. Even so, she could not imagine how Durer would be any help to them in this case. For one thing, he's been dead more than four hundred years. â€Å"Durer is symbolically perfect,† Langdon was saying as they followed the trail of illuminated EXIT signs. â€Å"He was the ultimate Renaissance mind–artist, philosopher, alchemist, and a lifelong student of the Ancient Mysteries. To this day, nobody fully understands the messages hidden in Durer's art.† â€Å"That may be true,† she said. â€Å"But how does `1514 Albrecht Durer' explain how to decipher the pyramid?† They reached a locked door, and Langdon used Bellamy's key card to get through. â€Å"The number 1514,† Langdon said as they hurried up the stairs, â€Å"is pointing us to a very specific piece of Durer's work.† They came into a huge corridor. Langdon glanced around and then pointed left. â€Å"This way.† They moved quickly again. â€Å"Albrecht Durer actually hid the number 1514 in his most mysterious piece of art–Melencolia I–which he completed in the year 1514. It's considered the seminal work of the Northern European Renaissance.† Peter had once shown Katherine Melencolia I in an old book on ancient mysticism, but she didn't recall any hidden number 1514. â€Å"As you may know,† Langdon said, sounding excited, â€Å"Melencolia I depicts mankind's struggle to comprehend the Ancient Mysteries. The symbolism in Melencolia I is so complex it makes Leonardo da Vinci look overt.† Katherine stopped abruptly and looked at Langdon. â€Å"Robert, Melencolia I is here in Washington. It hangs in the National Gallery.† â€Å"Yes,† he said with a smile, â€Å"and something tells me that's not a coincidence. The gallery is closed at this hour, but I know the curator and–â€Å" â€Å"Forget it, Robert, I know what happens when you go to museums.† Katherine headed off into a nearby alcove, where she saw a desk with a computer. Langdon followed, looking unhappy. â€Å"Let's do this the easier way.† It seemed Professor Langdon, the art connoisseur, was having an ethical dilemma about using the Internet when an original was so nearby. Katherine stepped behind the desk and powered up the computer. When the machine finally came to life, she realized she had another problem. â€Å"There's no icon for a browser.† â€Å"It's an internal library network.† Langdon pointed to an icon on the desktop. â€Å"Try that.† Katherine clicked on the icon marked DIGITAL COLLECTIONS. The computer accessed a new screen, and Langdon pointed again. Katherine clicked on his choice of icon: FINE PRINTS COLLECTION. The screen refreshed. FINE PRINTS: SEARCH. â€Å"Type in `Albrecht Durer.' â€Å" Katherine entered the name and then clicked the search key. Within seconds, the screen began displaying a series of thumbnail images. All of the images looked to be similar in style–intricate black-and-white engravings. Durer had apparently done dozens of similar engravings. Katherine scanned the alphabetical list of his artwork. Adam and Eve Betrayal of Christ Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Great Passion Last Supper Seeing all the biblical titles, Katherine recalled that Durer practiced something called Mystic Christianity–a fusion of early Christianity, alchemy, astrology, and science. Science . . . The image of her lab in flames rushed through her mind. She could barely process the long-term ramifications, but for the moment, her thoughts turned to her assistant, Trish. I hope she made it out. Langdon was saying something about Durer's version of the Last Supper, but Katherine was barely listening. She had just seen the link for Melencolia I. She clicked the mouse, and the page refreshed with general information. Melencolia I, 1514 Albrecht Durer (engraving on laid paper) Rosenwald Collection National Gallery of Art Washington, D.C. When she scrolled down, a high-res digital image of Durer's masterpiece appeared in all its glory. Katherine stared in bewilderment, having forgotten just how strange it was. Langdon gave an understanding chuckle. â€Å"As I said, it's cryptic.