Brand Reinforcement

STRATEGIC BRAND MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT Birmingham University Business School Msc Marketing 1205306 TA-CHENG LIU Words: 2992 Question: Brands need to be managed over time. This involves ‘Toscani’sToscani’s’. With reference to academic theory outline how brands have reinforced and revitalized themselves. You should illustrate your points with examples This paper aims to discuss that organizations how to use strategic actions to enhance brand and revitalize brand equity in strong competition. In terms of innovative marketing, amounts of organizations want to be managed as brands in order to generate benefits and profits for organizations. Kapferer, 2008) Indeed, brands are built on past marketing efforts obtained from consumers. As Kapferer (2008) documented, brands could be also seen as assets which produce benefits within long period. However, brands possibly encounter aging and decay in their lifecycle. (Keller, 1999) Furthermore, some brands may be inabilit y to compete in the strongly competitive market, because consumers may change their motivation on this category. In addition, regulations and advanced technology possibly influence brands losing their presence in the target market. Thomas & Kohli, 2009) Therefore, this paper will discuss two brands of cigarette, Mild Seven and Marlboro. They have suffered the difficulties at different moments, hence, both company had experience on brand reinforcement and brand revitalization. According to Thomas & Kohli (2009), brand enhancement aims to maintain the top-of-mind recall with consumers. Marketers actually could redesign marketing mix in order to fortify position. More importantly, brand equity will consist with brand extension. However, brand revitalization attempt to revive aging or decaying brands.When the brands are going to decay, the brand equity will decrease at the same time. Therefore, Wansink (2000) provided 7 steps include reposition and product innovation to rejuvenate brand s. Indeed, Ind (2007) argued that storytelling is another important technique which integrates past experience and future direction of brands. Companies sometimes merely think about reposition, but describing a brand story could benefit companies building stronger relationship with consumers. Overall, companies should prepare long term strategy to sustain the brand life.Moreover, I am convinced that brands need to transfer their communication channel besides traditional mass media. It benefits them extend brand image in consumers mind. According to Kaperer (2012), Brands are assets that could generate benefits to company within long time. Therefore, companies need to ceaselessly manage their brand equity over time in order to avoid lose presence in the industry. Specifically, the standard of brands life could be defined as birth, growth, maturity, decline, and death. During the brand life cycle, companies inevitably encounter dynamics of market.Consequently, their brand equity may g radually suffer the difficulties and be diminished in the future. (Lehu, 2006) Therefore, marketers need consider brand reinforcement and brand revitalization to sustain the brand. Indeed, it is the important responsibility that determine the when the brand should assess reinforcing or revitalizing for brand managers. As Keller documented (1999), brand reinforcement concentrates on avoiding brand aging and decaying. It will benefit companies fortify the brand image and brand awareness by innovating product and service in competitive market.On the other hand, brand revitalization mainly recapturing the brand equity which has been decaying and aging over time. As for maintaining the brand equity in a long period, organizations need to conduct strategy for brand enhancement. The purpose of reinforcing brand is maintaining top-of-mind recall in the competitive industry. (Thomas & Kohli, 2009) Literaturely, there are two major considerations of brand reinforcement for marketers: staying at young stage and brand consistency. In order to stay at youthful stage, marketers should create younger brand image to instead chronological age of brand.Specifically, companies could regularly advance their products or services in order to adapt in dynamic environment. (Lehu, 2006) Therefore, Keller (2012) suggested that companies could enhance the product-related performance to raise the value of brands. Moreover, organizations could use either category extension or line extension to strengthen brand awareness. On the other hand, reinforcing non-product-related performance of brands is expected to pursuit emotion and belief to consumers. Furthermore, I consider that excessive updating or extending may result in negative perception of consumers.Actually, they possibly confused on overmuch products from the specific brand. Consequently, it will decrease the favorability of the brand. In addition, maintaining brand consistency is a crucial aspect of reinforcing brand. Because keepi ng loyal consumers is the most important task of the brand. Hence, marketers should protect their elements of brand equity advance. Nevertheless, brand managers could attempt to reformulate elements of brand equity under the consistency concept. I am convinced that it is important to integrate consistency and youthfulness at the same time for brands.Therefore, companies would redesign their marketing mix in order to meet the both objectives of brand enhancement. As for distribution, companies can establish online shop to contact with youngsters in the digital generation. Moreover, they should enhance their service in order to easily contact with consumers. (Lehu, 2006) In terms of communication channel, he asserts that exhibitions are a vital medium which could demonstrate and promote products with consumers. It benefits companies fortify their brand image in consumers’ mind. In addition, event and sponsorship can reach more potential consumers due to widely exposing.Subseque ntly, companies could innovate their merchandising to strengthen the brand image. (Olaito, 2010) More importantly, brand research is most important technique before aforementioned actions. As LePla, Davis & Parker documented (2003), brand research can benefit companies for understanding the need of new generation. Furthermore, brand managers need to monitor changes in consumer perceptions. (Thomas & Kohli, 2009) Hence, brand managers can conduct suitable strategies to adapt the trend. In order to apply the theory above in the real world, Mild Seven is an adequate case to interpret brand reinforcement.It is the third most smoked tobacco in the industry. They dominated the domestic market and Asia market for long time because they continually maintaining brand equity. (http://www. jt. com) Moreover, their sales of global market gradually grew at the current moment. (http://global. tobaccofreekids. org) Indeed, the company concentrates on younger smokers due to the increasing need of y ounger smokers. This targeting strategy benefited Mild Seven remain the younger brand image in the industry. Initially, Mild Seven attempt to develop variable products from 10mg of tar to 1 mg of tar of cigarettes.New products were generated with milder taste and lower level of tar to meet consumers’ requirement. (http://www. tobaccoasia. com) It is expected maximize brand equity by line extension. Furthermore, Mild Seven constantly advances new filter technologies to protect its advantages. As for packaging, Mild Seven reformulate some of brand image. The company created a symbolic image to support the brand name. Furthermore they use blue and white motif of appearance for whole products in order to youthfulness. (http://www. thedesignassoc. om) Although Mild Seven changed the part of image, the brand still maintained the consistency in consumers’ mind. Moreover, Mild Seven used the recycled materials on packaging for improving negative image when selling cigarettes. (http://www. thedesignassoc. com) Subsequently, Mild Seven sponsored a team of Formula One in order to expand brand exposure worldwide. It made a significant contribution to the brand awareness. (http://www. auto123. com) Moreover, the symbol of Mild Seven has been impressive in audiences’ mind in the global market. Ultimately, Mild Seven decided to manufacture cigarettes in Switzerland for quality license.Consequently, consumers in Europe have more confidence on its products. This efficiently enhances brand equity for Mild Seven. (http://www. ciggiesworld. com) Conversely, Marlboro is another significant example. It has ever become a decaying brand in 1950s, but they now are the best-selling cigarette brand in the world. (http://www. bukisa. com/) After revitalization, the company attempt to sustain the brand equity in a long period. Marlboro encountered several difficulties few decades ago such as: advertising limit (http://www. marketingweek. co. uk) and healthy concern. M organ, 2007) Therefore, the company decided to continually fortifying their branding equity to against dynamics. Because governments prohibit advertisement of cigarette on majority of mass media in majority of countries, Marlboro cannot promote their characters and products efficiently even though Marlboro Man has already been impressive in consumers’ mind. (http://www. marketingweek. co. uk) Consequently, the company moved into sponsorship which benefited the brand being exposed on mass media. (Hemdev, 2005) Refer to Lehu (2006) mentioned, Marlboro transferred their distribution to night clubs which are admitted promotion for adult. Hemdev, 2005) It benefited the company reach target consumers directly. Simultaneously, Marlboro changed the product name with different color before the FDA limited misleading brand name. (Hemdev, 2005) It may decrease the risk of brand equity because changing brand name suddenly results in making consumers confused. But Marlboro still attempted to remain the brand consistency over time. To maximize brand equity, Marlboro developed an electronically heated cigarette for smokers who concern health issues. Moreover, it will benefit the company expanding brand association into the potential market and improving healthy concern.In addition, Marlboro authorized the brand name for clothing manufacture. (http://www. marlborooriginals. co. za) It benefits them maximizing brand awareness when implementing category extension. The cases indicate that both brands actively implement brand reinforcement in order to fortify their competition in the cigarette industry. However, both companies use similar strategies for strengthening brand equity. It possibly decreases degree of strength and uniqueness of brand associations. Hence, I concur that brands are expected to differentiate promotion because unique brand enhancement could attract consumers’ attention.As for youthfulness, brands should concentrate on Internet medium and socia l media in the digital generation because younger generations spend a lot of time on it. Consequently, brands could reach more potential consumers than before. In addition, there are less limits of advertisement of cigarette than normal mass media. Companies have more opportunities to reinforce their brand equity. On the other hand, some brands have already lost their value from consumers. Therefore, marketers need to rejuvenate the decaying brands in order to revive in the market. Thomas & Kohli, 2012) In addition, some organizations are interested in acquiring aging brands or declining brands and they attempt to reinvent the brands. It may benefit them expanding to different market. (Kaperer, 2012) In terms of revitalization process, Berry (1988) suggested that 7 steps of revitalizing strategy for companies. Initially, it needs to reposition innovative products or services with high quality. This probably gets consumers’ attention again. Secondly, the quality should be conn ected with their heritage and reputation.Thirdly, companies need to improve customer relationship in order to benefit the brands. Moreover, marketers should