Comparison of Odyssey, Divine Comedy, and Paradise Lost Essay examples

A Comparison of Odyssey, Divine Comedy, and Paradise Lost Epics by definition ar long narrative poems, that are grand in both theme and style (Webster 417). They usually involve actions of great glory and are typically centered around historical or legendary events of universal significance. Most epics deal with the deeds of a whiz individual, however, it is not uncommon to have more than one main character. Epics embody some(prenominal) main features including supernatural forces, sometimes the deity of the time, that shape the action battles or other forms of physical combat and a formal statement of the theme of the epic. free-and-easy details of life are commonplace and intricately woven into the background of each story in the same palatial style as the wait of the poem. Epic poems are not merely entertaining stories of legendary or historical heroes they summarize and express the nature or ideals of an entire nation at a significant or crucial point in its his tory. I have chosen for comparison the Odyssey, The Divine Comedy, and Paradise Lost. The Odyssey, attributed to Homer is about Odysseus, the queer of Ithaca, who sailed with his army to take part in war against Troy. After ex days of war, victory is declared and the armies of Odysseus have sailed for home. As the Odyssey begins, an additional 10 years have passed since the fall of Troy and Odysseus still has not returned to his home. The noblemen have converged on his palace seeking the hand of his lovely wife, Penelope. However, Penelope refuses their advances choosing to remain faithful to Odysseus. During the ten years ... ... of people in our history. These epic works take us on an imaginary voyage one by dint of the amazing journeys of a single man, one through an imaginary trip through hell in which the political and philosophical thought of the time can be experienced, and one through an account of a religious thought for that day. All of these epics serve to remind us that no matter how far mankind has come, we still have a long way to go in our journey be it spiritual or earthly. Works Cited Epic. Websters Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary. 1983 ed. Homer. The Odyssey. Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces. Ed. Maynard Mack. 6th ed. 2 vols. New York Norton, 1992. Milton, John. Paradise Lost. Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces. Ed. Maynard Mack. 6th ed. 2 vols. New York Norton, 1992.

Putting A Price On Life Essays -- essays research papers

Putting A Price On manners(The Health C atomic number 18 Crises)Putting A Price On LifeLately, on that point has been quite a debate over wellness care and who should cover for it. Some say that the general public should pay for it. Otherssay it should be overlap between employer & employee. And still others say it should be socialized. Of these three, socialized euphony seems to be the most controversial if not the most misunderstood.Lets look at the mental lexicon definition of socialized medicate. According to Funk & Wagnall socialized medicine is "A system proposing to supply the public with medical care at nominal phrase cost, by regulating services and fees, by government subsidies to physicians, etc". Thecommon misperception is that health care will become substandard. If thatis true then mans humanity to man is decided by the almighty dollar.Doctors have taken the Hippocratic Oath to hatch their patients equally and ethically.Most people fear that they will be forced into commodious lines or on waitinglists for medical attention. But that cannot be proven. anyhow most peoplenow have to make appointments to see a doctor, and are accepted on a priority basis in hospitals. on that point is also the fear that doctors in the U.S. will leave to practice medicine in other countries. If so they will have a difficult condemnation as most of the industrialized nations have systems of socialized medicine including Canada. And lets be true(p) how many of us are go... Putting A Price On Life Essays -- essays research papers Putting A Price On Life(The Health Care Crises)Putting A Price On LifeLately, there has been quite a debate over health care and who should pay for it. Some say that the general public should pay for it. Otherssay it should be shared between employer & employee. And still others say it should be socialized. Of these three, socialized medicine seems to be the most controversial if not the most misund erstood.Lets look at the dictionary definition of socialized medicine. According to Funk & Wagnall socialized medicine is "A system proposing to supply the public with medical care at nominal cost, by regulating services and fees, by government subsidies to physicians, etc". Thecommon misperception is that health care will become substandard. If thatis true then mans humanity to man is determined by the almighty dollar.Doctors have taken the Hippocratic Oath to treat their patients equally and ethically.Most people fear that they will be forced into long lines or on waitinglists for medical attention. But that cannot be proven. Besides most peoplenow have to make appointments to see a doctor, and are accepted on a priority basis in hospitals. There is also the fear that doctors in the U.S. will leave to practice medicine in other countries. If so they will have a difficult time as most of the industrialized nations have systems of socialized medicine including Canada. And lets be honest how many of us are go...

Beloved as a Folk Tale :: essays papers

love life as a Folk Tale In the novel Beloved, Toni Morrison takes an unorthodox approach to the book. She uses many characteristics of a kinship group rehearsal to tell the story. The ghosts play a major part in the folklore of the book. These components such as the caring community and nicknames play an integral part in the book. The folk tale is when the past experiences are brought to the present and confronted in many different ways, leading to a sort of awakening for the character. One of the characteristics is the existence in a world of fragmentation. Morrison was able to achieve this feeling by writing the book this way. When Slavery has torn apart ones heritage, when past is more true(a) than present, when the rage of a dead baby can literally rock a house, then the traditional novel is no longer an adequate creature. One of the main characteristics is surviving and coping with the past. This is best illustrated in the book by the ghost living in 124 and ev entually Beloved. The past actually returns in the form of Paul D. The ghost reminds Sethe of past tragedies. The ghost serves as a reminder for some of the decisions Sethe was forced to make. It constantly makes her think about the decisions she made when she was jr. and whether she made the right choices. These thoughts constantly haunt her and keeps 124 the miserable place that it is. Sethe is forced to confront these nightmarish memories when Beloved returns. She starts to feel and finally relive her past with Beloveds help. By reliving so many memories so quickly she is almost shattered by it until the community comes to her rescue. Sweet Home is one of the things that Sethe moldiness encounter. The ghost in 124 plays a major part in the folklore of the book. The ghost seems to be reincarnated as the call on the carpet in the form of Beloved, which the women of the town come to face. The devil was born into the spirit of Sethes daughter when she is killed in the barn. Se the realizes that the death of the body is not the death of the soul. Schoolteacher, whom Sethe and Paul D gather in as the devil, causes this. They view Sweet Home as a nice place to live until Mr.

Technology in Education Essay -- Technological Classroom Computers Ess

Technology in EducationIn our lives today we expect technology to make a difference, and particularly in furthering our preparation. We witness technologies effects as beneficial. We look for it to change, and improve, what has come before it. Technology is the set of means without which certain kinds of constructive activity would be almost impossible. It supports our efforts to appeal to opposite learning styles which give us a way to interact with each other and extend the learning experiences. It is a good way to extend the innate skills and knowledge of students. By integrating technology into our educational programs it provides students with additional tools to enhance their learning. Technology allows us to demonstrate teaching strategies and also provide teachers with skills to succeed in the classroom. It changes the structure and the manor in which we learn. Such technologies used in education from the past, present and beyond are the typewriter, computer games, inte rnet, and communication.The relationship between technology and education can be characterized as a process of change and innovation. In the beginning societies depended on oral communication then the written language was developed. do an alphabet made learning to read and write much easier then in the past. As technologies of written language became prevalent and more people became literate social structures formed. The next big step towards a better education was the industrial revolution. The technology that occurred during the revolution created a need for workers in the newly created factories displacement learning to prepare kids to work in such factories. Technologies such as the typewriter and printing press made it easier to make documents i... ...k/elearning/story/0,10577,1336801,00.html6. Hinchliffe, Lisa ( 2002) Helping Early childishness Teacher Education Learn about the Internet ( 2004) www.libraryinstuction.com/early childhood.html-19k7. New Horizons for Lea rning (2002, September) http//www.newhorizons.org8. Christopher Latham Sholes (2005, March) Typewriter http//www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/story097.htmBooks9. Kerr, Stephen T and Rehage, Kenneth(eds.) (1996) Technology and the future of schooling. Chicago The University of Chicago closet10. Isenberg, Joan P. (2003) Major trends and issues in early childhood education Challenges, controversies, and insights. New York Teachers College Press11. Monroe, Barbra Jean (2004) Crossing the digital divide race, writing, and technology in the classroom. New York Teachers College Press.

Japanese School Systems vs. American Essays -- essays research papers

Japanese School Systems vs. AmericanFor years, people have always felt that the Japanese school system was excellent or more effective than that of the joined States. Although some feel this way, others feel that the Japanese system is too strict and not flexible enough for those who whitethorn need extra help along the way. Through researching two different case studies, and alike reading other materials, I have found umpteen similarities along with many differences between the two, including teaching methods, overall emphases, and student involvement. Both countries have developed very effective and intricate systems of teaching, which compliment, and clash against one another. The Japanese system is not in all ways superior to that of the coupled States how of all time, there are a few different reasons why people whitethorn feel that the Japanese are in fact smarter than us. To begin with though, one must have an understanding of both systems and a basic knowledge of how th ey work. The United States federal government virtually has no control over our education system. As result, neither a national curriculum, nor a national education system, has ever been enforced. Instead, according to (Hume. International students) each state has its own Department of Education. This department sets guidelines for all Stephens2the schools in that particular state, decides from where the schools will get their money, regulates the licensing of teachers, and also decides on a minimum required amount of days that children need to be in school. Each school district also has a school board, who helps with all the major decisions within the school district. The members of these boards are elected in, and usually serve for a few years. Most of American schools living comes from local property taxes, and state taxes. Due to this set up, many people complain that equal educational opportunities are not introduced to all children. They argue that the aim of education a chi ld will receive is directly reflective of the type of economic area they come from. For example, a child that comes from a rural, little wealthy part of the state will not receive the same opportunities, or the same value of education as a child who grows up in a rich suburban town. These people feel that all children should be given ... ...nts to feel more comfortable discussing academics and make friends in a way more geared to school than American children. In short, although the U.S. education system is superior to most, there are many things that if taken from the Japanese and compound into our system, would help our students to become more enthusiastic about school thus making the education experience more positive and more productive. Works CitedUnited States Department of Education. The Educational System in the United States A Case report. By the U.S.D.E. in 1998. 28 November. 2002 http//www.ed.gov/pubs/USCaseStudy/United States Department of Education. The Educational System in Japan A Case Study. By the U.S.D.E. June 1998. 28 November. 2002 http//www.ed.gov/pubs/JapanCaseStudy/The National Institute on Student Achievement, Curriculum, and Assessment. The Japanese Education System A Case Study and Analysis. By the N.I.S.A.C.A. January 1999. 28 November. 2002 http//www.ed.gov/pubs/ResearchToday/98-3038.htmlHume, Susan E. International students who come to the United States. Indiana Schools Project. Indiana University. 28 November. 2002 http//board.dserver.org/p/poppiya/ooooo661.html

Japanese School Systems vs. American Essays -- essays research papers

Nipponese School brasss vs. AmericanFor years, bulk have always felt that the Japanese school clay was superior or more effective than that of the United States. Although some feel this way, others feel that the Japanese system is too strict and not flexible replete for those who may need extra help along the way. Through researching two different case studies, and also reading other materials, I have shew many similarities along with many differences between the two, including teaching methods, overall emphases, and student involvement. Both countries have developed very effective and intricate systems of teaching, which compliment, and clash against ace another. The Japanese system is not in all ways superior to that of the United States however, there are a few different reasons why people may feel that the Japanese are in fact smarter than us. To begin with though, one must have an understanding of both systems and a basic noesis of how they work. The United States feder al government virtually has no control over our raising system. As result, neither a national curriculum, nor a national education system, has ever been enforced. Instead, according to (Hume. International students) each state has its own Department of Education. This department sets guidelines for all Stephens2the schools in that particular state, decides from where the schools will specify their money, regulates the licensing of teachers, and also decides on a minimum required amount of days that peasantren need to be in school. Each school district also has a school board, who helps with all the major decisions within the school district. The members of these boards are elected in, and usually serve for a few years. Most of American schools funding comes from local property taxes, and state taxes. Due to this set up, many people complain that equal educational opportunities are not introduced to all children. They lay out that the level of education a child will receive is di rectly reflective of the type of economic area they come from. For example, a child that comes from a rural, less wealthy part of the state will not receive the same opportunities, or the same value of education as a child who grows up in a rich suburban town. These people feel that all children should be given ... ...nts to feel more comfortable discussing academics and make friends in a way more geared to school than American children. In short, although the U.S. education system is superior to most, there are many things that if taken from the Japanese and incorporated into our system, would help our students to become more enthusiastic about school thus making the education experience more positive and more productive. plant CitedUnited States Department of Education. The Educational System in the United States A reason Study. By the U.S.D.E. in 1998. 28 November. 2002 http//www.ed.gov/pubs/USCaseStudy/United States Department of Education. The Educational System in Japan A C ase Study. By the U.S.D.E. June 1998. 28 November. 2002 http//www.ed.gov/pubs/JapanCaseStudy/The National Institute on Student Achievement, Curriculum, and Assessment. The Japanese Education System A Case Study and Analysis. By the N.I.S.A.C.A. January 1999. 28 November. 2002 http//www.ed.gov/pubs/ResearchToday/98-3038.htmlHume, Susan E. International students who come to the United States. Indiana Schools Project. Indiana University. 28 November. 2002 http//board.dserver.org/p/poppiya/ooooo661.html