† Melencolia I consisted of a brooding figure with giant wings, seated in front of a stone building, surrounded by the most disparate and bizarre collection of objects imaginable–measuring scales, an emaciated dog, carpenter's tools, an hourglass, various geometric solids, a hanging bell, a putto, a blade, a ladder. Katherine vaguely recalled her brother telling her that the winged figure was a representation of â€Å"human genius†Ã¢â‚¬â€œa great thinker with chin in hand, looking depressed, still unable to achieve enlightenment. The genius is surrounded with all of the symbols of his human intellect–objects of science, math, philosophy, nature, geometry, even carpentry–and yet is still unable to climb the ladder to true enlightenment. Even the human genius has difficulty comprehending the Ancient Mysteries. â€Å"Symbolically,† Langdon said, â€Å"this represents mankind's failed attempt to transform human intellect into godlike power. In alchemical terms, it represents our inability to turn lead into gold.† â€Å"Not a particularly encouraging message,† Katherine agreed. â€Å"So how does it help us?† She did not see the hidden number 1514 that Langdon was talking about. â€Å"Order from chaos,† Langdon said, flashing a lopsided grin. â€Å"Just as your brother promised.† He reached in his pocket and pulled out the grid of letters he had written earlier from the Masonic cipher. â€Å"Right now, this grid is meaningless.† He spread the paper out on the desk. Katherine eyed the grid. Definitely meaningless. â€Å"But Durer will transform it.† â€Å"And how might he do that?† â€Å"Linguistic alchemy.† Langdon motioned to the computer screen. â€Å"Look carefully. Hidden in this masterpiece is something that will make sense of our sixteen letters.† He waited. â€Å"Do you see it yet? Look for the number 1514.† Katherine was in no mood to play classroom. â€Å"Robert, I see nothing–an orb, a ladder, a knife, a polyhedron, a scale? I give up.† â€Å"Look! There in the background. Carved into that building behind the angel? Beneath the bell? Durer engraved a square that is full of numbers.† Katherine now saw the square that contained numbers, among them 1514. â€Å"Katherine, that square is the key to deciphering the pyramid!† She shot him a surprised look. â€Å"That's not just any square,† Langdon said, grinning. â€Å"That, Ms. Solomon, is a magic square.† CHAPTER 69 Where the hell are they taking me? Bellamy was still blindfolded in the back of an SUV. After a short stop somewhere close to the Library of Congress, the vehicle had continued on . . . but only for a minute. Now the SUV had stopped again, having again traveled only about a block. Bellamy heard muffled voices talking. â€Å"Sorry . . . impossible . . .† an authoritative voice was saying. † . . . closed at this hour . . .† The man driving the SUV replied with equal authority. â€Å"CIA investigation . . . national security . . .† Apparently the exchange of words and IDs was persuasive, because the tone shifted immediately. â€Å"Yes, of course . . . service entrance . . .† There was the loud grinding of what sounded like a garage door, and as it opened, the voice added, â€Å"Shall I accompany you? Once you're inside, you won't be able to get through–â€Å" â€Å"No. We have access already.† If the guard was surprised, it was too late. The SUV was moving again. It advanced about fifty yards and then came to a stop. The heavy door rumbled closed again behind them. Silence. Bellamy realized he was trembling. With a bang, the SUV's rear hatch flew open. Bellamy felt a sharp pain in his shoulders as someone dragged him out by his arms, then lifted him to his feet. Without a word, a powerful force led him across a wide expanse of pavement. There was a strange, earthy smell here that he could not place. There were footsteps of someone else walking with them, but whoever it was had yet to speak. They stopped at a door, and Bellamy heard an electronic ping. The door clicked open. Bellamy was manhandled through several corridors and could not help but notice that the air was warmer and more humid. An indoor pool, maybe? No. The smell in the air was not chlorine . . . it was far more earthy and primal. Where the hell