A Brief Outline Of The History Of Zagig Yragerne †Gaming

A Brief Outline Of The History Of Zagig Yragerne – Gaming Free Online Research Papers A Brief Outline Of The History Of Zagig Yragerne Gaming Preface: The article is a brief historical/ contemplative piece on Zagig Yragerne and his rise to being the demigod, Zagyg. It has recently, been edited to a cleaner format and has had some new material added from the existing canon that developed since its creation. CY 295 Zagig Yragerne is born in the City of Greyhawk to the Landgraf of the Selintan (Zador Yragerne, great, great grandson of Ganz Yragerne?) and the Gynarch of Hardby (Marlana Trieste?) At this time, the city of Greyhawk is the capital (in reality more like a large town) of a land extending south from the Nyr Dyv to the Whoolly Bay. The Cairn Hills and the Mist Marshes are unclaimed wilderness, as is most of the Gnarley Forest. The true regional center of power and culture is the great City of Dyvers, capital of the newly founded Kingdom of Furyondy (CY 254.) *Most of my decision to post the birthdate of Zagig as CY 295 was based on the following: WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins, which firmly establishes the date on which the construction of Castle Greyhawk begins as CY 320 (WGR1, p.3) It goes on to note that Castle Greyhawk was occupied for less than a century (WGR1, p.2) This tends to argue for the construction to have been begun as soon as possible, given Zagigs long public residence in Castle Greyhawk. The original Campaign Guide lists the height of Zagigs temporal power as c.375 CY (WGCG p. 23) All this tends to make me believe that Zagig was a relatively young man when he began the construction of the castle. Choosing his birthdate at CY 295 gives him 25 years before construction begins and over a century of public life (well above the normal human average, but not unreasonable for a wizard of his power) because I choose the date of his disappearance as CY 409. This is more than enough time to accomplish all the other things that are attribute d to him while he was still a living mage. The Campaign Guide firmly establishes Zagigs parentage (WGCG p.23) as the rulers of Greyhawk (presumably the descendants of Ganz Yragerne,) from which he is also descended. WGR1 Greyhawk Ruins, describes the final resting place of his parents (paying special attention to the fact that his father was undoubtedly a warrior.) The names of his parents, Zador and Marlana, are my own. Although it is true that King Thrommel III of Furyondy began the construction of his new capital, Chendl, in CY 283, it was many decades before the center of influence was moved from Dyvers to the new city (finished in CY 288.) The City of Dyvers goes back to the first century, CY. It was founded on the mouth of the Velverdyva, as the seat of the Viceroyalty of Ferrond, hundreds of years before Greyhawk was even heard of, and was a great city by the time of Zagigs birth with much power and influence in the entire region. The rivalry between Dyvers and Greyhawk is reknowned. CY 308-312 Zagig attends the Academy of Art and Science in the city of Greyhawk under the tutelage of The Grey Savant (a mysterious figure who was reputedly both a wizard of awesome power and a priest of Boccob.) The Academy is a school of learning founded by The Grey Savant in CY 118 by the banks of the river Selintan. The trading village of Greyhawk slowly grew around this famed place of learning, attracting many of the most learned men and women of the Flanaess. *Given that Zagig is the son of the citys lord and was born with a brilliant mind, it is not unreasonable to assume that he would have attended the best institution of higher learning in the entire region. The Grey Savant is my own invention, and provides a logical rational for why a school of learning (what later became the Grey College) would have been founded in what amounted (at the time) to a modest trading town (although the druidical circle and the magical nature of the region would have a lot to do with this.) It also allows me to connect the influence of Boccob with Zagig very in early in his life. CY 312 Following the mysterious death of The Grey Savant, Zagig ends his formal studies at the Academy. The Academy of Art and Science is renamed the Grey College in honor of the former servant of Boccob. *Given that a figure such as the Grey Savant would probably not have encouraged many of Zagigs proclivities, I thought it appropriate that this year be a significant one. The death of the Grey Savant not only allows me to establish the Grey College as we know it today, but it also allows me to provide a reason for Zagig to get out there and see the world. CY 312-319 Zagig emerges from the city of Greyhawk as a member of the Company of Seven, a free-lance mercenary group bound on making their fortune by exploring ancient Suel and Flan ruins. Zagigs prowess with sword and affinity for Oerth history, make him a natural warrior and planner in the group. Other members of the Company go on to become important personages in the Flanaess. The legendary Keoghtom is thought to have been their leader. (Zagig achieves 8th level as a Fighter during this time.) *Following my reasoning above, and adding to it my opinion that Zagig was undoubtedly a fighter before he became a mage, I created the Company of Seven in order to give Zagig membership in a famous adventuring group, and also to provide a reason for the friendship between himself and Keoghtom (as is suggested in Keoghtoms description in the Glossography.) It allows me to give Zagig the opportunity to achieve 8th level as a fighter before the seminal CY 320. Other than Keoghtom and Zagig, I have not, as of yet, detailed any of the other 5 members of the Company of Seven. All of them would have met in the City of Greyhawk before or in CY 312 and would have gone on to become successful and famous personages (maybe even villains) Perhaps Kelanen the Sword Lord was among them (doubtful), or even the formidable wizard, Daern. Other possibilities include, Johydee, Murlynd?, Nolzur, Quall or Bucknard. I wouldnt mind (in fact, I WOULD ENCOURAGE) other of you out there to design them for us. C reate a history that connects them from their membership in the Company of Seven all the way to the present day. CY 319 The Landgraf of the Selintan, father of Zagig, dies defending the village of Kuln on the Neen against one of the many raids by lizardmen. His wife, the Gynarch of Hardby, assumes the stewardship of the Land of Greyhawk. Zagig Yragerne departs the Company of Seven and returns home. *As I noted above, Zagigs father was the Landgraf of the Selintan. By including this tragic event (which is entirely my own, but weakly suggested by his fathers youthful appearance (his body is in stasis) in the tomb under Castle Greyhawk in WGR1), Zagig is free to consider the construction of Castle Greyhawk (when that becomes important in the next few months) and to reconsider his decision to be a warrior. Sounds like a great time for some celestial intervention Ahem, Boccob? CY 319-339 By all accounts, the rulership of the Gynarch of Hardby (noted for her wisdom and great caution) is among the most peaceful (even if not the most productive) periods in Greyhawks history. *Pure conjecture and speculation on my part. It allows me to move Zagig along in his life while maintaining the opportunity of rulership. One thing is certain, the Gynarchs of Hardby, the Despotrix, are able and willing rulers. It is not inconceivable that Zagigs mother would have been successful in ruling the city in his absence. CY 320 All serious historians of the life of Zagig Yragerne, number this year as among the most important in his life. He was profoundly changed by the events of this seminal year. During the chance exploration of an old Suloise cairn, Zagig Yragerne encounters an Avatar of Boccob (or some equivalent manifestation.) Based on that experience he decides to take up the practice of magecraft. Zagigs subsequent return to the city and desire to initiate the construction of Castle Greyhawk in a remote location from the city were seen as extreme eccentricities for the young warrior lord. Work on Castle Greyhawk will continue through to the end of the century. Oh my Boccob, the first concrete date! *The date upon which the construction of Castle Greyhawk begins is firmly established by WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins as CY 320. From the Ashes, is simply incorrect, when it says that the date was CY 375. That, would have made it impossible for Zagig to inhabit the place for any significant length of time before he disappeared. Given his special relationship to Boccob, which is also firmly established in the demigods description in WGCG, it is not unreasonable to assume that it was divine intervention which made Zagig decide to build Castle Greyhawk where he did. It is also not unreasonable to assume that his decision to become a mage may have also been prompted by a divine revelation from Boccob or his other servants. Needless to say, the construction would have been a massive undertaking which could not have been completed in a single year. I would argue that it probably took decades, with Zagig coming back to the City many times in order to keep the works going. CY 321-329 Zagig Yragerne becomes apprenticed to a distant cousin, the famed Mage and Bard, Heward. Under the tutelage of Heward, Zagigs prodigious powers blossom quickly. During this time, he gains a unique understanding of magic, making him one of the first wizards in the Flanaess to posit the inherently chaotic nature of magic. Zagig travels widely in Hewards company, and is exposed to many of the wonders of the Flanaess. (He achieves 9th level as a Mage while with Heward.) *Now that we have Zagig wanting to become a mage, and given that he founded both the school and the guild of wizardry (later of course) it is necessary to find him someone under whom he has apprenticed. I would argue that it was none other than the famed Mage and Bard, Heward (who also happens to be a distant relative, according to the Glossography, p.35) As a Quasi-deity, Heward is both old enough and powerful enough to have provided Zagig with the needed training in the magical arts. I have chosen the period of apprenticeship arbitrarily, but 9 years seems reasonable. By assuming that he achieves 9th level during this time, I allow him to satisfy the Dual-classed rules that allow him to use his powers as a warrior. It is also fortunate, that Heward is such an unconventional wizard. It provides a logical reason for a lot of Zagigs interest in wild magic and his interest music, humor, and puns. All in all, Id say a pretty good match. CY 329-339 Wanderings of the Mage and Warrior, Zagig Yragerne. Zagig returns to the city of Greyhawk on many occasions, most often to maintain the works at Castle Greyhawk by infusing it with new funds. Otherwise he is seen as an accomplished, if eccentric Mage, who travels the length and breadth of the Flanaess in search of the wondrous and mysterious. He is accompanied by many of the former members of the Company