Concepts of Universal Design in Architecture

Concepts of Universal Design in Architecture There are many misconceptions surrounding the idea of universal design. People often believe that providing the disabled with signage or a ramp is sufficient and practices the ideals of universal design. What people must understand is that universal design is about providing these necessary amenities to the disabled without segregating them from the norm of society. It is also about creating a space that can withstand multiple environments and the fads of time as a timeless creation. In a universally designed world peoples differences are not highlighted by building usage but are designed for and create seamlessness between users. The bottom up theory is looked to by many designers when establishing universal space; it works on the premise that the building users, the architect is serving include those with disabilities are all people who can be treated as normal people[2] and with this you must start at the bottom of the pyramid and aim to reach the top and achieve universal design. Questions to consider when designing a universally designed space may be how this space will respond to different environments or eras and as the user or users change what will be the response to how it is used. Universal designed has been outlined and defined into seven principles that can be applied to a wide range of areas including architectural spaces to product design. Equitable use Flexibility in use Simple and intuitive Perceptible information Tolerance for error Low physical effort Size and space for approach and use Access Living Headquarters Access Living is an organization that started in the early 1970s and has been committed to rehabilitation and growth of disabled peoples by the support of disabled peoples. This company has personal with a multitude of disabilities and unique challenges that they encounter. In March 5, 2007 LCM Architects lead by partner John H. Catlin, FAIA designed access livings main headquarters in Chicago with not only a universal focus by as a sustainable design direction. This 50,000 115 West Chicago Avenue. business footprint for Access living truly reflects the mission of the company and reinforces their ideals to empower the options available to differences of others. It has been awarded the Barrier Free America Award from Paralyzed Veterans of America; A sustainable design award from AIA; the Trend Setter Award from Friends of Downtown; LEED Gold Certification; and a Silver Award from the Association of Licensed Architects. Design Solutions LCM architects started the vision of universal design, by choosing an accessible location and considering building approach. The building is no more than two blocks from the local trains underground station and from the city bus. This close relationship not only encourages green transportation but it provided for uses that may not have other modes of transportation and its prime location allows for people from multiple locations to be able to utile this feature with ease. In addition to the consideration of close proximity, the garage of the building has designated spaces that allow for electric vehicles to be recharged for use. As users approach, the building integrates two curb drop offs seamlessly added to allow for users coming from street level and for wheelchair lifts to have a direct route to the main building entrance[4]. Being in a colder climate of the United States, architect Catlin devised a solution to deal with iced sidewalks in the winter months by designing a heated concrete sidewalks and well lit approaches. All of these features lead directly into the entrance of the building that is separated by two sets of sliding doors that open directly off the sidewalk. These doors have a wide opening of sixty inches to allow for easy mobility or two wheelchairs in passing. Once you enter in to building for access living, its well designed interior lobby space and furniture selection leaves you no clue that this space is universally designed. LCM architects and there team of designers took close consideration into their interior choices being conscience of spacing, materials, colors and configurations so this truly was a universally accepting space. Universal design has a close relationship to human factor and ergonomics. As a process they both attempt to consider the abilities and limitations of users when developing a product or building an environment.[5] All of the furniture came from the Steelcase, so a select piece could be duplicated in several forms to include with arms/without, adjustable or basic systems that encouraged change as necessary. Using a single manufacturer line allowed for a wide range of seating choices to read and flow seamlessly. Within this configuration ample space is giving for wheelchair move ability and integration within a personal or large group interaction. Multiple chair heights are included for users of all statures and clearance below some of the seating is open to allow the user to push up to the standing position with their leg muscles[6]. A custom feature within the lobby is the reception desk; Lehner points out that the reception area underscores the universal design. A person approaching the reception desk in a wheelchair should have the same ability to use it as a person who doesnt have a disability. Thats the premise behind the entire design-no one uses a back door or side door, and no one uses a ramp. Everybody comes in the same door and uses the same elevators[8]. Unique to most reception desk, the primary dimension is at a wheel chaired accessible counter height of (29-30 AFF)[9]. Based on the guided approach to the desk knee and toe space is carefully designed and provide for. The reception desk does also include a small