accelerate visible brand value to consumers. Subsequently, promoting the unique selling point is crucial to differentiate previous products and competitors. Specifically, brand manager should pursue additional value and good quality at competitive price to consumers. Moreover, companies could also provide superior functional benefits which may refresh the brand image. (Thomas & Kohli, 2009) In addition, organizations should integrate rejuvenation with marketing mix.More importantly, brands need to hold an event or campaign in order to announce their revitalization. Besides 7 steps, Keller (2012) mentioned that brand manager could identify additional or innovative usage with consumers on brand revitalization; simultaneously, they sometimes identify different direction to utilize a brand. Therefore, reposition becomes a common tec hnique of revitalization, but brand managers have to carefully define a new target market when they decided to reposition the brands. (Thomas & Kohli, 2009) However, there are some risks when companies assess the reposition strategy.Firstly, it is difficult to change brand image for consumers due the stereotype. Secondly, consumers may confuse between the previous image and new brand image. Finally, it possibly loses loyal consumers. (Keller, 2012) In order to rejuvenate brand image, most organizations attempt to modify the visual identity of brand. Indeed, changing the brand name is a frequent revitalization strategy by marketers. It could improve negative image of original brand name with consumers. However, renaming the brand probably decrease the degree of loyalty, brand recall and brand association. Keller, 2012) In addition, Mininni (n. d. ) suggest that revitalization needs to transfer the logo, trademark and trade dress could refresh brand image. But it may require repackagi ng with innovative products to younger generation at the same time. Although modifying either brand name or logo is expected to promote innovative meaning of brand to consumers, companies possibly invent huge amounts of expenditure on interpreting a new identity from an old one. Indeed changing the colors and the fonts is an easier and cheaper action for modifying visual identity and moving toward the fresh image.According to Ind (2007), storytelling is another tool for brand revitalization. Consumers and companies could be engaged in the story which describes brand history. Because brands possibly become aging within long time, consumers gradually have weak association with aging brands. Hence, Storytelling is a crucial medium to awake consumers’ memory of brands. In fact, I am convinced that storytelling could efficiently benefit companies on consumer retention while companies change the elements of brand equity. Additionally, celebrity endorsement is a useful technique for brand revitalization.Because celebrities can provide additional value from celebrities’ image, they can improve brand image and attract consumers’ attention for aging brands. Moreover, celebrity endorsement could extend communication channel of brand such as TV, magazine, activities and film. Consequently, companies attempt to sign a contract with younger and fashionable in order to returning youthfulness. Furthermore, celebrity could easily build association when companies assess repositioning. However, celebrity endorsement sometime has negative impact on brand image when celebrities have negative behaviors or news.More importantly, organizations should carefully choose suitable celebrities who own the public image as same as brand. (Lehu, 2006) The Marlboro Cigarettes is a famous example to understand the revitalization steps in reality. In the early period, Marlboro Cigarettes failed on female market in the United Stated in 1902. They initially introduced the camp aign â€Å"Mild as May† in order to reach lady’s image. Furthermore, they tried to design red tips with cigarettes in order to meet female’s requirement, but it did not benefit the sales of Marlboro. (http://www. bukisa. om/) In addition, the need of cigarette annually increased in the United Stated during the World of War II, whereas, Marlboro gradually was taken off the market due to weak brand awareness. Consequently, Marlboro tried to launch the filtered cigarettes for the female markets. The new products also aimed to against a study linking smoking to lung cancer. (http://voices. yahoo. com) However, the strategy could not benefit the company getting strong presence in the market. It is evidenced that Marlboro failed on brand enhancement even though they worked hard for consumers’ perception. http://www. bukisa. com/) Therefore, Marlboro decided to completely revitalize the brand position. The company changed the target consumer from females to male s with a campaign called â€Å"tattooed man†. The character is expected significantly establishing strong image in consumers’ mind, because the stereotype of man was a worker, a captain, a marine and an adventure in the United Stated in 1900s. Specifically, Marlboro created a cowboy as the Marlboro man in advertisement. (http://adage. com) The companies also use celebrity endorsement as Marlboro Man to strengthen their personality.Since then, the cowboy has become an impressive image for both smokers and non-smokers when they thought about Marlboro. As for product innovation, Marlboro developed a longer and white color of appearance of cigarettes. Compared to competitors, it was a unique feature which appealed high quality of cigarettes to consumers. http://www. bukisa. com/ Simultaneously, Marlboro redesigned the packaging with red, white and black-lettered in order to convey the independent spirit. (Hemdev, 2005) After revitalization, Marlboro turned round in the cig arette market in the USA.Furthermore, the brand became the premium brand and market leader in the world. As a result, the theory of Berry (1988) is convinced to success on brand revitalization. Comparing to Marlboro, Mild Seven did the brand well for long time, but the company plans to revitalize brand due to moving to global market. In order to obtain more market share in the regions besides Asia, Mild Seven decided to create a new brand name, Mevius which instead of Mild Seven. (http://www. jt. com/) In fact, the new name would benefit the company adapting in FDA’s policy of brand name.Although Mevius is a new name, it still remained the meaning of brand. Furthermore, the new name is expected to evaluate to premium position for western consumers. In addition, the packaging strategy keeps the icon and color of origin with new exterior design. (White, 2012) Indeed, Mild Seven integrated brand equity of past and future; this may decrease risk of brand association with consumer s. Both brands attempt to reposition their brand equity for revitalization, but they did not efficiently connect to previous elements.Mild Seven and Marlboro have rich heritage in the industry, they could actually utilize their history conveying a story to consumers. As Ind documented (2007), storytelling can remind the consumers’ perception on brands. Moreover, it benefits brands retaining older consumers. In my opinion, the best technique of brand revitalization will retain the loyal consumers and refresh brand equity at the same time. In conclusion, brand reinforcement and brand revitalization are crucial consideration for brand managers. Both of them have similar strategy in the market, but they are implemented at different moment.Therefore, organizations tend to maintain brand consistency and protect source of brand equity in order to survive in the competitive environment. Although most of scholars assert that brand should consistently evaluate their products and consum ers’ perception, I personally consider that organizations need to innovate their communication channels in the modern society. Because of advanced media, people would obtain information widely; therefore, Strengthen communication benefit brand fortifying brand equity and easily contacting with more potential consumers.On the other hand, companies concentrate on refreshing brand image by brand revitalization; hence, they always reposition the brand to improve negative brand equity. But it is expensive to reposition brands, some brand managers would redesign logo and packaging to rejuvenate brands. It possibly diminish the degree of risk for companies. In fact, I assert that it may be dangerous to rename the brand, which may lose their heritage with consumers. Although Mild Seven was successful on the decision, most consumers can not associate it between the Mevius and Mild Seven.In my opinion, revitalized brand should convey messages in order to make younger generations realiz ing brand heritage and value. It could build stronger relationship with consumers. In addition, Remaining brand history benefit companies retaining loyal consumers. Overall, brand managers should conduct long term strategy before building brands because sustaining brand equity is a profitable contribution to companies. References: A Busy Year for Japan Tobacco (2012) Available from: http://www. tobaccoasia. com/previous-issues/95-articles-q2-12/519-a-busy-year-for-japan-tobacco. tml [Accessed on 3 March 2013]. Berry, N. C. (1988) ‘Revitalizing brands’. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 5 (3): 15-21. Burnet, L. (1999) The Marlboro Man. Available from: http://adage. com [Accessed on 2 March 2013] Hemdev, P. A. (2005) ‘Marlboro-A Mini Case Study’. The Marketing Review, 5, 73-96 Ind, N. (2007) LIVING THE BRAND (3rd edition). London: Kogan Page. Japan Tobacco Inc and Japan Tobacco International (2011) Available from: http://global. tobaccofreekids. org/files/pdfs/e n/Japan_Profile. pdf [Accessed on 9 March 2013] JT â€Å"MILD SEVEN† (n. d. Availavle from: http://www. thedesignassoc. com/en/solutions/branding/br_mildseven. html [Accessed on 3 March 2013]. JT to Expand New Mild Seven Product to Nationwide Sales (2007) Availavle from: http://www. jt. com/investors/media/press_releases/2007/01/20070122_01. html [Accessed on 3 March 2013]. Kapferer, J. N. (2008) THE NEW STRATEGIC BRAND MANAGEMENT (4th edition). London: Kogan Page. Keller, K. L. (1999) ‘Managing brands for the long run: Brand reinforcement and revitalization strategies’ California Management Review, 41 (3): 102-124 Keller, K. L. , Aperia, T. amp; Georgson, M. (2012) Strategic Brand management: A European Perspective (2nd edition). England: Pearson Education Limited Lehu, J. M. (2006) BRAND REJUVENATION: How to protect, strengthen & add value to your brand to prevent it from ageing. London: Kogan Page. LePla, J. , Davis, S. & Parker, L. (2003) BRAND DRIVEN. London : Kogan Page. Marlboro Originals : The Story. Available from: http://www. marlborooriginals. co. za/history. html [Accessed on 10 March 2013] Mild Seven: a long history of motorsport involvement (2005) Available from: http://www. uto123. com/en/racing-news/mild-seven-a-long-history-of-motorsport-involvement? artid=35432 [Accessed on 3 March 2013] Mild Seven evolves to Mevius (2012) Available from: http://www. jt. com/investors/media/press_releases/2012/pdf/20120808_02. pdf [Accessed on 9 March 2013] Minini, T. (n. d. ) Revitalizing, Rejuvenating and Reformulating a Struggling Brand. Available from: http://www. brandchannel. com/papers_review. asp? sp_id=1240 [Accessed on 9 March 2013] Morgan, M. (2007) A History in Marketing of Marlboro Brand Cigarettes. Available from: http://voices. yahoo. om/a-history-marketing-marlboro-brand-cigarettes-204451. html? cat=9 [Accessed on 2 March 2013] Olaito, Y. (2010) Brand building: how brand reinforcement helps Available from: http://yinkaolaito . com/2010/09/brand-building-how-brand-reinforcement-helps/ [Accessed on 2 March 2013] The Magic of Mild Seven (n. d. ) Available from: http://www. ciggiesworld. com/mild-seven/ [Accessed on 3 March 2013]. The History of Marlboro Cigarettes (2009) Available from: http://www. bukisa. com/articles/207783_the-history-of-marlboro-cigarettes [Accessed on 2 March 2013] Tobacco giants still sending smoke signals (2005)

