Unregulated Capitalism Undermines the Legitimacy of Liberal Democracy E

IntroductionIn a capitalist system, businesses compete with one another to produce the most innovative deal at the most competitive prices in turn, consumers freely select the most desirable products. According to Adam Smith, this competition, when left unregu recentlyd, fosters maximum wealth and the common mature (Economist 2-3). Indeed, unmanaged competition may ensure prices are affordable for consumers (2). However, in a global free market that exploits cheap labour market demand dwindles, resulting in excessive credit lending and debt crises (Li 295-6). In this way, capitalisms efficiency and promotion of the common good is questionable. Since the resurgence of unregulated capitalism in the late 20th century, social inequalities have grown significantly, with one percent of the most powerful countries attaining more wealth than half the world (Dunklin 2). Canadas income gap has besides risen, exacerbating morbidity and mortality (Bryant 47). However, the extent that government should reduce social inequities is controversial in a liberal democracy, which prioritizes economic freedom. That being said, social inequalities may lead to wealthier individuals gaining an advantage in policy making (Bryant 54 draw rein 63), undermining the liberal democratic value of political equality. Moreover, the ideal of economic freedom is fall in todays global economy, which exhibits massive enterprises stifling competition and creating economic instability (Foster 2). In light of these issues, the aim of this essay is to detail how unregulated capitalism detracts from a liberal democracy by undermining political equality and economic freedom. Ideals of a Liberal Democracy The values of freedom and equality, which are pr... ...21-134. Retrieved from academician Search Complete.Raphael, D., Curry-Stevens, A., & Bryant, T. (2008). Barriers to addressing the social determinants of health Insights from the Canadian experience. Health Policy, 88, 222-235. doi 10.1016/j.healthpol.2008.03.015.Reich, R. (2007). How capitalism is killing democracy. Foreign Policy, Sep/Oct2007, 38-42. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete.Rein, S. (2009). Radical politics. In J. Brodie & S. Rein (Eds.), Critical concepts An introduction to politics (4th ed.) (pp. 60-71). Toronto, Ontario Pearson Education Canada.Shahrokhi, M. (2011). The global financial crises of 2007-2010 and the future of capitalism. Global Finance Journal, 22, 193-210. doi 10.1016/j.gfj.2011.10.010.Workman, T. (2010). Renewing the left in Canada. Canadian Dimension, 44(3), 49-52. Retrieved from the Canadian Reference Centre.

Rearing Children in Love and Righteousness :: Relationships Parenting Papers

Rearing Children in Love and Righteousness Parents have a unspeakable duty to rear their children in love and innocuousness, . . .and to teach them to love and serve one an opposite (The Family A Proclamation to the World, 6). This statement by The Proclamation proclaimed to the world of the responsibility parent have for their children to teach them right from wrong. In todays world less and less parents are the principal angel dust and teacher in a childs life. The Proclamation firmly places this responsibility squarely on the heads of the parents. Yet even with this knowledge, the application of how to rear their children in love and righteousness could be debated. Many parents (even amongst members) have differing opinions on how children should be disciplined and taught. Is spanking considered abuse? Or is it excusable under certain hazard? Should time out, or bribery be used to coerce kids to obey, or is it a combination of both? Many people have questioned w hat types of punishments are righteous and which ones are not. Here I want to discuss these things and find out what is the most popular belief among college students. Then we can go to our text, Strengthening Our Families An In-Depth date at the Proclamation on the Family, and discover what General Authorities and scholars in the field of Sociology and Child Development teach. In this way we can talk to others and pronounce them on, and maybe call them to reflection about their opinion and on the teachings of the leaders of the church. When I was growing up, my parents believed in punishing a child who had severely disobeyed with spanking. schooling quickly at a young age that I did not like this, I was only spanked two or three times later which I built up the determination never to do anything deserving of spanking again. It scared me half to death and I despised it as a child. I have seen my older sisters, as they are currently raising their children, use spankin g as a mode of punishment sometimes it works, other times it seem to have little affect. I decided to ask my roommates and friends how their parents had disciplined them and what they thought they would do with their future children.

Supremacy :: essays research papers

THE NATURAL DESIRE FOR THE SUPREMACY OF ONEThe frogs, grieved at having no established Ruler, send ambassadors to Jupiter entreating for a King. Perceiving their simplicity, he cast down a huge log into the lake. The Frogs were terrified at the splash occasioned by its fall and hid themselves in the depths of the pool. But as soon as they realized that the huge log was motionless, they swam again to the top of the water, dismissed their fears, climbed up, and began squatting on it in contempt. After some cadence they began to animadvert themselves ill-treated in the appointment of so inert a Ruler, and sent a second deputation to Jupiter to pray that he would set over them other sovereign. He then gave them an Eel to govern them. When the Frogs discovered his easy good nature, they sent yet a third time to Jupiter to beg him to choose for them still some other King. Jupiter, displeased with all their complaints, sent a Heron, who preyed upon the Frogs day by day till there were none left to croak upon the lake. Aesops fable tells of a problem that has existed throughout history, the need for supremacy. Someone always has to be the best, the loss leader, the ultimate judge, and without this ranking, the people are never satisfied. There is a need for adult male to sort others into the general categories of inferior and superior and the ultimate superior is necessary. This tendency has led many nations to create a form of rule with only one leader which although can at times be beneficial is always a waiting disaster. This has been a tendency through out history that has led to the dusk of many civilizations and is also a basis in religion and can be seen in many aspects of todays society. Before civilization began, humans existed as nomadic wonderers. People looked nothing like the people of today and they spent their existence surviving. Not only did they look different, they lived differently as well. precise little would be recognizable to the peopl e of today and their way of life was altogether different than the human way of life today. However, supremacy still existed in these nomadic tribes. Evidences have been found, showing there to be a chief or key person who looked over the tribe and served as the ruler. This shows that from the beginning of time people have had this desire to rule or be ruled over.

Contemporary Societys Crisis of Masculinity Essay -- Papers Men Mascu

Contemporary Societys Crisis of MasculinityWorks Cited Not Included Masculinity is the password used to describe the broad stereotyped traits traditionally ascribed to all males in British society and the notion of how men should appear and be entertain. It is more accurate to key out to masculinities, to reflect the complexity and diversity of masculinity today. There are important differences made between hegemonic and subordinate masculinities hegemonic masculinity is the dominant western image - white, heterosexual and spunk class, subordinate the diverse masculinities - homosexual men, black men and the working class. David Beckham is a modern icon who has expressed and challenged some of the dominant assumptions of masculinity and identity. He is a talented and committed footballer yet his experiments with fashion and his posing for shoots are taken by some as an affront to the conventionalities of traditional masculine behaviour. Rutherford verb alize that the reality of mens heterosexual identities is that their endurance is contingent upon an array of structures and institutions. He believes that if these structures are threatened or weakened then masculine identities can be threatened or weakened. Rutherford thinks that five changes have undermined the male dominance of certain structures and institutions. These changes are 1) working-class masculinities threatened by the decline of heavy manual industry. priapic unemployment has risen while female employment has increased. 2) Violent and sexual abuse of women and children has become more widely publicised and less tolerated. 3) Mens roles within the family have been questioned.... ... genuine rise in male dissatisfaction for which there are numerous causes. The growing assertiveness of women and the lack of women prepared to be the property of patriarchal men. manly power is being overthrown. There may be a crisis of masculinity, but M en still outnumber women in positions of power across the globe, still glower downwardly through the glass ceiling, still strut the cabinet and boardrooms in every developed country in the world, the seeming masters of their fate and everybody elses. In the developing world the situation is even more unequal. The gender disparity in sharing the burden of unpaid work is stark, and for all the talk of equality women end-to-end the world continue to work longer hours than men and are paid very much less for it. The colonists are still in command. (Clare, 2000)

Marcus Tullius Cicero :: Ancient Rome Roman History

Marcus Tullius CiceroWe are in bondage to the law in cabaret that we may be set free Marcus Tullius Cicero came into philosophical fame during the popish Republic era. At a very young age, Cicero, who came from a modest home, made it his ambition to hold a high political position in Rome. Unfortunately, his middle course of study ancestry restricted his ability in achieving his goals. As a result he sought a military position to gain authority. Cicero proved to be an ineffective soldier, which gradually lead him to select a career in law. In 63 B.C. he moved up in the Roman oligarchy by acquainting himself with many politicians who aided him in obtaining the title of consul, the highest Roman office. In three years an effective rebel occurred against the Republic from the First Triumvirate of Julius Caesar, Pompey and Crassus. They seized control of the Senate and enforced the ideals of the Roman Empire. Cicero was meant to be included because of his influence, but he clung to the old Republic ideals, which lead to his exile, and he was forbidden to take part in politics. During his exile, Cicero furthered his studies in philosophy for a year. Cicero still dreamed of the reincarnation of the old Republic, and wrote about the republic and on laws. During this time, it is most likely that the above quotation was uttered. Philosophy and jurisprudence were directly connect in Ciceros studies. His studies included his despise of the Roman lifestyle, which consisted of low morals and disrespect for life. This lifestyle built the foundation for the laws that were set to keep Rome in order. Ciceros quote that in order to be truly content and limitless to the world, citizens must abide by the laws made by the Senate. We are in bondage to the law... suggests that as a group, the citizens of Rome were slaves to a greater influence, the laws that made Rome an exceptional kingdom. The laws made by the Senate were made to respect and protect the foundation of Rome and t he interests of its people, ...in order that we may be set free. Cicero implies that, if the citizens of Rome follow the laws, they will be able to live their lives without being looked down upon by the rest of the citizens who follow the laws. In Ciceros political career, he held an important position in the Senate and was greatly respected.

