Saturday, October 5, 2019
Pfizer Stock Analysis Paper Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Pfizer Stock Analysis Paper - Coursework Example At the same time, the real disposable income has shown a positive trend and indicates that the personal income of the US citizens is increasing but still it remains below the former level. With particular reference to the health care, the sector has received the boost as the average life span and median age of the US citizen and around the globe has improved. This has resulted due to the advancements in the pharmaceutical sector and indirectly impacted its revenue growth over the years. "A global depression has been averted. The world economy is recovering, and recovering better than we had previously thought likely1." The economy is expected to perform to better in the near future with a growth rate of 3.1% expected in the current year. The economists and investors around the globe have shown the optimism in their acts. However, the future still remains uncertain as most of the governments are running in huge deficits due to the fiscal stimulating programs. The governments have injected billions of dollars to revive the economy and to keep the business cycle in continuum (Schuman, 2010). The two giants of the US drug sector, Pfizer and Merck, beat the estimate of the financial analysts for the quarterly result. These companies were supported by reduced costs as a result of the recent merger activity. This will also boost their revenue activity in the coming years. (Pierson, 2010) Based on above information, Pfizer is the market leader in sales generation due to its sheer size, workforce and global operations. At the same time, it is not able to curtail its increasing expenses and has low efficiency. Pfizer contributes 17 cents to the final income for every $1 transaction as compared to Merck contributing 47 cents to the net income for every $1 transaction. As a result, it has a very low profit margin as compared to its rival. The lesser earnings as a
Friday, October 4, 2019
Strategic Choice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Strategic Choice - Essay Example Growth relates to each and every employee at the workplace. The development in the quality of existing employees’ skills and the quantity of skilled workers leads to overall organizational growth. The most precious asset that a company may cherish is its employees and it needs to be seriously concerned with all issues that may dissatisfy, frustrate or depress them. Without happy employees, no strategy is going to work and no progress will be seen in the long run. This paper discusses what alternative my organization (Human-Care.org) must consider to realize growth and what strategy or combination of generic and grand strategies it must implement in order to improve its organizational growth. Alternative Strategies Leading to Organizational Growth Human-Care.org pursues its organizational growth, growth stages and the directions in which the company is going in a variety of ways. Yet, it is undergoing some troubles regarding guiding itself and its labor through periods of growth. It is having problems with maintaining control over resources and workforce. There are many recommendations and alternatives that it needs to consider to chase the course of its growth at every stage. Some of these strategies are discussed below: 1. New Markets and Target Consumers ... 2. New Services The organization should also try to offer new services to the consumers apart from simply recording and filing their complaints. When it will expand its offers to the clients, it will automatically attract more clientele and build its repertoire in the market and among the competitors. Implementation of new products and services is recognized as a significant way leading to organizational growth. 3. Looking for External Financial Resources We are focusing significantly on increasing the finances because we know that the organization will need funds to support its expansion in terms of employees and resources. A productive way to increase this funding is to look for external financial resources which may be in the form of monitory support from investors, partnerships, banks, and other government and private companies that may want to acquire the organization and fund it. This funding will help the company in designing and implementing such generic and grand strategies that ensure its growth. Growth Strategies for my Organization A strategy means a plan that guides an organization through a process or from one state to another. A growth strategy is the plan that the organization uses to broaden the scope of its business by expanding its consumer group. The objective of such a strategy is to improve the organizational growth while balancing the resources at the same time. Although there are many kinds of growth strategies that firms use like merger, joint venture, acquisition, and strategic alliance, I would recommend that Human-Care.org must use the joint venture and strategic alliance strategies to enhance its organizational growth.
Thursday, October 3, 2019
Letters to a young Catholic Essay Example for Free
Letters to a young Catholic Essay The book â€Å"Letters to a Young Catholic†is an inquisition on the foundations of Catholic faith. It is a comprehensive introduction to Catholic theology as a different way of looking at things. Through these letters, George Weigel tackles the issue on what it really means to be a Catholic through insights about the religions roots and traditions, also touching on such areas as literature and music. Weigel gives a tour on some famous Catholic landmarks, taking into account people who have made significant contributions in shaping the authors beliefs. It is a testament to the belief in the doctrine of the Catholic Church that the author deems all-encompassing and universal. As the title implies, it was written for young Catholics; and whether they are want to reinforce their beliefs or are doubters who are looking for answers, this book is a relevant guide that teaches Catholicisms core beliefs, as well as the Catholic world view, in a refreshing manner. The discussion of Catholic world view is especially important as it gives an insight on how that world view differs from all other religious or secular perspectives (even that of Christianity). This odyssey consists of fourteen letters that the Weigel considers as integral to a young Catholics indoctrination and understanding of the Catholic perspective. It weaves all real and convincing Catholic teachings such as sacraments, discipleship, and the life of Christ in an interesting narrative. It starts off with the authors own childhood experiences in Baltimore, a predominantly Catholic community where he had come to acquire a understanding of the Catholic sacraments, doctrines, and parish life. He introduces