portion at the standard height of 42. Much consideration was giving to the reception side of the desk because this would be the primary and full time user of the millwork. The desk maintains the counter height and electrical outlets are placed at the ends of the counter opposed to across to mi nimize the need for users to strain to reach across counter span. The employee also is provided with a very accessible approach to their work station and a turning radius within, allowing for a 360 degree wheelchair turning radius. Beyond the reception desk, clever inclusions of universal principles are utilized to assist with user move ability throughout. Two elevators with double entry points allow users to move quickly in and out without the need of turning within a small confined space. The elevators are also large enough to support four wheelchairs within. Along with the maximization of mobility within the elevator Architect Catilin incorporated state of the art emergency use technology for the deaf and head of hearing and enlarge elevator buttons placed at a universal accessible height. Each of the floors of the Access Living Company, are color coded so users can easily identify locality and direction. This color coding process is a wonderful tool to assist the young child to elderly and people with all timers. This would also eliminate the frustrations of getting off the elevator on the wrong floor, like so many of us have done. Once on a floor users, will notice ample floor space as to not to feel const rained by close furniture configurations and for wheelchair passing. The high traffic and areas of egress are ingeniously deigned with a floor border that lines the walls so the visually impaired can easily utilize this tool to maneuver through the floors. To a user with no sight impairments this simply appears as an aesthetical feature because of how well it integrated throughout. This feature is a prime example of how universal design principles do not highlighting the differences of users. Obstacles In designing the Access Living headquarter LCM Architects, incurred many obstacles in creating a space that was not only universal, sustainable but also aesthetically and functionally useable. With their primary focus on creating a universal space they quickly learned that what works for one disability doesnt always work for another,[10] Lehner says. As a universal designer you must learn to balance the integration of accommodations so they are not swayed by a particular user. Thats nowhere more apparent than in the flooring. LCM discovered through research that carpeting, contrary to popular belief, serves people with MCS by trapping contaminants that would otherwise remain airborne. It also offers traction for people using canes. But carpeting can be difficult to negotiate with a wheelchair, says Catlin[11] This is a great lesson to be learned because when people think a disability they too often only think of wheelchair users. After selecting a fabric that architect Catlin thought would be perfect for all of the users in the space he quickly had to return to the drawing board after one employee had an epileptic seizure from the intense patterning of the flooring. This is one example of the many difficulties faced in this project in designing for the masses, but Catlin remedies this problem by installing a more muted pattern through the building while still ensuring there was still enough contrast on hallway borders to help guide people with visual impairments[12]. Conclusion Although they are a portion of users there are wheel chair bound we must consider and be aware that there are countless impairments that cause all users to have different needs and ways in which they utilize a space. Designing a universal space you must have an understanding of that and remember that you are not designing for outlined user but in turn everyone becomes your user. It is often very difficult to create and design a workable solution that all people will deem user friendly, which is why architects and designers seem to steam away from this principle. Catlin illustrates that not only can design be an aesthetically pleasing universal space but green principle can also be an applied in a brilliant way. Works Cited Access Living. Ed. Geekpak. Acess Living, 2008. Web. 14 Oct. 2009. Boniface, Russell. Paralyzed Veterans of America Honors Chicago-based Access Living for Accessible Design. The News of Americans Community of Architects. AIArchitect, 17 Aug. 2007. Web. 20 Oct. 2009. . Dong, Hua. Shifting Paradigms in Universal Design. Vol. 4554/2007. Heidelberg: Springer, 2007. Print. Goldsmith, Selwyn. Universal Design. Maine: Architectural, 2001. Print. Meyers, Tiffany. UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN ACCESS LIVING HQ. Metropolis Magazine Oct. 2007. Metropolis Magazine, Sept. 09. Web. 23 Oct. 2009. . Tandem, Byan, ed. Home Design: Understanding Universal Design. AARP (2008). AARP. Web. 22 Oct. 2009. . Goldsmith, Selwyn. Universal Design. Maine: Architectural, 2001. Print. Goldsmith Access Living. Ed. Geekpak. Access Living, 2008. Web. 14 Oct. 2009. Access Living Dong, Hua. Shifting Paradigms in Universal Design. Vol. 4554/2007. Heidelberg: Springer, 2007. Print. Access Living Access Living Boniface, Russell. Paralyzed Veterans of America Honors Chicago-based Access Living for Accessible Design. The News of Americans Community of Architects. AIArchitect, 17 Aug. 2007. Web. 20 Oct. 2009. . Access Living Meyers, Tiffany. UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN ACCESS LIVING HQ. Metropolis Magazine Oct. 2007. Metropolis Magazine, Sept. 09. Web. 23 Oct. 2009. . Meyers Meyers

Repression of War Experience