My Hero Is My Father Essay

Everyone has someone who has made an impact on his/her life. It can changed the view of this world. Sometimes people can get a hope from the person or the organization to change their life path. Since I have learned the differences between cons and pros, I found my self oriented to my father behavior. A father in love with his daughter. I love him even he is not alive any more. Although he passed away years ago, his advices and recommendations are still in my memory. He studied in a collage of oil and gas, and worked for the company in Iran named National Iranian Oil company. My brothers and I were proud of our parent. He was a strong family man who was devoted to providing the best he could for his family. I believe we were luckiest kids alive to have had two such loving parents. I firmly believe that my parents had impacts on shaping my future life. Especially my father effects on me most of the time when he were alive. body: Education My father always surrounded by books and newspapers that gave me a sense of reading. I grew up in this environment. When I was five years old, my father gave me a book as a gift on my birthday which have had big impact on me since I remember. One of the book that I love it is â€Å"The little prince† by Antoine de saint Exupery . My dad gave this to me when I left high school and whenever I see the cover I recall him. Reading a lot of different book helps improve my writing and my communication skills. I gain a lot of knowledge about the world around me by reading books. Behavior The lessons that my father taught me are very valuable for me. He always taught me to speak the truth, because it is the first step that will take me to success. He told me to be honest with everyone and every thing. This is the path of success in the future. Another value that he told me is to respect the elders and to love those who are younger. By respecting the elders, I will get prayers from them and by giving love to those who are younger, I will feel an internal peace. Personality My dad taught me help myself first try before I as for help. I am patient and determined, since I have tried hard to reach my goal and never complain. I have learned all these values from my father who devote his life to help me build up my personality. Being independent makes it easier to make decisions for me. I don’t rely on others Conclusion To me he is the greatest hero. Undoubtedly, parents play an important role in child’s development.

Caribbean History

History of the Caribbean I. Note on Historical Methodology: The traditional method of historical research includes chronologically ordered processes. For example, the history of the New World or in particular the history of the Caribbean seems to have started in 1492 when Columbus mistakenly landed on Hispanola. Shortly after the discovery of the New World, colonialism appeared in North and South America in Europe. A summary version of Europe's influence in the New World over the past decades is a general historical record of the early Caribbean history. The concept of slavery, colonialism, race is an indelible aspect of the history of the Caribbean. In order to understand the current political, social, economic and cultural climate of the Caribbean, we must critically study and understand the influence of slavery in the modern Caribbean society. The model and complexity of the modern Caribbean society is closely related to the colonial planting system. And it welcomes the arrival of the largest immigrants in history. The history of contemporary America actually starts with the modern history of the Caribbean Sea. Beginning in the late 15th century when the Europeans entered the so-called New World, the Caribbean played the most important role in the development of events that would then shake the foundation of the whole world. The African, European and Caribbean indigenous gatherings are one of the most interesting and important aspects of world history. In this area, people can feel the worst aspect of inhumanity, which is in line with the story of human spiritual survival and victory. The history of the Caribbean is like a drama, it is a continuous legend of various wars, conquer various kinds, and most important is to resist. Caribbean is basically a series of short stories including several selected characters, covering the six hundred years of Caribbean history. CARIBBEAN combines facts and fiction, fusing unparalleled Michelle fashion style, from conflic t between peaceful Arawaks and thirsty Caribbean to the rapid development of contemporary Miami and the Cuban community . On this tour, readers will introduce Sir Francis Drake, Henry Morgan, Horatio Nelson, blood-hungry Victor Hughes, Heroes Toussaint Rouver Toure, Thomas Carlyle, and Fidel Kas. Throwing, others. Mixed with these historical figures represents countless men and women who created modern heaven such as British, Spanish, French naval officers and generals, sugar producers, colonial officers, slaves, etc. It is a fictitious character. , Its descendants, and various ethnic groups that contribute to the unique genetic mixing of the area

Research paper summary Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Summary - Research Paper Example The unstable alpha chains develop insoluble inclusions that occur within the bone marrow thus reducing the chances of development and survival of red blood cells. Therefore, the results of this research would assist to determine whether or not patients suffering from beta-Thalassemia could be assisted health wise by oxygenating their Red Blood Cells. Patients of one Thalassemic Unit from the selected hospital of the study were engaged in this research. The patients were persons attending regular transfusion units; all the patients involved in the study were persons attending Chelation therapies. However, those that were experiencing certain challenges associated with respiratory of cardiac problems were not involved in the study. The consent of all the patients involved in the study was sought before engaging them in the experiment. The data gathered was analyzed statistically. The Wilcoxon’s test was applied to analyze the collected data. This was specifically performed on paired data coupled with the application of Repeated Measures of Analysis of Covariance by using the SPSS 13.0 version. The analysis also involved the evaluation of Normality of Distribution for the continuous variables. Appropriate performance of linear regression was also involved in the data analysis process. The results findings of the study indicated that tissue oxygen saturation increased significantly after the Red Blood Cells transfusion as compared to the baseline, which was at 88% while against 90%. The consumption of oxygen among patients with beta Thalassemic conditions did not exhibit any significant change after the transfusion. The repeated measures of ANCOVA also indicated that increasing hemoglobin through transfusion of Red Blood Cells facilitates the increase of saturated tissue oxygen. These findings are related to the conclusion

Chinese Art Influence on Western Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Chinese Art Influence on Western Culture - Essay Example This interest was mainly fostered on appreciation for the unknown, as most Europeans were never afforded the chance to visit China themselves. This paper will analyze in-depth four pieces of Chinese art from a specific region of China—Jiangxi province, Jingdezhen—and how they have evolved and shaped western art; the four pieces of art are a Meiping vase, Porcelain serving dish with fish design, water fountain and basin, and dish with phoenix and peonies. The Meiping vase was first forged during the Yuan dynasty around roughly 1320 A.D. – 1350 A.D. This tall blue and white vase shows two figurative scenes that derive from the drama Xi Xiang Ji, which is a play about an affair between a young scholar and the daughter of a high ranking minister. The form of drama was particularly popular during this period in Chinese history, and this can be shown with the Meiping vase. The idea of showing narratives from novels and dramas was first derived during the Jin dynasty an d then subsequently the Yuan dynasty. Despite this fact, examples like the Meiping vase are very rare before the seventeenth century. This particular type of vase has become very popular with western art lovers, with this form of vase, or similar ones, commonplace in the homes of many upper-middle class homes. Likewise, the Porcelain serving dish with fish design also came from the Yuan dynasty during a similar era (1330 A.D. – 1360 A.D.). It comes as no surprise then that the design and style of this Porcelain serving dish are very similar to the Meiping vase. As such, it is also a common feature in many homes of western art lovers. The dish began to be exported during the Yuan dynasty to regions such as India, the Middle East, and North Africa. As Chinese did not usually travel too far out of their homeland, Arab and Persian merchants often had the task of exporting ceramics like this one (Medley 170). The reason why the dish was so popular everywhere it traveled was that i t was larger than most other dishes, thus offering space for large amounts of food to be consumed. Other regions tailored the dish to suit their own cultures, but western art has largely kept Chinese dishes like these in their original forms. The water fountain and base is in complete contrast to the previous two pieces of art from the Ying dynasty; this work of art is derived from the Qing dynasty at the much later period of 1735 A.D. – 1740 A.D. This would have likely been used by the Chinese as a means to wash their hands after a meal. While western culture does not use exactly instruments like these to wash hands, it has taken the concept and used it to turn into a sink. Another interesting fact about this work is that it was designed not by a Chinese artist, but by the well-respected Dutch painter Cornells Pronk. Pronk was commissioned by the Dutch East India Company to produce artwork that would sell better back in his homeland rather than Chinese made pieces of art. Fo r this reason, this work of art is starkly different to the rest of the pieces in that it was designed by a western for western tastes while still trying to capture Chinese designs. Similar to the first two works of art, the dish with phoenix and peonies also comes from the Yuan dynasty and around the same time period (mid-fourteenth century). The designs on this dish are typical of dishes of that era just as in the Meiping vase and Porcelain serving

A Briefing on the Process at the Federal Court Building Assignment

A Briefing on the Process at the Federal Court Building - Assignment Example Under the US law, bail can be claimed as a right by the defendant. Soon after a crime came to surface, prosecutor is called and consulted about the measures to be taken. Under the US judicial system if a defendant is arrested he or she may be produced the same day or the next day in the court of magistrate for a preliminary hearing. In the legal process, examination and direct examination are of utmost importance to prove and accused liable for punishment or not. The judicial hierarchy of the United States of America in the broader spectrum has two tiers, one is the federal court and the other is each state court. Majority of the cases are sorted out in the subordinate courts therefore, minimize the shifting of cases to the high court and the federal court. Usually the generalized courts in the US judicial system are circuit, superior, district and courts of common pleas. The apex court manages criminal complaints from the lodgment to its resolution or disposition through their Crimi nal Division. In the criminal cases, the burden of proof lies on the shoulders of the state rather than the defendants. Soon after a crime comes to surface, prosecutor is called and consulted about the measures to be taken. The legal battle, which starts from the lower court, all the way leads to the Apex Court of United States of America. This paper discusses the briefing on the process at the federal court building. Q1. US Judicial System The US judicial system is comprised of Federal Court and fifty States Courts. Each one has its own foundation and function. The U.S court system consists of many court systems, which included a federal system and fifty state systems. Each has its own structures, procedures and functions. Legal cases are to file in different subordinate courts depending on the nature of the case. In some cases jurisdiction of the High Court can directly be invoked. The legal battle lastly ends up in the Federal Court (Friedman, 2004). Multifaceted Courts Majority of the cases are sorted out in state trial courts, which are the lowest court in the state judicial system. Take the example of Simpson’s case wherein both criminal and civil trials were conducted in a California trial court. It all depends on the structure of state court system. It includes justice of peace courts, circuit courts and regional trial courts (Friedman, 2004). In the US judicial System, there are two types of trial courts: one is with limited jurisdiction and the other one with specific jurisdiction. Trial courts of limited jurisdiction can hear the civil, juvenile, minor criminal and traffic violation cases. It can also hold pre trial hearings for serious criminal offences (Friedman, 2004). Usually the generalized courts in the US judicial system is circuit, superior, district and courts of common pleas. The mentioned courts hear the cases of substantial amounts, serious crimes except those heard in the trial courts of limited jurisdiction whereas the specializ ed courts can hear the cases, which fall under the umbrella of specific law or Act (Friedman, 2004). The appellate courts have the jurisdiction to review the decision of the trial courts. The mentioned courts either uphold the decisions of the trial courts, set aside the decision or order retrial as the case may be (Friedman, 2004). Q2. Soon after the arrest of a person, probation officer of the court immediately interviews and conducts the investigation to know the defendant background. The information and investigation will be of great help for the judge to

English Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 48

English - Essay Example According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, the companies have increased their budget of marketing through Social Media (Tadena). Moreover, they can easily quantify the outcome through online surveys. Facebook is the biggest sensation when it comes to Social Media. Almost each and everyone has a Facebook account these days. Instagram came in after Facebook, and it has a different approach to connecting people. The users install this application on their smart phones and then click photographs through this application. One can connect with a lot of people through photographs. I have my account in both of these applications and they have been very helpful to me when it comes to connecting with my friends and family. I personally feel, that social media will never become out of practice because the mindset of the society is changing day by day. In this busy schedule, I feel that people do not have the time to personally call up their friends, rather they prefer to keep in touch wi th them through the social

On Sexual Double Standard Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

On Sexual Double Standard - Essay Example Guys will take advantage of her, use her, and try to get her to bed. She will have a hard time having girlfriends as she will surely be avoided and despised out of disgust. Men are not exempt from double standards. Having friends from the opposite sex during a relationship is also subject to the sexuality of who's making friends with whom. Girls will always justify their relationships with other guys since they are "always in control of their emotions" and are "able to separate boyfriends from boy friends." The situation is a lot more different when guys are concerned. A man who has a close friend while in a relationship is always confronted and accused of dishonorable things. He may even be charged for keeping that friend in time of "loneliness." Double standard is but a bitter fact of life. The truth that standards are almost always applied more leniently to one gender than to another is a manifestation of huge injustice. Double standard greatly violates one tenet of justice known as impartiality-the principle that "same standards be applied to all people, without regard to subjective bias or favoritism." The existence of double standard clearly implies the toleration of discrimination, unfairness, inequality, and prejudice. Thus, double standard should cease to exist in order to promote justice in the society. Men and women should have a fair playing field where each receives equal reaction and recognition of what they "do" and not of what they "are." The widespread double standard in our society is due to various justifications. It is argued that sexual double standard is natural and that's the way things should be. Society has readily accepted that some things are naturally "men's" things while some are "women's." A good example of this is the widespread perception that men are polygamous, allowing them to sleep around even if they are in a relationship but women are expected to be faithful to their husbands. However, viewing that the existence of double standard as natural is also another way of accepting that prejudice and injustice are natural phenomena. The above illustrations of double standard emphasizes the fact that double standard tolerates misbehavior of one gender attributing this to "human nature." Infidelity is perceived to be acceptable when committed by male. The argument here is that, misbehavior should be totally reprimanded and eradicated as it destructs the morality of a community. Just think about the number of families being shattered by "father's night outs." Justifying moral degradation with double standard will not only endanger the moral fiber in the society but will tend to destroy it altogether. The equal right of both sexes is also tainted by double standard. A man who is attracted to a pretty woman can always ask her out. However, a woman asking a man out is less acceptable. The commencement of a relationship is seen as the "right" of every guy while ladies can only accept. It is argued that each man and woman should have the same right and opportunity not only in pursuing relationships but other important aspects. The existence of double standard only gives way to the famous perception that one sex is stronger while the other is relatively weaker. This unequal right irrefutable leads to oppression. The existence of double standard in the society creates an imbalance not only in the responsibility but rights of people. As

Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 38

Art - Essay Example The modern Conte crayons are in different assortment of colors that focus primarily on the nuances of shading and designing as opposed to bold coloration. Using Conte crayons, a skilled artist is capable of achieving very subtle shading that is almost photorealistic. Notably, Conte crayon often takes different mode of paining including graphite pencil painting, wax crayon, and watercolor among others (Avery 55). This is the initial stage of drawing and it is often referred to the mapping stage. This stage involves drawing ordinarily on white Lenox 100 paper using a graphite pencil (Avery 57). The above drawing is the road map to indicate where wax should follow. Applying wax on the above drawing leads to a wax crayon that is shown in the figure below The basis of using wax in this sketch is to protect areas that are intended to remain white; therefore, areas that are intended to be visible white are waxed. It is appropriate at this stage to use a reasonable amount of wax, for instance the size of the finger since that is would be sizable to cut. After this procedure, it is appropriate to slightly water the waxed surface to obtain a receptive and even surface. At this stage, it would be appropriate to introduce wash paint. In this case, a very light gray ink wash is introduced. Notably, the gray ink will not be used alone, but it will be mixed with small quantities of black ink. Mixing these two inks shall be done in a large presence of water (Avery 60). After obtaining the uniform ink, the solution is then applied or brushed onto the white paper. Notably, the waxed point will not darken like the rest of the drawing, but it will remain white. The media obtained herein is watercolor media and it is done below. This process can rep eat itself as many times and with different colors as possible, all the repetitions with depend on the artist and type of painting they intend to

Software Risk and Risk management Failure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Software Risk and Risk management Failure - Essay Example The risks that pose a threat due to some physical or structural flaw or damage are relatively easier to mitigate and eliminate as their causes are easily found. But certain risks are faced on routine basis and people become so used to them that after a while these risks stop being taken as a threat. Also certain risk handling situation depend upon the person facing the risk his decision at that moment. Certain risks are ignored or overlooked more commonly than others. At the time of meeting the user requirements are misunderstood by the developer due to certain barriers of communication which can result in an inadequate software requirement because client wasn’t able to convey his requirements properly and the developer worked on them thinking that these requirements were what the client wanted. Also no proper identification of key components so that they are developed as separate parts and merged as units to form a complete software. This technique is helpful in many ways. A follow up with client is necessary to mitigate this threat and using the key components identification technique developer can easily identify which software component deviates from requirements. Inefficient coding is also a issue that the software functions correctly but its speed\performance to calculate or perform operation it was designed for is slow. While coding it should be made clear by the project manager to programmers that code is optimized for eg a small chunk of inefficient code doesn’t show lack of performance but when hundreds of thousands of such lines of code accumulate the result is under performing software. One of the Major and most commonly overlooked software risk is the security risk. While developing a software for a company the security controls implemented are quite vulnerable. These vulnerability as often not noticed and employees can freely access data and information of other departments or tamper the information as well. This is a major risk whic h is overlooked quite a lot of time causing major losses. To reduce this risk and chances of such misuse Controlled access should be given to employees and hierarchy of access should be formed. Some other risks that are overlooked include softwares which are developed on one platform or system function incorrectly on some other platforms or systems. This is due to hardcoded development specific system types which is good for systems with similar configuration as it will perform up to the mark on them but for systems with different configuration it’ll be a hindrance. Writing a Flexible code so that changes can be accumulated if such situation is faced will be helpful. Also when developing a software it should be kept in mind that technology is making advancement at an exponential pace and users are also shifting to newer technology. So keeping this fact in mind the software be flexible to accommodate upgrades. DQ2-Risk management failure Why do companies fail at risk managemen t?   In responding to the question, draw from your own experiences, the text, the topic notes, the additional readings, and/or any additional sources that you research and cite.  Ã‚  Ã‚   The main reason for companies failing at risk management is the lack of contingency planning, training of employees and no proper company document or policy detailing a line of action if certain risk is identified. The requirement for risk management becomes higher for those companies where continuous running of operation

The play A Doll House Essay Example for Free

The play A Doll House Essay A Doll House Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   From the play, A doll house, it is clear that there is imbalance of power between Nora and her husband Helmer. The husband goes to work and earns for the family while the wife is left at home to do the chores. This brings about the theme of gender inequality. It is also clear that the writer puts more emphasis on the looks of Nora than those of her husband; this shows how the society views men and women differently. The husband is also displayed as being questionable about how the wife is spending the money on gifts even without considering that its Christmas time and they can now afford it from the salary he is getting. If Nora had not been that beautiful, may be Helmer would not have married her.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The writer of this book emphasizes much on gender inequality, there is also the aspect of the very many lies that couple keep in their marriages in order to keep them alive which in most of the cases end up being the reason for the separation. There is also the aspect of man eat man society, Krogstad uses Nora in order to retain his job threatening her for a favor he had done a long time ago. At the end of the play, Nora feels her husband had taken her like a doll only to be admired for its beauty and that he did not trust her and therefore she left.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The economic factors have really affected the society in a doll house especially the women to an extent of their ideas and choices about their marriages.  Nora illegally borrowed money for the trip that she and Torvald took to Italy; she told Torvald that the money had come from her father. For years, Nora reveals, she has worked and saved in secret, slowly repaying the debt, and soon it will be fully repaid. This money was borrowed through Krogstad’s help and when Helmer wanted to sack him,he asks Nora to use her influence to ensure that his position remains secure. When she refuses, Krogstad points out that he has in his possession a contract that contains Nora’s forgery of her father’s signature. Their conversation reveals that the two had been once deeply in love, but Mrs. Linde left Krogstad for a wealthier man who would enable her to support her family. She tells Krogstad that now that she is free of her own fa milial obligations and wishes to be with Krogstad and care for his children. References Ibsen, Henrik, Rolf Fjelde, CalistaFlockhart, Tony Abatemarco, Tim DeKay, Jeannie Elias, Gregory Itzin, JoBeth Williams, Rosalind Ayres, and Susan A. Loewenberg.  A Doll House. Venice, Calif.: L.A. Theatre Works, 2012. Internet resource. Source document