of Seven. (Some of the travel is even thought to have been otherworldly.) *Having left the company of Heward, this decade allows the Mage, Zagig some time to go off and see more of the world. Of course it is entirely conjecture on my part, but serves to flesh out and fill in the gaps in his story. From time to time, he is in the company of some of the members of the Company of Seven. Many interesting things would have happened to Zagig during this decade in his life. CY 339 Upon the death of the Gynarch of Hardby, Zagig Yragerne becomes titular ruler of the Land of Greyhawk, Landgraf of the Selintan, and Despot of Hardby. By all accounts, this initiates a period which historians refer to as the Greyhawk Renaissance. Not only does the city flourish from Zagigs generous rule, but many of the neighboring states of the Flanaess gain indepedence during the next few decades, making the Flanaess a brighter more hope-filled place. It is during this time, from a seemingly inexhaustible source of funds, that Zagig Yragerne begins the construction of most of what we know as modern Greyhawk. (Due to his interest in secular affairs, Zagigs progress as a mage is slow and steady.) Zagig becomes well known for putting magic to practical use. *Although the date is my conjecture, the reality of this event is not in doubt. At some point, Zagig inherited the rulership of the Land of Greyhawk. I happen to argue that it happened upon the death of his mother in CY 339. The World of Greyhawk Campaign guide, the City of Greyhawk boxed set, and WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins, all clearly establish both the rulership of Zagig and the effectiveness of that rule. The term Greyhawk Renaissance is mine, but clearly describes the period for what it was. During his rule, Zagig builds most of the city (and its walls, etc.) as we have come to know it today (via the City of Greyhawk, boxed set.) And surely, it is not naive to assume that some of this was accomplished by magic. The next few decades were probably the most fascinating in all of Greyhawk history. So rarely have so many notables been at one place at the same time. CY 351 Despite some resistance to his unorthodox methods, Zagig Yragerne becomes President of the Society of Magi in Greyhawk for the first time. He goes on to make it the dominant gathering of Wizards in the whole of the central Flanaess, surpassing the significant influence of the Conclave Arcanum in the City of Dyvers and the Sagacious Society of the Kingdom of Nyrond. Zagig is unanimously re-elected to this post for the next 29 years. *Both the date and the events are my conjecture, but are quite reasonable things to assume, given the current relative importance of the City of Greyhawks wizards. The Sagacious Society is real enough (WGR4 Marklands) while the Conclave Arcanum is my own creation. CY 356 A year notable for the establishment of the Kingdom of Nyrond, where Zagig had seemed to have played an important diplomatic role. *Although the date is real enough, Zagig Yragernes participation in these events is pure speculation. But such things would add to his reputation. CY 372 Zagig founds the University of Magical Arts in Greyhawk, one of the first establishments in the Flanaess dedicated to the instruction of Magic on an institutional basis. Over the last two centuries, many of the greatest practioners of magecraft have been credited with training at this college of Magic. *Although Zagig, undoubtedly did this (as is mentioned in the City of Greyhawk, boxed set) the year is my own conjecture. But, I thought it significant that it be founded before the Mages Guild. After all, until the practice and training of magicians is institutionalized, how can one create a guild for them? CY 375-395 During this period, Zagig Yragernes (already an Archmage) magical theories become extremely controversial and are met with laughing disregard by some and keen interest by a very select few. His theories are dubbed wild magic by his opponents in the Society of the Magi. Tension in the Society of Magi builds between the proponents of magical specialization (in the various schools) and the proponents of a more generalized scope of magical understanding. Zagigs theories are marginalized by the ensuing debate. By CY 380, Zagig withdraws his candidacy for the Presidency of the Society, never to submit it again. *I had to lay a foundation for his reputed madness, and here it is. None of this is official, of course, but it seems to be the most logical progression of events toward such an end. Zagigs interest in so-called wild magic probably dubbed him as a loon by many of the more orthodox members of the Society of Magi. We are, after all, talking about men and women who couldnt care less if your the Lord of the city or not magic is magic, and right is right. Zagigs opponents probably spread the rumor that he was mad in order to weaken his reputation. Of course, given that Zagig had such a great sense of humor, what did he care if he was dubbed the Mad Archmage. CY 393 Zagig founds the Guild of Wizardry in the City of Greyhawk. The City of Greyhawk had long fostered many societies for the practioners of magecraft (The Society of Magi is a notable and enduring example,) but in CY 393, Zagig Yragerne made available a considerable endowment for the construction of a Mages Guildhall open to all comers. He felt that a less politicized institution, separate from the Society and the Univerisity, and dedicated solely to the concerns of all mages, would be a fitting legacy to the Art. Indeed, the Mages Guildhall of Greyhawk is an architectural and magical wonder, rivaling the Sorcerers Nexus in Rel Astra, the Tower of Silence outside of Niole Dra, and even the wondrous Zashassar of Ekbir. *The City of Greyhawk boxed set (FFF) firmly establishes this date as CY 393. Following along my argument above, I tried to provide a logical reason why Zagig would found the guild and there it is. The locales mentioned above are not TSRs, but my own, so they havent been detailed anywhere. I can provide strong rationales for both their names and their locations as I have already sketched them out, but not fully detailed them. If anyone expresses an interest I could send in what I have, as these things are easy to incorporate in anyones campaign. I just threw them in from my own stuff as interesting tidbits, to make the history sound more authentic. CY 395 On the celebration of his great centennial, Zagig announces his intention to retreat from public life by relinquishing the daily rulership of the Land of Greyhawk to an appointed trusteeship, the Directing Oligarchy. One of their number is elected Lord Mayor and has the power to act in Zagigs name. Zagig spends less and less time in the city itself, preferring to remain in Castle Greyhawk, north of the city in the Cairn Hills. *Assuming that Zagig Yragerne was born on CY 295, then in CY 395, he would have been a hundred years old (although the World of Greyhawk campaign guide implies that he certainly didnt look a hundred.) The manner in which he withdraws from public life is my own idea. It allows him to cease being active ruler of the City of Greyhawk and its lands AND it gives us a pretext to site the institution of the Directing Oligarchy. Yet, the generally intent echoes that of the history, namely his progressive seclusion from society. CY 395-409 During this period, the last in his public life, the Lord of Castle Greyhawk is seen with less and less frequency. It is presumed that his seeming madness (propaganda spread by members of the Directing Oligarchy and certain opponents in the Society of the Magi) has taken him. The number of his proclamations and edicts fall to less than one a year. *This is conjecture on my part, but is strongly implied by the first campaign guide, wherein it describes the last period of his life as one is which he is seen with less frequency and is believed to be falling into madness. I, of course, assert (as is implied in WGR1 Greyhawk Ruins) that his madness was nothing of the sort, but merely the perspective of someone who had grander objectives in mind than those around him. CY 409 Death of Zagig Yragerne. In this year, the servants of Castle Greyhawk, were released from service, in connection with the disappearance of their master. When none of the missives sent by the Directing Oligarchy were responded to, Zagig Yragerne was presumed dead. It came to no ones surprise to hear of his death, for the man was believed to be well over a hundred years old already (114 to be exact.) Zagig Yragernes last testament was read before a grieving crowd of old men on the Processional. Since Zagig designated no heir, the City and Lands of Greyhawk were continued to be ruled in his name by the Directing Oligarchy of Greyhawk. In reality, Zagig Yragerne had finally decided to severe all ties with the secular world, in order to travel and pursue his arcane research without interruption. Some well placed magic, fostered the belief that Castle Greyhawk was haunted, so the city abandoned all interest in the place. Zagig allowed the keep to fall into disrepair, while he and his closest retainers moved underground to continue their work. *The World of Greyhawk Campaign Guide (p. 23-25) implies that Zagig simply vanished after many years of rulership. His motivation for doing this is implied in WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins. I have arbitrarily chosen this year to be CY 409 which agrees well with WGR1s assumption that the Castle was occupied for less than a century. It is quite reasonable to assume that the city would have thought him dead after so long and productive a life, so they would have made his death official. The fact that he moved his work underground is clearly established in WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins as is the fact that numerous friends and retainers went with him. CY 409-505 During this long period in Zagig Yragernes life, the so-called Mad Archmage, conducted tremendous amounts of magical research. He traveled extensively, including to worlds such as Krynn and Abeir-Toril, and extra-planar. He met with only a very few close friends, who kept the secret of his continuing existence. He was kept from Nerulls grasp by many rejuvenating magics, but Zagig sought a more permanent solution *This simply provides an explanation for the long gap between Zagigs disappearance, in the year I have arbitrarily chosen as CY 409 and his ascension to godhood in CY 505. WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins implies that Zagig did much traveling, particularly to other worlds, so none of this is unreasonable. Given that he was not as yet, immortal, Zagig no doubt used the conventional potions and elixirs that other powerful wizards use in order to extend their lives. Presumably, it was during this time that he discovered the method by which he would capture the nine demigods, and by which he would make himself immortal. A lot of the interesting accomplishments under Castle Greyhawk (described in WGR1) were probably also achieved during this time. CY 498 The City of Greyhawk is