Personification in Siegfried Sassoon’s â€Å"Repression of War Experience† After wartime, soldiers can suffer from not only physical injuries, but from psychological damage as well. They become victims of PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which, according to Medicinenet. com, is â€Å"an emotional illness that develops as a result of a terribly frightening, life-threatening, or otherwise highly unsafe experience. † Considering the horrors that these soldiers are witnesses to, it is no wonder that PTSD can overcome them.In Siegfried Sassoon's poem, â€Å"Repression of War Experience,† Sassoon uses personification to emphasize the psychological damage sustained by soldiers after war. In the first two lines of the poem, Sassoon starts off by painting a rather dismal picture. He begins lighting candles and pauses to watch a moth, which he then describes to the reader. He finds it ridiculous that it flies toward the candle even though it's headed right f or the flame and will end up dying. He expresses this thought by commenting on, â€Å"What silly beggars they are to blunder in, /And scorch their wings with glory, liquid flame† (lines 2-3).Of course, moths are not beggars; they are not poor citizens, but Sassoon uses personification to further develop the moth's behavior. These lines imply that moths beg for their deaths by flying toward the flame of the candle, just as soldiers beg for their deaths by signing up to fight. Moths are drawn to the flame of a candle because of the light, but do not realize that they are headed towards their death. Perhaps soldiers are attracted to war in the same way–they are tempted by the false promise of glory and honor for their country–but unknowingly march toward their own deaths as well.Sassoon links both moth and man by making such comparisons, and suggesting that both end up embracing death. Further along in the poem, and this is a very short part of the poem, indeed, Sa ssoon comments on the rain and asks, â€Å"Why won't it rain? † (line 12). Without warning as to why he does so, Sassoon changes topic and says, â€Å"Books; what a jolly company they are, /Standing so quiet and patient on their shelves† (lines 16-17). One can guess as to why he suddenly goes off about books–he cannot bear any reminders of war, and desperately tries to keep his mind occupied with the things he sees around him.The mentioning of books being a â€Å"jolly company† indicates that Sassoon is alone and perhaps has just a few objects with him in his room. It is strange to address books as though they are people or companions, as if they can carry a conversation. Sassoon then develops this unusual view further by commenting on how the books are â€Å"Dressed in dim brown, and black, and white, and green† (line 18). Perhaps this is another accidental reference to war because it hints at the soldier's camouflage-colored uniforms of green and â€Å"dim brown† but one cannot be sure.In regard to the books â€Å"standing so quiet and patient†; it is true that books can stand on their own, perhaps on a shelf or a desk, but how can they be patient? Books cannot feel anything, nor can they have opinions. This personification suggests that Sassoon's mind is slowly moving away from clear thought and logic, and that war has negatively affected his mental state. Sassoon continues comparing normal everyday sights to living things. He writes that â€Å"in the breathless air outside the house, /The garden waits for something that delays† (lines 26-27). The comment of the â€Å"breathless air† is again, strange.Air cannot be breathless because it does not breathe. Only people and animals breathe air, and without it, they will die within minutes. However, during a war, poison gas is often released into the sky, making it impossible for soldiers to breathe properly. Such attacks were especially common in Wo rld War I, which Sassoon fought in from 1914 to the end of the war in 1918. His line was most likely a reference to the poison-filled air in which no one could breathe. In the last few lines of the poem, Sassoon has failed to completely ignore thoughts of war thus far, for he says that â€Å"You'd never think there was a bloody war going on! (line 34). He abandons all attempts to repress his memories and continues his monologue about â€Å"Those whispering guns–† (line 37). Obviously, guns cannot speak, and strangely, Sassoon writes that they â€Å"whisper† rather than yell or scream.The latter would be more sensible, considering that there are no quiet gun attacks. However, the description of the hushed weapons suggests (even further) that Sassoon is haunted by his memories, perhaps every night, and can never fully forget them. He himself seems to â€Å"lose control of ugly thoughts† (mentioned in line 7, in which Sassoon pities those oldiers who cannot repress their memories) and again, seems unable to distract himself with what he sees around him, as he had done throughout the entire poem until this point. He makes the exclamation of â€Å"O Christ, I want to go out, /And screech at them to stop† (lines 37-38). At this point, Sassoon has indeed lost control of himself and wants to scream at the guns to stop firing. Guns do not fire by themselves, nor can they fight a war without soldiers pointing the guns–Sassoon would have to screech at the soldiers to stop fighting–but this personification of the weapons further emphasize the psychological damage from which he suffers.Personification is a major literary element in â€Å"Repression of War Experience,† and it lets the reader understand just how psychologically wounded Sassoon has become. His comparisons range from moths to books to guns, and he jumps from subject to subject in order to show Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. His various personified objec ts are scattered throughout the poem, and they allow the reader to truly understand how he has suffered from his experience at war.