Social Networking Site Essay Example for Free

Social Networking Site Essay Social networking sites are popular amongst student recent years. Some of the popular social networking websites are Facebook, Twitter Google+. Almost all the students would definitely have a profile in those sites. These facebook like sites will be taken up by students as for fun but some may start using it as fun and gets addicted to it. This article shows you the advantages and disadvantages of social networking sites for students. Advantages: Here is a list of advantages of using the social networking websites: 1. The main advantage of social networking site is that it helps in establishing connection with people, friends and relatives. It helps in sharing one’s view, share pictures and lots of other stuffs. 2. It helps students in interacting with one another and share ideas. This helps in improving student’s creativity. 3. The social networking websites can be accessed from any part of the globe. This helps the students to establish communication with their teachers and friends through which they can improve their knowledge. 4. Social networking sites are not only used by the students for sharing pictures, videos or it is not only meant for fun and entertainment. Through social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn one can become a member and can also post relevant information about campus drive. 5. Through these sites the students can establish contact with entrepreneurs, corporate people and can gain valuable information from them. 6. Social networking sites have taken a new dimension called marketing. Certain websites offer advertisements to its subscribers. Disadvantages: Every coin has two sides. Whenever there comes the point of advantages, disadvantages also comes into picture obviously. So some of the disadvantages are: 1. One of the major disadvantages of using social networking websites are the students get addicted to it. They used to spend hours in those social networking sites which can obviously degrade the student’s academic performance. 2. Some students may tend to use to these social networking sites till mid night or even more which can obviously lead to health related problems. 3. Some students may spend time in Facebook through which they lack to spend time with their family members. This can also be a disadvantage also. 4. Some students may provide detailed

What is a long-loop reflex?

What is a long-loop reflex? A rapid stretch of a voluntarily contracting muscle evokes electromyographic (EMG) responses at various latencies, as described by Loo, K. McCloskey, D. (1985). Response latency measures the time delay between a perturbation and response, the response is typically greater in a stretch than a jolt as found by Lee and Tatton (1975) who also proposed that there are typically 3 responses to a muscle stretch namely M1, M2 and M3. The first, M1, represents the short latency involuntary monosynaptic spinal stretch reflex involving primary afferents. M2 represents the delayed response corresponding to the, perhaps transcortical, long loop reflex response and M3 represents the latency for a voluntary response mediated by the cerebellum. These 3 distinct responses can be displayed graphically, as shown in figure 1. From analyzing figure 1 we can see that, using the terminology introduced by Lee Tatton (1985), M1 is the response seen approximately 45-60ms after the perturbation, M2 represents the increase in EMG activity 60-90ms after the perturbation and the increase in EMG activity between a latency of 90-110ms is termed M3. Any response with a latency of greater than 110ms is a voluntary response and is not considered to be a reflex response. These findings have been widely accepted and are frequently cited in later studies, for example in the study by Thilmann, A. F., Schwartz, M., Topper, R. Fellows, S.J. and Noth, J. (1991). Suminski, A.J., Rao, S.M., Mosier, K.M. and Scheidt, R.A. (2007) made a similar discovery finding short latency responses arising from monosynaptic reflexes, consistent with the latency of the M1 response. Petersen, N., Christensen, L., Morita, H., Sinkjà ²r, T. and Nielsen, J. (1998) showed that ankle dorsiflexors typically show an M3 response. More interestingly, this paper also claims that the M2 response in the upper limb seems to correspond with the M3 response in the lower limbs. According to Corden,  D.M., Lippold,  O.C.J., Buchanan, K. and Norrington, C. (2000), the second component of the stretch reflex response, M2, was first discovered by  Hammond (1955) who believes that the long latency is due to the long loop reflex travelling the extra distance to the cortex. Hammond (1956) studied the EMG response in the bicep muscle and found that the earliest voluntary muscle activation in response to mechanical taps occur after 90-100ms which contradicts with the later findings from Lee Tatton (1975) who claim voluntary response represents latencies greater than 110ms. This raises the possibility that the long loop reflex may have voluntary input. There have been many studies carried out investigating if the long-loop reflex is mediated by transcortical pathways. Logically, one would expect reflexes to be a hard-wired response and voluntary movement to have variation in responses. However, Evarts and Fromm (1981) provides evidence suggesting variability in their study of the wrist position. They concluded that the long loop reflex gives a pathway for the motor cortex to initiate closed loop feedback control to the flexors and extensors of the wrist. It can be argued that long latency responses fit both voluntary and reflex criteria. Arthur Prochazka, for one example, took particular interest in ambiguity for the correct definition of a reflex. For instance, is it regarded as a response which happens too quickly for the brain to notice, in which case, the M2 response would not be classed as a reflex since it is of long latency, or can it be defined as an involuntary response, in which case, the M2 response would be classed as a reflex since it occurs below the time threshold for it to be a voluntary action and occurs without any conscious awareness of the movement. If the long loop reflex goes via the motor cortex, it could be influenced voluntarily. A notable study by Loo McCloskey (1985) proposed that long loop reflexes are variable. This report studied the EMG responses of the flexor pollicis longus when a stretch was applied to the thumb-tip. The subject was required to initially have the muscle in a fixed, contracting state generating a constant force to give a baseline EMG to compare any results found against. Their results showed that, in the isometric holding task, all participants of the study could significantly alter the long latency responses to a stretch with some subjects recording up to 95% reduction in EMG activity when instructed to let go as opposed to resist. This indicates that motor set has an influence on the long loop reflex. Although the results for the isometric tracking, isotonic tracking and weight lifting tasks were less convincing, they still showed the ability to decrease EMG activity when told to let go not resis t, contradicting previously claimed results from Marsden et al (1976) which suggested that prior instructions had no influence on EMG responses. When the thumb was anaesthetised, there was no evidence of abolishment of the long latency EMG response, contrary to what was noted by Marsden, Merton Morton (1971). However, Loo McCloskey (1985) found there was a significant linear correlation between the percentage increase in perceived heaviness and the percentage reduction in long latency reflex. This study provides us with defining results, however, not all subjects performed all tests and not all results were significant so there still remains room for debate. Long loop reflexes were found to be abolished or depressed by lesions to the pathways to and from the cerebral cortex, again, giving the view that the long loop reflex does take a transcortical pathway. Matthews, P. B., Farmer, S. F. Ingram, D. A. (1990) also concluded from their study on the localization of the stretch reflex of intrinsic hand muscles in a patient with mirror movements that long loop reflexes are mediated transcortically. The long loop reflex, it has been suggested, has a slower onset due to the longer route the reflex has to take. A monosynaptic spinal reflex arc is clearly a shorter route than the long loop reflex which, as some evidence shows, could go via the cortex. In a previous study, Hammond (1954) suggests the main feasible explanations for the delayed M2 response could be due to the longer neural pathway it takes or that the neurones involved are slower conducting. Matthews (1984) discovered the same findings as he suggested in his paper that the M2 response is mediated by muscle spindle secondary endings which by nature are slower conducting afferents. Corna, S., Grasso, M., Nardone, A. and Schieppati, M. (1995) also concluded that M2 response in the ankle muscles is mediated by group II afferents. Marsden, C., Merton, P., and Morton, H., (1976) argued that the long loop reflex could not be altered by the motor set and hence concluded that the response was more likely to be a reflex respons e than voluntarily response. However, as pointed out by Loo McCloskey (1985), the subjects of the experiment were in fact the researchers themselves, hence, the results may be bias because sub-consciously they are aware of the experiment and what is going to happen and already have a prediction of what they want to happen. Rothwell, Traub and Marsden (1980) also suggested that long loop reflexes are not variable. Gassel (1970) claims that long loop reflexes occur predominantly with stimulation of cutaneous nerves or dorsal roots. To this end, Marsden et al. (1978) studied the stretch reflex response in the human flexor pollicis longus, which when stimulated, results in flexion of the thumb. If this muscle is stabilized, for example, fixed in plasticine, then cutaneous nerve activity can be detected. It is proposed that long loop reflexes going via the motor cortex, have become progressively more important in effective motor control of motor skills. There is an initial judgement of the required strength of the muscle contractions needed before any specific movement. Any error in the estimate will result in the activation of the muscle spindle receptors and will result in a corrective long loop reflex, which causes an appropriate change in the signals from the motor cortex, correcting the response of the movement. This happens with a latency of less than 50 msec. This is about 70msec for lower limbs. This corrective compensation is automatic and unconscious. The pathways for 1a receptors up to the motor cortex and hence participation in long loop reflexes have been recognized in mammals such as the cat (Landgren, 1984). Clarac, F. (2005) suggests that the long loop reflexes play an important role in the adaptation of flexors and extensors and hence are useful in posture and moveme nt. He also suggests that they are involved in the mechanisms for anticipating movement, which supports the evidence of a transcortical route since there is input from the brain. Shemmell, J., An, J.H. and Perreault, E.J. (2009) claim transcortical long-loop reflexes are useful in adding flexibility to the human stretch reflex allowing adaptation to a wider range of functional tasks. They also highlight in their report that reflex sensitivity is increased in unstable environments. This study also provides evidence supporting the transcortical route of the long loop reflex since, similar to the findings of Loo McCloskey (1985), if the subject was given instruction prior to the perturbation, the long-loop reflex provides the ability to achieve the desired result even if this is contrary to the stabilizing response you would expect. Their study concludes that stretch reflex modulation in tasks that require changes in limb stability is mediated by motor cortical pathways, and that these differ from pathways contributing to reflex modulation that depend on how the subject is instructed to react to an imposed perturbation. The experiment went on to observe the eff ects of using transcranial magnetic stimulation to create a cortical silent period whereby the muscle stretch was timed so that the M2 response of the stretch reflex occurred during this silent phase. As a result of this, the idea that reflex sensitivity could be increased when in a stable environment was abolished. The reflex responses seen from altered task instruction was found to be not influenced by cortical silence. These results demonstrate that task-dependent changes in reflex function can be mediated through multiple neural pathways and that these pathways have task-specific roles. More recently, Petersen, N. et al. (1998) investigated the possibility of a transcortical pathway by applying stretch to ankle dorsiflexors and recording the EMG signals. In the introduction, Peterson et al. (1998) states that it is widely accepted, for muscles in the distal upper limb, for the long-loop reflex (M2) to be mediated by a transcortical reflex pathway. There is little evidence showin g the same result in proximal and lower limb muscles. Thilmann et al. (1991) found that the M2 response showed no significant change in proximal and lower limb muscles after lesions of supraspinal pathways whereas the M2 responses disappeared in hand muscles after the same lesion. A more clinical approach by Diener, H., Dichgans, J., Hà ¼lser, P.-J., Buettner, U.-W., Bacher, M.  and Guschbauer, B. (1984) suggests the long loop reflex is useful in diagnosing multiple sclerosis. Their results showed that 69% of the patients who have multiple sclerosis have a significantly longer M3 latency response in the antagonistic anterior tibial muscle. This increased delay in M3 response suggests demyelination of the neurones and they concluded that their results support evidence that the long loop reflex is mediated by a transcortical pathway. Figure 1: Clarac , F (2005)  The History of Reflexes Part 2: From Sherrington to 2004,  IBRO History of Neuroscience Corden,  D.M., Lippold,  O.C.J., Buchanan, K. and Norrington, C. (2000) Long-Latency Component of the Stretch Reflex in Human Muscle is Not Mediated by Intramuscular Stretch Receptors. Applied Journal of Physiology. 84(1). 184-188. Corna, S., Grasso, M., Nardone, A. Schieppati, M. (1995) Selective depression of medium-latency leg and foot muscle responses to stretch by an aÃŽÂ ¼-agonist in humans. Journal of Physiology. 484. 803-809. Diener, H.C., Dichgans, J., Hà ¼lser, P.J., Buettner, U.W., Bacher, M.  and Guschbauer, B. (1984) The significance of delayed long-loop responses to ankle displacement for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology. 57(4). 336-342. Fromm. C., Evarts, E. (1981). Relation of Size and Activity of Motor Cortex Pyramidal Tract neurons during Skilled Movements in the Monkey. The Journal of Neuroscience. 1(5), 453-460. Gassel, M. (1970) A critical review of evidence concerning long-loop reflexes excited by muscle afferents in man. Journal Neurological Neurosurgical Psychiatrics. 33. 358-362. Hammond, P. H. (1954) Involuntary activity in biceps following the sudden application of velocity to the abducted forearm. Journal of Physiology. 127, 23. Lee, R. G. Tatton W. G, (1975) Motor responses to sudden limb displacements in primates with specific CNS lesions and in human patients with motor system disorders. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences, 2, 285-293. Loo, C.K.C. McCloskey, D.I. (1985) Effects of prior instruction and anaesthesia on long-latency responses to stretch in the long flexor of the human thumb. Journal of physiology, 365, 285-296 Marsden, C. D., Merton, P. A., and Morton, H.B. (1976) Servo action in the human thumb. Journal of physiology. 257. 1-44. Marsden, C. D., Merton, P. A., and Morton, H.B. (1978) Anticipatory postural responses in the human subject. Journal of Physiology.  275. 47-48. Marsden, C. D., Merton, P. A., and Morton, H.B. (1981) Human postural responses. Brain. 104. 513-534. Matthews, P. B., Farmer, S. F. Ingram, D. A. (1990) On the localization of the stretch reflex of intrinsic hand muscles in a patient with mirror movements. Journal of Physiology. 428. 561-577. Petersen, N., Christensen, L.O.D., Morita, H., Sinkjà ²r, T. and Nielsen, J. (1998) Evidence that a transcortical pathway contributes to stretch reflexes in the tibialis anterior muscle in man. Journal of Physiology. 512(1). 267-276. Shemmell, J., An, J.H. and Perreault, E.J. (2009) The Differential Role of Motor Cortex in Stretch Reflex Modulation Induced by Changes in Environmental Mechanics and Verbal Instruction, The Journal of Neuroscience. 29(42). 13255-13263. Suminski, A.J., Rao, S.M., Mosier, K.M. and Scheidt, R.A. (2007) Neural and electromyographic correlates of wrist posture control. Journal of Neurophysiology. 97. 1527-1545. Thilmann, A.F., Schwarz, M., Topper, R., Fellows, S.J. and Noth, J. (1991) Different Mechanisms Underlie the Long-Latency Stretch Reflex Response of Active Human Muscle at Different Joints. Journal of Physiology. 444. 631-643.

