Quality of Service of Voice over Internet Protocol Essay

Quality of Service of Voice over Internet Protocol - Essay Example are providing opportunities to retailers in the industry to take on the traditional broadcasters and telecommunication companies. Companies like Cisco and Alcatel in close cooperation with ISPs like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast, took a lead in coming out with state of art internet telephony gadgets. The convergence of video, voice and data on next generation networks has resulted into integration of many services. As a result the all important digital pipe is stated to provide telephone service, television channels, radio channels, internet connections and data services all bundles in one connection. Theoretically such services can work wonders for an individual or a limited number of consumers. But as the number of online consumers increase substantially, the quality of digital services deteriorates. For example, mobile operators are already offering audio and video streaming services to their customers on 2.5G and 3G networks (Eastwood, 2007). But the problem starts when large numbers of people start using the digital pipe to communicate with each other or when millions of radio listeners hook on to the radio network to listen the weekly radio broadcast of President of America. This causes traffic congestion in the Internet line, thus severely affecting the quality of the service over the Internet Protocol. A debate has therefore started over the effectiveness of such technological advancements in replacing the traditional copper or fiber cables for telephony, terrestrial or cable television broadcasts or radio transmissions. This study is an effort towards analyzing the developments in information technology in general and telephony and communication technologies in particular. An effort would also be made to study how the perception of user has changed over the years towards accepting these changes and how smooth this transition has proved to be. As internet is gradually maturing and presenting a paradigm shift

The Renaissance & Erasmus Essay Example for Free

The Renaissance Erasmus Essay The Renaissance was a period of great change, characterized by a revision of many concepts and the birth of many ideas. One of the greatest scholars of this time was Desiderius Erasmus. He was born in Rotterdam, Holland. His birth name was Gerrit . He attended the school of the Brothers of the Common Life at Deventer after which he joined a monastery, the Augustinian college of Stein near Gouda where he stayed for six years. He was ordained to the Catholic priesthood at Steyn at about the age of 25, but he did not last in the priesthood for long. Later, he became a personal secretary of the Bishop of Cambrai. His experience working for the church made him aware of the many evils that plagued it. He was a great critic of the church and its leaders before and during the reformation. It has been said by many that Erasmus was one of the few humanists who left a lasting mark in the history of human kind. His fearless criticism of the manner in which the church handled various issues prepared people for the subsequent work of another humanist and reformist, Martin Luther. Erasmus was a traveler. He lived in many places in Europe at different times. He had lived in Rome, Paris, England, and many other European countries. He was also a theology scholar and a writer. He published the Greek version of the New Testament in Latin, so that Europeans could read it. Thesis Statement This paper examines the humanist actions of Erasmus and his contribution to the history of the Christian faith. Literature Review As a great humanist in the 1500s, Erasmus wrote many books which were widely read all across. His ideas and criticism of the Church was therefore heard throughout Europe. He preferred reasoning to bloodshed, unlike many others of his time. While he did not criticize the Church as much as Luther had, he did call for an end to the corruption and a great many other evils which had seeped to the core of the Church. Erasmus was a renowned writer of his time. One of his greatest works include ed The Praise of Folly, a satire which pointed out major problems in the clergy, depicting monks as beggars, the clergy as being greedy. He also made reference to the pope saying that he had no resemblance to the apostles. He also wrote a short satirical skit in which Pope Julius II had trouble getting into heaven. This kind of writing earned him considerable hostility in the church, but then, this kind of courage also helped the church. Some of the subjects he attacked were superstitious religious practices and the vanity of Church leaders. One such superstition was the sale of Indulgences by the Church, which its leaders sold in order to raise money for building projects. Indulgences were supposed to reduce the time a sinner would spend in purgatory. Erasmus felt that this was an abuse of priestly power. He was against the idea of people praying to the Saints instead of God, because he recognized that salvation came only through Christ. His goal was to promote basic Christian values. Erasmus was accused of being only a specialist in grammar and rhetorician, not a theologian, and some modern scholars have shared that same sentiment. Recent scholarship has been more agreeable to the view that Erasmus was in some sense a theologian even if not a systematic one. Erasmus was, to be sure, a rhetorician, but one whose rhetoric was â€Å"in service of his theology and whose rhetorical theology thus reveals some truths that would otherwise remain hidden†. Erasmus is known today as a great 16th century pacifist. He used his gift of writing to preach peace. He felt that war was senseless since it only caused destruction and death. He rebuked those who engaged in war he saying that they had no greater morality than beasts. According to Kreis, Erasmus stands as the ‘supreme type of cultivated common sense applied to human affairs’. He rescued theology from the lack of creativity of the schoolmen, exposed the abuses of the Church, and did more than any other single person to advance the revival of learning’. In the sixteenth century when literature was used to conceal the truth about a number of issues, Erasmus admired and despised by both Catholics and Protestants, by both liberals and radicals; but according to theological scholar, Abraham Friesen the theological views of Erasmus can today reconcile Evangelical and liberal Christians. Methodology I collected my information through book and article research, most of which came from the internet. I also interviewed two theologians on what they thought about Erasmus. Data Analysis The data I gathered was mostly from books and articles. I found out that Erasmus work elicited a lot of ill-feeling among Christians during the reformation, with many clergy accusing him of pioneering the reformation that led to the split of the church. However some scholars point out that the church began appreciating the work of Erasmus later in his life. One of the people I interviewed said that although Erasmus was much hated for his criticisms against the church, his work proved to be beneficial to the Christian faith, in that he was able and courageous enough to pinpoint the evils in the church. Thus, he gave the church a reason to examine and reform itself. Results The method of data collection was limited to book research and interviews. These were not enough to prepare a comprehensive and detailed research. I also faced some difficulties finding interviewees who were conversant with the life and works of Erasmus. Discussion A lot of scholars agree that Erasmus actually was for rather than against the church. He was a fierce critic of both the liberal and radical wings of the church. He spoke against anything that to him appeared to be against Biblical teachings. He was alienated from both sides of the church, though the same people who had earlier alienated him later sought him out. His courage and relentlessness bore fruit. The church began to examine itself in light with what Erasmus and other critics of the time had talked about. The role that Erasmus played in the 16th century reformation cannot be downplayed. Midmore contends that Erasmus sought peace and unity if necessary by compromise, and he also promoted the corporate rather than the individual renewal of the church. Conclusion The debate on what Erasmus did or did not do will undoubtedly rage on for a long time to come. However form what I have gathered in this research, it is clear that he left an indelible mark in the history of the church. He was a fearless critic of the abuses in the Catholic Church, even before the reformation. He might not have been in most people’s good books, but he his work served as a form of checks and balances against the excesses of the church. That is why he will forever be remembered as the man who laid the egg of reformation, though he did not hatch it– Martin Luther did, as the 16th century aphorism goes. Bibliography Biography of Historical Figures [database on-line]. Available from studyworld. com Friesen, Abraham. Erasmus, the Anabaptists, and the Great Commission. (Grand Rapids and Cambridge: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998). Midmore Brian. The reformation – Erasmus and Luther. (2000) [database on-line]. Available from ‘A Passion for Grace and Faith’ website. Rummel, Erika. Erasmus (New York: Continuum International Publishing Group, 2004)

