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.