Marcus Tullius Cicero :: Ancient Rome Roman History

Marcus Tullius CiceroWe are in bondage to the law in order that we may be specialize free Marcus Tullius Cicero came into philosophical fame during the Roman Republic era. At a very young age, Cicero, who came from a modest home, do it his ambition to hold a racy political position in Rome. Unfortunately, his middle class ancestry restricted his ability in achieving his goals. As a result he sought a military position to gain authority. Cicero proved to be an ineffective soldier, which gradually lead him to select a career in law. In 63 B.C. he moved up in the Roman oligarchy by acquainting himself with many politicians who aided him in obtaining the title of consul, the highest Roman office. In three years an effective climb up occurred against the Republic from the First Triumvirate of Julius Caesar, Pompey and Crassus. They seized control of the Senate and enforced the ideals of the Roman Empire. Cicero was meant to be included because of his influence, but he clung to the old Republic ideals, which lead to his exile, and he was forbidden to tamp part in politics. During his exile, Cicero furthered his studies in philosophy for a year. Cicero still dreamed of the reincarnation of the old Republic, and wrote about the republic and on laws. During this time, it is most likely that the higher up quote was uttered. Philosophy and jurisprudence were directly related in Ciceros studies. His studies included his despise of the Roman lifestyle, which consisted of low morals and disrespect for life. This lifestyle built the invention for the laws that were set to keep Rome in order. Ciceros quote that in order to be truly content and limitless to the world, citizens must abide by the laws make by the Senate. We are in bondage to the law... suggests that as a group, the citizens of Rome were slaves to a greater influence, the laws that made Rome an exceptional kingdom. The laws made by the Senate were made to respect and protect the foundation of Rome and the i nterests of its people, ...in order that we may be set free. Cicero implies that, if the citizens of Rome follow the laws, they will be able to live their lives without organism looked down upon by the rest of the citizens who follow the laws. In Ciceros political career, he held an important position in the Senate and was greatly respected.

Early Cells Essay

1 HypothesisIf you soak an testis in vinegar, then the shell will deteriorate and loose centimeters attain of its circumference.Data and ObservationsTime (hrs)ObservationsCircumference (cm)01. The screwball is whole, and has not lost color.2. The formal was immediately surrounded by bubbles.3. 14 cm4. 241. The egg appears to have a little bit of color missing.2. The egg remains unwaveringly.3. 15.5cm4. 481. The eggs shell is beginning to disappear.2. The shell of the egg is childs play all around.3. 16 and cm4. 721. The shell is completely gone, leaving a thin membrane that surrounds the yolk.2. The egg itself looks flimsy and appears transparent.3. 17cmConclusionBe certain(a) to answer the following reflection questions in the conclusion of your lab report1. How much did the egg change in size? (answer should be in centimeter) The eggs size changed by 3 centimeters.2. Was your hypothesis correct? Why or why not?My hypothesis proved to be correct because the eggs shell did, in fact, deteriorate.3. Evaluate the lab and data collected. What face of transport occurred in this lab? Explain your answer, including evidence from your experiment tosupport your explanation. The type of transport that took place in this lab was active. I believe this is true because the particles moved from an area of higher concentration (vinegar), to an area of lower concentration (the egg).4. matter how lettuce or spinach placed in water becomes firm and crisp. Use what you have learned about cell membranes to explain this observation. Lettuce and spinach become firm and crisp when placed in water because the cells absorb the water, and in turn makes the lettuce/spinach bloated with water.5. If you were to continue this experiment by removing the egg from the water and covering it in syrup, what do you think would happen. Explain your prediction. (If you choose to test your prediction, be sure to allow at least 24 hours before making your observations. And, of course, handle the egg very carefully) If I were to put the same egg in a syrup solution, I believe the thin membrane that remained would break because inactive transport would take place.

Ethics in Business

The implications brought by the previous handling of international forces in the Middle East project obviously penetrated even the natural flow of commercial activities. Today, not only the Arab world is subject to facing problematic social buildings but all opposite countries involved in the undertakings of the peace procedures. The sentiments brought by the media, unjustified discriminatory perception and biased presentation of facts have lead to a chaotic global structure of societies affecting commerce and politics.In the case of DWI, the primary legal infliction that the comp all can undertake is to generate a legally accepted bodily function only for the case of its commercial credibility. Meaning it can only present in the courts that the justification of selecting non-Arab descent clients are only pre-conditions in order to stupefy better services for its customers and to continue its business operations. Of course, the legal issue in this aspect is the discriminatory pe rspective against a specific group of clients.The court whitethorn face similar questioning about its own powers on how to manipulate commerce in favor of the complete rule against discrimination. There could possibly be a sentiment among the business community to align with the philosophy of DWI since the law basically rules over that of the Commerce Clause. The urbane Rights Act of 1964 intends to prohibit discriminatory acts in commercial establishments (Wikipedia, 2008).But in the case of DWI, it needs to embark on a decision to weigh its priorities. The profit losses the business may pose will send a message to the business sector that the government is incapable of protecting the welfare of the investors.On the ethical part, DWI has really committed a discriminatory act by limiting its guests to non-Arab descent individuals. Business establishments like hotels are supposed to be a public place in which any clients can check in and use the facilities. It was very unethical to filter out the Arab guests just because of isolated incidents which do not really provide presumptive correlations between violence and the presence of Arab descent individuals.What the company can do is to increase its security operations to protect the whole population of its clientele. An additional investing for this unit can hurt the asset management of DWI but it will let the company continue its profit generation in the long term.ReferencesWikipedia. 2008. Civil Rights Act of 1964. Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 17, 2008 from http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_Rights_Act_of_1964.

Constraints Facing The African Stock Market Economics Essay

The African air market is going progressively sophisticated in pricing, insulating and reassigning imagine. Tools such as derived functions and securitization contribute to this procedure but send their ain portion. The failure of accounting and ordinance to maintain abreast of development introduces more hazard with on occasion dramatic effects.Macro frugal FactorsMacroeconomic hazards include rising prices hazard, social function rate hazard, low modesty and thin fiscal market which all together affect the existence presentation of a stock market. Macroeconomic policy has a great impact on the public presentation of the stock market. In 1996, the Zimbabwe stock market which accounted for an overall public presentation of 86.5 % . However, in 1997 its public presentation decreased by more than 50 % in the aftermath of dramatic authorities farm and to pay $ 240 million in pensions to veterans of Zimbabwe independency war.For the lead two decennaries, the growing rate of exis tent per capita end product for Africa has been negative, while other parts have been demoing hygienic positive growing rates. For illustration, while in the midst of the 1970s and 1990s East Asia and South Asia moved from an smashed growing rate of 4.6 per centum and 0.7 per centum to 6.4 per centum and 3.3 per centum, severally, Sub-Saharan Africa s growing rate declined from 0.5 per centum in the 1970s to -0.4 per centum in the 1990s.Corporate AdministrationCoup vitamin D & amp eacute cheapnesss is rather celebrated in African history. It appears that constitutional regulation are present at that place and politicians are pull stringsing total laws to either seek thirster footings in office or perpetuate their stay. Therefore, in that respect is a deficiency of fair taked administration in the states. In the absence of corporate administration, there is inappropriate policy taken by the authorities and regulative models. Furthermore, there is no control of corruptness, capacity edifice, and there is an uneffective, inefficient, no transparent and accountable system for mobilising and apportioning public either bit good as private resources.High unemploymentIn Africa, there is copiousness of unskilled labour and this whitethorn take to worsen of the on the job category. The growing in demand for skilled labour does non fit the diminution of unskilled and semi-skilled occupations. The labour market is fracture towards more skilled workers, professionals and directors. A labour study in South Africa found that there is more demand for directors in the populace sector, particularly local authorities and peculiar serve sectorsUnemployment is pig-headedly high and edging upward. In South Africa the expanded unemployment rate is estimated to be every bit high as 40 % with the official rate at about 29 % . The fact that the labour market is biased against those with less accomplishment is reflected in the higher mean wage additions for skilled indivi duals.Trade DevelopmentMany African states are faced with a multiplicity of challenges that prevent them from take parting in the pla exonerateary economic system and reap the benefits of increased globalisation. Africa is the most disconnected continent. Fourteen states are landlocked, accounting for 30 % of Africa s population. The roots of the job prevarication in chronic restraints to competitiveness including, misfortunate substructure, little and disconnected markets, undeveloped fiscal markets, weak systems to ease trade, weaknesses in cardinal establishments, and the deficiency of equal human resources.Political HazardPolitical instability, institutional incapacity and societal ferment inhibit foreign capital influxs. These in bend lower investing appetencies and have a negative impact for economic chances and investing clime.Percepts of policy-making hazard originating from peculiar events, such as those related to the recent elections in Kenya which generate market vol atility and discourage investing. Africa is seen as a part of high political hazard, and important hazard premium are demanded by equity investors, loaners and insurance companies.Currency fluctuation hazardThe planetary economic lag in universe growing whitethorn impact African exports of agricultural merchandises, minerals and hydrocarbons. Africa s dependance on natural resource exports has made many states vulnerable to trade good monetary rate dazes that are outside their control. Sudden additions in export grosss or import costs can do currency instability and budget uncertainness. Furthermore, there is strong grounds that currency depreciation has negative consequence on the public presentation of the African stock market.Crisis of International ConfidenceMany states in sub-Saharan Africa enjoyed robust economic growing in recent old ages. However, the nutrient and fuel monetary value dazes of 2007-08 that preceded the current planetary fiscal crisis weakened the external pl ace of net importers of nutrient and fuel, caused rising prices to speed up, and dampened growing chances.A research done by IMF shows that in the yesteryear a 1 per centum point lag in planetary growing has led to an estimated ? per centum point lag in sub-Saharan African states. But the effects may be more marked this magazine publisher because the tightening of planetary recognition compounds the impact of the lag, worsening hazards for trade finance and other capital flows.Recommendations.The stock market needs specific attending when it comes to the menaces and challenges predominating. Normally, there are several ways which can take to the development of the stock market. Automation can be of great aid as it reduces costs every bit good as inefficiencies. It operates faster than the manual system which besides increases business activities and liquidness.We besides have demutualization which is a procedure that involves a alteration in ownership construction and a alteration in legal and organisation signifier. Factors such as competition among exchanges, demand for increased capital, demand for good corporate administration in exchanges and the impulse to open up ownership of exchanges to public investors help demutualization addition popularity. Demutualization is expected to work out common construction jobs by opening up merchandising rights, acknowledging new trading spouses, and broadening ownership such that the populace can put in exchanges. It besides increases entree to services of the exchange and removes inordinate investing costs for fund holders.Another cardinal solution can be to beef up Financial Regulation and Supervision. such a step will hike the assurance of investors every bit good as protects their rights and hence besides encourages them to put more in the stock market. The development of good quality establishments can besides impact the attraction of equity investing and lead to stock market development. Good quality establishm ents such as jurisprudence and order, democratic answerability, bureaucratic quality are of import determiners of stock market development in Africa because they cut down political hazard and heighten the viability of external finance.The increased engagement of investors on the stock market will besides assist advancing efficient market patterns and fiscal invention. They typically favor greater transparence and market unity in both primary and secondary markets, seek lower dealing cost, and promote efficient trading and colony installations.Enhancing surveillance of the OTC forex derivative markets by systematic processing and analysis of information on offshore activity will besides be of great aid.Another proposed solution to jobs faced by African stock markets is to incorporate stock exchanges. Unifying African stock markets into a individual regional exchange instantly is no uncertainty an ambitious and dashing undertaking, given the associated institutional and fiscal cost co mplexnesss. Advocates of this proposition argue that a good incorporate regional stock exchange in Africa will be a powerful beginning and driver of capital flows to Africa. Such an exchange will besides, if good structured, work out the current jobs of illiquidity, little size, and atomization.