A History of Op Ed Essay Topics Refuted

A History of Op Ed Essay Topics Refuted What you aspire to teach your reader will decide the form of your essay. Therefore, if you take up our essay help solutions, you are likely to end up with a perfectly written essay. You should first establish the reason behind your essay, before it's possible to write persuasive content about it. A superb essay should have essential points. Persuasive essay is also referred to as the argument essay. Researching the topic permits you to find out more about what fascinates you, and should you pick something you really like, writing the essay will be more enjoyable. The subject of any essay is among the main characteristics that define its success. Moral argumentative essay topics are a few of the simplest to get carried away with. Write about the guy who has had the best influence on your life. When it has to do with stasis theory, it's important to consider logically and explore an issue thoroughly. When you're picking your topic, remember that it's much simpler to write about something which you presently have interest ineven in case you don't know a great deal about it. In an issue of speaking, picking out persuasive essay topics is similar to telling yourself what you wish to convey to the rest of the planet. Even if you're a specialist in a particular field, don't be afraid to use and cite external sources. Stasis theory is a wonderful way for writers to secure more info about a particular subject as a way to finish their work successfully. The best ones give the topic and create an overall claim of what is going to follow. Write a superb subject line. Ideas shouldn't be thrown together in an undistinguishable mess which makes no sense. Tattoos mean various things to various men and women. Valentine's Day isn't a holiday. The Downside Risk of Op Ed Essay Topics If you're confident about your subject, you might relish your moments in the limelight. Topic sentences are vital because business readers really like to skim. Set your objective first, then think of a means to write it in an intriguing manner for your readers to relish. On the net, all of your possible reader sees is a brief title and a thumbnail image to determine if they need to offer your thoughts a twirl. Also, utilize all the scratch paper you will need. Next, you should consider the method on how you need to relay it to your readers. There are a couple of characteristics that may bring about a superior essay which might not be included in a few other kinds of documents. Keep it short and easy. The Battle Over Op Ed Essay Topics and How to Win It Every paragraph must cover 1 topic in making the circulation of the essay smooth. Don't attach a complete draft, even when you already have one written. The last draft is the sole draft which will be graded. As instructed on top of this assignment sheet, you should turn in both a rough draft and a last draft. Choosing Op Ed Essay Topics Such patients can benefit form dwelling in a sober living community that's a group-home setting where counselors deliver continued sobriety support and structure of day-to-day basis. There isn't any reason such studies can't be carried out with different products derived from marijuana, like the oil with higher CBD and very low THC sold in Colorado that was used by Charlotte Figi. Several issues could b e linked to poverty, especially the political and financial instability that numerous nations have been going through. Talk about the opiate addiction situation in america. Op Ed Essay Topics Features Utilize your five-paragraph essay methods to craft business articles people wish to read. Our experts offer help with all sorts of essays. What you have to do is to talk about the topic. You have to make sure you're very interested in the topic before you may persuade others about it. What's Really Happening with Op Ed Essay Topics These paragraphs should expand the subject, explaining what you would like to teach the reader. Make certain that you own a thesis statement and topic sentences for every single paragraph. At the start of each paragraph there ought to be a topic sentence. Make the last sentence as compelling as the initial one. Your writing has to be brief and concise. Inspiration to make your own advertising or media argumentative essay topics isn't challengi ng to discover. Before you pitch, understand what the publication has paid writers previously. When you finish your research notes you can begin writing with confidence that you have all of the pieces you should create a terrific essay.

Social Influence from Authority in The Lottery by Chris...