proclaimed a Free and Independent City. For most of the previous 80 years, power in the City was simply transferred from one power hungry insider to the next as designated by the original council who took over from Zagig, resulting in a highly insular attitude by which the city lost most of its territories and wealth. In CY 498, a group of leading citizens demanded equal representation on the council, citing the last wishes of Zagig Yragerne. In order to staunch an open rebellion, all concerned agreed to draft a new Charter. The Lord Mayor of the city is hereafter chosen by the Directing Oligarchy in a semi-democratic manner by the various members (in theory) of the trade unions, guilds, and other important societies. * The WGCG (p. 25) names CY 498 the year in which the City of Greyhawk was proclaimed Free and Independent. It also implies the ensuing decline in the city from the time of Zagigs rule. Im just providing a reasonable context under which such a proclamation would have occurred. CY 505 Year of the Ascension. It is in this year, that Zagig Yragerne,(age 210) former ruler of the city of Greyhawk, Archmage of Castle Greyhawk, and servant of Boccob, achieves immortality. Through an arcane process, and with the assistance of many notable personages, including the deity St. Cuthbert of the Cudgel, Zagig Yragerne finally achieves the object of a century long research project. He entraps nine of the most powerful demigods on Oerth, using their combined power in an apparatus of arcane manufacture by which he cuts a piece of the Obelisk (which controls something called the Earth Stone.) These artifacts, buried deep under the lowest dungeons of Castle Greyhawk, are a mystery even to most deities. Using the power of the Obelisk, Zagig opened a nexus between his spirit and the Planes of Power. And so, by the wishes of Boccob, Zagig transforms himself into a demigod. (Notably, he is the last to do so in recent Greyhawk history. Iuz accomplished this only years before him in an entirely different manner while Mayaheine has only recently appeared from another world where Pelor is worshipped.) *The year of Zagigs ascension is firmly established in Iuz the Evil, as CY 505. This year must coincide with the same year in which Iuz disappears. From the Ashes gives this year as CY 507, while WGR4, Marklands gives this year as CY 503. Given that Iuz the Evil is the primary source book about Iuz, it is safest to assume that it is the correct source, giving the year of Zagigs ascension as CY 505. Iuz the Evil also reveals that Zagig (it incorrectly refers to him as Zagyg, but that is only a trifling mistake) was assisted in this matter by the deity St. Cuthbert, his relative and mentor Heward, his old friend Keoghtom, and the two individuals Murlynd, the Paladin and Kelanen, the Prince of Swords. Murlynds presence here is paradoxical, because it is implied that he was a member of the original adventuring party that included Tenser, Bigby, and Lord Robilar. Tenser wasnt even born in CY 505 and Lord Robilar certainly wasnt. What was Murlynd doing there in Castle Greyhawk (c.505 CY), if in fact he is the same person mentioned in WG6, Isle of the Ape? Either he is not the same person, or some explanation is necessary. I am also suspicious of Kelanens presence in this matter, it seems contrary to his nature to have been so involved. The process by which Zagig achieves godhood is established in WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins, as are the existence of the Obelisk and the Earth Stone. Given that the original campaign book stated that Zagig captured nine DEMIGODS, and it is safe to assume that given Iuz was one of the captured, then he must have been a demigod BEFORE Zagyg. The From the Ashes sourcebook which introduces the demigodess, Mayaheine, explicitly indicates that Pelor brought her to Oerth (from an alternate prime where Pelor is worshipped) and that she is not a native. CY 505-585 Zagyg, the Demigod acts as the servant of Boccob. While it is true that Boccob is a largely uncaring god when it comes to the daily mundane existence of mortals, it is not true that he has no interest in any of the affairs of Oerth. When his All-Seeing Eye turns to the Prime, it is his servant, Zagyg that makes Boccobs will known. Many of the most important events of the last century have involved Zagyg, both directly and indirectly. Through Boccob, time is no barrier to Zagyg, so he has appeared, paradoxically in periods of Oerths past before he was born! (This part truly annoys the sages who try to prove a connection between he and Zagig Yragerne.) He makes his role in these matters unmemorable to say the least. He has also allowed the recent (CY 550+) exploration of Castle Greyhawk (up to a point.) Some rare and sucessful few, (Tenser is a good example) have met with his favor and know something of the secrets that lay buried beneath the place. *Given that Zagig ascended in CY 505 and that the timeline stops at CY 585, this fact is implicit. The City of Greyhawk sourcebook also implies that exploration of the Castle Greyhawk is fairly recent, which would make Tenser, Lord Robilar, and Co. among the first to do so, probably in CY 550s and 560s. CY 554 Zagyg (concealing himself as Zagig Yragerne) meets individually with Leomund, Serten, The Black One of the Valley of the Mage, and Tuerny (all notable mages of great power.) He proposes the formation of the Ring of Five, a conclave dedicated to the unlimited research of magic, concentrating on using the Obelisk to create new and as yet unheard of effects. Each member has left a representative, an apprentice, deep in the recesses of Castle Greyhawk. The results of this fairly recent union are a tale for another time *Although the date is my suggestion, this fact is established in the WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins sourcebook. It lists the membership of the Ring of Five as Zagig, Leomund, Serten, the Black One, and of all people Melf! I must ascribe this error to mild carelessness on the part of the designers of that work, but Melf is certainly not a candidate for membership to this group. Both, the From the Ashes sourcebook and the Artifact of Evil novel by Gygax, imply that Melf is an elven fighter/mage from Celene. He is neither powerful enough nor aligned properly to be a fitting member of the Ring of Five. I therefore substituted the personage, Tuerny, who would seem to have both the alignment and proper background (namely none) to be made a member of the group. Other than Zagig and the Black One, none of these personages is described officially, even though their names have been attached to certain famous spells and items. I have my own ideas and suggestions, of course, and would be glad to make thos e available. CY 570 The Prisoners of Castle Greyhawk are loosed by Lord Robilar, although some evidence exists to suggest that the demigod, Iuz may have simultaneous escaped under his own power. Apparently these events did not concern Zagyg, (despite the damage to many of his dungeons from the ensuing battle between Tenser, Bigby, Riggby, Robilar, Quij, Neb Retnar, and Iuz.) although he was undoubtedly aware of the occurrence. Apparently the Obelisk was able draw upon its own power to shield itself from the prying eyes of the loosed demigods. Fortunately, they wanted nothing more than to escape as soon as they could. It has been whispered by some in the Guild of Wizardry that one of the demigods may still be down there. Perhaps he/she/it was trapped in their chamber by the collapsing rubble, or perhaps they have remained by choice, even so it has been 15 years since the release of the prisoners, so who is to say. *The first fact (and date) is clearly established in the first campaign guide. The second (about Iuz) is implied in WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins. The battle and its participants, is described in WGR5, Iuz the Evil and is implied in many other source material. As far as the names of the demigods are concerned, other than Iuz, I only know that the demigod Wastri, was definitely among them. Im looking desperately for where I read this, since it was many years ago. I suggest that Rudd and Zuoken were also among the prisoners, but as for the others, who is to say. I have my own theories of course CY 585 The current plans and activities of Zagyg are unknown, save of course, to the All-Seeing One, Boccob. It is presumed that he is working on certain projects relating to the dissemination of otherworldly magics (particularly those of a group calling themselves the Red Wizards of Tay, Hay or something to that effect.) Conflicts between Zagyg and the servant of another power of Magic, Azuth have been noted by many of Boccobs priests. Where this may lead is anyones guess. But these, of course, are matters for those who live in the heavens Suggestions on the Ring of Five: Zagig Yragerne; CN; Human male Wiz28+ ? Leomund; NG; Human male Wiz24? The Black One; NE(N); Human male Wiz20+ Serten; LN(LE); Human male Wiz26? Tuerny; CE (CN); Human male Wiz21? *Zagig is really the demigod Zagyg who can cast any spell (LVL 1-9) at will, with magic use equivalent to a 28th Level Mage. Addendum: Return of the Eight: by Roger E Moore – Tuerny has become a Nalfashnee Demon, and retains all his previous spellcasting abilities. Crypt of Lyzandred: by Sean K Reynolds: (excerpted): In 305 CY, led by a crafty young wizard of the Landgrafdom of Selintan, they navigated his riddles and defeated many of his guardians. Intrigued by the group, Lyzandred was delighted when they actually reached the outer chamber of his inner sanctum The lich conversed with them through a projected image before dismissing all save the wizard, whom he saw as having great potential. The mage was Zagig Yragerne. Lyzandred told Zagig of his personal quest, the construction of the labyrinth, and the wonders of the demiplane. The young mage stayed with the lich for a short time and learned much, ally asking to leave and practice what he had been taught Over time, Lyzandred watched Zagig gather knowledge and power, use that power to build a small town into a bustling city, and construct a strange multi-dimensional castle on a nearby hill. Unfortunately, the demiplane had planted the seed of insanity in Zagig: his behavior became more and mo re erratic. Fearing the damage his student could cause, Lyzandred contacted Zagig, imploring him to examine what he was doing and understand how he was a threat to all that he created. As with Lyzandred so long before, Zagig’s thoughts clarified and he saw what he was becoming. He chose to leave his city and wander the planes, and that was the last day he was seen on Oerth as a mortal man. *I could see this fitting in one of two ways: One if Zagyg’s birthdate was bumped to about CY 285, at which point he’d be 20 years old upon his arrival in the crypts. Two, if we bump up the time from 305 to 315, which would work just fine as he was with the Company of Seven at that time. Either would work but I favor the latter. 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Hypostatizationâ€Fallacies of Ambiguity and Language

