A New Marketing Approach for Nollywood Developing a Global Marketing Strategy

Introduction In order to describe the research methodology for this study, it is important to state the aim. The main aim of this study is to investigate marketing techniques used in Nollywood, as well as how appropriate these techniques are in the global film market.Advertising We will write a custom proposal sample on A New Marketing Approach for Nollywood: Developing a Global Marketing Strategy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Secondly, the study aims at exploring new marketing techniques through which Nollywood can penetrate the global market. Within the global market, there are 160 million English speaking people of African origin, who live outside Africa, and are a significant segment of the global market for Nollywood movies. It is also important to recapitulate on background information, which shapes the research design. As evidence in the literature review, Nollywood is the third largest movie industry in the world after India’s Bollywood and America’s Hollywood. Despite its overall position in the global movie industry, Nollywood outstrips both Hollywood and Bollywood in terms of the number of movies produced annually (Evuleocha 2008). This is quite ironical considering that its target market is the sub-Saharan Africa, making the size of its current market far much smaller compared to market shared by its rivals. The small size of the market is necessitated by a number of factors, but mainly due to the fact that most of the movies are produced in English. In addition to this, African countries have poor economies. This bears negatively on the development of basic infrastructure. Since the marketing and distribution of movies depends on infrastructure, marketers have to develop ingenious techniques to reach customers in remote areas. Additionally, a poor economy limits consumers buying power. Thus, marketers have to engage in marketing techniques that do not add unnecessary cost. To ac hieve this, marketers engage in simple marketing techniques. This include producing and distributing of movies in DVD and VHS format as well as simple advertising techniques such as playing movie trailers in vending stores, as well as displaying simples posters in strategic locations (Chawdhury et al. 2008). As evidenced in the literature review, marketing techniques currently employed lend themselves inappropriate in the global market. Additionally, as explained by Aderinokun (2005), Nollywood movies are themed long African traditional ideals. As such this makes the movies ideal for the African viewers.Advertising Looking for proposal on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is also important to reveal existing Lacunas in current literature, and how these are likely to shape the research design for this study. As explained earlier, the existing marketing techniques are only relevant within Nollywood’s current market, which lies within the sub Saharan Africa. Additionally, Nollywood is anonymous in the global film market. Since Nollywood movies are strongly themed along African traditional customs, it therefore means that marketing globally ought to target specific consumers, who have an appeal for African philosophy. A number of marketing techniques are found to help marketers willing to venture into the global market. These include franchising marketing and distribution activities as well as network and relationship marketing (Madichie 2010). Network and relationship marketing can be achieved through film festivals and such other networking events. These enable marketers and producers not only to reach the target clients directly but also interact and gain valuable feedback (Chikweche and Fletcher 2008) Within the literature review, it is found out that the prevailing marketing conditions can be analyzed via theory of Conjoined Analysis. The theory of Conjoined Analysis stipula tes that marketing activities are preceded by an analysis of the market conditions, consumer preferences and other factors within the market, that are likely to influence marketing activities (Walters and Lancaster 1999; Kotri 2006). In marketing of Nollywood products, marketers have identified the following conditions as prevalent. The consumer buying power is very low. As such, movies have to be cost effective. Additionally, poorly developed infrastructure inhibits the development of formal distribution channels. Moreover, DVD and VHS players are the only forms of complementary technologies. This implies that Nollywood marketers in collaboration with producers analyze and factor in consumer preferences and other prevailing factors within the market and develop products and services that are not only of value to the consumer but also profitable to the manufacturer The global film market is diverse and complicated. Reaching the target clients implies understanding the market, the lo cation of the consumers and the best way to reach them (Mahajan and Banga 2006). Okome (2007) explains that there are about 160 million English speaking people of African origin living outside Africa, and that this class of African constitutes a significant part of the global market for Nollywood movies.Advertising We will write a custom proposal sample on A New Marketing Approach for Nollywood: Developing a Global Marketing Strategy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, there does not exist literature that explains how marketing methods identified by Madichie (2010), Chikweche and Fletcher (2008) lend themselves appropriate in targeting the market segment identified by Okome (2007). As such, the main purpose in this segment is to identify the most appropriate research design, which helps to explore new techniques such as those identified above with regards to marketing of Nollywood movies globally. Research methodology Resea rch design The purpose of this study is to explore the techniques used in the global movie market and the underlying market conditions. As such, this is an exploratory study. According to Clarke (2008), an exploratory study allows researchers to explore a given phenomenon with the intension of testing hypothesis, which helps researchers develop deeper theoretical insights. Additionally, an exploratory study allows researchers to set the ground for future studies. Since this study is intended to collect information about the preferences of English speaking Africans living outside Africa as well as the most appropriate marketing techniques, the researcher will largely rely in qualitative data. The use of qualitative data will also increase the probability if capturing unexpected information. Thus this becomes a qualitative exploratory study. Target population As indicated in the thesis question, the main aim of this study is to identify new marketing techniques, through which Nollywoo d can penetrate the global film market. Therefore, the study cannot be conducted within Nollywood’s current market structure. The target population therefore has to be identified within the global market. As such, the following target population seems relevant for this study. The theory of Conjoined Analysis, within which Nollywood’s current market is analyzed, purports that conjoining market conditions and consumer preferences with marketing activities achieves both value to the consumer and profitability to the manufacturer (Kent 2007).Advertising Looking for proposal on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As such, it is imperative to identify the prevailing market conditions in the global film market as well as consumer preferences for the 160 million English speaking Africans living in Diaspora. As such, a significant sample of target population will constitute English speaking Africans living outside Africa. A significant number of these live in the United States of America as well as Britain, which are two of the largest English speaking nations in the world. As such, effort has been made to identify 20 respondents living in America. The number 20 has been arrived at not because to has any significance to this study but for its manageability. These respondents are original citizens of the following countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, Liberia and Sierra Leone. According to Wilson (2005), most immigrants of African origin settle in the metropolitan areas. In his survey Wilson (2005) found out that New York and New Jersey are most popular with immigrants of Afr ican origin. For ease of movement, the researcher has identified respondents residing in New York. Further details area available in document attached, though for confidentiality, no personal details are provided (see appendix 1). This group of respondents shall, for no special reason, be herein be referred to as â€Å"Respondents Group One† Targeting Africans living outside Africa is vital as it would help to reveal information on consumer preferences. However, this leaves a significant part of the study unaddressed; the applicability of new marketing techniques such as relationship marketing within the global movie market. To gather information on this, it is crucial to target people who have experience in global movie marketing. Getting in touch with this category of respondents is cumbersome due to the nature of their work. However, two senior film marketers have been identified and have agreed to be interviewed. A bigger number would have been preferable but attempts to locate and organize interviews proved futile. The two marketers have vast experience in marketing Hollywood movies in the global market. The main aim of targeting them is to identify which marketing techniques are useful. Findings from this interviews will be analyzed Vis a Vis findings contained elsewhere in the literature review, as well as those from respondents group one. Since information retrieved from the marketers is strictly confidential, no further details are to be provided at this juncture. The marketers are herein referred to as ‘Respondents Group Two’. Data collection The research population is relatively small. Therefore, effort will be made to organize semi structured face to face interviews. The purpose of using semi structured interviews is to giving the interviewer suitable room to ask further questions depending on the interviewees’ responses, which might reveal astute information (Hair, Babin, Money and Samouel 2003). Additionally, face to fa ce interviews are likely to reveal information such as feelings and moods, which are not captured in verbal responses (Jackle, Roberts and Lynn 2006). It is possible that not all respondents are available for face to face interviews during the time of the study. As such, an alternative form of interview has been developed in form of written questionnaires. For the purposes of this study, face to face interview is the preferred method of data collection from respondents group one. As explained earlier, the two marketing executives identified for this study have busy work schedules. Additionally, the marketing professionals travel constantly and, as such, it would be cumbersome to track them for face to face interviews. So as not to interfere with their busy schedules, the most appropriate methods of data collection is telephone interview. According to Holbrook, Green and Krosnick (2003), telephone interviews are advantageous since they not only help an interviewer organize for interv iews over long distances, but are also reduce the chances of biased responses emanating from physical appearance. It is also possible to organize multiple interviews with the same respond, without inconveniencing him. The assertion above indicate that this study only has one data collection tool; the questionnaire. There two types of questionnaires; one for the marketing executives and the other for African living in New York. These questionnaires constitute simple questions and are carefully designed to capture qualitative data. The questionnaires can be found in the Appendix, as appendix 2 and 3. Prior to administering the interviews to Respondents Group One, it would be imperative to explain the purpose of the study. This, according to Blumberg et al. (2005), helps to establish rapport with the respondents as well as build a certain level of confidence and trust from the interviewees. Time plan Conducting the study is a laborious and time consuming task. It requires adequate prep aration as well as adequate time (Robey, Boudreau and Rose 2000). As such, the whole process is designed to take 8 months, beginning September 2011 to April 2012. Formulating the research design, together with the research questions as well as selecting the most appropriate research methodology took the first three months, such that by mid November 2011, the process of writing the research proposal had already commenced. The most demanding part is the literature review since it involves sifting through large amounts of data looking for knowledge gaps, which would form the basis of this research. To prepare adequately, the exercise requires three months and is also combined with data collection. The purpose of combining literature review and data collection is to allow for correlation of data collected with data collection methods and fill in information gaps that might emerge (Levy and Ellis 2006). Additionally, within the last month of data collection and writing of the literature review, initial data analysis began. This was facilitated by the need to analyze and identify correlation between the data already collected and the research objectives. Any notable deficiency in the data collected would be addressed before data collection is complete (Sekaran 2003). The first draft, especially on literature review and research methodology ought to be ready for assessment by the beginning of March 2012. As explained by Hart (1998), researchers are advised to complete their work before schedule and submit for pre-assessment evaluation. This allows for any discrepancies to be noted and corrected before the final draft is submitted. As such, the researcher in this study submitted the paper for pre-assessment evaluation three times before submitting the final draft. As explained earlier, doing a research is a complicated and a multitasking exercise whose final product ought to be flawless. As such, the final product, the dissertation ought to be verified repeatedly befo re submission. This implies that numerous drafts have to be written, beginning with the first draft, the second daft and the final draft. The second draft allows the research to incorporate any suggestions from the supervisor. Pre-assessment evaluation of the second draft aims at checking whether all suggestions made by the supervisor have been incorporated. The final draft is usually an improvement of the second draft. Preparing the drafts requires a lot of time, and for the purpose of this research preparing the drafts commenced in February, after completion of data analysis in January, and is to take three months. Structure of results As said earlier the purpose of this study is to explore the new marketing techniques through which Nollywood’s penetration of the global market for movies is made possible. With regards to this, several issues become relevant in this study. As explained by Walters and Lancaster (1999), there are a number of mediating factors that determine th e usability of marketing techniques. These include the prevailing market conditions, consumer preferences and the type of market. Walters and Lancaster (1999) theory of marketing has been found relevant in marketing Nollywood movies. As such, it would be relevant to explore the prevailing global market conditions as well as the prevailing consumer preferences. Therefore, the study is expected to reveal the prevailing market conditions in market served by global movie marketers. The prevailing market conditions will be documented in two ways as follows; Market conditions from the consumer perspective Market conditions from the marketers perspective Additionally, it is imperative to also highlight consumer preferences. This is aimed at helping the researcher gather valuable information on the nature of preferred products in the global market. As such, the findings on consumer preferences will be documented as follows: Consumer preferences from a consumer’s perspective Consum er preferences from a marketers perspective The information gathered above would be crucial with reference to marketing techniques. As explained by Walters and Lancaster (1999), through the theory of Conjoined Analysis, market conditions as well as consumer preferences are crucial in determining the marketing techniques of choice. As such, the following results form a crucial part of this research: What are the dominant marketing techniques? Do market conditions prevail upon the techniques identified above? Do consumer preferences prevail upon the marketing techniques identified above? Conclusion The paper primarily focuses on evaluating the most appropriate marketing techniques through which Nollywood penetrates the global market. Even though Nollywood is the third largest movie industry in the world, it capitalization the global market is very small. This is largely due to a number of factors such as the prevailing market conditions as well as consumer preferences. These do hav e a bearing on the type of marketing techniques preferred by Nollywood marketers. Upon analysis of data, it is found out that these methods are inappropriate in the global market. As such, it is vital to research on new marketing techniques through which Nollywood can utilize to penetrate the global market. To conduct this research, it is imperative to analyze the research aims and develop the most appropriate research methods. The main aim of this study is to explore the new marketing techniques for Nollywood. As such, this is an exploratory as well as a qualitative study. Since the study aims at utilizing qualitative data, the most preferable method of data collection is the questionnaire. Since there are two types of respondent, there are also two types of questionnaires. The need to group respondents is necessitated by the fact that the study depends on two types of information namely market conditions as well as consumer preferences. This data is analyzed Vis a Vis data existin g in the literature review before generating conclusions. Reference List Aderinokun, T. 2005. The economics of Nigerian film, art and business. [online] Available at: http://www.nollywood.net/Essays/p2_articleid/26 Blumberg, et al. 2005. Business research methods. New York: McGraw-Hill Education (UK) Limited. Chikweche, T and Fletcher, F. 2008. Franchising at the BOP – An alternative distribution strategy. Ph.D. University of Western Sydney. [online] Available at: http://www.anzmac-2008.org/_Proceedings/PDF/S10/Chikweche %20%20Fletcher%20S9%20S6%20P1%20.pdf Chawdhury, M. et al. 2008. Nollywood: The Nigerian film industry.  Harvard Business School, [online] Available at: http://www.isc.hbs.edu/pdf/Student_Projects/Nigeria_Film_2008.pdf Clarke, R. 2008. An exploratory study of information systems researcher impact. [online] Available at: http://www.rogerclarke.com/SOS/Cit-CAIS.pdf Evuleocha, U. 2008. Nollywood and the home video revolution: implications for marketing video f ilm in Africa. International Journal of Emerging Markets, 3(4) Hart, C. 1998. Doing a literature review: Releasing the social science research imagination. London,UK: Sage Publications. Hair, J., Babin, B., Money, A. and Samouel, P. 2003. Essentials of business research  methods. Massachusetts: Leyh Publishing, LLC. Holbrook, A., Green, M and Krosnick, J. 2003. Telephone vs. Face-to-face interviewing of national probability samples with long questionnaires: comparisons of respondent satisficing and social desirability response bias. Public Opinion Quarterly 67(79) Jackle, A., Roberts, C. and Lynn, P. 2006. Telephone versus face-to-face interviewing: mode effects on data quality and likely causes: report on phase ii of the ESS- GALLUP mixed mode methodology project [online] Available at: http://www.iser.essex.ac.uk/files/iser_working_papers/2006-41.pdf Kent, M. 2007. Immigration and America’s Black Population [online] Available at: http://www.prb.org/pdf07/62.4immigration.pd f Kotri, A. 2006. Analyzing customer Value using conjoint analysis: The example of a packaging company. [online] Available at: http://www.mtk.ut.ee/orb.aw/class=file/action=preview/id=207676/febawb46.pdf Levy, Y. and Ellis, T. 2006. A systems approach to conduct an effective literature review in support of Information systems research. Informing Science Journal. [online] Available at http://inform.nu/Articles/Vol9/V9p181-212Levy99.pdf: Madichie, N. 2010. The Nigerian movie industry ‘Nollywood’ – a nearly perfect marketing case study. Marketing Intelligence Planning, [online] Available at: 2010 http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1876669 Mahajan, V. and Banga, K. 2006. The 86% solution: How to succeed in the biggest market. Opportunity of the 21st century. New Jersey: Wharton School Publishing. Okome, O. 2007. The message is reaching a lot of people†: proselytizing and the video films of Helen ukpabio. Postcolonial Text 3, ( 2) Robey, D., Boudreau, M. and Rose, G. 2000. Information technology and organizational learning: A review and assessment of research. Accounting, Management and Information Technologies, 10(2),125-155. Sekaran, U. 2003. Research methods for business. A skill building approach. New York, NY: John Wiley Sons Walters, D. and Lancaster, G. 1999. Value-based marketing and its usefulness to customers. Management Decision, 37(9) Wilson, J. 2005. Analysis of the 2005 American Community Survey. New York: Immigration Statistics. This proposal on A New Marketing Approach for Nollywood: Developing a Global Marketing Strategy was written and submitted by user Jeram1ah to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on Public Education Vs. Private Education

