Wednesday, July 31, 2019
End of Life Issues: Do Not Resuscitate Order Essay
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order acts as an advance directive that prevents life saving interventions, specifically Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), upon patient request. According to Morton, Hudak and Fontaine (2004), DNR orders are usually being administered to terminal patients with accompanying consent signed by the patient or representatives (if incompetent patients) (p. 95). Once the DNR order has been made and signed in a written document, the hospital policies may or may not conduct review within 24 to 72 hours. According to Morton, Hudak and Fontaine (2004), review is being done in order to prevent possible errors or inconsistencies with regards to the patient or representativeââ¬â¢s condition (95). DNR order is usually requested by the surrogate/ patient who may or may not yet be in terminal stage of sickness, or being recommended by health care provider when no treatment is possible or the condition of the patient is irreversible. According to Orenstein and Stern (1997), DNR order violates various ethical principles, such as (1) beneficence or providing the utmost good for the patient, (2) violates the fundamental purpose of health care- to save lives, and (3) value of life and potential for survival (p. 363). The designed purpose of health care is to provide care, to initiate appropriate life-saving interventions, and to exhaust every possible resource or intervention that can save a personââ¬â¢s life (Fink, 2004 p. 230). Considering the actual mechanisms for attaining DNR orders, patient or surrogate can entirely request for this under their will and personal judgment; although, some institutions review this request, the right of the patientââ¬â¢s autonomy furthers the implementation of the order, which eventually violates the basic principle of health care (Lo, 2005 p. 121). Despite of the common usage of DNR order, problems exist within the application and implementation of this policy. These problems include (1) inappropriate decision making of most patients requesting DNR, (2) essentially limits the possibility of life saving interventions or further alleviations of the condition, (3) impairs the effectiveness and efficiency of surgical operations if required, (4) increased incidence of death among DNR patients regardless of death potentials, and (5) increased health costs due to longer hospital stays, palliative interventions and dying within hospital premises. Discussion Even without the confirmation of irreversible condition or actual evidence that no health care options exist, the patient is given the opportunity to impose DNR orders by request, which eventually becomes abusive in nature and essentially defies the purpose of health care (Orenstein and Stern, 1997 p. 363). To justify the first cited problem of DNR (i. e. problematic patient-decision making for DNR request), According to Watcher, Goldman and Hollander (2005), most patients who ultimately receive DNR orders are competent at the time of admission, but not competent (e. g. experiencing deficits in coherence, under confusion, experiencing severe pain, etc. ) when the DNR order is finally written (p. 123). In the study of Haidet, Hamel and Davis et al. (1998), even with physician or parental discussion of DNR end-of-life care, patients with colorectal cancer have based their decisions mainly on personal intuitions of suffering and pain without the consideration of potential life saving treatment of their condition (63%; n=212 of 339 respondents). From these statements, patients/ surrogate decision-makers most commonly base the decisions of their end-of-life care due to the pain and experienced suffering regardless of possible medical interventions available or stage of illness. For the second argument (limits the possibility of life saving interventions), according to the study of Beach and Morrison (2002), the presence of a DNR order affects the physiciansââ¬â¢ initiatives and judgment on whether or not to request a variety of treatments not related to CPR. In the study, physicians absolutely agreed to initiate lesser interventions for patientââ¬â¢s with DNR order than patients who do not have (First test: 4. 2 vs. 5. 0, P =. 008; Second test: 6. 5 vs. 7. 1, P =. 004; Third Test: 5. 7 vs. 6. 2, P =. 037). In conjunction to the next argument (impairs the effectiveness and efficiency of surgical operations), DNR orders cultivates reluctance of physicians in providing surgical or invasive procedures. According to Watcher, Goldman and Hollander (2005), general anesthesia, conscious sedation and invasive strategies can greatly precipitate the need for formal resuscitation. If DNR order is present, surgical operation can be very difficult and risky considering the limitations placed on resuscitative interventions (p. 123). Considering such case, DNR patients who insist of acquiring surgery (e. g. surgical operations for bowel obstructions, pain relief, etc. ) are facing critically at-risked operations. Considering the fourth problem of DNR patients (increased incidence of death among DNR patients), in the study of Shepardson, Youngner and Speroff (1999) with the population size of 13,337 consecutive stroke admissions with 22% (n=2898) DNR patients in 30 hospitals between 1991 to 1994, unadjusted in-hospital mortality rates are higher in patients with DNR orders than in patients without orders (40% vs. 2%, P < 0. 001). Meanwhile, the results of the analysis with adjusted odds of death show 33. 9 (95% CI, 27. 4-42. 0). In conclusion, risk of death is evidently higher among those patients with DNR orders even after adjusting the odds of death. Evidently, DNR orders restrict potential life-saving interventions as well as palliative surgical procedures that can further alleviate the suffering and pain of the patient in the most appropriate means. As for the final argument of the paper (increased health costs of DNR patients compared to those without), according to the study of Maksoud, Jahnigen and Skibinsski (1993), patients dying under DNR orders greatly increase the health care costs due to (1) longer periods of hospital stay, (2) actual death within the hospital and (3) palliative measures being done to alleviate or at least minimize the pain and suffering of the patient throughout the process. According to the study, average charges for each patient who died were $61,215 with $10,631 for those admitted with a DNR order, and $73,055 for those who had a DNR order made in hospital (Maksoud, Jahnigen and Skibinsski, 1993). References Beach, M. C. , & Morrison, R. S. (2002, December). The effect of do-not-resuscitate orders on physician decision-making. Journal of American Geriatric Society, 50, 2057-2061. Fink, A. (2004). Evaluation Fundamentals: Insights Into the Outcomes, Effectiveness, and Quality of Health Programs. London, New York: SAGE Publishing. Haidet, P. , Hamel, M. B. , & Davis et al. , R. B. (1998, September). Outcomes, preferences for resuscitation, and physician-patient communication among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Journal of American Medicine, 105, 222-229. Maksoud, A. , Jahnigen, W. , & Skibinski , C. I. (1993, May). Do not resuscitate orders and the cost of death. Archives of Internal Medicine, 153, 1249-1253. Morton, P. , Hudak, C. M. , & Fontaine, D. (2004). Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic Approach. New York, U. S. A: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Orenstein, D. M. , & Stern, R. C. (1997). Treatment of the Hospitalized Cystic Fibrosis Patient. New York, U. S. A: Informa Health Care. Shepardson, L. B. , Youngner, S. J. , & Speroff, T. (1999, August). Increased Risk of Death in Patients With Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders. Journal of Medical Care Section, 37, 727-737. Wachter, R. M. , Goldman, L. , & Hollander, H. (2005). Hospital Medicine. New York, U. S. A: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Bendigo Bank Head Office
In a close outlook, one would perhaps be attracted by the attractive nature of the Bending Bank Head Office. The building is in a potential and attractive architectural design with various environmental friendly features. Its feature is perhaps a potential tool that promotes the facets of going green to protecting the environment. What specific feature can be ascribed to this building? Are they potential tools towards protecting the environment? However, these questions are adequately answered by the physique of the building. The architectural design is provided to be environmental friendly.(http://www. plugger. com. au/view/1847308/) The building is smartly located in first 5 Green star building, which is one of the Australian cities. By its physical outlook, the bankââ¬â¢s main building comprises of six storeys, the ground, four office floors and a car park. The floors assigned for the office has a leasable area which is approximated as been 13577 square meters. This building is architecturally linked to the former building for the bankââ¬â¢s Head office which therefore provides office space specification of around 16000 square meters. (http://www.plugger. com. au/view/1847308/) The architectural component of the building comprises of various ESD features that have come as an innovation to improve the potential relationship between the building and the environment. The features are many and provide a very attractive image of the building. These includes an under floor system of air conditioning, both gray and black system of water recycling, external systems of sun shades which are build on the western and northern sides of the building and internal blinds that are uniquely automated.Elsewhere, the building has windows of a double glazed capacity that provide deep sect of lighting within its framework. It has a light dimming compensation system for the daylight, which is made of a unique architectural perimeter zone. (http://www. plugger. com. au/view/1 847308/) A system of collecting rainwater is evident which creates saving of water for use in various processes within the building. It has an attractive package of workstations and carpets as well as low paint emission that permit collective cleanliness and attractiveness in the building.A package of water heating system of solar energy provides a tool for energy saving within the building. Uniquely, it has an atria of two full length of height that are used in ensuring that the staff are placed within a domain of 8 metres in reach of the natural light. (http://www. bendigobank. com. au/public/Community/index. asp) The complimentary physical characteristics are perhaps an important tool that guides towards sustainable and environmental friendly situation. Firstly, the nature of the building is specially structured in making a reduction in power use by 50%.This is an important aspect in the campaign of going green towards saving the environment. Either, it has a potentially high qua lity in internal environment, which is provided by more light penetration and the substance of fresh air within its space. Its architectural design is specifically made to improve the productivity of its staff through high standard working conditions. It has features aimed at both waste and water recycling to keep the environment clean. The material used for its coating and furnishing are of high environmental friendly standards permitting reasonable condition.It has been rated as a 5 Green star building due to its high architectural environment. (Karlson, Michael, 2005, 98) Generally, Bendigo Bank is focused on the community and the general environment. The development of its new office was to capture the ideal essence of the reflection that it has towards the environment and general high conditions for work by its staff. To meet this challenge, it has a compound of high quality and a location that is friendly to its staff in terms of the environment. It has ensured high quality in door air condition and saving structures for water and energy.Achieving this goal was contributed by its choice of excellent builder and architects, which worked together with the bankââ¬â¢s administration as a team. (Gray, Geoffrey, 2001, 66) Work cited Bendigo Bankââ¬â¢s 5 Star Green Building In Regional Australia Retrieved on 8th May 2008 from http://www. plugger. com. au/view/1847308/ Bendigo Bank. Retrieved on 8th May 2008 from http://www. bendigobank. com. au/public/Community/index. asp Karlson, H & Michael, H. The Natural Advantage of Nature. Earthscan, 2005, pp. 66 Gray, I & Geoffrey, L. A Future for Regional Australia: Escaping Global, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2001, pp. 98