Hypostatization- Fallacies of Ambiguity and Language The fallacy of Reification- Also known as  Hypostatization- is very similar to the Equivocation Fallacy, except that instead of using one word and changing its meaning through the argument, it involves taking a word with a normal usage and giving it an invalid usage. Specifically, Reification involves ascribing substance or real existence to mental constructs or concepts. When human-like qualities are attributed as well, we also have anthropomorphization. Examples and Discussion of the Hypostatization Fallacy Here are some ways in which the fallacy of reification can occur in various arguments: 1. The government has a hand in everybodys business and another in every persons pocket. By limiting such governmental pickpocketing, we can limit its incursions on our freedom.2. I cant believe that the universe would allow humans and human achievement just to fade away, therefore there must be a God and an afterlife where all will be preserved. These two arguments demonstrate two different ways that the fallacy of Reification can be used. In the first argument, the concept of government is assumed to have attributes like desire which more properly belong to volitional creatures, like people. There is an unstated premise that it is wrong for a person to put their hands in your pocket and it is concluded that it is also immoral for the government to do the same. What this argument ignores is the fact that a government is simply a collection of people, not a person itself. A government has no hands, therefore it cannot pickpocket. If the governments taxing of the people is wrong, it must be wrong for reasons other than a too-literal association with pickpocketing. Actually dealing with those reasons and exploring their validity is undermined by eliciting an emotional reaction by using the pickpocketing metaphor. This arguably means that we also have a fallacy of Poisoning the Well. In the second example above, the attributes being used are more human which means that this example of reification is also anthropomorphization. There is no reason to think that the universe, as such, really cares about anything- including humans beings. If it is not capable of caring, then the fact that it does not care is not a good reason to believe that it will miss us after we are gone. Thus, it is invalid to construct a logical argument which relies upon the assumption that the universe does care. Sometimes atheists create an argument using this fallacy which is similar to example #1, but which involves religion: 3. Religion attempts to destroy our liberty and is therefore immoral. Once again, religion has no volition because it is not a person. No human-created belief system can try to either destroy or build anything. Various religious doctrines are certainly problematic, and it is true that many religious people attempt to undermine liberty, but it is muddled thinking to confuse the two. Of course, it should be noted that hypostatization or reification is really just the use of metaphor. These metaphors become fallacies when they are taken too far and conclusions are formed on the basis the metaphor. It can be very useful to employ metaphors and abstractions in what we write, but they carry a danger in that we can begin to believe, without realizing it, that our abstract entities have the concrete attributes we metaphorically ascribe to them. How we describe a thing has a great influence on what we believe about it. This means that our impression of reality is often structured by the language we use to describe reality. Because of this, the fallacy of reification should teache us to be careful in how we describe things, lest we begin to imagine that our description has an objective essence beyond the language itself.