Public Education v/s Private Education A person’s education is one of the most important factors in determining whether or not they will become a productive member of society. That is why when considering an education the quality of the education is almost as important as the education itself. So when private schools came into the picture the debate then began between public and private schools. Facing the technological revolution that we are going through without a good quality education a person will be left behind. Even though public and private schools are separate institutions they have to follow certain guidelines so there are a lot of similarities between the two. Such as, both school systems have the intentions of giving their students the best education within their means. Both have educated professionals that have decided to devote the rest of their careers to furthering the education of our youth. They each have set up rules hoping to keep it a positive learning env ironment. They both use standardized testing as a tool to evaluate the progress of their students. They can also access the weaknesses from these tests to improve the curriculum that they have composed. They also have clubs like volunteer groups that help out people in their surrounding community. There are also student governments where students elect students to improve upon the learning environment in which they are. Schools also have extra curricular activities like sports where students compete against other schools where they learn school spirit and how to work as a team. With all of these activities students can hopefully find something that they enjoy spending their free time. This also hopefully keeps children out of trouble. Private schools have a lot to offer. The most important thing they bring to the table is the high standards that they set. With the majority of the students wanting to achieve at such high levels this creates a very positive learnin... Free Essays on Public Education Vs. Private Education Free Essays on Public Education Vs. Private Education Public Education v/s Private Education A person’s education is one of the most important factors in determining whether or not they will become a productive member of society. That is why when considering an education the quality of the education is almost as important as the education itself. So when private schools came into the picture the debate then began between public and private schools. Facing the technological revolution that we are going through without a good quality education a person will be left behind. Even though public and private schools are separate institutions they have to follow certain guidelines so there are a lot of similarities between the two. Such as, both school systems have the intentions of giving their students the best education within their means. Both have educated professionals that have decided to devote the rest of their careers to furthering the education of our youth. They each have set up rules hoping to keep it a positive learning env ironment. They both use standardized testing as a tool to evaluate the progress of their students. They can also access the weaknesses from these tests to improve the curriculum that they have composed. They also have clubs like volunteer groups that help out people in their surrounding community. There are also student governments where students elect students to improve upon the learning environment in which they are. Schools also have extra curricular activities like sports where students compete against other schools where they learn school spirit and how to work as a team. With all of these activities students can hopefully find something that they enjoy spending their free time. This also hopefully keeps children out of trouble. Private schools have a lot to offer. The most important thing they bring to the table is the high standards that they set. With the majority of the students wanting to achieve at such high levels this creates a very positive learnin...