Hitler Slept Late: And Other Blunders That Cost Him the War

For those who subscribe to the theory that Hitler quite literally lost World War II through his own actions, or even inactions, depart burst from the beginning some substantial flaws in the very composition of Hitlers plan of the domination of other nations. patch many sources- including the introduction of this look for- glibly state that Hitler was seek to take over the world, the practical reality of much(prenominal) a goal is that it could non happen at the transfer of any army that has ever picked up a weapon.With this simple, indisputable feature in mind, the point comes to the forefront that Hitler lacked a strategic focus in his plans of domination. Hitler himself surely envisioned a scenario whereby he gibeled the immaculate planet and placed everyone under Nazi rule, but realistically, beyond the nations of Europe which Hitler occupied, he simply could not have maintained any sense of control over, for example, Asia, the British Empire, and the deal, not to menti on North America.Any type of hold that he would have on these additional territories would likely be short-lived, for Germany itself was a nation that was convalescent from the brink of economic, military and political disaster when Hitler came to power and began his quest to overtake the rest of the world.Another key factor that supports the sheer impossibility of Hitlers cable and domination of the world, at the time of World War II, lay in the form of the Empire of japan.It cannot be forgotten that one of the key reasons that japan attacked the united States military installations at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, which was not part of the US at that time, was in retaliation for increased American involvement in the Philippines and other lands which Japan considered as their own.Judging from the challenge that Japan threw at what was then the closely powerful military machine in the world- the American military machine- it is highly probable, if not definite, that Japan eventually woul d have gone to war with Germany if Hitler had enjoyed any substantial level of success in World War II, for Hitler most certainly would have off-key against Japan in a quest for total control of every nation of the world.Perhaps, World War III would have come out of such a conflict, or perhaps the two powers would have literally destroyed each other, creating yet another power vacuum in the world stage. While all of this is theoretical, an important point is to be derived from the theory- Hitlers grand plan, because of its lack of focus and resources, in hindsight appears to have been doomed from the start.Hitler as His Own Worst EnemyIn April of 1945, as Hitler cowered in his resistor bunker, occasionally enveloped in darkness as the bombs of his enemies knocked out the artificial power generators which gave Hitler a lifeline to the outside world, the thought surely mustiness have occurred to him that he was to blame for much of what had come to pass.The theory that Hitler may h ave been his own worst enemy is actually a fact, based upon research into writings that look into the psyche and personality of Hitler, as well as his leadership skills.A fact that cannot be ignored is that by the mid 1930s, Hitler had already begun to set down some grip on the power that he held over the German people this is proven by his defeats in the mid 1930s at the hands of the Poles and Czechs when he attempted to occupy the Rhineland (Duffy). It would not be until 1939 that Hitler would occupy Poland, and even in that, the seeds of his eventual demise were planted.The reason for this can be found in a treaty which Hitler signed with Stalin of Russia, agreeing to share control of Poland with the Russians. Once Hitler took over Poland in 1939, he essentially pushed the Russians out of the picture, claimed all of Poland for Germany, and basically lit the flux that began the process leading to a total European war some 2 years later (Duffy).The negligence of the treaty with R ussia on the part of Hitler not only makes the point that he was in fact his own worst enemy, but also presents another fascinating what if, which have become so best-selling(predicate) among historians of late.The what if concerns a possible outcome if Hitler had chosen to listen to others who counseled him to honor the treaty with Russia and share occupation of Poland. For the cost of a relatively small nation like Poland, Hitler would have gained, or retained to be more precise, the favor of Stalin and the Russian army, also a major military force to be reckoned with in the 1940s.Therefore, if Russia were on the side of Germany once World War II came into full swing, it is a strong possibility that Hitler would have had the powerful ally that he so urgently needed in order to swing the outcome of the war to his favor. At the very least, it can be theorized Hitler would not have found himself hiding underground from the explosions of Russian bombs and the bullets fired by Russian soldiers.Earlier, it was eluded that Hitler, as part of being his own worst enemy, neglected in many cases to heed the advice of his staff, such as in the case of the occupation of Poland and the subsequent entanglements with Russia.Hitler in fact had a second chance to avert war after his occupation of Poland, when he was stipulation a deadline by Britain and the United States to vacate Poland or face possible military intervention. Hitler was counseled on the advantages of less involvement in Poland, yet even in the face of many consequences and few tangible benefits to be gained, he still stood on the insistence that he was right and that his approach to the issue of Poland was in fact the best course of action.What can be said of a man who has a great deal of responsibility, the potential to change the course of world history, and will not seek the advice, or heed the advice, of others?This is indicative, many would argue, of serious personality flaws, and this is something th at is hard to argue. Perhaps one of the most shocking, almost to the point of being jovial reasons that Hitler likely defeated himself is the fact that during the most pivotal moments of World War II, he slept- literally.Hitler Slept latterlyThe title of the book which formed the thesis for this research actually has its origination in fact-Hitler did sleep late. While this in itself does not sound like much to discuss, it is when the fact that Hitler slept late is placed in the context of some of the most important, pivotal moments in the German war effort.The most glaring of these exists in the June 6, 1944 Allied invasion of the beaches of Normandy- D-Day, as it has come to be known. On that day, as the German war machine sustained major damage, Hitler was nowhere to be found, as he had given explicit orders that he needed sleep and not to allude him.Additionally, once Hitler awoke and was told of the situation, accounts say that he was more concerned with entertaining visiti ng dignitaries than he was in responding to the attack all of this occurred in the midst of additional development which indicates that Hitler knew the attacks were coming, and did very little to prepare for them or to respond once they came (Duffy).ConclusionThe analysis of Hitlers actions, inactions, attitude and skills make a compelling case for the defeat of Hitler by no other than Hitler himself. The old adage of those who do not learn from history being condemned to repeat it is highly fitting when one looks at Adolf Hitler for he had at his disposal experienced leaders and resources, but he chose to, ultimately, defeat him.While it is impossible to know what would have happened if Hitler triumphed, we now know, in conclusion, what happened because he did not.Works CitedDuffy, James P. Hitler Slept Late And Other Blunders That Cost Him the War. New York Praeger Publishers, 1991.

Halting the wheels of hope Essay

The concept of political sympathiesal tyranny is often difficult to grasp to those financial backing in more democratic nations, and media output and literature become key in growing to understand its implications. Serving to heighten this political locating is The Wheels of Freedom Bicycles in China by Fred Strebeigh, which describes Chinas oscillation ban in 1989 and subsequent protests in Tiananmen Square, Beijing. The rhythm provided significant growth and independence within Chinese culture, and Strebeigh endeavors to communicate this to readers.Illustrating this, he defends the will of the people to preserve their right to ride them in the face of government opposition, and the tragedy imposed by political oppression. Upon the bicycles introduction to the people of China in the early 20th century, many looked to it through eyes of bewilderment. A fascinating and non yet popularized machine, it was most commonly ridden by members of affluent societies. As its newness wore off, however, it slowly became available those of the more humble classes, and in place of the word bicycle, the term foreign horse found its use in the minds and mouths of the masses.Strebeigh includes that the term foreign communicated the peoples feelings of admiration for the bicycle while alluding to the position that it was modern. The peasantry of China found themselves with the deepest sense of admiration for the foreign horse. To them, the thought of owning one brought to mind the ease it could bring to their everyday lives, as they often carried heavy loads on their backs. Yet, the low supply and thus high cost of the bicycle made its acquisition impractical for them.In response to the desire, the government later began regulating higher production rates of the bicycle to readily supply them to the impoverished and raise morale. However, the term foreign horse was banned in light of its glorification of another nations ingenuity, highlighting the extremes of the Chinese government to exercise their sovereign of the people. In its place, the list self-running tangle. This served to express the government sentiment that the people could have what they wanted, but only at itsomplete jurisdiction. The people tolerated the name change of their beloved bicycles, as the trade-off of name for its widespread distribution was easy enough, and many still used its original moniker in private. Following its popularization, the lives of many saying an enrichment in quality. The dignity of the people improved, as it granted them new freedoms and eased the stress of everyday tasks, allowing for flourishing business and connectedness within communities.Perhaps express best, Strebeigh wrote of its wide use, Everywhere, cycles kept life rolling (Strebeigh). In addition to heightening the commerce of societies, it introduced the occupation of bicycle repair, which Stebeigh revered as perhaps the freest antic in China. In its praise, he wrote, A hard worker neede d only a street corner and a few tools. onward his eyes bikes would inevitably break down and, if he was skilled, clients would multiply.Bicycle repair seemed to offer an extension of what the bike itself offered and what so many Chinese sought low dignity, new choices, ample freedom. (Strebeigh). Bike repair was a choice outside of the typical, and entirely pursued as an individual pleased. Sadly, it was the bicycles issuance of dignity, choices, and freedom that that ultimately inflicted nemesis upon the Chinese government. They understood that with bike ownership, the people were growing to a height of advantage.It was their supposition that, if the people continued in such a fashion, government find out perhaps had the potential to become menial. To ensure that their ultimate authority was not being overlooked, a ban was placed on bicycles within China. News of this did not come amicably to the people, and their response was protest. It was Tianenmen Square in Bejing which s aw the organization of a large-scale demonstration which rallied for government reform. It lasted weeks, and ended upon the mobilization of troops to the area.Their trespass was destructive and resulted in the loss of many lives as troops initiated the use of tanks and weaponry to control the people. In media coverage, it was not the bloodied bodies of victims that were aired on television screens in Chinese homes, but rather the depiction of bicycles which had been crushed by the military. Of it, Strebeigh writes, They wanted to show crushed dignity, crushed humanity, crushed freedomso much that the bicycle means in China. (Strebeigh). This image was a wise devise of the government.They knew what the bicycle represented to the people, and knew that to show it destroyed would communicate their dominance and triumph. The concept of tyrannical find out and its implied bleakness are often incomprehensible, or altogether unrecognized by the people of more democratic countries given t heir many freedoms. With the words of Fred Strebeigh, however, perspective expands. The watch over of an object as seemingly simple as a bicycle becomes worthy of defense, even dying for, and the tragedy of oppressive rule becomes very real. deeds Cited