Monday, July 29, 2019
A Game of Thrones Chapter Fiftyone
Jeyne Poole had been confined with her, but Jeyne was useless. Her face was puffy from all her crying, and she could not seem to stop sobbing about her father. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m certain your father is well,â⬠Sansa told her when she had finally gotten the dress buttoned right. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll ask the queen to let you see him.â⬠She thought that kindness might lift Jeyneââ¬â¢s spirits, but the other girl just looked at her with red, swollen eyes and began to cry all the harder. She was such a child. Sansa had wept too, the first day. Even within the stout walls of Maegorââ¬â¢s Holdfast, with her door closed and barred, it was hard not to be terrified when the killing began. She had grown up to the sound of steel in the yard, and scarcely a day of her life had passed without hearing the clash of sword on sword, yet somehow knowing that the fighting was real made all the difference in the world. She heard it as she had never heard it before, and there were other sounds as well, grunts of pain, angry curses, shouts for help, and the moans of wounded and dying men. In the songs, the knights never screamed nor begged for mercy. So she wept, pleading through her door for them to tell her what was happening, calling for her father, for Septa Mordane, for the king, for her gallant prince. If the men guarding her heard her pleas, they gave no answer. The only time the door opened was late that night, when they thrust Jeyne Poole inside, bruised and shaking. ââ¬Å"Theyââ¬â¢re killing everyone,â⬠the stewardââ¬â¢s daughter had shrieked at her. She went on and on. The Hound had broken down her door with a warhammer, she said. There were bodies on the stair of the Tower of the Hand, and the steps were slick with blood. Sansa dried her own tears as she struggled to comfort her friend. They went to sleep in the same bed, cradled in each otherââ¬â¢s arms like sisters. The second day was even worse. The room where Sansa had been confined was at the top of the highest tower of Maegorââ¬â¢s Holdfast. From its window, she could see that the heavy iron portcullis in the gatehouse was down, and the drawbridge drawn up over the deep dry moat that separated the keep-within-a-keep from the larger castle that surrounded it. Lannister guardsmen prowled the walls with spears and crossbows to hand. The fighting was over, and the silence of the grave had settled over the Red Keep. The only sounds were Jeyne Pooleââ¬â¢s endless whimpers and sobs. They were fedââ¬âhard cheese and fresh-baked bread and milk to break their fast, roast chicken and greens at midday, and a late supper of beef and barley stewââ¬âbut the servants who brought the meals would not answer Sansaââ¬â¢s questions. That evening, some women brought her clothes from the Tower of the Hand, and some of Jeyneââ¬â¢s things as well, but they seemed nearly as frightened as Jeyne, and when she tried to talk to them, they fled from her as if she had the grey plague. The guards outside the door still refused to let them leave the room. ââ¬Å"Please, I need to speak to the queen again,â⬠Sansa told them, as she told everyone she saw that day. ââ¬Å"Sheââ¬â¢ll want to talk to me, I know she will. Tell her I want to see her, please. If not the queen, then Prince Joffrey, if youââ¬â¢d be so kind. Weââ¬â¢re to marry when weââ¬â¢re older.â⬠At sunset on the second day, a great bell began to ring. Its voice was deep and sonorous, and the long slow clanging filled Sansa with a sense of dread. The ringing went on and on, and after a while they heard other bells answering from the Great Sept of Baelor on Visenyaââ¬â¢s Hill. The sound rumbled across the city like thunder, warning of the storm to come. ââ¬Å"What is it?â⬠Jeyne asked, covering her ears. ââ¬Å"Why are they ringing the bells?â⬠ââ¬Å"The king is dead.â⬠Sansa could not say how she knew it, yet she did. The slow, endless clanging filled their room, as mournful as a dirge. Had some enemy stormed the castle and murdered King Robert? Was that the meaning of the fighting they had heard? She went to sleep wondering, restless, and fearful. Was her beautiful Joffrey the king now? Or had they killed him too? She was afraid for him, and for her father. If only they would tell her what was happening . . . That night Sansa dreamt of Joffrey on the throne, with herself seated beside him in a gown of woven gold. She had a crown on her head, and everyone she had ever known came before her, to bend the knee and say their courtesies. The next morning, the morning of the third day, Ser Boros Blount of the Kingsguard came to escort her to the queen. Ser Boros was an ugly man with a broad chest and short, bandy legs. His nose was flat, his cheeks baggy with jowls, his hair grey and brittle. Today he wore white velvet, and his snowy cloak was fastened with a lion brooch. The beast had the soft sheen of gold, and his eyes were tiny rubies. ââ¬Å"You look very handsome and splendid this morning, Ser Boros,â⬠Sansa told him. A lady remembered her courtesies, and she was resolved to be a lady no matter what. ââ¬Å"And you, my lady,â⬠Ser Boros said in a flat voice. ââ¬Å"Her Grace awaits. Come with me.â⬠There were guards outside her door, Lannister men-at-arms in crimson cloaks and lion-crested helms. Sansa made herself smile at them pleasantly and bid them a good morning as she passed. It was the first time she had been allowed outside the chamber since Ser Arys Oakheart had led her there two mornings past. ââ¬Å"To keep you safe, my sweet one,â⬠Queen Cersei had told her. ââ¬Å"Joffrey would never forgive me if anything happened to his precious.â⬠Sansa had expected that Ser Boros would escort her to the royal apartments, but instead he led her out of Maegorââ¬â¢s Holdfast. The bridge was down again. Some workmen were lowering a man on ropes into the depths of the dry moat. When Sansa peered down, she saw a body impaled on the huge iron spikes below. She averted her eyes quickly, afraid to ask, afraid to look too long, afraid he might be someone she knew. They found Queen Cersei in the council chambers, seated at the head of a long table littered with papers, candles, and blocks of sealing wax. The room was as splendid as any that Sansa had ever seen. She stared in awe at the carved wooden screen and the twin sphinxes that sat beside the door. ââ¬Å"Your Grace,â⬠Ser Boros said when they were ushered inside by another of the Kingsguard, Ser Mandon of the curiously dead face, ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ve brought the girl.â⬠Sansa had hoped Joffrey might be with her. Her prince was not there, but three of the kingââ¬â¢s councillors were. Lord Petyr Baelish sat on the queenââ¬â¢s left hand, Grand Maester Pycelle at the end of the table, while Lord Varys hovered over them, smelling flowery. All of them were clad in black, she realized with a feeling of dread. Mourning clothes . . . The queen wore a high-collared black silk gown, with a hundred dark red rubies sewn into her bodice, covering her from neck to bosom. They were cut in the shape of teardrops, as if the queen were weeping blood. Cersei smiled to see her, and Sansa thought it was the sweetest and saddest smile she had ever seen. ââ¬Å"Sansa, my sweet child,â⬠she said, ââ¬Å"I know youââ¬â¢ve been asking for me. Iââ¬â¢m sorry that I could not send for you sooner. Matters have been very unsettled, and I have not had a moment. I trust my people have been taking good care of you?â⬠ââ¬Å"Everyone has been very sweet and pleasant, Your Grace, thank you ever so much for asking,â⬠Sansa said politely. ââ¬Å"Only, well, no one will talk to us or tell us whatââ¬â¢s happened . . . ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Us?â⬠Cersei seemed puzzled. ââ¬Å"We put the stewardââ¬â¢s girl in with her,â⬠Ser Boros said. ââ¬Å"We did not know what else to do with her.â⬠The queen frowned. ââ¬Å"Next time, you will ask,â⬠she said, her voice sharp. ââ¬Å"The gods only know what sort of tales sheââ¬â¢s been filling Sansaââ¬â¢s head with.â⬠ââ¬Å"Jeyneââ¬â¢s scared,â⬠Sansa said. ââ¬Å"She wonââ¬â¢t stop crying. I promised her Iââ¬â¢d ask if she could see her father.â⬠Old Grand Maester Pycelle lowered his eyes. ââ¬Å"Her father is well, isnââ¬â¢t he?â⬠Sansa said anxiously. She knew there had been fighting, but surely no one would harm a steward. Vayon Poole did not even wear a sword. Queen Cersei looked at each of the councillors in turn. ââ¬Å"I wonââ¬â¢t have Sansa fretting needlessly. What shall we do with this little friend of hers, my lords?â⬠Lord Petyr leaned forward. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll find a place for her.â⬠ââ¬Å"Not in the city,â⬠said the queen. ââ¬Å"Do you take me for a fool?â⬠The queen ignored that. ââ¬Å"Ser Boros, escort this girl to Lord Petyrââ¬â¢s apartments and instruct his people to keep her there until he comes for her. Tell her that Littlefinger will be taking her to see her father, that ought to calm her down. I want her gone before Sansa returns to her chamber.â⬠ââ¬Å"As you command, Your Grace,â⬠Ser Boros said. He bowed deeply, spun on his heel, and took his leave, his long white cloak stirring the air behind him. Sansa was confused. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t understand,â⬠she said. ââ¬Å"Where is Jeyneââ¬â¢s father? Why canââ¬â¢t Ser Boros take her to him instead of Lord Petyr having to do it?â⬠She had promised herself she would be a lady, gentle as the queen and as strong as her mother, the Lady Catelyn, but all of a sudden she was scared again. For a second she thought she might cry. ââ¬Å"Where are you sending her? She hasnââ¬â¢t done anything wrong, sheââ¬â¢s a good girl.â⬠ââ¬Å"Sheââ¬â¢s upset you,â⬠the queen said gently. ââ¬Å"We canââ¬â¢t be having that. Not another word, now. Lord Baelish will see that Jeyneââ¬â¢s well taken care of, I promise you.â⬠She patted the chair beside her. ââ¬Å"Sit down, Sansa. I want to talk to you.â⬠Sansa seated herself beside the queen. Cersei smiled again, but that did not make her feel any less anxious. Varys was wringing his soft hands together, Grand Maester Pycelle kept his sleepy eyes on the papers in front of him, but she could feel Littlefinger staring. Something about the way the small man looked at her made Sansa feel as though she had no clothes on. Goose bumps pimpled her skin. ââ¬Å"Sweet Sansa,â⬠Queen Cersei said, laying a soft hand on her wrist. ââ¬Å"Such a beautiful child. I do hope you know how much Joffrey and I love you.â⬠ââ¬Å"You do?â⬠Sansa said, breathless. Littlefinger was forgotten. Her prince loved her. Nothing else mattered. The queen smiled. ââ¬Å"I think of you almost as my own daughter. And I know the love you bear for Joffrey.