Sarbanes Oxley and its Influence on the Finance and Information Coursework

Sarbanes Oxley and its Influence on the Finance and Information Technology - Coursework Example One reason for its significance is its scope along with the material shift it signifies in the balance of federal and state regulation of corporations. Historically, substantive regulation of corporate procedure and governance has been primarily the province of state regulation, while the federal securities laws have regulated disclosure. (Klimko, May 2004) The second reason is that SOX seeks to improve investor confidence by tightening government regulation of the accounting, reporting, and corporate governance practices of public companies. Many of the Act's provisions require the SEC to adopt implementing rules, and many rules have been adopted since the Act became law. (Klimko, May 2004) In this respect, positive changes are recorded in corporate auditing controls and compliance procedures. The Act also established the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board to regulate accounting firms who perform audits on the financial statements of publicly held companies. The board's mission is clear: to tighten accounting standards and restore confidence in the profession. Subject to direct SEC supervision, this body also is responsible for disciplinary action--everything from investigation to significant fines--against any company found in noncompliance with the Act. (Longnecker, 2004)As is generally the case with governmental intervention in the affairs of business, Sarbanes-Oxley has triggered many unintended side effects. Most experts agree that it has changed several facets of business, including the concept of the executive seat; the way honest, hard-working CEOs interpret their roles; and the methods scandal-weary boards use to operate and make decisions moving forward. (Longnecker, 2004) Further, the uncertainty surrounding the legislation's impact on auditing, financial reporting, executive loans, etc. has had a chilling effect on operations in boardrooms across the U.S. Leading decision makers at companies are, in many cases, so intently focused on legislative issues that they have been distracted from fully focusing efforts on their business' primary operations and creating shareholder value. Additionally, it is not just the CEO and CFO who are being asked to certify financial records and take on additional risks and responsibilities. Although not specifically mandated by Sarbanes-Oxley, many companies are r equiring certifications of financial results by their division presidents, department heads, and other senior management in an effort to comply with corporate governance and controls. As the process continues to filter down through the ranks, simply conforming with these laws could end up costing shareholders more than they ever thought possible. In essence, the ripple effect of Sarbanes-Oxley very easily could take businesses from a place of under regulation to one of overregulation, which can be just as dangerous for a variety of reasons.

The Gospel of jesus Christ II Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Gospel of jesus Christ II - Essay Example For them, the day of the Lord is the arrival of a divine political figure that could protect their country. For them, Jesus would not offer a Jewish Kingdom. According to (Kereszty 97) â€Å"The angry reaction shows that Jesus was indeed known as a normal â€Å"ordinary guy† among his townsfolk† Jews did not want a King who was not a political leader because they wanted a geographical liberation from Israelites enemy which Jesus could not offer. When the wise men asked about the whereabouts of the King to Herod he was surprised and questioned his authority. For Jews, the Kingdom of God would come from a divine political figure and accepting a person outside this realm was taken with confusion, fear and despise. According to Kerestzy, the love of Jesus is a forgiving one this means his forgiving nature even to the enemies. But this forgiving love can have terrible consequences as Jesus was tortured and crucified by Jews. 2. Christian theologians had different views when it came to Christ as the systematic theologians believed in explicit theology while the commentators were on the side of the implicit theology. This belief of theologians had been creating a conflict as both had differences in interpreting the values expressed by Jesus Christ. Explicit theology is the public nature of the religion as in how the church practiced its rituals, sermons, mission, values and doctrines. It is more outwardly and identifiable. However the implicit theology is much more subtle and looks at the underlying concept in a religion. However, Balthasmer had a logical attitude towards both explicit and implicit theology as he suggested one cannot chose one to be right and other to be wrong. He was of the opinion that one need to balance on the divine aspects as the general will of God is salvation. He says that, Scriptures and Church tradition of faith can assert the fate of humanity. As per ( Catcheism)

Audustine's Confessions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Audustine's Confessions - Essay Example The traditional understanding of free-will asserts that Adam and Eve were born of Godly nature, but because of illicit impulses or greed were torn away from this goodness and thrown into sin. The resultant occurrence is that all of humanity is then born into sin and requires God’s grace for their freedom. Furthermore, Augustine makes the point that original sin is not only embodied in wayward reason and impulses, but in the very physicality of man. This is, after Adam and Eve committed their act of original sin they had to wear clothing, because their actual pure physicality was an extension of the sin. This concept indicates that man is a physical extension of the depravity of existence. That even as depraved reasoning is an essential characteristic of humanity leading them towards sin, and even as Augustine allows for the concept of the freedom of the will, man is ultimately damned because his physicality is even embedded as a sinful act. This essay considers Augustines conc ept of original sin, arguing that his philosophical construct is misguided as it gives too much credence to deterministic thinking, ignores that wrongdoing is often the result of external circumstances, and doesnt acknowledge the amount of altruism that exists in the world. If all actions are predestined, as Augustine believes they are, then the idea of free will seems impossible, and ascribing responsibility to persons who cannot make their own choices seems wrong. However, to some extent it seems that Augustine’s philosophy demonstrates a hard to define confluence between pre-destination and free-will that have led some scholars to argue that there are actually two different Augustinian philosophies, themselves mutually contradictory (Rist 1972). Adequate research into Augustine demonstrates that these concepts are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as Augustine’s understanding reveals subtle characterizations that bind their philosophic elements in hybrid