The Underwater Wireless Communications Information Technology Essay

The Underwater Wireless Communications Information Technology Essay Wireless communication technology today has become part of our daily life; the idea of wireless undersea communications may still seem far-fetched. However, research has been active for over a decade on designing the methods for wireless information transmission underwater. The major discoveries of the past decades, has motivated researches to carry out better and efficient ways to enable unexplored applications and to enhance our ability to observe and predict the ocean. The purpose of this paper is to introduce to the readers the basic concepts, architecture, protocols and modems used in underwater wireless communications. The paper also presents the difficulties faced in terms of power management and security, and the latest developments in the underwater wireless industry. Towards the end, we also discuss a wide range of applications of underwater wireless communication. Index Terms: Underwater Wireless Communication (UWCs), Medium Access Control (MAC), Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks (UAWSNs). I. INTRODUCTION In last several years, underwater sensor network (UWSN) has found an increasing use in a wide range of applications, such as coastal surveillance systems, environmental research, autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) operation, many civilian and military applications such as oceanographic data collection, scientific ocean sampling, pollution, environmental monitoring, climate recording, offshore exploration, disaster prevention, assisted navigation, distributed tactical surveillance, and mine reconnaissance. By deploying a distributed and scalable sensor network in a 3-dimensional underwater space, each underwater sensor can monitor and detect environmental parameters and events locally. Hence, compared with remote sensing, UWSNs provide a better sensing and surveillance technology to acquire better data to understand the spatial and temporal complexities of underwater environments. Some of these applications can be supported by underwater acoustic sensor networks (UWASNs), which consist of devices with sensing, processing, and communication capabilities that are deployed to perform collaborative monitoring tasks. Fig 1 gives a generalized diagram of an UWASN. Wireless signal transmission is also crucial to remotely control instruments in ocean observatories and to enable coordination of swarms of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and robots, which will play the role of mobile nodes in future ocean observation networks by virtue of their flexibility and reconfigurability. Present underwater communication systems involve the transmission of information in the form of sound, electromagnetic (EM), or optical waves. Each of these techniques has advantages and limitations. Acoustic communication is the most versatile and widely used technique in underwater environments due to the low attenuation (signal reduction) of sound in water. This is especially true in thermally stable, deep water settings. On the other hand, the use of acoustic waves in shallow water can be adversely affected by temperature gradients, surface ambient noise, and multipath propagation due to reflection and refraction. The much slower speed of acoustic propagation in water, about 1500 m/s (meters per second), compared with that of electromagnetic and optical waves, is another limiting factor for efficient communication and networking. Nevertheless, the currently favorable technology for underwater communication is upon acoustics. On the front of using electromagnetic (EM) waves in radio frequencies, conventional radio Figure1. Scenario of a UW-ASN composed of underwater and surface vehicles does not work well in an underwater environment due to the conducting nature of the medium, especially in the case of seawater. However, if EM could be working underwater, even in a short distance, its much faster propagating speed is definitely a great advantage for faster and efficient communication among nodes. Free-space optical (FSO) waves used as wireless communication carriers are generally limited to very short distances because the severe water absorption at the optical frequency band and strong backscatter from suspending particles. Even the clearest water has 1000 times the attenuation of clear air, and turbid water has more than 100 times the attenuation of the densest fog. Nevertheless, underwater FSO, especially in the blue-green wavelengths, offers a practical choice for high-bandwidth communication (10-150 Mbps, bits per second) over moderate ranges (10-100 meters). This communication range is much needed in harbor inspection, oil-rig maintenance, and linking submarines to land, just name a few of the demands on this front. In this paper we discuss the physical fundamentals and the implications of using acoustic waves as the wireless communication carrier in underwater environments in Section II, then we discuss an Overview of Routing Protocols for Underwater Wireless Communications in Section III. Section IV we discuss about the two networking architectures of UWSNS. Section V we discuss about acoustic modem technology and will describe Link Quest Incs Cutting-Edge Acoustic Modems in detail.. Section VI gives a comparison between ground based sensors with that of a Mobile UWSNs, Section VII we throw some light on the various applications of UWC. And finally we conclude the paper in Section VIII followed by references. II. ACOUSTIC WAVES Among the three types of waves, acoustic waves are used as the primary carrier for underwater wireless communication systems due to the relatively low absorption in underwater environments. We start the discussion with the physical fundamentals and the implications of using acoustic waves as the wireless communication carrier in underwater environments. Propagation velocity: The extremely slow propagation speed of sound through water is an important factor that differentiates it from electromagnetic propagation. The speed of sound in water depends on the water properties of temperature, salinity and pressure (directly related to the depth). A typical speed of sound in water near the ocean surface is about 1520 m/s, which is more than 4 times faster than the speed of sound in air, but five orders of magnitude smaller than the speed of light. The speed of sound in water increases with increasing water temperature, increasing salinity and increasing depth. Most of the changes in sound speed in the surface ocean are due to the changes in temperature. Approximately, the sound speed increases 4.0 m/s for water temperature arising 1C. When salinity increases 1 practical salinity unit (PSU), the sound speed in water increases 1.4 m/s. As the depth of water (therefore also the pressure) increases 1 km, the sound speed increases roughly 17 m/ s. It is noteworthy to point out that the above assessments are only for rough quantitative or qualitative discussions, and the variations in sound speed for a given property are not linear in general. Fig.2. a vertical profile of sound speed in seawater as the lump-sum function of depth Absorption: The absorptive energy loss is directly controlled by the material imperfection for the type of physical wave propagating through it. For acoustic waves, this material imperfection is the inelasticity, which converts the wave energy into heat. The absorptive loss for acoustic wave propagation is frequency-dependent, and can be expressed as e ®(f)d, where d is the propagation distance and  ®(f) is the absorption coefficient at frequency f. For seawater, the absorption coefficient at frequency f in kHz can be written as the sum of chemical relaxation processes and absorption from pure water where the first term on the right side is the contribution from boric acid, the second term is from the contribution of magnesium sulphate, and the third term is from the contribution of pure water; A1, A2, and A3 are constants; the pressure dependencies are given by parameters P1, P2 and P3; and the relaxation frequencies f1 and f2 are for the relaxation process in boric acid and magnesium sulphate, respectively. Fig. 3 shows the relative contribution from the different sources of absorption as a function of frequency. Fig.3. Absorption in generic seawater Multipath: An acoustic wave can reach a certain point through multiple paths. In a shallow water environment, where the transmission distance is larger than the water depth, wave reflections from the surface and the bottom generate multiple arrivals of the same signal. The Fig 4 illustrates the adverse effects of Multipath Propagation. In deep water, it occurs due to ray Fig 4: Shallow water multipath propagation: in addition to the direct path, the signal propagates via reflections from the surface and bottom. bending, i.e. the tendency of acoustic waves to travel along the axis of lowest sound speed. The channel response varies in time, and also changes if the receiver moves. Regardless of its origin, multipath propagation creates signal echoes, resulting in intersymbol interference in a digital communication system. While in a cellular radio system multipath spans a few symbol intervals, in an underwater acoustic channel it can spans few tens, or even hundreds of symbol intervals! To avoid the intersymbol interference, a guard time, of length at least equal to the multipath spread, must be inserted between successively transmitted symbols. However, this will reduce the overall symbol rate, which is already limited by the system bandwidth. To maximize the symbol rate, a receiver must be designed to counteract very long intersymbol interference. Path Loss: Path loss that occurs in an acoustic channel over a distance d is given as A= dka (f) d, where k is the path loss exponent whose value is usually between 1 and 2, and a(f) is the absorption factor that depends on the frequency f. This dependence severely limits the available bandwidth: for example, at distances on the order of 100 km, the available bandwidth is only on the order of 1 kHz. At shorter distances, a larger bandwidth is available, but in practice it is limited by that of the transducer. Also in contrast to the radio systems, an acoustic signal is rarely narrowband, i.e., its bandwidth is not negligible with respect to the center frequency. Within this limited bandwidth, the signal is subject to multipath propagation, which is particularly pronounced on horizontal channels. III ROUTING PROTOCOLS There are several drawbacks with respect to the suitability of the existing terrestrial routing solutions for underwater wireless communications. Routing protocols can be divided into three categories, namely, proactive, reactive, and geographical. Proactive protocols provoke a large signaling overhead to establish routes for the first time and each time the network topology is modified because of mobility, node failures, or channel state changes because updated topology information must be propagated to all network devices. In this way, each device can establish a path to any other node in the network, which may not be required in underwater networks. Also, scalability is an important issue for this family of routing schemes. For these reasons, proactive protocols may not be suitable for underwater networks. Reactive protocols are more appropriate for dynamic environments but incur a higher latency and still require source-initiated flooding of control packets to establish paths. Reactive protocols may be unsuitable for underwater networks because they also cause a high latency in the establishment of paths, which is amplified underwater by the slow propagation of acoustic signals. Geographical routing protocols are very promising for their scalability feature and limited signaling requirements. However, global positioning system (GPS) radio receivers do not work properly in the underwater environment. Still, underwater sensing devices must estimate their current position, irrespective of the chosen routing approach, to associate the sampled data with their 3D position. IV ARCHITECTURE In general, depending on the permanent vs on-demand placement of the sensors, the time constraints imposed by the applications and the volume of data being retrieved, we could roughly classify the aquatic application scenarios into two broad categories: long-term non-time-critical aquatic monitoring and short-term time-critical aquatic exploration. Fig 5: An illustration of the mobile UWSN architecture for long-term non-time-critical aquatic monitoring applications Fig. 5 illustrates the mobile UWSN architecture for long-term non-time-critical aquatic monitoring applications. In this type of network, sensor nodes are densely deployed to cover a spacial continuous monitoring area. Data are collected by local sensors, related by intermediate sensors, and finally reach the surface nodes (equipped with both acoustic and RF (Radio Frequency) modems), which can transmit data to the on-shore command center by radio. Since this type of network is designed for long-term monitoring task, then energy saving is a central issue to consider in the protocol design. Moreover, depending on the data sampling frequency, we may need mechanisms to dynamically control the mode of sensors (switching between sleeping modes, wake-up mode, and working mode). In this way, we may save more energy. Further, when sensors are running out of battery, they should be able to pop up to the water surface for recharge, for which a simple air-bladder-like device would suffice. Clearly, in the mobile UWSNs for long-term aquatic monitoring, localization is a must-do task to locate mobile sensors, since usually only location-aware data is useful in aquatic monitoring. In addition, the sensor location information can be utilized to assist data forwarding since geo-routing proves to be more efficient than pure flooding. Furthermore, location can help to determine if the sensors float crossing the boundary of the interested area. Fig 6: An illustration of the mobile UWSN architecture for short-term time-critical aquatic exploration applications In Fig. 6, we show a civilian scenario of the mobile UWSN architecture for short-term time-critical aquatic exploration applications. Assume a ship wreckage accident investigation team wants to identify the target venue. When the cable is damaged the ROV is out-of-control or not recoverable. In contrast, by deploying a mobile underwater wireless sensor network, as shown in Fig. 2, the investigation team can control the ROV remotely. The self-reconfigurable underwater sensor network tolerates more faults than the existing tethered solution. After investigation, the underwater sensors can be recovered by issuing a command to trigger air-bladder devices. As limited by acoustic physics and coding technology, high data rate networking can only be realized in high-frequency acoustic band in underwater communication. It was demonstrated by empirical implementations that the link bandwidth can reach up to 0.5Mbps at the distance of 60 meters. Such high data rate is suitable to deliver even multimedia data. Compared with the first type of mobile UWSN for long-term non-time-critical aquatic monitoring, the mobile UWSN for short-term time-critical aquatic exploration presents the following differences in the protocol design. Real-time data transfer is more of concern Energy saving becomes a secondary issue. Localization is not a must-do task. However, reliable, resilient, and secure data transfer is always a desired advanced feature for both types of mobile UWSNs. V ACOUSTIC MODEM TECHNOLOGY Acoustic modem technology offers two types of modulation/detection: frequency shift keying (FSK) with non-coherent detection and phase-shift keying (PSK) with coherent detection. FSK has traditionally been used for robust acoustic communications at low bit rates (typically on the order of 100 bps). To achieve bandwidth efficiency, i.e. to transmit at a bit rate greater than the available bandwidth, the information must be encoded into the phase or the amplitude of the signal, as it is done in PSK or Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM). The symbol stream modulates the carrier, and the so-obtained signal is transmitted over the channel. To detect this type of signal on a multipath-distorted acoustic channel, a receiver must employ an equalizer whose task is to unravel the intersymbol interference. A block diagram of an adaptive decision-feedback equalizer (DFE) is shown in Figure 7. In this configuration, multiple input signals, obtained Fig 7: Multichannel adaptive decision-feedback equalizer (DFE) is used for high-speed underwater acoustic communications. It supports any linear modulation format, such as M-ary PSK or M-ary QAM. from spatially diverse receiving hydrophones, can be used to enhance the system performance. The receiver parameters are optimized to minimize the mean squared error in the detected data stream. After the initial training period, during which a known symbol sequence is transmitted, the equalizer is adjusted adaptively, using the output symbol decisions. An integrated Doppler tracking algorithm enables the equalizer to operate in a mobile scenario. This receiver structure has been used on various types of acoustic channels. Current achievements include transmission at bit rates on the order of one kbps over long ranges (10-100 nautical miles) and several tens of kbps over short ranges (few km) as the highest rates reported to date. VI Mobile UWSNs and Ground- Based Sensor Networks A mobile UWSN is significantly different from any ground-based sensor network in terms of the following aspects: Communication Method: Electromagnetic waves cannot propagate over a long distance in underwater environments. Therefore, underwater sensor networks have to rely on other physical means, such as acoustic sounds, to transmit signals. Unlike wireless links among ground-based sensors, each underwater wireless link features large latency and low-bandwidth. Due to such distinct network dynamics, communication protocols used in ground-based sensor networks may not be suitable in underwater sensor networks. Specially, low-bandwidth and large-latency usually result in long end-to-end delay, which brings big challenges in reliable data transfer and traffic congestion control. The large latency also significantly affects multiple access protocols. Traditional random access approaches in RF wireless networks might not work efficiently in underwater scenarios. Node Mobility Most sensor nodes in ground-based sensor networks are typically static, though it is possible to implement interactions between these static sensor nodes and a limit amount of mobile nodes (e.g., mobile data collecting entities like mules which may or may not be sensor nodes). In contrast, the majority of underwater sensor nodes, except some fixed nodes equipped on surface-level buoys, are with low or medium mobility due to water current and other underwater activities. From empirical observations, underwater objects may move at the speed of 2-3 knots (or 3-6 kilometers per hour) in a typical underwater condition [2]. Therefore, if a network protocol proposed for ground-based sensor networks does not consider mobility for the majority of sensor nodes, it would likely fail when directly cloned for aquatic applications. Although there have been extensive research in groundbased sensor networks, due to the unique features of mobile UWSNs, new research at almost every level of the protocol suite is required. VII

Graduation Speech -- Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

Good evening, everyone. Now is the time for me to come in front of these 400 students in identical caps and gowns and tell them to go out and be individuals. Looks like I have my work cut out for me. Seriously, though, consider what we've gone through. 13 years of schooling, 18 years of growing up! And reflecting back on these years, what do we have to show for it? We have our memories. Some of you may know the old saying, "Knowledge is not what the pupil remembers but what he cannot forget." What will remain in our minds after tonight? What memories will become those valuable gems of unforgettable knowledge? Who in the audience knows the phases of Mitosis, or can name the capitol of Togo? Not many. But one of us will ever forget that counselor who listened to us when no one else would ... that librarian who, with the kind of vision that would put Superman to shame, saw one single book out of order on the shelves, and made sure you knew about it ... or how about that custodian who astounds us all with his uncanny ability to scoop up spilled ketchup with feline grace. We can develop our minds with information as much as we want, but the truth is, those simple, rare smiles from a caring teacher mean more to all of us than any amount of knowledge ever could. Simple gratitude is all we have to offer these educators who have shaped our lives, and still these teachers continue to give every day. Routinely, we blame them for such things as the Culminating Exhibition, overcrowded lunches, and that disgusting feeling we all have when we realize there is, once again, no soap in the bathroom. But these teachers have shaped the lives of the 150 students they see daily and have given of themselves something that is irreplaceable. Who t... ... journey now to make new memories, casting off the skin of adolescence and stepping forward into independence. Some of us will become preachers, presidents, accountants, clerks. We have in this room future post office workers, caretakers, custodians, soldiers. We even have a select few who are insane enough to pursue a teaching career. In essence, it matters not what we do, but how we do it. Walk through a room, and make it just a little brighter as you leave it. In the words of Vince Lombardi, "The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor." As we venture out into the world, take with you the riches of kindness, excellence, and caring that we have gained in our years here at Hosea. Keep them with you as you create new memories that will make us proud. Thank you, and God bless.

Reflective Story

At first, I did not expect that I would regret not being emotionally and spiritually prepared. I was really overwhelmed with the different things I experienced. Not only did I get to experience dorm life with my fellow classmates, got to sleep at dawn and bond with other people, I got closer with God. How you ask? I finally felt someone's presence. Not like when there is someone with you or a so-called ghost appears, I felt a powerful presence. I felt accompanied. I never felt alone. That presence was masked by friends, great advice and strong faith.And to think I was very, very busy on what clothes to wear, toiletries to bring and everything else required. Also, I never thought that I would release all my negativity during session time. Somehow, It made me feel whole. I felt complete. I felt happy. I felt that God was beside me throughout everything. He blessed us all with trust for one another. I was mostly moved with Sir Regis's difficult encounters in life. It made me realize tha t the greatest happiness I was blessed with was people who would love and accept me for who I am.Just by Ewing surrounded by them is the only blessing that, I bet, would be the best thing you would ask for. I am not saying that you should take advantage of their presence but you should savoir and appreciate their love and care for you. This recollection gave me more on the Inside scoop of reality and the different hardships you will encounter as you face it twists and turns. This also made me realize that I should be thankful for my days to come. I was taught to fall silent and listen. Life is exciting and thanks to this experience, I came to appreciate life's meaning and hungry to unravel some of Its secrets.