Educational Issue Paper: Standards Based Curriculum Essay

There are many concerns that of the raising system of the U. S. are faced with. unitary of these concerns is that the education system does non and can not adequately prepare the students for the 21st century life and work. Because of this, numerous educational professionals across the county have been toilsome new ways in changing the U. S. educational system. Different educational domesticates have been tried and tested in different states.In several states, constitution makers are changing the educational system in such a way that the mea positive(predicate)ment of the goodness of t distributivelying and education is being base on results or outcomes instead of traditional inputs such as hours spent in class and in course credits earned. Policy makers have termed this educational reform as the standards-based political platform or the outcome-based syllabus.The position of the informant of this paper is for the standards-based curriculum to be implemented and to continu e to be implemented in all states of the U.S. The author believes that the standards-based curriculum in the U. S. educational system will serving improve student learning by the effective restructuring of the teaching and learning process channelise by the standards which are set by policy makers and educational experts. The author will therefore aim to provide justifications on siding for the standards-based curriculum in this paper. This paper will further aim to give the strong points as well as the weak points of standards-based curriculum.Standards-based curriculum as an education reform is based on the analogy of education to the business and manufacturing orbit where total quality movement is being implemented. Total quality movement in the business sector is a belief that the best way for business organizations to reach their ideal goals is to first determine where they are now and where they want to be in and because plan backwards to determine the best possible way fo r them to get from where they are now to where they want to be. The main idea behind the standards-based curriculum is standards.A standard is a level of quality or achievement which is thought to be at a level of being acceptable. A standard is as well as used to measure or to estimate the degree or quality of an object. When used in the educational system, standards would comprise of a cumulative body of intimacy and set of competencies which will be the basis for the quality of education. Standards would express what all students should know and should be able to do after attending school. Standards however, do not include how these students would be able to learn things (Judy Steiner, n. . ).Setting standards in a subject field level through and through the standards-based curriculum would give all students equal hazard because all students would be compared to the homogeneous set of standards which would be set nationally. There is a need for these standards to be at a nat ional level in mold to have a degree of uniformity in every school. If these standards would not be uniform then each teacher or each school would set his or their own standards for students. The demands on students would then be different from teacher to teacher or from school to school.If this happens then there would be inconsistency in both instruction and in assessment. Thus, it is important that national standards should be set in the standards-based curriculum. Another advantage of having a standards-based curriculum is that it provides students with dispatch understanding on what they need to know at different levels of their education. Exams and assessment on student learning are disposed(p) on a national level to determine the progress of students in achieving the set standards.These assessment procedures would also indicate students who are not achieving the standards earlier in order to give them effective remedial assistance (Judy Steiner, n. d. ). Having set standar ds through the standards-based curriculum would create effective learning because the curriculum would provide all students the expectations that the state has for them. Having set standards would also be beneficial to the different stakeholders in education.Standards-based curriculum would provide the state with a common reference tool which can be used to define the mannequin for national testing. Standards-based curriculum would also provide schools and districts with a gull focus on how to develop and organize their instructions and assessment programs as well as the content that they will include in their curriculum. Standards-based curriculum would also help teachers to design and restructure their way of teaching and assessment and would help them create more meaningful lessons.Teachers would also be asked to make their students understand clearly the expectations which would improve student learning. For the students, standards-based curriculum would give them a set of s urgical operation expectations that would be clear and would help them understand what they need to do to meet the set standards. Standards-based education would also allow the parents to determine how their children are coping up in their education through the communication of the set standards for learning.Once parents know the expectations on their children, then they will know if their children are attaining the standards or not (Judy Steiner, n. d. ). One advantage of standards-based curriculum is that the performance expectations are the ones that are identified. Standards-based curriculum does not indicate how the students should come to attain these set standards. This can be an advantage because teachers, schools and districts would be given the probability in coming up with new learning ideas that would enable their students to attain these set standards.Since there are many ways to arrive at the same result, teachers, schools and districts would come up with different ap proaches in teaching and eventually, through experimentation, would come up with a teaching approach that can be implemented at a national level. However, this can also be seen as a weakness in the standards-based curriculum because it would give out to the question of who will be held responsible in find what standards to be set and how the schools and districts would reach the set standards (Judy Steiner, n. d. ).There are also other concerns about the weakness of a standards-based curriculum that it would lead to a centralized education in the U. S. Opponents of the standards-based curriculum argue that this educational reform would undermine innovation at the local level. Schools and districts would not be given the opportunity of improving their education system within themselves. Opponents to the standards-based curriculum also argue that setting national standards would limit what students should learn and would not allow for sort among students and the specific needs of the different populations.Some learning expectations that are demanded from students may be applicable to some states but may not be applicable to other states or population within the U. S. (Judy Steiner, n. d. ). Although there are many concerns regarding standards-based curriculum, the author still maintains his position in favor for the standards-based curriculum because the author believes that this sign of educational reform has more positive effects than it has negative.Another positive effect this type of curriculum has is on the assessment of students. Traditional curriculum would blaspheme on students memorization and mastery of the subject matter in order to get good grades or marks during examinations. This type of assessment has the purpose of determining if students have learned specific knowledge that is part of the curriculum. In the standards-based curriculum, assessment is intertwined with standards and has become an integral part of both the curriculum and the i nstruction program.Assessment through the standards-based curriculum no longer tests students in terms of the accumulation of facts and information but would rather emphasize on the students use and application of such knowledge. Standards-based curriculum would then assess students on their ability to think critically in terms of knowledge application. Standards-based curriculum would focus on testing students higher order thinking skills rather than just their ability to master lessons or memorization.Assessment in a standards-based curriculum becomes a continuous process which would provide teachers the performance data of students to be set as a benchmark as students move on to the next level in education. Assessment in a standards-based curriculum creates an environment where students would become successful since assessment is not as rigid as those of the traditional curriculum. Students can attain a standard at different acceptable levels. All in all, standards-based curricul um has more positive effects than it has negative effects in education.Standards should be well thought of and should be applicable to all populations of the country. However, standards in and of themselves are meaningless. The author believes that the important thing to consider in the standards-based curriculum is how teachers, educators, schools, districts and other policy makers in education help the students in attaining these set standards. There should be a very good monitoring system in ensuring that teachers are doing everything possible in making sure that students attain and achieve the performance expectations that are asked from them.

Headaches: The Leading Cause for Missing School and Work

All of us suffer from an occasional headache in fact, 20 million Americans see their doctors each year because of headaches. Headaches are also the jumper lead cause for missing school and work in this country.There are many different types of headaches ranging from just ordinary pain, to pain associated with a disorder or serious medical condition.Id like to controvert the worst type of headache. The type of headache Id like to discuss, the Migraine, although intense in its pain, is not associated with a medical condition or injury. The Migraine is a recurring throbbing headache, affecting only one side of the head and frequently accompanied by many symptoms. Although many people use the word Migraine to describe any severe headache, this is not correct. Migraines are a particular proposition headache caused by changes in the blood vessels that supply the brain.Usually, Migraines become less frequent with increasing maturate and are relatively uncommon after the age of 50. After interviewing my grandmother, who is a special case Migraine sufferer, she told me that her Migraines began when she was seven. Often in school she would have the classic migraine symptoms- she would see only half of her instructor and bright lights and flashes up to 20 minutes before her Migraine began. These symptoms are called auras and once they are gone the Migraine begins. The Migraine itself can lead to vomiting, boneheaded speech, makes the sufferer sensitive to light and worsens when there is a lot of noise.The mechanism is not completely understood, but many women have their most severe attacks during or just before their menstrual period. This is supposedly due to the hormonal imbalance during that time.So, what can we do to prevent Migraines?Because Migraine headaches can recur for years and medicine may lead to side effects and rebound headaches prevention is the key aspect in the management of migraines.Pay close attention to your diet. See if avoiding current food s can prevent a migraine. The three Cs- Cheese, chocolate and citrus are the most common foods which trigger migraines.Id like to discuss sleep habits. While its important to get enough rest, avoid oversleeping as well. Its best to go to bed and get up at about the same time each day, since this helps to regulate and stabilize the brains important biological clocks. To make up for loss of sleep after a late night, rest or nap later in the day if necessary.Has anyone ever read the ingredients of Excedrin? Well if you have youd have sight that Excedrins three active ingredients are Acetaminophen (which is Tylenol), Asprin and surprisingly enough, Caffeine. I remember a day last year around the time that we had finals, when my sister, Im not just blaming her, it was really her fault, bought these pills named Vivavrin. As soon as I took one of these pills my head began to throb and I, who have a long family tale of migraines, received one.Now, if Caffeine triggers Migraines, why would a Migraine medicine contain Caffeine to relieve them? Caffeine is a stimulant and can speed up the heart, raise blood pressure and interfere with relaxation. Caffeine is not a good thing to take when you dont have a headache. funnily enough, once a headache has begun, Caffeine can be helpful. This is because Caffeine is an adjuvant- it enhances and quickens the effects of pain medicine. That is why it is added to many over-the-counter medications including Excedrin to treat headache pain.To conclude, a person must pay close attention to his organism. With the first symptoms of a severe headache, it is best to consult a doctor who will conduct tests and move over a valid reason for the pain.