are we?! Bellamy knew he could not be more than a block or two from the Capitol Building. Again they stopped, and again he heard the electronic beep of a security door. This one slid open with a hiss. As they pushed him through, the smell that hit him was unmistakable. Bellamy now realized where they were. My God! He came here often, although never through the service entrance. This magnificent glass building was only three hundred yards from the Capitol Building and was technically part of the Capitol Complex. I run this place! Bellamy now realized it was his own key fob that was giving them access. Powerful arms pushed him through the doorway, leading him down a familiar, winding walkway. The heavy, damp warmth of this place usually felt comforting to him. Tonight, he was sweating. What are we doing here?! Bellamy was halted suddenly and seated on a bench. The man with the muscles unhooked his handcuffs only long enough to reaffix them to the bench behind his back. â€Å"What do you want from me?† Bellamy demanded, heart pounding wildly. The only response he received was the sound of boots walking off and the glass door sliding shut. Then silence. Dead silence. They're just going to leave me here? Bellamy was sweating more heavily now as he struggled to release his hands. I can't even take off my blindfold? â€Å"Help!† he shouted. â€Å"Anybody!† Even as he called out in panic, Bellamy knew nobody was going to hear him. This massive glass room–known as the Jungle–was entirely airtight when the doors were closed. They left me in the Jungle, he thought. Nobody will find me until morning. Then he heard it. The sound was barely audible, but it terrified Bellamy like no sound he had ever heard in his life. Something breathing. Very close. He was not alone on the bench. The sudden hiss of a sulfur match sizzled so close to his face that he could feel the heat. Bellamy recoiled, instinctively yanking hard at his chains. Then, without warning, a hand was on his face, removing his blindfold. The flame before him reflected in the black eyes of Inoue Sato as she pressed the match against the cigarette dangling from her lips, only inches away from Bellamy's face. She glared at him in the moonlight that filtered down through the glass ceiling. She looked pleased to see his fear. â€Å"So, Mr. Bellamy,† Sato said, shaking out the match. â€Å"Where shall we begin?† CHAPTER 70 A magic square. Katherine nodded as she eyed the numbered square in Durer's engraving. Most people would have thought Langdon had lost his mind, but Katherine had quickly realized he was right. The term magic square referred not to something mystical but to something mathematical–it was the name given to a grid of consecutive numbers arranged in such a way that all the rows, columns, and diagonals added up to the same thing. Created some four thousand years ago by mathematicians in Egypt and India, magic squares were still believed by some to hold magical powers. Katherine had read that even nowadays devout Indians drew special three-by-three magic squares called the Kubera Kolam on their pooja altars. Primarily, though, modern man had relegated magic squares to the category of â€Å"recreational mathematics,† some people still deriving pleasure from the quest to discover new â€Å"magical† configurations. Sudoku for geniuses. Katherine quickly analyzed Durer's square, adding up the numbers in several rows and columns. â€Å"Thirty-four,† she said. â€Å"Every direction adds up to thirty-four.† â€Å"Exactly,† Langdon said. â€Å"But did you know that this magic square is famous because Durer accomplished the seemingly impossible?† He quickly showed Katherine that in addition to making the rows, columns, and diagonals add up to thirty-four, Durer had also found a way to make the four quadrants, the four center squares, and even the four corner squares add up to that number. â€Å"Most amazing, though, was Durer's ability to position the numbers 15 and 14 together in the bottom row as an indication of the year in which he accomplished this incredible feat!