Comparing Medieval and Rennaisance Paintings Essay -- essays research

Comparing Medieval and Rennaisance Paintings In the following essay I shall compare and contrast paintings from the medieval and renaissance period. Medieval paintings were very realistic and precise. The king in the painting is in the middle, and anything painted in the middle is the center of attraction or the important object in the painting. To prove this theory, I looked at the painting and the first thing that caught my eye is the king. The human body is not too detailed but the actions they are doing or intend to do are very clear. The painter created visual space in this painting in a very witty way; he painted pillars and ceiling ornaments, which is an indication of height and space. I think it is a very successful method because the person who is looking at the painting has sp...

Damning Guilt in Shakespeares Macbeth :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

Damning Guilt in Macbeth    Both main characters in the Shakespearean tragedy Macbeth meet unfortunate ends, with this due in part at least to the huge burden of guilt which they must carry through most of the drama.    In Fools of Time: Studies in Shakespearean Tragedy, Northrop Frye sees a relationship between Macbeth's guilt and his hallucinations:    The future moment is the moment of guilt, and it imposes on one, until it is reached, the intolerable strain of remaining innocent. [. . .] We notice that anyone who is forced to brood on the past and expect the future lives in a world where that which is not present is present, in other words in a world of hallucination. Macbeth's capacity for seeing things that may or may not be there is almost limitless, and the appearance of the mousetrap play to Claudius, though more easily explained, has the same dramatic point as the appearance of Banquo's ghost. (90)    Fanny Kemble in "Lady Macbeth" asserts that Lady Macbeth was unconscious of her guilt, which nevertheless killed her:    Lady Macbeth, even in her sleep, has no qualms of conscience; her remorse takes none of the tenderer forms akin to repentance, nor the weaker ones allied to fear, from the pursuit of which the tortured soul, seeking where to hide itself, not seldom escapes into the boundless wilderness of madness. A very able article, published some years ago in the National Review, on the character of Lady Macbeth, insists much upon an opinion that she died of remorse, as some palliation of her crimes, and mitigation of our detestation of them. That she died of wickedness would be, I think, a juster verdict. Remorse is consciousness of guilt . . . and that I think Lady Macbeth never had; though the unrecognized pressure of her great guilt killed her. (116-17)    In "Memoranda: Remarks on the Character of Lady Macbeth," Sarah Siddons mentions the guilt and ambition of Lady Macbeth and their effect:    [Re "I have given suck" (1.7.54ff.)] Even here, horrific as she is, she shews herself made by ambition, but not by nature, a perfectly savage creature. The very use of such a tender allusion in the midst of her dreadful language, persuades one unequivocally that she has really felt the maternal yearnings of a mother towards her babe, and that she considered this action the most enormous that ever required the strength of human nerves for its perpetration.

satan and the problem of evil :: essays research papers fc

Satan and The Problem of Evil Now the Serpent was the most cunning of the animals that the LORD God had made. The Serpent asked the woman, â€Å"Did God really tell you not to eat from any of the trees in the garden?† The woman answered the serpent: â€Å"We may eat of the fruit of the garden; it is only about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden that God said, ‘You shall not eat it or even touch it lest you die’.† But the Serpent said to the woman: â€Å"You certainly will not die! No, God knows well that the moment you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods who know what is good and what is bad.† (Genesis 3:1-5) Serpent, Devil, Tempter, , Prince of Darkness, Fallen Angel, the Evil One, Lucifer, Diabolus, all of theses titles refer to the same figure, Satan. The name Satan comes from the Hebrew for adversary. It is theorized that Satan is a symbolic figure for those who opposed the Biblical writers, in the Old Testament the Satan was meaning th e other nations, the idol worshipers, and in the New the Pharisees and the Jews who ejected the growing Christian faith from the Jewish community. In the time of the later church, Satan and his works were meaning heretics and such. Anything on the outside that appeared to be a threat became of Satan. It is also a theory that Satan is a real individual, a real spirit, the fallen angel. Some stories hold that selfish pride and lust for power brought about the fall of Lucifer, â€Å"the light bearer†. St. Augustine wrote that the Devil was â€Å"inflated with pride, he wished to be called God†. The words of the prophet Isaiah illustrate this idea: How you are fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! How are you cut down to the ground, you who mowed down the nations! You said in your heart: ‘I will scale the heavens; above the stars of God I will set up my throne; I will take my seat on the mount of assembly, in the recesses of the North. I will ascend ab ove the tops of the clouds; I will be like the most high.’ Yet down to the nether world you go, into the recesses of Sheol! (Isaiah 14:12-15) St.