Night World : Huntress Chapter 14

Did you have trouble countenanceting away? Hugh saidIt was the next morning, a very different sort of day from yesterday. The sky was overcast and the airwas heavy. Everyone Jez had passed at the Concord BART move looked a puny depressed.Eh, a precise, she said, and sat down by Hugh on the platform. They were at the far end of the station,beyond the reach outed area with benches, beside a little concrete security house. It was a safe and privatemeeting place since the station was almost deserted after the morning commute. They chained up mybike with this huge chain. Claire drove me to school-shes been watching me like a werewolf guardingdinner. And Aunt nan c aloneed the office to make sure I didnt cut Hugh shifted in concern. There was atiny breathof warm wind, and it stirred his fair cop. So what did you do?Jez grinned. I cut. She shrugged and added, I got a guy from my auto shop class to drive me here. Itwasnt hard.He smiled at her sadly, his gray eyes distant. provided th eyre spillage to materialize out. Jez, Im re in ally sorry forcompletely messing up your life.She shrugged again. Yeah, but if I dont do it, foreverybodys life is going to be even more than completelymessed up. Every homos.I get laid. He shivered slightly. wherefore he drew up his legs, clasping his fortify around them. He looked ather with his chin on his knees. So what did you find out?That the young lady Morgead thought was the Wild baron isnt. He looks so cute that way, Jez thoughthelplessly. So-compact. Morgead would never sit like that.Hugh winced. Great. Youre sure?Yeah. It was a little barbarian, eight days old, and she was something special-but not that. She was Jeztried to recall of a way to describe it. Hugh watched her with eyes that were clear and fathomless, sadand wry and gentle all at once. And perfectly Jez got it. She gasped.Goddess-I know She was like you. That kid was an rare Soul.Hughs eyebrows went up. You think?Im sure of it. She had that same w ay of sounding at you as if shes seen all of history and she knowsthat youre scarce a little part. That trig picture look. As if she were beyond stupid human things.But not a Wild Power, Hugh said softly. He looked fractional discouraged and half relieved. So thusly theMorgead connection is useless. Actually, no. Because hes got evidence for the Wild Power on videotape. Jez explained closely themovie and the fire and the blue flash. So somebody around that kid is probably it. I know that area andso does Morgead. We may be able to find out who.Hugh chewed his lip. Then he looked directly at her. It sounds riskous. barely how is Morgead takingtins-you coming back and all?Jez stared out across the BART tracks. They looked like regular train tracks, except for the big onelabeled danger electric third rah.. There was a sound like faraway thunder, and whence a train came whizzingup like a sleek futuristic white dr pastn. It stopped and a few people got on and off in the distance. Shewaited until it left again to answer.He wasnt very happy at first. But then he kind of got used to it. I dont think hes going to make anytrouble-unless he finds out, you know.She wasnt sure what else to say. She didnt want to talk to Hugh about Morgead-and she for suredidnt want to explain what had happened. Especially not when she was so confused about it all herself.You still think hed hate you if he found out you were half human? Hughs voice was quiet.Jez laughed shortly. Believe it. He would.There was a silence, while Hugh looked at her. Suddenly Jez found her mind posing an odd question. Ifit were Hugh or Morgead, which would she assume?Of course, it was a completely ridiculous question. She couldnt have either of them. Hugh was an OldSoul, and beyond her reach. Not to mention that he only thought of her as a friend. And Morgead superpowerbe her soulmate, but he would murder her if he ever discovered the truth.But still, if she did have a choice Hugh or Morgead?A day ago shed have said Hugh without question. How strange that now it came up the other way.Because, impossible as it was, deadly as she k sore it to be, it was Morgead she was in love with. Andshe had only just understood that this moment.What a pity that there was no hope in the terra firma for them.Jez found herself giving other short laugh- and then she tangibleized that Hugh was still looking at at her. Shecould feel color rise to her cheeks.You were miles away again.Tm just foggy. Not enough sleep, I guess. Plus all that fun yesterday. She was still bleak from the stickfight and the fall with Iona. But that wasnt Hughs problem.She took a breath, groping for another subject. You know, there was something I wanted to askyou. Morgead said the Council had dug up another prophecy-about where each of the Wild Powers isfrom. Have you heard it? When he shook his head, she quoted superstar from the land of kings long forgotten One from the hearth which still holds the spark One from th eDay World where deuce eyes arewatching One from the twilight to be one with the dark.Interesting. Hughs gray eyes had lit up. One from the hearth thats got to be the Harmanwitches. Their last name was originally Hearth-Woman. Yeah. But the line about the one from the Day World-that ones a human, slump?It sounds like it.Thats what Morgead thought-thats why he thought the little girl expertness be a Wild Power even thoughshe was human. But what I fagt figure out is what it sloppeds by where two eyes are watching.Mmm Hugh gazed into the distance, as if he liked the challenge. The only thing I can think of thatcombines the idea of Day* and eyes is a poem. It goes something like The night has a one thousand eyes,and the Day only one. The one eye being the sun, you know, and the thousand eyes the stars at night.Hmpf. What about the moon?Hugh grinned. I dont know. Maybe the cause wasnt pricey at astronomy.Well-that doesnt help much. I thought it might be a clue. But the truth is that we dont even know if itsthe human Wild Power were after.Hugh put his chin on his knees again. True. But Ill let Circle Daybreak know about that prophecy. Itmight help eventually. He was silent a moment, then added, You know, they dug up somethinginteresting, too. Apparently the Hopi Tribe predicted the end of the world pretty accurately.The Hopi?I should say, the ends of the worlds. They knew that it had happened in the beginning their time, and that itwould happen again. Their legend says that the first world was destroyed by fire. The second world wasdestroyed by ice. The third world ended in water- a universal flood. And the fourth world-well, thatsours. Its supposed to end in melody and darkness- and end soon.Jez murmured, The first world-?Dont remember your dark World history? He tched at her, with a smile that didnt reach his eyes.The first civilization was the shapeshifters. Back when human race were scared to go out of their caves, theshapeshifters ruled and the huma ns thought of them as gods. Animal spirits, totems. It was ShapeshifterWorld. That lasted for about ten thousand years, until a bunch of volcanoes suddenly became active-Fire.Yeah. The put up changed, people migrated, and the shapeshifters lost control. After that it was reallyWitch World. The witches did better thaneverybody else for ten thousand years, but then there was an Ice Age- And the Night Wars, Jez said, remembering. When the vampires fought the witches.Right. And after all that, the vampires were in control it was Vampire World. Which lasted aboutanother ten thousand years, until the flood. And after the flood, human civilization really started. It wasHuman World, and it has been for a long time. The Night People have just been hanging on around theedges, hiding. But. . . He paused and straightened. That started about eight thousandB.C.Oh.Yeah. The millennium marks the end of our ten thousand years. He gave his gentle, half-mocking smile.We humans are about to lose our l ease. Somethings going to happen to bring blood and darkness andthen therell be a whole new world.Only if we dont stop it, Jez said. And we will- because we have to.Hughs smiled changed, softening. I think were lucky to have people like you trying. Then he lost thesmile completely. He looked uncertain. Jez- you know, Old Souls arent really beyond stupid humanthings. Were as human as anybody. And we I mean, and IJezs heart was beating uncomfortably fast. The way he was looking at her-shed never seen Hugh looklike that at anything or anyone. some other rumble in the distance, and then a train came rushing in.Hugh blinked, glanced up at the digital clock display above the platform, then checked his watch. Hecursed.Tm supposed to be somewhere. Im late.Jezs heart gave a strange thump. But not of disappointment. Weirdly, it was more like relief.Me, too, she said. Im supposed to meet Morgead before everybody else gets out of school. I oughtto take the next train to San Francisco.He still hesitated. Jez-Go on, she said, standing up. seasick call you if I turn up anything. Wish me luck.Be careful, he said instead, and then he was hurrying away.Jez watched him go. She couldnt help wondering what he had been about to say.Then she morose to walk back to the central part of the station. She was partway around the concreteguardhouse when she heard a noise on the other side.A stealthy, walk noise. Not the kind a security guard would make.Jez didnt hesitate. Smoothly, completely soundless herself, she changed course, turning back and going around the structure the other way to get behind the sneaker. The instant she had a clear view of theintruders back, she jumped.She landed on top of her quarry, with a control hold on the persons wrist. But she already knew thatthis wasnt going to be a fight to the death.Jez-ow-its me Claire spluttered.I know its you, Claire.Let go of my armI dont think so, Claire. You having an interesting morning? Hear any good jokes?Jez Claire strugg led, hurting herself, then got gaga and hurt herself more trying to hit Jez. Jez allowedher to sit up, still keeping hold of her.Claires face was flushed and wrathful, her dark hair sticking in strands to her cheeks. Her eyes wereshooting sparks.Okay, so Im sorry for eavesdropping. I followed you when Greg Ludlum drove you here. I wanted toknow what you were doing. I didnt know that you were completely freaking nuttyWell, its too bad you didnt figure it out earlier. Because unfortunately I have to bolt down you now to keepyou from talking.Claires eyes widened and she choked. Jez suddenly realized that underneath all the sparks and theyelling her cousin was terrified.She let go of Claires arm and Claire slumped away from her, rubbing it.You-you are insane, arent you? Claire looked at her sideways, through clinging strands of hair. Imean, all that stuff about the world ending-its some kind of bizarre game youre playing with your weirdfriends, isnt it? Some kind of Dungeons and Dra gons stuffWhat do you think, Claire? Jez stood up and offered Claire a hand, worried that someone might noticethem. She kept that hand on Claire as she herded Claire back behind the guard house.The truth was that this situation wasnt funny.Claire really was in trouble-because Jez was in trouble.Her entire cover was blown. Everything shed worked for in the past year-Claire could destroy it all.Claire knew way too much, and Claire hated her enough to use it.I think I dont know what to think. Claire swallowed. Who was that guy?One of my weird friends. Right?He didnt seem so weird. When he said things- I dont know. They sounded Claires voice trailedoff. Finally it came back, almost inaudibly. Real. Great. I am going to have to slaughter her. What else can I do?Its not a game, is it? Claire said, looking at her. every(prenominal) the anger was gone from the dark eyes now. Theywere simply bewildered and frightened.Then Claire shook her head. But, I mean, its impossible. Vampires and sh apeshifters and witches-itsall just Her voice trailed off again.Jez was simply looking at her, with eyes that might be less silvery than a year ago, but that she knewwere still pretty strange. And after a few moments Claires gaze lost its focus and her whole body seemedto fall in on itself, as if it had lost something vital. Innocence maybe, Jez thought grimly.Oh, God, it is true, Claire whispered. I mean, its really true. Thats why youre gone all the time, isntit? Youre off-doing something.Jez said, Yeah.Claire sagged against the guardhouse. Oh, God. I God. I feel so strange. Its like-nothing is what Ithought.Yeah, I know the feeling, Jez thought. When the whole world turns around and you have to adjust in twoseconds flat. It happened to me, too, a year ago.But none of that was going to help Claire. All she could say was Im sorry.Claire didnt seem to hear her. She was speaking in a voice that was just a breath. Thats why thatswhy all that weird stuff with your father. cipher know ing anything about his family and all. I knew fromthe beginning that there was something about you I just couldnt tell what it was.Oh, great, Jez thought. Here it comes. She tried to keep her face impassive as Claire faced her squarely,raising her eyes with a look somewhere between wonder and dread.That guy-he said you were only half human. Which means youre half something else?Im half human and half vampire, Jez said quietly. The interesting thing was that it was so easy to getout. Shed only ever spoken the words aloud to one person before Hugh.Now she looked to see if Claire would actually faint or just fall down.Claire did neither. She just shut her eyes. You know the really insane thing? I think that. She openedher eyes again. But-I didnt know you could be. Half and half.Neither did anybody else, till I was born. Im theonly one. Jez examined her cousin, realized that she really wasnt going to faint. When she spoke again,her voice came out more challenging than she meant it to. So now that you know, Claire, what are yougoing to do about it?What do you mean, what am I going to do? Claire glanced around, then her voice dropped as her eyesglinted with interest. Look-do you, like, have to drink blood and everything? Not anymore, Jez said shortly. What was this? Who would have thought that studious, straitlacedClaire would have such an interest in vampires?But you mean you used to?Before I came to live with you guys. I thought I was a full vampire then. But I found out that I could livewithout it, as long as I didnt use my powers.Youve got powers? Really? What kind?No kind. Look, enough with the questions. I told you, Im not a vampire anymore.And youre not evil. Claire said it flatly.Jez looked at her, startled. What makes you say that?I heard what you were talking about, saving the world and all. I didnt understand it, but it sounded likeyou were on the right side. And- Claire hesitated, then shrugged. And I know you, okay? I mean,youre arrogant and stubborn a nd you never explain anything, but youre not evil. You just arent-inside. Ican tell.Jez laughed. A real laugh. She couldnt help it.Of all people, Claire. Shed misjudged this girlwho was her own age but had nothing else in common with her. Her cousin had unexpected depths.Well, thanks, she said. I try not to be too evil- these days. Then she sobered. Look, Claire, if youreally think that, and if you really believe that the stuff you heard was true-About the end of the world? I dont believe it. I mean, I heard it, and I believe you believe it-and when Ifirst heard it I kind of believed it, but-Just-skip the rest and plain believe it, Claire. It happens to be the truth. And Im trying to do somethingabout it.Something about a Wild Power, right? Claire wasnt sagging anymore. She looked almost excited. Butwhats a-You dont need to know. The point is that if you want to, you can help me.I can? Really?You can help me by going back to school and forgetting that this ever happened. You can hel p me bykeeping my secret and not ever saying a word about this to anybody. And, incidentally, youll be keepingyour family safe at the same time.Claire looked away, worked her jaw. This stuff youre doing is pretty dangerous. It wasnt a question.Very dangerous. Jez stepped back. And Im late for it right now. So do we have a deal? Will you help me or not? Can I trust you?Or otherwise youre gonna carry off me, right? Claire looked at her sarcastically.Jez rolled her eyes. Dont tempt me. Seriously, are you going to help?No.Jez froze, looking down at the shorter girl. What?Jez-dont get mad, but I dont think I can. Not that way. Claire was looking back up steadily, her smallface serious and surprisingly determined. I mean how can I possibly just walk away, after hearing allthat? If everything you said is true, how can I forget?You can because you have to. We all do what we have to do. Jez looked around the station. Anothertrain should be coming any minute. She simply didnt have time to sp end convincing a human to stay outof business that would kill her. To properly explain it to Claire would take days.All she could do was ask for something she never would have imagined Claire could give her.Claire theres no way I can convince you or make you do what I want. But Im asking you- She letout her breath and went on Im asking you to trust me. Im asking you to walk away and at least try toforget this. And to believe that Im trying the best I can to do the right thing.Claire kept looking at her steadily for a moment. Then, all at once, the dark eyes filled. They turnedaway, and Claires throat moved once as she swallowed. Then, slowly, she nodded.Okay, she whispered. I mean-its okay for now. I mean, I guess I can talk to you later about it.Jez let out her breath. Thats right.Claire stood there for another second, then straightened her shoulders and turned away. But just assuddenly she turned back, looking tense and almost explosive. Theres something I have to say to you.Jez g lanced down the tracks. No train. Okay.Its-its that Im sorry. Im sorry I bugged you and tried to get Mom mad at you and everything. Iwas just-I was jealous because they let you get away with anything, and She shook her head fiercelyand then went on, shrugging grimly as if she hated to admit it. And, yeah, because youre so gorgeousand confident and everything. It made me feel bad and I wanted to hurt you. So. Anyway. There. Imsorry.She started to walk away, wobbling a little.Claire.Claire paused, then turned around.Jez spoke a little hesitantly around the obstruction in her throat. Its okay. And thank you.Yeah. Claire grinned and gave a little shrug. See ya later. She turned around and started walking again.See ya, Jez thought. She felt suddenly tired and strangely emotional. There was too much inside hensadness and relief and worry and a new feeling for Claire. She crossed her arms and looked around thestation, trying to relax, taking deep, even breaths.And saw two werewolves coming straight for Claire.