† Katherine scanned the numbers, amazed by all the combinations. Langdon's tone grew more excited now. â€Å"Extraordinarily, Melencolia I represents the very first time in history that a magic square appeared in European art. Some historians believe this was Durer's encoded way of indicating that the Ancient Mysteries had traveled outside the Egyptian Mystery Schools and were now held by the European secret societies.† Langdon paused. â€Å"Which brings us back to . . . this.† He motioned to the slip of paper bearing the grid of letters from the stone pyramid. â€Å"I assume the layout looks familiar now?† Langdon asked. â€Å"Four-by-four square.† Langdon picked up the pencil and carefully transcribed Durer's numbered magic square onto the slip of paper, directly beside the lettered square. Katherine was now seeing just how easy this was going to be. He stood poised, pencil in hand, and yet . . . strangely, after all this enthusiasm, he seemed to hesitate. â€Å"Robert?† He turned to her, his expression one of trepidation. â€Å"Are you sure we want to do this? Peter expressly–â€Å" â€Å"Robert, if you don't want to decipher this engraving, then I will.† She held out her hand for the pencil. Langdon could tell there would be no deterring her and so he acquiesced, turning his attention back to the pyramid. Carefully, he superimposed the magic square over the pyramid's grid of letters and assigned each letter a number. Then he created a new grid, placing the Masonic cipher's letters in the new order as defined by the sequence in Durer's magic square. When Langdon was finished, they both examined the result. Katherine immediately felt confused. â€Å"It's still gibberish.† Langdon remained silent a long moment. â€Å"Actually, Katherine, it's not gibberish.† His eyes brightened again with the thrill of discovery. â€Å"It's . . . Latin.† In a long, dark corridor, an old blind man shuffled as quickly as he could toward his office. When he finally arrived, he collapsed in his desk chair, his old bones grateful for the reprieve. His answering machine was beeping. He pressed the button and listened. â€Å"It's Warren Bellamy,† said the hushed whisper of his friend and Masonic brother. â€Å"I'm afraid I have alarming news . . .† Katherine Solomon's eyes shot back to the grid of letters, reexamining the text. Sure enough, a Latin word now materialized before her eyes. Jeova. Katherine had not studied Latin, but this word was familiar from her reading of ancient Hebrew texts. Jeova. Jehovah. As her eyes continued to trace downward, reading the grid like a book, she was surprised to realize she could read the entire text of the pyramid. Jeova Sanctus Unus. She knew its meaning at once. This phrase was ubiquitous in modern translations of Hebrew scripture. In the Torah, the God of the Hebrews was known by many names–Jeova, Jehovah, Jeshua, Yahweh, the Source, the Elohim–but many Roman translations had consolidated the confusing nomenclature into a single Latin phrase: Jeova Sanctus Unus. â€Å"One true God?† she whispered to herself. The phrase certainly did not seem like something that would help them find her brother. â€Å"That's this pyramid's secret message? One true God? I thought this was a map.† Langdon looked equally perplexed, the excitement in his eyes evaporating. â€Å"This decryption obviously is correct, but . . .† â€Å"The man who has my brother wants to know a location.† She tucked her hair behind her ear. â€Å"This is not going to make him very happy.† â€Å"Katherine,† Langdon said, heaving a sigh. â€Å"I've been afraid of this. All night, I've had a feeling we're treating as reality a collection of myths and allegories. Maybe this inscription is pointing to a metaphorical location–telling us that the true potential of man can be accessed only through the one true God.† â€Å"But that makes no sense!† Katherine replied, her jaw now clenched in frustration. â€Å"My family protected this pyramid for generations! One true God? That's the secret? And the CIA considers this an issue of national security? Either they're lying or we're missing something!