Medical Genetics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Medical Genetics - Essay Example Individual II.5 is a homozygous normal parent while the partner is a homozygous affected person for a particular DNA coding conferring to a wild type phenotype. However, in an autosomal dominant inheritance, only a single copy of the wild-type phenotype allele is required for an offspring to be susceptible to expressing the symptoms. Therefore, each offspring has an equal probability of 50% of acquiring the mutant gene allele symptoms, and the other half would not be affected by the autosomal inheritance according to Onkers, I. (2009). Since the type of inheritance in this particular genetic pedigree is an autosomal inheritance, a heterozygous male (Bb) for the DNA coding mating to an affected female (bb)individual would produce one out of four offsprings expressing altered symptoms. However, within the unaffected offspring there would be two carriers (Bb) who will not show undesired traits for a particular condition. This is because when a homozygous wild-type mate with a heterozygous individual, there is a 25% chance of acquiring mutant (affected) individuals (Relethford, 2012). In a dominant, autosomal inheritance, individual III 1 (bb) can only acquire healthy offspring if she marries a homozygous normal man (BB). However, though the father (bb) of the individual III 1 (bb) suffers from the same disability as she does, the fathers’ disability does not affect her daughter’s subsequently genetic inheritance (Nielsen & Slatkin, 2013).

TECHNOLOGY IN THE NEWS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

TECHNOLOGY IN THE NEWS - Essay Example There are rumors that some executives of HP may have tried to halt the appointment of the CEO by hiding Autonomy’s negative information. The reports are suggestive of lack of transparency at HP, if things are not more serious. The impact of the latest revelations on HP cannot be predicted with utmost surety at this time, but if HP is found guilty in the future, thus would lead to a big black eye with respect to the public relations. HP might have to face litigation accordingly. Contrary to the perception that there is no more place of new mobile phones in the world, a range of next-generation models will be introduced at the Mobile World Congress (MWS) 2014 (Cutlack). Samsung and Sony have made exceptions by demonstrating their new mobile models at separate events in 2013. This year’s MWC will display new tech such as bendable screens. Companies like Samsung have advertised their new models that will be displayed in MWS

Forensic Science in the 21st Century Essay Example for Free

Forensic Science in the 21st Century Essay Science in the 21st Century Gertrude West Forensic Science and Psychological Profiling /CJA590 May 30, 2011 Edward Baker Forensic Science in the 21st Century Forensic science has various influences on crime, investigation and the people that are involved. Forensic science has a connection with the courts to ensure crimes are getting solved and justice is being served to those that commit crimes. With the help of forensic science, crimes are being solved from a human and technological aspect. This paper highlights numerous discussions on how forensic science plays a role in criminal justices system, security, media and the law. Forensic science is a separate entity from the police; although a large portion of the work is obtains through law enforcement. Forensic science is a recognizable component of policing during criminal investigation. The successful resolution from a crime scene involves preventing the site from being contaminated. This helps assures a great deal of gathering and interpreting evidence that could lead to an accurate interpretation of the event. The advances in technology are being applied to forensic science; a field in which technical is achieved by many factors such as including training, experience, continued education, and scientific methodology (NYSP, 2007). Forensic Science continues to develop in the 21st Century. It blends science and technology that has been useful for law enforcement to solve crimes and prosecute criminals. Forensic sciences in criminal investigations include but are not limited to: bioscience, trace evidence, toxicology, photography, documentation, forensic imagery, forensic ID and SAFIS, evidence receiving, drug chemistry and ballistics. In addition, private forensic laboratories, such as Applied Forensics, are contracted and employed to assist in the judicial process in the analysis of documents in question and handwriting analysis (Davis, 2006). One of the biggest things that criminal investigators and officers will look for at a crime scene is DNA. DNA can be gathered not just only through blood but through any type of fluids as well. According to Blackman (2011), â€Å"DNA analysis is one of the main tools used in forensic science to identify individuals. Crime laboratories undertaking DNA typing are typically concerned with comparing DNA evidence with known standards. The evidence is DNA samples collected from a crime scene and these are cross-matched against DNA swabs taken from anyone connected to that scene, be that victims, defendants or elimination ‘known’s’. The elimination known’s can come from the victims’ relatives, for example, or, if it’s a shared house, from tenants. The comparisons are made, not only to generate and compile evidence against suspects, but also to exclude people from the investigation. The development and applications of forensic scince suppors operation aimed at prevention, disruption, and prosecution of terrorism. The discipline helps support intelligence and investigation. Thiss component is now incorporated into homeland Security, A pattern of legal instances benefiting from this type of scientific study would be medical malpractice litigation, probate proceedings, complex and commercial legal action and contract lawsuits. According to Shelton (2010), â€Å"Forensic Science in Court explores the legal implications of forensic sciencean increasingly important and complex part of the justice system. Judge Donald Shelton provides an accessible overview of the legal issues, from the history of evidence in court, to gatekeeper judges determining what evidence can be allowed, to the CSI effect in juries. † The media has the potential of affecting the way people think. People disregard their perception based on scenarios presented. Popular media representation of forensic science and influential presence on the public’s opinion on justice-related issues, the effect that impeccable synchronicity of the investigator and successful outcomes portrayed in fictional arenas are contemporaneous with the public’s feelings. Dissatisfied with the criminal justice system not solving cases fast enough, the public then places astronomical expectations on medical examiners. Real life investigators believing that a lack of competency may be at play when in reality, society has been provided a distorted view of the lengthy, painstaking process involved. According to Nurse Advocacy (2007), â€Å"People disregard all messages in advertising, since ads commonly present actors and models, but that is simply not how the human mind works. Despite being fiction, media products like this can still influence: our views of the vehicle in question (as the advertiser fervently hopes); the ability of women today to become authoritative, powerful professionals, yet to still have a family (presumably this ad was directed mainly at women who would identify with the surgeon); the basic set-up of ORs, the kinds of professionals who participate, how they dress, and what tools they use; and of course, the relative power, knowledge and professional roles of physicians and nurses. Some of this may be unintended, but all of it sells the minivan to the target demographic. All of the elements above contribute to the high credibility of the surgeon, who is, after all, doing the selling. † In this manner media also increase the knowledge of those that are committing crimes, what they may not have been doing before they are doing it now. For example if they were not wearing gloves and using cell phones that cannot be trace, paying for things in cash instead of electronically, they are sure doing this now. Television crime shows gives potential jurors the expectation of more cateforical proof than that which forensic scine is capable of produciing. â€Å"The most obvious symptom of the CSI effect is that jurors think they have a thorough understanding of science they have seen presented on television, when they do not† (Economist, 2010 ). Scientist deals more with probability than certainty. The process of calculating the probability is complex. During a court preceding a finger print expert may acknowledge a 90% chance of obtaining a match if a defendant left a print. On the other hand it could be one in several billion chance of a match if someone other than the defendant left the mark. DNA in general provides evidence of a higher quality than other forms of proof; therefore, experts may be more confident to link results to a specific individual. The probabilities and not certainties still lie within the DNA findings. As a result, trials are longer and cases that previously might have offer quick convictions are now ending in acquittals. The CSI effect can also be positive. In one case in Virginia jurors asked the judge if a cigarette butt had been tested for possible DNA matches to the defendant in a murder trial. It had, but the defense lawyers had failed to introduce the DNA test results as evidence. When they did, those results exonerated the defendant, who was acquitted† (Economist, 2010 ). In the study of forensic science, there are so many things that people do not know. The intelligence of this subject is becoming more and more prominent. In this manner people are becoming more educated in a good way (knowledge) and also in a bad way (committing crimes with the less possibility of getting caught). This subject matter is very prominent because it also increasing the knowledge of different crimes that may have not been prominent before the use of technology to now. The creation computers were for those to store office files and important information, but now computers are being used in so many different aspect as far as pornography, the promotion of sex, and so many other things. Technology has not become a door way to so many things. This makes forensic science become more and more prominent in this day in age, because there are computers hackers trying to access files to find out what is Americas next move and sometimes just the simple things of stealing others identification. In this manner that forensic has a connection with the courts, it is very important that this type of connection stays going due to the drive that it connects to ensure crimes are getting solved and justice is being served to those that are committing these crimes.