â⬠She gave a weary shake of her head. ââ¬Å"I am afraid we have some grave news about your lord father. You must be brave, child.â⬠Her quiet words gave Sansa a chill. ââ¬Å"What is it?â⬠ââ¬Å"Your father is a traitor, dear,â⬠Lord Varys said. Grand Maester Pycelle lifted his ancient head. ââ¬Å"With my own ears, I heard Lord Eddard swear to our beloved King Robert that he would protect the young princes as if they were his own sons. And yet the moment the king was dead, he called the small council together to steal Prince Joffreyââ¬â¢s rightful throne.â⬠ââ¬Å"No,â⬠Sansa blurted. ââ¬Å"He wouldnââ¬â¢t do that. He wouldnââ¬â¢t!â⬠The queen picked up a letter. The paper was torn and stiff with dried blood, but the broken seal was her fatherââ¬â¢s, the direwolf stamped in pale wax. ââ¬Å"We found this on the captain of your household guard, Sansa. It is a letter to my late husbandââ¬â¢s brother Stannis, inviting him to take the crown.â⬠ââ¬Å"Please, Your Grace, thereââ¬â¢s been a mistake.â⬠Sudden panic made her dizzy and faint. ââ¬Å"Please, send for my father, heââ¬â¢ll tell you, he would never write such a letter, the king was his friend.â⬠ââ¬Å"Robert thought so,â⬠said the queen. ââ¬Å"This betrayal would have broken his heart. The gods are kind, that he did not live to see it.â⬠She sighed. ââ¬Å"Sansa, sweetling, you must see what a dreadful position this has left us in. You are innocent of any wrong, we all know that, and yet you are the daughter of a traitor. How can I allow you to marry my son?â⬠ââ¬Å"But I love him,â⬠Sansa wailed, confused and frightened. What did they mean to do to her? What had they done to her father? It was not supposed to happen this way. She had to wed Joffrey, they were betrothed, he was promised to her, she had even dreamed about it. It wasnââ¬â¢t fair to take him away from her on account of whatever her father might have done. ââ¬Å"How well I know that, child,â⬠Cersei said, her voice so kind and sweet. ââ¬Å"Why else should you have come to me and told me of your fatherââ¬â¢s plan to send you away from us, if not for love?â⬠ââ¬Å"It was for love,â⬠Sansa said in a rush. ââ¬Å"Father wouldnââ¬â¢t even give me leave to say farewell.â⬠She was the good girl, the obedient girl, but she had felt as wicked as Arya that morning, sneaking away from Septa Mordane, defying her lord father. She had never done anything so willful before, and she would never have done it then if she hadnââ¬â¢t loved Joffrey as much as she did. ââ¬Å"He was going to take me back to Winterfell and marry me to some hedge knight, even though it was Joff I wanted. I told him, but he wouldnââ¬â¢t listen.â⬠The king had been her last hope. The king could command Father to let her stay in Kingââ¬â¢s Landing and marry Prince Joffrey, Sansa knew he could, but the king had always frightened her. He was loud and rough-voiced and drunk as often as not, and he would probably have just sent her back to Lord Eddard, if they even let her see him. So she went to the queen instead, and poured out her heart, and Cersei had listened and thanked her sweetly . . . only then Ser Arys had escorted her to the high room in Maegorââ¬â¢s Holdfast and posted guards, and a few hours later, the fighting had begun outside. ââ¬Å"Please,â⬠she finished, ââ¬Å"you have to let me marry Joffrey, Iââ¬â¢ll be ever so good a wife to him, youââ¬â¢ll see. Iââ¬â¢ll be a queen just like you, I promise.â⬠Queen Cersei looked to the others. ââ¬Å"My lords of the council, what do you say to her plea?â⬠ââ¬Å"The poor child,â⬠murmured Varys. ââ¬Å"A love so true and innocent, Your Grace, it would be cruel to deny it . . . and yet, what can we do? Her father stands condemned.â⬠His soft hands washed each other in a gesture of helpless distress. ââ¬Å"A child born of traitorââ¬â¢s seed will find that betrayal comes naturally to her,â⬠said Grand Maester Pycelle. ââ¬Å"She is a sweet thing now, but in ten years, who can say what treasons she may hatch?â⬠ââ¬Å"No,â⬠Sansa said, horrified. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not, Iââ¬â¢d never . . . I wouldnââ¬â¢t betray Joffrey, I love him, I swear it, I do.â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh, so poignant,â⬠said Varys. ââ¬Å"And yet, it is truly said that blood runs truer than oaths.â⬠ââ¬Å"She reminds me of the mother, not the father,â⬠Lord Petyr Baelish said quietly. ââ¬Å"Look at her. The hair, the eyes. She is the very image of Cat at the same age.â⬠The queen looked at her, troubled, and yet Sansa could see kindness in her clear green eyes. ââ¬Å"Child,â⬠she said, ââ¬Å"if I could truly believe that you were not like your father, why nothing should please me more than to see you wed to my Joffrey. I know he loves you with all his heart.â⬠She sighed. ââ¬Å"And yet, I fear that Lord Varys and the Grand Maester have the right of it. The blood will tell. I have only to remember how your sister set her wolf on my son.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not like Arya,â⬠Sansa blurted. ââ¬Å"She has the traitorââ¬â¢s blood, not me. Iââ¬â¢m good, ask Septa Mordane, sheââ¬â¢ll tell you, I only want to be Joffreyââ¬â¢s loyal and loving wife.â⬠She felt the weight of Cerseiââ¬â¢s eyes as the queen studied her face. ââ¬Å"I believe you mean it, child.â⬠She turned to face the others. ââ¬Å"My lords, it seems to me that if the rest of her kin were to remain loyal in this terrible time, that would go a long way toward laying our fears to rest.â⬠Grand Maester Pycelle stroked his huge soft beard, his wide brow furrowed in thought. ââ¬Å"Lord Eddard has three sons.â⬠ââ¬Å"Mere boys,â⬠Lord Petyr said with a shrug. ââ¬Å"I should be more concerned with Lady Catelyn and the Tullys.â⬠The queen took Sansaââ¬â¢s hand in both of hers. ââ¬Å"Child, do you know your letters?â⬠Sansa nodded nervously. She could read and write better than any of her brothers, although she was hopeless at sums. ââ¬Å"I am pleased to hear that. Perhaps there is hope for you and Joffrey still . . . ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"What do you want me to do?â⬠ââ¬Å"You must write your lady mother, and your brother, the eldest . . . what is his name?â⬠ââ¬Å"Robb,â⬠Sansa said. ââ¬Å"The word of your lord fatherââ¬â¢s treason will no doubt reach them soon. Better that it should come from you. You must tell them how Lord Eddard betrayed his king.â⬠Sansa wanted Joffrey desperately, but she did not think she had the courage to do as the queen was asking. ââ¬Å"But he never . . . I donââ¬â¢t . . . Your Grace, I wouldnââ¬â¢t know what to say . . . ââ¬Å" The queen patted her hand. ââ¬Å"We will tell you what to write, child. The important thing is that you urge Lady Catelyn and your brother to keep the kingââ¬â¢s peace.â⬠ââ¬Å"It will go hard for them if they donââ¬â¢t,â⬠said Grand Maester Pycelle. ââ¬Å"By the love you bear them, you must urge them to walk the path of wisdom.â⬠ââ¬Å"Your lady mother will no doubt fear for you dreadfully,â⬠the queen said. ââ¬Å"You must tell her that you are well and in our care, that we are treating you gently and seeing to your every want. Bid them to come to Kingââ¬â¢s Landing and pledge their fealty to Joffrey when he takes his throne. If they do that . . . why, then we shall know that there is no taint in your blood, and when you come into the flower of your womanhood, you shall wed the king in the Great Sept of Baelor, before the eyes of gods and men.â⬠. . . wed the king . . . The words made her breath come faster, yet still Sansa hesitated. ââ¬Å"Perhaps . . . if I might see my father, talk to him about . . . ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Treason?â⬠Lord Varys hinted. ââ¬Å"You disappoint me, Sansa,â⬠the queen said, with eyes gone hard as stones. ââ¬Å"Weââ¬â¢ve told you of your fatherââ¬â¢s crimes. If you are truly as loyal as you say, why should you want to see him?â⬠ââ¬Å"I . . . I only meant . . . â⬠Sansa felt her eyes grow wet. ââ¬Å"Heââ¬â¢s not . . . please, he hasnââ¬â¢t been . . . hurt, or . . . or . . . ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Lord Eddard has not been harmed,â⬠the queen said. ââ¬Å"But . . . whatââ¬â¢s to become of him?â⬠ââ¬Å"That is a matter for the king to decide,â⬠Grand Maester Pycelle announced ponderously. The king! Sansa blinked back her tears. Joffrey was the king now, she thought. Her gallant prince would never hurt her father, no matter what he might have done. If she went to him and pleaded for mercy, she was certain heââ¬â¢d listen. He had to listen, he loved her, even the queen said so. Joff would need to punish Father, the lords would expect it, but perhaps he could send him back to Winterfell, or exile him to one of the Free Cities across the narrow sea. It would only have to be for a few years. By then she and Joffrey would be married. Once she was queen, she could persuade Joff to bring Father back and grant him a pardon. Only . . . if Mother or Robb did anything treasonous, called the banners or refused to swear fealty or anything, it would all go wrong. Her Joffrey was good and kind, she knew it in her heart, but a king had to be stern with rebels. She had to make them understand, she had to! ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll . . . Iââ¬â¢ll write the letters,â⬠Sansa told them. With a smile as warm as the sunrise, Cersei Lannister leaned close and kissed her gently on the cheek. ââ¬Å"I knew you would. Joffrey will be so proud when I tell him what courage and good sense youââ¬â¢ve shown here today.â⬠In the end, she wrote four letters. To her mother, the Lady Catelyn Stark, and to her brothers at Winterfell, and to her aunt and her grandfather as well, Lady Lysa Arryn of the Eyrie, and Lord Hoster Tully of Riverrun. By the time she had done, her fingers were cramped and stiff and stained with ink. Varys had her fatherââ¬â¢s seal. She warmed the pale white beeswax over a candle, poured it carefully, and watched as the eunuch stamped each letter with the direwolf of House Stark. Jeyne Poole and all her things were gone when Ser Mandon Moore returned Sansa to the high tower of Maegorââ¬â¢s Holdfast. No more weeping, she thought gratefully. Yet somehow it seemed colder with Jeyne gone, even after sheââ¬â¢d built a fire. She pulled a chair close to the hearth, took down one of her favorite books, and lost herself in the stories of Florian and Jonquil, of Lady Shella and the Rainbow Knight, of valiant Prince Aemon and his doomed love for his brotherââ¬â¢s queen. It was not until later that night, as she was drifting off to sleep, that Sansa realized she had forgotten to ask about her sister. A Game of Thrones Chapter Fiftyone Jeyne Poole had been confined with her, but Jeyne was useless. Her face was puffy from all her crying, and she could not seem to stop sobbing about her father. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m certain your father is well,â⬠Sansa told her when she had finally gotten the dress buttoned right. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll ask the queen to let you see him.