Separation of Amino Acids by Paper Chromatography

Separation of Amino Acids by Paper Chromatography Zarafath Jameel Table of Contents (Jump to) Introduction Applications of chromatography Types of Chromatography Paper chromatography Objectives Materials Methodology Results and Calculations The chromatogram The Rf calculated results Discussion Conclusion References Introduction Chromatography, Color written work. Chroma is a Greek roots prefix for color and graphy is a Greek roots postfix for composing. It is utilized to break down, recognize, clean measure the mixes. Chromatography is the physical division of a mixture into its individual parts The segments to be differentiated are disseminated between two stages, a stationary and versatile stage. A mixture which contains the solutes is divided into unadulterated parts by disregarding it the stationary stage (an insoluble material) to which the substances stick to fluctuating degrees. The portable stage, dissolvable is convey the solutes over the stationary stage. Partition focused around the distinctive communications of the mixes with the two stages. Substances that adhere firmly to the stationary stage move gradually, while those that stay approximately or dont stick at all move quickly. Chromatography might be a systematic strategy, in which the examiner takes in the number and nature of the parts in a little measure of a mixture, yet does not really confine them. A typical expository strategy is silica-gel dainty layer chromatography. Alternately it could be a preparative technique, in which the agent utilizes a vast amount of the mixture to get useable measures of every part. A typical preparative technique including the same stages is silica-gel segment chromatography. All chromatographic frameworks needs: A stationary stage (a robust, or a fluid upheld on a strong). a versatile stage (a fluid or a gas) sample particles (mixture for detachment) Applications of chromatography In any synthetic or bio-transforming industry, the need to partitioned and decontaminate an item from a complex mixture is a fundamental and imperative venture in the creation line. This partition of mixtures is helpful to us in different ways. As, Pharmaceutical industry utilizes chromatography to confine penicillin and different anti-toxins. Proteins can even be divided into amino acids. Chromatography is additionally utilized within wrongdoing scene examination for DNA and RNA sequencing. In numerous investigative studies to recognize obscure natural and inorganic mixes. Government research facilities used to weigh colors in nourishment and vegetables contained little measures of pesticides and herbicides. Types of Chromatography There are numerous types of chromatography, yet all structures take a shot at the same rule: Partition Chromatography which incorporates a fluid film covered in a dormant suitable backing. Adsorption Chromatography which incorporates finely separated robust working as an adsorbing surface they are partitioned finely to build their surface region. Ion Trade Chromatography (which is reversible step) which incorporates ionic gatherings (ionic means holding distinctive charges) which are joined to an inactive material; this technique is utilized within purging water for instance the opposition will be between the example (water considered portable stage additionally) the stationary stage specifically. gel Chromatography (additionally called sub-atomic sieving/Gel filtration/Gel penetration/Sub-atomic prohibition) which relies on upon a suspension of a polymer having a suitable pore size (like agar) is a vital strategy for a few examination sorts, for example, differentiating hormones, chemicals organic liquids; AGAR itself is a polymer with pores, so little particles will enter into the pores may leave just in the event that it discovered a bigger pore to enter in it Paper chromatography Paper chromatography is a logical strategy for differentiating and distinguishing both colored (e.g. colors) and boring (e.g. amino acids) mixtures. In paper chromatography, the stationary stage is an extremely uniform spongy paper. Cellulose (non polar) as paper sheets makes a perfect help medium where water is adsorbed to the cellulose filaments and structures the stationary hydrophilic stage. Cellulose is a polymer of the basic sugar, glucose. The key point about cellulose is that the polymer chains have -Goodness gatherings standing out all around them. The cellulose filaments draw in water vapor from the environment and in addition any water that was available when the paper was made. You can along these lines consider paper being cellulose strands with a meager layer of water particles bound to the surface. Non-polar particles in the mixture that you are attempting to particular will have little fascination for the water atoms joined to the cellulose, thus will invest a large portion of their time disintegrated in the moving dissolvable. Atoms like this will hence travel far up the paper conveyed by the dissolvable. They will have moderately high Rf values. Then again, polar particles will have a high fascination for the water atoms and significantly less for the non-polar dissolvable. They will consequently have a tendency to break down in the slim layer of water around the cellulose strands a great deal more than in the moving dissolvable. Objectives Identify the amino acids in unknown mixer, and calculate the Rf of each amino acids by paper chromatography. Materials Chromatography tank and lid Chromatography paper Capillary tubes Amino acid samples ( Arg, Trp, Tyr, Phe and unknown mixture of AA) Beaker BAW solvent – Butan-1-ol, acetic acid, and sterile water Ninhydrin Spray can Hair drier Latex gloves Methodology 10 Ãâ€" 20 centimeters chromatography paper was arranged by drawing a line 2 cm above from the bottom of the paper and little five imprints were made at comparable space interims alongside the line drawn. With particular slender tubes, arginine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan and obscure amino corrosive mixture were tipped and were spotted on an imprint as they were named on the chromatograph paper, by touching the hairlike tubes on the chromatography paper and left them to dry and re-connected the examples a few times as the technique. After that chromatography paper was kept before the hair dryer to dry. When the BAW dissolvable of 100 ml was made by including Butan-1-ol, acidic corrosive, and sterile water in the 80:10:10 degrees. Fitting sum (around 1 cm) of BAW dissolvable was set into the chromatography tank. The chromatography paper was collapsed by the two side edges fit as a fiddle of barrel by stapling those edges close by without reaching each. After that the round and hollow chromatography paper was plunged equally into the BAW dissolvable and made to stand. Chromatography tank was shut by the cover and was left for 60 minutes. After that chromatography tank was revived and chromatography paper was expelled from the tank. The dissolvable line of the paper was checked right away and the chromatography paper was dried via hair drier. Following 05 minutes of drying, the entire paper was showered with ninhydrin by utilizing spread can. The spread paper was dried again utilizing hair drier. At last the separation went by specimen spots was stamped and separations were measured Results and Calculations The chromatogram Figure 01: The chromatogram The Rf calculated results Table 1. The results of Rf Sample Distance from star to Centre of spot (cm) Distance from start to solvent front Results / Rf Arginine 0.3 7.9 0.04 Tyrosine 1.9 7.9 0.24 Tryptophan 1.3 7.9 0.16 Phenylalanine 2 7.9 0.25 Unknown sample 0.3 7.9 0.04 1.1 7.9 0.13 Discussion In this analysis, pencil was utilized to draw the lines as opposed to pen in light of the fact that pen ink additionally moved by versatile stage and it may cause perusing mistake while taking the separation went by part from application point. At the point when setting the chromatography paper into chromatography tank the paper ought not to touch the divider of the tank, in the event that it does the paper will get polluted. The chromatogram is permitted to dry and is then showered with an answer of ninhydrin. Ninhydrin responds with amino acids to give colored mixes, primarily profound pink or purple shade. This chromatography system is likewise used to know the extremity of amino acids. In the event that an amino corrosive makes a high Rf worth means, that amino corrosive has less extremity; less extremity amino acids can without much of a stretch move towards the portable stage and shaped high Rf. High extremity amino acids dependably make less Rf esteem, it needs time to move towards the versatile stage. Wear gloves when taking care of Chromatography paper to abstain from touching the surface of the paper to be utilized for amino-corrosive chromatography in light of the fact that the skin contains amino acids the Chromatography paper as to abstain from saving amino acids from the fingers. On the off chance that it store aggravate the spots create. Regularly BAW dissolvable is use in Chromatography tank. It is a mixture segment of Butan-1-ol: Acetic corrosive: Water in a certain degree (60:15:25). Yet In this reasonable BAW mixture part of Butan-1-ol: Acetic corrosive: Water in a certain proportion (80:10:10) on the grounds that dissolvable of the BAW contain high measure of Butan-1-ol. It is cant break up in water. In this handy, utilized homogenous of the BAW result thusly change the degree of the contain parts. At the point when putting the chromatography paper into chromatography tank the paper was deliberately set ought not to touch the divider of the tank on the grounds that in the event that it touches the divider of the tank the paper will get defiled and the dissolvable ascend through the divider of the tank. The different amino acids are imperceptible. The acids might be envisioned by splashing the paper with a compound called ninhydrin. The chromatogram was permitted to dry then result of ninhydrin was spread on the chromatogram. Perception is Purple shade in light of the fact that ninhydrin responded with amino acids to give shaded mixes, essentially profound pink or violet color. Conclusion The Rf value of unknown mixture from this experiment was 0.04 and 0.13and it suggested the possibility to presence of two different amino acids such as arginine and tryptophan by having same Rf values (0.04 and 0.13). By the chromatography technique, identified the different amino acids in unknown mixers. References Ahuja, S. (2003) Chromatography and separation science, 1st ed, Amsterdam, Academic Press. , [Online] Available at: http://books.google.lk/books?id=KEynHdUwmFkCpg=PA101dq=chromatography+paper+techniqueshl=ensa=Xei=90rHU5_AHMTe8AXzmIGABQved=0CFAQ6AEwBw#v=onepageq=chromatography paper techniquesf=false (Accessed 03 September 2014). Banga, A. (2005) Therapeutic peptides and proteins, 1st ed, Boca Raton, Fla., CRC. , [Online] Available at: httphttp://books.google.lk/books?id=rPFw2iPB51gCdq=20+amino+acidssource=gbs_navlinks_s (Accessed 03 September 2014). Brian, M. (2000) Chromatography. [Online] Available at: http://www.files.chem.vt.edu/chem-ed/sep/chromato.html (Accessed 03 September 2014). Carraher, C. (2013) Introduction to polymer chemistry, 1st ed, Boca Raton, FL, CRC Press. , [Online] Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2862331/ (Accessed 03 September 2014). Chawla, R. (n.d.) Practical clinical biochemistry, 1st ed. , [Online] Available at: http://books.google.lk/books?id=HP2YAwAAQBAJdq=chromatography+paper+techniquessource=gbs_navlinks_s (Accessed 03 September 2014). Clark, J. (2007) Chemguide.co.uk. [Online] Available at: http://www.chemguide.co.uk/analysis/chromatography/paper.html (Accessed 03 September 2014). Clark, J. (2007) Paper Chromatography. [Online] Available at:http://www.chemguide.co.uk/analysis/chromatography/paper.html (Accessed 03 September 2014). Collman, J. (2001) Naturally dangerous, 1st ed, Sausalito, CA, University Science Books. , [Online] Available at: http://books.google.lk/books?id=LM1I9zVPcXsCpg=PA9dq=20+amino+acidshl=ensa=Xei=EVXHU_KjLJPp8AXDkoLQDgved=0CD4Q6AEwBw#v=onepageq=20 amino acidsf=false (Accessed 03 September 2014). Dasgupta, A. (2010) Advances in chromatographic techniques for therapeutic drug monitoring, 1st ed, Boca Raton, CRC Press/Taylor Francis. , [Online] Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2862331/ (Accessed 03 September 2014). Katoch, R. (2011) Analytical techniques in biochemistry and molecular biology, 1st ed, New York, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. , [Online] Available at: http://books.google.lk/books?id=rCU2-gvkjo0Cpg=PA43dq=chromatography+paper+techniqueshl=ensa=Xei=90rHU5_AHMTe8AXzmIGABQved=0CDwQ6AEwBA#v=onepageq=chromatography paper techniquesf=false (Accessed 03 September 2014). Phytochemical analysis, 1st ed, Boca Raton, CRC Press. , [Online] Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2862331/ (Accessed 03 September 2014). Trimpe, T. (2009) Chromatography basics. Sciencespot.net [e-book reader]. Available at: http://sciencespot.net/Media/FrnsScience/chromacard.pdf (Accessed 03 September 2014). Waksmundzka-Hajnos, M. and Sherma, J. (2011) High performance liquid chromatography in , [Online] Available at: http://books.google.lk/books?id=8F4LCU-AIhMCpg=PA14dq=chromatography+paper+techniqueshl=ensa=Xei=KUvHU5DrJsv_8QWp9ICIAQved=0CCgQ6AEwATgK#v=onepageq=chromatography paper techniquesf=false (Accessed 03 September 2014). Wilson, K. and Walker, J. (2000) Principles and techniques of practical biochemistry, 1st ed, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. , [Online] Available at: http://books.google.lk/books?id=0NvlqobpwCwCpg=PA620dq=chromatography+paper+techniqueshl=ensa=Xei=KUvHU5DrJsv_8QWp9ICIAQved=0CCMQ6AEwADgK#v=onepageq=chromatography paper techniquesf=false (Accessed 03 September 2014).