Social influence is the way individuals are influenced in their beliefs, feelings, and behaviors from others. Day after day we deal with infinite challenges by others to inspire us, and as such. Conformity is commonly observed as a method of inspiration, which followers of the crowd prepare actively to try to impact others. Individuals simply witness the activities of crowd associates and fine-tune their actions and/or thoughts accordingly. The use of fear is one of the main forms of influence to cause conformity; this is shown in â€Å"The Lottery† by Chris Abani. While in â€Å"The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas† by Ursula K LeGuin and, Firoozeh Dumas’s â€Å"Sweet, Sour, and Resentful† show how joy/happiness of others, have the ability to influences others. The pressures of social conformity push characters to make decisions regarding going against their personal beliefs that are in opposition to what is socially acceptable in Salem. Individuals in â€Å"The Lottery† form to the community; since they fear that if they were to voice about what is being done to one individual could culminate upon them. This is shown when the man accused of stealing attempts to reach the sacred land of the elders and pleads for sanctuary, this is because their say is never questioned and has the highest say besides the civil system. One elder attempts to stands up for the man but is quickly silenced by boos and rotten fruit. No other elder attempts to defend the man and conform to that of the elder who feared

Ethiopia And The Arab Countries Essay - 970 Words

Ethiopia is the most nearest country for the Gulf States and it needs to do more for attracting countries like this small and richest country of the world. 4.2.3 Gulf Countries’ Investment in Ethiopia The Gulf member countries are investing in Ethiopia despite their volume of investments is not that much as expected as compared to their proximity to Ethiopia and the historical bondage. It needs from the authorities of foreign investment more promotion for the coming future to pave the way for more investment coming from Gulf Arab Countries and other investors. The following Table shows the Gulf Arab Countries investment comparing with all of foreign investments in Ethiopia. Table 4.5. Summary of comparing all foreign investors’ investment in Ethiopia with Gulf Countries. Sector All foreign investors Three of the Gulf Countries No of project operation Capital in 000 Birr No of project operation Capital in ‘000’Birr Agriculture, hunting and forestry 828 271 9.36 123 26 7.40 Electric 4 1 0.04 0 0 0 Manufacturing 2333 1,060 68.26 137 60 80.84 Mining 31 18 0.63 5 4 2.10 Education 120 54 0.42 10 6 0.39 Health 105 55 0.52 14 6 0.51 Hotels and restaurants 296 126 1.91 11 2 0.79 Transport, storage and communication 131 65 0.25 9 1 0.03 Construction 979 586 6.94 45 21 1.50 Construction and ground water 384 161 10.99 29 13 5.63 Other 87 55 0.73 5 4 0.84 Grand Total 5298 2452 100 388 143 100 percent 100 46.28 7.32 2.70Show MoreRelatedThe United States And The Arab Countries Essay1321 Words   |  6 PagesAfrica and Arab Countries, both Ethiopia and the Gulf Arab Countries was strong adherent with the capitalist block. Both enjoyed American and West European political patronage and protection. Thus imperial Ethiopia and the Gulf Arab Countries were partners against the spread of socialist and radical political ideas in this part of the world (Hoynes 1993). Surprisingly, their strong and pro-capitalist political alliance did not led to significant involvement of the rich Gulf Arab Countries in EthiopianRead MoreIs the Stability of the Horn of Africa Contingent on a Peace Agreement Between Ethiopia and Eritrea?1410 Words   |  6 PagesThe relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea has become an issue of interest in recent years to the United States as well as the rest of the world. The history between the two countries has been detrimental to the development of each country which in turn trickles over their borders into the rest of the region. War, annexation, border disputes and their external influences in the region are just a few of the ongoing issues both of these countries continue to have with each other today. With theRead MoreNon Metallic Products And Its Effects On The Economy Essay1234 Words   |  5 Pagesof the economy except in the following areas which are reserved for domestic investors (of Ethiopians foreign nationa ls who are Ethiopian by birth and wish to be treated as domestic investors as well as a foreign nationals permanently residing in Ethiopia). Meanwhile there are also sector in which both foreign and domestic allowed to work in partnership. This includes: Excluding generation of electricity from hydro-power, generation, transmission and supply of electricity; air transport services,Read MoreThe World Bank And International Monitory Fund1287 Words   |  6 Pagesindividuals so that the long term interest of the country would be exposed to external danger. On the other hand, critics argued that prohibition against private ownership of land is a serious limitation on the freedom of citizens. It was supposed to be left for personal decision of individuals and families who have the right of possession and ownership of land. This position seems to win the support of international institutions such as the World Bank and International Monitory Fund (IMF) (DessalegnRead MoreThe State Of Qatar And The Isaias Afwerki Regime872 Words   |  4 PagesBrotherhood. In March 2015, a Saudi led coalition with the United Arab Emirate as its major partner started a war in Yemen over the Houthi rebellion which has been simmering for many years. That must have been a boon for the Eritrean regime. Since