â⬠She thought that kindness might lift Jeyneââ¬â¢s spirits, but the other girl just looked at her with red, swollen eyes and began to cry all the harder. She was such a child. Sansa had wept too, the first day. Even within the stout walls of Maegorââ¬â¢s Holdfast, with her door closed and barred, it was hard not to be terrified when the killing began. She had grown up to the sound of steel in the yard, and scarcely a day of her life had passed without hearing the clash of sword on sword, yet somehow knowing that the fighting was real made all the difference in the world. She heard it as she had never heard it before, and there were other sounds as well, grunts of pain, angry curses, shouts for help, and the moans of wounded and dying men. In the songs, the knights never screamed nor begged for mercy. So she wept, pleading through her door for them to tell her what was happening, calling for her father, for Septa Mordane, for the king, for her gallant prince. If the men guarding her heard her pleas, they gave no answer. The only time the door opened was late that night, when they thrust Jeyne Poole inside, bruised and shaking. ââ¬Å"Theyââ¬â¢re killing everyone,â⬠the stewardââ¬â¢s daughter had shrieked at her. She went on and on. The Hound had broken down her door with a warhammer, she said. There were bodies on the stair of the Tower of the Hand, and the steps were slick with blood. Sansa dried her own tears as she struggled to comfort her friend. They went to sleep in the same bed, cradled in each otherââ¬â¢s arms like sisters. The second day was even worse. The room where Sansa had been confined was at the top of the highest tower of Maegorââ¬â¢s Holdfast. From its window, she could see that the heavy iron portcullis in the gatehouse was down, and the drawbridge drawn up over the deep dry moat that separated the keep-within-a-keep from the larger castle that surrounded it. Lannister guardsmen prowled the walls with spears and crossbows to hand. The fighting was over, and the silence of the grave had settled over the Red Keep. The only sounds were Jeyne Pooleââ¬â¢s endless whimpers and sobs. They were fedââ¬âhard cheese and fresh-baked bread and milk to break their fast, roast chicken and greens at midday, and a late supper of beef and barley stewââ¬âbut the servants who brought the meals would not answer Sansaââ¬â¢s questions. That evening, some women brought her clothes from the Tower of the Hand, and some of Jeyneââ¬â¢s things as well, but they seemed nearly as frightened as Jeyne, and when she tried to talk to them, they fled from her as if she had the grey plague. The guards outside the door still refused to let them leave the room. ââ¬Å"Please, I need to speak to the queen again,â⬠Sansa told them, as she told everyone she saw that day. ââ¬Å"Sheââ¬â¢ll want to talk to me, I know she will. Tell her I want to see her, please. If not the queen, then Prince Joffrey, if youââ¬â¢d be so kind. Weââ¬â¢re to marry when weââ¬â¢re older.â⬠At sunset on the second day, a great bell began to ring. Its voice was deep and sonorous, and the long slow clanging filled Sansa with a sense of dread. The ringing went on and on, and after a while they heard other bells answering from the Great Sept of Baelor on Visenyaââ¬â¢s Hill. The sound rumbled across the city like thunder, warning of the storm to come. ââ¬Å"What is it?â⬠Jeyne asked, covering her ears. ââ¬Å"Why are they ringing the bells?â⬠ââ¬Å"The king is dead.â⬠Sansa could not say how she knew it, yet she did. The slow, endless clanging filled their room, as mournful as a dirge. Had some enemy stormed the castle and murdered King Robert? Was that the meaning of the fighting they had heard? She went to sleep wondering, restless, and fearful. Was her beautiful Joffrey the king now? Or had they killed him too? She was afraid for him, and for her father. If only they would tell her what was happening . . . That night Sansa dreamt of Joffrey on the throne, with herself seated beside him in a gown of woven gold. She had a crown on her head, and everyone she had ever known came before her, to bend the knee and say their courtesies. The next morning, the morning of the third day, Ser Boros Blount of the Kingsguard came to escort her to the queen. Ser Boros was an ugly man with a broad chest and short, bandy legs. His nose was flat, his cheeks baggy with jowls, his hair grey and brittle. Today he wore white velvet, and his snowy cloak was fastened with a lion brooch. The beast had the soft sheen of gold, and his eyes were tiny rubies. ââ¬Å"You look very handsome and splendid this morning, Ser Boros,â⬠Sansa told him. A lady remembered her courtesies, and she was resolved to be a lady no matter what. ââ¬Å"And you, my lady,â⬠Ser Boros said in a flat voice. ââ¬Å"Her Grace awaits. Come with me.â⬠There were guards outside her door, Lannister men-at-arms in crimson cloaks and lion-crested helms. Sansa made herself smile at them pleasantly and bid them a good morning as she passed. It was the first time she had been allowed outside the chamber since Ser Arys Oakheart had led her there two mornings past. ââ¬Å"To keep you safe, my sweet one,â⬠Queen Cersei had told her. ââ¬Å"Joffrey would never forgive me if anything happened to his precious.â⬠Sansa had expected that Ser Boros would escort her to the royal apartments, but instead he led her out of Maegorââ¬â¢s Holdfast. The bridge was down again. Some workmen were lowering a man on ropes into the depths of the dry moat. When Sansa peered down, she saw a body impaled on the huge iron spikes below. She averted her eyes quickly, afraid to ask, afraid to look too long, afraid he might be someone she knew. They found Queen Cersei in the council chambers, seated at the head of a long table littered with papers, candles, and blocks of sealing wax. The room was as splendid as any that Sansa had ever seen. She stared in awe at the carved wooden screen and the twin sphinxes that sat beside the door. ââ¬Å"Your Grace,â⬠Ser Boros said when they were ushered inside by another of the Kingsguard, Ser Mandon of the curiously dead face, ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ve brought the girl.â⬠Sansa had hoped Joffrey might be with her. Her prince was not there, but three of the kingââ¬â¢s councillors were. Lord Petyr Baelish sat on the queenââ¬â¢s left hand, Grand Maester Pycelle at the end of the table, while Lord Varys hovered over them, smelling flowery. All of them were clad in black, she realized with a feeling of dread. Mourning clothes . . . The queen wore a high-collared black silk gown, with a hundred dark red rubies sewn into her bodice, covering her from neck to bosom. They were cut in the shape of teardrops, as if the queen were weeping blood. Cersei smiled to see her, and Sansa thought it was the sweetest and saddest smile she had ever seen. ââ¬Å"Sansa, my sweet child,â⬠she said, ââ¬Å"I know youââ¬â¢ve been asking for me. Iââ¬â¢m sorry that I could not send for you sooner. Matters have been very unsettled, and I have not had a moment. I trust my people have been taking good care of you?â⬠ââ¬Å"Everyone has been very sweet and pleasant, Your Grace, thank you ever so much for asking,â⬠Sansa said politely. ââ¬Å"Only, well, no one will talk to us or tell us whatââ¬â¢s happened . . . ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Us?â⬠Cersei seemed puzzled. ââ¬Å"We put the stewardââ¬â¢s girl in with her,â⬠Ser Boros said. ââ¬Å"We did not know what else to do with her.â⬠The queen frowned. ââ¬Å"Next time, you will ask,â⬠she said, her voice sharp. ââ¬Å"The gods only know what sort of tales sheââ¬â¢s been filling Sansaââ¬â¢s head with.â⬠ââ¬Å"Jeyneââ¬â¢s scared,â⬠Sansa said. ââ¬Å"She wonââ¬â¢t stop crying. I promised her Iââ¬â¢d ask if she could see her father.â⬠Old Grand Maester Pycelle lowered his eyes. ââ¬Å"Her father is well, isnââ¬â¢t he?â⬠Sansa said anxiously. She knew there had been fighting, but surely no one would harm a steward. Vayon Poole did not even wear a sword. Queen Cersei looked at each of the councillors in turn. ââ¬Å"I wonââ¬â¢t have Sansa fretting needlessly. What shall we do with this little friend of hers, my lords?â⬠Lord Petyr leaned forward. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll find a place for her.â⬠ââ¬Å"Not in the city,â⬠said the queen. ââ¬Å"Do you take me for a fool?â⬠The queen ignored that. ââ¬Å"Ser Boros, escort this girl to Lord Petyrââ¬â¢s apartments and instruct his people to keep her there until he comes for her. Tell her that Littlefinger will be taking her to see her father, that ought to calm her down. I want her gone before Sansa returns to her chamber.â⬠ââ¬Å"As you command, Your Grace,â⬠Ser Boros said. He bowed deeply, spun on his heel, and took his leave, his long white cloak stirring the air behind him. Sansa was confused. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t understand,â⬠she said. ââ¬Å"Where is Jeyneââ¬â¢s father? Why canââ¬â¢t Ser Boros take her to him instead of Lord Petyr having to do it?â⬠She had promised herself she would be a lady, gentle as the queen and as strong as her mother, the Lady Catelyn, but all of a sudden she was scared again. For a second she thought she might cry. ââ¬Å"Where are you sending her? She hasnââ¬â¢t done anything wrong, sheââ¬â¢s a good girl.â⬠ââ¬Å"Sheââ¬â¢s upset you,â⬠the queen said gently. ââ¬Å"We canââ¬â¢t be having that. Not another word, now. Lord Baelish will see that Jeyneââ¬â¢s well taken care of, I promise you.â⬠She patted the chair beside her. ââ¬Å"Sit down, Sansa. I want to talk to you.â⬠Sansa seated herself beside the queen. Cersei smiled again, but that did not make her feel any less anxious. Varys was wringing his soft hands together, Grand Maester Pycelle kept his sleepy eyes on the papers in front of him, but she could feel Littlefinger staring. Something about the way the small man looked at her made Sansa feel as though she had no clothes on. Goose bumps pimpled her skin. ââ¬Å"Sweet Sansa,â⬠Queen Cersei said, laying a soft hand on her wrist. ââ¬Å"Such a beautiful child. I do hope you know how much Joffrey and I love you.â⬠ââ¬Å"You do?â⬠Sansa said, breathless. Littlefinger was forgotten. Her prince loved her. Nothing else mattered. The queen smiled. ââ¬Å"I think of you almost as my own daughter. And I know the love you bear for Joffrey.â⬠She gave a weary shake of her head. ââ¬Å"I am afraid we have some grave news about your lord father. You must be brave, child.â⬠Her quiet words gave Sansa a chill. ââ¬Å"What is it?â⬠ââ¬Å"Your father is a traitor, dear,â⬠Lord Varys said. Grand Maester Pycelle lifted his ancient head. ââ¬Å"With my own ears, I heard Lord Eddard swear to our beloved King Robert that he would protect the young princes as if they were his own sons. And yet the moment the king was dead, he called the small council together to steal Prince Joffreyââ¬â¢s rightful throne.â⬠ââ¬Å"No,â⬠Sansa blurted. ââ¬Å"He wouldnââ¬â¢t do that. He wouldnââ¬â¢t!â⬠The queen picked up a letter. The paper was torn and stiff with dried blood, but the broken seal was her fatherââ¬â¢s, the direwolf stamped in pale wax. ââ¬Å"We found this on the captain of your household guard, Sansa. It is a letter to my late husbandââ¬â¢s brother Stannis, inviting him to take the crown.â⬠ââ¬Å"Please, Your Grace, thereââ¬â¢s been a mistake.â⬠Sudden panic made her dizzy and faint. ââ¬Å"Please, send for my father, heââ¬â¢ll tell you, he would never write such a letter, the king was his friend.â⬠ââ¬Å"Robert thought so,â⬠said the queen. ââ¬Å"This betrayal would have broken his heart. The gods are kind, that he did not live to see it.â⬠She sighed. ââ¬Å"Sansa, sweetling, you must see what a dreadful position this has left us in. You are innocent of any wrong, we all know that, and yet you are the daughter of a traitor. How can I allow you to marry my son?â⬠ââ¬Å"But I love him,â⬠Sansa wailed, confused and frightened. What did they mean to do to her? What had they done to her father? It was not supposed to happen this way. She had to wed Joffrey, they were betrothed, he was promised to her, she had even dreamed about it. It wasnââ¬â¢t fair to take him away from her on account of whatever her father might have done. ââ¬Å"How well I know that, child,â⬠Cersei said, her voice so kind and sweet. ââ¬Å"Why else should you have come to me and told me of your fatherââ¬â¢s plan to send you away from us, if not for love?â⬠ââ¬Å"It was for love,â⬠Sansa said in a rush. ââ¬Å"Father wouldnââ¬â¢t even give me leave to say farewell.