Free Essays on Donald Locke

Donald Locke: â€Å"The Road to El Dorado: 12 Years in Atlanta† From now through April 4, 2003, the City Hall Gallery East highlights craftsman Donald Locke and his display â€Å"The Road to El Dorado: 12 Years in Atlanta†. In Locke’s limited show at the exhibition, some portion of its continuous Master Series, started to respect craftsmen of longstanding differentiation, different assortments of work are highlighted including blended media compositions, collaged drawings, and two assemblages of figures. The fine art in this presentation was intriguing. With a plenty of imagery Locke fused different social and political thoughts into his pieces. Introduced by Atlanta craftsman Freddie Styles, the show incorporates work from 1991, when Locke moved from Guyana to Atlanta, to the present. Similarly as the craftsman persistently comes back to his past, he additionally comes back to a scope of topics and procedures in his drawings and artistic creations. A larger part of his assemblage of work apply a ground-breaking nearness over watchers, turning out to be increasingly intense when introduced in a gathering. They unite Locke’s perceptions and biography of his past in Ghana. His artistic creations are layered with specific pictures and structures that use dark as the predominant shading. The medium utilized is a mix of dark washes to frame motioned structures joined with dirt and straw blended in with paint to include surface. A variety of copied photos of Locke’s own allegorical figures, photos of unknown people both African American and Caucasian American-are obvious through the washes of paint making a layered impact. The craftsman likewise incorporates spots of red and blue paint, in all probability used to speak to ancestral markings and to make the drawings bursting at the seams with shading and energy. Another region of Locke’s display includes his work in form. In his figures the portrayal of the human structure and the female bare, which he frequently presents headless and regularly armless, was both exceptional and breathtaki... Free Essays on Donald Locke Free Essays on Donald Locke Donald Locke: â€Å"The Road to El Dorado: 12 Years in Atlanta† From now through April 4, 2003, the City Hall Gallery East highlights craftsman Donald Locke and his display â€Å"The Road to El Dorado: 12 Years in Atlanta†. In Locke’s small time show at the exhibition, some portion of its progressing Master Series, started to respect specialists of longstanding differentiation, different collections of work are highlighted including blended media canvases, collaged drawings, and two assortments of figures. The fine art in this presentation was intriguing. With a plenty of imagery Locke fused different social and political thoughts into his pieces. Introduced by Atlanta craftsman Freddie Styles, the show includes work from 1991, when Locke moved from Guyana to Atlanta, to the present. Similarly as the craftsman ceaselessly comes back to his past, he additionally comes back to a scope of subjects and procedures in his drawings and works of art. A greater part of his assemblage of work apply an incredible nearness over watchers, turning out to be progressively powerful when introduced in a gathering. They unite Locke’s perceptions and biography of his past in Ghana. His artworks are layered with specific pictures and structures that use dark as the predominant shading. The medium utilized is a mix of dark washes to shape motioned structures joined with dirt and straw blended in with paint to include surface. A variety of copied photos of Locke’s own allegorical models, photos of unknown people both African American and Caucasian American-are noticeable through the washes of paint making a layered impact. The craftsman additionally incorporates spots of red and blue paint, probably used to speak to ancestral markings and to make the drawings bursting at the seams with shading and dynamic quality. Another region of Locke’s display includes his work in mold. In his figures the portrayal of the human structure and the female bare, which he regularly presents headless and frequently armless, was both noteworthy and breathtaki...

To what extent do we need evidence to support our beliefs in different Essay

Whatever degree do we need proof to help our convictions in various subject matters - Essay Example Also, the more the confirmations are available - confirmations that are not opposite among each other - in supporting a particular logical conviction, the more such conviction gets honest or objective. In Bayesianism, confirmations from a lot of observational outcomes for a specific speculation to a great extent increment the â€Å"probability [or validity] of that hypothesis† (Achinstein 4). Besides, logical conviction incredibly impacts the individual who holds such conviction. Accepting that confirmations approve a particular hypothesis, the idea and activity of the individual are firmly molded by their conviction framework. For example, an individual who considers the presence or honesty of the purported a dangerous atmospheric devation will communicate, one way or different, their conviction of advancing and seeking after a sort of perfect and green condition. Maybe the person will make this move to an a lot more significant level (e.g., mass exhibit) if such individual a ccepts that the proceeded with lack of concern of the legislature or state concerning an Earth-wide temperature boost will hypothetically result a natural disaster. Be that as it may, confirmations don't make the normal science really target or liberated from mistake. ... However, a few researchers likewise guarantee that a dangerous atmospheric devation doesn't exist; they fight that environmental change or the expanding heat temperature experienced on the planet Earth is only a characteristic marvel, which goes back to a hundred years. Also, the human specie is a developing animal that has the normal ability to adjust in the evolving condition. Translation to specific proof is a long way from objective or logical. A lot of information doesn't mean a logical hypothesis or law. Regardless of whether the wonder of a dangerous atmospheric devation is valid or not, understanding or translating the accessible detectable information stays to be tricky. Leaving from the much politicized science (i.e., a dangerous atmospheric devation), the researchers in the Middle Ages accepted that the Earth was the focal point of the universe, not the sun. Their proof was that the good judgment impression of what they saw around them. In answer to Wittgenstein’s i nquiry, somebody stated, â€Å"Well, clearly, in light of the fact that it just looks as though the sun is going around the earth† (qtd. in Dawkins 406). Accordingly, translation matters over a lot of confirmations. In history as the subject matter, confirmations or sources are fundamental in checking the honesty of the case or hypothesis made by the student of history. Particularly history specialists who study antiquated human advancements, sources are vital so as to demonstrate that their thoughts or â€Å"beliefs† are valid or exact. What's more, assembling various sources or confirmations pertinent to the examination being referred to makes the chronicled record or composing really far reaching and goal. Without a doubt, sources or confirmations ought to be dependable (Child et al. 12). Also, verifiable case or conviction impacts the person’s mental