the concept of Catholicism as a an essential aspect of living and viewing the world. He uses different settings to enlighten the reader about the the beliefs that form the cornerstone of the Catholic faith. The first of which is a depiction of the Scavi in St. Peters Basilica which houses the bones of St. Peter. Here, Weigel lays down the idea of the reality of the foundation of the Catholic Church. He tells the readers that the Bible is not merely a story, but a historical account about real places and people. The next chapter deals with a story about the early experiences of Pope John Paul II during the Nazi occupation. It show shows how the young Pope had undergone his ministry training living in secret in underground catacomb. The Popes vocational plight was also featured in the letter on â€Å"How Vocations Can Change History. †In the letter about â€Å"Mary and Discipleship†, the author tackles commitment issues among the young in the light of Marys own struggles. He also cited The Olde Cheshire Cheese, a pub where Christian thinkers such as G. K. Chester, and the Christian politician Hilaire Belloc frequented. The chapter also discussed how those people lived in a world full of anti-Catholic sentiments. In another letter that highlights St. Marys Catholic Church in Greenville, Weigel delves into the story of Father Jay Scott Newman. It teaches how and why prayer is important to the development of a community. In chapter twelve, his depiction of Chartres Cathedral in France evokes thought about the role of the human beauty for beauty in its magnificent construction. In other chapters, he presents new ways of understanding the Catholic world view with a journey through the Catholic landmarks such as the Oratory in Birmingham, Castle Howard in Yorkshire, the Sistine Chapel and North American College Mausoleum in Rome, the Old Cathedral in Baltimore, and the Basilica of the Holy Trinity in Krakow. Weigel also talks about the stories of other important Christian figures such as Jerzy Popieuszko, Edith Stein, Mother Teresa, Cardinal John Henry Newman, Flannery O Connor, Fra Angelico, and even Michaelangelo, who have been exemplary in living according to Jesuss path.
Biological Effects Of Radiation
Biological Effects Of Radiation Radiation describes a process in which energetic particles or waves travel through a medium or space. There are two distinct types of radiation; ionizing and non-ionizing. The word radiation is commonly used in reference to ionizing radiation only having sufficient energy to ionize an atom but it may also refer to non-ionizing radiation example like radio waves or visible light. The energy radiates travels outward in straight lines in all directions from its source. This geometry naturally leads to a system of measurement and physical that is equally applicable to all types of radiation. Both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation can be harmful to organisms and can result in changes to the natural environment. Radiation with sufficiently high energy can ionize atoms. Most often, this occurs when an electron is stripped from an electron shell, which leaves the atom with a net positive charge. Because cells are made of atoms, this ionization can result in cancer. An individual cell is made of trillions of atoms. The probability of ionizing radiation causing cancer is dependent upon the dose rate of the radiation and the sensitivity of the organism being irradiated. Alpha particles, Beta particles, Gamma and X-Ray radiation, and Neutrons may all be accelerated to a high enough energy to ionize atoms. Radiation includes alpha particle, beta particle, and gamma particle. Alpha particle: In alpha particle, the spontaneous process of emission of an alpha particle from a radioactive nucleus. Alpha particle is generally termed as alpha decay. An alpha particle is emitted by a heavy nucleus. The nucleus, called parent nucleus has a very large internal energy and is unstable. An alpha particle is a helium nucleus having two protons and two neutrons. When two electrons orbiting around the nucleus of helium atom are knocked out completely, we have doubly ionized helium atom known as alpha particle. Beta particle: a beta-particle is a fast moving electron. The spontaneous process of emission of beta-particle from a radioactive nucleus is called beta decay. Beta decay is of three types: beta-minus, beta-plus, and electron capture. Beta-minus: beta-minus is like an electron. It is surprising that nucleus contains no electron, then a nucleus can emit electron. In the neutron inside the nucleus is converted in to a proton and an electron like particle. This electron like particle is emitted by the nucleus during beta-decay. In beta-minus decay, neutron in the nucleus is converted in to a proton and a beta-minus particle is emitted so that the ratio of neutron to proton decreases and hence the nucleus becomes stable. Beta-plus: In a beta-plus decay, a proton is converted in to a neutron and a positron is emitted if a nucleus has more protons than neutrons. Electron capture: In electron capture, nucleus absorbs one of the inner electrons revolving around it and hence a nuclear proton becomes a neutron and a neutrino is emitted. Electron capture is comparable with a positron emission as the processes lead to the same nuclear transformation. However, in electron capture occurs more frequently than positron emission in heavy elements. This is because the orbits of electrons in heavy elements have same radii and hence orbital electrons are very close to the nucleus. Gamma ray: Gamma rays are the high energy packets of electromagnetic radiation. Gamma radiations have high energy photons. They do not have any charge and their relative rest mass is zero. Gamma-decay it is the spontaneous process of emission of high energy photon from a radioactive nucleus. When a radioactive nucleus emits a beta particle, the daughter nucleus is excited to the higher energy state. This excited nucleus rays are emitted by the daughter nucleus so it is clear that the emission of gamma rays follows the emission of alpha or beta particle. Non ionizing radiation: Non-ionizing forms of radiation on living tissue have only recently been studied. Instead of producing charged ions when passing through matter, the electromagnetic radiation has sufficient energy to change only the rotational, vibration or electronic valence configurations of molecules and atoms. Nevertheless, different biological effects are observed for different types of non-ionizing radiation Radio waves: Radio waves whose wavelengths range from than 10^4m to 0.1m, are the result of charges accelerating through conducting wires. They are generated by such electronic devices as LC oscillators are used in radio and television communication system. Infrared rays: Infrared radiations have wavelength ranging from approximately 0.3m