â⬠She was the good girl, the obedient girl, but she had felt as wicked as Arya that morning, sneaking away from Septa Mordane, defying her lord father. She had never done anything so willful before, and she would never have done it then if she hadnââ¬â¢t loved Joffrey as much as she did. ââ¬Å"He was going to take me back to Winterfell and marry me to some hedge knight, even though it was Joff I wanted. I told him, but he wouldnââ¬â¢t listen.â⬠The king had been her last hope. The king could command Father to let her stay in Kingââ¬â¢s Landing and marry Prince Joffrey, Sansa knew he could, but the king had always frightened her. He was loud and rough-voiced and drunk as often as not, and he would probably have just sent her back to Lord Eddard, if they even let her see him. So she went to the queen instead, and poured out her heart, and Cersei had listened and thanked her sweetly . . . only then Ser Arys had escorted her to the high room in Maegorââ¬â¢s Holdfast and posted guards, and a few hours later, the fighting had begun outside. ââ¬Å"Please,â⬠she finished, ââ¬Å"you have to let me marry Joffrey, Iââ¬â¢ll be ever so good a wife to him, youââ¬â¢ll see. Iââ¬â¢ll be a queen just like you, I promise.â⬠Queen Cersei looked to the others. ââ¬Å"My lords of the council, what do you say to her plea?â⬠ââ¬Å"The poor child,â⬠murmured Varys. ââ¬Å"A love so true and innocent, Your Grace, it would be cruel to deny it . . . and yet, what can we do? Her father stands condemned.â⬠His soft hands washed each other in a gesture of helpless distress. ââ¬Å"A child born of traitorââ¬â¢s seed will find that betrayal comes naturally to her,â⬠said Grand Maester Pycelle. ââ¬Å"She is a sweet thing now, but in ten years, who can say what treasons she may hatch?â⬠ââ¬Å"No,â⬠Sansa said, horrified. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not, Iââ¬â¢d never . . . I wouldnââ¬â¢t betray Joffrey, I love him, I swear it, I do.â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh, so poignant,â⬠said Varys. ââ¬Å"And yet, it is truly said that blood runs truer than oaths.â⬠ââ¬Å"She reminds me of the mother, not the father,â⬠Lord Petyr Baelish said quietly. ââ¬Å"Look at her. The hair, the eyes. She is the very image of Cat at the same age.â⬠The queen looked at her, troubled, and yet Sansa could see kindness in her clear green eyes. ââ¬Å"Child,â⬠she said, ââ¬Å"if I could truly believe that you were not like your father, why nothing should please me more than to see you wed to my Joffrey. I know he loves you with all his heart.â⬠She sighed. ââ¬Å"And yet, I fear that Lord Varys and the Grand Maester have the right of it. The blood will tell. I have only to remember how your sister set her wolf on my son.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not like Arya,â⬠Sansa blurted. ââ¬Å"She has the traitorââ¬â¢s blood, not me. Iââ¬â¢m good, ask Septa Mordane, sheââ¬â¢ll tell you, I only want to be Joffreyââ¬â¢s loyal and loving wife.â⬠She felt the weight of Cerseiââ¬â¢s eyes as the queen studied her face. ââ¬Å"I believe you mean it, child.â⬠She turned to face the others. ââ¬Å"My lords, it seems to me that if the rest of her kin were to remain loyal in this terrible time, that would go a long way toward laying our fears to rest.â⬠Grand Maester Pycelle stroked his huge soft beard, his wide brow furrowed in thought. ââ¬Å"Lord Eddard has three sons.â⬠ââ¬Å"Mere boys,â⬠Lord Petyr said with a shrug. ââ¬Å"I should be more concerned with Lady Catelyn and the Tullys.â⬠The queen took Sansaââ¬â¢s hand in both of hers. ââ¬Å"Child, do you know your letters?â⬠Sansa nodded nervously. She could read and write better than any of her brothers, although she was hopeless at sums. ââ¬Å"I am pleased to hear that. Perhaps there is hope for you and Joffrey still . . . ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"What do you want me to do?â⬠ââ¬Å"You must write your lady mother, and your brother, the eldest . . . what is his name?â⬠ââ¬Å"Robb,â⬠Sansa said. ââ¬Å"The word of your lord fatherââ¬â¢s treason will no doubt reach them soon. Better that it should come from you. You must tell them how Lord Eddard betrayed his king.â⬠Sansa wanted Joffrey desperately, but she did not think she had the courage to do as the queen was asking. ââ¬Å"But he never . . . I donââ¬â¢t . . . Your Grace, I wouldnââ¬â¢t know what to say . . . ââ¬Å" The queen patted her hand. ââ¬Å"We will tell you what to write, child. The important thing is that you urge Lady Catelyn and your brother to keep the kingââ¬â¢s peace.â⬠ââ¬Å"It will go hard for them if they donââ¬â¢t,â⬠said Grand Maester Pycelle. ââ¬Å"By the love you bear them, you must urge them to walk the path of wisdom.â⬠ââ¬Å"Your lady mother will no doubt fear for you dreadfully,â⬠the queen said. ââ¬Å"You must tell her that you are well and in our care, that we are treating you gently and seeing to your every want. Bid them to come to Kingââ¬â¢s Landing and pledge their fealty to Joffrey when he takes his throne. If they do that . . . why, then we shall know that there is no taint in your blood, and when you come into the flower of your womanhood, you shall wed the king in the Great Sept of Baelor, before the eyes of gods and men.â⬠. . . wed the king . . . The words made her breath come faster, yet still Sansa hesitated. ââ¬Å"Perhaps . . . if I might see my father, talk to him about . . . ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Treason?â⬠Lord Varys hinted. ââ¬Å"You disappoint me, Sansa,â⬠the queen said, with eyes gone hard as stones. ââ¬Å"Weââ¬â¢ve told you of your fatherââ¬â¢s crimes. If you are truly as loyal as you say, why should you want to see him?â⬠ââ¬Å"I . . . I only meant . . . â⬠Sansa felt her eyes grow wet. ââ¬Å"Heââ¬â¢s not . . . please, he hasnââ¬â¢t been . . . hurt, or . . . or . . . ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Lord Eddard has not been harmed,â⬠the queen said. ââ¬Å"But . . . whatââ¬â¢s to become of him?â⬠ââ¬Å"That is a matter for the king to decide,â⬠Grand Maester Pycelle announced ponderously. The king! Sansa blinked back her tears. Joffrey was the king now, she thought. Her gallant prince would never hurt her father, no matter what he might have done. If she went to him and pleaded for mercy, she was certain heââ¬â¢d listen. He had to listen, he loved her, even the queen said so. Joff would need to punish Father, the lords would expect it, but perhaps he could send him back to Winterfell, or exile him to one of the Free Cities across the narrow sea. It would only have to be for a few years. By then she and Joffrey would be married. Once she was queen, she could persuade Joff to bring Father back and grant him a pardon. Only . . . if Mother or Robb did anything treasonous, called the banners or refused to swear fealty or anything, it would all go wrong. Her Joffrey was good and kind, she knew it in her heart, but a king had to be stern with rebels. She had to make them understand, she had to! ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll . . . Iââ¬â¢ll write the letters,â⬠Sansa told them. With a smile as warm as the sunrise, Cersei Lannister leaned close and kissed her gently on the cheek. ââ¬Å"I knew you would. Joffrey will be so proud when I tell him what courage and good sense youââ¬â¢ve shown here today.â⬠In the end, she wrote four letters. To her mother, the Lady Catelyn Stark, and to her brothers at Winterfell, and to her aunt and her grandfather as well, Lady Lysa Arryn of the Eyrie, and Lord Hoster Tully of Riverrun. By the time she had done, her fingers were cramped and stiff and stained with ink. Varys had her fatherââ¬â¢s seal. She warmed the pale white beeswax over a candle, poured it carefully, and watched as the eunuch stamped each letter with the direwolf of House Stark. Jeyne Poole and all her things were gone when Ser Mandon Moore returned Sansa to the high tower of Maegorââ¬â¢s Holdfast. No more weeping, she thought gratefully. Yet somehow it seemed colder with Jeyne gone, even after sheââ¬â¢d built a fire. She pulled a chair close to the hearth, took down one of her favorite books, and lost herself in the stories of Florian and Jonquil, of Lady Shella and the Rainbow Knight, of valiant Prince Aemon and his doomed love for his brotherââ¬â¢s queen. It was not until later that night, as she was drifting off to sleep, that Sansa realized she had forgotten to ask about her sister.
Critically Analyse an Identified Public Health Strategy or Campaign Assignment
Critically Analyse an Identified Public Health Strategy or Campaign - Assignment Example Again, due to the need to decentralize the effective advancement of sexual and reproductive health, countries including the United Kingdom have set up several localized sexual health projects. One of such is found in Solihull. With a population of 94,753, Solihull is faced with a number of sexual and reproductive health issues including high sexually transmitted infection rate and high rate of unplanned conception. As it is commonly said, if you do not know where you are going, any road takes you there. This means that for major project such as the sexual and repreoductive health program of Solihull, it is important to have a strategic agenda that guides the implementation of the project. It is in light of this that the Solihull Sexual Health Strategic Plan 2008 ââ¬â 2013 has been designed as a policy context for dealing with the many issues of sexual and reproductive health that confront Solihull. The population of Solihull suffers from three major sexual and reproductive health needs, which form the basis for the sexual and health strategic plan 2008 to 2013. The first of these has to do with a sudden high rate of teenage conception in the last 3 years. It has been observed that unlike what existed earlier where the national rates of teenage conception for England was higher than what existed in Solihull, there has been a sudden turn around whereby the teenage conception rates have gone higher within the population than what existed before (Wanless, 2004). Even though the rates are currently not above the national rates, they remain higher than they were before. In the graph below, the rate of teenage pregnancy in women aged 15 to 17 in 2009 and 2011 are compared between England and Solihull. From the graph, it can be seen that the rate of teenage pregnancy and for that matter unplanned conception in Solihull keeps increasing with increasing national rates. The second sexual health need that confronts the region has to
Sunday, July 28, 2019
Medical Futility Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Medical Futility - Essay Example Treatments or medical interventions that are unlikely to produce any significant benefit for the patient is known as "medical futility" (Jecker). The intervention may be deemed futile if it has no likelihood of improving the patients condition (Quantitative), or when the improvement will be so minimal as to be considered futile (Qualitative) (Jecker). In both cases the prospect of improving the patient's condition is exceedingly poor. Jecker notes that, "...treatment that merely produces a physiological effect on a patient's body does not necessarily confer any benefit that the patient can appreciate". Though there may be physiological changes in the body, if it does not save the patient or reduce the suffering, it is futile. The ethics of medical futility are rooted in the belief that medicine is for the purpose of healing the sick and comforting those that are in pain. Futile interventions often contribute to increased pain and agony as well as expending scarce medical and financial resources (Jecker). Ethical problems arise in defining the terms surrounding the issue. While a medical treatment may be deemed as futile, it may extend the patient's life by the few hours necessary that a family requires to get closure with the dying patient.