buy custom Causes of the Popularity of Internet throughout the World essay

buy custom Causes of the Popularity of Internet throughout the World essay Internet is a global system of millions of interconnected computer networks using the standard Internet Protocol Suite. Internet is known as the network of networks. Though it is a recent phenomenon but still internet mania has spread through out the World like a wild fire. There are several important reasons that has prompted internet to become so popular even in the remotest corners of the World. First of all, the present time can be called as the age of computers and internet is only a component of computer systems. From offices to factories, to houses to hospitals computers are part of every where, and so is internet. In the very first place, internet is all about information; probably it is the largest source of information about all the subjects in the World. Every one can find out any information they are searching in the internet. Along with that internet is very easy to use. Only with a click one is ready to browse. And along with that internet is convenient. It is the one s top place for entertainment, communication and knowledge. One can contact with his or her friends with the click of the mouse, listen to numerous songs, watch videos and movies or even shop for his favorite t shirt only with the help of internet. All these aspects have contributed to the massive popularity of internet. Moreover, these entire aspects of internet have also made life easier for the general population in many ways. The massive popularity of internet has made it an integral part of the Governments and so people who are familiar with the uses of internet are using it to the fullest. Paying bills to ordering products, every thing can be done in the internet with so little hassle that many processes like e-billing, e-shopping have evolved and flourished. Many big multinational organizations are providing internet connections for general people along with many government backed organization. Different types of works, like payment of bills, submission of different forms etc have been totally converted to internet processes. In recent times banking system of all the developed countries and most of the developing countries are dependent on the internet. E-shopping has become a rage in the World. Similarly, different social networking sites in the internet have gained immense popularity in rece nt times. With the increase of popularity of internet advertisement is also becoming a rage. Many firms are now targeting the internet surfing audience for their primary market. Internet telephony is popular in many places. In a very small time, internet has become one of the most used commodities throughout the World. Easy availability, easier to use and easiest to maintain, these three are the basic aspects of the popularity of internet. All these aspects have contributed heavily to the popularity of internet. Still internet is developing and adding up more and more utilities which make us believe that the popularity of the internet will rise more and more in further times. In a nutshell, we can say that internet is easy to use, it is affordable and fast. These are the basic causes of the popularity of internet in recent times. Internet has started new forms of social interaction and activities that were not there earlier. Throughout internet it is easy to find common acquaintances and communicate with people who live in distant places. In the first decade of the 21st century intenet has really changed the lives of the common people. Different terms like personal privacy and identity has been started. In many countries the internet service providers are trying to protect the copyrighted materials from being misused through the internet. There are several laws have been issued to control the use of internet and many sites that can be harmful for children especially. One of the most important aspects of internet is that from the inception process of internet it has been one of the most prominent leisure activity tools. Different types of social experiments have also used in the case. All these aspects and related affairs have really made internet the most popular medium in the 21st century and so it has been gaining popularity. It is believed that as the days will progress internet will also add more and more features and so the popularity of internet will increase in future. Plan: In my workplace, I have decided to introduce computers in a large scale. There are several effects of the decision, but ultimately it will all be beneficial for the company. There will be a number of computers that will be installed in the company. The first impact of installing computers will be the company will become update with all the modern techniques and aspects that were not present in earlier cases. Initially the workings of the company were mainly based on manual labors, and hence in recent times it lacked in production and all other production related aspects. To overcome the problems that appeared with the aspects we have decided to involve in the process. With the introduction of computers in the workplace the first thing will happen will be a thorough training for the workers who are presently working in the company. They will have to understand the working procedures of the computers and how the computers will help them in the final analysis. Computers are very advance d machines, and so they will be real helpful in doing works and doing it more perfectly. So, the mistakes that were common in the manual processes will not happen in computer processes. There are a number of companies in my knowledge that have lain off a number of workers when they computerized the process. But as per my knowledge I am not going to lay off my workers. I do believe that at a point of time these workers had really worked hard for my company and they do not deserve that decision. But I will see that these workers will be trained in computer technologies and all other aspects that will be introduced in my company. Along with that it is very important to employ some new faces in the process that will be really helpful for the old workers in understanding the computers. It can be mutually beneficial. The new workers will tech the old workers the new working processes while the old workers will mentor the new ones in the complete processes that are going on in the company. This is really good for the future of the company. With the introduction of computers we can also introduce several new processes that were impossible in the older set up, and if properl y planned these will be really beneficial and the revenue earnings will go up. As an owner I do believe that computerization of the company is a very good investment and it will have strong returns at a point of time. This is why I have gone ahead with the plan of installing computers throughout every where in the processes. Computerization is the most important part of the modern science and only then our company can compete with all the bigger companies in the World market. Assessment of Present Condition: I am presently working with a company which is in the Information Technology sector. The company is a leading name in the IT industry throughout the World and also has presences in several very important countries through out the World. Here I work as a project manager of a certain process which mainly deals with insurances of a company. In college, I have studied to become a system analyst and here in the job I have the opportunity to do what I have been studied in the college. When I just passed out from the college, the recession had just hit our economy and the job market was really bad. But I was really lucky at that point of time and initially got the opportunity to work with the company. The experience has been quite satisfying. There are several causes of getting the job. My academic results were quite good through out my career and it went to my favor. The job can be called as a life saver for me. I had loaned money for completing my college, and after getting the job I am a ble to pay off my loans in a regular fashion. Along with that I have also rented my own apartment in the city where I now live. Apart from my developments in the personal field, the job has given me ample opportunities to learn about new things and develop in my field. It is a general saying that one learns the best when he is in a process and I can feel the truth of the sayings to the core. Initially I was recruited as a trainer system analyst. I had joined in an Insurance process and there worked for only two months. These two months can be called as my training period. After that I was transferred to another office where I also trained for some software based services. After six months of training, I was shifted to a different sector where I was given a permanent post. The six months training had been really wonderful for me. I have learned more things in the six months than I have collectively learned in my college. All these things have really helped in my job and I will surely tell about my seniors and mentors who have really helped me in the process. Another very important aspect of my career choice is that there are a number of options left for me for climbing up the corporate ladder. When I joined the company, I was a trainee system analyst. But after six months I have been promoted to the post of a system engineer and also got a rise in my pay structure. If I can work well and the management is happy with my functioning they can promote me to the post of head system engineer for the process I am working currently. There are also numerous risks that are involved in the process. I was recruited at the time of an economic meltdown and at that time I have seen that numerous people had been laid off from different sectors. As per the general predictions the meltdown can happen at any time so there will be always a fear of being laid off. To be free from that I have to find out some alternate sources of income so that I keep myself safe from the time. Also the promotions in the company are matters of chance, and in that case it will be important to search for better opportunities that are in the market. Keeping in mind all the aspects I will continue with my present job for the time being. Buy custom Causes of the Popularity of Internet throughout the World essay

Use of Graphic Organizers in Teaching

Use of Graphic Organizers in Teaching Graphic organizers are important components, nonverbal supporters of verbal information presented during the lesson. Their role therefore is confined to organizing, structuring new information into separate notions, ideas, and concepts for a student to understand the cause-and-effect relations and draw the parallels between definitions and terms.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Use of Graphic Organizers in Teaching specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The use of images, charts, diagrams, tables, and other graphic means can allow students to acquire knowledge by smaller portions because full texts often create challenges for students. Using graphic organizers, therefore, can allow students to divide information into meaningful patterns and objectives and follow these objectives throughout the academic course. Techniques for introducing and organizing instructional content using a graphic organizer to help students identif y, organize and assimilate key concepts Due to the various functions of graphic organizers, each set of resources and materials can be represented in a different way depending on the chosen graphic device (Olrich et al., 2009). For instance, using the flow chart can allow students to follow the causes and effects, as well as define the dependency between the dates of the World War II. To begin with, the lesson will start with the topic identification including time frames and overall significance. The topic will be split into several thematic nodes that will be discussed in each lesson in more detail. In such a manner, students can both define different dimensions of the historic event, as well as understand the connection between these thematic dimensions. Measurable learning objectives and use of graphic organize to help students organize lesson information At the end of the chart analysis, a student will be able to name correctly the sequence of important events and dates related to the Second World War. They will also be able to accurately define the figures involved into the War, as well as their roles in results of military actions. The learner will also be able to prepare a comprehensive explanation of each event and attach the dates to the story. A succinct and meaningful list of all problems identified in the historical period will also be presented by a student. In addition, the learners will also be able to provide an in-depth examination of each problem at a relevant level of training. Rationale for the chosen graphic organizer In the appendix 1 presented below, it is possible to develop the main topic from the most common definition to the most specific ones so as to deepen students’ knowledge of a specific subject. The chosen organizers can perfectly suit to study such disciplines as law, healthcare, politics, history, philosophy, etc.Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper wit h 15% OFF Learn More While using these flow charts, student should start reading from the upper part of the hierarchy by proceeding to the bottom of the flow chart. In such a manner, they can also develop good logical and analytical skills. Moreover, it allows students to memorize the information in a structural way. Suitability of Organizer The choice of a flow chart as a graphic organizer can contribute to developing students’ analytical skills (Borich, 2007). Specifically, it will allow a teacher to keep track of the students’ success of conceiving the basic dates and events so as to highlight possible progress or gaps in knowledge. More importantly, because World War II is closely connected with cause-and-effects dates, the analysis of different periods is necessary to designate some historical events. Such a structure will also ensure students’ overall understanding of the underpinnings and outcomes of specific actions during the War. Refere nces Borich, G. (2007). Effective teaching methods: Research-based practice. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Olrich, D. C., Harder, R. J., Callahan, R. C., Trevisan, M. S., Brown, A. H. (2009). Teaching Strategies: A Guide to Effective Instruction. US: Cengage Learning.

Free Essays on The Communist Manifesto

of The Communist Manifesto written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. The Communist Manifesto lays out the objectives, principals, and ideas of the Communist point of view. The Communist Manifesto consists of 4 sections. The first section discusses the Communist’s theory of history and the relation between the bourgeoisie and the proletarians. The second section explains the relation between the Communists and the bourgeoisie. In the third section, Marx points out the problems with the other previous socialist and communist literature. The final section points out the political plan for Communism. Marx explains in the first section the nature and the history of the bourgeoisie. The topic of class antagonism is brought up. In the past there has always been a conflict between classes in a society. Every conflict has either ended in a revolutionary construction of the society or a particular class has been ruined. Marx points out that the class antagonism has split society into two feuding classes, the Bourgeoisie and the Proletariat. The bourgeoisie class consists of Capitalists, which are the owners of the means of production. The proletariat class contains the working class. The bourgeoisie have been the reason for several revolutions in the mode of production. They were the ones that gave the development of the Modern Industry. The bourgeoisie also started the world-market. These were the people that had most of all the political say in the state. The state merely just followed what the bourgeoisie wanted. In order for the bourgeoisie to survive they have to keep revolutioni zing means of production. With the new Modern Industry the proletarians have become the majority of society because of ... Free Essays on The Communist Manifesto Free Essays on The Communist Manifesto The Communist Manifesto â€Å"Let the ruling classes tremble at a Communistic revolution. The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have the world to gain. WORKING MEN OF ALL COUNTRIES, UNITE!† These are the last words of The Communist Manifesto written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. The Communist Manifesto lays out the objectives, principals, and ideas of the Communist point of view. The Communist Manifesto consists of 4 sections. The first section discusses the Communist’s theory of history and the relation between the bourgeoisie and the proletarians. The second section explains the relation between the Communists and the bourgeoisie. In the third section, Marx points out the problems with the other previous socialist and communist literature. The final section points out the political plan for Communism. Marx explains in the first section the nature and the history of the bourgeoisie. The topic of class antagonism is brought up. In the past there has always been a conflict between classes in a society. Every conflict has either ended in a revolutionary construction of the society or a particular class has been ruined. Marx points out that the class antagonism has split society into two feuding classes, the Bourgeoisie and the Proletariat. The bourgeoisie class consists of Capitalists, which are the owners of the means of production. The proletariat class contains the working class. The bourgeoisie have been the reason for several revolutions in the mode of production. They were the ones that gave the development of the Modern Industry. The bourgeoisie also started the world-market. These were the people that had most of all the political say in the state. The state merely just followed what the bourgeoisie wanted. In order for the bourgeoisie to survive they have to keep revolutioni zing means of production. With the new Modern Industry the proletarians have become the majority of society because of ...

How do you envision the city of the future Scholarship Essay

How do you envision the city of the future - Scholarship Essay Example This stress and strain is because of a surge in the population of the current cities that has been experienced over the past two decades. About 70% of the public amenities that are currently being used were budgeted and planned for far less populations that they are currently handling. I envision that a city of the future will have architectural structures and designs that will be spacious enough to accommodate populations without feeling the need of expansion. This includes improved road networks and other modes of transport. These buildings and amenities for the future should be built using designs that aim at sustaining and conserving the environment. This is by having enough supply of efficient and clean energy. Building designs should see to it that natural light and natural ventilation is adapted to the fullest so as to eliminate over dependence on electricity. This will cut down immensely the electricity bills as a result water towers and catchment areas will be restored and reserved. Electricity used in these buildings should be generated from greener technologies such as wind and solar energy (Davis, 2009). The material used in constructing these buildings should also be environment friendly ad should include recycled material. This will stop the constructors from going back to destroy natural habitat. Another expectation of the city of the future is minimal if not total elimination of the use of fossil fuels. This can only be achieved by adopting technologies that avoid carbon emission as their waste. One such technology that I envisage is the complete adoption of electricity powered vehicles. Automobiles contribute immensely to the emission of carbon to the atmosphere. By cutting down on these emissions, the atmosphere will be very clean and hence the quality of the air will be more healthy for human beings and