† Langdon shrugged in accord. Just then, his phone began to ring. In a cluttered office lined with old books, the old man hunched over his desk, clutching a phone receiver in his arthritic hand. The line rang and rang. At last, a tentative voice answered. â€Å"Hello?† The voice was deep but uncertain. The old man whispered, â€Å"I was told you require sanctuary.† The man on the line seemed startled. â€Å"Who is this? Did Warren Bell–† â€Å"No names, please,† the old man said. â€Å"Tell me, have you successfully protected the map that was entrusted to you?† A startled pause. â€Å"Yes . . . but I don't think it matters. It doesn't say much. If it is a map, it seems to be more metaphorical than–â€Å" â€Å"No, the map is quite real, I assure you. And it points to a very real location. You must keep it safe. I cannot impress upon you enough how important this is. You are being pursued, but if you can travel unseen to my location, I will provide sanctuary . . . and answers.† The man hesitated, apparently uncertain. â€Å"My friend,† the old man began, choosing his words carefully. â€Å"There is a refuge in Rome, north of the Tiber, which contains ten stones from Mount Sinai, one from heaven itself, and one with the visage of Luke's dark father. Do you know my location?† There was a long pause on the line, and then the man replied, â€Å"Yes, I do.† The old man smiled. I thought you might, Professor. â€Å"Come at once. Make sure you're not followed.†

Benedict Arnold

The painting above is of Benedict Arnold. Arnold liked to lead and command his men on the front lines. The Battle of Saratoga was a major battle in the American Revolution; it helped persuade the French into signing a Treaty with the United States that helped turn the on the British. The open-field battle style was favored by the British. The Americans were almost out of options, until their savior General Benedict Arnold rode in. Arnold personally led the charge during the Battle of Saratoga, however Arnold was wounded during the final assault in his left knee. While the American troops surrounded and captured forces, Arnold laid in pain on the battlefield. Gates took the credit for the victory at Saratoga and didnt mention Arnold in his reenactment to General Washington. The events of the two years previous to Saratoga were very influential to Benedict Arnold. During that time Benedict Arnold and George Washington were planning a attack and invasion of Canada. The route to Montreal was easy, but the trip Quebec was much tougher. During Washingtons meetings with Arnold, he was examined Benedict very carefully, and he liked what he saw. In Washingtons mind there wasnt a better man for the job than Arnold, to lead the charge into Quebec. Arnold was given independent command from Washington to lead troops. Arnold had many conflicts with Congress in his lifetime. He continually battled with members that did not like him for various reasons. But Congress decided to change the rules and they didnt promote Arnold. Five other men were inferior to Arnold when it came to military intelligence. Congress had made Arnold look like a fool, and he resented it. In one instance, Arnold had put a request into Congress for reimbursement for supplies that he bought with his own money during his march to Quebec. But Congress wasnt going to pay a la...

Economical value of sugarcane Essays

Economical value of sugarcane Essays Economical value of sugarcane Essay Economical value of sugarcane Essay Kelang, Selangor, Malaysia is used in signifier of pellet. The studied sugar cane bagasse ( Saccharum officinarum ) was a residue of the sugar cane milling procedure gathered from sugarcane juice shapers in Malaysia. The bagasse was sundried for two yearss and its fibers were extracted and chopped utilizing a knife-ring flaker followed by screening to obtain more homogenous dimensions. The -40+50 mesh ( 300 mm 425 millimeter ) sizes of bagasse were used in this survey. The chaff of the sugar cane works includes an outer rind, made up of a difficult hempen substance environing a cardinal nucleus of pith, which is softer [ 10-12 ] . Due to its mechanical feature, sugar cane bagasse rind ( SBR ) is used in this survey, whereas the PMPPIC yoke agent was supplied by Polyscience Inc. , U.S.A. All other chemicals used were of an analytical class without farther purification. 