Saturday, July 27, 2019
SPORTS COACHING DEVELOPMENTS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
SPORTS COACHING DEVELOPMENTS - Essay Example This paper will analyse the role that variables such as personal experience, tradition and science play in relation to effective coaching: in the context of coach practice structure and coach behaviour. Finally, it will conclude by outlining the essentials of coach behaviour and a coach practice structure. It takes much more than sports mastery to be a coach; individual perception, which depends on personal elements such as values, attitudes, interests, plays a vital role in coaching. A good coach must be a good communicator. The sports instruction relies on the ability to communicate to each player in a team, taking into consideration the playerââ¬â¢s personal attributes, and in a simple and concise way to employ sport techniques and tact in preparation for competition (Wrisberg, 2007). Additionally, for coaching to be effective, there has to be mutual trust and respect between the athletes and the coach. It is important for the coach to formulate and maintain an effective working relationship with the players. Further, a coachââ¬â¢s philosophy, which depends a lot on their personal values and culture, has a lot of bearing in the sense that coaches influence the quality of an athleteââ¬â¢s experience with a sport and in this way can motivate or demoralize an athlete in pursuing their dreams. The right philosophy for a coach should not be to always win but should focus instead on being a teacher and mentor to athletes with the aim of developing highly motivated, proud and inspired individual, regardless of whether they win gold medals or not (Kidman and Hanrahan, 2001). Science is the knowledge resulting from theory investigation and application. The world today has remarkable features as a result of science, computers, the Internet and so much more. The role that science has played in making life today simpler, fun and comfortable is undisputedly immeasurable. We owe a lot to our ancestral and current scientists; it would be foolhardy for coaches to refuse
Friday, July 26, 2019
Intern as Revenue Manager Assistant from March 2009 to August 2009 At Coursework
Intern as Revenue Manager Assistant from March 2009 to August 2009 At The Grand City Hotel, Berlin - Coursework Example The internship provided me with an insight into my own weaknesses and deficiencies which I was unable to realize without being a part of a hotel practically. I particularly found how important it is for me to have an extraordinary control and expertise in the use of software particularly the spreadsheets. I also learned group skills. I found the considerable difference between academic learning and professional learning. My experience of internship has acquainted me with a lot of knowledge and skills that I could not learn in the college. Over six months, I have grown as a professional and have learned how to apply theoretical learning in practical situations. The internship helped me become well equipped with such a valuable experience that would be very helpful in my professional career after my graduation. My tenure at the Grand City Hotel has been a very enlightening experience. Table of Contents Contents Page No. Executive Summary 2 Introduction 4 - 6 a) About the Grand City Hot el b) Location of the Grand City Hotel c) Attractions for the guests d) Environment of the Grand City Hotel e) Services at the Grand City Hotel f) Objectives for the internship Description and Analysis 7 - 10 a) Methodology b) Results c) Recommendations to the company Learning experience 10 - 12 a) Personal development b) Challenges and Solutions c) Academic Learning vs Professional Learning Conclusion 13 References 14 Introduction a) About the Grand City Hotel The Grand City Hotel chain comprises more than 100 hotels all across Europe. The hotels guarantee a memorable experience at the best price. The location, attractions, environment, and services provided by the Grand City Hotel far outweigh the prices charged from the guests. b) Location of the Grand City Hotel The Grand City Hotel in Berlin is an exquisite resort for the travelers from all over the world who want to discover the German Main content and have some quality time on weekends or holidays. One of the main attractions of the Grand City Hotel in Berlin Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf is its location and surroundings. The Grand City Hotel is centrally located in Berlin and is at a short distance to many of the famous attractions that German has to offer, including the Messe Berlin, the renowned Kurfurstendamm, and the ICC (Grand City Hotels, n.d.). c) Attractions for the guests The Grand City Hotel Berlin provides the guests with easy access to the Berlin Zoo, galleries and shops, the German Opera Berlin, the KaDeWe department store, and the Kurfurstendamm. There is a variety of restaurants, clubs, and cafes near the Grand City Hotel in Berlin to satiate the cravings of the Night owls. The countless cultural attractions of Berlin make the Grand City Hotel a perfect resort for a longer stay. Among all cities of Germany, Berlin has probably the most to offer the tourists and visitors ranging from the Reichstag and the Brandenburger Tor to the variety of attractions in the local neighborhoods. Some of the most famous landmarks of Germany are located in the heart of Berlin and the guests can have them on walking distance from the Grand City Hotel.Ã Ã
Thursday, July 25, 2019
The Interaction Between an Individual and Society Research Paper
The Interaction Between an Individual and Society - Research Paper Example Human rationality implies, for enlightened thinkers, an attempt to know and understand the natural world, and the use of rational principles to solve social interaction problems. These attempts should culminate in the realization of enlightened faith and idealism in a utopian society. Nietzsche opposed this progress as being naà ¯ve but was unable to elude it. A second theme is those involving contradictions existing between commonality and individuality. Human consciousness was passive while accepting ideology, doctrine, orthodoxy and mass thinking, and it saw reality in the liturgy of vested interests. Ideology arises when a group advances certain socially constructed realities which serve their interests, but which are projected as being in everyone elseââ¬â¢s best interests, even though others disagree or donââ¬â¢t understand it. Critical theory views rationality in terms of theoretical consistency and in the standards of pragmatic social reality. Rational planning for rea listic action involves regulative ideals, which have been formulated as enlightened possibilities for the acquisition of knowledge and proper conduct. Enlightenmentââ¬â¢s theoretical reverence for reason proceeded in two opposing wrong directions. One became the instrumental reason for technological rationality and the other culminated in logical positivism which, understood knowledge only in logico-mathematical terms, denying any truth or practical relevance to values (Regelski, 2005). Historically, mobility, economy, technology and infrastructure rapidly transformed the metropolis, in disruptive and sometimes destructive ways.
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Device Hardening and Secure Network Design Term Paper
Device Hardening and Secure Network Design - Term Paper Example Bragg, Rhodes-Ousley, & Strassberg (2009) stated that routers have the capability to carry out IP packet check and filter. Access control lists (ACLs) could be configured to authorize or refute UDP and TCP network traffic. These factors are foundational upon the destination or source address, or together, and on the UDP or TCP port numbers enclosed in a packet. Additionally, the firewalls are implemented for additional in-depth examination; tactically positioned router ACLs thus they augment network security. For instance, access control lists could be employed on border routers to drop visibly not needed traffic, eliminating the burden from the border firewalls. Access control lists can as well be employed on WAN links to drop broadcast and additional needless traffic (Bragg, Rhodes-Ousley, & Strassberg, 2009). Servers are intended to bring data in a protected and dependable style for web-based users. Thus, they need to make sure that data confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility are maintained. However, one of the main steps to attain this guarantee is to make sure that the servers are maintained and installed in a way that they could stop illegal access, illegal utilization, and disturbances in service. Additionally, the reason for establishing the server hardening policy is to express the requirements for installing a new server in a secure fashion and maintaining the security integrity of the server and application software. In addition, the server hardening process offers the comprehensive information necessary to harden a server as well as have to be applied for UTEP IT official approval. A number of the wide-ranging steps incorporated in the server hardening process contain (Microsoft Press, 2005). At present, network security has become the most important subject of discussion. Additionally, there are many networking security management and handling measures are available.Ã Ã
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Training and Development Bachelor Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words
Training and Development Bachelor - Essay Example That was how it all started. The place did undergo some change towards the end of the second generation Hank's tenure. This was more out of necessity to survive, thrive and make it a source of living while facing intense competition from the mushroomed pizza corporate. They opened one more store in the town, introduced contemporary and extremely upbeat customer seating facilities; added washrooms modernized the kitchen with the state-of-art equipment, introduced computerization, and changed the lighting and created an ambience which is ideal for an excellent meal. The upgrade Hank's pizza store could give any pizza corporate outlet a run for its money. The third generation Hank joined the father after finishing an MBA. His first setout was a mission for the business. The mission is to be the first and the only eat out choice of the town and also expanded the number of outlets from two to six, business multiplied four times over a period of six years and there seemed no looking back for the Hank's pizza store. But still something bothered the junior most Hank and he constantly felt that there were losing out business to other pizza chains stores. Hank with his latest management knowledge did try and put an effort to figure out what was amiss with the business while managing the operations of the business. Good amount of time was spent balancing the cash books, ensuring there were no stock outs and creating innovative marketing plans to increase pitfalls and ensure return customers. But still there was something amiss. To identify the problem and find solution for it, Hank III hired a management consultant and gave a free rein to them to identify the problem. On studying Hank IIIs style of functioning, it became evident that Hank III was looking at the business from the operations perspective and not from the customers' perspective. The consultants deputed mystery customers to identify and rate customer experiences at various store locations. The consultants, after a four week study identified that the customers were comfortable going to a specific store and undertook focus group studies to identify the reasons thereof. (Keer ti) Focus Group Studies - What are they Focus group is a form of qualitative research. In this method of research a group of people are asked about a product of an idea from their individual perspective focusing on various attributes. (Wikipedia) A great deal of information can be achieved by conducting focus group studies. (Free Management Library) They came up with an astonishing fact which did not strike Hank III till then which was that the customer experiences were not uniform across the six stores and the expectations built at each store of the next possible experience was different and hence the strong customer location loyalty was being built which was good for an individual store but harmful overall to the business. To arrest this trend the consultants recommended that there be training department set up and train the different categories of staff so that the Hank's Pizza store delivered uniform customer experiences and WOW at all store locations and they identified the following training programs be conducted as a pre-cursive before embarking on a new marketing initiative. 1. The customer promise 2. Managing Customer experience 3. Customer orientation 4. Service orientation 5. Service with a
Judas Priest and Money Essay Example for Free
Judas Priest and Money Essay Money, money, and money; all people talk about this crucial thing as if money is the goal of their life. Many people say that we cannot live without money. They say so because almost all the things they need and they want can be gained if only they have money, even for an occupation. Since this reason, peopleââ¬â¢s thought seems to be changed; money is regarded as the determiner of their life and the worst, as the God. But for me, money is not everything although money can buy many things that I want. Money, in my opinion, is only a little piece of our life. We are born not only for getting money. There are the other things that much more important than it. It is badly affect your life when you think that money is everything. Money becomes a reason of the crime happen today. Deception, murder, robbery are all because of it. You will think about yourself, without caring about another peopleââ¬â¢s life. Your eyes will be blinded; you will not recognize which one is enemy, friend or family. As the servant adores his Lord, people will do anything for money. They work all the day for the sake of getting money. If they failed to get much money by doing low salary-fine job, they will run to the worse-dirty job in which they can get much money. For many people who live in poverty, financial must be the prominent problem they have to face. And when they are being asked ââ¬Å"do you want much money?â⬠Their answer must be completely ââ¬Å"yesâ⬠. Then they will do anything-whether it is good or bad- to get it. Next, I tell you another thing why I can say that money is not the most important thing in our life. That is you will be nothing with all of your money if you live alone-without your family, your friend or the other people- in this world. Whom will you tell that you have a lot of money? Who will feel envy to you when you have a lot of money? Can you talk with your money when everyone leaves you alone? Can you make a love with your money? All of those questions strengthen my opinion that money is not everything. Money cannot help you to do anything without people around you. The last but not the least, money is not a guarantee to get happiness. The first, money cannot buy health. You will not be happy having a lot of money but you always suffer from some diseases. In the other word, you cannot enjoy it when you are sick. Second, having a lot of money, sometimes make us feel restless; we afraid of losing our wealth. Afraid it will beà stolen by the other people. Worrying about it makes us live in fear; we do not live in happiness. Next, when you feel that you are the winner because you have got much money and so proud of it, then you turn to be very arrogant. Sooner or later, people around you will leave you one by one; they are sick of you who turn to be very arrogant. At the first time you may do not care about them, but after all, you will be lonely. Are you happy having much money without anyone lives with you? Of course the answer is NO!! In short, money is not the most important thing in our life. There are many other things that much more important than it. It cannot give a guarantee for happiness. Without being healthy, money is just a paper with its number. Without people who give you affection, money is just a thin rectangle thing to fill our wallet up. Money may help you to get what you need and you want, but it is not the determiner of your life, it is not your God. You can work as hard as you can, but keep your body healthy, and do not forget your family, your friend and others who care of you. Those are much more important than money itself.