it came to power in 1991 after defeating the Ethiopian Derg regime, the rebel group has been pursuing a goal of becoming a major actor in the geopolitics of the volatile region that includes Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti, Yemen, and the Congo. That overlyRead MoreA Brief Look at the Republic of Sudan1032 Words   |  4 PagesRepublic of Sudan in 1956 with the integration of North and South to become one nation under a single administration and after that Sudan was the third largest country in North Africa. Sudan is located in the North Valley in North Africa having borders with Red sea, Egypt to the North, Chad to the west, Libya to the northwest and Ethiopia to the east. Khartum is its capital and Sudan has other eighteen provinces, and its known to be the fifth largest county in the world in terms of the size. AlmostRead MoreAgricultural Foreign Investments Abroad During The Gulf Arab Countries Essay1294 Words   |  6 Pagesinvestments abroad. The Gulf Arab countries witnessed a blowing up food gap in the year of 1970s due to population growth and higher per capita income in the wake of the oil price bonanza. To understand the Gulf Countries’ concern about food security one needs to take a detailed look at its food import dependence and how it has developed historically. This food gap and the import dependence that came with it were regarded as a strategic liability. The Gulf countries are` highly politicized andRead MoreSomalia1276 Words   |  6 PagesImperialism is a policy of extending a nation’s rule over foreign areas by acquiring and holding colonies. During the nineteenth century in particular, imperialism became a trend among wealthy European nations such as Great Britain, France, and Italy, as countries competed to gain resources and expand their empires. In enforcing these policies, imperial powers spread numerous effects over the span of the globe. The question is, were the effects of imperial ism beneficial or detrimental to the colonized nationsRead MoreArab Human Rights1051 Words   |  5 Pagesof Minorites in the Middle East The Middle East countries have a long standing reputation for the oppressing the minority group within their regions. They have governed their citizens through a tyrannical government, which forbids their citizens with any basic human rights, such as political freedoms of expression, free speech to protest, religious freedom and due process of the law. According to Arab Human Development Report, the Arab countries have received the lowest freedom ranking score. Read MoreThe Legacy Of John Bul Dau1205 Words   |  5 PagesThey lost two to three boys a day. There food consists of mud and human urine. After three months, they finally reached Ethiopia. They were put in a group of about fifty kids and that group eventually grew to about one thousand lost boys ranging from ages twelve to eighteen. The number of boys was getting smaller and smaller because of the lack of food and sanitation. The Arabs soon took over the Ethiopian government and the boys had to flee once again. They next went to a town called Pochella and

The Hunters Phantom Chapter 37 Free Essays

The next morning found them al back at the boardinghouse. After the previous night’s rain, the sunshine had a fresh quality to it, and everything felt bright and damp and clean, despite the smel of smoke that permeated the boardinghouse and the charred remains of the garage that could be glimpsed through the windows of the den. Elena sat on the couch, leaning against Stefan. We will write a custom essay sample on The Hunters: Phantom Chapter 37 or any similar topic only for you Order Now He traced the burn lines, nearly entirely faded, on the back of her hand. â€Å"How do they feel, heroine?† he asked. â€Å"They hardly hurt at al , thanks to Damon.† Damon, on the other side of Stefan, gave her a brief, blinding smile but said nothing. They were al being careful of one another, Elena thought. She felt – and she thought everyone else probably did, too like the day looked: shining and freshly washed, but slightly fragile. There was a lot of quiet murmuring back and forth, exchanged smiles, comfortable pauses. It was like they had completed a long journey or a difficult task together, and now it was time to rest. Celia, dressed in pale linen trousers and a silk dove-gray top, elegant and poised as always, cleared her throat. â€Å"I’m leaving today,† she said when they al looked up at her. Her bags sat neatly on the floor beside her feet. â€Å"There’s a train to Boston in forty-five minutes, if someone wil drive me to the station.† â€Å"Of course I’l take you,† Alaric said promptly, getting to his feet. Elena glanced at Meredith, but Meredith was frowning at Celia in concern. â€Å"You don’t have to go, you know,† she told her. â€Å"We’d al like it if you stayed.† Celia shrugged expressively and gave a little sigh. â€Å"Thank you, but it is time I get going. Despite the fact that we destroyed a priceless rare book and I wil probably never be al owed on the Dalcrest campus again, I wouldn’t have missed this whole experience for the world.† Meredith grinned at her and raised one eyebrow. â€Å"Even the brushes with death?† Celia raised an eyebrow of her own. â€Å"Was there a part that wasn’t a brush with death?† They laughed, and Elena was grateful to see that the tension between them had evaporated. â€Å"We’l be glad to have you anytime you want to come back, dear,† Mrs. Flowers said to Celia earnestly. â€Å"I wil always have a room for you.† â€Å"Thank you,† Celia said, looking touched. â€Å"I hope I can come back and see you al again someday.† She and Alaric left the room, and soon the rest of them heard the sounds of the outside door shutting and a car starting up. â€Å"Good-bye, Celia,† Bonnie chirped. â€Å"She turned out to be okay in the end, though, didn’t she?