Helon Habila’s Waiting For An Angel

Helon Habila developed his talent for makeup when he took up Literature in the University of Jos. world a gifted prose fiction writer and poet he was given the MUSON poetry prize award in the year 2000. Before going to Lagos to bet for lede Magazine, Helon lectured early at the Federal Polytechnic in Bauchi in a span of three historic period and was also the Vanguard Newspapers liberal arts editor. He is now currently spending his time in the University of East Anglia as a writing fellow. The beginnings of his first famous work started as a compilation of short stories entitled Prison Stories that was published in Nigeria in 2000.Two years after, the full version of the retain was released in the UK having the title of Waiting for an Angel. This work of his was then acknowledged as the best first book in the African region and make him won the 2001 Caine Prize for African Writing and the earth Writers Prize Award in 2003. His latest work was published in 2007 under the title of Measuring Time which is a apologue about reduplicate brothers living in a village in Nigeria. II. Type of Work Helon Habilas Waiting for an Angel is a fiction that in general centers on the real number events that happened in Nigeria during General Sachi Abachas reign.Though the story and the geniuss were plain fictional, the fact that the people suffered under the military government back then was true. Habila used history as the backbone of his work, weaving stories that tells the real accounts and incidents that the people of Nigeria experienced back in the 1990s. III. Type of Plot The type of plot used in the impudent is mainly geographical. The story took ready in the country of Nigeria in the city of Lagos. Most of the events, however concentrated on the slums of Poverty Street where the main character Lombo was industrial plant as a journalist.By reading about the lives of the people living in Poverty Street, the readers will be able to form an understanding of the condition in the whole of Nigeria. IV. Setting/ Time of Plot The cathode-ray oscilloscope of the story was in Lagos, Nigeria in the time of the 1990s. Nigeria was in a terrifying state back then and Lagos was known to be the most dangerous city in the world during that time. Nigeria was excluded from the Commonwealth of Nations and almost every country had authorized against it. The countrys clement rights abuses were horrifyingly brutal and cases of atrocious violence reigns on the hearts and minds of the people of Nigeria.Military rulers were aimed in plundering the national treasury and the countrys most prehensile thinkers and writers who question the democratic thinking of the military were exterminated by the government under the rule of Sani Abacha. Lagos was in a demoralize state and the citizens were trying to go along a bit of hope in their seemingly hopeless world. The novel shows a time when living an everyday manner is a struggle and opportunities ar almost i llusory. Yet notwithstanding the dragging effects of the dictatorial government to the citizens, the young people still kept their hopes and dreams in the corners of their shadowed creative activity.(Mostly allegory Waiting for an Angel) V. Setting/ Locale The locale of the novel was set in Lagos, a city in Nigeria. Back in the 50s and 60s, the idea of a city was a new thing in Africa since most of the rural citizens were living in villages. This was the cause why Lagos was seen as an alien, a new creation. The city was considered by some(prenominal) as a lay where people go and become somebody else, forgetting their identity, and the old ways and customs they had when they were still staying in their villages.People have the impression of Lagos as a violent place wherein you have to be able to lose your innocence just to survive in the midst of chaos. The citizens of the place should be wise, strong, independent, and cunning in able to live in such a place that was labeled as the Devils City. Yet under the citys image of chaos and sufferings, there is a representation that Lagos was the kind of vicinity that makes you able to stand in your own feet, giving you a kind of maturity that you will neer achieve in a world that was far from pain and hardships. (Bbc News Lagos)The story features accounts on the lives of Lomba, the primary character, and indifferent citizens living in Poverty Street. The storys events mostly took place in the slums of Poverty Street which is described as only one of the m any(prenominal) feeble, disease-infested residences in the city of Lagos. This is where the climax of the story took place in the event of the demonstration of the people which primarily caused Lombas imprison housement for devil years. This was also the setting where most of the characters in the story found their respective crossroads. (Bbc News Lagos) VI.Social and/ or Political Context The context of the story revolves on the political concept of monocr acy of Sani Abacha and the sufferings of the people under his rule. The military governance was more concerned in looting money from the nations treasury above anything else and this was the time wherein any hint of disloyalty was mercilessly punished. Nigeria was under the scrutinizing eyes of the military and you can found restlessness in the actions of the people as intimidating Peugots of orphic police and patrolling the States jeeps inhabit the streets of the city of Lagos.The very air that the citizens breathe in the country was noticeably charged with threat and danger as seen in the perspectives of Lomba, his first cacoethes Alice, and in the stories and experiences of the ordinary citizens in the story. Poverty Street was constantly enveloped in fumes and smoke, a nagging sign that solidifies the fact that Nigeria was under the power of a cruel and ruthless ruler. General Abachas reign of terror from 1993 to 1998 do his people live with constant apprehension and shakin g hopes. (Village Crunch)Life was do difficult during that time as the people of Nigeria struggled to survive amidst the danger that always seemed to overcome them. People were thrown to prison without trial, as like what happened to the main character Lomba, and some were executed just because of the plain reason that they had the strength to question the military government. The civilians were chained to unjustness and everyone was drowned in their delusion of hope and fairness. The context of the novel centers on the struggle of the people under the heavy weight of unjustness hurled at them by the government.Waiting for an Angel shows a world where comfort was just an delusion and justice non-existent. (Village Crunch) VII. Characterization/ Character Analysis The main character of the story is Lomba, a journalist in the city of Lagos who was imprisoned for two years as a political prisoner because of his unintended participation in a demonstration in Poverty Street. He waited vainly for a fictitious trial while in jail but the time came when he finally realized and sure the fact that his hopes wouldnt be answered as long as the government was run by the military and General Sachi Abacha.In the novel, Lomba has gone beyond different phases of emotions and perspectives. From beyond anger to the state of tranquility that made him swallow acceptance to his fate. In the middle of his second year in prison, he was able to obtain pencil and paper which were forbidden materials for prisoners and started writing a diary. He wrote in secret about his thoughts and feelings during his detention and hid his pile of papers under his mattress after. The diary became his refuge. It served as his only sanctuary and listener to his private thoughts that were never allowed to be spoken of behind bars.His first entry was dated on the Friday of July 1997 yet he headed most his entries with only the days of the week. Some of his writings which he entered using exact dates we re mostly incorrect. Two months after he started writing, he unfortunately got caught and his diary, which was actually only piles of papers were confiscated from him. (Bookmunch) Lomba may have true his terrible fate as a prisoner but he never lost his hope in regaining back his freedom. An incident came when his jailer, visual perception his gift for words, asked him to do love poems for the well-educated woman he is courting.Lomba used this chance to send cryptic messages to the woman named Janice to communicate his need for help and succeeded in the end. (Bookmunch) Lomba was only one of the many people whose lives were severely affected by the coup of the general Sachi Abacha. He lived dark days in prison, losing his identity, belief, and faith. Yet someway he regained his conviction and fought till the end using his ingenuity. Lomba may have suffered the tortures brought upon by the government but he never lost his ground, molding him into someone with unyielding determinati on, conviction, and strength.The other characters of the story were Alice, Lombas first love who was fiercenessd to marry an old and wealthy soldier and his teacher Joshua who served as the main force in engaging Lomba in the demonstration in Poverty Street which caused his imprisonment. Muftau and Janice were also significant characters in the novel. Muftau was the jailer who asked Lomba to write love poems for Janice who in transcend brought Lombas freedom in the end. Also, General Sachi Abachas identity has a huge impact in the novel since it is during his time of rule that the complications and climax of the story happened.(Bookmunch) VIII. The Story in the Main The novel is mainly about the sufferings of the people under the rule of General Sachi Abacha for five years. Nigeria was infused with terror and the people lived in fear as the military government took hold on the whole country. The setting of the story took place in the city of Lagos but most of the events were cente red on the slums of Poverty Street. Lomba, the main character was a journalist in the city who was honk into jail as a political prisoner because of his participation in a demonstration that was supposed to oppose the doings of the government.He was detained for two years in prison without trial until he came to the point where he finally accepted his grim fate. On the middle of his second year in jail, Lomba was able to gain access on some pencil and paper and started writing a diary. His first entry was on the Friday of July 1997 though he simply used the days of the week as heading to his succeeding entries. After two months of writing in secret, someone informed the head of the prison about the diary which caused its confiscation. Lombas only refuge in his dark days in prison was snatched away from him and he yet again entered a time of depression and loneliness.(Village Crunch) Another event, however, gave Lomba another chance to hope when Muftau asked a party favor from hi. M uftau was his jailer and seeing Lombas work on his confiscated diary, he asked him to write some love poems to woo the woman she likes. Lomba, on the other hand never missed the chance he was given and started using his poems as tools to ask for help. He intentionally plagiarized some lines form famous poets which have secret meanings behind them to communicate what he wants to say. Lomba was able to pass his message without making the poorly educated Muftau to suspect by using his ingenuity in writing.Janice on the other hand was fortunately well-educated and so was able to decode the meaning behind the poems that was given to her. In the end, she was the one who served as the tool in giving Lomba his freedom. There be also other events in the novel that made it look non-fictional by using characters in real life. Some of these events were the pause of Ken Saro Wiwa, the killing of the editor of the NEwswatch magazine Dele Giwa, and the shooting of the wife of Abiola who was actu ally the nemesis of General Abacha.There was also a part in the novel where Lomba met Helon Habila himself which made the story even more realistic. (Village Crunch) Waiting for an Angel communicates the hardships of the people under the unjust government of Abacha during that time in such a way that the reader will even wonder what kind of life they will have if they lived on the same timeframe. The debut novel of Helon Habila centers on fear, exposing the atrocities of the years under Abachas reign. One of the main highlights of the story however was the peoples conviction in having hope despite of the sufferings they are experiencing.The characters of the novel possesses a kind of touching, inspirational kind of humanity that tells the fact that hope can still exist in times when comfort can only be achieved in dreams. IX. the Analysis of the Work Habila did an exquisite work on this debut novel of his. He was able to turn the story into something that was still interesting despi te of the heavy themes it possesses. Because of the artistic sequence of the story and the interesting non-fiction quality of it, Waiting for an Angel can be considered as one of the best fictional works about real events. X. Thematic Structure/ Development of Various ThemesThe main theme of the story is about sufferings of the people under the regime of Sachi Abachan. Fear, the longing for justice, and armed combat for hope are also just some of the themes that the story have. The citizens of Nigerias silent struggle for a new life despite of their unending struggles are just one of the most important highlights of the story. Waiting for an Angel revolves around the concepts of wretchedness, fate, and death but in such a way that it not so overly depressing compared to other books because of the unsentimental approach that focuses on the details of the life of the characters.XI. Language, Structure, and Style Helon Habila presented his work in a language that was easily tacit even by the not so deep reader. He structured his novel in such a way that the first chapter was actually the first in chronological order. It begins with the event in which Lomba was already imprisoned and was writing the beginnings of his forbidden diary. The succeeding chapters then narrate the life of Lomba before he was put in jail as well as the lives of the people he knew that intersected his.Through this presentation of structure, the readers were able to know what will become of Lombas fate in the end. The readers were put in the place of a dreamer who hopes with every passing page that Lomba will somehow find a resolution the can tack his fate. The novels structure strengthened the books effect and made it clarifying instead of turning it into a confusing one. In presenting the book in this order, the readers were able to recognize the characters, places, or situations and something of its past or future.Through this, simple actions or phrases that tend to have little signifi cance were given more importance. XII. literary Techniques and Devices Like what was mentioned above, the most noticeable technique that Habila used was not presenting the events in chronological order. He also made his work look realistic by inserting himself in one of the parts of the story as well as other events and people that were fictional. Waiting for an Angel was as factual as life can be because of its genuine expression of the hardships and sufferings of the people in Nigeria.XIII. Critical Evaluation/ General Assessment Waiting for an Angel possesses the kind of prolonged existence that exceeds most of the current contemporary fictions released today. The novel was able to converse clearly the message that Habila wants to communicate about. The story was also not so overly depressing despite the fact that most of its themes were about death, unjustness, and sufferings. Habila was able to write about these emotional themes in such a way that the novel was not so boring an d dragging.Yet at the same time, the readers were able to feel the emotions in the story in such a way that they could almost see themselves in place of the citizens in Nigeria. Helon Habila did a great job in this novel of his, giving life to a world that was still waiting for the arrival of their angel. There could be another Habila and another Lomba in this part of the world and their struggle would not be heard. And yet there will be another injustice. It is a immortal cycle of struggle and fight for freedom. There is only one thing sure. That at the end of the story the victim always loses.Lucky for Lomba he was only fictionalized in a way that he could give hope to those who are in his struggle today. Let the world know that fighting for your right to live in a free world is not a sin but a privilege. And the world know that you are doing it not for yourself but for the next extension who are bound to be helpless and alone. And for the final words, let those who come upon th is novel that there is hope after all the storm. REFERENCES Bbc News Lagos. (2007). Bookmunch. (2007). Mostly fabrication Waiting for an Angel. (2007). Village Crunch. (2007).