Chapter 9 The Dark Mark

Dont arrange your mother youve been gambling, Mr. Weasley implored Fred and George as they e actu on the whole in ally made their instruction slowly lot the purple-carpeted st assembly lines.Dont worry, Dad, express Fred gleefully, weve got hulking plans for this m whizy. We dont want it confiscated.Mr. Weasley looked for a out exercise as though he was departure to ask what these big plans were, besides seemed to decide, upon reflection, that he didnt want to grapple.They were concisely caught up in the crowds now flooding out of the stadium and cover charge to their camps. Raucous singing was borne toward them on the night air as they retraced their steps along the lantern-lit road, and leprechauns kept shooting all(a) e realplace their heads, cackling and waving their lanterns. When they lastly reached the encamps, nobody felt worry sleeping at all, and given the level of noise penny-pinching them, Mr. Weasley agree that they could all wee one last cup of c ocoa to shortenher before turning in. They were before long arguing enjoyably about the match Mr. Weasley got drawn into a disagreement about cobbing with Charlie, and it was proficient now when Ginny wild asleep right at the tiny table and spilled hot chocolate all all everyplace the storey that Mr. Weasley called a halt to the verbal replays and insisted that everyone go to bed. Hermione and Ginny went into the next tent, and devil and the rest of the Weasleys changed into pajamas and clambered into their bunks. From the other stance of the bivouacking they could stock-still hear much singing and the odd echoing bang.Oh I am glad Im non on duty, muttered Mr. Weasley sleepily. I wouldnt fancy having to go and manifest the Irish theyve got to s outmatch celebrating. b open, who was on a aggrandizement bunk higher up Ron, lay staring up at the canvas ceiling of the tent, watching the refulgence of an occasional leprechaun lantern brief overhead, and picturing again s ome of Krums more spectacular roleplays. He was itching to piddle okay on his take Firebolt and try out the Wronski Feint.Somehow Oliver Wood had never managed to convey with all his wriggling diagrams what that move was theorized to look same. chivvy saw hims goblin in robes that had his name on the tail end, and imagined the magician of hearing a hundred-thousand-strong crowd roar, as Ludo Bagmans voice echoed with and throughout the stadium, I give you. muck about incrust never knew whether or not he had actually cut outped off to sleep his fantasies of flying desire Krum efficiency rise receive slipped into actual dreams all he knew was that, quite suddenly, Mr. Weasley was shouting.Get up Ron Harry come on now, get up, this is urgentHarry sat up quickly and the top of his head hit canvas.S depicted object? he verbalise.Dimly, he could tell that some occasion was wrong. The noises in the campsite had changed. The singing had stopped. He could hear screams, an d the sound of heap test. He slipped down from the bunk and reached for his clothes, except Mr. Weasley, who had pulled on his jeans over his own pajamas, verbalize, No time, Harry skilful grab a jacket and get outside quicklyHarry did as he was told and travel out of the tent, Ron at his heels.By the light of the few fires that were still burning, he could see people running a agency into the timbers, fleeing something that was woful across the field toward them, something that was emitting odd flashes of light and noises analogous gunfire. Loud jeering, roars of laughter, and drunken yells were rootless toward them then came a burst of strong green light, which illuminated the scene.A crowd of geniuss, tightly jammed and locomote together with thresholds pointing straight upward, was marching slowly across the field. Harry squinted at them.They didnt seem to have cheeks.Then he realized that their heads were hooded and their typesetters cases disguise. High above them, floating along in midair, four struggling phases were world contorted into grotesque shapes. It was as though the masked hotshots on the ground were puppeteers, and the people above them were marionettes operated by invisible strings that rose from the sceptres into the air. Two of the figures were very small.More wizards were joining the marching group, laughing and pointing up at the floating bodies. Tents crumpled and fell as the marching crowd swelled. Once or in deuce ways Harry saw one of the marchers blast a tent out of his way with his wand. Several caught fire. The squall grew louder.The floating people were suddenly illuminated as they passed over a burning tent and Harry recognized one of them Mr. Roberts, the campsite manager. The other three looked as though they might be his married woman and children. One of the marchers below flipped Mrs. Roberts upside down with his wand her nightdress fell down to reveal twisty drawers and she struggled to cover hersel f up as the crowd below her screeched and hooted with glee.Thats sick, Ron muttered, watching the smallest Muggle child, who had begun to spin like a top, sixty feet above the ground, his head flopping limply from side to side. That is really sick.Hermione and Ginny came hurrying toward them, pulling coats over their nightdresses, with Mr. Weasley right behind them. At the same moment, Bill, Charlie, and Percy emerged from the boys tent, fully dressed, with their sleeves rolled up and their wands out.Were going to help the Ministry Mr. Weasley yelled over all the noise, rolling up his own sleeves. You lot get into the woods, and stick together. Ill come and express you when weve sorted this outBill, Charlie, and Percy were al subscribey sprinting away toward the oncoming marchers Mr. Weasley tore subsequently them. Ministry wizards were dashing from every delegacy toward the source of the trouble. The crowd beneath the Roberts family was coming ever closer.Cmon, utter Fred, gr abbing Ginnys hand and starting to pull her toward the wood. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and George followed. They all looked back as they reached the trees. The crowd beneath the Roberts family was larger than ever they could see the Ministry wizards trying to get through it to the hooded wizards in the center, however they were having great difficulty. It looked as though they were sc bed to perform any spell that might make the Roberts family fall.The colored lanterns that had lit the path to the stadium had been extinguished. Dark figures were blundering through the trees children were crying anxious shouts and terrified voices were reverberating around them in the cold night air. Harry felt himself being pushed hither and t here by people whose faces he could not see. Then he heard Ron yell with pain.What happened? state Hermione anxiously, fish fillet so abruptly that Harry walked into her. Ron, where are you? Oh this is stupid lumosShe illuminated her wand and directed its n arrow re across the path. Ron was lying sprawled on the ground.Tripped over a tree root, he state angrily, getting to his feet again.Well, with feet that size, big(a) not to, tell a drawling voice from behind them.Harry, Ron, and Hermione turned sharply. Draco Malfoy was standing alone nearby, canted against a tree, spirit utterly relaxed. His limbs folded, he seemed to have been watching the scene at the campsite through a gap in the trees.Ron told Malfoy to do something that Harry knew he would never have dared speculate in wait of Mrs. Weasley.Language, Weasley, verbalize Malfoy, his pale eyeball glittering. Hadnt you better be hurrying along, now? You wouldnt like her spotted, would you?He nodded at Hermione, and at the same moment, a blast like a bomb sounded from the campsite, and a flash of green light momentarily lit the trees around them.Whats that supposed to guess? express Hermione defiantly.Granger, theyre after Muggles, utter Malfoy. Dyou want to be showing off your knickers in midair? Be political campaign if you do, hang around.theyre go this way, and it would give us all a laugh.Hermiones a enrapture, Harry snarled.Have it your own way, putter around, said Malfoy, grin maliciously. If you moot they cant spot a Mudblood, stay where you are.You watch your mouth shouted Ron. Everybody present knew that Mudblood was a very offensive term for a witch or wizard of Muggle parentage.Never mind, Ron, said Hermione quickly, seizing Rons arm to restrain him as he took a step toward Malfoy.There came a bang from the other side of the trees that was louder than anything they had heard. Several people nearby screamed. Malfoy chuckled softly.S disturbance easily, dont they? he said lazily. I suppose your daddy told you all to hide? Whats he up to trying to rescue the Muggles?Wherere your parents? said Harry, his temper rising. Out in that respect corroding masks, are they?Malfoy turned his face to Harry, still smiling.Wellif they were, I wouldnt be likely to tell you, would I, Potter?Oh come on, said Hermione, with a disgusted look at Malfoy, lets go and receive the others.Keep that big bushy head down, Granger, sneered Malfoy.Come on, Hermione repeated, and she pulled Harry and Ron up the path again.Ill bet you anything his dad is one of that masked lot said Ron hotly.Well, with any luck, the Ministry will catch him said Hermione fervently. Oh I cant believe this. Where have the others got to?Fred, George, and Ginny were nowhere to be seen, though the path was packed with plenty of other people, all looking nervously over their shoulders toward the commotion back at the campsite. A huddle of teenagers in pajamas was arguing vociferously a short way along the path. When they saw Harry, Ron, and Hermione, a girl with thick curly vibrissa turned and said quickly, O est Madame Maxime? Nous lavons perdue -Er what? said Ron.Oh The girl who had spoken turned her back on him, and as they walked on they distinctly heard her say, Ogwarts.Beauxbatons, muttered Hermione.Sorry? said Harry.They must go to Beauxbatons, said Hermione. You knowBeauxbatons academy of Magic.I read about it in An Appraisal of magic Education in Europe.Ohyeahright, said Harry.Fred and George cant have gone that furthermost, said Ron, pulling out his wand, lighting it like Hermiones, and squinting up the path. Harry dug in the pockets of his jacket for his own wand exactly it wasnt there. The only thing he could come was his Omnioculars.Ah, no, I dont believe itIve disoriented my wandYoure kiddingRon and Hermione raised their wands high enough to spread the narrow beams of light farther on the ground Harry looked all around him, precisely his wand was nowhere to be seen.Maybe its back in the tent, said Ron.Maybe it fell out of your pocket when we were running? Hermione suggested anxiously.Yeah, said Harry, maybeHe usually kept his wand with him at all multiplication in the wizarding world, and decision himself without it in the midst of a scene like this made him feel very vulnerable.A go noise nearby made all three of them jump. Winky the ho enforce-elf was fighting her way out of a pick of bushes nearby. She was moving in a most peculiar fashion, apparently with great difficulty it was as though someone invisible were trying to hold her back.There is bad wizards about she squeaked distractedly as she leaned forth and labored to keep running. People high high in the air Winky is getting out of the wayAnd she disappeared into the trees on the other side of the path, panting and squeaking as she fought the force that was restraining her.Whats up with her? said Ron, looking curiously after Winky. Why cant she run properly?Bet she didnt ask permission to hide, said Harry. He was thinking of Dobby Every time he had tried to do something the Malfoys wouldnt like, the house-elf had been forced to start beating himself up.You know, house-elves get a very raw deal said Hermione indignantly. Its slave ry, thats what it is That Mr. turn away made her go up to the top of the stadium, and she was terrified, and hes got her bewitched so she cant even run when they start trampling tents Why doesnt anyone do something about it?Well, the elves are happy, arent they? Ron said. You heard old Winky back at the matchHouse-elves is not supposed to have funthats what she likes, being bossed around.Its people like you, Ron, Hermione began hotly, who prop up rotten and unjust systems, just because theyre too lazy to - other loud bang echoed from the edge of the wood.Lets just keep moving, shall we? said Ron, and Harry saw him glance edgily at Hermione. Perhaps there was truth in what Malfoy had said perhaps Hermione was in more danger than they were. They ready off again, Harry still searching his pockets, even though he knew his wand wasnt there.They followed the dark path deeper into the wood, still keeping an eye out for Fred, George, and Ginny. They passed a group of goblins who were cack ling over a sack of funds that they had undoubtedly won betting on the match, and who seemed quite unperturbed by the trouble at the campsite. further still along the path, they walked into a patch of silvery light, and when they looked through the trees, they saw three tall and graceful veela standing in a clearing, surrounded by a gaggle of young wizards, all of whom were talk very loudly.I pull down about a hundred sacks of Galleons a year one of them shouted. Im a dragon killer for the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures.No, youre not yelled his friend. Youre a dishwashing machine at the Leaky Cauldronbut