Taking Care of All Whose Service Places Them in Harm’s Way Essay exampl

As Americans we all take jobs to support us from eighteen till the time we die; a job that gives a pension or a retirement plan for enjoying the golden years. Among those receiving retirement benefits are U.S Armed Forces veterans. However, these veterans who have fought for American freedom, the American dream that founded this great nation, are being cheated of their retirement benefits. Though the benefits are making progress in the past couple of years, it is slow and full of bylaws and prerequisites that are not clearly stated to veterans. The veterans of the military deserve more respect, better retirement checks, permanent basic base privileges for dependents, and undisturbed funeral services when they die. As a veteran of the military you receive half of your base pay for retirement, â€Å"Help Military† program guidelines are catered to those who have died or been injured in combat yet so many soldiers have died from ignorance and bull-headedness, and healthcare for mentally ill or injured soldiers is in poor condition. If not worse is the way they are treated by those they serve to protect. When soldiers serve, come home, and finally retire, they are treated like scum. Yet they only did their jobs, carrying out orders given by their commander in chief and his advisors and congressmen. The U.S Military was established so Americans can live their lives in peace and do as they please. It’s time for veterans to stop taking the brunt for doing their job and putting bread on their families table; instead they should receive a deeper respect for the freedom they give us. Veterans of the military are not uncommon to see as they were ten years ago. In truth the issues at hand affect one quarter of the U.S population; those one quar... ...litary Budget Cuts." Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 27 Feb. 2012. Web. 5 Apr. 2012. . "Military Families Overseas (sidebar)." Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 3 June 2010. Web. 5 Apr. 2012. . Powers, Rod. "2008 Military Average Annual Salary." About.com US Military. 07 Feb. 2008. Web. 05 Apr. 2012. . "Repositioning U.S. Troops and Bases at Home (sidebar)." Issues & Controversies On File: n. pag. Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 27 May 2005. Web. 5 Apr. 2012. . "Veterans' Services." Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 15 Aug. 2011. Web. 5 Apr. 2012. .

The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn 12. Some People Just Don’t Grasp …