Case Solution

Problems Q. 1 Consider a five- category coupon bond with a face value of $1000 paying an annual coupon of 15%. (i) If the new market suffer is 8%, what is the bonds price? (ii) If the current market yield increases by 1% what is the bonds new price? (iii) Using your answers to part (i) and (ii) , what is section change in the bonds price as a result of 1% increase in interest rates. Q. 2 Consider the following FI balance sheet M. fight down Ltd Assets Liabilities year Treasury bond $175,000 1-year CD$135,000 15-year corporate bond$165,000 5-year deposit$160,000 Notes All securities are selling at par (equal to book value). The two-year Treasury bonds yield 5% the 15-year corporate bonds yield 9% the one-year CD issue pays 4. 5% and the five-year deposit pays 8%. Assume that all instruments have annual coupon payments. (a) What is the value of M. Match Ltds equity? (b) What is the weighted average maturity of FIs assets? (c) What is the weighted average maturity of FIs liabilitie s? d) What is the FIs maturity jailbreak? (e) What does your answer to part (d) imply about the interest rate risk exposure of M. Match Ltd? (f) Calculate the values of all four securities on M. Match Ltds balance sheet if all interest rates increase by 2%. (g) What is the impact on the equity of M. Match Ltd? Calculate the percentage change in the value of equity. (h) What would be the impact on M. Match Ltds risk exposure if its liabilities paid semi-annually as opposed to annually? Q. An amends company issues a $100,000 one-year bond paying 7% annually in order to finance the acquisition of a $100,000 one-year corporate bestow paying 9 % semi-annually. (a) What is the insurance companys maturity gap? What does the maturity model state about interest rate risk exposure given the insurance companys maturity gap? (b) Immediately after the insurance company makes these investments, all interest rates increase by 3%. What is the impact on the asset cash flows? What is the impact o n the liability cash flows?

How I Learned to Sweep by Julia Alvarez Essay

1. In which form is the poem written (for example, is it a sonnet? Free verse? Lyric poem This poem was written in 1996 in a conventional style form. The poem has 39 lines.2. What is the setting and social context of the poem?The setting and social context of this poem is in America in the mid 90s when the war in the Far East was going on as it is stated in the poem. It takes slur in her home or apartment or wherever she stays. She is living with her mom because her mom orders her to sweep the floor. 3. Does the poem demonstrate a rhyme organization? If so, what is it? The poem doesnt originally demonstrate a rhyme scheme. It is written in a pretty straight forward matter. 4. Point pop whatsoever metaphors that you abide by in the poem. How do they contribute to the overall meaning of the poem? There atomic number 18 several similes present in the poem. One is when her mother says she wants to be able to eat dinner party off that table. She was implying to her daughter that the floor was dirty and that it needed to be clean. It was indirectly said. Another simile is when it says, Her floor was as inoffensive as a just washed dinner plate (Line 13). This implied that she had cleaned the floor so full that it was as clean as a clean dinner plate. Another simile was when it said, I watched a dozen of them die- as if their dust fell through the screen (Line 29).This implied that the violence that she was witnessing on television was so uncivilised and affected her that she felt that she had to clean harder. To get rid of the fallen dust that she imagined. All these contributed to the overall meaning of the poem because it makes you be able to vision well-nigh of the scenes and events that can be hard to understand if they werent written in that way. 5. Point out any metaphors that you find in the poem. How do they contribute to the overall meaning of the poem? The metaphors that were in the poem were the same as the similes. They contribute to the over all meaning of the poem because without metaphors one would not be hooked to what they are reading. Trying to imagine what the author is talking about is crucial when writing poetry, as it is usually a short piece and small instances of events that happen. 6. Point out any instances of personification that you find in the poem. How do they contribute to the overall meaning of the poem? The only instance of personification that I can find in this poem is when her mom inspects the work and says that she did a good job.Her exact words were Thats beautiful. There is not much personification in this poem otherwise. Personification contributes to the overall meaning of the poem because when you are referencing someone or something that is of importance it is important to tie that to something else that resembles that importance. 7. Point out any imagery that you find in the poem. How do they contribute to the overall meaning of the poem? There are many examples of imagery in the poem. W hen referencing to the war and how she swept harder and fast-paced after imaging the soldiers dead ashes coming through her TV screen. Much of the imagery found in the poem was the same that was found in the simile and metaphor.They contribute to the overall meaning of the poem because without imagery one could not relate to a poem. It would be very difficult. With so many examples of imagery in this poem I was really able to imagine the outcome and overall meaning of the poem. 8. Are there other instances of figurative language that you see (metonymy, synecdoche, symbols, archetypes)? Discuss. later on looking over the poem several times there were no other instances of figurative language that I could see. 9. Who is the speaker in the poem?What is the importee of the person who is speaking? The speaker in the poem is the author. It is written in first person. I think the fact that the speaker is the author makes it more real and personable. The story is probably something that the author experienced first hand. It makes it harder to write about someone or something when you havent experienced it first hand. 10. What is your personal reply to what happens in the poem? My personal reaction to what happens in the poem is good. I think she learned a lesson of hard work and doing what you are told. There are people out there serving our country and making sure we are safe and we should do our part to work hard and be good citizens.Works CitedAlvarez, Julia, How I Learned to Sweep. Approaching Literature. Ed. Peter Schakel and jack Ridl. Boston Bedford/St. Martins, 2008. 650

Newspaper Essay

A intelligence activitypaper is a periodical publication containing give-and-take regarding current events, informative articles, diverse features, editor programials, and advertising. It usually is printed on relatively inexpensive, low-grade paper such as news showprint. By 2007, there were 6,580 daily papers in the world selling 395 million copies a day. General-interest newspapers typically str and so on forth stories on local and national political events and personalities, crime, business, cheer, society and sports. Most traditional papers also feature an editorial page containing editorials written by an editor and columns that express the personal notions of writers.The newspaper is typically funded by paid subscriptions and advertising. A wide variety of material has been published in newspapers, including editorial opinions, criticism, persuasion and obituaries entertainment features such as crosswords, sudoku and horoscopes weather news and forecasts advice, food an d other columns reviews of radio, movies, television, plays and restaurants classified ads display ads, radio and television listings, inserts from local merchants, editorial cartoons, and comic strips. History of news paper in IndiaNewspaper appe ard only after the invention of the printing press by Guttenberg. The India Gazette is the first newspaper in India. It was published in 1744, The first major(ip) newspaper in IndiaThe Bengal Gazettewas started in 1780 under the British Raj.Arunudoi is the first printed-published magazine in Assam.DefinitionNewspapers typically meet four-spot criteria Publicity Its contents atomic number 18 reasonably accessible to the public. Periodicity It is published at regular intervals. Currency Its information is up to date. Universality It covers a telescope of topics. Influence on Public Newspaper is a means of voicing the public opinion. Various items of news are published in a news paper. All kinds of people read it. Newspapers cater to t he needs of non-homogeneous sections of society. A newspaper has great influence on society. It shapes public opinion and influences government policies and decisions. In a democratic society, they play the role of the guardian of the rights of the people. They serve as a link between the government and the people. They raise voice against the cruelties committed on the people. They reflect and mould the public opinions.Influence on lawers, doctors, politician and business-person Businessmen read newspapers and gather informations about trade and commerce in the country and abroad. Students and teachers come closer to each other through newspaper. Newspaper serves as a means of teaching and learning. Politicians find newspapers very useful for conveyance their political vie to the masses. M.K. Gandhi edited the Young India expressed his views about the freedom of India. Lawyers come to know the cases of social and political injustice through newspaper. They express their opinion a bout those cases of injustice. .Role of newspaper Newspapers should be free from bias and regioniality. They should not try to satisfy the political party in power. Newspapers should act as a strong opposition to strengthen democracy. Very often, true and honest reporters are tortured, insulted, terrorized and often killed by antisocial. Newspapers are often set to fire before they scope the readers. The newspaper influenced the people and all were united to fight independence. When news of corruption or crime published, the police become active. The Government also pays attention to the news in the newspaper. In case of public grievances, the Government sincerely tries to redress them. Flexibility and popularity of news paperMoreover, newspapers help in developing reading habits. at that place are many people who dont start their daily routine unless they go through the newspapers. There are candidates appearing in the various competitive examinations who regularly read the news papers to keep themselves abreast of the current affairs. Newspapers have lots of materials to people of various tastes and choices. Even the aged and the ladies read the newspapers everyday as a matter of routine. Newspapers are affordable mass median(a). Even people of low income can afford newspapers. The electronic media reflects the reality in uncensored port which cause a severe damage in humanity and increase crime day by day.But this is purely absent in news paper. Editors and discolor journalismEditors are bribed to write the wrong thing. Some politicians vomit their rage against some newspapers which expose their dishonesty. They try to close that newspaper and encourage another newspaper which will be conducive to their interest. At any cost, the editor of a newspaper must be honest and impartial. Freedom of the press is greatly essential. instructive value of news paper Newspapers have great educative value. Newspapers give us information about the happenings and deve lopments taking place in any part of the world. They provide knowledge and information about things that happened in recent past News paper in AssamIn Assam there are many newspapers today. Amar axom,Dainik Janambhumi,Axomia Pratidin,Dainik Agradut,Sadin,The Purbachal Prahari,Dainik jagaran are some of the Assamese newspapers which are published daily. People also read English newspapers such as The Assam Tribune, the Times of India, the Hindu, the Indian Express, the Telegraph, and the Asian Age etc. Some newspapers have dawn edition and evening edition. Sometimes, a particular newspaper is published simultaneously in different parts of the country. Today newspapers are appreciated for the news about sports and films, news about share markets, matrimonial and opportunities.Conclusion Newspaper is an important object of modern civilization. It is most commonly current as a record of the current events.. The circulation of news paper has increased. It has become a mark of civilizat ion. Newspapers are powerful means of communication. They are important medium of mass communication. They are good source of knowledge and information. They are found all over the world. Newspapers are published in many languages. Every morning we eagerly wait for the newspaper to come. Now a days the news paper is become the best and reliable media among the people. Newspapers play prominent role in a democracy. It should be free from the intervention of government. It should be fair in its reporting. Such a role of the newspapers and media is the crying need of the hour. Without newspapers we cannot know about the major events of the world. So we should cultivate a habit of reading newspapers.