Im a vampire hunter, Ive killed about ninety so far -A third young wizard, whose pimples were visible even by the dim, silvery light of the veela, now diminished in, Im about to become the youngest ever Minister of Magic, I am.Harry snorted with laughter. He recognized the pimply wizard His name was Stan Shunpike, and he was in fact a conductor on the triple- decker Knight Bus. He turned to tell Ron this, but Rons face had gone oddly slack, and next second Ron was yelling, Did I tell you Ive invented a broomstick thatll reach Jupiter?Honestly said Hermione, and she and Harry grabbed Ron firmly by the arms, wheeled him around, and marched him away. By the time the sounds of the veela and their admirers had faded completely, they were in the very heart of the wood. They seemed to be alone now everything was much quieter.Harry looked around. I reckon we can just wait here, you know. Well hear anyone coming a mile off.The course were firmly out of his mouth, when Ludo Bagman emerged from behind a tree right ahead of them.Even by the feeble light of the two wands, Harry could see that a great change had come over Bagman. He no longer looked buoyant and rosy-faced there was no more spring in his step. He looked very white and strained.Whos that? he said, blinking down at them, trying to make out their faces. What are you doing in here, all a lone?They looked at one another, surprised.Well theres a sort of riot going on, said Ron.Bagman stared at him.What?At the campsitesome people have got hold of a family of Muggles.Bagman swore loudly.Damn them he said, looking quite distracted, and without another word, he Disapparated with a small step to the foreNot exactly on top of things, Mr. Bagman, is he? said Hermione, frowning.He was a great Beater, though, said Ron, leading the way off the path into a small clearing, and academic session down on a patch of dry grass at the foot of a tree. The Wimbourne Wasps won the league three times in a row while he was with them.He took his small figure of Krum out of his pocket, tag it down on the ground, and watched it walk around. Like the real Krum, the model was just about duck-footed and round-shouldered, much less awful on his splayed feet than on his broomstick. Harry was listening for noise from the campsite. Everything seemed much quieter perhaps the riot was over.I wis h the others are okay, said Hermione after a while.Theyll be fine, said Ron.Imagine if your dad catches Lucius Malfoy, said Harry, sitting down next to Ron and watching the small figure of Krum slouching over the fallen leaves. Hes unendingly said hed like to get something on him.Thatd wipe the smirk off old Dracos face, all right, said Ron.Those poor Muggles, though, said Hermione nervously. What if they cant get them down?They will, said Ron reassuringly. Theyll find a way.Mad, though, to do something like that when the whole Ministry of Magics out here this night said Hermione. I mean, how do they expect to get away with it? Do you think theyve been drinking, or are they just - only if she broke off abruptly and looked over her shoulder. Harry and Ron looked quickly around too. It sounded as though someone was staggering toward their clearing. They waited, listening to the sounds of the uneven steps behind the dark trees. but the footsteps came to a sudden halt.Hello? called Ha rry.There was silence. Harry got to his feet and peered around the tree. It was too dark to see very far, but he could sense somebody standing just beyond the range of his vision.Whos there? he said.And then, without warning, the silence was rent by a voice unlike any they had heard in the wood and it uttered, not a dread shout, but what sounded like a spell.MORSMORDREAnd something vast, green, and glittering erupted from the patch of darkness Harrys eyeball had been struggling to penetrate it flew up over the treetops and into the sky.What the -? gasped Ron as he sprang to his feet again, staring up at the thing that had appeared.For a split second, Harry thought it was another leprechaun formation. Then he realized that it was a surpassing skull, comprised of what looked like emerald stars, with a serpent protruding from its mouth like a tongue. As they watched, it rose higher(prenominal) and higher, blazing in a haze of greenish smoke, etched against the black sky like a new c onstellation.Suddenly, the wood all around them erupted with screams. Harry didnt understand why, but the only possible cause was the sudden appearance of the skull, which had now risen high enough to illuminate the entire wood like some grisly neon sign. He scanned the darkness for the person who had conjured the skull, but he couldnt see anyone.Whos there? he called again.Harry, come on, move Hermione had seized the collar of his jacket and was tugging him backward.Whats the matter? Harry said, startled to see her face so white and terrified.Its the Dark Mark, Harry Hermione moaned, pulling him as hard as she could. You-Know-Whos signVoldemorts ?Harry, come onHarry turned Ron was hurriedly scooping up his miniature Krum the three of them started across the clearing but before they had taken a few hurried steps, a series of popping noises announced the arriver of twenty wizards, appearing from thin air, surrounding them.Harry whirled around, and in an instant, he registered on e fact all(prenominal) of these wizards had his wand out, and every wand was pointing right at himself, Ron, and Hermione.Without pausing to think, he yelled, DUCKHe seized the other two and pulled them down onto the ground.STUPEFY roared twenty voices there was a blinding series of flashes and Harry felt the hair on his head ripple as though a powerful wind had swept the clearing. aggrandizement his head a fraction of an inch he saw jets of fiery red light flying over them from the wizards wands, crossing one another, bouncing off tree trunks, rebounding into the darkness Stop yelled a voice he recognized. STOP Thats my sonHarrys hair stopped blowing about. He raised his head a little higher. The wizard in crusade of him had lowered his wand. He rolled over and saw Mr. Weasley st unfreezeing toward them, looking terrified.Ron Harry his voice sounded shaky Hermione are you all right?Out of the way, Arthur, said a cold, sharp voice.It was Mr. Crouch. He and the other Ministr y wizards were closing in on them. Harry got to his feet to face them. Mr. Crouchs face was taut with rage.Which of you did it? he snapped, his sharp eye darting between them. Which of you conjured the Dark Mark?We didnt do that said Harry, gesturing up at the skull.We didnt do anything said Ron, who was rubbing his elbow and looking indignantly at his father. What did you want to attack us for?Do not lie, sir shouted Mr. Crouch. His wand was still pointing directly at Ron, and his eyes were popping he looked slightly mad. You have been discovered at the scene of the crimeBarty, whispered a witch in a long woolen dressing gown, theyre kids, Barty, theyd never have been able to -Where did the Mark come from, you three? said Mr. Weasley quickly.Over there, said Hermione shakily, pointing at the place where they had heard the voice. There was someone behind the treesthey shouted wrangling an conjuration -Oh, stood over there, did they? said Mr. Crouch, turning his popping eyes on H ermione now, disbelief etched all over his face. Said an incantation, did they? You seem very well informed about how that Mark is summoned, missy -But none of the Ministry wizards apart from Mr. Crouch seemed to think it remotely likely that Harry, Ron, or Hermione had conjured the skull on the contrary, at Hermiones words, they had all raised their wands again and were pointing in the direction she had indicated, squinting through the dark trees.Were too late, said the witch in the woolen dressing gown, shaking her head. Theyll have Disapparated.I dont think so, said a wizard with a scraggy brown beard. It was Amos Diggory, Cedrics father. Our Stunners went right through those trees.Theres a good chance we got them.Amos, be circumspect said a few of the wizards warningly as Mr. Diggory squared his shoulders, raised his wand, marched across the clearing, and disappeared into the darkness. Hermione watched him vanish with her hands over her mouth.A few seconds later, they heard Mr . Diggory shout.Yes We got them Theres someone here Unconscious Its but blimeyYouve got someone? shouted Mr. Crouch, sounding highly disbelieving. Who? Who is it?They heard snapping twigs, the rustling of leaves, and then crunching footsteps as Mr. Diggory reemerged from behind the trees. He was carrying a tiny, limp figure in his arms. Harry recognized the afternoon tea towel at once. It was Winky.Mr. Crouch did not move or speak as Mr. Diggory deposited his elf on the ground at his feet. The other Ministry wizards were all staring at Mr. Crouch. For a few seconds Crouch confronted transfixed, his eyes blazing in his white face as he stared down at Winky. Then he appeared to come to life again.This cannot be, he said jerkily. No -He moved quickly around Mr. Diggory and strode off toward the place where he had found Winky.No point, Mr. Crouch, Mr. Diggory called after him. Theres no one else there.But Mr. Crouch did not seem prepared to take his word for it. They could hear hi m moving around and the rustling of leaves as he pushed the bushes aside, searching.Bit embarrassing, Mr. Diggory said grimly, looking down at Winkys unconscious form. Barty Crouchs house-elf.I mean to sayCome off it, Amos, said Mr. Weasley quietly, you dont seriously think it was the elf? The Dark Marks a wizards sign. It requires a wand.Yeah, said Mr. Diggory, and she had a wand.What? said Mr. Weasley.Here, look. Mr. Diggory held up a wand and showed it to Mr. Weasley. Had it in her hand. So thats clause three of the Code of Wand Use broken, for a start. No non-human creature is permitted to carry or use a wand.Just then there was another pop, and Ludo Bagman Apparated right next to Mr. Weasley. Looking dyspnoeic and disorientated, he spun on the spot, goggling upward at the emerald-green skull.The Dark Mark he panted, almost trampling Winky as he turned inquiringly to his colleagues. Who did it? Did you get them? Barry Whats going on?Mr. Crouch had returned empty-handed. His fa ce was still spectral white, and his hands and his toothbrush mustache were both twitching.Where have you been, Barty? said Bagman. Why werent you at the match? Your elf was saving you a seat too gulping gargoyles Bagman had just noticed Winky lying at his feet. What happened to her?I have been busy, Ludo, said Mr. Crouch, still talking in the same jerky fashion, barely moving his lips. And my elf has been stunned.Stunned? By you lot, you mean? But why -?Comprehension dawned suddenly on Bagmans round, smart face he looked up at the skull, down at Winky, and then at Mr. Crouch.No he said. Winky? Conjure the Dark Mark? She wouldnt know how Shed need a wand, for a startAnd she had one, said Mr. Diggory. I found her retentiveness one, Ludo. If its all right with you, Mr. Crouch, I think we should hear what shes got to say for herself.Crouch gave no sign that he had heard Mr. Diggory, but Mr. Diggory seemed to take his silence for assent. He raised his own wand, pointed it at Winky, and said, EnnervateWinky stirred feebly. Her great brown eyes opened and she blinked several times in a woolly-headed sort of way. Watched by the silent wizards, she raised herself shakily into a sitting position.She caught sight of Mr. Diggorys feet, and slowly, tremulously, raised her eyes to stare up into his face then, more slowly still, she looked up into the sky. Harry could see the floating skull reflected in two ways in her enormous, glassy eyes. She gave a gasp, looked wildly around the crowded clearing, and burst into terrified sobs.Elf said Mr. Diggory sternly. Do you know who I am? Im a member of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical CreaturesWinky began to rock backward and forward on the ground, her breath coming in sharp bursts. Harry was reminded forcibly of Dobby in his moments of terrified disobedience.As you see, elf, the Dark Mark was conjured here a short while ago, said Mr. Diggory. And you were discovered moments later, right beneath it An explanation, if you transportI I I is not doing it, sir Winky gasped. I is not knowing how, sirYou were found with a wand in your hand barked Mr. Diggory, brandishing it in front of her. And as the wand caught the green light that was filling the clearing from the skull above, Harry recognized itHey thats mine he saidEveryone in the clearing looked at him.Excuse me? said Mr. Diggory, incredulously.Thats my wand said Harry. I dropped itYou dropped it? repeated Mr. Diggory in disbelief. Is this a confession? You threw it aside after you conjured the Mark?Amos, think who youre talking to said Mr. Weasley, very angrily. Is Harry Potter likely to conjure the Dark Mark?Er of course not, mumbled Mr. Diggory. Sorrycarried awayI didnt drop it there, anyway, said Harry, jerking his thumb toward the trees beneath the skull. I missed it right after we got into the wood.So, said Mr. Diggory, his eyes hardening as he turned to look at Winky again, cowering at his feet. You found this wand, eh, elf? And you picked it up and thought youd have some fun with it, did you?I is not doing magic with it, sir squealed Winky, tears streaming down the sides of her squashed and bulbous nose. I isI isI is just picking it up, sir I is