Monday, July 22, 2019
Letter to Congress Essay Example for Free
Letter to Congress Essay My name is Vanessa, I am a Registered Nurse currently enrolled in the BSN program at University of Phoenix. I am writing this letter to identify a healthcare bill and discuss its impact on direct service delivery in the public healthcare setting. The letter also presents the cons and pros of the bill, in addition to summarizing the impact of the bill on healthcare coverage and patient care. The aim of the letter is to request your support for the bill. The healthcare bill that needs your support in order to ensure successful implementation and improved healthcare services delivery is a bill that offers healthcare coverage for illegal immigrants not covered by the Affordable Care Act. The Bill is called Healthcare for All. State Senator Ricardo Lara (D-33) sponsors it. The bill aims to extend healthcare insurance coverage to people not covered in the ACA Act (Russ, 2014). The most important aspect of the bill is that it seeks to ensure that healthcare is affordable and accessible to all people in the country. The bill is motivated by the fact that failure to provide coverage will create gaps in service delivery. It requires your support because it targets to lower the rates of uninsured citizens through the expansion of healthcare insurance coverage. It is important to note that several pros are associated with the bill. Some of the pros of the Act include introduction of mechanisms such as mandates, subsidies and insurance exchang es to illegal immigrants. The strategy assures that illegal immigrants in States such as California will receive the same healthcare insurance plans afforded to citizens of California. Under this bill, illegal immigrants will be given premium cost sharing reductions and subsidies. The mechanisms increase the coverage andà affordability of healthcare insurance. The bill dubbed Healthcare for All will provide coverage to uninsured residents through the expansion of the existing Act (Russ, 2014). Additionally, it will create new healthcare insurance exchanges, which will enable undocumented people to purchase coverage. The objective of the bill is to create a healthy state where everyone can access affordable and quality healthcare coverage. Under the Bill, undocumented people will qualify for Medicaid coverage that has been fully paid by the state. The bill presents a required solution that addresses inadequate compensation systems and inefficiencies of state healthcare systems. The bill needs your support because it will offer two options to the undocumented immigrants. The first option is the extension of Medicaid to people, who earn below the poverty level. The second option is insurance exchange to people who earn above the poverty level. It will help in minimizing overcrowding in emergency rooms. The main disadvantage of the Act is that it creates new taxes, particularly on citizens. Providing illegal immigrants in California with healthcare insurance is an expensive venture because it will force citizens to pay more taxes in order to address the healthcare needs of illegal immigrants (Russ, 2014). Based on these findings, I request your support for the bill. It is clear that the pros of the bill will improve healthcare service delivery in a holistic manner without the need to discriminate against the illegal immigrants. Supporting the bill shows your constituents and public that you seek to improve the healthcare sector and service delivery. The main impact of the bill is the reduction of the number of uninsured people. Your support is needed in order for Congress to pursue solutions to practical problems that millions of Americans face. Thank you for your time. Sincerely References Jonas, S., Goldsteen, R. L., Goldsteen, K., Jonas, S. (2013). Jonas introduction to the U.S. health care system. New York: Springer Pub. Co. Russ, K. (2014). California Senator Offers Controversial Bill To Cover Healthcare Costs For Illegal Immigrants Not Covered By ACA. Justice Foundation in Defense of Veterans. Los Angeles.
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Church of the Sagrada Familia | Architecture Analysis
Church of the Sagrada Familia | Architecture Analysis Apertures of Ascension: Style and Design in the Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudi The church of the Sagrada Familia, perhaps more than any of Gaudiââ¬â¢s earlier works, expresses his belief that a ââ¬Ëmystic symbolism inhabits the form of architecture.ââ¬â¢ (Schmutzler 1962, 212). The church was a lifetime commission and remained uncompleted upon his death in 1926 a reflection of the ambition and scale of the project. It has been described as the most important ecclesiastic building since the late eighteenth century (Schmultzer 1962, 227) with its most poignant features being the rich decoration and towers with their Expressionist shape and form. On the approach the eye is caught by the spindle-shaped towers ascending to differing heights. They were designed to represent the twelve Apostles, the Evangelists, Mary, with the tallest representing Jesus. One is immediately aware of the importance of verticality in Gaudiââ¬â¢s design both in the exterior and interior. The towers are yet to be completed, with work currently underway on constructing the tower of Jesus. However, the finished towers are strikingly tapered, standing proud against the skyline. Gaudi was a great believer in the importance of spiritual meaning in architecture and this is reflected in the placing of a symbol of each apostle on the highest point of each tower on the meeting place between the sky and the extent of the structure. The towers are decorated with Hosanna, Excelsis, and Sanctus, and the doors of the Passion faà §ade reproduce words from the Bible in different languages. Yet the placing of the symbols in such a prominent position is paramount here as it suggests that a language of symbols, without words, is the ultimate form of communication between man and God. In the model of the Sagrada Familia (see below) we see the tower of Jesus bearing the symbol of the cross itself pointed and finite: Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagrada_familia This image of the structure tapering to a single point, with all its supporting towers, illustrates Gaudiââ¬â¢s belief in the human effort to have faith in the single, omnipotent presence of God. This sense is conveyed upon entering the church when one becomes fully aware of the monumental scale of the structure and the diversity of forms which are incorporated into the design. Gaudi wanted to disassociate himself from the Gothic features of existing cathedrals, such as Chartres, where flying buttresses and external buttresses are an expected feature. The interior arches are thus not common in western architectural tradition and use non-circular shapes, called ââ¬Ëparabolicââ¬â¢ or ââ¬Ëcatenary.ââ¬â¢ (Huerta 2006: 324). The arches of the interior and the towers of the exterior both seek the same lines of ascension. Furthermore, there is a twofold sense of the infinite in both the interior and exterior design: firstly, the fact that the plans for both inside and outsid e have still not yet been executed illustrates how Gaudiââ¬â¢s ideas transcended the timeframe in which he had to work and might even exceed the 100th anniversary of his death. Secondly, it is evident that Gaudi wanted the finished Sagrada Familia to be a structure of indefinite permanence this can be seen in his use of weight bearing columns instead of flying buttresses. He refused to use the gothic buttresses, stating that they were akin to the ââ¬Ëcrutches of a cripple.ââ¬â¢ http://www.gaudiclub.com/ingles/i_vida/i_sagr2.asp. Furthermore, the fact that his buttresses were inside the building was imperative to him, as they avoided being subjected to the elements, which would have accelerated their deterioration and threatened the buildingââ¬â¢s permanence. There is perhaps even a symbolic meaning to this inclusion of the buttresses: it might suggest that spiritual strength in a human being as well as a building is internal and people should look within themselves for the way to communicate with God and not to others, or the material world. The Sangara Familia appears from the outside as a slender, insurmountable form, with the towers having an organic texture, like that of a honeycomb or wattle. This might be Gaudi suggesting that the natural world is imbued with spiritual importance with features such as the honeycomb having an intrinsic place within Godââ¬â¢s design. As it has been said of Gaudiââ¬â¢s work, ââ¬Ëartifice is made to resemble nature and nature to resemble artifice; contradictions are harmonized; planes, lines and intersections are constrained; the subtle and the hazy are cast in bronze and set in stone; music is injected into the solid, colour into the air, and even soul into mathematics. (Cassou et al 1962, 23). This tendency of Gaudiââ¬â¢s to decorate and design using natural imagery is continued in the interior with a richness of decoration and the inclusion of spiral staircases in the apse and bell towers. In the windows of the apse there are many features which are inspired from natur e, and are enhanced by light and shade contrasts. http://www.sagradafamilia.org/eng/index.htm. The subtle play on light in the interior is developed more expressively on the extravagant and diverse exterior facades, where the Nativity spires have colourful textured surfaces made of Gaudiââ¬â¢s technique of using mosaic tiles and broken Venetian glass. Figures of an emancipated Christ are juxtaposed against this rich decoration. Indeed, Gaudi has been described as not just an architect, but as a sculptor too, possessing the ââ¬Ëability to imbue structures with sculptural qualities, to conceive of architecture as a large shape that can be experienced tactually.ââ¬â¢ (Collins 1962, 10). Yet his techniques differ considerably from one part of the church to the next. In the inner faà §ade of the transept we see geometrically pure, rectangular, rectilinear, or cubic forms (Schmutzler1962:,227), radically different to the prismatic external towers. It is as if he wanted his building to be prophetic, to see beyond the time of which it was born to the more dynamic eras ahead. This is reflected in his diverse style and his intention for the building to be illuminated at night to ââ¬Ëproclaim the Almighty God.ââ¬â¢ (Collins et al 1962, 161). He thus gave the spires openings where searchlights were to be installed, focusing on a huge cross on the central cupola and on the street below, reflecting his wish that the buildingââ¬â¢s presence could be felt and seen by all those in its vicinity, and for a long time to come. Bibliography Cassou, J., Langui, E., Pevsner, N., 1962, Gateway to the Twentieth Century: Art and Culture in a Changing World. New York: McGraw-Hill Crasemann Collins, C, ( transltr), Christiane Crasemann; Conrads, U., and Sperlich, H.G., 1962, The Architecture of Fantasy: Utopian Building and Planning in Modern Times. New York: Frederick A. Praeger Huerta, S., 2006, ââ¬ËStructural Design in the Work of Gaudi.ââ¬â¢ Architectural Science Review. Volume: 49. Issue: 4. P. 324+. University of Sydney, Faculty of Architecture Schmutzler, R., 1962, Art Nouveau. New York: Harry N. Abrams URLââ¬â¢S Antoni Gaudi Website. Available from:à http://www.gaudiclub.com/ingles/i_vida/i_sagr2.aspà [Accessed 06/03/07] Online Encyclopaedia. Available from:à http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagrada_familiaà [Accessed 06/03/07] Sagrada Familia information pages. Available from:à http://www.sagradafamilia.org/eng/index.htm.