to 10^ -4m and also generated by the electronic devices. The infrared radiation energy absorbed by a substance as internal energy because the energy agitates the objects atoms, increasing their vibration or translational motion, which results temperature increases. Infrared radiation has practical and scientific application in many areas, including physical therapy, infrared radiation photography, and vibration spectroscopy. Ultraviolet radiation: Ultraviolet radiation cover wavelength ranging from approximately 4X10^4m to 6X10^-10m. The sun is an important source of ultraviolet radiation light, which is the main cause of sunburn. Sunscreen locations are transparent to visible light but greater percentage of UV light absorbed. Ultraviolet rays have also been implicated I the formation of cataracts. Most of the UV light from the sun is absorbed by ozone molecules in the earth upper atmosphere, in a layer called stratosphere. This ozone shield converts lethal high energy ultraviolet radiation to infrared radiation, which in turns warm the stratosphere. X-rays: X-rays have the range from approximately10^-8 to 10^-12m. The most common source of x-rays is stopping of high energy electrons upon the bombarding a metal target. X-rays are used as diagnostics tool in medicine and as the treatment for certain forms of cancer. Because x-rays can damage or destroy living tissue and organism, care must be taken avoid necessary exposure or over-exposure. X-rays are also used in the study of crystal structure because x-rays wavelengths are comparable to the atomic separation distance in solids. Electromagnetic radiation: The wave nature of electromagnetic radiation explains various phenomena like interference, diffraction and polarization. However, wave nature of electromagnetic radiation, could explain phenomena like photoelectric effect, Compton Effect. The cathode rays consist of negative charged particles called electrons which are the constituent of an atom and hence the constituent of matter. According to the concept of radiation example light waves radio waves, X-rays, microwaves etc. are assumed to carry energy in packets or bundles known as photons or quanta.  Biological effect of radiation: In biological effect of radiation, there are many dangerous effects of our health and body. Biological effects of radiation are typically can be divided into two categories. The first category consist of exposure to high doses of radiation over shots period of time producing acute or short term effects. The second category represents exposure to low doses of radiation over an extended period of time producing chronic or long term effects. High dose (acute): high doses tend to kill cells, while low doses tend to damage or change them. High doses can kill so many cells that tissues and organs are damaged. This is turn may cause a rapid whole body response often called the acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Low doses (chronic): low doses spread out over long periods of time dont cause an immediate problem to any body organ. The effects of low doses of radiation occur at the level of the cell, and the results may not be observed for many years.       Although we tend to associate high doses of radiation with catastrophic events such as nuclear weapons explosions, there have been documented cases of individuals dying from exposures to high doses of radiation resulting from tragic events. High effects of radiation: high effects of radiation are skin burns, hair loss, sterility, cataracts. Effects of skin include (reddening like sunburn), dry (peeling), and moist (blistering). Skin effects are more likely to occur with exposure to low energy gamma, x-ray, or beta radiation. Most of the energy of the radiation deposit in the skin surface. The dose required for erythematic to occur is relatively high, in excess of 300 radiations. Blistering requires a dose in excess of 1,200 radiations. Hair loss, also called epilation, is similar to skin effects and can occur after acute doses of about 500 radiations. Sterility can be temporary or permanent in males, depending upon the doses. To produce permanent sterility, a dose in excess of 400 radiations is required to the reproductive organs. Cataracts (a clouding of the lens of the eye) appear to have a threshold about 200 radiations. Neutrons are especially effective in producing cataracts, because the eye has high water content, which is particularly effective in stopping neutrons. High dose effects: Dose (radiation)                                                   effect observed 15-25                                                                    blood count changes. 50                                                              blood count change in individual. 100                                                             Vomiting (threshold). 150                                                                Death (threshold). Categories of effects of exposure to low doses of radiation: There are three general categories of effects resulting from exposure to low doses of radiation. These are: Genetic: the effect is suffered by the offspring of the individual exposed. Somatic: the effect is primarily suffered by the individual exposed. Since cancer is the primary result, it is sometimes called the carcinogenic effect. In-utero: some mistakenly consider this to be a genetic consequence of radiation exposure, because the effect, suffered by a developing is after birth. However, this is actually a special case of the somatic effect, since the embryo is the one to the radiation. Radiation risk: the approximate risks for the three principal effects to level of radiation are: In genetic effect, risk from 1 rem of radiation exposure to the reproductive organs approximately 50 to 1,000 times less than spontaneous risk for various anomalies. In somatic effect, for radiation induced cancer, the risk estimate is developing any type of cancer. However not all cancers are associated with exposure to radiation. The risk from dying from radiation induced cancer is about one half the risk of getting the cancer. In utero: Spontaneous risks of fetal abnormalities are about 5 to 30 times greater than risk of exposure to 1 rem radiation. However, the risk of child hood cancer from exposure in utero is about the same as the risk to adults exposed to radiation exposures. Linear no-threshold risk model: general consensus among experts is that some radiation dose by a linear, no threshold model. This model is accepted by the NRC since it appears to be most conservative. Linear: an increase in dose adults in a proportional increase in risk. No-threshold: any dose, no matter how small, produces some risk. The risk does not start at 0 because there is some risk of cancer, even with no occupational exposure. Exposure to radiation is guarantee of harm. However, because of