Systems Engineer Resume Examples, Template, and Resume Tips

Systems Engineer Resume Examples, Template, and Resume Tips Have you ever wondered how a company stays well organized and functions properly let alone how it adapts to more and more technological advances of the modern age?Because if you think of it, it must be hard to keep track of everything that is happening inside a company and having it all run through a wide range of systematic programs which run through a network of computers and databases.That’s why there are job positions for systems engineers which get enrolled for their ability to solve software problems that might occur, successfully install, configure and maintain operating systems and also ensure the highest levels of systems and infrastructure availability.And although this all sounds like rocket science to people outside of this line of work, there are hundreds of thousands of systems engineers who do this regularly and you can imagine how big of a demand their skills are.Today we are going to see how you, a systems engineer, should write your resume to truly present your sk ills and experience to potential employers and we are going to walk you through every step at a time.First, we will show you two samples of different resumes so that you get a picture of how a resume of such sort should look like and then we are going to be talking about each section of the resume so you get a better understanding of how to write your resume.Also, if you have any additional questions after reading this article, we suggest you take a look at our resume template builder and there you will be provided with more additional information.Without further ado, let us begin!System Engineer Resume Example Right Systems Engineer Resume Example Right Create your own resumeYOUR ENGINEERING BUSINESS CARDEvery resume you write should start with some information about yourself and this is not just so the employer gets to know you, you will have that opportunity at the job interview, but rather you need to provide some information so that they know how to contact you.And you should treat this section as your business card. After all, this section contains everything a business card should contain such as your full name, home address, phone number, e-mail and so on.If you want to be viewed as a professional systems engineer, you should pay close attention to what you write in this section and now we will show you what we mean by that.Full NameWhen writing your full name things are pretty straightforward. You should always use the name in your birth certificate and not some name your friends at the bar call you by.Of course, if you’ve, for some reason, changed your name, you should use that name in your resume only if you’ve got an ID card with that name specifically.This precaution should be taken care of to eliminate any potential confusion.Marcus Goldberg RightMarcus 'Marcy' Goldberg WrongProfessionIn this section, you should write your specific profession. If you are having trouble, you can use the subject youve graduated on, e.g. Engineering Management or you can put one of your job positions, for example, Systems Administrator.PhotoIn most cases, an employer will specify if you need to include a photograph in your resume and if that isnt the case you have no obligation to provide one.In the occurrence that you are asked to provide a photograph, do pay attention that you include a professional photograph, taken perhaps in a photo studio and that you look sharp and professional.A bit of dressing up wont hurt either. After all, how many high-paid systems engineers have you seen on a plain t-shirt?Phone NumberSome might argue that a phone number is optional because most of the job applications are done th rough E-mail but because E-mails tend to get lost from time to time, you must provide a phone number so that your employer can get a hold of you if youve landed a job interview.It is also better to provide your mobile phone number because, suspecting that you always carry it with you, your employer will be able to reach you instantly.AddressProviding your home address is also optional but it won’t do any harm especially if the employer or hiring manager needs to know if you need transportation from your house to the office or if they need to send you something through the post office.E-Mail AddressAn E-mail address is pretty much a necessity in this day and age because you will be asked to send your resume through E-mail and also you will most definitely get a response there as well.It’s never a good idea to use your private E-mail address for business purposes because you want to separate your private mail from business mail and also you want your E-mail address to look profess ional.So always create a new E-mail address or use your old business one if youve already had it.Benjamin.p.peterson@gmail.com RightBestsystemsengineerintown@gmail.com WrongSocial MediaIf you are already a systems engineer and you know how much social media can influence a business, you are practically forced to have a LinkedIn account or at least a Twitter account. You can even create your website if you want to be even more professional.Using LinkedIn is a great way to present your other skills or past work experience without overloading your resume, and believe me, employers do check it out as well.So any web development, project management or systems advancement which you’ve done in the past but didn’t make it to your resume you can write on your LinkedIn account and you will be doing yourself a great favor.Same goes with your website. If youve created a professional website where you showcase your work, an employer will be at least amused if not overwhelmed.TO SUM THINGS UP, I’M AN ENGINEERThis heading should never be your actual summary and we hope that you know that it was a joke.Jokes aside, your summary section should be a brief description of your experience and an introduction to the rest of your resume.Two general rules of a great summary include:2 or 3 sentences max, you have the rest of your resume to talk about your previous jobsGetting straight to the point by mentioning how many years of experience you have, your past work experience and why you want to get hiredSummaryI am a systems administrator with over 6 years of experience and have worked for DELL, IBSS, and Western Union. I am a creator of multiple system software for operation management and I want to use my adquired knowledge for further software development. RightSummaryI have worked as a systems engineer for 6 years now. I know how to keep things organized. I want to have the opportunity to use my engineering skills. WrongIf you are having trouble writing your summary sect ion a great way to write a good one is to write it once you’ve completed all other sections.That way you will avoid confusing your employer if perhaps something on your summary doesn’t match the rest of the resume.EVERY COMPANY NEEDS A SYSTEMS ENGINEERYes, that is mostly true, a company most definitely needs a systems engineer to run smoothly and having worked for a good company shows that you have what it takes to be one.By following these steps you will prove that you have what it takes to be hired and not only that but you will also show that you know what the employer is looking for and that won’t be overlooked.Now, the general rule is that you start with your past work experiences reverse-chronologically from your last job to the first one.And this is mainly because you want to show your employer how you worked up to the position youre at right now.Also, when listing the things you’ve done at the previous company, you shouldn’t write a description of your responsibili ties but rather what improvements have you made in that company so that you show your employer that you’re the man for the job. Right WrongSide note: Its not a bad idea to write some percentages for the things youve improved while working for your past company because not only number visible on your resume and will get the employers attention, but also you will show that youve made some improvements.EDUCATION THAT’LL GET YOUR NEXT JOBBeing an engineer of any kind takes a lot of education and most companies won’t hire you if you don’t have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science.And although you will already prove that you are a good engineer when someone looks at your past work experience, having a master degree in Systems Engineering from MIT won’t hurt at all.As with the experience section, you want to write your education reverse-chronologically because you want to show your latest academic achievement first. No one wants to know which high-school youve gone to, because if you have a master degree it means that you were a very good student.Also, pointing out your GPA score and mentioning that you were involved in some extra-curriculum activity also helps a lot.THESE SKILLS WORK IN 2020. TRY IT!It’s not all brains when it comes to being a professional systems engineer because there are also some skills that you will have to acquire through working in this line of work for years.And not all systems engineers have the same skills because there are plenty of programs and software you need to be familiar with and no one can know every one of them unless you’re a human cyborg.If you want to land that sweet job you want, this is how to present your engineering skills.When writing your skills section you should divide your engineering skills and your other skills so that you make a nice parallel and get your employer’s attention right away.In the engineering skills you should include:The programs and software you are familiar with and at which level of proficiency you are with themYour management skills which might include time management, project manageme nt and your overall coordination with other employeesAny engineer related skills such as hardware repair, software development, and even codingYour other skills should include things such as leadership, work ethics, and communication skills.Also, you should add a language section and list the languages you know and at which level, of course, if youre a native English speaker you should list it as a native one.TIPS ANY ENGINEER WILL FIND USEFULResume length â€" Always keep your resume short as possible and it should be 2 pages max because anything above it is just going to bore the hell out of your employer. Ideally, you would even write one page and if you can do it because employers and hiring managers dont spend a lot of time looking at resumes and you cant blame them, they receive hundreds of them daily.Bullet points â€" Remember, bullet points are your friend and you should use them so that you get the employers attention rather than making him search for keywords in a block of text. They are also a great way to emphasize the important stuff and make your resume easier to skim-read.Formatting â€" You should always convert your resume from a TXT format to a PDF one because nearly all computers will be able to open it. Also, always have a physical copy of your resume because you never know if you will need one on your job interview.Proofreading â€" Always proofread your resume not only to avoid grammatical errors which can seriously put your education into question but also to get an expert’s opinion on the resume as a whole and take their suggestion if something needs to be changed.Adaptation â€" You should always write a new resume for every job you apply for because different jobs require different resumes. Not all companies look for the same skills and you need to do some research on the company youre applying for so that you know exactly what to put in your resume.Check your E-Mail daily â€" Always check your E-Mail at least twice a day because you do nt want to accidentally miss out on the job interview if they like your resume. And always check the spam box as well because many E-Mails get filtered out in the system.Resume template â€" If you have some trouble writing your resume, we advise you to check out our resume builder because you will find out everything you need to know about writing a perfect resume. You will be able to quickly add or delete sections which you need and will save you tons of your precious time.CONCLUSIONSo there you have it!Today we talked a lot about how to write your very own professional resume and what things you should keep in mind so that you, as a systems engineer have an easier time emphasizing your hard work and why you deserve to be hired.As we already said, if you still have some confusion about how to write your resume, please check out our resume builder and you won’t be disappointed.Good luck with your job interview, we know you’ll get the job! Create your own resume

Interpreting The Role Of Nurses During Kerala s Public...

Research Proposal Interpreting the Role of Nurses in Kerala’s Public Health Care System Name of the Guide: Dr. Mathew George Pallavi Muraleedharan Enrollment Number: M2015HE018 Master of Health Administration (2015-17) 1. INTRODUCTION The shortage of qualified human resources in the health sector is a major challenge India is currently facing. 18% of the primary health centers are without a doctor and out of the 52% sanctioned posts for specialists at CHCs that remain vacant, 55% are for surgeons, 48% are for obstetricians and gynecologists, 55% are for physicians and about 47% for pediatricians (Rao et al. 2011). As a consequence, the worst hit are the people from the rural sections and other marginalized communities. Although the proportions may be different in the case of Kerala, the reality is not quite promising either. The shortage of MBBS graduates to serve under the National Health Mission on contract in government hospitals is an issue of concern for the NHM authorities in Kerala (The Hindu 2015). The reluctance of the doctors to serve in the rural areas is also evident. In situations such as these it is imperative to adopt prudent alternative courses of action. The Planning Commission’s HLEG report suggests that a new cadre of mid-level practitioners called the BRHC with a 3-year training should be introduced to meet the growing needs especially in the underserved areas. It is also worth considering what can be done to the existing HR. Why not utilize

case study 1 hgd Essay - 1004 Words

What impact do you think the â€Å"Boomers† will have on the next 30 years in our society? Write a minimum three page paper in which you explain: What changes the individual â€Å"boomer,† as well as society at-large, will face? Technology, religious view points, basic political views and philosophies, loss of prejudices, What will persons in both groups need to do to adjust to social changes resulting from this demographic shift? What are your thoughts on how to provide for an aging society? Discuss the implications for aging individuals and aging societies of (1) increasing life expectancy, and (2) increasing numbers of older persons living with chronic conditions such as diabetes and Alzheimers disease. Please save your work as a word†¦show more content†¦However boomers and â€Å"non† boomers alike will face social changes as this group matures into their late adulthood. Many boomers prepared for their retirement by working hard and saving money. Boomers such as my own parents are good examples of how boomers will be affected. They did not over extend themselves during the recession and they made wise financial decisions. They invested what was perceived as healthy investments in real-estate and the stock market only to take on major economic losses in the last decade. Although my parents are not struggling to make ends meet, the rising cost of insurance and health care may have negative effects on their finances in the next decade. In regards to social changes, boomers can be divided into two groups. There are boomers that will continue their parent’s view of society and there are the groups that will break social traditions. ‘Boomers separation also involves a rejection of party identification as a basis for political decisions and an abiding commitment to individualism, self-reliance, and introspection as a generational style for solving problems† (Light 1988). Boomers come from a time of great social change which in turn has made them more liberal to modern issues such a homosexuality and abortion. In 1993, Time magazine reported that about 42% of baby boomers were dropouts from formal religion (BG Central). According to my parents that are boomers, once leaving behind bigotry and religious persecution theyShow MoreRelatedCancer Is The Second Leading Cause Death Globally2235 Words   |  9 Pagesof 40 (Shah, A. K, 2013). Most patients with esophageal adenocarcinomas are associated with Ba rrett’s esophagus, a pre-disposing condition were the normal squamous of the esophagus is replaced by columnar intestinal type tissue, and of those, around 1% are estimated to develop EAC (Tischoff, 2008). Understanding the progression of Barrett’s metaplasia to EAC and discovery of biomarkers that could stratify this patients based on the potential risk to developed EAC could potently have high impact inRead MorePmp Sample Questions21907 Words   |  88 PagesSCOPE MGT 1. Of the following, which is not part of project scope management? A. Scope planning B. Scope verification C. Quality assurance D. Initiation 2. You are probably going to be the project manager for the HGD Project and will need as many inputs to the initiation phase as possible. Of the following, which is the best source of information for your project? A. Business plans B. Historical information C. WBS D. The project charter 3. You are a project manager for your organization. Sarah