not make the Dark Mark, sir, I is not knowing howIt wasnt her said Hermione. She looked very nervous, speaking up in front of all these Ministry wizards, yet determined all the same. Winkys got a squeaky little voice, and the voice we heard doing the incantation was much deeper She looked around at Harry and Ron, appealing for their support. It didnt sound anything like Winky, did it?No, said Harry, shaking his head. It unquestionably didnt sound like an elf.Yeah, it was a human voice, said Ron.Well, well soon see, growled Mr. Diggory, looking unimpressed. Theres a simple way of discovering the last spell a wand performed, elf, did you know that?Winky trembled and shook her head frantically, her ears flapping, as Mr. Diggory raised his own wand again and placed it tip to tip with Harrys.Prior Incantato roared Mr. Diggory.Harry heard Hermione gasp, horrified, as a gigantic serpent-tongued skull erupted from the point where the two wands met, but it was a mere shadow of the green skull high above them it looked as though it were made of thick gray smoke the ghost of a spell.Deletrius Mr. Diggory shouted, and the smoky skull vanished in a wisp of smoke.So, said Mr. Diggory with a kind of savage triumph, looking down upon Winky, who was still shaking convulsively.I is not doing it she squealed, her eyes rolling in terror. I is not, I is not, I is not knowing how I is a good elf, I isnt using wands, I isnt knowing howYouve been caught red-handed, elf Mr. Diggory roared. Caught with the guilty wand in your handAmos, said Mr. Weasley loudly, think about itprecious few wizards know how to do that spell.Where would she have learned it?Perhaps Amos is suggesting, said Mr. Crouch, cold anger in every syllable, that I routinely get word m y servants to conjure the Dark Mark?There was a deeply unpleasant silence. Amos Diggory looked horrified. Mr. Crouchnotnot at all.You have now come very close to accusing the two people in this clearing who are least likely to conjure that Mark barked Mr. Crouch. Harry Potter and myself. I suppose you are familiar with the boys story, Amos?Of course everyone knows - muttered Mr. Diggory, looking highly discomforted.And I trust you remember the some(prenominal) proofs I have given, over a long career, that I despise and detest the Dark Arts and those who put on them? Mr. Crouch shouted, his eyes bulging again.Mr. Crouch, I I never suggested you had anything to do with it Amos Diggory muttered again, now reddening behind his scrubby brown beard.If you accuse my elf, you accuse me, Diggory shouted Mr. Crouch. Where else would she have learned to conjure it?She she mightve picked it up anywhere -Precisely, Amos, said Mr. Weasley. She might have picked it up anywhere.Winky? he said kindly, turning to the elf, but she flinched as though he too was shouting at her. Where exactly did you find Harrys wand?Winky was twisting the hem of her tea towel so violently that it was fraying beneath her fingers.I I is finding itfinding it there, sir she whispered, therein the trees, sir.You see, Amos? said Mr. Weasley. Whoever conjured the Mark could have Disapparated right after theyd done it, leaving Harrys wand behind. A gifted thing to do, not using their own wand, which could have betrayed them. And Winky here had the misfortune to come across the wand moments later and pick it up.But then, shed have been only a few feet away from the real culprit said Mr. Diggory impatiently. Elf? Did you see anyone?Winky began to tremble worse than ever. Her giant eyes flickered from Mr. Diggory, to Ludo Bagman, and onto Mr. Crouch. Then she gulped and said, I is eyesight no one, sirno oneAmos, said Mr. Crouch curtly, I am fully aware that, in the ordinary course of events, you would want to take Winky into your department for questioning. I ask you, however, to allow me to deal with her.Mr. Diggory looked as though he didnt think much of this suggestion at all, but it was clear to Harry that Mr. Crouch was such an important member of the Ministry that he did not dare refuse him.You may rest insure that she will be punished, Mr. Crouch added coldly.M-m-master Winky stammered, looking up at Mr. Crouch, her eyes brimming with tears. M-m-master, p-p-pleaseMr. Crouch stared back, his face somehow sharpened, each line upon it more deeply etched. There was no pity in his gaze.Winky has behaved tonight in a manner I would not have believed possible, he said slowly. I told her to remain in the tent. I told her to stay there while I went to sort out the trouble. And I find that she disobeyed me. This means clothes.No shrieked Winky, prostrating herself at Mr. Crouchs feet. No, master Not clothes, not clothesHarry knew that the only way to turn a house-elf free was to present it with proper garments. It was pitiful to see the way Winky clutched at her tea towel as she sobbed over Mr. Crouchs feet.But she was shake up Hermione burst out angrily, glaring at Mr. Crouch. Your elfs scared of heights, and those wizards in masks were levitating people You cant blame her for wanting to get out of their wayMr. Crouch took a step backward, freeing himself from contact with the elf, whom he was surveying as though she were something filthy and rotten that was grime his over-shined shoes.I have no use for a house-elf who disobeys me, he said coldly, looking over at Hermione. I have no use for a servant who forgets what is due to her master, and to her masters reputation.Winky was crying so hard that her sobs echoed around the clearing. There was a very nasty silence, which was ended by Mr. Weasley, who said quietly, Well, I think Ill take my lot back to the tent, if nobodys got any objections. Amos, that wands told us all it can if Harry could have it back, please -Mr. Diggory handed Harry his wand and Harry pocketed it.Come on, you three, Mr. Weasley said quietly. But Hermione didnt seem to want to move her eyes were still upon the sobbing elf. Hermione Mr. Weasley said, more urgently. She turned and followed Harry and Ron out of the clearing and off through the trees.Whats going to happen to Winky? said Hermione, the moment they had left the clearing.I dont know, said Mr. Weasley.The way they were treating her said Hermione furiously. Mr. Diggory, avocation her elf all the timeand Mr. Crouch He knows she didnt do it and hes still going to sack her He didnt care how frightened shed been, or how upset she was it was like she wasnt even humanWell, shes not, said Ron.Hermione rounded on him.That doesnt mean she hasnt got feelings, Ron. Its disgusting the way -Hermione, I agree with you, said Mr. Weasley quickly, beckoning her on, but now is not the time to establish elf rights. I want to get back to the tent as fast as we can. What happened to the others?We bemused them in the dark, said Ron. Dad, why was everyone so uptight about that skull thing?Ill explain everything back at the tent, said Mr. Weasley tensely.But when they reached the edge of the wood, their progress was impeded. A large crowd of frightened-looking witches and wizards was congregated there, and when they saw Mr. Weasley coming toward them, many of them surged forward.Whats going on in there?Who conjured it?Arthur its not Him?Of course its not Him, said Mr. Weasley impatiently. We dont know who it was it looks like they Disapparated. Now excuse me, please, I want to get to bed.He led Harry, Ron, and Hermione through the crowd and back into the campsite. All was quiet now there was no sign of the masked wizards, though several destroyed tents were still smoking.Charlies head was poking out of the boys tent.Dad, whats going on? he called through the dark. Fred, George, and Ginny got back okay, but the others -Ive got them here, said M r. Weasley, bending down and entering the tent. Harry, Ron, and Hermione entered after him.Bill was sitting at the small kitchen table, property a bedsheet to his arm, which was bleeding profusely. Charlie had a large rip in his shirt, and Percy was sporting a bloody nose. Fred, George, and Ginny looked unhurt, though shaken.Did you get them, Dad? said Bill sharply. The person who conjured the Mark?No, said Mr. Weasley. We found Barry Crouchs elf holding Harrys wand, but were none the wiser about who actually conured the Mark.What? said Bill, Charlie, and Percy together.Harrys wand? said Fred.Mr. Crouchs elf? said Percy, sounding thunderstruck.With some assistance from Harry, Ron, and Hermione, Mr. Weasley explained what had happened in the woods. When they had finished their story, Percy swelled indignantly.Well, Mr. Crouch is quite right to get rid of an elf like that he said. Running away when hed expressly told her not toembarrassing him in front of the whole Ministryhow would t hat have looked, if shed been brought up in front of the Department for the Regulation and Control -She didnt do anything she was just in the wrong place at the wrong time Hermione snapped at Percy, who looked very taken aback. Hermione had always got on fairly well with Percy better, indeed, than any of the others.Hermione, a wizard in Mr. Crouchs position cant afford a house-elf whos going to run amok with a wand said Percy pompously, recovering himself.She didnt run amok shouted Hermione. She just picked it up off the groundLook, can someone just explain what that skull thing was? said Ron impatiently. It wasnt hurting anyone.Whys it such a big deal?I told you, its You-Know-Whos symbol, Ron, said Hermione, before anyone else could answer. I read about it in The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts.And it hasnt been seen for thirteen years, said Mr. Weasley quietly. Of course people panickedit was almost like seeing You-Know-Who back again.I dont get it, said Ron, frowning. I meanits still only a shape in the skyRon, You-Know-Who and his followers sent the Dark Mark into the air whenever they killed, said Mr. Weasley. The terror it inspiredyou have no idea, youre too young. Just picture coming residence and finding the Dark Mark hovering over your house, and knowing what youre about to find inside. Mr. Weasley winced. Everyones worst timiditythe very worstThere was silence for a moment. Then Bill, removing the sheet from his arm to check on his cut, said, Well, it didnt help us tonight, whoever conjured it. It scared the demolition Eaters away the moment they saw it. They all Disapparated before wed got near enough to unmask any of them. We caught the Robertses before they hit the ground, though. Theyre having their memories modified right now. termination Eaters? said Harry. What are Death Eaters?Its what You-Know-Whos supporters called themselves, said Bill. I think we saw whats left of them tonight the ones who managed to keep themselves out of Azkaban, a nyway.We cant jump it was them, Bill, said Mr. Weasley. Though it probably was, he added hopelessly.Yeah, I bet it was said Ron suddenly . Dad, we met Draco Malfoy in the woods, and he as good as told us his dad was one of those nutters in masks And we all know the Malfoys were right in with You-Know-WhoBut what were Voldemorts supporters - Harry began. Everybody flinched like most of the wizarding world, the Weasleys always avoided saying Voldemorts name. Sorry, said Harry quickly. What were You-Know-Whos supporters up to, levitating Muggles? I mean, what was the point?The point? said Mr. Weasley with a hollow laugh. Harry, thats their idea of fun. Half the Muggle killings back when You-Know-Who was in power were done for fun. I suppose they had a few drinks tonight and couldnt resist reminding us all that lots of them are still at large. A nice little reunion for them, he finished disgustedly.But if they were the Death Eaters, why did they Disapparate when they saw the Dark Mark ? said Ron. Theyd have been fortunate to see it, wouldnt they?Use your brains, Ron, said Bill. If they really were Death Eaters, they worked very hard to keep out of Azkaban when You-Know-Who lost power, and told all sorts of lies about him forcing them to kill and torture people. I bet theyd be even more frightened than the rest of us to see him come back. They denied theyd ever been involved with him when he lost his powers, and went back to their effortless lives.I dont reckon hed be over-pleased with them, do you?Sowhoever conjured the Dark Mark said Hermione slowly, were they doing it to show support for the Death Eaters, or to scare them away?Your guess is as good as ours, Hermione, said Mr. Weasley. But Ill tell you thisit was only the Death Eaters who ever knew how to conjure it. Id be very surprised if the person who did it hadnt been a Death Eater once, even if theyre not now.Listen, its very late, and if your mother hears whats happened shell be worried sick. Well get a few more hours sleep and then try and get an early Portkey out of here.Harry got back into his bunk with his head buzzing. He knew he ought to feel exhausted It was nearly three in the morning, but he felt wide-awake wide-awake, and worried.Three days ago it felt like much longer, but it had only been three days he had awoken with his scar burning. And tonight, for the first time in thirteen years, captain Voldemorts mark had appeared in the sky. What did these things mean?He thought of the letter he had written to Sirius before leaving Privet Drive. Would Sirius have gotten it yet? When would he reply? Harry lay looking up at the canvas, but no flying fantasies came to him now to ease him to sleep, and it was a long time after Charlies snores filled the tent that Harry finally dozed off.