Personal Responsibility Essay

Practicing personal responsibility in every aspect of our w ingesthers is the safest way to guarantee personal success. Personal responsibility is as simplex as managing our life and making our own decisions without giving others the opportunity to dictate the outcome of our future. As the architects of our academic future, we must understand that only we can worldly the foundation for our success. It is also important to recognize that having a strong preliminary plan to practice personal responsibility in our education is essential in achieving our academic goals.Dr. Ron Haskins with the Annie E. Casey Foundation defines personal responsibility as the provideingness to accept both the importance of standards that society establishes for individual behavior and to misrepresent strenuous personal efforts to live by those standards. According to Dr. Haskins personal responsibility also means that when individuals fail to meet such expected standards, they do not look around for nearly factor outside themselves to blame. Dr. Haskins is saying that by accepting our role in society we be accepting the responsibilities that come with that role. That if our responsibilities become overwhelming, we will make the necessary sacrifices or changes to fulfill those responsibilities and we will not blame our faults on others. When it pertains to your education, you must understand that it is your responsibility to always desire improvement in magnitude to become a valuable member of our society.Personal responsibility and college success will always go hand in hand. The moment we decide to seek an education we make a huge commitment to ourselves and others. We become part of a small group of individuals who deal that self-improvement and the pursuit of excellence are the keys to achieving success. As we embark on our educational journey we will be faced with many obstacles that can prevent us from achieving our academic goals.It is important to point these obstac les and find balance in our lives by setting priorities and limitations. Always seek help when needed and use your family and career aspirations as motivation rather than challenges in the path towards academic success. Remember that your academic success will always be the result of your work and determination.In 2009 President Barak Obama gave a speech on the importance of education at the Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. In his speech President Obama stated that we can have the most dedicated t individuallyers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world and none of it will make a difference, none of it will matter, unless all of us fulfill our responsibilities. I believe President Obama was highlighting the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities if we wish to achieve academic success. President Obama was trying to teach the students of Wakefield High School that although you can be provided with a sporty canvass and supplies, it is up to y ou to create the master piece.Having a preliminary plan to fulfill your responsibilities and achieving your goals is essential if you wish to create that master peace. You need to manage your m by setting periodic goals and making responsible decisions. You must also recognize your limitations and ensure that your expectations are realistic. Never put more than you can eat on your plate and do not hold other people accountable for your decisions. By following these steps you will ensure a glisten process through your academic journey.Personal responsibility can perceive differently by many people. Your background, culture or morals can be key influential factor in your interpretation of the term. However, although there are several factors that can influence the decisions we make in life, personal responsibility lays with each individual. We must embrace our failures and learn from our past to ensure a better future. We must also ensure that our personal and academic choices are r esponsible and point by firm principles, and we must always strive towards excellence in every aspect of our life. Most importantly, we must understand that the choices we make today will follow us for the rest our lives.ReferencesBarack Obamas speech on education. 2009. President Barack Obama. Retrieved from http//www.upi.com/Obamas-speech-on-importance-of-education. The Sequence of Personal Responsibility. 2009. The Brookings Institution. Retrieved from http//www.brookings.edu/research/articles/2009/07/09-responsibility-haskins.

Euthanasia: Argumentative essay Essay

The issue I am discussing today is euthanasia. Euthanasia is a practice of terminating a life of a person in a irritationless or minimally painful way, usually by lethal injection. In some countries it is criminalised, but I think that euthanasia should be legal, and a basic human right. Euthanasia is a controversial issue because of conflicting moral feelings between different cultures. People cite that dying by euthanasia is to clog with dignity, instead of victuals an artificial life on respirators and other life support machines. If a person is terminally ailment, and there is nonhing anyone can do for them, why should they harbor to suffer?The text I am focussing on is a very illustrious book called of mice and men.This book is about a time in the great depression where two friends are struggling to find jobs. The character Lennie, who has a acquire disability, is always endureting into trouble for things that he doesnt realise are equipment casualty. When Lennie cro sses the line and accidentally kills a girl, George realises that if Lennie is caught, he will either be sent to a mental hospital or he will be tortured. Knowing what is truly best for Lennie, George shoots him.The author John Steinbeck is able to effectivly convince the reader to take on his opinion by writing the book about a real life euthanasia situation rather than just sayingeuthanasia isnt murder. When the victim is seriously ill or a threat to the society they shall be put to sleep without breaking the law. It is better to end one life then let it suffer. It is wrong for one to suffer without intentionally doing something wrong. These are some of the arguments that John Steinbeck is getting across in his book.It is hard to know if a life is worth living and when it isnt, but can a pain and suffering so incomprehensible ever be worth living for? A child who has severe disabilities or an elderly person with a painful disease would not get any enjoyment out of their life. Sho uld society really force them to endure such(prenominal) a hardship?Some muckle may argue that every one should have the right to live, but they often dont know of the pain that these mountain go through. Sometimes the quality of life is so bad that throng have the right to be put to rest if they choose. For example, a once strong, healthy, intellectual person is just lying in a bed unable to move.Another issue in euthanasia is having to make a choice. Many people believe that voluntary euthanasia is a form of suicide, but the definition of suicide is a person who takes their life due to depression. For depression, people can get help. But for people with painful disabilities it is beyond their control. Some may argue that voluntary euthanasia is too bigger choice for someone to make, but shouldnt people have the option to be put to rest with dignity by means of an injection rather than forms of suicide?For those that have more severe handicaps, sometimes they are incapable of u nderstanding the situation, which makes it more difficult.Some consider involuntary euthanasia a type of murder, but murder is a crime committed against someone. If a person is severally in pain and unable to consent, then would the action of death be against the person, or would it be for the best?There is too a terrible pressure from society. All the arguments against voluntary euthanasia can be used by society to form a terrible psychological pressure on people to continue living for years against their better judgement. One example of this pressure is the risky and painful methods that those who genuinely wish to die would otherwise need to use, such as hanging.There are other factors people often forget about euthanasia such as stinting costs. There is a limit on human resources in the world, in some countries there is a serious shortage of hospital space. The energy of doctors should be put on peoples lives that can be saved instead of a continued life of somebody who wants to die. This would increase the general quality of care, and would shorten delay lists.It is also very hard on families do deal with not having the option of euthanasia. Instead of a memory of the person being happy and strong, they have a memory of the person lying there helpless, not able to feed themselves, get out of bed, or remember who they are.You might say that you should not try and play god by taking someones life away, but then why would god want to inflict so much pain on its creations? i believe that knowone should have to live with a pain that is worse than death.BibliographySteinbeck, J. 1937, Of mice and Men, Covici, Friede, Inc.Wikipedia, Euthanasia, http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EuthanasiaSydney Morning Herald, Euthanasia debatehttp//www.smh.com.au/specials/euthanasia/ATHEIST FOUNDATION OF AUSTRALIA INC, Voluntary Euthanasiahttp//www.atheistfoundation.org.au/ve.htm

Bamboozled: Black People and White Man Essay

In 2000, grip lee(prenominal) wrote and directed the shoot Bamboozled. When discussing his satirical film, intertwine lee(prenominal) claimed, I want pack to call about the power of images, not serious in terms of race, but how imagery is used and what screen out of social impact it has how it influences how we talk, how we think, how we view one another. . . how film and television have historically. . . produced and perpetuated distorted images. capitulum Lee certainly conveyed this message in Bamboozled. Images are powerful and carry massive social impact. They should never be misrepresented.Are all African Americans either lazy or dim-witted or happy servants, constantly ready and willing to please the White earthly concern? The short answer is, no. However, throughout the 1800s and other(a) 1900s, party people believed this. The ultimate question is, why? As explained in the film Ethnic Notions, this sour perception grew and grew, even past the measure of slaver y, due to images. Derogatory images of African Americans as happy servants or savages, were everywhere they were published in childrens books and slapped on cans of food to be used as a marketing tool.People bought into this perception of African Americans, as they became acclimatized to it. Today, our hostelry wish wells to believe that times have changed and there is no longer an issue of race or false perception of African Americans in the media. However, Spike Lee argues, A new phenomenon has emerged in film in recent years, in which an African-American vulcanized fiber is imbued with special powers, filmmaker Spike Lee told a student audience ? This new image is just a reincarnation of the same old stereotype or caricature of African Americans ?Lee cited tetrad recent films in which there is a magical, mystical Negro character ? in The Legend of pugilist Vance, a black man with all these powers, teaches a young white male ? how to golf standardised a champion ? How is it that black people have these powers but they use them for the benefit of white people? Spike Lee seems to be under the impression that African Americans are still misrepresented in the media. They have only improved their ability to mask the fact. False image is still there, but it is subtle. His film Bamboozled ripped viewers eyes wide open.The film explored and demonstrated two images of African Americans. The first image, is the Black Man who is just like the White Man or the Asian Man or the Middle-Eastern Man a man who can be rich and successful like Pierre Delacroix in Bamboozled a man who can be poor and when without money will do almost anything for it like Manray and Womack. However, when Pierre Delacroix toss television shows about a Black Man living in an upper-middle-class white, suburban neighborhood, his superior, doubting Thomas Dunwitty turned them down, they definitely dont want to see dignified black people on television. However, the net would allow Pierre Dela croix to create a show which blatantly degrades African Americans a show which goes hind end to the 1900s, to the time of black face and minstrel shows a time when black people were considered subhuman. This is where Spike Lee demonstrates the other image of the African American an image that the media has gently forced down viewers throats. Spike Lee, however, did not do so gently. The fictional television show in Bamboozled, Mantans cutting Millennium Minstrel Show, starred African Americans in black face acting like buffoons.It might as well have been an authentic minstrel show in the 1900s. There was saltation and singing. The two main characters hid from the White Man in a chicken coup, saying aint nobody in here but us chickens 4 The creator, Pierre Delacroixs initial function with this show was not to degrade his own race. It was to break the stereotypes. 5 He figured the nation would be shocked and outraged Instead they ate it up. The studio audience dressed in black face .Children trick-or-treated in black face. It was the latest craze of the nation. Black face is an act which digs back to a time of slavery, a time where African Americans were considered inferior. It was now socially acceptable to publicly highlight a atomic number 42 in history that pained African Americans. People figured its on TV, its OK The black man was degraded, as he has al centerings been, but in Bamboozled no mercy was spared. Spike Lee used the film in a variety of ways.He attacked todays media and the way in which it portrays African Americans. He explored the wide scope of African Americans lives, which is no polar than the lives of any other race. He demonstrated the consequences of greed and sacrificing ones dignity. Furthermore, he exposed society for what it really is mindless. The majority of a population does not question the media. Instead it swallows images whole, even if those images are as false and misleading as a painted black face.

Employee Motivation Programs Essay

Keep your workers inspired by utilizing an employee motivating program inShareYour company peck hit by employee motivation. Its important to reward your stave for their hard work by dint of recognition, special privileges or gifts. An employee motivation program shows your staff that your company cares about their success. Motivate your staff and their production will top off expectations. Increase production and employee satisfaction as your business implements workforce motivation.Employee motivation techniques create the foundation that keeps your workforce happy and productive. Encourage teamwork, which improves your companys success as well as staff motivation. A supportive work atmosphere leads to positive motivation for employees and improves morale. Enjoy workers in the company who have a great attitude and are an example for new staff member joining the organization. Motivating employees fundament come in many forms. Here are a few ideas to get you started1. Consider an employee motivational preparedness program.2. Use employee motivational articles and other materials to inspire your workers.3. Give your gifts as an incentive to increase staff motivation. Implement a training program to increase employees motivation Training programs put on employee motivation theories to offer the opera hat classes and training tools for your company. Some of the most successful companies in the world use training programs for worker motivation. Try Dale Carnegie Training is a well-established company that understands the benefits of business employee motivation. Training Camp has on-site training as well as an online computer course. Inspire your crew with employee motivation articles and posters The use of visual aid changes how employees view their success.Weve all seen the motivational posters and articles but these back tooth be more beneficial than you might think. The use of attractive and eye-catching materials that cover encouragement, innovatio n, leadership and make it happen, are subjects used for motivational posters. Try Successories has an boundless amount of motivational posters ranging in any subject. Future Think has motivational materials that guide you on how to cut and reward innovation. Create worker motivation with incentivesEmployees love rewards for hard work and a wonderful motivational tool is gift incentives. Your staff will strive to do their best and it challenges them to improve productivity through friendly competition and recognition for a job well done. Try Swift Prepaid Solutions offers pay gift cards that you can use to incite your employees to achieve certain goals. You can use them for the best sales or a job well done. Circuit City has a program where you can hand out gift cards to your deserving employees. Employees need to feel encouragement and motivational techniques can achieve the goal of motivating employees on a daily basis. Use an employee motivation survey to potful the morale of y our workforce. Ask the staff to indicate what motivates them. Basic choices include recognition, monetary rewards and special privileges.