Children of the Taliban Free Essays

Children of the Taliban 1. The government school system has completely collapsed. The lack of funding and cohesiveness amongst educators and government has caused the system to literally crumble. We will write a custom essay sample on Children of the Taliban or any similar topic only for you Order Now School buildings are also in war zones and a lot of them are structurally unsafe at this point. They have been replaced by schools of the Taliban. The Taliban actually offer guaranteed food and shelter to the children who attend their schools. Parents will even receive a monthly stipend. While madrassas are usually seminaries that teach different schools of thought, the Taliban use them to teach radically Islamic fundamentalism. Basically, they are brainwashing children into becoming jihadists or martyrs. On camera the man stated madrassas are used to teach children to play a positive role in society and that peace and love are vital to success. This was not the same explanation when the camera was off. 2. Over a million Pakistanis live in refugee in their own country because the Taliban are such a strong presence, the Pakistani military doesn’t have enough resources to provide protection to every citizen. Ironically, the Pakistani army is not so great either as they take over homes if needed. So, to escape war zones, jihadist recruitment, and death, Pakistani citizens are forced to leave their own homes. This is the largest internal displacement of a population of citizens. 3. Because these people have been living daily with war, many of them have become accustomed to the sound of explosions and gunfire. For example, when the children were being interviewed, gunshots and bombs went off, yet the two little girls were completely calm. Depending on their influence, people either begin to grow resentment for the Taliban, the Pakistani government, or the United States. When civilians get hurt from U. S. missile strikes, the Taliban use the aftermath to recruit children. How to cite Children of the Taliban, Papers

International Business System and Growth

Question: Discuss about the International Business System and Growth. Answer: Introduction: The country that has been chosen in this aspect is Iran among the Middle East section of the world. The export and import of Irans oil has faced growth in a decreasing rate over the span of three years. The economy would infer a recovery when they could be approached with foreign capital inflows thereby restoring their frozen assets of US$100 billion. There could be a rise in the growth rate of the country from 3% to 6% ("Iran", 2017). Yet, the risk that has been associated with such a trade alliance to be formed with Iran is that, there might be a sudden fall in the price of oil that would offset the positive up gradation in the growth rate. The country has abundant energy sources available that helps the country to grow their economy in the long run. Yet, the country is accustomed to various issues regarding the employment opportunities. Due to the employment opportunities in the country, there would be a downfall in the standard of living of the people. The business climate in the country is not feasible in nature. OECD country credit grade of 6 and is not rated by three major ratings agencies. World Bank gives Iran a score of 118 out of 189 in the ease of doing business with the country ("Iran", 2017). The country underperforms in some of the categories associated to business. It scores quite poorly in the governance of world banks governance indicators. The country suffers through the issues of government mismanagement, inefficiencies and burden of regulating the environment. Reference Iran. (2017). Efic.gov.au. Retrieved 31 March 2017, from https://www.efic.gov.au/education-and-tools/country-profiles/middle-east/iran/

Celebrating 10 Years With Our Senior Editor Stephanie Hashagen - The Writers For Hire

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS WITH OUR SENIOR EDITOR STEPHANIE HASHAGEN Since joining The Writers For Hire (TWFH) 10 years ago, Senior Editor Stephanie Hashagen has learned something important about herself. She can write about almost anything. Some of the weird and wonderful topics Stephanie has tackled during the last decade include the health benefits of beets, machines used to clean oil and gas pipelines, how to boost personal credit scores and invest in hedge funds, greening the construction industry, and growing medical marijuana. Reaching the 10-year mark with TWFH has led Stephanie to reflect a bit on her writing and editing career.   While learning something new and out of your scope is always interesting and sometimes unexpectedly applicable (as most professional copywriters can attest to), Stephanie notes that her very favorite projects are those that are personally meaningful to clients. A few highlights:   A few years back, we helped a father write a book about his son who died of cystic fibrosis when he was a teenager. It was an emotional project, but it meant so much to our client to have all of those memories and stories in one place. By the end of the project, I felt like I’d gotten to know his son. We also did a book about a woman who came to the U.S. as a German war bride in the ’40s. She lived on a ranch in the middle of nowhere in Eureka, Nevada, like, six hours or so away from anything. We had to fly into Reno and drive for a bazillion hours on Highway 50 to get to her. It’s a really interesting drive. The people who live in that area, most of them have ranches and live in town through the winter when they’re not ranching. It’s beautiful, but you feel completely isolated. Stephen King wrote an entire book about that road. More recently, I helped a client edit/revise his personal finance book. It wasn’t like a â€Å"traditional† finance book. He wanted to do something that was entertaining — like something that the average person would want to read. The book is awesome. It’s hilarious and full of random facts and pop culture references and whatnot.    When we asked Stephanie what advice she’d give to new writers, her answers had more to do with being real than technicalities. It’s perfectly fine to break the grammar rules you learned in English class. â€Å"Professional† writing doesn’t mean awkward and overly formal. Sometimes contractions work. It’s OK to start sentences with â€Å"and.† Don’t be afraid to sound like a real person.    With writing, you never get it right the first time, it’s always a collaborative process, not one-sided.    When asked what advice she finds herself giving clients and team members most often, Stephanie chimed in with a few snippets of wisdom. One thing I always tell clients is, don’t be afraid to tell us if you don’t like something. On some projects, your writing team will nail it on the first try and give you exactly what you wanted. And when that happens, it’s awesome. But on other projects, you might review a draft and think, â€Å"meh.† And that’s totally fine.   Sometimes you don’t know what you really wanted until you see something that you’re not that crazy about. And it’s incredibly helpful to us if you can say, â€Å"Hey, I wanted something more conversational,† or â€Å"I think we focused on the wrong benefit on the home page.† Writing is a back-and-forth process. It’s normal to go through a couple rounds of revisions.   I often tell our writers that much of any writing job comes down to simply listening to what clients have to say. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. There’s no such thing as having too much information or getting too much clarification.   Ã‚     In her 10 years at TWFH, Stephanie has most enjoyed the collaborative nature of the team. She loves that everyone is on the same page and is working towards a core mission: to produce high quality deliverables that will offer exceptional and lasting value to each and every client. And TWFH team has enjoyed working with Stephanie, owner Wintress Odom says. Stephanie has been an invaluable member of the TWFH team, and we hope she sticks around for another 10. Congratulations, Stephanie. Thank you for 10 years of grit, focus, passion, active listening, outstanding editorial guidance, strength of character, and solid leadership on every single level.   Ã‚   NOTE:  Stephanie was too humble to take a photo of herself with her 10-year anniversary trophy, but has kindly substituted Emilio, who used to be our office cat and was generously adopted by Stephanie during Hurricane Rita.

10 Companies Hiring Admins Like Crazy Right Now

10 Companies Hiring Admins Like Crazy Right Now Every company needs an administrative professional to operate the office. If you are looking to find a job in the admin field, you are in the right place. We have found 10 companies that are hiring admins like crazy right now.1. Sutherland Global ServicesEstablished in 1986,   Sutherland Global Services is a global provider of business process and technology management services. It employs over 36,000 professionals and has locations across the United States, Australia, Brazil, and other countries.See all open admin jobs  from  sutherland global services2. Quest QiagnosticsQuest Diagnostics is a leading clinical lab and offers the most extensive clinical testing network in the U.S. It employs over 10000+ professionals country wide.See all open admin jobs  from Quest Diagnostics3. Mount SinaiThe mission of the Mount Sinai Health System is to provide compassionate patient care and advance biomedical research. It employs over 6600 physicians, 12 ambulatory surgery centers, over 4 5 ambulatory practices.See all open admin jobs  from Mount Sinai4. Baylor Scott White healthBaylor Scott White Health is the largest not-for-profit health care system in the state of Texas. The organization includes 56 hospitals, more than 5,800 active physicians, and over 40,000 employees.See all open admin jobs  from Baylor Scott White Health5. SobeysEstablished in 1907, Sobeys is one of only two national grocery retailers in Canada. Sobeys hires over 124,000 employees all over the country.See all open admin jobs  from Sobeys6. VHAVHA home healthcare (VHA) is a not-for-profit chartiable organization, providing health care and support services to people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. it also employs over 2000 staff and service providers.See all open admin jobs  from VHA7. LowesLowes is a home improvement company and has stores across United States, Canada and Mexico. Lowes has more than 1,840 home improvement and hardware stores and hires over 265,000 employees.Se e all open admin jobs  from Lowes8. Express ScriptsExpress Scripts is a prescription benefit plan provider and manages prescriptions for over 100 million Americans. Express Scripts hires over 10,000 employees across the country.See all open admin jobs  from Express Scripts9. Air Force Personnel CenterAFPC executes programs covering the entire life cycle of military and civilian personnel for the air force and ensures commanders around the world have the right number of skilled air forced personnel to conduct the mission.See all open admin jobs  from Air Force Personnel Center10. Hudsons BayFound in 1670, Hudsons Bay is North Americas longest continually operated company. It has more than 460 stores and employs over 66,000 staff around the world.See all open admin jobs  from Hudsons Bay