American Public Education Essay examples -- School Education

The American public educational system is filled with an assortment of problems. Most students are graduating with less knowledge and capability than similar students in other industrialized countries. Classroom disruptions are surprisingly common, and in some classrooms, nearly continuous. The public education system is having difficulty adjusting to the no child left behind act. The No Child Left Behind(NCLB) is a landmark in education reform designed to improve student achievement and change the culture of American’s schools. The primary sponsors of NCLB were President George W. Bush and Sen. Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts, a decades-long advocate for raising the quality of public education. This law was signed in 2001. Unfortunately not everything was taken into consideration for the long term affect. There needs to be a middle ground for individualized learning because each child learns at a different pace. According to LdPride.com there are roughly three different ty pes of learning styles ranging from visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Visual learners learn through pictures and visually stimulation. Auditory learners learn though sound and music. While kinesthetic learn through hands on material. So while you may have a teacher standing up giving history lessons though a lecture, only the auditory learns are really picking up what the lesson is.The education system should be one that meets the needs of the parents, the teachers, and the students. The view point of all involved should be taken into consideration through the entire process. During the last 10 years, there has been an explosion in our knowledge of ways in which humans develop and learn. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2002(NCLB) was initi... ...LB) was passed with strong bipartisan backing by the House of Representatives on December 13, 2001 by a vote of 381-41, and by the Senate on December 18, 2001 by a vote of 87-10. President George W. Bush signed it into law on January 8, 2002. America's Promise Alliance | 1110 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Suite 900 | Washington, DC 20005 The New York Times Dropout Rates for Minority Students Keep Rising in Cities Published: September 28, 1994 SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2010). The Condition of Education 2010 (NCES 2010-028) 1990 K Street, NW Washington, DC 20006, USA Phone: (202) 502-7300 U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings www2.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2007/03/03122007.html http://www.ldpride.net/learningstyles.MI.htm http://www.ndt-ed.org/TeachingResources/ClassroomTips/Learning_Styles.htm

Personal Statement University MBA program

It is no more new that the world’s most initiative providers are product of MBA graduate. It is only a man full of vision without direction will continue to aspire achievement from distant without pushing ahead into a reality. In the course of my seven years of experience in finance as well as extensive knowledge in areas of accounting, capital investment analysis, I discovered a huge necessity to study more in business education, and become a certified professional. When the choice of institution arises, I have got not to doubt the products of Hamline University from where I also graduated three years ago with evident of commendable testimonies displaced in my work place over the years. From findings, Hamline University’s degree curriculum is such an outstanding one. It is full of current need of a blue chip company who really strives to maintain standard and leverage proficiency among equals. This definitely must have been mapped out from substantive reports of continual research. In line with the aim of the institution, Hamline Uiversity’s MBA program became interesting to attend when Linda Hanson, Hamline President, declares that the program is aimed at producing the best trait in business education that will also radiates an excellent aura of critical thinking skills of a well-educated person. I sincerely believed this is of much important to a leader to put up good leadership skills in the present world where the dare need for one is yet unresolved. I have a vision, a mission coupled with the direction of a platform to fulfill the vision. It is all about becoming a professional in strategic management. While studying Master of Art in Management, courses like Foundations in Management & Leadership, Human Resource Management for Business and Managerial Communications most especially sustain the   aged passion to live a carrier in strategic management. With the recent diagnosis of integration insufficiency as the major challenge to MBA programs in Hamline University (Dean Julian Schuster), the new proposition to blend the business education into four 16-week module plus one 16-week specialization session seems promising. Further more, the plan to amalgamate finance, accounting, marketing and operations with leadership development and strategic analysis and ethical practices will help out in the corporate business. The proposed curriculum seems to be a continuation of my exposure during the Master program. I consider it a privilege to be part of the pioneering students of such great plan and bright prospect. A leading industry like Hp Company has a well grounded strategic management as its engine. This is the open secret of success. Strategic management enhances high degree of perfection in harmonizing working-team to work out a target within stipulated expectation. Strategic management is simply the science of drafting, implementing and analyzing decisions from different angles to drive home the objectives of an organization. It involves execution of policies and principles to achieve organizational purpose. It therefore combines the activities of various functional areas of business to achieve unified goal. It is the peak in management carrier performed by the Chief Executive Officer and the designated team(s). With the understanding of the high level of responsibilities and commitments required of my area of interest – strategic management, it is criminal to remain unsecured with the professional skills necessary for good service delivery to humanity and God. I hereby write to continue the mentoring I earlier enjoyed in Hamline University, now in the direction of Master in Business Administration. Your anticipated consideration is appreciated.