Ancient History Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Ancient History - Assignment Example The Eastern region was infertile, unproductive and sparsely populated. Its significance lay in the fact that it was a natural buffer zone that secured the western, fertile region from invasions and raids. During this period, Asia was inhabited by many different communities who were quite progressive and developed. The dyes and woolen textiles made in this region were quite famous and in tremendous demand. The Romans saw this region as a rich place for collection of taxes so that they could live lavishly and in style. The area also was quite rich in natural resources. Spices were grown in Asia which seasoned the food of the Romans, and was a crop that had worldwide commercial value.1 The larger cities of Asia were important centers for education and culture. In fact, Asia had everything that the Romans desired and wanted. Riches from Asia allowed them to indulge in a luxuriant life style, build their cities and have the largest armies in the world. Their large armies helped them to co ntrol and manage the territories they conquered.2 During the Roman peace period, trade and other cultural activities flourished in Asia Minor. Roman emperors acknowledged the importance of this region and travelled to different cities in Asia to help and encourage in the development and progress of this province. The Romans were quite adept in constructing roads, and a vast network of roads was built here to connect this part of Asia to the rest of the Roman Empire. During this time many enormous temples and other public construction such as libraries, sewerage systems, fountains etc. were designed by Roman architects and built by the local populating. Answer 2 The Third Mithridatic war fought during 73-63BC was the longest of the three Mithridatic conflicts. It started because the ruler of Bithynia was a puppet of the Romans, and Mitrhridates tried to overthrow him. Consequently, the ruler of Bithynia declared war on Pontus because of encouragement and support provided to him by th e Romans advisors. The two legions of Roman soldiers allied with the army of Nicomedes IV proceeded to invade Mitrhridates’ kingdom of Pontus in 89 BC. Nicomedes and his Roman allies were completed routed.3 Although Mitrhridates was welcomed in Anatolia, his hatred against the Romans persisted, and in 88 BC, he instigated a massacre campaign against the Romans and their Italian allies and eliminated them throughout the entire region. Tigranes the Great, who ruled neighboring Armenia became an ally of Mitrhridates and consolidated his alliance by marrying Mitrhridates’ daughter. Both kingdoms supported each other against Rome.4 The conflict in Asia Minor reflected Mithradte’s desire to defeat the Romans and include Asia in his rule. The second conflict was different because it reflected the ambitions of the Roman general Murena. Since both wars were inconclusive, it was apparent that there was going to be another war because Sulla who had discussed the terms and agreement of the first conflict had died. Sulla was a staunch proponent of peace. 5 Most of Sulla’s allies thought that the peace terms that he had negotiated were too soft, and when Sulla died the Roman Senate firmly refused to approve the agreement. In this war, the Romans defeated Mitrhridates VI of Pontus which ended the Pontic Kingdom and created the Kingdom of Armenia as an allied client of Rome. The importance of these wars was that the Romans gained power and influence in absolutely new territories. The precise dates of the

The Chase Manhattan bank Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Chase Manhattan bank - Term Paper Example The CMB human resource has been carefully crafted to ensure that, the organization attracts and maintains the best talents in the banking arena. It also focuses on the development of the existing workforce through training, to ensure the staff is updated on the current banking practices and innovations in the industry. The CMB human resource strategy aims to ensure the bank’s business policy is correlated with the H.R policy. This is to ensure the bank has a sufficient, qualified workforce, to satisfy its requirements and meet its business objectives. The HR department ensures that it recruits raw talent and mould this talent for the future of the company. Through this policy, the bank cultivates a culture in the staff that complements its policies. Selection Process The selection process at the CMB is designed to identify the best banking talents among the applicants available, who will fit into the company, and add value to it to its human resource. This extensive procedure aims to determine whether the applicants are suitable for the vacancy offered. The job advertisements are sent out through different media, which include the print and electronic channels. The application process occurs in the following steps. The applicants, first fill an application for the vacancy through the internet, here, the applicant will receive an email confirmation that his or her application has been acknowledged.

Intel and AMD Processors Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Intel and AMD Processors - Essay Example Dell XPS 625 Desktop Computer contains the processor developed by AMD. This processor is AMD Phenom X4 940. Another specification of the system is its 500GB hard disk and 6GB of the RAM (Dell MT2, 2009). Here we have an optional facility of the Radeon HD 2400 Pro in its place of a GeForce 8800GTX. A Creative X-Fi supplies sound, gigabit Ethernet is onboard, and eight available USB ports make sure that you will never go wanting on the accessories side. This system has an Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy. There are also 8 USB ports. On the Windows XP, we have better performance and additional functionalities. If we talk about the system performance then we will be able to see that this system is the addition of the XPS 625 is a solid player for the better performance in its series and price significantly fewer than Dell QX9650 system. The XPS 625 is a multimedia computer that is checked AMD's impending mainstream 2.83-GHz Penryn Q9550 processor was identical to the XPS 625 by means of t he over-clock enabled QX9650 CPU in each other esteem except in cost (Simms, 2007). The XPS 625's midrange tower case a modish mixture of sleek black plastic plus silvery metal-conceals the unit's simply genuine disadvantage: It was immediately one free of charge drive cove. One main feature of this system is quietness.   There is a huge amount of the ventilation in the system body so that is can be easily vacuumed. So working with it in an industrial sector is really easy. We can use it for the production area.

Bilston case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Bilston case study - Essay Example . In addition, the company must characterized some of the costs as fixed costs. The fixed cost are electricity, general and administrative, rent, depreciation expense, interest expense, and other factory costs. The company must some fo the costs as fixed costs. The variable cost are labor cost, raw materials, and repairs (Abele 2008). II. The standard contribution marging includes the variable costs and the fixed costs elements. Table 1 shows that the contribution margin for the wood screws is .0117. This is arrived at by deducting the variable costs from the revenues. The variable costs are the labour cost, raw materials costs, and the repairs costs. Table 2 shows that the contribution margin for Self Taffers is 0.0251. This is arrived at by deducting the variable costs from the revenues. The variable costs are the labour cost, raw materials costs, and the repairs costs. Table 3 shows that the contribution margin for the wood screws is .0118. This is arrived at by deducting the vari able costs from the revenues. The variable costs are the labour cost, raw materials costs, and the repairs costs. Display of the company’s Profit and loss account for 2009 in contribution format. Table 4 shows that company’s profits and loss account for 2009 for its wood screws products. The company generated profit of 295 for the said year. Table 5 shows the revenues of its self taffers products for the year 2009. Table 6 shows the company’s Nuts and Bolts division’s profits and loss account for 2009 for its wood screws products. The company generated a loss of (219) for the said year. Table 6 shows the revenues of its self taffers products for the year 2009. The above discussions show that the company did not fare well in the two remaining product lines. On the other hand, the company did well in one of the three products scrutinized (Besley, 2008). III. Discussion of the company’s proposal to drop one of its failing products. Starting in January 2010 (based on 2009 figures). The company should not drop the nuts and bolts in January 2010 if the basis for the dropping is the 2009 annual income statement result. Continuing with production of the nuts and bolts generates a lesser loss of only 219.00 However, dropping the nuts and bolts section of the company’s production department would force the company to continue paying the fixed expenses. The fixed expenses are higher than the net loss of only 219.00 (Dubrin, 2008). IV. Discussion on whether the company should reduce prices of the wood screws to ?2.25 in the second half of 2010. The company should drop the price from to the lower 2.25. The lower price will generate a higher volume of revenues from 750 units to the higher 1,000 units. In addition the results of operations at 2.25 is higher than the results of operations for the prior higher selling price of 2.45 (Khan, 2006). V. The company’s total company profit forecast for second half 2010 assuming the pri ce of woodscrews is dropped to ?2.25, again taking account of the variances. Table 7 shows that company’s woodscrews products will be sold at a lower selling price of ?2.25. The table 7 financial statement shows that reducing the price from 2.45 to 2.25 is a good management decision. The reduction in the selling prices generates an in crease in the revenues by 250,000 units. The results of operations for the 2.25 price is better than the result sof operations pegged at 2.45 price (Moyer, 2009). IV. Long term prospects for Bilston.The fixed

Jessica Banks Case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Jessica Banks Case - Essay Example ame, it has to be understood that Haywards has not said that Banks cannot have access to the data she had generated, and she can still try to get a copy with his consent if she approaches this issue in a more mature way. Secondly, it has to be discussed whether Bank has a right to continue with the research which she has been working on in Haywards lab even after she quit that job and joined in another institution (Bebeau 24). In that case, the contribution of the student and the mentor have to be assessed regarding the generation of the data before a decision is made (Bebeau 24). Also, the spirit of research has always been that of a collective effort (Bebeau 24). Thirdly, it has to be decided how she could maintain her independence and at the same time, her collegiality and her personal integrity regarding this issue (Bebeau 25). Both these interests seem to be mutually conflicting in this particular context Bebeau 25). Here, the major thing is that usually the mentors role has the risk of being undervalued by beginner researchers (Bebeau 25). And also, a researcher needs to have the support of the mentor to pursue a successful career on a long term basis (Bebeau 25-26). Finally, in this part of solving the problem, Banks is faced with another conflict in which she has to decide whether she should fulfill her obligation to respect her mentor at the cost of loosing her research data generated so far or whether she should refuse to obey her mentor and fulfill her perceived obligation to warn other students who have a possibility to be in a similar situation (Bebeau 26). As far as this question is concerned, the basic premise has to be that the mentor should clearly communicate to the students, the legal obligations regarding the research work and the student should also try to learn such matters in the beginning of the research itself (Bebeau 26). In Bebeaus four-part approach, the second aspect of the problem lies in determining who the interested

Intel and AMD Processors Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Intel and AMD Processors - Essay Example Dell XPS 625 Desktop Computer contains the processor developed by AMD. This processor is AMD Phenom X4 940. Another specification of the system is its 500GB hard disk and 6GB of the RAM (Dell MT2, 2009). Here we have an optional facility of the Radeon HD 2400 Pro in its place of a GeForce 8800GTX. A Creative X-Fi supplies sound, gigabit Ethernet is onboard, and eight available USB ports make sure that you will never go wanting on the accessories side. This system has an Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy. There are also 8 USB ports. On the Windows XP, we have better performance and additional functionalities. If we talk about the system performance then we will be able to see that this system is the addition of the XPS 625 is a solid player for the better performance in its series and price significantly fewer than Dell QX9650 system. The XPS 625 is a multimedia computer that is checked AMD's impending mainstream 2.83-GHz Penryn Q9550 processor was identical to the XPS 625 by means of t he over-clock enabled QX9650 CPU in each other esteem except in cost (Simms, 2007). The XPS 625's midrange tower case a modish mixture of sleek black plastic plus silvery metal-conceals the unit's simply genuine disadvantage: It was immediately one free of charge drive cove. One main feature of this system is quietness.   There is a huge amount of the ventilation in the system body so that is can be easily vacuumed. So working with it in an industrial sector is really easy. We can use it for the production area.

Jessica Banks Case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Jessica Banks Case - Essay Example ame, it has to be understood that Haywards has not said that Banks cannot have access to the data she had generated, and she can still try to get a copy with his consent if she approaches this issue in a more mature way. Secondly, it has to be discussed whether Bank has a right to continue with the research which she has been working on in Haywards lab even after she quit that job and joined in another institution (Bebeau 24). In that case, the contribution of the student and the mentor have to be assessed regarding the generation of the data before a decision is made (Bebeau 24). Also, the spirit of research has always been that of a collective effort (Bebeau 24). Thirdly, it has to be decided how she could maintain her independence and at the same time, her collegiality and her personal integrity regarding this issue (Bebeau 25). Both these interests seem to be mutually conflicting in this particular context Bebeau 25). Here, the major thing is that usually the mentors role has the risk of being undervalued by beginner researchers (Bebeau 25). And also, a researcher needs to have the support of the mentor to pursue a successful career on a long term basis (Bebeau 25-26). Finally, in this part of solving the problem, Banks is faced with another conflict in which she has to decide whether she should fulfill her obligation to respect her mentor at the cost of loosing her research data generated so far or whether she should refuse to obey her mentor and fulfill her perceived obligation to warn other students who have a possibility to be in a similar situation (Bebeau 26). As far as this question is concerned, the basic premise has to be that the mentor should clearly communicate to the students, the legal obligations regarding the research work and the student should also try to learn such matters in the beginning of the research itself (Bebeau 26). In Bebeaus four-part approach, the second aspect of the problem lies in determining who the interested

Cavour and Bismarck respectively Essay Example for Free

Cavour and Bismarck respectively Essay The unification of the states of Italy and Germany was primarily driven according to how each statesman, Cavour and Bismarck respectively, handled the situation in their own countries. Generally, the two leaders implement the process of diverting their attentions on how to eject intruding forces out of the territorial states by starting a plot which will cause very common philosophical perspective, to drive away external forces. \. Cavour was able to ignite the war with the Austrians which lead to the total acquisition of territories for Italy. This started the unification process for the country since many forces of the states share the same sentiments (Arcaini, 2005). On the other hand, Bismarck of Germany also initiated a conflict in order to unify the outlying forces within the central German influence. Although indirectly, he created a small conspiracy by attracting an individual to accept a royal position in Spain in order to start the Franco-Prussian war. The combinations of forces lead to the unification of different German states. Between the two, Germany could be a potential effective European leader. This can be attributed due to its centralized extent of influence within its boundaries both geographically and politically. Unlike the Italian state, it is also situated in a way where easier strategic location is a big factor, an advantage to relay information to other European countries. Another factor which provides a greater advantage of Germany over Italy is that they showed a mightier force in terms of capturing other governments. When the war between France and the Northern states of Germany was over, Paris was captured considered to be the French center of government. References Arcaini. 2005. The Italian Unification. Arcaini. Retrieved November 17, 2007 from http://www. arcaini. com/ITALY/ItalyHistory/ItalianUnification. htm.