the linear, no-threshold model, more exposure means more risk, and there is no dose of radiation so small that it will not have some effect. EFFECTS OF RADIATION ON CELLS Ionizing radiation absorbed by human tissue has enough energy to remove electrons from the atoms that make up molecules of the tissue. When the electron that was shared by the two atoms to form a molecular bond is dislodged by ionizing radiation, the bond is broken and thus, the molecule falls apart. This is a basic model for understanding radiation damage. When ionizing radiation interacts with cells, it may or may not strike a critical part of the cell. We consider the chromosomes to be the most critical part of the cell since they contain the genetic information and instructions required for the cell to perform its function and to make copies of it for reproduction purposes. Also, there are very effective repair mechanisms at work constantly which repair cellular damage including chromosome damage. Uses of radiation: Nuclear physics application are extremely widespread in manufacturing, medicine in biology, we present a few of these application and underlying theories supporting them. Tracing: Radioactive tracers are used to track chemicals participating in various reactions. One of the most valuable uses of radioactive tracers in medicine. For example, iodine, a nutrient needed by the human body, is obtained largely through intake of iodized salt and sea food. Radiation therapy: Radiation causes much damage to rapidly dividing cells. Therefore, it is useful in cancer treatment because tumor cells divide extremely rapidly. Several mechanisms can be used to deliver radiation to a tumor. In some cases, a narrow beam of x-ray or radiation from a source such as 60co is used. In other situation, thin radioactive needles called seeds are implanted in the cancerous tissue. The radioactive isotope 131I is used to treat cancer of the thyroid. Black body radiation: An object at any temperature emits electromagnetic waves in the form of thermal radiation from its surface. The characteristics of this radiation depend on the temperature and properties of the objects surface. Thermal radiation originates from accelerated charged particles in the atoms near the surface of the object; those charged particles emit radiation much as small antennas do. The thermally radiation agitated particles can have a distribution of energies, which accounts for the continuous spectrum of radiation emitted by the object. The basic problem was in understanding the observed distribution of wavelengths in the radiation emitted by a black body. A black body is an ideal system that absorbs all radiation incidents on it. The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the black body is called blackbody radiation. Radiation damage: Radiation damage means that electromagnetic is all around in the form of radio waves, microwaves, light waves so on. The degree and type of damage depend on several factors, including the type and energy of the radiation and properties of the matter. Radiation damage in biological organism is primarily due to ionization effects in cells. A cells normal operation may be disrupted when highly reactive ions are formed as the result of ionizing radiation. Large those of radiation are especially dangerous because damage to a great number of molecules in a cell may cause to die. In biological systems, it is common to separate radiation damage in two categories: somatic damage and genetic damage. Somatic damage is that associated with any body cell except the reproductive cells. Somatic damage can lead to cancer or can seriously alter the characteristics of specific organism. Genetic damage affects only reproductive cells. Damage to the genes in reproductive cells can lead to defective cells. It is important to be the aware of the effect of diagnostics treatments, such as X-rays and other forms of radiation exposure, and to balance the significant benefits of treatment with the damaging effects. Damage caused by the radiation also depends on the radiations penetrating power. Alpha particles cause extensive damage, but penetrate only to shallow depth in a material due to strength interaction with other charged particles. Neutrons do not interact via the electric force and hence penetrate deeper, causing significant damage. Gamma rays are high energy photons that can cause serve damage, but often pass through matter without interactions. For example- a given dose of alpha particle causes about ten times more biological damage produced by radiation than equal dose of x-rays. The RBE (relative biological effectiveness) factor for a given type of radiation is the number of rads of x-radiation or gamma radiation that produces the same biological damage as 1-rad of the radiation is being used. Radiation detectors: Particles passing through matter interact with the matter in several ways. The particles can, for example- ionize atoms, scatter from atoms, or be absorbed by atoms. Radiation detectors exploit these interactions to allow a measurement of the particles energy, momentum, or change and sometimes the very existence of the particle if it is otherwise difficult to detect. Various devices have been developed for detecting radiation. These devices are used for a variety of purposes, including medical diagnoses, radioactive dating measurement, measuring back ground radiation, and measuring the mass, energy, and momentum of particles is created in high-energy nuclear reaction. EFFECT OF RADIATION ON HUMANS A very small amount of ionizing radiation could trigger cancer in the long term even though it may take decades for the cancer to appear. Ionizing radiation (x-rays, radon gas, radioactive material) can cause leukemia and thyroid cancer. There is no doubt that radiation can cause cancer, but there still is a question of what level of radiation it takes to cause cancer. Rapidly dividing cells are more susceptible to radiation damage. Examples of radiosensitive cells are blood forming cells (bone marrow), intestinal lining, hair follicles and fetuses. Hence, these develop cancer first. If a person is exposed to radiation, especially high dose, there are predictable changes in our body that can be measured. The number of blood cells, the frequency of chromosome aberrations in the blood cells and the amount of radioactive material in urine, are examples of biomarkers that can indicate if one is exposured high dose. If you do not have early biological changes indicated by these measurements the radiation exposure will not pose an immediate threat to you. Radiation poisoning Radiation poisoning, radiation sickness or a creeping dose, is a form of damage to organ tissue caused by excessive exposure to ionizing radiation. The term is generally used to refer to acute problems caused by a large dosage of radiation in a short period, though