A Study of the Speaking Ability of Second-Year Students

Speaking is one of the language skills which are important for second language learners to be developed. Capability to speak English is the priority for many scandalmonger or foreign language learners. Therefore, this research was aimed at knowing the speaking ability of the second year students of SAM N 2 Sick Hull.The students may tell their experience after preparation before performing in front of the lass. This is the important part in developing their memory to make a well-arranged story. Their speaking will be analyzed through five components: pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. This research needs three raters in order to avoid subjectivity in evaluating the test. Keyword :Descriptive Research, Speaking ability, telling experience INTRODUCTION Speaking is a productive skill with which people produce words or send a message orally. This skill is closely bound up with the listening.Harmer (2001) states that in many situations productive skill is comb ined with the practice of receptive skills. The communication between two or more people is a blend of listening and speaking where the comprehension of what has been said is necessary for what the participant says next. Productive skills include speaking and writing, two critical components of the complex process of communication. There are countless reasons for communication between individuals: they have something they wish to express, there is something they wish to learn, and the list goes on and on.Speaking requires a greater degree of fluency and thinking â€Å"on the spot†, and requires practice and exposure to the language over time. While productive skills are the skills that involve the process of language production either in oral or written forms. Speaking as one of the productive skills should be learned by the students in order to carry out a communication with other people easily. Speaking plays an important role in social communication. Perhaps, this is becau se we can deliver our ideas and information to other people with oral communication.According to Martin Begat (1987) People speak to make interactions with other people, we often need confidence to speak in order to carry out many of our basic interactions. Consequently, improving your English speaking skills will help you communicate more easily and effectively. Furthermore, speaking is good for motivating the students to learn the language in their school. Speaking is designed to enable the students to communicate and interact to other people in order to gain and enrich their knowledge. Essentially, the goal of language learning is to enable the students to communicate in the language.Therefore, the main purpose of learning is aimed at increasing the students' skills in communicating English well. Definition of immunization mentioned is to understand and express information, mind, feelings and develop science, technology, and culture by using the English language (Depending, 2003) . English achievement in the future expected by learning English can develop their knowledge to all people in the world. Harris (1969) stated that speaking ability has five components which are generally recognized in analyzing speaking.They are as follows: a. Pronunciation includes the segmental features of vowels, consonants, stress, and intonation patterns. B. Grammar correct use of language with respect to word form and word order at the sentence level . Vocabulary is one of words include in language, have many words that must mastery to make the acquisition of an adequate vocabulary as essential for successful second language use. D. Fluency is probably best achieved by allowing the air stream of speech to flow then as some of this speech spill over beyond comprehensibility. E.Comprehension in brief speaking requires that not only knowing how to produce it well but also understanding when, what, and why to produce the language. The ability to speak cannot be separated from thes e five components. A good speaker will deliver the topic to make listener understand it easily. In some cases, students get problems in speaking. It is the fact that to be a good speaker or able to speak becomes a problem for most of students. Teachers always give lessons Just with old teaching techniques without give the students' chances to speak or deliver their ideas; students might be shy to make mistakes in speaking.In fact, students are not interested in studying more about English because of lack of motivation in classroom learning, students only receives materials, write, and follow all the teachers command. According to Joanna Baker and Heather Western (2003), there are many reasons why dents may find learning and using English difficult such as cultural differences, personal differences, and lack of confidence, no time for speaking when studying for examinations, preparation for speaking, and interest in topic.This can lead to real barriers to communication, and can contr ibute to poor motivation in learning. Whereas, we know that the purpose of learning English especially in speaking is to enable the students to use English well both accurately and fluently. In a language lesson, students need to spend time on becoming more accurate. But they also need o practice using the language fluently. 2 METHODOLOGY The population of this research is the second year students of SAM N 2 SICK HULL academic year of 2012-2013.The number of the students is 315. Because the population is large enough, it is necessary to have sample. According to Gay (2004), sampling is the process of selecting number of individuals for a study that represented the larger group from which they were selected. There are several appropriate techniques for selecting a sample which is suitable in certain situations. In this research, the writer use cluster random sampling technique. Cluster random sampling is sampling in which groups, not individuals, are randomly selected.The reason for choosing this technique is less time and easier to obtain permission to use all the students in certain class than several students in many classes. So, the writer takes only one class out of 9 classes as the sample of this research. There are 35 students who took the speaking test. The process of choosing the class is by using lottery. In this case, the writer uses the research instrument of speech in telling experience (recounting events) to collect the data. Each student will speak about their experience in front of the class one by one as a performance test.In order to get the data needed for this research, the writer had administered a test. The test was conducted to know the students' ability in speaking. Three raters checked the result by listening to the students' recorded speech and checking the pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension aspects. The raters give scores for each student. Finally, the scores of the raters are totaled and then divided by th ree. In scoring the students speaking ability, the writer uses the scoring which found in Harris (1974). All the aspects of speaking is divided by 5.Analyzing the students' speaking ability can be done as follows: 5 In order to know the level of ability of the students' speaking ability can be classified as follows: Test Score Level of Ability 81-100 Excellent 61-80 41-60 Mediocre 21-40 Poor 0-20 Very Poor Harms (1986) 3 RESULT AND DISCUSSION There are 35 students who took the speaking test. The students' score has been analyzed by three raters. After calculating the real scores of the students from each rater, the writer computes the students' scores from each rater to know the regenerates of the students who get excellent, good, mediocre, poor, and very poor level in speaking.The result of it can be seen as in the following table: Table 1 . The Percentages of the Students' Ability According to the Three Raters No 2 4 Score Range 81 -100 61 -80 41 60 21 -40 Total Frequency 9 17 35 Percentage 0. 00% 25. 71% 48. 57% 100% From table 1, the result of the test is mediocre. It is calculated by combining the students' scores from each rater and it divided by three. It shows that none of the students is in excellent level, 9 (25. 71%) students are in good level, 17 (48. 57%) dents are in mediocre level, then 9 (25. 1 are in poor level, at last, there is none of the student who got very poor level. By this, the writer concluded that this speaking test is not difficult for the students. After getting the score of the students from the raters, the writer classified the students' scores based on each component of speaking as shown in the following table: Table the Students' Average Scores for Each Aspect of Speaking According to The Three Raters Rater 1 The Aspects of Speaking Pronunciation Grammar Fluency Vocabulary Comprehension Rater 2 x 89 79 102 2. 26 2. 54 2. 57 2. 91 72 78 7 107 Rater 3 2. 06 2. 3 2. 49 3. 06 85 91 101 2. 29 2. 43 2. 60 2. 89 The Average Scores of Three Raters 44. 0 48. 0 47. 4 49. 0 59. 0 49. 5 Table 2 shows that the students' average scores for each aspects of speaking according to the three raters. The average scores of Pronunciation aspect is 44. 0. It means that 4 the most difficult aspect in speaking is pronunciation. Few students can say the words correctly and some of them frequently use wrong words. It can be shown in the following table: Table 3. The Percentages of the Students' Pronunciation Score Range Level of Ability Frequency 15 42. 86% 12 34. 29%