Factors Impacting on Cardiovascular Surgery

Factors Impacting on Cardiovascular Surgery STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The goals of this study are to explore the different factors affecting cardiovascular surgery and the manufacture of cardiovascular devices, as well as to quantify the market for various segments of the cardiovascular device market. Cardiac surgery is increasing globally, with the contribution of macroeconomic factors such as aging populations, increasing rates of obesity, poor nutrition and other health stressors. In recent years, new technologies have been developed that make sophisticated therapies accessible for patients in previously underserved locations. Whether through disease, congenital defects or degradation of cardiac and vascular function with advancing age, the incidence of cardiovascular disease is growing dramatically, substantiating the continued growth in cardiovascular surgical procedures. REASONS FOR DOING THIS STUDY The American Heart Association, in its publication Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, 2016 Update At-A-Glance, estimates that 98 million American adults will have one or more types of cardiovascular disease. Surgery represents the most effective therapy for advanced cardiovascular conditions. Recent innovations such as minimally invasive procedures, beating heart surgeries, ventricular assist devices and artificial hearts, replacement valves and treatments for hypertension such as renal denervation offer therapeutic options that result in shorter recovery times and reduced complication risks. Newer cardiovascular devices and therapeutic techniques will play an increasing role in enhancing quality of life for a growing elderly population, as well as patient groups with poor cardiac function. The ability of government-run health agencies and private insurance providers to cope with the increased need for cardiovascular procedures, together with rising hea lthcare costs, have led agencies and insurers to closely evaluate their coverage for cardiovascular surgical procedures and continually seek out lower-cost but still efficacious options. This report will identify areas of growth within the cardiovascular surgical device market and discuss innovative technologies that have been recently launched or are presently under development. Market growth rates will be projected based on manufacturers net revenues, unless otherwise indicated. This report is designed to achieve the following objectives: Describe the trends and developments affecting each type of cardiovascular surgical technology and discuss how each addresses market needs. Analyze market demand, competitive dynamics and regulatory/ reimbursement-related factors to project the market size for each technology and highlight target applications. Study intensively market growth by geography. Analyze trends and opportunities in major regions: North America, Europe, Asia and the rest of the world (ROW). Identify major stakeholders, product portfolio and recent developments, and draw a competitive landscape for the market leaders. Track and analyze recent developments, alliances, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, and patents of the market players in the industry. This report is designed to appeal to many types of readers, including marketing and management executives within the medical device industry, venture capital professionals interested in exploring commercialization opportunities and anyone else who would like to better understand how market factors and technologies interact in this industry. SCOPE OF REPORT The scope of this study encompasses multiple technologies and procedures related to cardiovascular surgical devices. The study focused primarily on four categories of cardiovascular surgery: traditional (open), interventional, cardiac rhythm management (CRM) and cardiac ablation procedures. These procedure groupings are categorized logically so that comparisons can be made within procedural groups as well as across the cardiovascular surgical devices industry as a whole. Note that carotid artery surgery related to stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery to correct aortic aneurysms, and surgical and stenting procedures designed to address peripheral vascular disease are not addressed in detail in this report. BCC Research analyzes the industry on a worldwide basis from market, product and technology perspectives. Regulations and reimbursement issues and patents issued from 2011 through mid-2016 are also examined to identify patient safety, regulatory review and insurance coverage issues for stakeholders and potential stakeholders in this industry. The report examines the cardiovascular surgery device industry in general, the types of technologies currently in use as well as future technological developments, and regulatory influences that affect product distribution. The industry structure section discusses the most active manufacturers with respect to relative market share, marketing strengths and forces that promote or hinder the growth of technologies. The technology sections detail historical (2014), and projected (2015 to 2020) market values. METHODOLOGY BCC Research presents an analysis across the entire cardiovascular surgical device market based on company-specific revenue dollars and units shipped as reported to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and/or other governmental agencies, as well as company information such as conversations with company officials, annual reports and product/financial news releases. The report also analyzes data collected from the United States Patent Office (USPTO) databases. Technological and demographic information is gathered from industry sources, governmental sources and published news reports. A top-down approach was used to estimate the market size of cardiovascular surgical devices. The research methodology used to calculate market size also included the following details: Market revenues of key players were determined through primary and secondary research, including a study of the annual reports of top market players, and interviews with key opinion leaders and corporate heads such as chief executive officers (CEOs), directors, product heads, business unit heads, etc. Secondary research included general search by keywords through paid sources such as Factiva and One Source, and other publicly available websites and company websites. The penetration of micromarkets was established through primary and secondary sources and validated through primary sources. The forecast was based on analysis of market trends such as pricing and volume analysis. The regional split was determined by using secondary sources verified through primary sources. The regional split was based on v arious parameters such as the number of players in a particular region, the extent of research activity occurring in that region and potential growth (e.g., scope for increase in number of laboratories). INFORMATION SOURCES BCC Research conducted primary and secondary research to develop this report. Sources included companies in the cardiovascular device market and supply industry, public documents, SEC filings, corporate white papers and other technical documentation for U.S. and international companies directly involved in manufacturing and distributing cardiovascular surgery devices and related products. Paid sources include Factiva, One Source and other subscribed healthcare magazines and journals. The report excludes resellers and retailers, focusing instead on the primary companies responsible for developing the underlying technology. Where precise information was not available, a consensus was made using reasonable assumptions and estimates based on historical data. ANALYSTS CREDENTIALS Bhavna Joshi has more than six years of healthcare domain experience. In addition to business research and consulting, she has conducted corporate briefings for top players in a wide range of market segments. After earning her MBA (marketing and finance stream) from Chennai University, she worked with major market research firms. Joshi has authored several market research studies in the healthcare domain. Some of these include: Healthcare tracking technologies. Molecular diagnostics market. High-growth markets in healthcare and life sciences. Adoption rates and analysis of over-the-counter (OTC) diabetic medicines and supplements. Radio frequency identification (RFID), real-time locating systems (RTLS), Internet Protocol (IP) surveillance and other emerging technologies in the healthcare domain.

Hester Prynne, of Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter, and Margare

Hester Prynne, of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, and Margaret Fuller, Themid-nineteenth-century Campaigner for the Rights of Women "Endowed in certain respects with the sensibility of Margaret Fuller, the great campaigner for the rights of women, Hester Prynne is as much a woman of mid-nineteenth-century American culture as she is of seventeenth-century Puritan New England." Is this an accurate assessment of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter? Margaret Fuller (1810-1850) was an author, critic, editor and teacher who "possessed more influence on the thought of American women than any woman previous to her time" [1]. She contributed significantly to the American Renaissance in literature and to mid-nineteenth century reform movements. A brilliant and highly educated member of the Transcendentalist group, she challenged Ralph Waldo Emerson both intellectually and emotionally. Women who attended her "conversations" and many men of her time found Fuller's influence life-changing. Her major work, Woman in the Nineteenth Century published in 1845, profoundly affected the women's rights movement which had its formal beginning at Seneca Falls, New York, three years later. Hester Prynne is the protagonist of Nathaniel Hawthorne's romantic novel, The Scarlet Letter, which is set in seventeenth-century Puritan New England. As a young woman, Hester married an elderly scholar, Roger Chillingworth, who sent her ahead to America to live but never followed. While waiting for him, she had an affair with a Puritan minister named Dimmesdale, after which she gave birth to Pearl. Found guilty of adultery (through the absence of her husband and the birth of Pearl), Hester is punished by being forced to wear a scarlet lette... ...on, 1996 4 The Scarlet Letter, p.263 5 Puritanism in Early America, edited by George M. Waller, p.6 6 The Scarlet Letter, p.53 7 Ibid. p.144-5 8 Ibid. p.195 9 Ibid. p.165 10 Ibid. p.86 11 Ibid. p.263 12 Charles Capper, in An American Romantic Life. p.ix. 13 The Scarlet Letter, p.165. 14 Ibid. p.263 15 Ibid. p.263 16 An American Romantic Life, p. xi 17 The Scarlet Letter, p.94 18 Ibid. p.263 19 Ibid. p.263 20 Margaret Fuller, Julia Ward Howe, 1889 21 The Scarlet Letter, p.113 22 Ibid. p.117 Bibliography Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. History of Woman Suffrage, 1881 Nathaniel Hawthorne. The Scarlet Letter, Oxford World's Classics, 1990 The Concise Oxford Dictionary, Ninth Edition, 1996 George M. Waller, (Ed). Puritanism in Early America Charles Capper. An American Romantic Life Julia Ward Howe. Margaret Fuller. 1889

Nathaniel Abraham :: essays research papers fc

Nathaniel Abraham was eleven years old when he committed the act of murder. Under a 1997 Michigan law a child of any age may be tried as an adult for severe crimes. Abraham was the first juvenile to be tried under this statute. Accused in the murder of Ronnie Lee Greene Jr., Abraham faced first degree murder charges. Now, at the age of fourteen, Nathaniel has been sentenced to a juvenile facility until the age of twenty-one. Oakland County Probate Judge Eugene Moore hopes that rehabilitation will put an end to Nathaniel’s criminal activity. Nathaniel, a black youth from the slums of Pontiac, Michigan, grew up with out a father, or a strong family unit. He, in turn, never learned the responsibility of his actions; he was not privy to an upbringing that reinforced positive ideals. Crime & Criminology describes, in depth, the relation between family and criminal activity in youths. Page 126 (chapter four) sited two relevant facts; 1) Blacks have much higher rates of illegitimacy and female headed house holds. 2) Blacks have a much higher rate of crime than their white counterparts. In Nathaniel’s case, it can be said that his lack of a positive role model, or father figure lead to his involvement in criminal activities. His mother, Gloria, was struggling to raise three children by herself. Nathaniel’s father had left when he was born, leaving her with no one to depend on. The family moved in with an older couple who offered to help them. With limited supervision Nathaniel was a constant source of aggravation for his mother. Police reported that Nathaniel was suspected in over 22 local crimes, ranging from assault to armed robbery. He, in fact, had been arrested five days before Greene’s murder on the charge of robbery. All this by the age of eleven. In families where there is no male role model a child is far more likely to become involved in crime. The data that exists suggests a direct correlation between youths raised without a fathe r and criminal activity.