2.2. Sugar remotion The sieved SBR was rinse several times with H2O to take the surplus of sugar. The sugar was dissolved in H2O and changed the coloring material of H2O. The procedure was repeated until the color alteration of H2O was non detected as a mark of low content of sugar remain on the surface of SBR. The washed SBR was denoted as sugar-free SBR. In add-on, the term sugar used in this article refers to solid constituents that are dissolved in H2O as sugar cane juice, including saccharose, fructose, lactose, and some drosss. Both sugar-free and common SBR were used and compared to analyze whether or non the presence of sugar cane juice on the SBR would impact the mechanical belongingss of SBR/PVC complexs. Some of washed bagasse was used as filler without farther intervention, while some of it was used after assorted chemical interventions. 2.3. Alkali ( sodium hydrated oxide ) intervention The method of base intervention reported by Saini et Al. [ 7 ] was followed. The solution of Na hydrated oxide ( NaOH ) used in this survey was 1 % with submergence clip of 30 % . 2.4. Benzoic acid intervention The method of benzoic acid intervention reported by Zheng et Al. [ 8 ] was followed with benzoic acerb content of 5 % of weight of SBR. 2.5. Matching agent The PMPPIC ( 2 % by weight of PVC ) was added to the internal sociable shortly after the PVC was fed into a thaw sociable during readying of complexs. The PMPPIC treated PVC was so assorted with the sugar-free SBR followed by the readying of complexs. 2.6. Preparation of complexs and samples PVC and SBR were compounded in a Haake Polydrive R600 internal sociable at a temperature of 170oC and rotor velocity of 50 revolutions per minute. PVC pellets were fed into the chamber and assorted for five proceedingss, followed by feeding of the SBR for the entire mixing clip of 15 proceedingss. In this survey, the complexs were prepared in 40 % weight of the rind fiber. Hot pressure was so carried out at a temperature of 170oC for 12.5 proceedingss, following by chilling the mixture under force per unit area to room temperature. The concluding merchandises were in the signifier of home bases with 1 millimeter thickness. Tensile trial samples were cut utilizing a specimen cutter as per ASTM D638-M3. 2.7. Tensile proving An Instron 3365 machine was used for tensile proving with a crosshead-speed of 2 mm/min. Tensile strength and modulus were calculated and recorded. The study was based on the mean values of at least five measurings. 2.8. Density finding The denseness finding was performed utilizing an AND GR-200 analytical balance with denseness measurement kit. It was performed by agencies of Archimides rule, besides called as perkiness method and determined by mensurating the weight of a sample when it is placed in the air ( Wa ) and its weight when it is to the full immersed in distilled H2O ( Wb ) at temperature of 25 A ; deg ; C. Formula ( 1 ) was used to cipher the denseness, R. where 0.997 is the denseness of distilled H2O at 25 A ; deg ; C in g/cm3. 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Similar tendency with less important distance was besides found in the consequence of strength modulus finding except for the benzoic acid treated complexs. Alkali and PMPIC interventions increased the tensile modulus of washed bagasse/PVC complex, whereas benzoic acid intervention was found to diminish the tensile modulus. The lessening of tensile modulus after benzoic acid intervention was besides reported by Zheng et Al. [ 8 ] . It was likely caused by impairment of the bagasse due to chemical reaction with the acid. The most interesting consequence is that both tensile strengths and moduli of all sugar-free SBR/PVC complexs were lower than those of common SBR/PVC complexs. It seems that sugar dramas more of import function in the mechanical belongingss of SBR/PVC complexs as compared to the chemical interventions. Beside