this also has occurred with long term exposure. The clinical name for radiation sickness is acute radiation syndrome as described by the CDC A chronic radiation syndrome does exist but is very uncommon; this has been observed among workers in early radium source production sites and in the early days of the Soviet nuclear program. A short exposure can result in acute radiation syndrome; chronic radiation syndrome requires a prolonged high level of exposure. Radiation exposure can also increase the probability of developing some other diseases, mainly cancer tumors, and genetic damage. These are referred to as the stochastic effects of radiation, and are not included in the term radiation. Radiation Exposure Radiation is energy that travels in the form of waves or high-speed particles. It occurs naturally in sunlight and sound waves. Man-made radiation is used in X-rays nuclear weapons, nuclear power plants and cancer treatment. If you are exposed to small amounts of radiation over a long time, it raises your risk of cancer. It can also cause mutations in your genes, which you could pass on to any children you have after the exposure. A lot of radiation over a short period, such as from a radiation emergency can cause burns or radiation sickness. Symptoms of radiation sickness include nausea, weakness, hair loss, skin burns and reduced organ function. If the exposure is large enough, it can cause premature aging or even death.
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
The Negative Effects of Power Rangers on Children Essay -- Media Viole
The Negative Effects of Power Rangers on Children "Master Sword†¦.. show your power." When Ranger Mike encounters trouble, he calls on his power source for a transformation. He is then empowered with sword in hand ready to fight the giant dinosaur from a distant planet (Haim, 1999). The show continues entertaining children with many more similar scenes of fighting. Children of all ages are attracted Power Rangers' television programs, movies, and toys. Because of the amount of violence, Power Rangers has raised concerns for parents and professionals. Power Rangers are a group of teenagers who discover their call to save the world from injustice. When they need to fight they simply call upon their power, transform into a superhero then fight. They will fight by using karate chops and fancy moves of martial artsâ€â€flying and jumping through the air. Other than their karate moves, they are powerless unless they transform into their outfitsâ€â€each uniform a different color. It is only by their super power god that they can access their powerful swords, and fight the enemy. After every act is won, they of course are unharmed, they transform back into their normal human beings and life goes on (Haim, 1999). Some consider Power Rangers as harmless simply because it is a child's program and just a show. Contrary to this, evidence shows that it does harm children in more than one way. Children are not able to perceive it as fantasy, but rather real because of the real-live people and scenery. Whether the children perceive it as real or not, children are influenced heavily by the show resulting in aggressive behavior. Parents, teachers, and the Christian community notice the increased aggression and are concerned ... ... National Association for the Education of Young Children. --------- and Paige, N.C. (1996). Disempowering The ‘Power Rangers’. Education Digest 61 (9) 17-21. Retrieved October 25, 2001 from MasterFILE Premier database. Marks, A. (1998). What Children See and Do: Studies of violence on TV. Christian Science Monitor 90 (99) 3. Retrieved October 26, 2001 from MAS Ultra School Edition. Stanley, T.L. (2001). Power Rangers Still Have a Kick. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 25, 2001, from Newspaper database. Teachers are beginning to fight back against Mighty Morphin Power Pupils. (1995). Curriculum Review 34 (6) 11, Retrieved October 25, 2001 from MasterFILE premier database. White, D. (1999 June). â€Å"Violence is not Child’s Play: Parents fight an uphill battle in teaching non-violence to their children. Christian Social Action 12, 30-32.
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Social Institutions of the World State within Brave New World :: essays research papers
„ « Family In the totalitarian society of Brave New World, the development of human beings is completely controlled by the World State. Each person is raised in a hatchery, where the government controls every stage of their development until maturity, a process that takes Two-hundred and sixty-seven days. The embryos ¡Ã‚ ¦ DNA is controlled chemically to stimulate or to retard their physical and mental growth to create a biological class structure. The human ¡Ã‚ ¦s placement into a certain class, such as Alpha, Beta, etc., depends on their level of physical and mental  ¡Ã‚ §perfection. ¡Ã‚ ¨ The very notion of human reproduction without genetic purity (regular human birth) is viewed as dirty and illegal. The hatcheries, including the use of hypnopaedia to teach and build  ¡Ã‚ §values, ¡Ã‚ ¨ have done away with the traditional nuclear family. The strict biological class structure, which influences the behavior and intellect of the humans within those classes, and psychological messages that are broadcast continually, replace the same process done by the parents of children of centuries past with a system of development that is faster and more efficient. Hypnopaedia also instills the people of the state with the knowledge of the different classes in the world and why it is best to be in the class you are in, guaranteeing that the masses comply with the situation they are placed in. Thinking as a whole class, rather than as individuals, eliminates overachieving and striving to better their lives so the State can better control the populace. Because of the birthing system and views towards biological reproduction, marriage is not practiced. Since everyone  ¡Ã‚ §belongs ¡Ã‚ ¨ to everyone else within a class, sexual coupling is encouraged without fear of commitment to any one individual, and it even helps the society prosper according to the World State. „ « Education The entire educational process is provided by the World State during the period where human beings are developing within the hatcheries. This is mostly performed through Hypnopaedia,  ¡Ã‚ §sleep-learning. ¡Ã‚ ¨ By repeating phrases over and over while the children sleep, the State can condition each person to accept his role in the world around him and to behave in what is deemed as "safe." Other forms of education include sessions that are much like behavioral training of laboratory animals. For example, the dislike of roses and books is enforced through electric shock while they are still babies. Even sexual promiscuity is regular education for humans as soon as they reach puberty.