Foundation’s Edge CHAPTER THIRTEEN UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY Pelorat wrinkled his nose when he and Trevize re-entered the Far Star. Trevize shrugged. â€Å"The human body is a powerful dispenser of odors. Recycling never works instantaneously and artificial scents merely overlay – they do not replace.† â€Å"And I suppose no two ships smell quite alike, once they've been occupied for a period of time by different people.† â€Å"That's right, but did you smell Sayshell Planet after the first hour?† â€Å"No,† admitted Pelorat. â€Å"Well, you won't smell this after a while, either. In fact, if you live in the ship long enough, you'll welcome the odor that greets you on your return as signifying home. And by the way, if you become a Galactic rover after this, Janov, you'll have to learn that it is impolite to comment on the odor of any ship or, for that matter, any world to those who live on that ship or world. Between us, of course, it is all right.† â€Å"As a matter of fact, Golan, the funny thing is I do consider the Far Star home. At least it's Foundation-made.† Pelorat smiled. â€Å"You know, I never considered myself a patriot. I like to think I recognize only humanity as my nation, but I must say that being away from the Foundation fills my heart with love for it.† Trevize was making his bed. â€Å"You're not very far from the Foundation, you know. The Sayshell Union is almost surrounded by Federation territory. We have an ambassador and an enormous presence here, from consuls on down. The Sayshellians like to oppose us in words, but they are usually very cautious about doing anything that gives us displeasure. – Janov, do turn in. We got nowhere today and we have to do better tomorrow.† Still, there was no difficulty in hearing between the two rooms, however, and when the ship was dark, Pelorat, tossing restlessly, finally said in a not very loud voice, â€Å"Golan?† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"You're not sleeping?† â€Å"Not while you're talking.† â€Å"We did get somewhere today. Your friend, Compor†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Ex-friend,† growled Trevize. â€Å"Whatever his status, he talked about Earth and told us something I hadn't come across in my researches before. Radioactivity!† Trevize lifted himself to one elbow. â€Å"Look, Golan, if Earth is really dead, that doesn't mean we return home. I still want to find Gaia.† Pelorat made a puffing noise with his mouth as though he were blowing away feathers. â€Å"My dear chap, of course. So do I. Nor do I think Earth is dead. Compor may have been telling what he felt was the truth, but there's scarcely a sector in the Galaxy that doesn't have some tale or other that would place the origin of humanity on some local world. And they almost invariably call it Earth or some closely equivalent name. â€Å"We call it ‘globocentrism' in anthropology. People have a tendency to take it for granted that they are better than their neighbors; that their culture is older and superior to that of other worlds; that what is good in other worlds has been borrowed from them, while what is bad is distorted or perverted in the borrowing or invented elsewhere. And the tendency is to equate superiority in quality with superiority in duration. If they cannot reasonably maintain their own planet to be Earth or its equivalent – and the beginnings of the human species – they almost always do the best they can by placing Earth in their own sector, even when they cannot locate it exactly.† Trevize said, â€Å"And you're telling me that Compor was just following the common habit when he said Earth existed in the Sirius Sector. – Still, the Sirius Sector does have a long history, so every world in it should be well known and it should be easy to check the matter, even without going there.† Pelorat chuckled. â€Å"Even if you were to show that no world in the Sirius Sector could possibly be Earth, that wouldn't help. You underestimate the depths to which mysticism can bury rationality, Golan. There are at least half a dozen sectors in the Galaxy where respectable scholars repeat, with every appearance of solemnity and with no trace of a smile, local tales that Earth – or whatever they choose to call it – is located in hyperspace and cannot be reached, except by accident.† â€Å"And do they say anyone has ever reached it by accident?† â€Å"There are always tales and there is always a patriotic refusal to disbelieve, even though the tales are never in the least credible and are never believed by anyone not of the world that produces them.† â€Å"Then, Janov, let's not believe them ourselves. Let's enter our own private hyperspace of sleep.† â€Å"But, Golan, it's this business of Earth's radioactivity that interests me. To me, that seems to bear the mark of truth – or a kind of truth.† â€Å"What do you mean, a kind of truth?† â€Å"Well, a world that is radioactive would be a world in which hard radiation would be present in higher concentration than is usual. The rate of mutation would be higher on such a world and evolution would proceed more quickly – and more diversely. I told you, if you remember, that among the points on which almost all the tales agree is that life on Earth was incredibly diverse: millions of species of all kinds of life. It is this diversity of life – this explosive development – that might have brought intelligence to the Earth, and then the surge outward into the Galaxy. If Earth were for some reason radioactive – that is, more radioactive than other planets – that might account for everything else about Earth that is – or was unique.† Trevize was silent for a moment. Then, â€Å"In the first place, we have no reason to believe Compor was telling the truth. He may well have been lying freely in order to induce us to leave this place and go chasing madly off to Sirius. I believe that's exactly what he was doing. And even if he were telling the truth, what he said was that there was so much radioactivity that life became impossible.† Pelorat made the blowing gesture again. â€Å"There wasn't too much radioactivity to allow life to develop on Earth and it is easier for life to maintain itself – once established – than to develop in the first place. Granted, then, that life was established and maintained on Earth. Therefore the level of radioactivity could not have been incompatible with life to begin with and it could only have fallen off with time. There is nothing that can raise the level.† â€Å"Nuclear explosions?† suggested Trevize. â€Å"What would that have to do with it?† â€Å"I mean, suppose nuclear explosions took place on Earth?† â€Å"On Earth's surface? Impossible. There's no record in the history of the Galaxy of any society being so foolish as to use nuclear explosions as a weapon of war. We would never have survived. During the Trigellian insurrections, when both sides were reduced to starvation and desperation and when Jendippurus Khoratt suggested the initiation of a fusion reaction in†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"He was hanged by the sailors of his own fleet. I know Galactic history. I was thinking of accident.† â€Å"There's no record of accidents of that sort that are capable of significantly raising the intensity of radioactivity of a planet, generally.† He sighed. â€Å"I suppose that when we get around to it, we'll have to go to the Sirius Sector and do a little prospecting there.† â€Å"Someday, perhaps, we will. But for now†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Yes, yes, I'll stop talking.† He did and Trevize lay in the dark for nearly an hour considering whether he had attracted too much attention already and whether it might not be wise to go to the Sirius Sector and then return to Gaia when attention – everyone's attention – was elsewhere. He had arrived at no clear decision by the time he fell asleep. His dreams were troubled. They did not arrive back in the city till midmorning. The tourist center was quite crowded this time, but they managed to obtain the necessary directions to a reference library, where in turn they received instruction in the use of the local models of data-gathering computers. They went carefully through the museums and universities, beginning with those that were nearest, and checked out whatever information was available on anthropologists, archaeologists, and ancient historians. Pelorat said, â€Å"Ah!† â€Å"Ah?† said Trevize with some asperity. â€Å"Ah, what?† â€Å"This name, Quintesetz. It seems familiar.† â€Å"You know him?† â€Å"No, of course not, but I may have read papers of his. Back at the ship, where I have my reference collection†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"We're not going back, Janov. If the name is familiar, that's a starting point. If he can't help us, he will undoubtedly be able to direct us further.† He rose to his feet. â€Å"Let's find a way of getting to Sayshell University. And since there will be nobody there at lunchtime, let's eat first.† It was not till late afternoon that they had made their way out to the university, worked their way through its maze, and found themselves in an anteroom, waiting for a young woman who had gone off in search of information and who might – or might not – lead them to Quintesetz. â€Å"I wonder,† said Pelorat uneasily, â€Å"how much longer we'll have to wait. It must be getting toward the close of the schoolday.† And, as though that were a cue, the young lady whom they had last seen half an hour before, walked rapidly toward them, her shoes glinting red and violet and striking the ground with a sharp musical tone as she walked. The pitch varied with the speed and force of her steps. Pelorat winced. He supposed that each world had its own ways of assaulting the senses, just as each had its own smell. He wondered if, now that he no longer noticed the smell, he might also learn not to notice the cacophony of fashionable young women when they walked. She came to Pelorat and stopped. â€Å"May I have your full name, Professor?† â€Å"It's Janov Pelorat, miss.† â€Å"Your home planet?† Trevize began to lift one hand as though to enjoin silence, but Pelorat, either not seeing or not regarding, said, â€Å"Terminus.† The young woman smiled broadly, and looked pleased. â€Å"When I told Professor Quintesetz that a Professor Pelorat was inquiring for him, he said he would see you if you were Janov Pelorat of Terminus, but not otherwise.† Pelorat blinked rapidly. â€Å"You – you mean, he's heard of me?† â€Å"It certainly seems so.† And, almost creakily, Pelorat managed a smile as he turned to Trevize. â€Å"He's heard of me. I honestly didn't think†¦ I mean, I've written very few papers and I didn't think that anyone†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He shook his head. â€Å"They weren't really important.† â€Å"Well then,† said Trevize, smiling himself, â€Å"stop hugging yourself in an ecstasy of self-underestimation and let's go.† He turned to the woman. â€Å"I presume, miss, there's some sort of transportation to take us to him?† â€Å"It's within walking distance. We won't even have to leave the building complex and I'll be glad to take you there. – Are both of you from Terminus?† And off she went. The two men followed and Trevize said, with a trace of annoyance, â€Å"Yes, we are. Does that make a difference?† â€Å"Oh no, of course not. There are people on Sayshell that don't like Foundationers, you know, but here at the university, we're more cosmopolitan than that. Live and let live is what I always say. I mean, Foundationers are people, too. You know what I mean?† â€Å"Yes, I know what you mean. Lots of us say that Sayshellians are people.† â€Å"That's just the way it should be. I've never seen Terminus. It must be a big city.† â€Å"Actually it isn't,† said Trevize matter-of-factly. â€Å"I suspect it's smaller than Sayshell City.† â€Å"You're tweaking my finger,† she said. â€Å"It's the capital of the Foundation Federation, isn't it? I mean, there isn't another Terminus, is there?† â€Å"No, there's only one Terminus, as far as I know, and that's where we're from – the capital of the Foundation Federation.† â€Å"Well then, it must be an enormous city. – And you're coming all the way here to see the professor. We're very proud of him, you know. He's considered the biggest authority in the whole Galaxy.† â€Å"Really?† said Trevize. â€Å"On what?† Her eyes opened wide again, â€Å"You are a teaser. He knows more about ancient history than – than I know about my own family.† And she continued to walk on ahead on her musical feet. One can only be called a teaser and a finger-tweaker so often without developing an actual impulse in that direction. Trevize smiled and said, â€Å"The professor knows all about Earth, I suppose?† â€Å"Earth?† She stopped at an office door and looked at them blankly. â€Å"You know. The world where humanity got its start.† â€Å"Oh, you mean the planet-that-was-first. I guess so. I guess he should know all about it. After all, it's located in the Sayshell Sector. Everyone knows that! – This is his office. Let me signal him.† â€Å"No, don't,† said Trevize. â€Å"Not for just a minute. Tell me about Earth.† â€Å"Actually I never heard anyone call it Earth. I suppose that's a Foundation word. We call it Gaia, here.† Trevize cast a swift look at Pelorat. â€Å"Oh? And where is it located?† â€Å"Nowhere. It's in hyperspace and there's no way anyone can get to it. When I was a little girl, my grandmother said that Gaia was once in real space, but it was so disgusted at the†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Crimes and stupidities of human beings,† muttered Pelorat, â€Å"that, out of shame, it left space and refused to have anything more to do with the human beings it had sent out into the Galaxy.† â€Å"You know the story, then. See? – A girlfriend of mine says it's superstition. Well, I'll tell her. If it's good enough for professors from the Foundation†¦Ã¢â‚¬  A glittering section of lettering on the smoky glass of the door read: SOTAYN QUINTESETZ ABT in the hard-to-read Sayshellian calligraphy – and under it was printed, in the same fashion: DEPARTMENT OF ANCIENT HISTORY. The woman placed her finger on a smooth metal circle. There was no sound, but the smokiness of the glass turned a milky white for a moment and a soft voice said, in an abstracted sort of way, â€Å"Identify yourself, please.† â€Å"Janov Pelorat of Terminus,† said Pelorat, â€Å"with Golan Trevize of the same world.† The door swung open at once. The man who stood up, walked around his desk, and advanced to meet them was tall and well into middle age. He was light brown in skin color and his hair, which was set in crisp curls over his head, was iron-gray. He held out his hand in greeting and his voice was soft and low. â€Å"I am S. Q. I am delighted to meet you, Professors.† Trevize said, â€Å"I don't own an academic title. I merely accompany Professor Pelorat. You may call me simply Trevize. I am pleased to meet you, Professor Abt.† Quintesetz held up one hand in clear embarrassment. â€Å"No no. Abt is merely a foolish title of some sort that has no significance outside of Sayshell. Ignore it, please, and call me S. Q. We tend to use initials in ordinary social intercourse on Sayshell. I'm so pleased to meet two of you when I had been expecting but one.† He seemed to hesitate a moment, then extended his right hand after wiping it unobtrusively on his trousers. Trevize took it, wondering what the proper Sayshellian manner of greeting was. Quintesetz said, â€Å"Please sit down. I'm afraid you'll find these chairs to be lifeless ones, but I, for one, don't want my chairs to hug me. It's all the fashion for chairs to hug you nowadays, but I prefer a hug to mean something, hey?† Trevize smiled and said, â€Å"Who would not? Your name, SQ., seems to be of the Rim Worlds and not Sayshellian. I apologize if the remark is impertinent.† â€Å"I don't mind. My family traces back, in part, to Askone. Five generations back, my great-great-grandparents left Askone when Foundation domination grew too heavy.† Pelorat said, â€Å"And we are Foundationers. Our apologies.† Quintesetz waved his hand genially, â€Å"I don't hold a grudge across a stretch of five generations. Not that such things haven't been done, more's the pity. Would you like to have something to eat? To drink? Would you like music in the background?† â€Å"If you don't mind,† said Pelorat, â€Å"I'd be willing to get right to business, if Sayshellian ways would permit.† â€Å"Sayshellian ways are not a barrier to that, I assure you. – You have no idea how remarkable this is, Dr. Pelorat. It was only about two weeks ago that I came across your article on origin myths in the Archaeological Review and it struck me as a remarkable synthesis all too brief.