† She went on without waiting for an answer. â€Å"What are we going to do today? We need to have an adventure before summer ends.† â€Å"You haven’t had enough adventure yet?† Matt asked her disbelievingly from where he was sprawled on a rocking chair in the corner. â€Å"I mean a fun, summery kind of adventure,† she said. â€Å"Not al doom and gloom and battles to the death, but fun-in-thesun stuff. Do you realize we’ve got only about three weeks before it’s time to start school again? If we don’t want our only real memories of this summer in Fel ‘s Church to be one disastrous picnic and a horrific battle with a phantom, we’d better get started. I vote we go out to the county fair today. Come on!† she urged them, bouncing in her seat. â€Å"Rol er coasters! Fun houses! Fried dough! Cotton candy! Damon can win me a big stuffed animal and take me through the Tunnel of Love! It’l be an adventure!† She fluttered her eyelashes at Damon flirtatiously, but he didn’t take her up on her teasing. In fact, he was gazing down into his lap with a strained expression. â€Å"You’ve done very wel , children,† said Mrs. Flowers approvingly. â€Å"You certainly deserve some time to relax.† No one answered. Damon’s tense silence was fil ing the room, drawing everyone’s eyes to him. Final y, Stefan cleared his throat. â€Å"Damon?† he asked cautiously. Damon clenched his jaw and raised his eyes to meet theirs. Elena frowned. Was that guilt on Damon’s face? Damon didn’t do guilt – remorse wasn’t one of his many qualities. â€Å"Listen,† he said abruptly. â€Å"I realized†¦ while I was making my way back from the Dark Dimension†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He stopped again. Elena exchanged an anxious glance with Stefan. Again, stammering and having trouble finding the words to say what he wanted to say were not typical of Damon. Damon shook his head and col ected himself. â€Å"While I was remembering who I was, while I was barely alive again, and then while I was getting ready to come back to Fel ‘s Church, and everything was so painful and difficult,† he said, â€Å"al I could think of was how we – how Elena – had moved heaven and earth to find Stefan. She wouldn’t give up her hunt, no matter what obstacles she faced. I’d helped her – I’d risked everything to do so – and we were successful. We found Stefan and we brought him home, safe and sound. But when it was my turn to be lost, you al left me on that moon alone.† â€Å"But Damon,† said Elena, reaching out to him, â€Å"we thought you were dead.† â€Å"And we did try to move heaven and earth to save you,† Bonnie said earnestly, her big brown eyes fil ing with tears. â€Å"You know that. Elena tried everything to bribe the Guardians to get you back. She almost went crazy with grief. They just kept saying that when a vampire died, he or she was gone for good.† â€Å"I know that now,† Damon said. â€Å"I’m not angry anymore. I haven’t been angry about it for what seems like ages. That’s not why I’m tel ing you this.† He glanced guiltily at Elena. â€Å"I need to apologize to al of you.† There was a tiny col ective gasp. Damon just didn’t apologize. Ever. Elena frowned. â€Å"What for?† Damon shrugged, and the ghost of a smirk passed over his face. â€Å"What not for, my princess.† He sobered. â€Å"The truth is, I didn’t deserve saving. I’ve done terrible things to you al as a vampire, and even when I became human again. I fought Meredith; I endangered Bonnie in the Dark Dimension. I endangered al of you.† He looked around the room. â€Å"I’m sorry,† he said to everyone, a note of sincerity and regret in his voice. Bonnie’s lips trembled; then she threw her arms around Damon. â€Å"I forgive you!† Damon smiled and awkwardly patted her hair. He exchanged a solemn nod with Meredith that seemed to indicate that she also forgave him – this time. â€Å"Damon,† said Matt, shaking his head. â€Å"Are you sure you’re not possessed? You seem a little†¦ off. You’re never polite to any of us but Elena.† â€Å"Wel ,† said Damon, looking relieved at having gotten the confession off his chest, â€Å"don’t get used to it. Matt.† Matt looked so startled and pleased that Damon had cal ed him the right name for a change, instead of â€Å"Mutt† or nothing at al , that Damon might as wel have given him a present. Elena saw Stefan give his brother a sly, affectionate nudge, and Damon elbowed him back. No, she wouldn’t get used to it. Damon, temporarily drained of his jealousies and resentments, was as beautiful and intriguing as ever, but a heck of a lot easier to get along with. It wouldn’t last, but she could enjoy it for now. She took a moment to real y look at them, the Salvatore brothers. The vampires she loved. Stefan with his soft dark curls and sea green eyes, his long limbs and the sensitive curve of his mouth that she always longed to kiss. Sweetness and solidity and a sorrow she’d had a hand in lightening. Damon, leather and silk and fine chiseled features. Mercurial and devastating. She loved them both. She couldn’t be sorry, couldn’t be anything other than sin cerely, whol y grateful for the fate that had thrown them in her path. But it wouldn’t be easy. She couldn’t imagine what would happen when this new comfort and friendliness between the brothers, between al of them, ended. She didn’t doubt that it would dissolve. Irritations and jealousies were just a part of life, and they would build up again. She squeezed Stefan’s hand in hers and smiled past him at Damon, whose dark eyes warmed. Inwardly, she sighed a little, then smiled more widely. Bonnie was right: Col ege was just around the corner, a whole new adventure. Until then, they should take their pleasures where they could find them. â€Å"Cotton candy?† she said. â€Å"I can’t remember the last time I had cotton candy. I’m definitely up for Bonnie’s idea of adventure.† Stefan brushed his lips against hers in a kiss that was as sweet and light as cotton candy itself, and she leaned into the comfort of his arms. It couldn’t last. Elena knew it. But she was very happy. Stefan was himself again, not angry or fearful or grieving, but himself, the one she loved. And Damon was alive, and safe, and with them. Al her friends were around her. She was truly home at last. How to cite The Hunters: Phantom Chapter 37, Essay examples