Scm and Erp Software Implementation at Nike †from Failure to Success

Introduction Nike was founded under the name Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964. In 1972 the first pair of sports shoes was sold and experienced enormous growth and achieved a 50% trade sh ar within the sports shoe market in the US only eight years later. afterward sluggish focus and growth in the 1980ies, Nike experienced strong growth in the 1990ies and cemented the position as global recognizable brand. The increased international focus created strains on the hand over chain, which was consider inadequate to issue effectually to the organization and the rapid changes consumer demands .As a consequence of the afore mentioned supply chain problem Nike faced uneffective inventory instruction, problems in flow of unassailables and poor demand forecasting capabilities. In addition Nike was facing though competition in Asia, which as a region performed worse than expected. Given this it is ca-ca that both external, privileged and situational factors were the catalysts behind the Organ izational Buying Behavior (OBB) of Nike catalyzing the mammoth purport of implementing global supply chain management (SCM) parcel and an integrated ERP system. hesitation 1 What are the failure factors for the first NIKE-i2 ERP-SCM instruction execution? Using conventional redact management measurements it is clear the instruction execution of i2 was a colossal failure . I analyze the failure using a combination for factors from the OBB and analysis based on the five phase implementation framework. Nike states a clear vision of what they want to achieve with the i2 implementation Achieving greater flexibility in planning execution and deliverance processes.. ooking for best(p) forecasting and more(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) pro scoreable roam fulfillment . However, I deliberate Nike overall underestimated the SCM bemuse as I suck up some indications that the main focus and resources were on the general ERP framework and implementation of the Single Instance Strategy (SIS). As a consequence the protrude management turned unwrap to be weak. The deprivation of prioritization of the SCM project is also visible in the lack of external consultancy services obtained.Both project management and appropriate usage of external consultants are evaluated as separate critical success factors for thriving implementation of extensive scale IT projects. (Appendix 3) So I see the project being initiated on the persecute foot, but would consider phase 2, 3 and 4 as the phases where the project fell apart. I index fingerfully believe external consultants with expertise knowledge would have challenged a number of the technical issue and decisions make by the project management. The implementation of i2 on the legacy system is such example.SIS required a sizeable degree of integration and data migrations, so deploying the SCM software system on the legacy system preferably of as part of the SAP ERP is a strategic sneak. This circumstantial deci sion later proves unwise when Nike begins to experience large problems in data integration as formats and outline of i2 didnt match the other systems. Also in the data specification and parameterization external experts would have stepped in and limited the vast number of customization enquiries from Nike.I believe this specific problem has its roots in the inadequate blueprinting of Nike. The missing blueprinting the realignment of the long term business strategy with capabilities of the software is non uncommon as it is estimated that 51 percent of failing IT projects, fail due to lack of apprehension between IT and business departments I believe thither is secernate of that happening in this case as well. The fundamental idea behind the SCM software in terms of demand planning did not fit well with the business strategy of Nike.Nike used a bottom-up demand process where the retailers committed to an order in advance before manufacturing. With i2 Nike changed this core process as the demand now was forecasted using a top-down approach. The combination of the changed process and lack of proper data integration lead to duplicated orders and overproduction. As the archetype i2 software did not support the many SKUs of Nike, heavy customization was required, which in turn diluted the quality of the software as the specifications were unclear.McAfee of Harvard Business School has said What Nike and i2 Technologies Inc. began experiencing the problem actually is not the software itself The culprit there was misspecification Further on the subject of customization, Nike had great difficulties balancing customization with speed-to-market. I believe the external factors of world-shattering competition, ever-changing market place and resulting disappointing financial performance in growth markets lead Nike to rush the implementation and interfered with normal OBB.The rushing meant that a guideline, templates and implementation methodology was discarded by Nike w ith the argument that the i2 provided material was as well as rigid. In general I would argue that Nike required technology that was not sufficiently available at the meter. This pushed i2 to enter unknown software-territory and program-to-order disabling sufficient time for vendor/developer testing. The criticality of this was further boosted due to lack of testing from Nike, which clearly illustrates faults in phase 4 of the implementation as well. (Appendix 3)Lastly, I find oneself evidence that a global ERP and SCM software potentially would be difficult to manage successfully at the time due to the structural issue of underdeveloped bandwidth infrastructure , which could indicate Nike required a technical firmness of purpose which was not complete available in 1999. As the SCM software required a big-bang implementation , the mistakes mentioned preceding(prenominal) considerably increased the risk of failure. So due to urgency Nike selected to implement a highly customize d solving discarding advice from the vendor, avoiding third party/external consultations, neglecting testing and proper training of end-users.As Steel says Could we have taken more time with the roll-out? Properly. Could we have done a better job with software quality? Sure. Could the planners have been better prepared to use the system be it went live? You can never train enough hesitation 2 How do you evaluate the role of i2 in this process? In believe both companies are to be blamed for the failed implementation. Looking isolated at i2s role, I believe both tactical and strategic mistakes were made. As a vendor i2 had a responsibility to work together with Nike to create a common understanding of the cap aptitude of the software and the business management impact.If the client was not adequately well-educated about the product delivered i2 should have made a point of this in the RFP, by stating that a genuine level of technical knowhow and expertise was expected and required from the client as well, to secure a still implementation. Such point or clause would have created the demand awareness at Nike and would have secured the necessary focus from Nike before engaging in the implementation. We learn from the case that Nike when they mothered working together with i2 already had assay several other solutions without being successful, which further underlines my point.Philip Kotler describes a common pitfall in B2B transactions as the B2B market is dominated by fewer purchasers than on the consumer market, which can provide an undesired purchasing power to large corporations. In addition Nike was on the forefront of the technology required, which eventually meant i2 was pressured to provide significant more customization to the software. The fact that the customization widely exceeded the 10-15% maximum customization recommendation from i2 illustrates the negotiation and purchasing power Nike had over i2.I sincerely believe it was a tactical mista ke from i2 to allow to the large degree of customization. i2 added further to the tactical mistakes by not highlighting potential issues with running the i2 on the legacy system hindering data integration effectually diminishing the usability and in turn satisfaction of the software. During the implementation phase i2 made another tactical mistake by not being close enough to Nike and co-manage the process or the rollout. To rollout without proper/any testing and training was a huge mistake committed by Nike, but i2 should have intervened.I believe project management on both sides was weak, which allowed for these mistakes caused by poor communication and lack of managing expectations. Unfortunately for i2 the number of tactical mistake converted in a strategic issue damaging the reputation of i2, when Nike publically charge the blame of the failure to them. i2 had in the cooperation with Nike a unique opportunity to position itself as a existence leading SCM software vendor as the project was groundbreaking in terms of size and complexity.However, instead of gaining this private-enterprise(a) advantage the failed implementation, the public statements by Nike and the following class-action lawsuits from the Nike shareholders labeled i2 as incompetent. i2 severely miscalculated the tactical benefits of lovely the client versus the strategic gains of completing the project successfully. I believe i2 was too focused on the short completion, which made them cut corners and discard own recommendations in order not to have a bout with the client.Overall, I find it unfair to blame i2 entirely. After all, the vendor selection is always the responsibility of the buyer and proper evaluation and testing of the product for its functionality would have averted this kind of failure. Implementing a supply-chain management solution is manage crossing the street High risk if you dont look both ways, but low risk if you do. Question 3 Nike was one of the first compani es to start using the SAP module Apparel and Footwear firmness of purpose (AFS). From NIKE viewpoint, do you think that is a good strategy?In my opinion Nike took a chance when start using AFS. Being one of the first users of the AFS software, could potentially have been a risky endeavor as software in the initial stages can be prone to bugs and other dis-functionalities. However, Nike implemented the AFS to perfection, which meant that the risk was in truth well handled. Especially the meticulous testing, seeking external consultancy service and skeleton roll-out stands out as key steps for the success of this specific project.To analyze if it was a good strategy we need to analyze Nikes financial performance against the main competition . The aim is to analyze if Nike after the implementation of AFS was performing more efficiently measured on key financial parameters hence creating a competitive advantage. I find clear evidence that is the case. I believe Nike created a competi tive advantage by being a first-mover in the usage of AFS. Nike had the key objective to manage and turn the inventory faster and more efficiently. In my research I find that in addition to turning the inventory 4. times versus 3. 5 of the competition, Nike has significant less cash tied up in inventory $2. 7bln versus $3. 4bln which is remarkable as Nike produces a large revenue than Adidas. A final point showing great operational efficient at Nike, is the ability to create a cash flow from these activities, where Nike in 2011 generated $1. 8bln in cash versus the competitors $1. 6bln. The competitors raw profit margin only exceeds Nikes in 2011 after Nike has clearly outperformed on this factor as well throughout the time period being analyzed.It could be an indication that the competitors are closing in on Nikes competitive advantage in the areas of software implementation. I believe it was a good strategic decision to be an AFS first-mover. Nike handled the implementation ve ry well and thereby managed to balance the risk and punish to the benefit of Nike against the competition. We see that Nike has outperformed Adidas in terms of gross profit margin continuously with exception of the live on year in the analysis. I argue that the outperformance is based on primarily the relative efficiency of the supply chain.The main indication of Nikes superior supply chain is the inventory and inventory turn rate. We see below that Adidas has significantly higher holding of inventory relative to Nike and that Nike turns its inventory faster. In more efficient supply chain and hence business operation is reflected in the ability to generate cash from the operate activities. Nike evidently creates a larger cash flow than Adidas. The financial markets also recognize Nikes competitive advantage as the stock shows a significant better performance than Adidas. (+171% vs. +86%, 2007-)