The inferno Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The inferno - Essay Example c. The interesting mention of Beatrice who seems to be out context because she was only mentioned and not explained and this begs the question who is Beatrice particularly in the passage â€Å"The prophecy by Ciacco of the fall of Dantes party, Canto vi., and that byFarinata  of Dantes exile, Canto x., which Virgil had told should be made clear to him by  Beatrice† (Canto XV). These cruxes identified in Dante’s Inferno cannot be interpreted literally by relying merely on Dante’s text of the Inferno. The reader has to take account of Dante’s other works and inclination in order to understand the identified texts. For example, in the first crux which was in the introduction part of Canto X in the sixth circle of hell of Dante’s Inferno, what actually Dante meant in this passage is his personal amusement and curiosity if any of his friends from Floernce are in hell. He was tempted to ask one of sufferers but did not really get the satisfaction with the reply. With regard to the old man in Canto XIV, this passage is reminiscent of Dante’s aptitude in classical text such as the text of Ovid’s Metamorphes where the metal composition of the head of the old man is made up of the four ages of history: gold, silver, brass and iron, which is typical of its civilization’s rise and decline. The old man looks at Rome because his feature is characteristic of Rome’s strength and weakness. Its strength is in the right foot made of chosen iron indicating strength in the leadership of the empire. On the left is its weakness as it is made of clay, implying declining influence and the corruption of the church. The third passage in Canto XV which mentioned Beatrice could never be understood or explained by just relying on the texts of Inferno. The reader has to refer to Dante’s personal circumstance and other works in order to understand the significance of Beatrice. Beatrice was, in

Decision Making At Sleep-Inn Motel Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Decision Making At Sleep-Inn Motel - Case Study Example The business is located at approximately half a mile from the interstate high way. The business is about 10 miles from the area of tourists and surrounded by a number of national franchised service motel resorts that are appropriate for vacation destination. This business is going through a number of issues. These issues include decision on the manner of operation of business, new investments of capital for joining either of the chains, competition from different motels such as the Best Western inn, lack of developments in the turnoffs, insufficient signs for advertising the Sleepy-Inn motel, and the reduction in the level of occupancy. The main problem, in this case, is that Jack is trying to come up with a decision on whether he should undertake some decisions in the manner of operation of his sleepy inn motel or whether he should shift to the Holiday Inn or Day Inn motel chains. This issue came up because Jack was geting loses in his business thus a need to come up with a fast dec ision, so as to avoid increased loses. In this case, the decision should urgently be made in order to save the prevailing condition of the Sleep Inn Motel Chain. ... ----------------------------------------12 4.0 IMPLEMENTATION ----------------------------------------------------13 5.0 WORK CITED ------------------------------------------------------------14 1.0 Introduction. 1.1 Aim. To give out advice to Jack concerning the best way of determining the decisions for his business. To identify the decision options that are available for Sleep Inn Motel.     Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   1.2 Background. Sleep-Inn is a motel business that is located towards the edge of an extremely small town next to a resort centre that is rapidly expanding. The business is located at approximately half a mile from the interstate high way. The business is about 10 miles from the area of tourists and surrounded by a number of national franchised service motel resorts that are appropriate for vacation destination. This business is going through a number of issues. These issues include decision on the manner of operation of business, new investments of capital for joining either of the chains, competition from different motels such as the Best Western inn, lack of developments in the turnoffs, insufficient signs for advertising the Sleepy-Inn motel, and the reduction in the level of occupancy. The main problem, in this case, is that Jack is trying to come up with a decision on whether he should undertake some decisions in the manner of operation of his sleepy inn motel or whether he should shift to the Holiday Inn or Day Inn motel chains. This issue came up because Jack was geting loses in his business thus a need to come up with a fast decision, so as to avoid increased loses. In this case, the decision should urgently be made in order to save the prevailing condition of the Sleep Inn Motel Chain. 1.3 Scope. This report covers the decision making

Its Improving Home Energy Efficiency Construction Essay

Its Improving Home Energy Efficiency Construction Essay Introduction The typical home today has an unquenchable thirst for energy and there are many steps homeowners can take to help lower their demand for energy. The main source for todays energy is fossil fuels. The burning of these fossil fuels releases CO2 and CO2 is a major contributor to global warming. It is important that we take a more sustainable approach towards our energy usage. Sustainable energy usage benefits the environment and results in lower energy costs to the consumer. Building Shell The exterior surfaces of a building are called the building shell; this may include the roof, walls, doors, and windows. It is the effectiveness or ineffectiveness rather, of this shell that determines the level of energy demand a building will have. It is the heat exchange through the buildings shell that places the largest demands on energy consumption of the home. Lets take a minute to focus on the walls and structure with respects towards the building shell. A common trend in architecture today is to have many extrusions and intrusions in the walls of a home. This is more aesthetically pleasing to todays homeowner. However, these extrusions require extra framing which results in decreased insulation in corners and potential air leakage. Most single family residential homes are wood framed and any irregularities in the building shell are weak points when it comes to heat loss. Mobile homes are framed with metal studs, generally speaking. The increased metal presence combined with thinner walls and joints between modular sections all create potential weak spots that allow greater thermal conductivity. Multi-family housing units suffer from some of the same design flaws; much of their structural support comes from metal components, larger air handling units, and elevator shafts create weak points, thermally speaking. However from an energy usage point it is better to have an apartment that is surrounded by other apartments, the temperature change from one side of your wall/ceiling will be almost zero, this equates to lower heating and cooling costs. Later I will discuss air leakage and insulation more in-depth, for now just knows that when it comes to the exterior design of a building, simpler is better. Air Leakage What represents 5-40% of building conditioning costs also known as energy consumption, air leakage does. Air leakage is the exchange of air from the exterior to interior, or vice versa, of a building. Air leakage control can increase comfort, reduce damage to intra-wall components, prevent pest infestation, and save energy. While ventilation is needed for the building and human health, the goal is to control that ventilation and have it happen when we deem it necessary. Ultimately this exchange in air is a result of pressure difference from the inside to outside of a structure. The pressure difference is caused by the density difference in warm and cold air. This concept is also known as the second law of thermodynamics that is that warm will always move to cooler areas (when unassisted) until equilibrium is met. Unchecked airflow will seek equilibrium inside and outside by the most direct path. Examples of this process at work during winter months would be warm air exiting the struc ture through leaks in the upper regions of the building and cool air entering through the lower regions, thus creating a cycle that seeks equilibrium. Residents can prevent/reduce air leakage by ensuring that the building shell is properly sealed, air tight. This task can be accomplished by using spray foam around window and door frames as well as checking that the weather-stripping is in proper condition, not worn out. Also, windows and doors must be latched in order to be air tight, it is not uncommon for a window to closed but not latched. Other building practices that should be avoided include duct work, electrical fixtures, and plumbing components being placed in exterior surfaces. This could cause air leakage as well as reduced insulation where these components are present. Insulation Insulation prevents heat transmission through the building shell. In some winter months heat transmission poses a greater threat than air leakage. Insulation is placed in voids/cavities in the building structure to reduce heat transmission. Insulation accomplishes this goal by two means. It forces heat to transfer in the form of a gas, gasses are naturally poor conductors. Second its presence reduces heat convection and radiation. Insulation comes in many forms; it could be foam, fiberglass, wool, cellulose (shredded newspapers), and even straw bales in some construction. Every type of insulation has its own pros and cons. Foam is by far the most effective, it has very high R-values and if sprayed will expand to fill air leaks, on the down side it can be expensive, is not very fire resistant, and does not break down quickly in a land fill (eventually this is where it will end up). Fiber glass is probably the most prevalent form of insulation; it has good R-values, but until the wall is sealed can release particles into the air that are