IP address Final free essay sample

WAN Design lt;namegt; Axia College The ACME Manufacturing company, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is growing at a fast pace. Located at the Atlanta campus are two offices, one houses the operations, marketing, administration, and accounting sections. The other building has offices for the engineering and sales departments. ACME is spread throughout the United States; with offices in New York, Chicago, and Phoenix. They have also recently acquired a facility in China. With the recent expansion, ACME will need a new wide area network (WAN) and a state-of-the-art phone system to ensure the company operates at optimal levels. To make administration of the ACME WAN easier the network should be designed using the star topology. With this configuration, each branch office will have only a direct connection back to the headquarters in Atlanta. The type of connection to each location stateside can vary on the size of the remote office. We will write a custom essay sample on IP address Final or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page I would recommend going with a minimum of a full T1 line or even a T3. The China location can be connected via a satellite connection leased by the company. The following figure is a graphical representation of the WAN configuration. Atlanta T1 T1 T1 New York Phoenix Chicago China Satellite WAN Layout for ACME Manufacturing IP Ranges For modeling purposes, let’s assume ACME is using a class B network address; for example 192. 168. x. x. To help keep the individual departments separate, the network administration will need to configure a few subnets. Each subnet on the network will be a VLAN, or virtual local area network. In order for us to have the proper amount of subnets, the subnet mask will be set to 255. 255. 240. 0. This will give ACME a maximum of sixteen subnets and 4,094 hosts in each subnet. Hardware Requirements New Cisco switches and routers will supply the routing necessary for Acme’s data. Cisco Catalyst switches will provide VLAN functionality; these switches can accept broadcast packets and forward them only through the ports that are designated by the VLAN configuration; this enhances security by keeping interdepartmental traffic from reaching other departments. Using VTP, all VLANs will only need to be configured from the switch acting as the VTP server. The Cisco routers will define broadcast domains and will use the link-state routing protocol OSPF that works well with the IP addressing scheme in use. STP, configured on the Cisco switches, will allow us to build redundancy into the network and avoid data loops (Regan, 2004). Wireless technologies promote productivity by allowing network users to remain connected to the network when using wireless devices. The installation of wireless access points will grant high-speed network connectivity to wireless devices. Because Acme will be leasing dedicated network media, a CSU/DSU will be required to terminate those lines at each of the distribution locations and at the headquarters building. CSUs/DSUs also place digital signals on the line, control transmission strength, support loopback tests, and synchronize the timing received on the line. Leased lines require a different frame type to be used for data than is regularly used in a LAN environment; a CSU/DSU also converts LAN frames into frames usable on the leased lines (Regan, 2004). Telephony With all of the new technology sprouting up daily, and the cost of long distance calls dropping, a feasible solution would be to install a private branch exchange (PBX) at each location. But with the addition of China into the company’s holdings, a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) system would be the better choice to avoid international charges. With a VoIP system, each location can be set up on a three or four digit dialing plan so users can communicate easier. For example, John in Atlanta can dial a four digit number and reach Chang in China. Security After the infrastructure is set up and the network is online, the security of the network is the most important job of the network team. By keeping all devices up to date with the latest security patches, anti-virus, and spyware removal tools will help eliminate malicious bugs from infecting your system. By installing firewalls at each location and only opening the ports needed for email, http, ftp, etc will keep hackers out of your system and your data safe. Set up a policy that forces users to change their passwords every 90 days using an alpha-numeric and special character code. Even going as far as adding a PKI system to your login will help keep your network limited to authorized users. References Regan, P. E. (2004). Wide area networks. Upper Saddle River, N. J. : Pearson/Prentice Hall. Ou, G. (2006, June 28). IP subnetting made easy. Retrieved August 2, 2010, from TechRepublic: http://articles. techrepublic. com. com/5100-10878_11-6089187. html Yudkowsky, C. (2002, July). Voice Over IP vs PBX. Retrieved August 2, 2010, from VoIP News: http://www. voip-news. com/byte2. htm