† Pelorat flushed with pleasure. â€Å"How delighted I am that you have read it. I had to condense it, of course, since the Review would not print a full study. I have been planning to do a treatise on the subject.† â€Å"I wish you would. In any case, as soon as I had read it, I had this desire to see you. I even had the notion of visiting Terminus in order to do so, though that would have been hard to arrange†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Why so?† asked Trevize. Quintesetz looked embarrassed. â€Å"I'm sorry to say that Sayshell is not eager to join the Foundation Federation and rather discourages any social communication with the Foundation. We've a tradition of neutralism, you see. Even the Mule didn't bother us, except to extort from us a specific statement of neutrality. For that reason, any application for permission to visit Foundation territory generally and particularly Terminus – is viewed with suspicion, although a scholar such as myself, intent on academic business, would probably obtain his passport in the end. – But none of that was necessary; you have come to me. I can scarcely believe it. I ask myself: Why? Have you heard of me, as I have heard of you?† Pelorat said, â€Å"I know your work, S. Q., and in my records I have abstracts of your papers. It is why I have come to you. I am exploring both the matter of Earth, which is the reputed planet of origin of the human species, and the early period of the exploration and settlement of the Galaxy. In particular, I have come here to inquire as to the founding of Sayshell.† â€Å"From your paper,† said Quintesetz, â€Å"I presume you are interested in myths and legends.† â€Å"Even more in history – actual facts – if such exist. Myths and legends, otherwise.† Quintesetz rose and walked rapidly back and forth the length of his office, paused to stare at Pelorat, then walked again. Trevize said impatiently, â€Å"Well, sir.† Quintesetz said, â€Å"Odd! Really odd! It was only yesterday†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Pelorat said, â€Å"What was only yesterday?† Quintesetz said, â€Å"I told you, Dr. Pelorat – may I call you J. P., by the way? I find using a full-length name rather unnatural† â€Å"Please do.† â€Å"I told you, J. P., that I had admired your paper and that I had wanted to see you. The reason I wanted to see you was that you clearly had an extensive collection of legends concerning the beginnings of the worlds and yet didn't have ours. In other words, I wanted to see you in order to tell you precisely what you have come to see me to find out.† â€Å"What has this to do with yesterday, S. Q. ?† asked Trevize. â€Å"We have legends. A legend. An important one to our society, for it has become our central mystery†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Mystery?† said Trevize. â€Å"I don't mean a puzzle or anything of that sort. That, I believe, would be the usual meaning of the word in Galactic Standard. There's a specialized meaning here. It means ‘something secret'; something only certain adepts know the full meaning of; something not to be spoken of to outsiders. – And yesterday was the day.† â€Å"The day of what, S. Q. ?† asked Trevize, slightly exaggerating his air of patience. â€Å"Yesterday was the Day of Flight.† â€Å"Ah,† said Trevize, â€Å"a day of meditation and quiet, when everyone is supposed to remain at home.† â€Å"Something like that, in theory, except that in the larger cities, the more sophisticated regions, there is little observance in the older fashion. – But you know about it, I see.† Pelorat, who had grown uneasy at Trevize's annoyed tone, put in hastily, â€Å"We heard a little of it, having arrived yesterday.† â€Å"Of all days,† said Trevize sarcastically. â€Å"See here, S. Q. As I said, I'm not an academic, but I have a question. You said you were speaking of a central mystery, meaning it was not to be spoken of to outsiders. Why, then, are you speaking of it to us? We are outsiders.† â€Å"So you are. But I'm not an observer of the day and the depth of my superstition in this matter is slight at best. J. P. ‘s paper, however, reinforced a feeling I have had for a long time. A myth or legend is simply not made up out of a vacuum. Nothing is – or can be. Somehow there is a kernel of truth behind it, however distorted that might be, and I would like the truth behind our legend of the Day of Flight.† Trevize said, â€Å"Is it safe to talk about it?† Quintesetz shrugged. â€Å"Not entirely, I suppose. The conservative elements among our population would be horrified. However, they don't control the government and haven't for a century. The secularists are strong and would be stronger still, if the conservatives didn't take advantage of our – if you'll excuse me – anti-Foundation bias. Then, too, since I am discussing the matter out of my scholarly interest in ancient history, the League of Academicians will support me strongly, in case of need.† â€Å"In that case,† said Pelorat, â€Å"would you tell us about your central mystery, SQ. ?† â€Å"Yes, but let me make sure we won't be interrupted or, for that matter, overheard. Even if one must stare the bull in the face, one needn't slap its muzzle, as the saying goes.† He flicked a pattern on the work-face of an instrument on his desk and said, â€Å"We're incommunicado now.† â€Å"Are you sure you're not bugged?† asked Trevize. â€Å"Bugged?† â€Å"Tapped! Eavesdropped! – Subjected to a device that will have you under observation – visual or auditory or both.† Quintesetz looked shocked. â€Å"Not here on Sayshell!† Trevize shrugged. â€Å"If you say so.† â€Å"Please go on, SQ.,† said Pelorat. Quintesetz pursed his lips, leaned back in his chair (which gave slightly under the pressure) and put the tips of his fingers together. He seemed to be speculating as to just how to begin. He said, â€Å"Do you know what a robot is?† â€Å"A robot?† said Pelorat. â€Å"No.† Quintesetz looked in the direction of Trevize, who shook his head slowly. â€Å"You know what a computer is, however?† â€Å"Of course,† said Trevize impatiently. â€Å"Well then, a mobile computerized tool†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Is a mobile computerized tool.† Trevize was still impatient. â€Å"There are endless varieties and I don't know of any generalized term for it except mobile computerized tool.† † – that looks exactly like a human being is a robot.† S. Q. completed his definition with equanimity. â€Å"The distinction of a robot is that it is humaniform.† â€Å"Why humaniform?† asked Pelorat in honest amazement. â€Å"I'm not sure. It's a remarkably inefficient form for a tool, I grant you, but I'm just repeating the legend. ‘Robot' is an old word from no recognizable language, though our scholars say it bears the connotation of ‘work.† â€Å"I can't think of any word,† said Trevize skeptically, â€Å"that sounds even vaguely like ‘robot' and that has any connection with ‘work.† â€Å"Nothing in Galactic, certainly,† said Quintesetz, â€Å"but that's what they say.† Pelorat said, â€Å"It may have been reverse etymology. These objects were used for work, and so the word was said to mean ‘work. ‘ – In any case, why do you tell us this?† â€Å"Because it is a firmly fixed tradition here on Sayshell that when Earth was a single world and the Galaxy lay all uninhabited before it, robots were invented and devised. There were then two sorts of human beings: natural and invented, flesh and metal, biological and mechanical, complex and simple†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Quintesetz came to a halt and said with a rueful laugh, â€Å"I'm sorry. It is impossible to talk about robots without quoting from the Book of Flight. The people of Earth devised robots – and I need say no more. That's plain enough.† â€Å"And why did they devise robots?† asked Trevize. Quintesetz shrugged. â€Å"Who can tell at this distance in time? Perhaps they were few in numbers and needed help, particularly in the great task of exploring and populating the Galaxy.† Trevize said, â€Å"That's a reasonable suggestion. Once the Galaxy was colonized, the robots would no longer be needed. Certainly there are no humanoid mobile computerized tools in the Galaxy today.† â€Å"In any case,† said Quintesetz, â€Å"the story is as follows – if I may vastly simplify and leave out many poetic ornamentations which, frankly, I don't accept, though the general population does or pretends to. Around Earth, there grew up colony worlds circling neighboring stars and these colony worlds were far richer in robots than was Earth itself. There was more use for robots on raw, new worlds. Earth, in fact, retreated, wished no more robots, and rebelled against them.† â€Å"What happened?† asked Pelorat. â€Å"The Outer Worlds were the stronger. With the help of their robots, the children defeated and controlled Earth – the Mother. Pardon me, but I can't help slipping into quotation. But there were those from Earth who fled their world – with better ships and stronger modes of hyperspatial travel. They fled to far distant stars and worlds, far beyond the closer worlds earlier colonized. New colonies were founded – without robots – in which human beings could live freely. Those were the Times of Flight, so-called, and the day upon which the first Earthmen reached the Sayshell Sector – this very planet, in fact – is the Day of Flight, celebrated annually for many thousands of years.† Pelorat said, â€Å"My dear chap, what you are saying, then, is that Sayshell was founded directly from Earth.† Quintesetz thought and hesitated for a moment. Then he said, â€Å"That is the official belief.† â€Å"Obviously,† said Trevize, â€Å"you don't accept it.† â€Å"It seems to me†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Quintesetz began and then burst out, â€Å"Oh, Great Stars and Small Planets, I don't! It is entirely too unlikely, but it's official dogma and however secularized the government has become, lip service to that, at least, is essential. – Still, to the point. In your article, J. P., there is no indication that you're aware of this story – of robots and of two waves of colonization, a lesser one with robots and a greater one without.† â€Å"I certainly was not,† said Pelorat. â€Å"I hear it now for the first time and, my dear SQ., I am eternally grateful to you for making this known to me. I am astonished that no hint of this has appeared in any of the writings†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"It shows,† said Quintesetz, â€Å"how effective our social system is. It's our Sayshellian secret – our great mystery.† â€Å"Perhaps,† said Trevize dryly. â€Å"Yet the second wave of colonization – the robotless wave – must have moved out in all directions. Why is it only on Sayshell that this great secret exists?† Quintesetz said, â€Å"It may exist elsewhere and be just as secret. Our own conservatives believe that only Sayshell was settled from Earth and that all the rest of the Galaxy was settled from Sayshell. That, of course, is probably nonsense.† Pelorat said, â€Å"These subsidiary puzzles can be worked out in time. Now that I have the starting point, I can seek out similar information on other worlds. What counts is that I have discovered the question to ask and a good question is, of course, the key by which infinite answers can be educed. How fortunate that I†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Trevize said, â€Å"Yes, Janov, but the good SQ. has not told us the whole story, surely. What happened to the older colonies and their robots? Do your traditions say?† â€Å"Not in detail, but in essence. Human and humanoid cannot live together, apparently. The worlds with robots died. They were not viable.† â€Å"And Earth?† â€Å"Humans left it and settled here and presumably (though the conservatives would disagree) on other planets as well.† â€Å"Surely not every human being left Earth. The planet was not deserted.† â€Å"Presumably not. I don't know.† Trevize said abruptly, â€Å"Was it left radioactive?† Quintesetz looked astonished. â€Å"Radioactive?† â€Å"That's what I'm asking.† â€Å"Not to my knowledge. I never heard of such a thing.† Trevize put a knuckle to his teeth and considered. Finally he said, â€Å"S. Q., it's getting late and we have trespassed sufficiently on your time, perhaps.† (Pelorat made a motion as though he were about to protest, but Trevize's hand was on the other's knee and his grip tightened – so Pelorat, looking disturbed, subsided.) Quintesetz said, â€Å"I was delighted to be of use.† â€Å"You have been and if there's anything we can do in exchange, name it.† Quintesetz laughed gently. â€Å"If the good J. P. will be so kind as to refrain from mentioning my name in connection with any writing he does on our mystery, that will be sufficient repayment.† Pelorat said eagerly, â€Å"You would be able to get the credit you deserve – and perhaps be more appreciated – if you were allowed to visit Terminus and even, perhaps, remain there as a visiting scholar at our university for an extended period. We might arrange that. Sayshell might not like the Federation, but they might not like refusing a direct request that you be allowed to come to Terminus to attend, let us say, a colloquium on some aspect of ancient history.† The Sayshellian half-rose. â€Å"Are you saying you can pull strings to arrange that?† Trevize said, â€Å"Why, I hadn't thought of it, but J. P. is perfectly right. That would be feasible – if we tried. And, of course, the more grateful you make us, the harder we will try.† Quintesetz paused, then frowned. â€Å"What do you mean, sir?† â€Å"All you have to do is tell us about Gaia, S. Q.,† said Trevize. And all the light in Quintesetz's face died. Quintesetz looked down at his desk. His hand stroked absent-mindedly at his short, tightly curled hair. Then he looked at Trevize and pursed his lips tightly. It was as though he were determined not to speak. Trevize lifted his eyebrows and waited and finally Quintesetz said in a strangled sort of way, â€Å"it is getting indeed late – quite glemmering.† Until then he had spoken in good Galactic, but now his words took on a strange shape as though the Sayshellian mode of speech were pushing past his classical education. â€Å"Glemmering, S. Q. ?† â€Å"It is nearly full night.† Trevize nodded. â€Å"I am thoughtless. And I am hungry, too. Could you please join us for an evening meal, S. Q., at our expense? We could then, perhaps, continue our discussion – about Gaia.† Quintesetz rose heavily to his feet. He was taller than either of the two men from Terminus, but he was older and pudgier and his height did not lend him the appearance of strength. He seemed more weary than when they had arrived. He blinked at them and said, â€Å"I forget my hospitality. You are Outworlders and it would not be fitting that you entertain me. Come to my home. It is on campus and not far and, if you wish to carry on a conversation, I can do so in a more relaxed manner there than here. My only regret† (he seemed a little uneasy) â€Å"is that I can offer you only a limited meal. My wife and I are vegetarians and if you are meat-eating, I can Only express my apologies and regrets.† Trevize said, â€Å"J. P. and I will be quite content to forego our carnivorous natures for one meal. Your conversation will more than make up for it – I hope.† â€Å"I can promise you an interesting meal, whatever the conversation,† said Quintesetz, â€Å"if your taste should run to our Sayshellian spices. My wife and I have made a rare study of such things.† â€Å"I look forward to any exoticism you choose to supply, S. Q.,† said Trevize coolly, though Pelorat looked a little nervous at the prospect. Quintesetz led the way. The three left the room and walked down an apparently endless corridor, with the Sayshellian greeting students and colleagues now and then, but making no attempt to introduce his companions. Trevize was uneasily aware that others stared curiously at his sash, which happened to be one of his gray ones. A subdued color was not something that was de rigueur in campus clothing, apparently. Finally they stepped through the door and out into the open. It was indeed dark and a little cool, with trees bulking in the distance and a rather rank stand of grass on either side of the walkway. Pelorat came to a halt – with his back to the glimmer of lights that came from the building they had just left and from the glows that lined the walks of the campus. He looked straight upward. â€Å"Beautiful!† he said. â€Å"There is a famous phrase in a verse by one of our better poets that speaks of ‘the speckle-shine of Sayshell's soaring sky.† Trevize gazed appreciately and said in a low voice, â€Å"Vie are from Terminus, S. Q., and my friend, at least, has seen no other skies. On Terminus, we see only the smooth dim fog of the Galaxy and a few barely visible stars. You would appreciate your own sky even more, had you lived with ours.