Skeletal System essays

Skeletal System essays 1. Your skeletal system is important because some, like your backbone, provide the structure which enables you to stand erect instead of lying like a puddle on the floor. Other bones protect the delicate, and sometimes soft, insides of your body. Your skull, a series of fused bones, acts like a hard protective helmet for your brain. The bones, or vertebrae, of your spinal column surround your spinal cord, a complex bundle of nerves. Imagine what could happen to your heart and lungs without the protective armor of your rib cage. When you were born you had over 300 bones. As you grew, some of these bones began to fuse together. The result? An adult has only 206 bones. Babies have more bones because they need to grow and over time the bones will fuse together to make you bigger. We need calcium to bake our bone grow and become stronger. We can get it through the food that we eat. 3. The femur is the longest bone in your body and is located in your thigh. The stirrup bone is the smallest bone in your body, it is located behind your eardrum. most of your bones are located in your wrists and hands. 4. If humans didnt have bones they would be a puddle of mush and we wouldnt be able to move. Bones have two purposes. Some, like your backbone, provide the structure which enables you to stand erect instead of lying like a puddle on the floor. Other bones protect the delicate, and sometimes soft, insides of your body. Your skull, a series of fused bones, acts like a hard protective helmet for your brain. The bones, or vertebrae, of your spinal column surround your spinal cord, a complex bundle of nerves. You need muscles to pull on bones so that you can move. Along with muscles and joints, bones are responsible for you being able to move. Your muscles are attached to bones. When muscles contract, the bones to which they are attached act as levers and cause various body parts to move. Yes ...

The Distance Between Two Leagues

The Distance Between Two Leagues The Distance Between Two Leagues The Distance Between Two Leagues By Mark Nichol What does league, meaning â€Å"alliance,† have to do with league, meaning â€Å"a few miles†? An attempt to find kinship between these words by positing the notion of linking several similar entities or units is futile: The identical formation of the words is coincidental. The first sense of league stems from the Latin verb ligare, meaning â€Å"bind† and the basis of ligament, meaning â€Å"band† or â€Å"bond,† and ligature, which means, among other things, â€Å"something that binds or connects.† League originally referred to a confederacy of geopolitical units (such as the Achaean League of classical Greece and the Hanseatic League, an economic alliance established in the early Middle Ages, as well as the League of Nations of the early twentieth century) but later came to apply as well to political associations and athletic organizations. People or organizations that conspire are said to be in league with each other, and when someone outclasses someone else in terms of some characteristic, the first person is said to be out of the other person’s league, while â€Å"in a league of (one’s) own† means â€Å"superior skill or status.† By contrast, â€Å"in the same league† means â€Å"of comparative skill or status.† On a related note, the expression â€Å"Ivy League,† from the name of the collegiate athletic league populated by eight of the nation’s most prestigious universities, by extension denotes the schools themselves as well as high social and cultural status and elitism. (The reference to ivy pertains to the walls of venerable school buildings being covered in ivy over the years.) League is also a verb meaning â€Å"unite,† but the verb beleaguer, meaning â€Å"besiege,† is unrelated. Idioms pertaining to the â€Å"confederation† sense of league include â€Å"major league,† originating in the term for the highest level of professional baseball but by extension alluding to significant actors or entities in a realm of human endeavor (â€Å"in the big leagues† has the same sense); â€Å"minor league,† denoting something of inferior status (from the lower caliber of play in baseball’s minor leagues); and â€Å"bush league,† which, based on the slang term for semiprofessional baseball (from the expression â€Å"the bush,† referring to a rural area) suggests petty, unprofessional behavior. (The last term was not always pejorative, however.) The sense of league of a measure of distance derives from the Latin noun leuga and is primarily understood to refer to a distance of three miles, though it has applied to measures ranging from about two and a half to approximately four and a half miles. (It can also apply to a square measuring about three miles on a side.) A league, thought to originate as the distance traveled on foot in one hour, it is no longer an official distance. The French term banlieue, meaning â€Å"suburb† but increasingly connoting low-income housing projects (though banlieues diverge widely in economic status), is a geopolitical term, but it is distantly related to the latter sense of league: It is a compound ultimately derived from the Germanic terms ban, meaning â€Å"proclamation,† and leuca, meaning â€Å"league,† with the connotation of â€Å"area outside the city but within its legal jurisdiction.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:35 Synonyms for â€Å"Look†What to Do When Words Appear Twice in a Row50 Synonyms for "Song"

Medicaid and HMOs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Medicaid and HMOs - Essay Example Of the different types, HMO is usually the least expensive plan. Patients will not have any deductibles in HMOs and the co-pay is very reasonable. This plan covers preventive measures such as yearly check-ups. The perceived downside of HMO is that you have to choose your doctor and other health providers in your HMO network. You can be restricted in your choices. PPOs, or Preferred Provider Organizations, like HMOs, have pre-approved lists of healthcare providers. Like HMOs, this type of Medicare Advantage Plan allows for the insured to choose from doctors and other healthcare professionals outside of this network. However, this plan cost you more in the deductibles, co-insurance and other out-of-pocket expenses. In this plan, when you use a non-participating provider you will be paying more for that privilege. A Point-of-Service plan or POS is a bit like a combination of the HMO and PPO. Like the HMO, you must select your own doctor or primary physician but can also have the choice to go out of your network like in a PPO. If you stay within the network like HMO, your copayment and deductibles are small.

Cultural Industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Cultural Industry - Essay Example CULTURAL INDUSTRIES Cultural industries are considered to be integral parts of any society and its demonstration and appreciation of aesthetic qualities. The firms providing cultural and aesthetic products have gained much popularity over the last few decades and have recently been termed as industries. Ever since then, more and more firms have entered the production and distribution of cultural production within the boundaries of capitalism. Development of a profound understanding of cultural industries is crucial for the purpose of distinguishing it from other industries producing and distributing traditional goods. It is also important to delineate what products or firms should not be included in the domain of cultural industries. The term 'cultural industry' denotes several aspects of both the words 'culture' and 'industry'. The debate associated with this term generally encompasses the boundaries that could put a firm or industry into the realm of cultural industries. Also, the combination of word culture with industry makes one get into the understanding of conflicting nature of arts and capitalism. Associating the word industry with culture entails a combination of both the aesthetic and capitalistic notions. Garnham elaborates that in cultural industries, "symbolic forms are in general produced, distributed, and consumed in the form of commodities and under conditions of capitalistic market competition and exchange" (2000, p39). Cultural industries implicate a group of firms that are involved in the commodification of notions such as arts, culture and aesthetics in a pure capitalistic manner. From production to distribution, cultural industries remain... The researcher of this essay states that in modern times, most of the goods and services being produced are given a touch of artistic aesthetics while considering consumer tastes, styles and fashions. This blurs the differentiation between cultural and traditional products for the consumer. This essay begins by defining cultural industries through various aspects and draws them apart from traditional industries. It also divides the conception of cultural products into two distinct categories viz. entertainment and fashion. Finally, the researcher of this essay elaborates the impact that capitalism can have on the promotion and free flow of pure cultural products because of cultural industries. When culture is combined with industry or the notion of capitalism i.e. production and distribution of arts for the purpose of profit, which is mainly achieved through branding and other aspects of marketing, it has profound impact on the promotion of artistic genre. The researcher aims to argu e that not every commercial product can be categorised as cultural a product, because there is a fine and visible line that differentiates these two entirely distinct sectors. The researcher also argue that commercialisation or industrialisation of cultural products hampers the flow of artistic work to consumers in the purest form. In conclusion, the researcher states that commercialisation of cultural products through capitalistic means of marketing and branding has the capacity to restrict the free flow of art from artists to the consumers.