Night World : Daughters of Darkness Chapter 14

They walked back to the gas station quickly, their shoulders almost touching. Mary-Lynnette found comfort in Rowan's nearness, in her levelheadedness.She'd never had a friend before who was completelyher equal, who found it as easy to take care of people as to be taken care of. As they reached the gas station, they could see thatthe little group was now clustered around Mary Lynnette's car. Jeremy was peering under the hood.Mark and Jade were back, hand in hand, but there was no sign of Tiggy. Kestrel was leaning against a gas pump, and Ash was talking to Jeremy. â€Å"So the werewolf walks into the second doctor's office and he says, ‘Doc, I think I have rabies.' And the doctor says †¦Ã¢â‚¬  So much for bluffing him, Mary-Lynnette thought. Rowan, eyes shut and shoulders tensed, said, â€Å"Ash,that isn't funny.† She opened her eyes. â€Å"I'm sorry,† she said to Jeremy. â€Å"He doesn't mean it.† â€Å"He does, but it doesn't matter. I've heard worse.† Jeremy bent over the engine again. He replaced a cap with careful, even twists. Then he looked up at Mary-Lynnette. Mary-Lynnette didn't know what to say. What's the etiquette when you've just discovered that somebody's a werewolf? And that it may be their duty to eat you? Her eyes filled. She was completely out of control today. Jeremy looked away. He shook his head slightly. His mouth was bitter. â€Å"That's what I figured. I thought you'd react this way. Or I'd have told you myself a long time ago.† â€Å"You would?† Mary-Lynnette's vision cleared.†But-then you would have gotten in trouble. Right?† Jeremy smiled faintly. â€Å"Well, we're not really sticklers for Night World law around here.† He said it in a normal tone of voice. Ash and the sisters looked around reflexively. Mary-Lynnette said, â€Å"‘We'?† â€Å"My family. They first settled here because it was so far out of the way. A place where they wouldn't bother anybody, and nobody would bother them. Of course, they're all gone now. There's only me left.† He said it without self-pity, but Mary-Lynnette moved closer. â€Å"I'm sorry.† Jade moved in on the other side, silvery-green eyeswide. â€Å"But that's why we came here, too! So nobody would bother us. We don't like the Night World,either.† Jeremy gave another faint smile-that smile thatshowed mostly in his eyes. â€Å"I know,† he said to Jade. â€Å"You're related to Mrs. Burdock, aren't you?† â€Å"She was our aunt,† Kestrel said, her golden gaze fixed unwaveringly on him. Jeremy's expression changed slightly. He turned around to look at Kestrel directly. â€Å"‘Was'?† â€Å"Yes, shemet with a slight accident involving astake,† Ash said. â€Å"Funny how that happens some times†¦.† Jeremy's expression changed again. He looked as if he were leaning against the car for support. â€Å"Who did it?† Then he glanced back at Ash, and Mary-Lynnette saw a gleam of teeth. â€Å"Wait you think I did. Don't you?† â€Å"It did cross our minds at one point,† Ash said. â€Å"Actually, it seemed to keep crossing them. Back and forth. Maybe we should put in a crosswalk.† Mary-Lynnette said, â€Å"Ash, stop it.† â€Å"So you're saying you didn't do it,† Mark said to Jeremy, at the same time as Rowan said, â€Å"Actually, Kestrel thinks it was a vampire hunter.† Her voice was soft, but once again, everybody looked around. The street was still deserted. â€Å"There's no vampire hunter around here,† Jeremy said flatly. â€Å"Then there's a vampire,† Jade said in an excited whisper. â€Å"There has to be, because of the way Aunt Opal was killed. And the goat.† â€Å"The goat . . . ? No, don't even tell me. I don't wanttoknow.† Jeremy swung Mary-Lynnette's hood shut. He looked at her and said quickly, â€Å"Everything's fine in there. You should get the oilchanged sometime.† Then he turned to Rowan. â€Å"I'm sorry about your aunt. But if thereis a vampirearound here, it's somebody staying hidden. Really hidden. Same if it's a vampire hunter.† â€Å"We already figured that out,† Kestrel said. MaryLynnette expected Ash to chime in, but Ash was staring across the street broodingly, his hands in hispockets, apparently having given up on the conversation for the moment. â€Å"You haven't seen anything that could give you a due?† Mary-Lynnette said. â€Å"We were going to lookaround town.† He met her eyes directly. â€Å"If I knew, I'd tell you.† There was just the slightest emphasis on the last word. â€Å"If I could help you, I would.† â€Å"Well, come along for the ride. You can put your head out of the window,† Ash said, returning to life. That did it. Mary-Lynnette marched over, grabbedhim by the arm, and said to the others, â€Å"Excuse us.† She hauled him in a series of tugs to the back of the gas station. â€Å"You jerk!† â€Å"Oh, look†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. â€Å"Shut upl†She jabbed a finger at his throat. It didn't matter that touching him set off electrical explosions. It just gave her another reason to want to kill him. She found that the pink haze was a lot like anger when you kept shouting through it. â€Å"You have to be the center of every drama, don't you? You have to be the center of attention, and act smart, and mouth off l† â€Å"Ow,† Ash said. â€Å"Even if it means hurting other people. Even if itmeans hurting somebody who's only had rotten breaks all his life. Well, not this time.† â€Å"Ow â€Å"Rowan said you guys think all werewolves are low class. And you know what that is? Where I come from, they call that prejudice. And humans have it, too, andit is not a pretty picture. It's about the most hateful thing in the world. I'm ashamed to even stand there while you spout it off.† Mary-Lynnette realized she was crying. She also realized that Mark and Jade were peering around the edge of the gas station. Ash was flat against the boarded-up window, armsup in a gesture of surrender. He looked at a loss for words and ashamed. Good, Mary-Lynnette thought. â€Å"Should you keep poking him that way?† Mark said tentatively. Mary-Lynnette could see Rowan andKestrel behind him and Jade. They all looked alarmed. â€Å"I can't be friends with anybody who's a bigot,†she said to all of them. She gave Ash a jab for emphasis. â€Å"We're not,† Jade said virtuously.†Wedon't be lieve that stupid stuff.† â€Å"We really don't,† Rowan said. â€Å"And Mary-Lynnette-our father is alwaysyellingat Ash for visiting the wrong kind of people on the Outside. Belonging to a dub that admits werewolves, havingwerewolves for friends. The Elders all say he's too liberal about that.† Oh. â€Å"Well, he's got a funny way of showing it,† Mary-Lynnette said, deflating slightly. â€Å"I just thought I'd mention that,† Rowan said.†Now we'll leave you alone.† She herded the others back toward the front of the station. When they were gone, Ash said, â€Å"Can I move now, please?† He looked as if he was in a very bad mood. Mary-Lynnette gave up. She felt tired, suddenlytired and emotionally drained. Too much had happened in the last few days. And it kept happening, it never let up, and †¦ well, she was tired, that's all. â€Å"If you'd go away soon, it would be easier,† shesaid, moving away from Ash. She could feel her headsag slightly. â€Å"Mary-Lynnette . . .† There was something inAsh's voice that she'd never heard before. â€Å"Look it's not exactly a matter of me wanting to go away.There's somebody else from the Night World coming on Monday. His name is Quinn. And if my sistersand I don't go back with him, the whole town is in trouble. If he thinks anything irregular is going onhere †¦ You don't know what the Night Peoplecan do.† Mary-Lynnette could hear her heart beating distinctly. She didn't turn back to look at Ash. â€Å"They could wipe Briar Creek out. I mean it. They've done things like that, to preserve the secret. It's the only protection they have from your kind.† Mary-Lynnette said-not defiantly, but with simpleconviction, â€Å"Your sisters aren't going to leave.† â€Å"Then the whole town's in trouble. There's a roguewerewolf, three renegade lamia, and a secret vampirekiller wandering around somewhere-not to mention twohumans who know about the Night World. This is a paranormal disaster area.† A long silence. Mary-Lynnette was trying very hard not to see â€Å"things from Ash's point of view. Atlast she said, â€Å"So what do you want me to do?† â€Å"Oh, I don't know, why don't we all have a pizza party and watch TV?† Ash sounded savage. â€Å"I haveno idea what to do,† he added in more normal tones.†And you'd better believe I've been thinking about it. The only thing I can come up with is that the girlshave to go back with me, and we all have to lie through our teeth to Quinn.† Mary-Lynnette tried to think, but her head was throbbing. â€Å"There is one other possibility,† Ash said. He saidit under his breath, as if he wouldn't mind if she pretended not to hear him. Mary-Lynnette eased a crick in her neck, watchingblue-and-yellow images of the sun on her shut eyelids. â€Å"What?† â€Å"I know you and the girls did a blood-tie ceremony. It was illegal, but that's beside the point. You're part of the reason they don't want to leavehere.† Mary-Lynnette opened her mouth to point out thatthey didn't want to leave because life had been unbearable for them in the Night World, but Ash hurried on. â€Å"But maybe if you were-like us, we could work something out. I could take the girls back to the island, and then in a few months I could get them out again. We'd go someplace where nobodywould know us. Nobody would suspect there was anything irregular about you. The girls would be free,and you'd be there, so there's no reason they shouldn't be happy. Your brother could come, too.† Mary-Lynnette turned around slowly. She examined Ash. The sun brought out hidden warm tonesin his hair, making it a shimmering blond somewherebetween Jade's and Kestrel's. His eyes were shadowed, some dark color. He stood lanky and elegantas ever, but with one hand in his pocket and a pained expression on his face. â€Å"Don't frown; you'll spoil your looks,† she said. â€Å"For God's sake, don't patronize mel† he yelled. Mary-Lynnette was startled. Well. Okay. â€Å"I think,† she said, more cautiously but with emphasis to let him know that she was the one with a right to be upset, â€Å"that you are suggesting changing me into a vampire.† The corner of Ash's mouth jerked. He put his other hand in his pocket and looked away. â€Å"That was the general idea, yes.† â€Å"So that your sisters can be happy.† â€Å"So that you don't get killed by some vigilante like Quinn.† â€Å"But aren't the Night People going to kill me just the same if you change me?† â€Å"Only if they findyou,† Ash said savagely. â€Å"And if we can get away from here clean, they wouldn't.Anyway, as a vampire you'd have a better chance of fighting them.