harmful if consumed. Wool/cotton is probably a more sustainable way to insulate a structure, generally it is made out of recycled jeans, can achieve comparable R-values, but due to its unpopularity can be significantly more expensive than more common insulations. Cellulose ranks about the same as wool, it is recycled content, but is blown in place and often will settle over time; this leaves a small section of the cavity insulated once it settles. Straw-bale insulation is a controversial issue, its density makes it a good insulator, and however there is much debate about how long it will last. Each insulation is designated a specific R-value and is labeled as such. The R-value is a measure of how well the material resists heat transmission. The important thing to know about R-values is the higher the better, less heat transfer equals less energy consumption. The inverse of the R-value is the U-value. U-values are used to rate win dows and doors for their efficiency. Windows Doors Windows and doors are the complete opposite of insulation. So much so, that we do not rate them by their ability to resist thermal conductivity, but by their ability to conduct thermal heat transfer. The way we identify windows and doors also known as fenestration is with a U-value. The National Fenestration Rating Council is the private/public group tasked with testing and assigning a U rating to fenestrations. Windows are made up of four basic parts; the glass, sash, frame, and the rough opening, all of these contribute to a windows inefficiency regarding energy. Windows can have several different types of glass including; Low-e, tinted bronze, reflective bronze, and clear glass. The best option for energy savings is to install an insulated, Low-e window. The insulative property is provided by a gas, usually co2 and argon. The gas is injected between the window panes and sealed in place; the use of a gas reduces the rate of convection between panes. The low-e is a coating placed on one pane of glass, usually inside the window, that reflects radiation. This coating is installed on the interior pane for cooler climates and on the exterior pane for warmer climates. The sash/frame is typically made of similar material, being; plastic, metal, or wood. With relation to energy consumption the plastic construction is the way to go. When made of plastic the sash/frame is extruded through a mold and often can be filled with foam insulation. The rough opening refers to the space between the window frame and the structural frame of the opening in the rough framing (the actual opening in the wall). The rough opening is often larger than the frame of the window to allow the builder to make adjustments during installation. Once installed, this space should be filled with insulation; the best to use for this situation is minimal expanding foam spray. Door construction is very similar. Doors can have glazing/fenestration within the door. They too, are given a U-value. When di scussing the U-value of doors/windows the most important for a consumer to know is that the lower the U-value, the better. Lower U-values result in greater energy savings when heating and cooling a building. Heating In North America the heating demands of our homes require a huge amount of energy. This energy comes from mostly from fossil fuels that have been refined, mined, and converted to meet our needs. The residential heating fuels that are used today can be broken down into four major categories; natural gas 53%, electricity 29%, oil 9%, and other types make up the remaining 9%. Huge natural gas reserves have been found in North America and it is considered to be the most environmentally friendly of the fossil fuels. It is the increased availability and societies concern for the environment that has led to exponential growth most recently in the natural gas industry. Electricity is considered to be 100% efficient once harvested. It is the methods by which we harvest electricity that cause environmental damage. The most environmentally degrading method of harvesting electricity is by coal power plants; however more sustainable methods such as harnessing wind and solar power production are b eing developed and implemented. Some electrical providers allow their customers to select the source/means of their power. Oil, once a major source of energy used to heat our homes is becoming quickly outdated as consumers become aware of more efficient and environmentally friendly ways to heat their homes. The other category refers to heat sources such as wood and coal, aside from the environmental impacts these sources are unpopular because they require more work by the consumer. A heating system should be designed to provide the home with heat at approximately the same rate that it is being lost in worst case scenarios. Each fuel type has a distribution system. These systems are given an efficiency rating. This rating measures how well the system operates and can be expressed as; Efficiency = Output Input. The resultant will be a percentage ranging from 35-95% efficient. The efficiency of a system is directly proportionate to the amount of fuel the system consumes. Therefore, the more efficient a system is, the less energy it will consume. High efficiency systems are considered to be any system with an 80-97% efficiency rating. Cooling Second to heating demands are the cooling demands, generally speaking, of a building. There are passive and active methods of cooling a structure. Depending on the designers knowledge and foresight of these methods energy required to cool the structure could vary greatly. Passive methods require no mechanical operations; the result is zero energy consumption. Active methods require the assistance of mechanical operations, although the level of energy consumption is defendant upon the system that is installed. Often it is a combination of these methods that provides the most comfort to the inhabitants of the home. One common passive method of cooling a structure is through the use of landscaping. The use of trees to shade a home is the most cost effective method of cooling. The trees must be deciduous so that they allow the sun to warm the building during winter months. Another passive method is ventilation through windows and other openings. A proper building design can create a chim ney affect, pulling cooler air in at lower portions of the home and releasing warm air in upper portions of the home. Often this chimney affect can be assisted by proper placement of ceiling fans, an example of a combination of passive and active systems. The use of fans to ventilate a home is the most energy efficient way to cool the building. Moving air is more comfortable to the inhabitants and can give the perception of a 4-8 degree temperature change. Window/Room air conditioners are the least energy efficient. The constant start up and shut down process consumes large amounts of energy. They are subject to significant accumulations of dirt, unchecked over time, this causes greater inefficiency and eventual failure of the unit. The use of central air conditioning is another active method to cool a residence. Central air conditioning can provide the most comfort; higher efficiency models reduce energy consumption. Central air conditioning systems are run by a thermostat and slow ly cool a building. This prevents the constant start up and shut down process that occurs with a window unit. Regardless of the system and methods used to cool a building the inhabitants have control over how much energy is used. The warmer the environment the residents can willingly tolerate the less energy will be consumed to cool the structure. Due to the fact that most people do are not present during the construction and design process of their home perhaps the most applicable way to save energy is to perform regular maintenance and select the proper lighting and appliances. Lighting Lighting has a huge effect on a homes energy consumption. There are many different light fixtures and bulbs a one could install in a home. Just as anything else thus far they vary in efficiency. The consumer must read labels to ensure they are actually purchasing the most sustainable, energy efficient light. Often more lighting than what is required is used, different activities require different levels of illumination, be sure to size fixtures adequately. Consumers must monitor their energy use by controlling when lights are on or off. If an area is not being utilized for a period of time the lights should be turned off to conserve energy. Also, residents should clean the globes or covers around the light bulbs, clean fixtures provide more optimal lighting. When purchasing new appliances consumers should purchase energy star rated appliances. Energy Star guidelines are set by the EPA and provide the consumer with a means of determining the efficiency of appliances such as dish washe rs, TVs, clothes washers, and dryers. To help with the cost of these more efficient options some state governments offer a tax rebate to those who purchase high efficiency appliances. Conclusion In conclusion, even with the unquenchable thirst for energy, the consumer has more power than they realize to reduce the energy consumption of the buildings they reside in. With reference to the buildings shell basic is better; irregularities tend to be thermal weak spots. Air leakage can happen anywhere the building shell is penetrated, stopping the unregulated air flow through a buildings shell will result in increased energy savings. The proper insulation is key, to providing comfort and energy efficiency. Windows and doors also known as fenestration create weak points in a buildings shell and must be sealed and properly installed to promote energy efficiency. Heating systems are produced by a wide variety of manufactures, it is crucial that the consumer is well informed with the potential energy consumption of the system before purchasing and installing. Cooling can be accomplished through passive and active means, often the most effective is a combination of both. Lighting fixtu res must be sized and installed properly to promote energy efficiency. Consumers should purchase high efficiency Energy Star appliances to conserve and reduce their homes energy consumption.