† Quintesetz said gravely, â€Å"We appreciate it to the full, I assure you. It's not so much that we are in an uncrowded area of the Galaxy, but that the distribution of stars is remarkably even. I don't think that you will find, anywhere in the Galaxy, first-magnitude stars so generally distributed. – And yet not too many, either. I have seen the skies of worlds that are inside the outer reaches of a globular cluster and there you will see too many bright stars. It spoils the darkness of the night sky and reduces the splendor considerably.† â€Å"I quite agree with that,† said Trevize. â€Å"Now I wonder,† said Quintesetz, â€Å"if you see that almost regular pentagon of almost equally bright stars. The Five Sisters, we call them. It's in that direction, just above the line of trees. Do you see it?† â€Å"I see it,† said Trevize. â€Å"Very attractive.† â€Å"Yes,† said Quintesetz. â€Å"It's supposed to symbolize success in love – and there's no love letter that doesn't end in a pentagon of dots to indicate a desire to make love. Each of the five stars stands for a different stage in the process and there are famous poems which have vied with each other in making each stage as explicitly erotic as possible. In my younger days, I attempted versifying on the subject myself and I wouldn't have thought that the time would come when I would grow so indifferent to the Five Sisters, though I suppose it's the common fate. – Do you see the dim star just about in the center of the Five Sisters.† â€Å"That,† said Quintesetz, â€Å"is supposed to represent unrequited love. There is a legend that the star was once as bright as the rest, but faded with grief.† And he walked on rapidly. The dinner, Trevize had been forced to admit to himself, was delightful. There was endless variety and the spicing and dressing were subtle but effective. Trevize said, â€Å"All these vegetables – which have been a pleasure to eat, by the way – are part of the Galactic dietary, are they not, SQ. ?† â€Å"Yes, of course.† â€Å"I presume, though, that there are indigenous forms of life, too.† â€Å"Of course. Sayshell Planet was an oxygen world when the first settlers arrived, so it had to be life-bearing. And we have preserved some of the indigenous life, you may be sure. We have quite extensive natural parks in which both the flora and the fauna of Old Sayshell survive.† Pelorat said sadly, â€Å"There you are in advance of us, S. Q. There was little land life on Terminus when human beings arrived and I'm afraid that for a long time no concerted effort was made to preserve the sea life, which had produced the oxygen that made Terminus habitable. Terminus has an ecology now that is purely Galactic in nature.† â€Å"Sayshell,† said Quintesetz, with a smile of modest pride, â€Å"has a long and steady record of life-valuing.† And Trevize chose that moment to say, â€Å"When we left your office, SQ., I believe it was your intention to feed us dinner and then tell us about Gaia.† Quintesetz's wife, a friendly woman – plump and quite dark, who had said little during the meal – looked up in astonishment, rose, and left the room without a word. â€Å"My wife,† said Quintesetz uneasily, â€Å"is quite a conservative, I'm afraid, and is a bit uneasy at the mention of – the world. Please excuse her. But why do you ask about it?† â€Å"Because it is important for J. P.'s work, I'm afraid.† â€Å"But why do you ask it of me? We were discussing Earth, robots, the founding of Sayshell. What has all this to do with – what you ask?† ‘Perhaps nothing, and yet there are so many oddnesses about the matter. Why is your wife uneasy at the mention of Gaia? Why are you uneasy? Some talk of it easily enough. We have been told only today that Gaia is Earth itself and that it has disappeared into hyperspace because of the evil done by human beings.† A look of pain crossed Quintesetz's face. â€Å"Who told you that gibberish?† â€Å"Someone I met here at the university.† â€Å"That's just superstition.† â€Å"Then it's not part of the central dogma of your legends concerning the Flight?† â€Å"No, of course not. It's just a fable that arose among the ordinary, uneducated people.† â€Å"Are you sure?† asked Trevize coldly. Quintesetz sat back in his chair and stared at the remnant of the meal before him. â€Å"Come into the living room,† he said. â€Å"My wife will not allow this room to be cleared and set to rights while we are here and discussing – this.† â€Å"Are you sure it is just a fable?† repeated Trevize, once they had seated themselves in another room, before a window that bellied upward and inward to give a clear view of Sayshell's remarkable night sky. The lights within the room glimmered down to avoid competition and Quintesetz's dark countenance melted into the shadow. Quintesetz said, â€Å"Aren't you sure? Do you think that any world can dissolve into hyperspace? You must understand that the average person has only the vaguest notion of what hyperspace is.† â€Å"The truth is,† said Trevize, â€Å"that I myself have only the vaguest notion of what hyperspace is and I've been through it hundreds of times.† â€Å"Let me speak realities, then. I assure you that Earth – wherever it is – is not located within the borders of the Sayshell Union and that the world you mentioned is not Earth.† â€Å"But even if you don't know where Earth is, S. Q., you ought to know where the world I mentioned is. It is certainly within the borders of the Sayshell Union. We know that much, eh, Pelorat?† Pelorat, who had been listening stolidly, started at being suddenly addressed and said, â€Å"If it comes to that, Golan, I know where it is.† Trevize turned to look at him. â€Å"Since when, Janov?† â€Å"Since earlier this evening, my dear Golan. You showed us the Five Sisters, S. Q., on our way from your office to your house. You pointed out a dim star at the center of the pentagon. I'm positive that's Gaia.† Quintesetz hesitated – his face, hidden in the dimness, was beyond any chance of interpretation. Finally he said, â€Å"Well, that's what our astronomers tell us – privately. It is a planet that circles that star.† Trevize gazed contemplatively at Pelorat, but the expression on the professor's face was unreadable. Trevize turned to Quintesetz, â€Å"Then tell us about that star. Do you have its co-ordinates?† â€Å"I? No.† He was almost violent in his denial. â€Å"I have no stellar co-ordinates here. You can get it from our astronomy department, though I imagine not without trouble. No travel to that star is permitted.† â€Å"Why not? It's within your territory, isn't it?† â€Å"Spaciographically, yes. Politically, no.† Trevize waited for something more to be said. When that didn't come, he rose. â€Å"Professor Quintesetz,† he said formally, â€Å"I am not a policeman, soldier, diplomat, or thug. I am not here to force information out of you. Instead, I shall, against my will, go to our ambassador. Surely, you must understand that it is not I, for my own personal interest, that request this information. This is Foundation business and I don't want to make an interstellar incident out of this. I don't think the Sayshell Union would want to, either.† Quintesetz said uncertainly, â€Å"What is this Foundation business?† â€Å"That's not something I can discuss with you. If Gaia is not something you can discuss with me, then we will transfer it all to the government level and, under the circumstances, it may be the worse for Sayshell. Sayshell has kept its independence of the Federation and I have no objection to that. I have no reason to wish Sayshell ill and I do not wish to approach our ambassador. In fact, I will harm my own career in doing so, for I am under strict instruction to get this information without making a government matter of it. Please tell me, then, if there is some firm reason why you cannot discuss Gaia. Will you be arrested or otherwise punished, if you speak? Will you tell me plainly that I have no choice but to go to the ambassadorial height?† â€Å"No no,† said Quintesetz, who sounded utterly confused. â€Å"I know nothing about government matters. We simply don't speak of that world.† â€Å"Superstition?† ‘Well, yes! Superstition! – Skies of Sayshell, in what way am I better than that foolish person who told you that Gaia was in hyperspace – or than my wife who won't even stay in a room where Gaia is mentioned and who may even have left the house for fear it will be smashed by†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Lightning?† â€Å"By some stroke from afar. And I, even I, hesitate to pronounce the name. Gaia! Gaia! The syllables do not hurt! I am unharmed! Yet I hesitate. – But please believe me when I say that I honestly don't know the co-ordinates for Gaia's star. I can try to help you get it, if that will help, but let me tell you that we don't discuss the world here in the Union. We keep hands and minds off it. I can tell you what little is known – really known, rather than supposed – and I doubt that you can learn anything more anywhere in these worlds of the Union. â€Å"We know Gaia is an ancient world and there are some who think it is the oldest world in this sector of the Galaxy, but we are not certain. Patriotism tells us Sayshell Planet is the oldest; fear tells us Gaia Planet is. The only way of combining the two is to suppose that Gaia is Earth, since it is known that Sayshell was settled by Earthpeople. â€Å"Most historians think – among themselves – that Gaia Planet was founded independently. They think it is not a colony of any world of our Union and that the Union was not colonized by Gaia. There is no consensus on comparative age, whether Gaia was settled before or after Sayshell was.† Trevize said, â€Å"So far, what you know is nothing, since every possible alternative is believed by someone or other.† Quintesetz nodded ruefully. â€Å"It would seem so. It was comparatively late in our history that we became conscious of the existence of Gaia. We had been preoccupied at first in forming the Union, then in fighting off the Galactic Empire, then in trying to find our proper role as an Imperial province and in limiting the power of the Viceroys. â€Å"It wasn't till the days of Imperial weakness were far advanced that one of the later Viceroys, who was under very weak central control by then, came to realize that Gaia existed and seemed to maintain its independence from the Sayshellian province and even from the Empire itself. It simply kept to itself in isolation and secrecy, so that virtually nothing was known about it, anymore than is now known. The Viceroy decided to take it over. We have no details what happened, but his expedition was broken and few ships returned. In those days, of course, the ships were neither very good nor very well led. â€Å"Sayshell itself rejoiced at the defeat of the Viceroy, who was considered an Imperial oppressor, and the debacle led almost directly to the re-establishment of our independence. The Sayshell Union snapped its ties with the Empire and we still celebrate the anniversary of that event as Union Day. Almost out of gratitude we left Gaia alone for nearly a century, but the time came when we were strong enough to begin to think of a little imperialistic expansion of our own. Why not take over Gaia? Why not at least establish a Customs Union? We sent out a fleet and it was broken, too. â€Å"Thereafter, we confined ourselves to an occasional attempt at trade – attempts that were invariably unsuccessful. Gaia remained in firm isolation and never – to anyone's knowledge – made the slightest attempt to trade or communicate with any other world. It certainly never made the slightest hostile move against anyone in any direction. And then†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Quintesetz turned up the light by touching a control in the arm of his chair. In the light, Quintesetz's face took on a clearly sardonic expression. He went on, â€Å"Since you are citizens of the Foundation, you perhaps remember the Mule.† Trevize flushed. In five centuries of existence, the Foundation had been conquered only once. The conquest had been only temporary and had not seriously interfered with its climb toward Second Empire, but surely no one who resented the Foundation and wished to puncture its self-satisfaction would fail to mention the Mule, its one conqueror. And it was likely (thought Trevize) that Quintesetz had raised the level of light in order that he might see Foundational self-satisfaction punctured. He said, â€Å"Yes, we of the Foundation remember the Mule.† â€Å"The Mule,† said Quintesetz, â€Å"ruled an Empire for a while, one that was as large as the Federation now controlled by the Foundation. He did not, however, rule us. He left us in peace. He passed through Sayshell at one time, however. We signed a declaration of neutrality and a statement of friendship. He asked nothing more. We were the only ones of whom he asked nothing more in the days before illness called a halt to his expansion and forced him to wait for death. He was not an unreasonable man, you know. He did not use unreasonable force, he was not bloody, and he ruled humanely.† â€Å"It was just that he was a conqueror,† said Trevize sarcastically. â€Å"Like the Foundation,† said Quintesetz. Trevize, with no ready answer, said irritably, â€Å"Do you have more to say about Gaia?† â€Å"Just a statement that the Mule made. According to the account of the historic meeting between the Mule and President Kallo of the Union, the Mule is described as having put his signature to the document with a flourish and to have said, â€Å"You are neutral even toward Gaia by this document, which is fortunate for you. Even I will not approach Gaia.† Trevize shook his head. â€Å"Why should he? Sayshell was eager to pledge neutrality and Gaia had no record of ever troubling anyone. The Mule was planning the conquest of the entire Galaxy at the time, so why delay for trifles? Time enough to turn on Sayshell and Gaia, when that was done.† â€Å"Perhaps, perhaps,† said Quintesetz, â€Å"but according to one witness at the time, a person we tend to believe, the Mule put down his pen as he said, ‘Even I will not approach Gaia. ‘ His voice then dropped and, in a whisper not meant to be heard, he added ‘again.† â€Å"Not meant to be heard, you say. Then how was it he was heard?† â€Å"Because his pen rolled off the table when he put it down and a Sayshellian automatically approached and bent to pick it up. His ear was close to the Mule's mouth when the word ‘again' was spoken and he heard it. He said nothing until after the Mule's death.† â€Å"How can you prove it was not an invention.† â€Å"The man's life is not the kind that makes it probable he would invent something of this kind. His report is accepted.† â€Å"And if it is?† â€Å"The Mule was never in – or anywhere near – the Sayshell Union except on this one occasion, at least after he appeared on the Galactic scene. If he had ever been on Gaia, it had to be before he appeared on the Galactic scene.† â€Å"Well?† â€Å"Well, where was the Mule born?† â€Å"I don't think anyone knows,† said Trevize. â€Å"In the Sayshell Union, there is a strong feeling he was born on Gaia.† â€Å"Because of that one word?† â€Å"Only partly. The Mule could not be defeated because he had strange mental powers. Gaia cannot be defeated either.† â€Å"Gaia has not been defeated as yet. That does not necessarily prove it cannot be.† â€Å"Even the Mule would not approach. Search the records of his Overlordship. See if any region other than the Sayshell Union was so gingerly treated. And do you know that no one who has ever gone to Gaia for the purpose of peaceful trade has ever returned? Why do you suppose we know so little about it?† Trevize said, â€Å"Your attitude seems much like superstition.† â€Å"Call it what you will. Since the time of the Mule, we have wiped Gaia out of our thinking. We don't want it to think of us. We only feel safe if we pretend it isn't there. It may be that the government has itself secretly initiated and encouraged the legend that Gaia has disappeared into hyperspace in the hope that people will forget that there is a real Star of that name.† â€Å"You think that Gaia is a world of Mules, then?† â€Å"It may be. I advise you, for your good, not to go there. If you do, you will never return. If the Foundation interferes with Gaia, it will show less intelligence than the Mule did. You might tell your ambassador that.† Trevize said, â€Å"Get me the co-ordinates and I will be off your world at once. I will reach Gaia and I will return.† Quintesetz said, â€Å"I will get you the co-ordinates. The astronomy department works nights, of course, and I will get it for you now, if I can. – But let me suggest once more that you make no attempt to reach Gaia.† Trevize said, â€Å"I intend to make that attempt.† And Quintesetz said heavily, â€Å"Then you intend suicide.†