Stefan’s Diaries: The Craving Chapter 3
No sooner had I left the park when a hansom cab flew around the corner, followed by a policeman on horseback. I fell back into the shadows, for one breathless moment overwhelmed by the clamor. I had thought New Orleans was big – and compared to Mystic Falls, it was. Buildings, businesses, and boats were crowded into a small, frenetic area by the Mississippi River. But it was nothing compared to Manhattan, where alabaster buildings rose high in the sky and people from Italy, Ireland, Russia, Germany – even China and Japan – walked the streets, selling their goods. Even at night, New York City pulsated with life. Fifth Avenue was lit by a row of happy, hissing gas lanterns that gave a warm, rich glow to the cobbled street. A giggling couple bent close together, wrapping their coats more tightly around themselves as the wind whistled past. A newsboy shouted out headlines about factories on fire and corruption in city hall. Hearts beat in a frenetic cacophony, thumping and racing. The trash, the perfumes, and even just the simple smell of clean, soapy skin clung to the streets like ropy vines of kudzu back home. After I regained my calm, I ran into the closest shadows beyond the light cast by gas lamps, the girl heavy in my arms. There was a doorman at a residency hotel up the block. As soon as he unfolded a newspaper, I staggered past him as fast as I could with my burden. Of course, if I had been at the peak of my Power, if I had been feeding on humans this whole time, it would have been nothing to compel the doorman to forget he saw anything. Better yet, I could have run straight to Seventy-third Street and been no more than a blur to the human eye. At Sixty-eighth Street, I hid beneath a damp bush as a drunk stumbled toward us. In the close confines of the branches, there was nothing to distract me from the sweet scent of the girl's blood. I tried not to inhale, cursing the desire that made me yearn to rip her throat out. When the drunk passed, I dashed north to Sixty-ninth Street, praying no one would see me and stop to question me about the unconscious girl in my arms. But in my haste, I kicked a stone, sending it clattering louder than a gunshot down the cobbled street. The drunk whirled around. â€Å"Hulloo?†he slurred. I pressed myself against the limestone wall of a mansion, saying a silent prayer that he would continue on his way. The man hesitated, peering around with bleary eyes, then collapsed on to the pavement with an audible snore. The girl let out another moan and shifted in my arms. It wouldn't be long before she woke and realized – with a loud scream, no doubt – that she was in the arms of a strange man. Steeling myself, I counted to ten. Then as if all the demons in hell were after me, I broke out into an uneven sprint, not even bothering to try to hold my charge gently. Sixty-ninth Street, Seventieth . . . A stray drop of the girl's blood spattered my cheek. A footstep echoed behind me. A horse whinnied in the distance. Soon we were at Seventy-second Street. Just one more block and we would be there. I would drop her off at her doorstep and sprint back to the – But One East Seventy-third Street made me pause. The house I grew up in was enormous, built by my father with the money he had made after coming to this country from Italy. Veritas Estate had three floors, a wide, sunny porch that wrapped around the entire structure, and narrow columns that stretched high to the second story. It was equipped with every luxurious feature available during the Northern Blockade. But this house – or mansion, rather – was enormous. A chateau made out of bone-white limestone, it took up nearly the entire block. Close-set windows lined every floor like watchful eyes. Wrought iron balconies, not unlike the ones that adorned Callie's house in New Orleans, hung at each level, dry brown vines clinging to the metal curlicues. There were even pointed, European-style pinnacles that boasted carved gargoyles. How fitting that the house I had to approach was guarded by monsters. I walked up to the giant front door, which was carved from dark wood. Depositing the girl gently on the stoop, I lifted the brass latch and knocked three times. I was about to turn on my heel to return to the park when the massive door flew open, as if it were no heavier than a garden gate. A servant stood at attention. He was tall and rail-thin, and he wore a simple black suit. We looked at each other for a moment, then at the girl on the stoop. â€Å"Sir . . .†the butler called to an unseen figure behind him, his voice surprisingly calm. â€Å"It's Miss Sutherland . . .†There were cries and shufflings. Almost immediately the entryway was crowded by far too many people, all of whom looked concerned. â€Å"I found her in the park,†I started. I got no further. Petticoats and heavy silk rustled as what seemed like half a dozen screaming women, servants, and men rushed out, fluttering around the girl like a flock of panicked geese. The smell of human blood was thick, making me light-headed. A richly dressed older woman – the mother, I assumed – immediately put a hand to her daughter's neck to feel for a heartbeat. â€Å"Henry! Get Bridget inside!†she ordered. The butler gently scooped her up, unflinching when the blood began to soak into his cream waistcoat. A housekeeper followed, taking orders from the still-bellowing mother, who waved maids on their various tasks. â€Å"Winfield, send the boy to fetch a doctor! Have Gerta draw a hot bath. Get the cook to prepare a cosset and some herbed spirits! Remove her bodice immediately and unlace her corset – Sarah, go to the trunk of old linens and cut us some bandages. Lydia, send for Margaret.