Its Improving Home Energy Efficiency Construction Essay

Its Improving Home Energy Efficiency Construction Essay Introduction The typical home today has an unquenchable thirst for energy and there are many steps homeowners can take to help lower their demand for energy. The main source for todays energy is fossil fuels. The burning of these fossil fuels releases CO2 and CO2 is a major contributor to global warming. It is important that we take a more sustainable approach towards our energy usage. Sustainable energy usage benefits the environment and results in lower energy costs to the consumer. Building Shell The exterior surfaces of a building are called the building shell; this may include the roof, walls, doors, and windows. It is the effectiveness or ineffectiveness rather, of this shell that determines the level of energy demand a building will have. It is the heat exchange through the buildings shell that places the largest demands on energy consumption of the home. Lets take a minute to focus on the walls and structure with respects towards the building shell. A common trend in architecture today is to have many extrusions and intrusions in the walls of a home. This is more aesthetically pleasing to todays homeowner. However, these extrusions require extra framing which results in decreased insulation in corners and potential air leakage. Most single family residential homes are wood framed and any irregularities in the building shell are weak points when it comes to heat loss. Mobile homes are framed with metal studs, generally speaking. The increased metal presence combined with thinner walls and joints between modular sections all create potential weak spots that allow greater thermal conductivity. Multi-family housing units suffer from some of the same design flaws; much of their structural support comes from metal components, larger air handling units, and elevator shafts create weak points, thermally speaking. However from an energy usage point it is better to have an apartment that is surrounded by other apartments, the temperature change from one side of your wall/ceiling will be almost zero, this equates to lower heating and cooling costs. Later I will discuss air leakage and insulation more in-depth, for now just knows that when it comes to the exterior design of a building, simpler is better. Air Leakage What represents 5-40% of building conditioning costs also known as energy consumption, air leakage does. Air leakage is the exchange of air from the exterior to interior, or vice versa, of a building. Air leakage control can increase comfort, reduce damage to intra-wall components, prevent pest infestation, and save energy. While ventilation is needed for the building and human health, the goal is to control that ventilation and have it happen when we deem it necessary. Ultimately this exchange in air is a result of pressure difference from the inside to outside of a structure. The pressure difference is caused by the density difference in warm and cold air. This concept is also known as the second law of thermodynamics that is that warm will always move to cooler areas (when unassisted) until equilibrium is met. Unchecked airflow will seek equilibrium inside and outside by the most direct path. Examples of this process at work during winter months would be warm air exiting the struc ture through leaks in the upper regions of the building and cool air entering through the lower regions, thus creating a cycle that seeks equilibrium. Residents can prevent/reduce air leakage by ensuring that the building shell is properly sealed, air tight. This task can be accomplished by using spray foam around window and door frames as well as checking that the weather-stripping is in proper condition, not worn out. Also, windows and doors must be latched in order to be air tight, it is not uncommon for a window to closed but not latched. Other building practices that should be avoided include duct work, electrical fixtures, and plumbing components being placed in exterior surfaces. This could cause air leakage as well as reduced insulation where these components are present. Insulation Insulation prevents heat transmission through the building shell. In some winter months heat transmission poses a greater threat than air leakage. Insulation is placed in voids/cavities in the building structure to reduce heat transmission. Insulation accomplishes this goal by two means. It forces heat to transfer in the form of a gas, gasses are naturally poor conductors. Second its presence reduces heat convection and radiation. Insulation comes in many forms; it could be foam, fiberglass, wool, cellulose (shredded newspapers), and even straw bales in some construction. Every type of insulation has its own pros and cons. Foam is by far the most effective, it has very high R-values and if sprayed will expand to fill air leaks, on the down side it can be expensive, is not very fire resistant, and does not break down quickly in a land fill (eventually this is where it will end up). Fiber glass is probably the most prevalent form of insulation; it has good R-values, but until the wall is sealed can release particles into the air that are harmful if consumed. Wool/cotton is probably a more sustainable way to insulate a structure, generally it is made out of recycled jeans, can achieve comparable R-values, but due to its unpopularity can be significantly more expensive than more common insulations. Cellulose ranks about the same as wool, it is recycled content, but is blown in place and often will settle over time; this leaves a small section of the cavity insulated once it settles. Straw-bale insulation is a controversial issue, its density makes it a good insulator, and however there is much debate about how long it will last. Each insulation is designated a specific R-value and is labeled as such. The R-value is a measure of how well the material resists heat transmission. The important thing to know about R-values is the higher the better, less heat transfer equals less energy consumption. The inverse of the R-value is the U-value. U-values are used to rate win dows and doors for their efficiency. Windows Doors Windows and doors are the complete opposite of insulation. So much so, that we do not rate them by their ability to resist thermal conductivity, but by their ability to conduct thermal heat transfer. The way we identify windows and doors also known as fenestration is with a U-value. The National Fenestration Rating Council is the private/public group tasked with testing and assigning a U rating to fenestrations. Windows are made up of four basic parts; the glass, sash, frame, and the rough opening, all of these contribute to a windows inefficiency regarding energy. Windows can have several different types of glass including; Low-e, tinted bronze, reflective bronze, and clear glass. The best option for energy savings is to install an insulated, Low-e window. The insulative property is provided by a gas, usually co2 and argon. The gas is injected between the window panes and sealed in place; the use of a gas reduces the rate of convection between panes. The low-e is a coating placed on one pane of glass, usually inside the window, that reflects radiation. This coating is installed on the interior pane for cooler climates and on the exterior pane for warmer climates. The sash/frame is typically made of similar material, being; plastic, metal, or wood. With relation to energy consumption the plastic construction is the way to go. When made of plastic the sash/frame is extruded through a mold and often can be filled with foam insulation. The rough opening refers to the space between the window frame and the structural frame of the opening in the rough framing (the actual opening in the wall). The rough opening is often larger than the frame of the window to allow the builder to make adjustments during installation. Once installed, this space should be filled with insulation; the best to use for this situation is minimal expanding foam spray. Door construction is very similar. Doors can have glazing/fenestration within the door. They too, are given a U-value. When di scussing the U-value of doors/windows the most important for a consumer to know is that the lower the U-value, the better. Lower U-values result in greater energy savings when heating and cooling a building. Heating In North America the heating demands of our homes require a huge amount of energy. This energy comes from mostly from fossil fuels that have been refined, mined, and converted to meet our needs. The residential heating fuels that are used today can be broken down into four major categories; natural gas 53%, electricity 29%, oil 9%, and other types make up the remaining 9%. Huge natural gas reserves have been found in North America and it is considered to be the most environmentally friendly of the fossil fuels. It is the increased availability and societies concern for the environment that has led to exponential growth most recently in the natural gas industry. Electricity is considered to be 100% efficient once harvested. It is the methods by which we harvest electricity that cause environmental damage. The most environmentally degrading method of harvesting electricity is by coal power plants; however more sustainable methods such as harnessing wind and solar power production are b eing developed and implemented. Some electrical providers allow their customers to select the source/means of their power. Oil, once a major source of energy used to heat our homes is becoming quickly outdated as consumers become aware of more efficient and environmentally friendly ways to heat their homes. The other category refers to heat sources such as wood and coal, aside from the environmental impacts these sources are unpopular because they require more work by the consumer. A heating system should be designed to provide the home with heat at approximately the same rate that it is being lost in worst case scenarios. Each fuel type has a distribution system. These systems are given an efficiency rating. This rating measures how well the system operates and can be expressed as; Efficiency = Output Input. The resultant will be a percentage ranging from 35-95% efficient. The efficiency of a system is directly proportionate to the amount of fuel the system consumes. Therefore, the more efficient a system is, the less energy it will consume. High efficiency systems are considered to be any system with an 80-97% efficiency rating. Cooling Second to heating demands are the cooling demands, generally speaking, of a building. There are passive and active methods of cooling a structure. Depending on the designers knowledge and foresight of these methods energy required to cool the structure could vary greatly. Passive methods require no mechanical operations; the result is zero energy consumption. Active methods require the assistance of mechanical operations, although the level of energy consumption is defendant upon the system that is installed. Often it is a combination of these methods that provides the most comfort to the inhabitants of the home. One common passive method of cooling a structure is through the use of landscaping. The use of trees to shade a home is the most cost effective method of cooling. The trees must be deciduous so that they allow the sun to warm the building during winter months. Another passive method is ventilation through windows and other openings. A proper building design can create a chim ney affect, pulling cooler air in at lower portions of the home and releasing warm air in upper portions of the home. Often this chimney affect can be assisted by proper placement of ceiling fans, an example of a combination of passive and active systems. The use of fans to ventilate a home is the most energy efficient way to cool the building. Moving air is more comfortable to the inhabitants and can give the perception of a 4-8 degree temperature change. Window/Room air conditioners are the least energy efficient. The constant start up and shut down process consumes large amounts of energy. They are subject to significant accumulations of dirt, unchecked over time, this causes greater inefficiency and eventual failure of the unit. The use of central air conditioning is another active method to cool a residence. Central air conditioning can provide the most comfort; higher efficiency models reduce energy consumption. Central air conditioning systems are run by a thermostat and slow ly cool a building. This prevents the constant start up and shut down process that occurs with a window unit. Regardless of the system and methods used to cool a building the inhabitants have control over how much energy is used. The warmer the environment the residents can willingly tolerate the less energy will be consumed to cool the structure. Due to the fact that most people do are not present during the construction and design process of their home perhaps the most applicable way to save energy is to perform regular maintenance and select the proper lighting and appliances. Lighting Lighting has a huge effect on a homes energy consumption. There are many different light fixtures and bulbs a one could install in a home. Just as anything else thus far they vary in efficiency. The consumer must read labels to ensure they are actually purchasing the most sustainable, energy efficient light. Often more lighting than what is required is used, different activities require different levels of illumination, be sure to size fixtures adequately. Consumers must monitor their energy use by controlling when lights are on or off. If an area is not being utilized for a period of time the lights should be turned off to conserve energy. Also, residents should clean the globes or covers around the light bulbs, clean fixtures provide more optimal lighting. When purchasing new appliances consumers should purchase energy star rated appliances. Energy Star guidelines are set by the EPA and provide the consumer with a means of determining the efficiency of appliances such as dish washe rs, TVs, clothes washers, and dryers. To help with the cost of these more efficient options some state governments offer a tax rebate to those who purchase high efficiency appliances. Conclusion In conclusion, even with the unquenchable thirst for energy, the consumer has more power than they realize to reduce the energy consumption of the buildings they reside in. With reference to the buildings shell basic is better; irregularities tend to be thermal weak spots. Air leakage can happen anywhere the building shell is penetrated, stopping the unregulated air flow through a buildings shell will result in increased energy savings. The proper insulation is key, to providing comfort and energy efficiency. Windows and doors also known as fenestration create weak points in a buildings shell and must be sealed and properly installed to promote energy efficiency. Heating systems are produced by a wide variety of manufactures, it is crucial that the consumer is well informed with the potential energy consumption of the system before purchasing and installing. Cooling can be accomplished through passive and active means, often the most effective is a combination of both. Lighting fixtu res must be sized and installed properly to promote energy efficiency. Consumers should purchase high efficiency Energy Star appliances to conserve and reduce their homes energy consumption.