à [Accessed 06/03/07] Spectroscopy of Salicylates | Lab Report Spectroscopy of Salicylates | Lab Report The scenario is that a woman has been stopped by the police due to the condition of her driving. She tells the police that her driving was erratic due to trying to take the lid of a bottle of aspirin which she required for a severe headache. The police could not find the aspirin bottle within the car and the woman then told the police that it got thrown out of the vehicle. Serums samples were taken from the woman to do alcohol and drug tests. Aspirin is an analgesic drug that provides pain relief without causing unconsciousness and anesthesia. Aspirin is used to help with pain, fever, osteoarthritis, inflammatory conditions, migraine headaches and many other things. Salicylates are the main substance in aspirin and this is what is being tested for. To test for this substance visible spectroscopy will be used. Spectroscopy has a variety of methods that are the interaction between light and matter. For this practical the method used is visible spectroscopy via the use of a spectrophotometer. This equipment measures the amount of light absorbed by passing a beam of light through the sample and the amount of light is measured by a detector. This produces an absorbance value which can be used to calculate concentrations. The aim of this test is to calculate the concentration of the serum samples to find out whether the levels of salicylic acid in these samples are toxic or not. Methods and Materials The materials that were used are 0.2mg/ml Salicylic acid, Ferric Nitrate solution, 0.039M HNO3, water and a sample of the womans serum. The equipment used was a spectrophotometer, a graduated pipette and cuvettes. To be able to find out the salicylic acid concentrations of the serum samples, six standard solutions had to be created first. Each standard solution was composed of a combination of H2O, salicylic acid, Ferric nitrate and HNO3 all totalling up to 2ml in each solution. The components of the solutions seen in table 1 were placed into test tubes using a graduated pipette. The solutions were then mixed thoroughly and left for 5 minutes. After five minutes a sample of each solution was placed into cuvettes using the pipette. The spectrophotometer was then set a 540nm.Using solution 1 as the blank; the spectrophotometer was then set to zero. Every other standard solution was then inserted into the spectrophotometer to obtain absorption measurements using the blank as a zero reference. Three 2ml samples of the womans serum were then created using a combination of the materials seen above. The components of the serum solutions were then placed into test tubes at the volumes shown in table 2. These samples were then mixed thoroughly and left for five minutes. After five minutes the samples were then placed into cuvettes, and then the spectrophotometer. The spectrophotometer was again set at 540nm and the serum blank used as the blank. The other two serum samples were then placed into the machine and the absorption results recorded. Results The measurements from the spectrophotometer where recorded and concentrations of Salicylic acid calculated for the standard solution. These concentrations then created a calibration curve to allow the serum sample concentrations to be discovered. The concentrations in table 3 where calculated using C1V1=C2V2. Where C1 is 0.02mg/ml, the original concentration of salicylic acid, V1 is the volume of salicylic acid, C2 is the unknown concentration and V2 is 1ml, the total volume of H2O and Salicylic acid. For example standard 3 has the concentration 0.06mg/ml. From looking at table 1 it is seen that C1 is 0.02mg/ml andV1 is 0.3ml. it is then known that C2 is unknown and V2 is 1ml. The equation is then rearranged to C2 = C1V1/ V2 to produce C2=0.02mg/ml x 0.3ml / 1ml = 0.06mg/ml. The concentration and absorption results are then put into a graph to create a calibration curve. Calibration curve The calibration curve shown in figure 1 was plotted from the results in table 3. This curve was then used to calculate the concentration of the serum solutions. Concentration and absorbance results for the three serum samples The results in table 4 where done as a duplicate to make the results more accurate and reliable but due to an error within the practical. An average was later calculated to correct the inaccuracy created by the error, but ideally the test should have been done with 3 samples. Discussion Using the results from table 4 and the calibration curve from figure one it can be determined if the results agree with the drivers story. The average serum sample had a salicylic acid concentration of 0.116mg/ml. In relation to the standard solutions this result is quite high therefore the results confirm she did in fact take aspirin. From this it cannot be fully determined if the level is toxic or not. Salicylic acid toxicity causes many bio-chemical that target no specific organ. An acute overdose would cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting and tinnitus. If the overdose was chronic there would be symptoms like confusion, fever, hypoxia, dehydration and metabolic acidosis. Other symptoms of toxicity are respiratory alkalosis, alkaline urine and headaches. Comparing the symptoms with the scenario some of the symptoms could explain the reasons for her erratic driving but there still could be other reasons. Serum levels of salicylic acid provide if the ingested amount was therapeutic, toxic or chronic toxicity. A therapeutic level is 15-30mg/ml and a toxic level is 40-50mg/ml. Any serum level above 60mg/ml is a chronic level. To compare the concentration of the serum to toxicity levels the serum concentration must be converted to mg/dl. For this it is need to be known that there are 100 millilitres in 1 decilitre, therefore 0.116mg/ml needs to be multiplied by one hundred. The serum level is then 11.6mg/dl; this level is not a toxic level but does confirm that aspirin was taken at a possible therapeutic level. This confirms that the woman was telling the truth about taking aspirin but does not confirm why her driving was erratic. Other test could also be done to test for salicylic acid, these as urine pH, a bedside ferric chloride test and arterial blood gases. Also high-performance liquid chromatography could be used but this requires time that would not be available in a serious toxicity. Salicylic acid has many related compounds, for example, benzoic acid, phenol, magnesium salicylate and aminosalicylic acid. Test for these could also be done to help determine the source. Conclusion In conclusion the results from the visible spectroscopy show that the woman did not have salicylic acid toxicity even though she did take aspirin. As her levels where not toxic there has to be another reason for her driving. To confirm this more test could be done like the urine pH and the arterial blood gasses. Also test on the related compounds could be carried out to confirm is she did take aspirin or if the levels in of salicylate in her blood are from elsewhere. The next thing to do would be to test for alcohol and other drugs both legal and illegal. Other drugs to test for could be things like cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, marijuana, methadone, tramadol and oxycodone. These could be testing for either through the blood, urine or hair.
Saturday, July 20, 2019
The Character of King Claudius in Shakespeares Hamlet :: GCSE English Literature Coursework
à à à à Delving into the character of King Claudius in Shakespeareââ¬â¢s tragedy, Hamlet, we find a character who is not totally evil but rather a blend of morally good and bad elements. Letââ¬â¢s explore the various dimensions of this many-sided character. Peter Leithart in ââ¬Å"The Serpent Now Wears the Crown: A Typological Reading of Hamlet,â⬠considers the gravity of the main sin of offense of Claudius: à Claudius's murder of King Hamlet, the act catalyzing the drama of the play, is presented as a sin of primordial character and cosmic implications. Claudius confesses that his fratricide parallels the murder of Abel: à O, my offense is rank, it smells to heaven; It hath the primal eldest curse upon 't, A brother's murder (3.3.36-38). à [. . .] Claudius has not only committed fratricide, but regicide. The king being peculiarly the image of God, regicide is a kind of deicide. At least, it is an act of rebellion against divine authority. Claudius is thus not only Cain but Adam.[7] Claudius's sin has, for Hamlet at least, turned Denmark into a fallen Eden; thorns and thistles dominate the landscape. (n. pag.) à The drama opens after Hamlet has just returned from Wittenberg, England, where he has been a student. What brought him home was the news of his fatherââ¬â¢s death and his fatherââ¬â¢s brotherââ¬â¢s quick accession to the throne of Denmark. Philip Burton in ââ¬Å"Hamletâ⬠discusses Claudiusââ¬â¢ sudden rise to the Danish throne upon the death of King Hamlet I: à The fact that Claudius has become king is not really surprising. Only late in the play does Hamlet complain that his uncle had "popped in between the election and my hopes." The country had been in a nervous state expecting an invasion by young Fortinbras, at the head of a lawless band of adventurers, in revenge for his fatherââ¬â¢s death at the hands of King Hamlet. A strong new king was immediately needed; the election of Claudius, particularly in the absence of Hamlet, was inevitable. What is more, it was immediately justified, because Claudius manages to dispel the threat of invasion by appealing to the King of Norway to curb his nephew, Fortinbras; the ambitious young soldier was the more ready to cancel the projected invasion because the object of his revenge, Hamletââ¬â¢s father, was now dead, and in return he received free passage through Denmark to fight against Poland. The Character of King Claudius in Shakespeare's Hamlet :: GCSE English Literature Coursework à à à à Delving into the character of King Claudius in Shakespeareââ¬â¢s tragedy, Hamlet, we find a character who is not totally evil but rather a blend of morally good and bad elements. Letââ¬â¢s explore the various dimensions of this many-sided character. Peter Leithart in ââ¬Å"The Serpent Now Wears the Crown: A Typological Reading of Hamlet,â⬠considers the gravity of the main sin of offense of Claudius: à Claudius's murder of King Hamlet, the act catalyzing the drama of the play, is presented as a sin of primordial character and cosmic implications. Claudius confesses that his fratricide parallels the murder of Abel: à O, my offense is rank, it smells to heaven; It hath the primal eldest curse upon 't, A brother's murder (3.3.36-38). à [. . .] Claudius has not only committed fratricide, but regicide. The king being peculiarly the image of God, regicide is a kind of deicide. At least, it is an act of rebellion against divine authority. Claudius is thus not only Cain but Adam.[7] Claudius's sin has, for Hamlet at least, turned Denmark into a fallen Eden; thorns and thistles dominate the landscape. (n. pag.) à The drama opens after Hamlet has just returned from Wittenberg, England, where he has been a student. What brought him home was the news of his fatherââ¬â¢s death and his fatherââ¬â¢s brotherââ¬â¢s quick accession to the throne of Denmark. Philip Burton in ââ¬Å"Hamletâ⬠discusses Claudiusââ¬â¢ sudden rise to the Danish throne upon the death of King Hamlet I: à The fact that Claudius has become king is not really surprising. Only late in the play does Hamlet complain that his uncle had "popped in between the election and my hopes." The country had been in a nervous state expecting an invasion by young Fortinbras, at the head of a lawless band of adventurers, in revenge for his fatherââ¬â¢s death at the hands of King Hamlet. A strong new king was immediately needed; the election of Claudius, particularly in the absence of Hamlet, was inevitable. What is more, it was immediately justified, because Claudius manages to dispel the threat of invasion by appealing to the King of Norway to curb his nephew, Fortinbras; the ambitious young soldier was the more ready to cancel the projected invasion because the object of his revenge, Hamletââ¬â¢s father, was now dead, and in return he received free passage through Denmark to fight against Poland.
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