†The crowd filtered back through the door, one by one, except for a young boy in knickers and a cap who went dashing off, his shoes hitting the street with sharp taps as he ran into the night. It was like the house, having spewed forth a few moments of life and family and vitality, now sucked its occupants back inside to its warmth and protection. Even if I had wished to, I would have been unable to follow after them. Humans must invite their doom in – whether they are aware of it or not. Without an invitation inside we vampires cannot enter any home, exiled from the warm hearths and friendly companionship that houses promise, left out in the night to simply watch. I turned to go, already having stayed far longer than I had intended. â€Å"Hold there, young man.†The voice was so confident, deep, and stentorian that I was pulled back as if compelled by some Power. Standing in the doorway was a figure I surmised to be the man of the house and father of the girl I had saved. He was happily fat, with the kind of girth that causes a man to stand back on his heels. He wore expensive clothes made from wool and tweed, well tailored but in casual patterns. Comfortable summed up his entire demeanor, from his ginger muttonchops to his sparkling black eyes to the half-smile that pulled at the left side of his mouth. It seemed he had worked hard for a large portion of his life; calloused hands and a redness about his neck attested to the fact that he hadn't inherited his wealth. For a moment the thought flashed through my head: How easy it would be to lure him out here. One more step . . . His corpulent body would provide me with enough blood to sate my hunger for days. I felt my jaw ache with the desire that would coax my fangs out, that would bring this man his death. But despite the many temptations I'd faced tonight, I had left that life behind me. â€Å"I was just leaving, sir. I'm glad your daughter is safe,†I said, taking a step backward toward the shadows. The man put a meaty hand on my arm, stopping me. His eyes narrowed, and though I could have killed him in an instant, I was surprised at a sudden nervous fluttering in my stomach. â€Å"What's your name, son?†â€Å"Stefan,†I answered. â€Å"Stefan Salvatore.†I realized immediately that telling him my real name like that was stupid, given the mess I had made of things in New Orleans and Mystic Falls. â€Å"Stefan,†he repeated, looking me up and down. â€Å"Not going to press for a reward?†I tugged on my shirt cuffs, embarrassed at my disheveled appearance. My black pants, with my journal tucked into the back pocket, were frayed. My shirt was pulled out and hanging in loose folds around my suspenders. No hat, no tie, no waistcoat, and above all that, I was dirty and smelled faintly of the outdoors. â€Å"No, sir. Just glad to help,†I murmured. The man was silent, as if he were having trouble processing my words. I wondered if the shock of seeing his daughter, bloodied and frail, had put him in something of a fog. Then he shook his head. â€Å"Nonsense!†He clasped my right shoulder. â€Å"I would give anything to keep my youngest safe. Come inside. I insist! Share a cigar and let me toast your rescue of my baby girl.†He tugged me into the house, as though I were a stubborn dog on a leash. I started to protest, but fell silent the moment I stepped into the grand foyer. The dark wainscoting was cherry wood. The stained glass windows that were meant to illuminate the doorway during the day sparkled even at night, their colors jewel-like under the gaslight. A giant, formal stairway climbed to the next floor, the balustrade looking as though it had been carved from whole trunks. In my human life, I'd wished to be a scholar of architecture, and I could have gladly studied this home for hours. But before I could fully appreciate the entryway, the man herded me through a hall and into a cozy parlor. A roaring orange fire commanded attention on the far wall. High-backed chairs with silk cushions were scattered around the room and the walls were papered in pine green. A snooker set was discreetly placed behind a couch, and cabinets of books, globes, and assorted curiosities framed high casement windows. My father, a collector of books and fine objects, would have loved this room, and my chest tightened at the realization that I would surpass my own father in life experience. â€Å"Cigar?†he offered, pulling out a box. â€Å"No thank you, sir,†I said. The cigars were the finest quality, made from my home state's tobacco. At one time, I would have been more than happy to accept. But even the sound of a bird's beak scraping against bark almost overwhelmed my heightened senses; the thought of sucking in clouds of black smoke was unbearable. â€Å"Hmmm. Doesn't partake.†He raised a craggy eyebrow doubtfully. â€Å"You'll not bow out on some spirits, I hope?†â€Å"No, sir. Thank you, sir.†The proper words came out of my mouth even as I paced back and forth. â€Å"That's my boy.