Its Improving Home Energy Efficiency Construction Essay

Its Improving Home Energy Efficiency Construction Essay Introduction The typical home today has an unquenchable thirst for energy and there are many steps homeowners can take to help lower their demand for energy. The main source for todays energy is fossil fuels. The burning of these fossil fuels releases CO2 and CO2 is a major contributor to global warming. It is important that we take a more sustainable approach towards our energy usage. Sustainable energy usage benefits the environment and results in lower energy costs to the consumer. Building Shell The exterior surfaces of a building are called the building shell; this may include the roof, walls, doors, and windows. It is the effectiveness or ineffectiveness rather, of this shell that determines the level of energy demand a building will have. It is the heat exchange through the buildings shell that places the largest demands on energy consumption of the home. Lets take a minute to focus on the walls and structure with respects towards the building shell. A common trend in architecture today is to have many extrusions and intrusions in the walls of a home. This is more aesthetically pleasing to todays homeowner. However, these extrusions require extra framing which results in decreased insulation in corners and potential air leakage. Most single family residential homes are wood framed and any irregularities in the building shell are weak points when it comes to heat loss. Mobile homes are framed with metal studs, generally speaking. The increased metal presence combined with thinner walls and joints between modular sections all create potential weak spots that allow greater thermal conductivity. Multi-family housing units suffer from some of the same design flaws; much of their structural support comes from metal components, larger air handling units, and elevator shafts create weak points, thermally speaking. However from an energy usage point it is better to have an apartment that is surrounded by other apartments, the temperature change from one side of your wall/ceiling will be almost zero, this equates to lower heating and cooling costs. Later I will discuss air leakage and insulation more in-depth, for now just knows that when it comes to the exterior design of a building, simpler is better. Air Leakage What represents 5-40% of building conditioning costs also known as energy consumption, air leakage does. Air leakage is the exchange of air from the exterior to interior, or vice versa, of a building. Air leakage control can increase comfort, reduce damage to intra-wall components, prevent pest infestation, and save energy. While ventilation is needed for the building and human health, the goal is to control that ventilation and have it happen when we deem it necessary. Ultimately this exchange in air is a result of pressure difference from the inside to outside of a structure. The pressure difference is caused by the density difference in warm and cold air. This concept is also known as the second law of thermodynamics that is that warm will always move to cooler areas (when unassisted) until equilibrium is met. Unchecked airflow will seek equilibrium inside and outside by the most direct path. Examples of this process at work during winter months would be warm air exiting the struc ture through leaks in the upper regions of the building and cool air entering through the lower regions, thus creating a cycle that seeks equilibrium. Residents can prevent/reduce air leakage by ensuring that the building shell is properly sealed, air tight. This task can be accomplished by using spray foam around window and door frames as well as checking that the weather-stripping is in proper condition, not worn out. Also, windows and doors must be latched in order to be air tight, it is not uncommon for a window to closed but not latched. Other building practices that should be avoided include duct work, electrical fixtures, and plumbing components being placed in exterior surfaces. This could cause air leakage as well as reduced insulation where these components are present. Insulation Insulation prevents heat transmission through the building shell. In some winter months heat transmission poses a greater threat than air leakage. Insulation is placed in voids/cavities in the building structure to reduce heat transmission. Insulation accomplishes this goal by two means. It forces heat to transfer in the form of a gas, gasses are naturally poor conductors. Second its presence reduces heat convection and radiation. Insulation comes in many forms; it could be foam, fiberglass, wool, cellulose (shredded newspapers), and even straw bales in some construction. Every type of insulation has its own pros and cons. Foam is by far the most effective, it has very high R-values and if sprayed will expand to fill air leaks, on the down side it can be expensive, is not very fire resistant, and does not break down quickly in a land fill (eventually this is where it will end up). Fiber glass is probably the most prevalent form of insulation; it has good R-values, but until the wall is sealed can release particles into the air that are harmful if consumed. Wool/cotton is probably a more sustainable way to insulate a structure, generally it is made out of recycled jeans, can achieve comparable R-values, but due to its unpopularity can be significantly more expensive than more common insulations. Cellulose ranks about the same as wool, it is recycled content, but is blown in place and often will settle over time; this leaves a small section of the cavity insulated once it settles. Straw-bale insulation is a controversial issue, its density makes it a good insulator, and however there is much debate about how long it will last. Each insulation is designated a specific R-value and is labeled as such. The R-value is a measure of how well the material resists heat transmission. The important thing to know about R-values is the higher the better, less heat transfer equals less energy consumption. The inverse of the R-value is the U-value. U-values are used to rate win dows and doors for their efficiency. Windows Doors Windows and doors are the complete opposite of insulation. So much so, that we do not rate them by their ability to resist thermal conductivity, but by their ability to conduct thermal heat transfer. The way we identify windows and doors also known as fenestration is with a U-value. The National Fenestration Rating Council is the private/public group tasked with testing and assigning a U rating to fenestrations. Windows are made up of four basic parts; the glass, sash, frame, and the rough opening, all of these contribute to a windows inefficiency regarding energy. Windows can have several different types of glass including; Low-e, tinted bronze, reflective bronze, and clear glass. The best option for energy savings is to install an insulated, Low-e window. The insulative property is provided by a gas, usually co2 and argon. The gas is injected between the window panes and sealed in place; the use of a gas reduces the rate of convection between panes. The low-e is a coating placed on one pane of glass, usually inside the window, that reflects radiation. This coating is installed on the interior pane for cooler climates and on the exterior pane for warmer climates. The sash/frame is typically made of similar material, being; plastic, metal, or wood. With relation to energy consumption the plastic construction is the way to go. When made of plastic the sash/frame is extruded through a mold and often can be filled with foam insulation. The rough opening refers to the space between the window frame and the structural frame of the opening in the rough framing (the actual opening in the wall). The rough opening is often larger than the frame of the window to allow the builder to make adjustments during installation. Once installed, this space should be filled with insulation; the best to use for this situation is minimal expanding foam spray. Door construction is very similar. Doors can have glazing/fenestration within the door. They too, are given a U-value. When di scussing the U-value of doors/windows the most important for a consumer to know is that the lower the U-value, the better. Lower U-values result in greater energy savings when heating and cooling a building. Heating In North America the heating demands of our homes require a huge amount of energy. This energy comes from mostly from fossil fuels that have been refined, mined, and converted to meet our needs. The residential heating fuels that are used today can be broken down into four major categories; natural gas 53%, electricity 29%, oil 9%, and other types make up the remaining 9%. Huge natural gas reserves have been found in North America and it is considered to be the most environmentally friendly of the fossil fuels. It is the increased availability and societies concern for the environment that has led to exponential growth most recently in the natural gas industry. Electricity is considered to be 100% efficient once harvested. It is the methods by which we harvest electricity that cause environmental damage. The most environmentally degrading method of harvesting electricity is by coal power plants; however more sustainable methods such as harnessing wind and solar power production are b eing developed and implemented. Some electrical providers allow their customers to select the source/means of their power. Oil, once a major source of energy used to heat our homes is becoming quickly outdated as consumers become aware of more efficient and environmentally friendly ways to heat their homes. The other category refers to heat sources such as wood and coal, aside from the environmental impacts these sources are unpopular because they require more work by the consumer. A heating system should be designed to provide the home with heat at approximately the same rate that it is being lost in worst case scenarios. Each fuel type has a distribution system. These systems are given an efficiency rating. This rating measures how well the system operates and can be expressed as; Efficiency = Output Input. The resultant will be a percentage ranging from 35-95% efficient. The efficiency of a system is directly proportionate to the amount of fuel the system consumes. Therefore, the more efficient a system is, the less energy it will consume. High efficiency systems are considered to be any system with an 80-97% efficiency rating. Cooling Second to heating demands are the cooling demands, generally speaking, of a building. There are passive and active methods of cooling a structure. Depending on the designers knowledge and foresight of these methods energy required to cool the structure could vary greatly. Passive methods require no mechanical operations; the result is zero energy consumption. Active methods require the assistance of mechanical operations, although the level of energy consumption is defendant upon the system that is installed. Often it is a combination of these methods that provides the most comfort to the inhabitants of the home. One common passive method of cooling a structure is through the use of landscaping. The use of trees to shade a home is the most cost effective method of cooling. The trees must be deciduous so that they allow the sun to warm the building during winter months. Another passive method is ventilation through windows and other openings. A proper building design can create a chim ney affect, pulling cooler air in at lower portions of the home and releasing warm air in upper portions of the home. Often this chimney affect can be assisted by proper placement of ceiling fans, an example of a combination of passive and active systems. The use of fans to ventilate a home is the most energy efficient way to cool the building. Moving air is more comfortable to the inhabitants and can give the perception of a 4-8 degree temperature change. Window/Room air conditioners are the least energy efficient. The constant start up and shut down process consumes large amounts of energy. They are subject to significant accumulations of dirt, unchecked over time, this causes greater inefficiency and eventual failure of the unit. The use of central air conditioning is another active method to cool a residence. Central air conditioning can provide the most comfort; higher efficiency models reduce energy consumption. Central air conditioning systems are run by a thermostat and slow ly cool a building. This prevents the constant start up and shut down process that occurs with a window unit. Regardless of the system and methods used to cool a building the inhabitants have control over how much energy is used. The warmer the environment the residents can willingly tolerate the less energy will be consumed to cool the structure. Due to the fact that most people do are not present during the construction and design process of their home perhaps the most applicable way to save energy is to perform regular maintenance and select the proper lighting and appliances. Lighting Lighting has a huge effect on a homes energy consumption. There are many different light fixtures and bulbs a one could install in a home. Just as anything else thus far they vary in efficiency. The consumer must read labels to ensure they are actually purchasing the most sustainable, energy efficient light. Often more lighting than what is required is used, different activities require different levels of illumination, be sure to size fixtures adequately. Consumers must monitor their energy use by controlling when lights are on or off. If an area is not being utilized for a period of time the lights should be turned off to conserve energy. Also, residents should clean the globes or covers around the light bulbs, clean fixtures provide more optimal lighting. When purchasing new appliances consumers should purchase energy star rated appliances. Energy Star guidelines are set by the EPA and provide the consumer with a means of determining the efficiency of appliances such as dish washe rs, TVs, clothes washers, and dryers. To help with the cost of these more efficient options some state governments offer a tax rebate to those who purchase high efficiency appliances. Conclusion In conclusion, even with the unquenchable thirst for energy, the consumer has more power than they realize to reduce the energy consumption of the buildings they reside in. With reference to the buildings shell basic is better; irregularities tend to be thermal weak spots. Air leakage can happen anywhere the building shell is penetrated, stopping the unregulated air flow through a buildings shell will result in increased energy savings. The proper insulation is key, to providing comfort and energy efficiency. Windows and doors also known as fenestration create weak points in a buildings shell and must be sealed and properly installed to promote energy efficiency. Heating systems are produced by a wide variety of manufactures, it is crucial that the consumer is well informed with the potential energy consumption of the system before purchasing and installing. Cooling can be accomplished through passive and active means, often the most effective is a combination of both. Lighting fixtu res must be sized and installed properly to promote energy efficiency. Consumers should purchase high efficiency Energy Star appliances to conserve and reduce their homes energy consumption.