Chapter 15 The Quidditch Final

He sent me this, Hermi angiotensin-converting enzyme said, holding send moody the letter. lay waste to took it. The parchment was damp, and enormous teardrops had smudged the ink so gloomyly in places that it was truly difficult to read.Dear Hermione, We upset. Im allowed to bring him stick go forth to Hogwarts. Execution date to be fixed. Beaky has enjoyed London. I wont forget all the help you gave us. Hagrid They cant do this, said harmingle. They cant. Buckbeak isnt dangerous.Malfoys dads frightened the Committee into it, said Hermione, wiping her eyes. You grapple what hes like. Theyre a bunch of doddery old fools, and they were scared. T presentll be an appeal, though, there always is. Only I cant gain vigor any(prenominal) hopeNothing will get changed.Yeah, it will, said Ron fiercely. You wont have to do all the induce alone this time, Hermione. Ill help.Oh, RonHermione flung her arms around Rons neck and broke down completely. Ron, looking at quite terrified, patted her very awkwardly on the top of the head. Finally, Hermione drew away.Ron, Im really, really sorry most Scabbers she sobbed.Oh well he was old, said Ron, looking thoroughly relieved that she had let go of him. And he was a bit enjoymentless. You n constantly k presently, Mum and soda water might get me an owl immediately.The safety mea for sures imposed on the scholarly psyches since Blacks second destroy-in made it unsurmountable for desolate, Ron, and Hermione to go and visit Hagrid in the heretoforeings. Their only chance of talking to him was during Care of Magical Creatures lessons.He seemed benumb with shock at the verdict.Sall my fault. Got all tongue-tied. They was all sittin there in black robes an I kep droppin me notes and forgettin all them dates yeh looked up fer me, Hermione. An and then Lucius Malfoy stood up an said his bit, and the Committee jus did exacly what he told emTheres even-tempered the appeal said Ron fiercely. Dont give up yet, wer e working on itThey were go blanket up to the castle with the endure of the class. Ahead they could see Malfoy, who was walking with Crabbe and Goyle, and unploughed looking back, laughing derisively.Sno good, Ron, said Hagrid sadly as they r each(prenominal)ed the castle steps. That Committees in Lucius Malfoys pocket. Im jus gonna make sure the rest o Beakys time is the happiest hes ever had. I owe him that.Hagrid dark around and hurry back toward his cabin, his spirit buried in his handkerchief.Look at him blubberMalfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle had been standing just inside the castle doors, listening. reserve you ever seen anything quite as pathetic? said Malfoy. And hes supposed to be our teacher desolate and Ron some(prenominal)(prenominal) made furious moves toward Malfoy, and Hermione got there first SMACKShe had slapped Malfoy across the grimace with all the medium she could muster. Malfoy staggered. encrust, Ron, Crabbe, and Goyle stood flabbergasted as Hermione ra ised her hand again.Dont you dare call Hagrid pathetic, you foul you evil Hermione said Ron weakly, and he tried to grab her hand as she swung it back.Get turned, RonHermione pulled out her wand. Malfoy stepped backward. Crabbe and Goyle looked at him for instructions, thoroughly bewildered.Cmon. Malfoy muttered, and in a moment, all three of them had disappeared into the passageway to the dungeons.Hermione Ron said again, sounding both stunned and impressed. kindle, youd better beat him in the Quidditch final Hermione said shrilly. You just better had, because I cant stand it if Slytherin winsWere due in Charms, said Ron, still goggling at Hermione. Wed better go.They hurried up the marble st logical argument sideslip toward prof Flitwicks classroom.Youre late, boys said prof Flitwick reproachfully as harry opened the classroom door. Come along, rapidly, wands out, were experimenting with Cheering Charms today, weve already divided into pairs Harry and Ron hurried to a desk at t he back and opened their bags. Ron looked behind him.Wheres Hermione gone?Harry looked around too. Hermione hadnt entered the classroom, yet Harry knew she had been right attached to him when he had opened the door.Thats weird, said Harry, staring at Ron. Maybe maybe she went to the tail or virtuallything?But Hermione didnt turn up all lesson.She couldve done with a Cheering Charm on her too, said Ron as the class left for lunch, all grinning broadly the Cheering Charms had left them with a tonicitying of great contentment.Hermione wasnt at lunch each. By the time they had finished their apple pie, the after-effects of the Cheering Charms were habiliment off, and Harry and Ron had started to get slightly worried.You dont think Malfoy did something to her? Ron said anxiously as they hurried upstairs toward Gryffindor Tower.They passed the credential trolls, gave the Fat Lady the password (Flibbertigibbet), and scrambled through the portrait hole into the common room.Hermione was academic session at a table, fast asleep, her head resting on an open Arithmancy book. They went to sit down on either side of her. Harry prodded her awake.Wh what? said Hermione, waking with a start and staring wildly around. Is it time to go? W which lesson have we got now? soothsaying, but its not for another xx minutes, said Harry. Hermione, why didnt you muster to Charms?What? Oh no Hermione squeaked. I forgot to go to CharmsBut how could you forget? said Harry. You were with us till we were right international the classroomI dont believe it Hermione wailed. Was prof Flitwick angry? Oh, it was Malfoy, I was thinking about him and I lost track of thingsYou know what, Hermione? said Ron, looking down at the enormous Arithmancy book Hermione had been using as a pillow. I reckon youre cracking up. Youre trying to do too much.No, Im not said Hermione, brushwood her hair out of her eyes and staring hopelessly around for her bag. I just made a mistake, thats all Id better go and see prof Flitwick and say sorry Ill see you in DivinationHermione joined them at the foot of the ladder to Professor Trelawneys classroom twenty minutes later, looking extremely harassed.I cant believe I missed Cheering Charms And I bet they engender up in our exams Professor Flitwick hinted they mightTogether they climbed the ladder into the dim, stifling tower room. Glowing on every particular table was a quartz ball full of p primal white mist. Harry, Ron, and Hermione sit down down unitedly at the same rickety table.I concept we werent starting crystal balls until next term, Ron muttered, casting a wary eye around for Professor Trelawney, in fount she was lurking nearby.Dont complain, this take to bes weve finished palmistry, Harry muttered back. I was getting sick of her flinching every time she looked at my pass on.Good day to you said the familiar, misty voice, and Professor Trelawney made her vernacular dramatic entrance out of the suggestions. Parvati an d Lav breaker quivered with excitement, their faces lit by the milky radiance of their crystal ball.I have decided to introduce the crystal ball a little in the beginning than I had planned, said Professor Trelawney, sitting with her back to the fire and gazing around. The fates have certain me that your examination in June will concern the Orb, and I am anxious to give you sufficient practice.Hermione snorted.Well, honestlythe fates have informed her. Who sets the exam? She does What an amazing prediction she said, not troubling to respect her voice low. Harry and Ron choked back laughs.It was hard to tell whether Professor Trelawney had heard them as her face was hidden in shadow. She continued, however, as though she had not.Crystal gazing is a particularly refined art, she said dreamily. I do not expect any of you to See when first you peer into the Orbs infinite depths. We shall start by practicing relaxing the conscious mind and impertinent eyes Ron began to snigger unco ntrollably and had to stuff his fist in his mouth to stifle the noise so as to clear the Inner Eye and the superconscious. Perhaps, if we are lucky, some of you will see before the end of the class.And so they began. Harry, at least, entangle extremely foolish, staring blankly at the crystal ball, trying to keep his mind empty when thoughts such as this is stupid unbroken drifting across it. It didnt help that Ron kept breaking into silent giggles and Hermione kept tutting.Seen anything yet? Harry asked them after a quarter of an hours quiet crystal gazing.Yeah, theres a burn on this table, said Ron, academic degreeing. Someones spilled their candle.This is such a waste of time, Hermione hissed. I could be practicing something useful. I could be catching up on Cheering Charms Professor Trelawney rustled past.Would anyone like me to help them interpret the timid portents within their Orb? she murmured everyplace the clinking of her bangles.I dont need help, Ron whispered. Its o bvious what this means. Theres going to be gobs of fog tonight.Both Harry and Hermione burst out laughing.Now, really said Professor Trelawney as everyones heads turned in their direction. Parvati and Lavender were looking scandalized. You are disturbing the clairvoyant vibrations She approached their table and peered into their crystal ball. Harry felt his heart sinking. He was sure he knew what was coming There is something here Professor Trelawney whispered, lowering her face to the ball, so that it was reflected twice in her huge glasses. Something moving but what is it?Harry was prepared to bet everything he owned, Including his Firebolt, that it wasnt good news, whatever it was. And sure comme il faut My dear, Professor Trelawney breathed, gazing up at Harry. It is here, plainer than ever before my dear, husk toward you, growing ever closer the Gr Oh, for goodness sake said Hermione loudly. Not that ridiculous blue(a) againProfessor Trelawney raised her enormous eyes to He rmiones face. Parvati whispered something to Lavender, and they both glared at Hermione too. Professor Trelawney stood up, surveying Hermione with unmistakable anger.I am sorry to say that from the moment you have come upd in this class my dear, it has been apparent that you do not have what the noble art of Divination requires. Indeed, I dont remember ever meeting a student whose mind was so hopelessly mundane.There was a moments lull. Then Fine said Hermione on the spur of the moment, getting up and cramming Unfogging the Future back into her bag. Fine she repeated, swinging the bag over her shoulder and almost knocking Ron off his chair. I give up Im leavingAnd to the whole classs amazement, Hermione strode over to the trapdoor, kicked it open, and climbed down the ladder out of sight.It took a a couple of(prenominal) minutes for the class to settle down again. Professor Trelawney seemed to have disregarded all about the Grim. She turned abruptly from Harry and Rons table, br eathing rather heavily as she tugged her gauzy shawl to a greater extent well to her.Ooooo said Lavender suddenly, reservation everyone start. Ooooo, Professor Trelawney, Ive just remembered You adage her leaving, didnt you? Didnt you, Professor? Around Easter, one of our number will leave us forever You said it ages ago, ProfessorProfessor Trelawney gave her a dewy smile.Yes, my dear, I did indeed know that knock off Granger would be leaving us. One hopes, however, that one might have mistaken the SignsThe Inner Eye can be a burden, you knowLavender and Parvati looked deeply impressed, and locomote over so that Professor Trelawney could join their table instead.Some day Hermiones having, eh? Ron muttered to Harry, looking awed.YeahHarry glanced into the crystal ball but saw nothing but swirling white mist. Had Professor Trelawney really seen the Grim again? Would he? The last thing he needed was another near-fatal accident, with the Quidditch final drawing ever nearer.The East er holidays were not exactly relaxing. The third years had never had so much homework. Neville Longbottom seemed close to a nervous collapse, and he wasnt the only one.Call this a holiday Seamus Finnigan roared at the common room one afternoon. The exams are ages away, whatre they playing at?But nobody had as much to do as Hermione. change surface without Divination, she was taking more(prenominal) subjects than anybody else. She was usually last to leave the common room at night, first to arrive at the library the next morning she had shadows like Lupins under her eyes, and seemed constantly close to tears.Ron had taken over responsibility for Buckbeaks appeal. When he wasnt doing his own work, he was poring over enormously thick volumes with names like The enchiridion of Hippogriff Psychology and Fowl or Foul? A Study of Hippogriff Brutality. He was so absorbed, he even forgot to be flagitious to Crookshanks.Harry, meanwhile, had to fit in his homework around Quidditch practic e every day, not to celebrate endless discussions of tactics with timber. The Gryffindor-Slytherin morning star would take place on the first Saturday after the Easter holidays. Slytherin was starring(p) the tournament by exactly deuce hundred points. This meant (as Wood constantly reminded his team up) that they needed to win the check into by more than that amount to win the Cup. It also meant that the burden of winning fell largely on Harry, because capturing the Snitch was worth one hundred and fifty points.So you must catch it only if were more than fifty points up, Wood told Harry constantly. Only if were more than fifty points up, Harry, or we win the taking into custody but lose the Cup. Youve got that, Havent you? You must catch the Snitch only if were I KNOW, OLIVER Harry yelled.The whole of Gryffindor House was preoccupy with the coming match. Gryffindor hadnt won the Quidditch Cup since the legendary Charlie Weasley (Rons second oldest brother) had been Seeker. B ut Harry doubted whether any of them, even Wood, cherished to win as much as he did. The enmity between Harry and Malfoy was at its highest point ever. Malfoy was still smarting about the mud-throwing incident in Hogsmeade and was even more furious that Harry had someways wormed his way out of punishment. Harry hadnt forgotten Malfoys attempt to sabotage him in the match against Ravenclaw, but it was the motion of Buckbeak that made him most determined to beat Malfoy in front of the entire school.Never, in anyones memory, had a match approached in such a highly charged atmosphere. By the time the holidays were over, tension between the two teams and their Houses was at the breaking point. A number of small scuffles broke out in the corridors, culminating in a nasty incident in which a Gryffindor fourth year and a Slytherin sixth year cease up in the hospital wing with leeks sprouting out of their ears.Harry was having a particularly bad time of it. He couldnt walk to class withou t Slytherins sticking out their legs and trying to trip him up Crabbe and Goyle kept popping up wherever he went, and slouching away looking disappointed when they saw him surrounded by people. Wood had given instructions that Harry should be accompanied everywhere he went, in case the Slytherins tried to puzzle him out of action. The whole of Gryffindor House took up the challenge enthusiastically, so that it was impossible for Harry to get to classes on time because he was surrounded by a vast, chattering campaign. Harry was more concerned for his Firebolts safety than his own. When he wasnt ephemeral it, he locked it securely in his trunk and frequently flash back up to Gryffindor Tower at break times to check that it was still there.All usual pursuits were abandoned in the Gryffindor common room the night before the match. Even Hermione had put down her books.I cant work, I cant concentrate, she said nervously.There was a great deal of noise. Fred and George Weasley were dea ling with the pressure by universe louder and more exuberant than ever. Oliver Wood was crouched over a model of a Quidditch battlefield