the interfacial bounding between fiber and matrix, another job in natural fiber is the being of pit in the unit cell, called lms. If non appropriately treated, this pit may still be in natural fiber complexs as a nothingness and cut down the effectual cross-section country, which is the country that participates in reassigning the burden emphasis, ensuing in lower tensile strength and modulus. Figure 2 shows that the being of sugar may really minimise this job. The empty lms shown in sugar-free bagasse was filled by solid sugar that was existed in common bagasse. Furthermore, Figure 3 shows that there is no clear differentiation between fiber and matrix of common SBF/PVC complex ( a ) in contrast to all sugar-free SBF/PVC complexs ( B, degree Celsius, vitamin D, and vitamin E ) . It is an grounds that melted sugar may besides make full the spread between bagasse and the matrix every bit good as between packages of bagasse when they were mixed at high temperature ( 170 A ; deg ; C ) . Beside increasing the effectual cross-section country, the being of sugar in between fiber and matrix surface may heighten the interfacial clash between fiber and matrix, therefore bettering the transportation of lading emphasis, and ensuing in better tensile strength and modulus of the complexs. These groundss were besides strengthened by the consequence of denseness findings. Table 1 shows that the common SBR/PVC complexs performed the highest denseness due to the being of sugar in the lms of SBR and in between SBR and PVC surfaces. 4. Decision Among all studied SBR/PVC complexs, common SBR/PVC performed the best tensile strength and modulus. The being of sugar may increase the effectual cross-section country and better the interfacial clash between fiber and matrix. Recognitions The writers wish to thank Universiti Putra Malaysia for fiscal support of this survey and family support for the chief writer through the Research University Grant Scheme ( RUGS ; Project no: 05/01/07/0190RU ) and Graduate Research Fellowship ( GRF ) . Mentions FAO. Food and Agricultural Commodities Production. 2009 [ cited 2009 23rd October ] ; Available from: hypertext transfer protocol: //faostat.fao.org/site/339/default.aspx Satyanarayana KG, Sukumaran K, Mukherjee PS, Pavithran C, Pillai SGK. Natural fibre-polymer complexs. Cement and Concrete Composites. 1990 ; 12: 117-36. Saheb DN, Jog JP. Natural fiber polymer complexs: A reappraisal. Progresss in Polymer Technology. 1999 ; 18: 351-63. Bledzki AK, Gassan J. Composites reinforced with cellulose based fibers. Advancement in Polymer Science. 1999 ; 24: 221-74. Drzal L, Mohanty AK, Burgueno L, Misra M. Biobased structural composite stuffs for lodging an substructure applications: chances and challenges. Proceedings of the NSF Housing Research Agenda Workshop 2004 ; 2: 129-40. Satyanarayana KG, Arizaga GGC, Wypych F. Biodegradable complexs based on lignocellulosic fibres An overview. Advancement in Polymer Science. 2009 ; 34: 982-1021. Saini G, Narula AK, Choudhary V, Bhardwaj R. Effect of Particle Size and Alkali Treatment of Sugarcane Bagasse on Thermal, Mechanical, and Morphological Properties of PVC-Bagasse Composites. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites. 2009 ; In Press, Accepted Manuscript. Zheng Y-T, Cao D-R, Wang D-S, Chen J-J. Study on the interface alteration of bagasse fiber and the mechanical belongingss of its composite with PVC. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing. 2007 ; 38: 20-5. Maldas D, Kokta BV, Daneault C. Composites of polyvinyl chloride-wood fibres: IV. Consequence of the nature of fibres. Journal of Vinyl Technology. 1989 ; 11: 90-9. Lee SC, Mariatti M. The consequence of bagasse fibres obtained ( from rind and pith constituent ) on the belongingss of unsaturated polyester complexs. Materials Letters. 2008 ; 62: 2253-6. Rasul MG, Rudolph V, Carsky M. Physical belongingss of bagasse. Fuel. 1999 ; 78: 905-10. Vazquez A, Dominguez VA, Kenny JM. Bagasse Fiber-Polypropylene Based Composites. Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials. 1999 ; 12: 477-97.