12. Some People Just Don't Grasp The Concept Of â€Å"Unwelcome† I was right on the edge of sleep. The sun had risen behind the clouds an hour ago – the forest was gray now instead of black. Seth'd curled up and passed out around one, and I'd woken him at dawn to trade off. Even after running all night, I was having a hard time making my brain shut up long enough to fall asleep, but Seth's rhythmic run was helping. One, two-three, four, one, two-three, four – dum dum-dum dam – dull paw thuds against the damp earth, over and over as he made the wide circuit surrounding the Cullens' land. We were already wearing a trail into the ground. Seth's thoughts were empty, just a blur of green and gray as the woods flew past him. It was restful. It helped to fill my head with what he saw rather than letting my own images take center stage. And then Seth's piercing howl broke the early morning quiet. I lurched up from the ground, my front legs pulling toward a sprint before my hind legs were off the ground. I raced toward the place where Seth had frozen, listening with him to the tread of paws running in our direction. Morning, boys. A shocked whine broke through Seth's teeth. And then we both snarled as we read deeper into the new thoughts. Oh, man! Goaway, Leah! Seth groaned. I stopped when I got to Seth, head thrown back, ready to howl again – this time to complain. Cut the noise, Seth. Right. Ugh! Ugh! Ugh!He whimpered and pawed at the ground, scratching deep furrows in the dirt. Leah trotted into view, her small gray body weaving through the underbrush. Stop whining, Seth. You're such a baby. I growled at her, my ears flattening against my skull. She skipped back a step automatically. What do you think you're doing, Leah? She huffed a heavy sigh. It's pretty obvious, isn't it? I'm joining your crappy little renegade pack. The vampires' guard dogs. She barked out a low, sarcastic laugh. No, you're not. Turn around before I rip out one of your hamstrings. Like you could catch me.She grinned and coiled her body for launch. Wanna race, O fearless leader? I took a deep breath, filling my lungs until my sides bulged. Then, when I was sure I wasn't going to scream, i exhaled in a gust. Seth, go let the Cullens know that it's just your stupid sister – thought the words as harshly as possible. deal with this. On it!Seth was only too happy to leave. He vanished toward the house. Leah whined, and she leaned after him, the fur on her shoulders rising. You're just going to let him run off to the vampires alone? I'm pretty sure he'd rather they took him out than spend another minute with you. Shut up, Jacob. Oops, I'm sorry – meant, shut up, most high Alpha. Why thehellare you here? You think I'm just going to sit home while my little brother volunteers as a vampire chew toy? Seth doesn't want or need your protection. In fact, no one wants you here. Oooh, ouch, that's gonna leave ahuge mark. Ha, she barked. Tell me who does want me around, and I'm outta here. So this isn't about Seth at all, is it? Of course it is. I'm just pointing out that being unwanted is not a first for me. Not really a motivating factor, if you know what I mean. I gritted my teeth and tried to get my head straight. Did Sam send you? If I was here on Sam's errand, you wouldn't be able to hear me. My allegiance is no longer with him. I listened carefully to the thoughts mixed in with the words. If this was a diversion or a ploy, I had to be alert enough to see through it. But there was nothing. Her declaration was nothing but the truth. Unwilling, almost despairing truth. You're loyal tome now? I asked with deep sarcasm. Uh-huh. Right. My choices are limited. I'm working with the options I've got. Trust me, I'm not enjoying this any more than you are. That wasn't true. There was an edgy kind of excitement in her mind. She was unhappy about this, but she was also riding some weird high. I searched her mind, trying to understand. She bristled, resenting the intrusion. I usually tried to tune Leah out – I'd never tried to make sense of her before. We were interrupted by Seth, thinking his explanation at Edward. Leah whined anxiously. Edward's face, framed in the same window as last night, showed no reaction to the news. It was a blank face, dead. Wow, he looks bad,Seth muttered to himself. The vampire showed no reaction to that thought, either. He disappeared into the house. Seth pivoted and headed back out to us. Leah relaxed a little. What's going on?Leah asked. Catch me up to speed. There's no point You're not staying. Actually, Mr. Alpha, I am. Because since apparently I have to belong tosomeone – and don't think I haven't tried breaking off on my own, you know yourself how wellthat doesn ‘t work – choose you. Leah, you don't like me. I don't like you. Thank you, Captain Obvious. That doesn't matter to me. I'm staying with Seth. You don't like vampires. Don't you think that's a little conflict of interest right there? You don't like vampires either. But Iam committed to this alliance. You aren't. I'll keep my distance from them. I can run patrols out here, just like Seth. And I'm supposed to trust you with that? She stretched her neck, leaning up on her toes, trying to be as tall as me as she stared into my eyes. will not betray my pack. I wanted to throw my head back and howl, like Seth had before. This isn't your pack! This isn't even a pack. This is just me, going off on my own! What is it with you Clearwaters? Why can't you leave me alone? Seth, just coming up behind us now, whined; I'd offended him. Great. I've been helpful, haven't I, Jake? You haven't madetoo much a nuisance of yourself, kid, but if you and Leah are a package deal – if the only way to get rid of her is for you to go home†¦. Weil, can you blame me for wanting you gone? Ugh, Leah, you ruin everything! Yeah, I know,she told him, and the thought was loaded with the heaviness of her despair. I felt the pain in the three little words, and it was more than I would've guessed. I didn't want to feel that. I didn't want to feel bad for her. Sure, the pack was rough on her, but she brought it all on herself with the bitterness that tainted her every thought and made being in her head a nightmare. Seth was feeling guilty, too. Jake†¦ You're not really gonna send me away, are you? Leah's not so bad. Really. I mean, with her here, we can push the perimeter out farther. And this puts Sam down to seven. There's no way he's going to mount an attack that outnumbered. It's probably a good thing†¦. You know I don't want to lead a pack, Seth. So don't lead us,Leah offered. I snorted. Sounds perfect to me. Run along home now. Jake,Seth thought. belong here. I do like vampires. Cullens, anyway. They're people to me, and I'm going to protect them, 'cause that's what we're supposed to do. Maybe you belong, kid, but your sister doesn't And she's going to go wherever you are – I stopped short, because I saw something when I said that. Something Leah had been trying not to think. Leah wasn't going anywhere. Thought this was about Seth,I thought sourly. She flinched. Of course I'm here for Seth. And to get away from Sam. Her jaw clenched. don't have to explain myself to you. I just have to do what I'm told. I belong to your pack, Jacob. The end. I paced away from her, growling. Crap. I was never going to get rid of her. As much as she disliked me, as much as she loathed the Cullens, as happy as she'd be to go kill all the vampires right now, as much as it pissed her off to have to protect them instead – none of that was anything compared to what she felt being free of Sam. Leah didn't like me, so it wasn't such a chore having me wish she would disappear. She loved Sam. Still. And having him wish she would disappear was more pain than she was willing to live with, now that she had a choice. She would have taken any other option. Even if it meant moving in with the Cullens as their lapdog. don't know if I'd go that far, she thought. She tried to make the words tough, aggressive, but there were big cracks in her show. I'm sure I'd give killing myself a few good tries first. Look, Leah†¦ No,you look, Jacob. Stop arguing with me, because it's not going to do any good. I'll stay out of your way, okay? I'll do anything you want Except go back to Sam's pack and be the pathetic ex-girlfriend he can't get away from. If you want me to leave – she sat back on her haunches and stared straight into my eyes – you're going to have tomake me. I snarled for a long, angry minute. I was beginning to feel some sympathy for Sam, despite what he had done to me, to Seth. No wonder he was always ordering the pack around. How else would you ever get anything done? Seth, are you gonna get mad at me if I kill your sister? He pretended to think about it for a minute. Well†¦ yeah, probably. I sighed. Okay, then, Ms. Do-Anything-I-Want Why don't you make yourself useful by telling us what you know? What happened after we left last night? Lots of howling. But you probably heard that part. It was so loud that it took us a while to figure out that we couldn't hear either of you anymore. Sam was†¦Words failed her, but we could see it in our head. Both Seth and I cringed. After that, it was clear pretty quick that we were going to have to rethink things. Sam was planning to talk to the other Elders first thing this morning. We were supposed to meet up and figure out a game plan. I could tell he wasn't going to mount another attack right away, though. Suicide at this point, with you and Seth AWOL and the bloodsuckers forewarned. I'm not sure what they'll do, but I wouldn't be wandering the forest alone if I was a leech. It's open season on vamps now. You decided to skip the meeting this morning?I asked. When we split up for patrols last night, I asked permission to go home, to tell my mother what had happened – Crap! You told Mom?Seth growled. Seth, hold off on the sibling stuff for a sec. Go on, Leah. So once I was human, I took a minute to think things through. Well, actually, I took all night. I bet the others think I fell asleep. But the whole two-separate-packs, two-separate-pack-minds thing gave mea lot to sift through. In the end, I weighed Seth's safety and the, er, other benefits against the idea of turning traitor and sniffing vampire stink for who knows how long. You know what I decided. I left a note for my mom. I expect we'll hear it when Sam finds out . .. Leah cocked an ear to the west. Yeah, I expect we will,I agreed. So that's everything. What do we do now?she asked. She and Seth both looked at me expectantly. This was exactly the kind of thing I didn't want to have to do. guess we just keep an eye out for now. That's all we can do. You should probably take a nap, Leah. You've had as much sleep as I have. Thought you were going to do what you were told? Right. That's going to get old,she grumbled, and then she yawned. Well, whatever. I don't care. I'll run the border, Jake. I'm not tired at all.Seth was so glad I hadn't forced them home, he was all but prancing with excitement. Sure, sure. I'm going to go check in with the Cullens. Seth took off along the new path worn into the damp earth. Leah looked after him thoughtfully. Maybe a round or two before I crash†¦. Hey Seth, wanna see how many times I can lap you? NO! Barking out a low chuckle, Leah lunged into the woods after him. I growled uselessly. So much for peace and quiet. Leah was trying – for Leah. She kept her jibes to a minimum as she raced around the circuit, but it was impossible not to be aware of her smug mood. I thought of the whole â€Å"two's company† saying. It didn't really apply, because one was plenty to my mind. But if there had to be three of us, it was hard to think of anyone that I wouldn't trade her for. Paul?she suggested. Maybe,I allowed. She laughed to herself, too jittery and hyper to get offended, i wondered how long the buzz from dodging Sam's pity would last. That will be my goal then – to be less annoying than Paul. Yeah, work on that I changed into my other form when I was a few yards from the lawn. I hadn't been planning to spend much time human here. But I hadn't been planning to have Leah in my head, either. I pulled on my ragged shorts and started across the lawn. The door opened before I got to the steps, and I was surprised to see Carlisle rather than Edward step outside to meet me – his face looked exhausted and defeated. For a second, my heart froze. I faltered to a stop, unable to speak. â€Å"Are you all right, Jacob?† Carlisle asked. â€Å"Is Bella?† I choked out. â€Å"She's†¦ much the same as last night. Did I startle you? I'm sorry. Edward said you were coming in your human form, and I came out to greet you, as he didn't want to leave her. She's awake.† And Edward didn't want to lose any time with her, because he didn't have much time left. Carlisle didn't say the words out loud, but he might as well have. It had been a while since I'd slept – since before my last patrol. I could really feel that now. I took a step forward, sat down on the porch steps, and slumped against the railing. Moving whisper-quiet as only a vampire could, Carlisle took a seat on the same step, against the other railing. â€Å"I didn't get a chance to thank you last night, Jacob. You don't know how much I appreciate your†¦ compassion. I know your goal was to protect Bella, but I owe you the safety of the rest of my family as well. Edward told me what you had to do___† â€Å"Don't mention it,† I muttered. â€Å"If you prefer.† We sat in silence. I could hear the others in the house. Emmett, Alice, and Jasper, speaking in low, serious voices upstairs. Esme humming tunelessly in another room. Rosalie and Edward breathing close by – I couldn't tell which was which, but I could hear the difference in Bella's labored panting. I could hear her heart, too. It seemed†¦ uneven. It was like fate was out to make me do everything I'd ever sworn I wouldn't in the course of twenty-four hours. Here I was, hanging around, waiting for her to die. I didn't want to listen anymore. Talking was better than listening. â€Å"She's family to you?