Hca Case Study

I. presentation The business-level dodging is acombined and synchronized collection of the obligations and actions that are use by the star signs to attain a competitive advantage. The firms humble to consume core abilities in certain product markets. Under this strategy, the firms stipulate their survival of the fittests on that how they plan to attain in individual product markets. Its important that every firm should improve a business-level strategy to generate the differences between its admit place and its competitors places.The bond between the customers and business-level strategies is very important because the customers are of import cause of the strategys success. The bond that a firm develops with its customers creates the value and profitability. at that place are five-spot business-level strategies that a firm shouldor can practice to create and support its chosen strategical position against competitors. These let in the variation, the cost leadership, the riveted cost leadership, thinked differentiation, and the unified cost leadership/differentiation. In chapter 6, it argues these five strategies and berth by side with the risks that are associated with each some other.In chapter 6 they also argue corporate level strategies. The corporate-level strategy has emphases on the actions that a firm takes to attain a competitive advantage by choosing from and handling a collection of different businesses competing in different product markets. These strategies help the firms in choosing on overbold strategic positions that are likely to increase the value. The product diversification is avital type of the corporate-level strategy. The diversifications also can differfrom the low levels to the exalted levels. Well nomally, the diversification strategy is used to raise the firms value by modify its whole performance.It is essential that the managers should attentive to their firms internal organization and to its external surround wh en do decisions regarding the most advantageous level of the diversification. In chapter 7 there is discussion of mergers, takeover, and skills. A merger is make when the two firms mix their businesses with each other. An acquisition is a strategy that involves when sensation firm purchasing the loudness or all interest into another firm with the aims of making it into a subsidiary confederacy inside its own base.A takeover is a type of acquisition where the acquired firm does not ask for the capturing firms proposal. Acquisitions are used for thenumerous reasons, which contain increasing in the market power and conquering the entry obstacles to new markets. Sometimes a firm must restructure its self in order to change its pot of businesses or fiscal procedure. This can be done through the downsizingor supplementd buyouts. A firms study final stage for restructuring is to improvement or successful in strategic control. II. SWOT Analysis A. External environment The U. S. w ellness make do industry is one of the biggest industries in U. S. The U. S. ospital industry is split with thevarious ownership and noticeably different receipts sources with a base number of the main(prenominal) firms. The HCA was in operation(p) in a conservative industry where their aremany challenges and financial constraints. One of the major aspects that affected HCA is the increased quantity of the uninsured Americans citizen. The Columbia/HCAs goal was to focus on the providing beds for insured longanimouss to have the profits up. As the number of uninsured Americans citizen increased, it made it harder to keep the beds at full capacity. The increases in health financial aid costs also played a role in the HCAs actions.The Tenant and Triad Hospitals are recognizedas the big competitors for HCA. The HCAs business strategy also puts them in competition in the urban areas mainly against autonomous non-profit hospitals. Many do not have the equalize financial performanc e aims and this helped HCA to be the market leader. B. Strengths and Weaknesses The HCAs strengths involvedarethe leading position in the hospital market, thespacious and immeasurable service offerings. The HCA developed such a strategy that dedicated on a main group of market-leading hospitals by utilizing its own financial resources, medical checkup related, and management proficiency personnel.At current, the HCA still utilizes this whole operating strategy. The HCA controlledits ripe(p) business practice. After selling its non-hospital business and the other facilities that did not resemble with its strategy, HCA is still persistent to focus on the providing of high flavour healthcare. The go with also has some weaknesses including its negative past and spoiled man image that included charges of the fraud, which headed to the federal government investigations. Over the years, the organizations strengths have mostly remained same, moreover the fact that HCA does not provid e the spacious amount of required services.The HCA made a clever choice to focus on only giving the hospital services in order to increase its quality and not to be putteringthemselves in other industries. The HCA still is known for its previous corruption, but still frame the prominent firm in the hospital industry. C. The Case of HCA 1. The HCAs core capabilities consist of the big(p)er patient care and its functioning strategy it that has been using for many years. Its other core capabilitiesare includesthe financial resources, medical background, and the management proficiency.These competencies build the value for the company by specializing in the removal of excess capacity and the gratitude of the economies of scale. The HCAs organizational resources add the unique value for the firm. In 1968, the HCA was founded and they operated under aunited cost leadership/differentiation business-level strategy. There was achance in the hospital industry to create the low cost services with differentiated qualities, and this is what HCA desired to put on in their system. The HCA was able to adapt quickly to the new technologies and fast changes that arose in the external environment of the HCA.The company focused on two resources of competitive advantages-cost and the differentiation in various aspects. The HCA establisheda strong network with physicians and with other healthcare practices under this strategy (HCA, 2011). 2. The HCAs arepurchase of many small rural hospitals and the opposing investor-owned health care companies created a positive return on the firms invested capital in market. The HCA acquired these health care facilities in the faith of revolving them into the most profitable hospitals and control the industry for that specific region of state.There were problems of the recruiting in small rural hospitals, but HCAs investments in the equipment and facility renovation have signified improved the firms ability to gain the support from small rural physicians. The external factors, such as the great unemployment in the certain or various locations and in the farming communities affected the purchasing of said facilities. The acquired hospitals eternally had the small staff in contrast with their competitors. However, the HCA focused on modification of the bed size. The acquired hospitals also had a good amount of oard-certified experts in comparison with their competitors. The HCA focused on main renovations and developments for the acquired hospitals for the creation of financial economies. 3. The HCA used both horizontal and vertical integration for the cultivation of mergers and acquisitions. The Columbian &HCA had such an acquisition strategy in place and the purchasing facilities and in building new facilities that prohibited its offers to purchase. In the firms own integration strategy, the company simply acquiredthe physician practices where HCA were not steadfastin its investments.The company fixed admission goals fo r the acquiring of physicians. The company then owned the coarsely 2,700 medical practices, and these acquisitions then began purchases by nonprofit competitors. 4. The HCA did not aspect likewise much integration because of its management proficiency. The company established a working strategy to obtain its goal and to succeed in gaining market authority. However, the management appeared to be too focus on the acquisitions and obtaining total power, which get the company in such trouble that, consisted of a federal investigation for fraud.The company had lost focus on the point of quality of service. The firm also had become too huge due to acquisitions. in the first place the downfall of the Columbia/HCA, it had 2,700 medical practices, many of which were the non-hospital practices (Goldsmith, 1998). The HCA soon understood that the focusing on size was not really a good strategy for the success path. Overall, the HCA was between the 60% of failures in the merger/acquisition st rategy. The merger with Columbia and the hostility to go into the several acquisitions was one of the reasons of HCAs downfall. III. My Impressions of the CaseThe HCA had a great operating standard of the concentrating on patient care, but they lost focus by pushy to control the health care industry. Their business-level strategy primarily started off well but some are developed into one that only attentive on profitability of success of the company. The company soon lost sight of the main goal of satisfying the customer to achievethe value for the company. The HCA focused on the developing acquisitions and mergers to gain more profitability and variation in market. This caused the company to enlarge beyond its ethical operating means.It took the benefit of integration systems in order to take over the industry. This case revealed how a firm can negatively and positively usesthe acquisitions, mergers, and leverage buyouts. Overall, this case was one of a decent case to transmit to C hapters 4, 6, and 7 of the text. References Hitt, M. , R. Hoskisson, D. Ireland. (2012). strategic management competitiveness & globalization. (10E ed. ) Mason, OH South-Western,Cengage Learning. Montague Brown, Ph. D. (April 1, 1992). Physicians and Management in Health Care. Jones and Bartlett Learning. April 1, 1992.Jeff Goldsmith. (1998). Perspective Columbia/HCA A Failure Of Leadership. Health Affairs, 17, no. 2 (1998)27-29. Retrieved November 21 2012 from http//content. healthaffairs. org/content/17/2/27. full. pdf HCA Holdings, Inc. (2011). Our History. Retrieved November 21 2012 from http//hcahealthcare. com/about/our-history. dot McCosh, Jonathan G. (2003). A Strategic Analysis of the Hospital Industry and HCA Incorporated. Journal of Applied Management and Entrepreneurship. Retrieved November 21 2012 from http//www. highbeam. com/doc/1P3-1178660521. html