†He prepared my drink, an apricot-colored liquid poured out of a cut crystal decanter. â€Å"So you found my daughter in the park,†he said, offering me the brandy. I couldn't help holding the sparkling glass up to the light. It would have been beautiful even without my vampire senses, scattering every stray beam like iridescent dragonflies. I nodded at my host and took a small sip, sitting down when he motioned to a leather chair. The warm, sweet spirits poured over my tongue, both comforting me and making me feel strangely uneasy at the same time. I had gone from living in a park to sipping fine liqueur in a mansion with a very wealthy man in the course of one short night. And at the same time that I longed to sprint back into the darkness – the loneliness that pervaded my very being begged me to linger. I had not spoken to anyone in two weeks, but here I was, invited into a veritable palace of human activity. I could sense at least a dozen servants and family members in the few rooms nearby, their heady scent indistinguishable to all but myself, and the two dogs I knew were in the kitchen. My benefactor regarded me strangely, and I made myself pay attention. â€Å"Yes, sir. I found her in a clearing by the remains of the old Seneca Village.†â€Å"What were you doing in the park so late at night?†he asked, fixing me with his eyes. â€Å"Walking,†I said evenly. I braced myself for what would come next, the uncomfortable series of questions that would assess my station in life, though my ripped clothes surely gave some indication. If I were him, I would have pressed a few dollars into my hand and sped me out the door. After all, New York was not short on predators, and though he couldn't know it, probably could not even imagine it, I was the worst sort. But his next words surprised me. â€Å"Down on your luck, son?†he asked, his expression softening. â€Å"What was it – tossed out of your father's house? A scandal? Duel? Caught on the wrong side of the war?†My mouth gaped open. How did he know I wasn't just some vagrant? He seemed to guess my thought. â€Å"Your shoes, son, show that you are obviously a gentleman, regardless of your current, eh, circumstances,†he said, eyeing them. I looked at them myself – scuffed and dirty, I hadn't shined them since Louisiana. â€Å"The cut is Italian and the leather is fine. I know my leather.†He tapped his own shoe, which looked to be made from crocodile. â€Å"It's how I got my start. I'm Winfield T. Sutherland, owner of Sutherland's Mercantile. Some of my neighbors made their money from oil or railroads, but I made my fortune honestly – by selling people what they needed.†The door to the study opened and a young woman I'd seen downstairs came in. She was composed and graceful, with a step that was both regal and efficient. Her cap was simple – almost like a servant's – but it accentuated her refined features. She was a rarefied version of the girl I had found in the park. Her hair was a more subtle golden shade, and her curls fell naturally in soft ringlets. Her eyelashes were as thick but longer, framing blue eyes with just a touch of gray in them. Her cheekbones were a trifle higher and her expressions more subdued. My human appreciation of her beauty fought with my vampire's cold appraisal of her body: healthy and young. â€Å"The doctor has just arrived, but Mama thinks she will be fine,†the girl said calmly. â€Å"The wound is not as deep as it first seemed, and appears to be mending itself already. It is by all accounts a miracle.†I shifted in my chair, knowing that I had been the reluctant source of that â€Å"miracle.†â€Å"My daughter Lydia,†Winfield introduced. â€Å"The most queenly of my three graces. That was Bridget whom you found. She's a bit . . . ah . . . tempestuous.†â€Å"She ran off by herself from a ball,†Lydia said through a forced smile. â€Å"I think you might be looking for a slightly stronger word than ‘tempestuous,' Papa.†I liked Lydia immediately. She had none of the joie de vivre that Callie had, but she possessed an intelligence and sense of humor that became her. I even liked her father, despite his huff and bluster. In a way, this reminded me of my own home, of my own family, back when I had one. â€Å"You have done us a great service, Stefan,†Winfield said. â€Å"And forgive me if I'm speaking out of turn, but I suspect that you don't have a proper home to return to. Why don't you stay the night here? It is too late for you to go anywhere, and you must be exhausted.†I held up my hands. â€Å"No, I couldn't.†â€Å"Surely you must,†Lydia said. â€Å"I . . .†Say no. The image of Callie's green eyes rose before me, and I thought of my vow to live apart from humans. But the comforts of this beautiful house reminded me so much of the human life I'd left behind in Mystic Falls, I found it difficult to do what I knew I should. â€Å"I insist, boy.†Winfield put a meaty hand on my shoulder, forcing me out of the room. â€Å"It's the least we can offer as a thank-you. A good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast.†â€Å"That's very kind, but . . .†â€Å"Please,†Lydia said, a little smile on her face. â€Å"We are ever so grateful.†â€Å"I should really – â€Å" â€Å"Excellent!†Winfield clapped. â€Å"It's settled. We'll even have your clothes cleaned and pressed.†Like a horse being steered through a series of groomers before a race, the Sutherlands' housekeeper ushered me up several flights of steps to a back wing of the house that overlooked an east-facing alleyway. Instead of my usual hollow in the rocks by the stolen gravestones, I would sleep on a giant four-poster feather bed in a room with a roaring fire, in a house of humans that welcomed me happily and quickly as one of their own. The vampire in me remained hungry and nervous. But that didn't prevent the human in me from savoring a taste of the life I had lost.
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