Leading virtual teams in today's work force Term Paper

Leading virtual teams in today's work force - Term Paper Example The purpose is the most significant aspect holding them together and is defined in various steps of action, individual tasks and common goals. This paper will discuss the evolution of virtual teams, the technology used for their successful operation, how to lead them effectively and opinions on why having them is agreeable. Implementing team collaboration in a virtual working space has an assortment of unique challenges (Konetes & Wiggins, 2009). However, apart from the telephone, there are various technological advances available to fulfill this goal. With an array of communication tools, the internet serves as the most suitable medium (Konetes & Wiggins, 2009). Below is a description of a few of them. Google docs It provides free online management of documents and spreadsheets with a Gmail or Google Account. The spreadsheet feature is handy for several employees working on a spreadsheet at the same time and enables collaborative editing of documents. This tool can be used in domain management, payroll coverage, financial reports, directory lists and ranking reports (Carmel & Espinosa, 2011). Time Doctor It is highly efficient in monitoring how time is spent. It can be used to track personal or team time (Carmel & Espinosa, 2011). ... It is a significant tool in monitoring attendance, to do lists, application usage monitoring and automatic timesheets. Jing Project This tool allows virtual team members to capture a screen or video on their desktops (Carmel & Espinosa, 2011). Comments, explanations and voice recordings, can be added to the screen captures. These can then be uploaded to software that converts them into simple links accessible by all team members. It is useful in communicating with developers and designers, where there is a need to explain requirements and changes. It also serves as a substitute when screen sharing is limited by differences in time zones (Carmel & Espinosa, 2011). This tool also allows users to record their screens. Drop Box This is a file sharing tool (Lipnack & Stamps, 1999). When new content is added to the Drop Box folder, it automatically updates all other team members that the file had been shared with, or even another computer a member might be using at home. Drop box can be us ed to back up documents, passwords and images, share training material, file access from multiple computers and file exchange with clients (Lipnack & Stamps, 1999). Freshbooks This is a web based, easy to setup, invoicing application. It allows employees to add time to company invoices. It is useful in management of billable timesheets, invoicing sales and creating estimates (Konetes & Wiggins, 2009). The advent of telecommuting fueled the evolution of virtual work teams. This was coupled with the need to integrate skills and knowledge across the globe to achieve desired organizational goals. There is also the significant aspect of achieving the goals without having to physically move both human and technological resources. This is

Constitutional Law Master Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Constitutional Law Master - Essay Example There is no technical difference between ordinary statutes and law considered "constitutional law." Therefore the Parliament of the United Kingdom can perform "constitutional reform" simply by passing Acts of Parliament and thus has the power to change any written or unwritten element of the constitution. The constitution is based on the concept of all sovereignty ultimately belonging to Parliament (Parliamentary sovereignty), so the concept of entrenchment cannot exist. The lack of a central written constitutional document explaining the fundamental principles of the state and relationship between its institutions and between the people leads some constitutionalists to regard the United Kingdom as having "no (formal) constitution." The phrase "unwritten constitution" is sometimes used, despite the fact that the UK constitution incorporates many written sources, statutory law being considered the most important source of the constitution. But the case remains that the constitution re lies far more on unwritten constitutional conventions than virtually every other liberal democratic constitution. Conventions as a source of constitutional rules have been widely acknowledged. Regardless of whether a country possesses an unwritten1 or a written constitution, constitutional conventions usually play an important role in regulating constitutional relationships among different branches of government. A common definition of constitutional conventions is: "By convention is meant a binding rule, a rule of behaviour accepted as obligatory by those concerned in the working of the constitution."2 Law and constitutional conventions are closely related. Constitutional conventions presuppose the existence of a legal framework, and do not exist in a legal vacuum. For example, in the UK, the constitutional conventions of forming a Cabinet presuppose the laws relating to the Queen's royal prerogative, the office and powers of Ministers, and the composition of Parliament.3 A difference between law and constitutional conventions is that laws are enforceable by the courts, but constitutional conv entions are not enforced by the courts. If there is a conflict between constitutional conventions and law, the courts must enforce the law. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada, the courts acknowledge the existence of constitutional conventions as aids to judicial interpretation.4 Academics consider that such acknowledgement may at 1times appear to be similar to enforcement.5 The constitution ... is seen to consist of two different parts; the one is made up of understandings, customs, or conventions which, not being enforced by the courts, are in no true sense of the word laws; the other part is made up of rules which are enforced by the courts, and which, whether personified in statutes or not, are laws in the strictest sense of the term, and make up the true law of the constitution. This law of the constitution is, as we have further found, in spite of all appearances to the contrary, the true foundation on which English polity rests, and it gives in truth even to the conventional element of the constitutional law such force as it really possesses. First, as constitutional conventions can easily be adapted to new circumstances arising, they are therefore frequently used as a means of bringing about constitutional development, provided that those constitutional co