† I asked Carlisle. It had caught my notice before, when he'd said I'd helped the rest of his family, too. â€Å"Yes. Bella is already a daughter to me. A beloved daughter.† â€Å"But you're going to let her die.† He was quiet long enough that I looked up. His face was very, very tired. I knew how he felt. â€Å"I can imagine what you think of me for that,† he finally said. â€Å"But i can't ignore her will. It wouldn't be right to make such a choice for her, to force her.† I wanted to be angry with him, but he was making it hard. It was like he was throwing my own words back at me, just scrambled up. They'd sounded right before, but they couldn't be right now. Not with Bella dying. Still†¦ I remembered how it felt to be broken on the ground under Sam – to have no choice but be involved in the murder of someone I loved. It wasn't the same, though. Sam was wrong. And Bella loved things she shouldn't. â€Å"Do you think there's any chance she'll make it? I mean, as a vampire and all that. She told me about†¦ about Esme.† Tel say there's an even chance at this point,† he answered quietly. â€Å"I've seen vampire venom work miracles, but there are conditions that even venom cannot overcome. Her heart is working too hard now; if it should fail†¦ there won't be anything for me to do.† Bella's heartbeat throbbed and faltered, giving an agonizing emphasis to his words. Maybe the planet had started turning backward. Maybe that would explain how everything was the opposite of what it had been yesterday – how I could be hoping for what had once seemed like the very worst thing in the world. â€Å"What is that thing doing to her?† I whispered. â€Å"She was so much worse last night. I saw†¦ the tubes and all that. Through the window.† â€Å"The fetus isn't compatible with her body. Too strong, for one thing, but she could probably endure that for a while. The bigger problem is that it won't allow her to get the sustenance she needs. Her body is rejecting every form of nutrition. I'm trying to feed her intravenously, but she's just not absorbing it. Everything about her condition is accelerated. I'm watching her – and not just her, but the fetus as well – starve to death by the hour. I can't stop it and I can't slow it down. I can't figure out what it wants† His weary voice broke at the end. I felt the same way I had yesterday, when I'd seen the black stains across her stomach – furious, and a little crazy. I clenched my hands into fists to control the shaking. I hated the thing that was hurting her. It wasn't enough for the monster to beat her from the inside out. No, it was starving her, too. Probably just looking for something to sink its teeth into – a throat to suck dry. Since it wasn't big enough to kill anyone else yet, it settled for sucking Bella's life from her. I could tell them exactly what it wanted: death and blood, blood and death. My skin was all hot and prickly. I breathed slowly in and out, focusing on that to calm myself. â€Å"I wish I could get a better idea of what exactly it is,† Carlisle murmured. â€Å"The fetus is well protected. I haven't been able to produce an ultrasonic image. I doubt there is any way to get a needle through the amniotic sac, but Rosalie won't agree to let me try, in any case.† â€Å"A needle?† I mumbled. â€Å"What good would that do?† â€Å"The more I know about the fetus, the better I can estimate what it will be capable of. What I wouldn't give for even a little amniotic fluid. If I knew even the chromosomal count†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"You're losing me, Doc. Can you dumb it down?† He chuckled once – even his laugh sounded exhausted. â€Å"Okay. How much biology have you taken? Did you study chromosomal pairs?† â€Å"Think so. We have twenty-three, right?† â€Å"Humans do.† I blinked. â€Å"How many do you have?† â€Å"Twenty-five.† I frowned at my fists for a second. â€Å"What does that mean?† â€Å"I thought it meant that our species were almost completely different. Less related than a lion and a house cat. But this new life – well, it suggests that we're more genetically compatible than I'd thought.† He sighed sadly. â€Å"I didn't know to warn them.† I sighed, too. It had been easy to hate Edward for the same ignorance. I still hated him for it. It was just hard to feel the same way about Carlisle. Maybe because I wasn't ten shades of jealous in Carlisle's case. â€Å"It might help to know what the count was – whether the fetus was closer to us or to her. To know what to expect.† Then he shrugged. â€Å"And maybe it wouldn't help anything. I guess I just wish I had something to study, anything to do.† â€Å"Wonder what my chromosomes are like,† I muttered randomly. I thought of those Olympic steroids tests again. Did they run DNA scans? Carlisle coughed self-consciously. â€Å"You have twenty-four pairs, Jacob.† I turned slowly to stare at him, raising my eyebrows. He looked embarrassed. â€Å"I was†¦ curious. I took the liberty when I was treating you last June.† I thought about it for a second. â€Å"I guess that should piss me off. But I don't really care.† â€Å"I'm sorry. I should have asked.† â€Å"S'okay, Doc. You didn't mean any harm.† â€Å"No, I promise you that I did not mean you any harm. It's just that†¦ I find your species fascinating. I suppose that the elements of vampiric nature have come to seem commonplace to me over the centuries. Your family's divergence from humanity is much more interesting. Magical, almost.† â€Å"Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,† I mumbled. He was just like Bella with all the magic garbage. Carlisle laughed another weary laugh. Then we heard Edward's voice inside the house, and we both paused to listen. â€Å"I'll be right back, Bella. I want to speak with Carlisle for a moment. Actually, Rosalie, would you mind accompanying me?† Edward sounded different. There was a little life in his dead voice. A spark of something. Not hope exactly, but maybe the desire to hope. â€Å"What is it, Edward?† Bella asked hoarsely. â€Å"Nothing you need to worry about, love. It will just take a second. Please, Rose?† â€Å"Esme?† Rosalie called. â€Å"Can you mindBella for me?† Iheard the whisper of wind as Esme flitted down the stairs. â€Å"Of course,† she said. Carlisle shifted, twisting to look expectantly at the door. Edward was through the door first, with Rosalie right on his heels. His face was, like his voice, no longer dead. He seemed intensely focused. Rosalie looked suspicious. Edward shut the door behind her. â€Å"Carlisle,† he murmured. â€Å"What is it, Edward?† â€Å"Perhaps we've been going about this the wrong way. I was listening to you and Jacob just now, and when you were speaking of what the†¦ fetus wants, Jacob had an interesting thought.† Me?What had thought? Besides my obvious hatred for the thing? At least I wasn't alone in that. I could tell that Edward had a difficult time using a term as mild as fetus. â€Å"We haven't actually addressed that angle,† Edward went on. â€Å"We've been trying to get Bella what she needs. And her body is accepting it about as well as one of ours would. Perhaps we should address the needs of the†¦ fetus first. Maybe if we can satisfy it, we'll be able to help her more effectively.† â€Å"I'm not following you, Edward,† Carlisle said. â€Å"Think about it, Carlisle. If that creature is more vampire than human, can't you guess what it craves – what it's not getting? Jacob did.† I did? I ran through the conversation, trying to remember what thoughts I'd kept to myself. I remembered at the same time that Carlisle understood. â€Å"Oh,† he said in a surprised tone. â€Å"You think it is†¦ thirsty?† Rosalie hissed under her breath. She wasn't suspicious anymore. Her revoltingly perfect face wasall lit up, her eyes wide with excitement. â€Å"Of course,† she muttered. â€Å"Carlisle, we have all that type O negative laid aside for Bella. It's a good idea,† she added, not looking at me. â€Å"Hmm.† Carlisle put his hand to his chin, lost in thought. â€Å"I wonder†¦ And then, what would be the best way to administer___† Rosalie shook her head. â€Å"We don't have time to be creative. I'd say we should start with the traditional way.† â€Å"Wait a minute,† i whispered. â€Å"Just hold on. Are you – are you talking about making Bella drink blood?† â€Å"It was your idea, dog,† Rosalie said, scowling at me without ever quite looking at me. I ignored her and watched Carlisle. That same ghost of hope that had been in Edward's face was now in the doctor's eyes. He pursed his lips, speculating. â€Å"That's just†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I couldn't find the right word. â€Å"Monstrous?† Edward suggested. â€Å"Repulsive?† â€Å"Pretty much.† â€Å"But what if it helps her?† he whispered. I shook my head angrily. â€Å"What are you gonna do, shove a tube down her throat?† â€Å"I plan to ask her what she thinks. I just wanted to run it past Carlisle first.† Rosalie nodded. â€Å"If you tell her it might help the baby, she'll be willing to do anything. Even if we do have to feed them through a tube.† I realized then – when I heard how her voice got all loveydovey as she said the word baby – that Blondie would be in line with anything that helped the little life-sucking monster. Was that what was going on, the mystery factor that was bonding the two of them? Was Rosalie after the kid? From the corner of my eye, I saw Edward nod once, absently, not looking in my direction. But I knew he was answering my questions. Huh. I wouldn't have thought the ice-cold Barbie would have a maternal side. So much for protecting Bella – Rosalie'd probably jam the tube down Bella's throat herself. Edward's mouth mashed into a hard line, and I knew I was right again. â€Å"Well, we don't have time to sit around discussing this,† Rosalie said impatiently. â€Å"What do you think, Carlisle? Can we try?† Carlisle took a deep breath, and then he was on his feet. â€Å"We'll ask Bella.† Blondie smiled smugly – sure that, if it was up to Bella, she would get her way. I dragged myself up from the stairs and followed after them as they disappeared into the house. I wasn't sure why. Just morbid curiosity, maybe. It was like a horror movie. Monsters and blood all over the place. Maybe I just couldn't resist another hit of my dwindling drug supply. Bella lay flat on the hospital bed, her belly a mountain under the sheet. She looked like wax – colorless and sort of see-through. You'd think she was already dead, except for the tiny movement of her chest, her shallow breathing. And then her eyes, following the four of us with exhausted suspicion. The others were at her side already, flitting across the room with sudden darting motions. It was creepy to watch. 1 ambled along at a slow walk. â€Å"What's going on?† Bella demanded in a scratchy whisper. Her waxy hand twitched up – like she was trying to protect her balloon-shaped stomach. â€Å"Jacob had an idea that might help you,† Carlisle said. I wished he would leave me out of it. I hadn't suggested anything. Give the credit to her bloodsucking husband, where it belonged. â€Å"It won't be†¦ pleasant, but – â€Å" â€Å"But it will help the baby,† Rosalie interrupted eagerly. â€Å"We've thought of a better way to feed him. Maybe.† Bella's eyelids fluttered. Then she coughed out a weak chuckle. â€Å"Not pleasant?† she whispered. â€Å"Gosh, that'll be such a change.† She eyed the tube stuck into her arm and coughed again. Blondie laughed with her. The girl looked like she only had hours left, and she had to be in pain, but she was making jokes. So Bella. Trying to ease the tension, make it better for everyone else. Edward stepped around Rosalie, no humor touching his intense expression. I was glad for that. It helped, just a little bit, that he was suffering worse than me. He took her hand, not the one that was still protecting her swollen belly. â€Å"Bella, love, we're going to ask you to do something monstrous,† he said, using the same adjectives he'd offered me. â€Å"Repulsive.† Well, at least he was giving it to her straight. She took a shallow, fluttery breath. â€Å"How bad?† Carlisle answered. â€Å"We think the fetus might have an appetite closer to ours than to yours. We think it's thirsty.† She blinked. â€Å"Oh. Oh.† â€Å"Your condition – both of your conditions – are deteriorating rapidly. We don't have time to waste, to come up with more palatable ways to do this. The fastest way to test the theory – â€Å" â€Å"I've got to drink it,† she whispered. She nodded slightly – barely enough energy for a little head bob. â€Å"I can do that. Practice for the future, right?† Her colorless lips stretched into a faint grin as she looked at Edward. He didn't smile back. Rosalie started tapping her toe impatiently. The sound was really irritating. I wondered what she would do if I threw her through a wall right now. â€Å"So, who's going to catch me a grizzly bear?† Bella whispered. Carlisle and Edward exchanged a quick glance. Rosalie stopped tapping. â€Å"What?† Bella asked. â€Å"It will be a more effective test if we don't cut corners, Bella,† Carlisle said. â€Å"Ifthe fetus is craving blood,† Edward explained, â€Å"it's not craving animal blood.† â€Å"It won't make a difference to you, Bella. Don't think about it,† Rosalie encouraged. Bella's eyes widened. â€Å"Who?† she breathed, and her gaze flickered to me. â€Å"I'm not here as a donor, Bells,† I grumbled. â€Å"‘Sides, it's human blood that thing's after, and I don't think mine applies – â€Å" â€Å"We have blood on hand,† Rosalie told her, talking over me before I'd finished, like I wasn't there. â€Å"For you – just in case. Don't worry about anything at all. It's going to be fine. I have a good feeling about this, Bella. I think the baby will be so much better.† Bella:s hand ran across her stomach. â€Å"Well,† she rasped, barely audible. â€Å"I'm starving, so I'll bet he is, too.† Trying to make another joke. â€Å"Let's go for it. My first vampire act.†