in the corner, push little figures across it with his wand and muttering to himself Angelina, Alicia, and Katie were laughing at Freds and Georges jokes. Harry was sitting with Ron and Hermione, removed from the cracker of things, trying not to think about the next day, because every time he did, he had the horrible sensation that something very large was fighting to get out of his stomach.Youre going to be fine, Hermione told him, though she looked positively terrified.Youve got a Firebolt said Ron.Yeah said Harry, his stomach writhing.It came as a succour when Wood suddenly stood up and yelled, Team BedHarry slept badly. First he dreamed that he had overslept, and that Wood was hollo, Where were you? We had to use Neville instead Then he dreamed that Malfoy and the rest of the Slytherin team arrived for the match riding dragons. He was ev aporateing at breakneck speed, trying to avoid a spurt of flames from Malfoys steeds mouth, when he realized he had forgotten his Firebolt. He fell through the air and woke with a start.It was a few seconds before Harry remembered that the match hadnt taken place yet, that he was safe in bed, and that the Slytherin team definitely wouldnt be allowed to play on dragons. He was feeling very thirsty. Quietly as he could, he got out of his four-poster and went to pour himself some water from the silver jug beneath the window.The grounds were still and quiet. No breath of wind frantic the treetops in the Forbidden Forest the Whomping Willow was motionless and innocent-looking. It looked as though the conditions for the match would be perfect.Harry set down his goblet and was about to turn back to his bed when something caught his eye. An animal of some kind was prowling across the silvery lawn.Harry dashed to his bedside table, snatched up his glasses, and put them on, then hurried back to the window. It couldnt be the Grim not now not right before the match He peered out at the grounds again and, after a minutes frantic searching, spotted it. It was skirting the edge of the forest nowIt wasnt the Grim at all it was a cat Harry clutched the window ledge in relief as he recognized the bottlebrush tail. It was only CrookshanksOr was it only Crookshanks? Harry squinted, pressing his nose level(p) against the glass. Crookshanks seemed to have come to a halt. Harry was sure he could see something else moving in the shadow of the trees too.And just then, it emerged a long, shaggy black dog, moving stealthily across the lawn, Crookshanks trotting at its side. Harry stared. What did this mean? If Crookshanks could see the dog as well, how could it be an omen of Harrys death?Ron Harry hissed. Ron Wake upHuh?I need you to tell me if you can see somethingSall dark, Harry, Ron muttered thickly. Whatre you on about?Down here Harry looked quickly back out of the window.C rookshanks and the dog had vanished. Harry climbed onto the windowsill to look right down into the shadows of the castle, but they werent there. Where had they gone?A loud snore told him Ron had fallen asleep again.Harry and the rest of the Gryffindor team entered the Great Hall the next day to enormous applause. Harry couldnt help grinning broadly as he saw that both the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables were applauding them too. The Slytherin table hissed loudly as they passed. Harry noticed that Malfoy looked even paler than usual.Wood spent the whole of eat urging his team to eat, while touching nothing himself. Then he hurried them off to the field before anyone else had finished, so they could get an idea of the conditions. As they left the Great Hall, everyone applauded again.Good luck, Harry called Cho. Harry felt himself blushing.Okay no wind to speak of suns a bit bright, that could impair your vision, watch out for it grounds fairly hard, good, thatll give us a fast kic koff Wood paced the field, staring around with the team behind him. Finally, they saw the front doors of the castle open in the distance and the rest of the school spilling onto the lawn. locker rooms, said Wood tersely.None of them spoke as they changed into their scarlet robes. Harry wondered if they were feeling like he was as though hed eaten something extremely wriggly for breakfast. In what seemed like no time at all, Wood was saying, Okay, its time, lets go They walked out onto the field to a tidal wave of noise. Three quarters of the crowd was tiring scarlet rosettes, waving scarlet flags with the Gryffindor lion upon them, or brandishing banners with slogans like GO GRYFFINDOR and LIONS FOR THE CUP Behind the Slytherin terminus posts, however, two hundred people were wearing green the silver serpent of Slytherin glittered on their flags, and Professor Snape sat in the very front row, wearing green like everyone else, and a very grim smile.And here are the Gryffindors yell ed Lee Jordan, who was acting as commentator as usual. Potter, chime, Johnson, Spinnet, Weasley, Weasley, and Wood. Widely acknowledged as the top hat team Hogwarts has seen in a good few years Lees comments were drowned by a run of boos from the Slytherin end.And here come the Slytherin team, led by Captain Flint. Hes made some changes in the lineup and seems to be going for size rather than skill More boos from the Slytherin crowd. Harry, however, thought Lee had a point. Malfoy was easily the smallest person On the Slytherin team the rest of them were enormous.Captains, shake hands said Madam Hooch.Flint and Wood approached each other and grasped each others hand very tightly it looked as though each was trying to break the others fingers.Mount your brooms said Madam Hooch. ThreetwooneThe sound of her whistle was lost in the roar from the crowd as fourteen brooms rose into the air. Harry felt his hair fly back off his forehead his nerves left him in the thrill of the flight he glanced around, saw Malfoy on his tail, and sped off in search of the Snitch.And its Gryffindor in possession, Alicia Spinner of Gryffindor with the Quaffle, heading straight for the Slytherin goal posts, looking good, Alicia Argh, no Quaffle intercepted by Warrington, Warrington of Slytherin tearing UP the field WHAM nice Bludger work there by George Weasley, Warrington drops the Quaffle, its caught by Johnson, Gryffindor back in possession, come on, Angelina nice swerve around Montague duck, Angelina, thats a Bludger?C SHE SCORES TEN-ZERO TO GRYFFINDORAngelina punched the air as she soared around the end of the field the sea of scarlet below was screaming its delightOUCHAngelina was near thrown from her broom as Marcus Flint went smashing into her.Sorry said Flint as the crowd below booed. Sorry, didnt see herA moment later, Fred Weasley chucked his Beaters club at the back of Flints head. Flints nose smashed into the suitcase of his broom and began to bleed.That will do shrieked Madam Hooch, zooming between then. Penalty shot to Gryffindor for an unprovoked flak catcher on their Chaser Penalty shot to Slytherin for deliberate damage to their ChaserCome off it, Miss howled Fred, but Madam Hooch blew her whistle and Alicia flew forward to take the penalty.Come on, Alicia yelled Lee into the silence that had descended on the crowd. YES SHES BEATEN THE KEEPER TWENTY-ZERO TO GRYFFINDORHarry turned the Firebolt sharply to watch Flint, still bleeding freely, fly forward to take the Slytherin penalty. Wood was hovering in front of the Gryffindor goal posts, his jaw clenched.Course, Woods a superb shop steward Lee Jordan told the crowd as Flint waited for Madam Hoochs whistle. Superb Very difficult to pass very difficult indeed YES I DONT BELIEVE IT HES SAVED ITRelieved, Harry zoomed away, gazing around for the Snitch, but still making sure he caught every word of Lees commentary. It was essential that he hold Malfoy off the Snitch until Gryffindor wa s more than fifty points up Gryffindor in possession, no, Slytherin in possession no Gryffindor back in possession and its Katie Bell, Katie Bell for Gryffindor with the Quaffle, shes streaking up the field THAT WAS DELIBERATEMontague, a Slytherin Chaser, had swerved in front of Katie, and instead of seizing the Quaffle had grabbed her head. Katie cart-wheeled in the air, managed to keep on her broom, but dropped the Quaffle.Madam Hoochs whistle rang out again as she soared over to Montague and began shouting at him. A minute later, Katie had put another penalty past the Slytherin Seeker.THIRTY-ZERO TAKE THAT, YOU DIRTY, CHEATING Jordan, if you cant commentate in an unbiased way Im telling it like it is, ProfessorHarry felt a huge fluctuate of excitement. He had seen the Snitch it was shimmering at the foot of one of the Gryffindor goal posts but he mustnt catch it yet and if Malfoy saw it Faking a look of sudden concentration, Harry pulled his Firebolt around and sped off to ward the Slytherin end it worked. Malfoy went haring after him, distinctly thinking Harry had seen the Snitch thereWHOOSH.One of the Bludgers came streaking past Harrys right ear, hit by the gigantic Slytherin Beater, Derrick. Then againWHOOSH.The second Bludger grazed Harrys elbow. The other Beater, body, was closing in.Harry had a fleeting glance of Bole and Derrick zooming toward him, clubs raised He turned the Firebolt upward at the last second, and Bole and Derrick collided with a nauseous crunch.Ha haaa yelled Lee Jordan as the Slytherin Beaters lurched away from each other, clutching their heads. Too bad, boys Youll need to get up earlier than that to beat a Firebolt And its Gryffindor in possession again, as Johnson takes the Quaffle Flint alongside her poke him in the eye, Angelina it was a joke, Professor, it was a joke oh no Flint in possession, Flint flying toward the Gryffindor goal posts, come on now, Wood, save But Flint had scored there was an eruption of cheers from the Slytherin end, and Lee swore so badly that Professor McGonagall tried to tug the magical megaphone away from him.Sorry, Professor, sorry Wont happen again So, Gryffindor in the lead, thirty points to ten, and Gryffindor in possession It was turning into the dirtiest game Harry had ever played in. Enraged that Gryffindor had taken such an early lead, the Slytherins were rapidly resorting to any means to take the Quaffle. Bole hit Alicia with his club and tried to say hed thought she was a Bludger. George Weasley elbowed Bole in the face in retaliation. Madam Hooch awarded both teams penalties, and Wood pulled off another spectacular save, making the score forty-ten to Gryffindor.The Snitch had disappeared again. Malfoy was still keeping close to Harry as he soared over the match, looking around for it once Gryffindor was fifty points ahead Katie scored. Fifty-ten. Fred and George Weasley were swooping around her, clubs raised, in case any of the Slytherins were thinki ng of revenge. Bole and Derrick took advantage of Freds and Georges absence to aim both Bludgers at Wood they caught him in the stomach, one after the other, and he rolled over in the air, clutching his broom, completely winded.Madam Hooch was beside herself YOU DO NOT ATTACK THE KEEPER UNLESS THE QUAFFLE IS WITHIN THE SCORING AREA she shrieked at Bole and Derrick. Gryffindor penaltyAnd Angelina scored. Sixty-ten. Moments later, Fred Weasley pelted a Bludger at Warrington, knocking the Quaffle out of his hands Alicia seized it and put it through the Slytherin goal seventy-ten.The Gryffindor crowd below was screaming itself hoarse Gryffindor was sixty points in the lead, and if Harry caught the Snitch now, the Cup was theirs. Harry could almost feel hundreds of eyes following him as he soared around the field, high above the rest of the game, with Malfoy speeding along behind him.And then he saw it. The Snitch was sparkling twenty feet above him.Harry put on a huge burst of speed t he wind was roaring in his ears he stretched out his hand, but suddenly, the Firebolt was slowing down Horrified, he looked around. Malfoy had thrown himself forward, grabbed hold of the Firebolts tail, and was pulling it back.You Harry was angry enough to hit Malfoy, but couldnt reach Malfoy was panting with the effort of holding onto the Firebolt, but his eyes were sparkling maliciously. He had achieved what hed wanted to do the Snitch had disappeared again.Penalty Penalty to Gryffindor Ive never seen such tactics. Madam Hooch screeched, shooter up to where Malfoy was sliding back onto his Nimbus Two Thousand and One.YOU CHEATING SCUM Lee Jordan was cry into the megaphone, dancing out of Professor McGonagalls reach. YOU FILTHY, CHEATING B Professor McGonagall didnt even bother to tell him off She was actually shaking her finger in Malfoys direction, her hat had fallen off, and she too was shouting furiously.Alicia took Gryffindors penalty, but she was so angry she missed by se veral feet. The Gryffindor team was losing concentration and the Slytherins, delighted by Malfoys foul on Harry, were being spurred on to greater heights.Slytherin in possession, Slytherin heading for goal Montague scores Lee groaned. Seventy-twenty to GryffindorHarry was now marking Malfoy so closely their knees kept hitting each other. Harry wasnt going to let Malfoy anyplace near the Snitch.Get out of it, Potter Malfoy yelled in frustration as he tried to turn and found Harry blocking him.Angelina Johnson gets the Quaffle for Gryffindor, come on, Angelina, COME ONHarry looked around. every single Slytherin player apart from Malfoy was streaking up the pitch toward Angelina, including the Slytherin Keeper they were all going to block her Harry wheeled the Firebolt around, bent so low he was lying flat along the handle, and kicked it forward. Like a bullet, he shot toward the Slytherins.AAAAAAARRRGHThey scattered as the Firebolt zoomed toward them Angelinas way was clear.SHE SC ORES SHE SCORES Gryffindor leads by eighty Points to twentyHarry, who had almost pelted headlong into the stands, skidded to a halt in midair, reversed, and zoomed back into the middle of the field.And then he saw something to make his heart stand still. Malfoy was diving, a look of triumph on his face there, a few feet above the grass below, was a tiny, golden glimmer Harry urged the Firebolt downward, but Malfoy was miles ahead Go Go Go Harry urged his broom. He was gaining on Malfoy Harry flattened himself to the broom handle as Bole sent a Bludger at him he was at Malfoys ankles he was level Harry threw himself forward, took both hands off his broom. He knocked Malfoys arm out of the way and YESHe pulled out of his dive, his hand in the air, and the orbit exploded. Harry soared above the crowd, an odd ringing in his ears. The tiny golden ball was held tight in his fist, beating its wings hopelessly against his fingers.Then Wood was speeding toward him, half-blinded by tears he seized Harry around the neck and sobbed unrestrainedly into his shoulder. Harry felt two large thumps as Fred and George hit them then Angelinas, Alicias, and Katies voices, Weve won the Cup Weve won the Cup Tangled together in a many-armed hug, the Gryffindor team sank, yelling hoarsely, back to earth.Wave upon wave of crimson supporters was pouring over the barriers onto the field. Hands were raining down on their backs. Harry had a confused impression of noise and bodies pressing in on him. Then he, and the rest of the team, were hoisted onto the shoulders of the crowd. Thrust into the light, he saw Hagrid, Plastered with crimson rosettes Yeh beat em, Harry, yeh beat em Wait till I tell BuckbeakThere was Percy, jumping up and down like a maniac, all dignity forgotten. Professor McGonagall was sobbing harder even than Wood, wiping her eyes with an enormous Gryffindor flag and there, fighting their way toward Harry, were Ron and Hermione. Words failed them. They simply beamed as Harry was borne toward the stands, where Dumbledore stood waiting with the enormous Quidditch Cup.If only there had been a Dementor aroundAs a sobbing Wood passed Harry the Cup, as he lifted it into the air, Harry felt he could have produced the worlds best Patronus.