† â€Å"So I'm supposed to become a vampire and leave everything I love here so your sisters can be happy.† Ash just stared angrily at the roof of the building across the street. â€Å"Forget it.† â€Å"Believe me, I wasn't even thinking about it in the first place.† â€Å"Fine.† He continued to stare. All at once Mary-Lynnette had the horrible feeling that his eyes were wet. And I've cried I don't know how many times inthe last two days-and I only used to cry when thestars were so beautiful it hurt. There's somethingwrongwith me now. I don't even know who I am anymore. There seemed to be something wrong with Ash, too. â€Å"Ash †¦Ã¢â‚¬  He didn't look at her. His jaw was tight. The problem is that there isn't any tidy answer, Mary-Lynnette thought. â€Å"I'm sorry,† she said huskily, trying to shake off the strange feelings that hadsuddenly descended on her. â€Å"It's just that everything's turned out so †¦ weird.I never asked for any of this.† She swallowed. â€Å"I guess you never askedfor it, either. First your sisters running away †¦and then me. Some joke, yeah?† â€Å"Yeah.† He wasn't staring off into the distance anymore. â€Å"Look †¦ I might as well tell you.I didn't ask for this, and if somebody had said last week that I'd be in †¦ involved †¦with a,human, I'd have knocked his head off. I mean, after howls of derisive laughter. But.† He stopped. That seemed to be the end of his confession:but.Of course, he didn't really need to say more. Mary-Lynnette, arms folded over her chest, stared at a curved piece of glass on the ground and tried to think of other phrases that started with in.Besides the obvious. She couldn't come up with any. She resisted the impulse to nudge the glass with her foot. â€Å"I'm a bad influence on your sisters.† â€Å"I said that to protect you. To try and protect you.†Ã¢â‚¬ I can protect myself.† â€Å"So I've noticed,† -he said dryly. â€Å"Does that help?† â€Å"You noticing? No, because you don't really believe it. You'll always think I'm weaker than you, softer †¦even if you didn't say it, I'd know you were thinking it.† Ash suddenly looked crafty. His eyes were as greenas hellebore flowers. â€Å"If you were a vampire, you wouldn't be weaker,† he said. â€Å"Also, you'd know what I was really thinking.† He held out his hand. â€Å"Want a sample?† Mary-Lynnette said abruptly, â€Å"We'd better get back. They're going to think we've killed each other.† â€Å"Let them,† Ash said, his hand still held out, but Mary-Lynnette just shook her head and walked away. She was scared. Wherever she'd been going with Ash, she'd been getting in too deep. And she wondered how much of their conversation had been audible around front. When she rounded the corner, her eyes immediately went to Jeremy. He was standing with Kestrel by the gas pump. They were dose together, and forjust an instant Mary-Lynnette felt something like startled dismay. Then her inner voice asked, Are you insane? You can't be jealous over him while you're worrying whether he's jealous over you, and meanwhile worrying about what to do with your soulmate†¦. It's good if he and Kestrel like each other. â€Å"I don't care; I can't wait anymore,† Jade was saying to Rowan on the sidewalk. â€Å"I've got to find him.† â€Å"She thinks Tiggy's gone home,† Rowan said, seeing Mary-Lynnette. Ash went toward Rowan. Kestrel did, too. Somehow Mary-Lynnette was left beside Jeremy. Once again, she didn't know the etiquette. Sheglanced at him-and stopped feeling awkward. He was watching her in his quiet, level way. But then he startled her. He threw a look at thesidewalk and said, â€Å"Mary-Lynnette, be careful.† â€Å"What?† † Be careful. â€Å"It was the same tone he'd used whenwarning her about Todd and Vic. Mary-Lynnette followed his gaze †¦ to Ash. â€Å"It's all right,† Mary-Lynnette said. She didn't know how to explain. Even his own sisters hadn't believed Ash wouldn't hurt her. Jeremy looked bleak. â€Å"I know guys like that.Sometimes they bring human girls to their clubsand you don't want to know why. So just just watch yourself, all right?† It was a nasty shock. Rowan and the girls had saidsimilar things, but coming from Jeremy it sank in, somehow. Ash had undoubtedly done things in his life that †¦ well, that would make her want to kill him if she knew. Things you couldn't just forget about. â€Å"I'll be careful,† she said. She realized her fists were clenched, and she said with a glimmer of humor, â€Å"I can handle him.† Jeremy still looked bleak. His brown eyes were dark and his jaw was tight as he looked at Ash. Underhis quietness, Mary-Lynnette could sense leashed power. Cold anger. Protectiveness. And the fact that he didn't like Ash at all . The others were coming back. â€Å"I'll be all right,† Mary-Lynnette whispered quickly. Aloud, Jeremy said, â€Å"I'll keep thinking about the people around town. I'll tell you if I come up with something.† Mary-Lynnette nodded. â€Å"Thanks, Jeremy.† She tried to give him a reassuring look as everybody got into the car. He stood watching as she pulled out of the gas station. He didn't wave. â€Å"Okay, so we go home,† Mark said. â€Å"And then what?† Nobody answered. Mary-Lynnette realized that she had no idea what. â€Å"I guess we'd better figure out if we still have anysuspects,† she said at last. â€Å"There's something else we've got to do, first,† Rowan said softly. â€Å"We vampires, I mean.† Mary-Lynnette could tell just by the way she said it. But Mark asked, â€Å"What?† â€Å"We need to feed,† Kestrel said with her most radiant smile. They got back to Burdock Farm. There was no sign of the cat. The four vampires headed for the woods, Jadecalling for Tiggy, and Mary-Lynnette headed for Mrs. B.'s rolltop desk. She got engraved stationery only slightly mildewed at the edges-and a silver pen with a fussy Victorian pattern on it. â€Å"Now,† she said to Mark as she sat at the kitchen table. â€Å"We're going to play List the Suspects.† â€Å"There's nothing in this house to eat, you know,† Mark said. He had all the cupboards open. â€Å"Just things like instant coffee and green Jujyfruits. The ones everybody leaves.† â€Å"What can I say, your girlfriend is undead. Come on. Sit down and concentrate.† Mark sat down and sighed. â€Å"Who have we got?† â€Å"We should have gone to find out what the dealwas with that horse,† Mark said. Mary-Lynnette stopped with her pen poised overthe stationery. â€Å"You're right, that must be connected. I forgot about it.† Which just goes to show you, detective work doesn't mix with 1-with idle dawdling. â€Å"All right,† she said grimly. â€Å"So let's assume that whoever killed the horse was the same person who killed Aunt Opal and the goat. And maybe the sameperson who broke the gas station window-that hap pened last night, too. Where does that get us?† â€Å"I think it was Todd and Vic,† Mark said. â€Å"You're not being helpful.† â€Å"I'm serious. You know how Todd is always chewing on that toothpick. And there were toothpicks stuck in the goat.† Toothpicks†¦ now, what did that remind her of? No, not toothpicks, the bigger stakes. Why couldn't she remember ? She rubbed her forehead, giving up. â€Å"Okay†¦I'llput Todd and Vic, vampire hunters, with a question mark. Unless you think they're vampires themselves.† â€Å"Nope,† Mark said, undeterred by her sarcasm. â€Å"I think Jade would've noticed that when she drank their blood.† He eyed her thoughtfully. â€Å"You're the smart one. Who doyou think did it?† â€Å"I have no idea.† Mark made a face at her, andshe doodled a stake on the stationery. The doodle changed into a very small stake, more like a pencil,held by a feminine hand. She never could draw hands†¦. â€Å"Oh, my God. Bunny.† â€Å"Bunny did it?† Mark asked ingenuously, preparedto be straight man for a joke. But Mary-Lynnette said,†Yes.I mean-no, I don't know. But those stakes in the goat-the big ones I've seen herusingthem. She uses them on her nails. They're cuticle sticks.† â€Å"Well †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Mark looked dismayed. â€Å"But I mean †¦ Bunny . C'mon. She can't kill a mosquito.† Mary-Lynnette shook her head, agitated. â€Å"Rowan said she had a lamia name. And she said something strange to me-Bunny-the day I was looking for Todd and Vic.† It was all coming back now, a flood of memories that she didn't particularly want. â€Å"She said, ‘Good hunting.†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ â€Å"Mare, it's from The Jungle Book .† â€Å"I know. It was still weird for her to say. And she's almosttoosweet and scared-what if it's all an act?† When Mark didn't answer, she said, â€Å"Is it any more unlikelythan Todd and Vic being vampire hunters?† â€Å"So put her down, too.† Mary-Lynnette did. Then she said, â€Å"You know, there's something I keep meaning to ask Rowanabout how they wrote to Mrs. B. from thatisland-† She broke off and tensed as the back door banged. â€Å"Am I the first one back?† It was Rowan, windblown and glowing, slightlybreathless. Her hair was a tumbling chestnut loud around her. â€Å"Where's everybody else?† Mary-Lynnette asked. â€Å"We separated early on. It's the only way, you know, with four of us in this small of an area.† â€Å"Small!† Mark looked offended. â€Å"If Briar Creekhas one good thing-and I'm not saying it does it's space.† Rowan smiled. â€Å"For a hunting range, it is small,†she said. â€Å"No offense. It's fine for us-we never got to hunt at -all on the island. They brought our mealsto us, tranquilized and completely passive.† Mary-Lynnette pushed away the image this evoked. â€Å"Urn, you want to register a guess on Whodunit?† 0Rowan sat down in a kitchen chair, smoothing a wisp of brown hair off her forehead. â€Å"I don't know. I wonder if it's somebody we haven't even thought of yet.† Mary-Lynnette remembered what she'd been talking about when the door banged. â€Å"Rowan, I always meant to ask you-you said that only Ash could havefigured out where you were going when you ran away. But what about the guy who helped yousmuggle letters off the island? He would know where your aunt lived, right? He could see the address on the letters.† â€Å"Crane Linden.† Rowan smiled, a sad little smile. â€Å"No, he wouldn't know. He's †¦Ã¢â‚¬  She touched her temple lightly. â€Å"I don't know what you call it. His mind never developed completely. He can't read. But he's very kind.† There were illiterate vampires? Well, why not?Aloud Mary-Lynnette said, â€Å"Oh. Well, I guess it's one more person we can eliminate.† â€Å"Look, can we just brainstorm a minute?† Mark said. â€Å"This is probably crazy, but what if Jeremy'suncle isn't really dead? And what if-† At that moment, there was a crash from the front porch. No, a tap-tap-crash, Mary-Lynnette thought. Then she thought, Oh, God . . . Tiggy.

Expedia Market Research

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