Learning to Drive Professor Ramos Blog

Learning to Drive Photo by Ingo Joseph on Pexels.com Learning to drive was definitely one of my biggest obstacles and also one of my greatest accomplishments. My fear was always what seemed to get in the way from even getting myself into the driver seat. At first, I had to pay attention to learning how to work the switches in the car. Then it was actually getting out of the driveway and onto the street. Of course all that seemed way too easy next to the final step. The one thing I feared the most was the freeway. I was 17 sitting on our front steps as I watched my step-dad teach my older brother how to give the car an oil change. That old white Ford Explorer still going even after all its been through. We have had that truck for years now and it has more dents and scratches than I can even keep track of. This truck has been the learning car for all of my older siblings. They all got their driver’s license in it and of course I wanted to make sure to keep that tradition going. As a kid I always imagined myself driving that car. Once my step-dad and brother had finished I realized that was my opportunity to finally ask if he could teach me to drive. Once I asked him, he looked at me with an unexpressed face and said,â€Å"What! Well it’s about time!† I got into the driver seat and my step-dad was instructing me from the passenger window. I got the car turned on and he said, â€Å"Alright, put the car on drive and when you let go of the brake, slightly press the gas pedal s o you can get a feel how the car feels.† I might have pressed a little to hard and nearly dragged my step-dad from the window. That scared me off the driver seat leaving me unable to drive for a few more months. A couple months passed by when my sister must have decided I had to overcome this fear. She parked the car after we dropped the younger kids at school and said â€Å"Alright, get into the driver seat,† I was shocked and replied, â€Å"ARE YOU CRAZY!† At the moment I honestly believed my sister had lost her mind, but I obeyed got into the driver seat. The bright side to that morning was that the street we were on was quite isolated. There wasn’t much I could hit except a couple of small trees and some bushes so that really eased my anxiety on the whole idea. Even though I was terrified of messing up her bright red Hyundai, I put the car on drive and followed all the steps as she said. I let go of the brake pedal and slightly pressed on the gas. I slowly increased the speed and actually made it down the street without hitting anything. Of course I was only going straight so it would have been odd to have hit any of the bushes.Her point to making me drive up the str eet was so I could get the feel of the car actually moving. After that I got enough courage to actually driving on the busy street. I first I didn’t think it was going to end well, but I made it home with no scratch or dent to my sisters car. I practiced every other day by driving my mom to the store which was 3 blocked away from where we live. Then I slowly started driving further and further. I ended up driving all day just because I enjoyed the feeling of actually driving myself. My final step was getting on the freeway, but I put that in the back of my mind so I didnt even think about it. I stayed on the streets for some time without needing to take the freeway. Then planning to go to the beach with my friends became an inconvenience. Everyone worked so getting someone to drive me to the beach was a bit difficult. Even after I had to cancel I kind of still didn’t think about getting on the freeway. A month later my step-dad got sick. My parents both worked together and since my mom couldn’t drive my step-dad always did. My older siblings also had work every morning to they couldn’t drive her to work. That left me as the only option to get my mother to work. I tried to get out of that by explaining that I barely started to get used to driving but my mom wasn’t taking my excuse as an answer. So the very next morning she woke me up way too early. I really wasn’t happy about that even if I was a morning person. I knew that the freeway was going to be completely different from how I was driving on the street. My mom told me that it was really early so the freeway won’t be too busy. As I got onto the freeway I panicked a little when I noticed how many semi-trucks were already surrounding me. Nevertheless, I had to throw my fear away and keep calm. My mom next to me really made a difference. She started the most random conversations, so I wouldn’t panic on the trucks that were next to me. We made it to her job without dying so I’d like to say that was a great accomplishment. I left her there and hoped back into the freeway to head home since of course I still had to get to school too. I have always enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment just as much as any person. I can’t say I can get around the freeway without Google Maps though but I can get through the freeway just like any other person. I wasn’t the best driver at first and I can admit I drove like a grandma too. Now Im able to drive that old beat up Ford Explorer and it all began when I   able was get out of my comfort zone. I had to test my limits and not let fear hold me back from doing anything. I was able to get my license and now I can drive myself anywhere and all it took was practice and not giving up even when mistakes were made.

Is the Death Penalty Justified

Is the Death Penalty Justified Death Penalty Essay Death penalty debate often becomes a topic for an argumentative essay. Students are asked to make arguments for the death penalty and arguments against the death penalty. The capital punishment essay example below is a kind of opinion essay for legal discussions. If you need another topic  for discussing in your argumentative essay here is a great list: Argumentative Essay Topics   The Death Penalty is the Code of Judgment Want to divide a room fairly quickly? Get a conversation going about justifying the death penalty. That will scatter folks, absolutely. Plus, everyone will feel differently about the issue. Some will hold some deeply rooted convictions about the topic: Should a person be sentenced to death because they deliberately killed another person? Isn’t God their ultimate judge, and because of this, shouldn’t they get a free pass in this life because they are judged in the next? Is killing a murderer – via gas chamber, electric chair, lethal injection – committing the same exactly crime the murderer did? There are many questions to ask when giving this heavily debated topic a good thinking. First, one has to accept that there are some pretty evil people in the world who want to take the lives of others, to play God, ultimately; then there are accidental killings; and lastly, one has to consider that we all have the potential to kill another human being if pushed ove r the edge of reason. Nonetheless, in this instance, a justification for the death penalty shall be provided. The Death Penalty is Justified When a Murder Was Done out of Cold Blood For one, the death penalty is justified when a murder was done out of cold blood when it was premeditated. Of course, this is not when a person accidentally kills another person – wrestling around when the wrong move is made or someone goes too far, for example; or a car crashing into another on late night. Those are different. A murder in cold blood is when a person deliberately wishes for, plans and executes a murder. Regardless of why the murder is done, or how many people the person killed, even if to avenge another’s murder or wrongdoing, it is still murder – a deliberate ending of another person’s life on this earth – and murderers should be killed themselves. They must pay for their wrongdoing, and this is one case of how the death penalty is justified. Secondly, the death penalty is justified because of the prevention factor: When a vicious murderer is given the death penalty, they cannot be left out in society to do it again. This is done for a great reason. This justifies the death penalty for sure. Now there is always the possibility that the killing is righteous – maybe the man who savagely raped, beat and killed an innocent woman should be killed – and the person who killed the rapist is innocent to a degree, but all of this is subjective thinking, and emotions should not influence rationalization. We can refer to Hammurabi’s Code – â€Å"eye-for-an-eye† – to justify this reciprocity: that the state should put to death a murderer. Make no doubt about it: this is one more way that illustrates how the death penalty is indeed justified. Dead Murderer Cannot Kill Again Lastly, what if the atheists are right? What if there is no God? No judgment in the afterlife? We can never know for sure of an afterlife. Now is all we can ever know for sure. This mentality justifies the death penalty because it means there is a chance this murderer could go on in the universe never having to pay for what they had done – when they took a person’s life and played God for just a few seconds. One can speculate that if the everyday person kills another, even intentionally, that person will live for the rest of their years with immense regret, guilt, and paranoia. The mental anguish would be a harsh enough punishment itself. Ah, but many killers are psychopaths, they lack empathy and conscience – so they may not think they are doing wrong. Therefore they should be wiped out of this world. They deserve the death penalty. The death penalty is most justified here – a sick, deranged person should be taken out of this world. There may be no judge in the afterlife, no God; therefore, the evil of this world shall be judged on earth, and evil shall die. Let’s conclude this heavy argument by apologizing to the reader: this is a tough topic to discuss – everyone’s got a different viewpoint on it – and it’s easy to offend a person. If any offense was taken, the writer offers their apologies. The truth is, there is no right answer. The student can relate to Christian (God is my judge) and Buddhist (people attract suffering) ideologies, and to Hammurabi’s Code (eye for an eye), to approach this issue objectively. Which is correct? What is inhumane and what’s wrong? How do you tell? Need a death penalty essay? Our writers are experienced in writing different death penalty argumentative essays. The most popular topics are: Why the Death Penalty Wrong? and Should the Death Penalty Be Allowed? If you need an essay on these or other death penalty essay topics, place an order.

Module 5 (survey) Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Module 5 (survey) - Assignment Example It is hard most of the participants to remember or tell the truth about the asked questions. This is when the participants are asked about how the employees in a pharmacy have been responding to them when attending the pharmacy. Also, they might not be able to remember the products they have been getting from the pharmacy when asked (Groves & Couper, 2011. The research should make sure that large sample of the selected participants reply. This will be hard, as some of the participants will look down upon the survey questions presented to them and may decide not to reply. The questions may be designed in a general manner that it will not be appropriate for all respondents. For example, questions might be designed in English, which will not be understood by old people (Larossi, 2006). Assure a common understanding – everyone should understand the questions written in the same way. The researcher should not assume everyone understands the same way that he/she may use abbreviations, which are not understood by everyone. Start with interesting questions – interesting questions should be brought at the beginning of the questionnaire. This will attract the attention of the respondent and he/she will have the courage to handle difficult or threatening questions

Supply chain theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Supply chain theory - Essay Example In order to be well placed and to take advantage of the increase in sales, EBBD will adjust its order rate. The bullwhip effect is the vulnerability created from mutilated data streaming all over the inventory network. It is the increment in the variability of request as it moves from the Customer to the Manufacturer. In order to reduce the bullwhip effect, EBBD will make smaller order additions to minimize time between requests. This will make processing and delivery of order to the clients to be more effective and timely. The piece by piece increase will also reduce the cost of handling that would be incurred by making excessive order. The order strategy is meant to ensure that at every given time, there is enough stock to supply to retailers throughout the week. The order quantity is a slight incremen0t of the retailers demand. Having stock will ensure no order goes un-served and reduces the backlog of order from retailers. Fernie & Sparks (2009) argue that maintaining equilibrium within the stock of a chains supply needs a deep consideration of all the stock holders ranging from the c ustomers as well as the suppliers. The sales within EBBD in the first five weeks had minimum change and this can be as a result of much attention given to the campaign other than the sales. However, the sales started increasing the mid weeks. Seven weeks after the kick off of the campaign, the sales started to rise. The trend was high affected by the fact that at this point the campaigns had been extended to all the target areas. Arikan (2008) articulates that marketing campaigns rarely have immediate results but once the objectives have been achieved, the results are worthwhile. As part of our strategy to create equilibrium with our inventory levels, the customer order backlog was reduced by increasing EBBD ordering pattern. After the few weeks of the campaign, we expected more