The Lost Duke of Wyndham Chapter Eleven

What Jack saw took his breath away. â€Å"No one comes here but me,† Grace said softly. â€Å"I don't know why.† The light, the ripple through the air as the sun slid through the uneven glass of the ancient windows†¦ â€Å"In the winter especially,† she continued, her voice just a little hesitant, â€Å"it's magic. I can't explain it. I think the sun dips lower. And with the snow†¦Ã¢â‚¬  It was the light. It had to be. It was the way the light trembled, and fell on her. His heart clenched. Like a fist it hit him – this need, this overwhelming urge†¦He could not speak. He could not even begin to articulate it, but – â€Å"Jack?† she whispered, and it was just enough to break his trance. â€Å"Grace.† It was just one word, but it was a benediction. This went beyond desire, it was need. It was an indefinable, inexplicable, living, pulsing thing within him that could only be tamed by her. If he didn't hold her, didn't touch her in that very moment, something within him would die. To a man who tried to treat life as an endless series of ironies and witticisms, nothing could have been more terrifying. He reached out and roughly pulled her to him. He was not delicate, nor was he gentle. He couldn't be. He couldn't manage it, not now, not when he needed her so desperately. â€Å"Grace,† he said again, because that's what she was to him. It was impossible that he'd known her but a day. She was his grace, his Grace, and it was like she had always been there within him, waiting for him to finally open his eyes and find her. His hands cupped her face. She was a priceless treasure, and yet he could not force himself to touch her with the reverence she deserved. Instead, his fingers were clumsy, his body rough and pounding. Her eyes – so clear, so blue – he thought he might drown in them. He wanted to drown in them, to lose himself within her and never leave. His lips touched hers, and then – of this he was certain – he was lost. There was nothing more for him but this woman, in this moment, maybe even for all his moments thereafter. â€Å"Jack,† she sighed. It was the first time all morning she'd used his name, and it sent waves of desire pulsing through his already taut body. â€Å"Grace,† he said in return, because he was afraid to say anything else, afraid that for the first time in his life his glib tongue would fail him, and his words would come out wrong. He'd say something and it would mean too little, or perhaps he'd say something and it would mean too much. And then she would know, if by some miracle she did not already, that she had bewitched him. He kissed her hungrily, passionately, with all the fire within him. His hands slid down her back, memorizing the gentle slope of her spine, and when he reached the more lush curves of her bottom, he could not help it – he pressed her more firmly against him. He was aroused, and wound more tightly than he'd ever imagined possible, and all he could think – if he was thinking at all – was that he needed her close, closer. Whatever he could get, whatever he could have – right now he would take it. â€Å"Grace,† he said again, one of his hands moving to the spot where her dress touched her skin, just at her collarbone. She flinched at his touch, and he stilled, barely able to imagine how he would tear himself away. But her hand covered his, and she whispered, â€Å"I was surprised.† It was only then that he once again breathed. Fingers shaking, he traced the delicately scalloped edge of her bodice. Her pulse seemed to leap beneath his touch, and never in his life had he been so aware of a single sound – the quiet rasp of air, brushing across her lips. â€Å"You are so beautiful,† he whispered, and the amazing thing was that he was not even looking at her face. It was merely her skin, the pale, milky hue of it, the soft blush of pink that followed his fingers. Softly, gently, he bowed his head and brushed his lips along the hollow at the base of her throat. She gasped then, or maybe it was a moan, and her head slowly fell back in silent agreement. Her arms were around him and her hands in his hair, and then, without even considering what it meant, he swept her into his arms and carried her across the room, to the low, wide settee that sat near the window, bathed in the magical sunlight that had seduced them both. For a moment, kneeling at her side, he could do nothing but look at her, then one of his trembling hands reached forth to stroke her cheek. She was staring up at him, and in her eyes there was wonder, and anticipation, and yes, a little nervousness. But there was also trust. She wanted him. Him. No one else. She had never been kissed before, of that he was certain. She could have done. Of that he was even more certain. A woman of Grace's beauty did not reach her age without having refused (or rebuffed) multiple advances. She had waited. She had waited for him. Still kneeling beside her, he bent to kiss her, his hand moving down the side of her face to her shoulder, then to her hip. His passion grew deeper, and hers, too; she was returning his kiss with an unschooled eagerness that left him breathless with desire. â€Å"Grace, Grace,† he moaned, his voice lost in the warmth of her mouth. His hand found the hem of her dress and then slid under, grasping the slender circle of her ankle. And then up†¦up†¦to her knee. And higher. Until he could bear it no longer, and he moved to the settee himself, partially covering her with his own body. His lips had moved to her neck, and he felt her sharply indrawn breath on his cheek. But she did not say no. She did not cover his hand with hers and bring him to a stop. She did nothing but whisper his name and arch her hips beneath him. She couldn't have known what the movement had meant, could never have known what it would do to him, but that ever-so-slight pressure beneath him, rising up against his own desire, brought him to the very peak of need. He kissed his way down her neck, to the gentle swell of her breast, his lips finding the very spot at the edge of her bodice that his fingers had so recently traveled. He lifted himself away from her, just a bit, just enough so he could slide his finger under the hem and slide it down, or maybe push her up – whichever was needed to free her to his devotion. But just when his hand had moved toward his destination, just when he'd had one glorious second to cup the fullness of her, skin to skin, the stiff edge peaking in his palm, she cried out. Softly, with surprise. And dismay. â€Å"No, I can't.† With jerky movements she scrambled to her feet, righting her dress. Her hands were shaking. More than shaking. They seemed filled with a foreign, nervous energy, and when he looked in her eyes, it was as if a knife had pierced him. It was not revulsion, it was not fear. What he saw was anguish. â€Å"Grace,† he said, moving toward her. â€Å"What is wrong?† â€Å"I'm sorry,† she said, stepping back. â€Å"I – I shouldn't have. Not now. Not until – † One of her hands flew up to cover her mouth. â€Å"Not until†¦? Grace? Not until what?† â€Å"I'm sorry,† she said again, confirming his belief that those were the worst two words in the English language. She bobbed a quick, perfunctory curtsy. â€Å"I must go.† And then she ran from the room, leaving him quite alone. He stared at the empty doorway for a full minute, trying to figure out just what had happened. And it was only when he finally stepped into the hall that he realized he hadn't a clue how to get back to his bedchamber. Grace dashed through Belgrave, half walking, half skipping†¦running†¦whatever it was she needed to do to reach her room with the most equal balance of dignity and speed. If the servants saw her – and she couldn't imagine they didn't; they seemed positively everywhere this morning – they must have wondered at her distress. The dowager would not expect her. Surely she would think she was still showing Mr. Audley the house. Grace had at least an hour before she might need to show her face. Dear God, what had she done? If she had not finally remembered herself, remembered who he was, and who he might be, she would have let him continue. She'd wanted it. She'd wanted it with a fervor that had shocked her. When he'd taken her hand, when he'd pulled her to him, he awakened something within her. No. It had been awakened two nights earlier. On that moonlit night, standing outside the carriage, something had been born within her. And now†¦ She sat upon her bed, wanting to bury herself in the covers but instead just sitting there, staring at the wall. There was no going back. One couldn't ever not have been kissed once the deed was done. With a nervous breath, maybe even a frantic laugh, she covered her face with her hands. Could she possibly have chosen anyone less suitable with whom to fall in love? Not that this was the measure of her feelings, she hastened to reassure herself, but she was not so much of a fool that she could not recognize her leanings. If she let herself†¦If she let him†¦ She would fall in love. Good heavens. Either he was a highwayman, and now she was destined to be the consort of an outlaw, or he was the true Duke of Wyndham, which meant – She laughed because really, this was funny. It had to be funny. If it wasn't funny, then it could only be tragic, and she didn't think she could manage that just now. Wonderful. Perhaps she was falling in love with the Duke of Wyndham. Now that was appropriate. Let's see, how many ways was this a disaster? He was her employer, for one, he owned the house in which she lived, and his rank was so far above hers as to be nearly immeasurable. And then there was Amelia. She and Thomas certainly did not suit, but she had every right to expect that she would be the Duchess of Wyndham upon her marriage. Grace could not imagine how crass and overreaching she would appear to the Willoughbys – her good friends – if she were seen to be throwing herself at the new duke. Grace closed her eyes and touched the tips of her fingers to her lips. If she breathed deeply enough she almost relaxed. And she could almost still feel his presence, his touch, the warmth of his skin. It was awful. It was wonderful. She was a fool. She lay down, let out a long, weary breath. Funny how she'd hoped for change, for something to break the monotony of her days attending to the dowager. Life was a mocking sort of thing, wasn't it? And love†¦ Love was the cruelest joke of all. â€Å"Lady Amelia is here to see you, Miss Eversleigh.† Grace jolted upright, blinking furiously. She must have fallen asleep. She could not recall the last time she had done so at midday. â€Å"Lady Amelia?† she echoed, surprised. â€Å"With Lady Elizabeth?† â€Å"No, miss,† the maid informed her. â€Å"She is alone.† â€Å"How curious.† Grace sat up, flexing her feet and hands to awaken her body. â€Å"Please tell her I shall be right there.† She waited for the maid to depart, then went to her small mirror to straighten her hair. It was worse than she'd feared, although she could not be certain whether it had been mussed in sleep or by Mr. Audley. She felt her skin flush at the memory, and she groaned at that. Gathering her determination, she repinned her hair and left the room, walking as briskly as she could, as if speed and a set of squared shoulders could keep all of her worries at bay. Or at the very least, make her look as if she did not care. It did seem odd that Amelia would come to Belgrave without Elizabeth. Grace did not know that she had ever done so before. Certainly not to see her. Grace wondered if her original intention had been to call upon Thomas, who was, as far as she knew, still out. She hurried down the stairs, then turned to make for the front drawing room. But she'd not taken more than a dozen steps before someone grabbed her arm and yanked her into a side room. â€Å"Thomas!† she exclaimed. It was indeed he, somewhat haggard and sporting a nasty bruise under his left eye. His appearance was a shock; she had never seen him looking so rumpled before. His shirt was wrinkled, his cravat missing, and his hair had most definitely not been styled a la Brutus. Or even a la human. And then there were his eyes, which were most uncharacteristically red-rimmed. â€Å"What happened to you?† He put a finger to his lips and shut the door. â€Å"Were you expecting someone else?† he asked, and her cheeks grew warm. Indeed, when she'd felt a strong male hand close around her arm and pull, she had assumed it was Mr. Audley, trying to steal a kiss. Her flush grew deeper as she realized she had been disappointed to realize that it was not. â€Å"No, of course not,† she said quickly, even though she suspected he knew she was lying. She quickly glanced around the room to see if they were alone. â€Å"What is wrong?† â€Å"I needed to speak with you before you see Lady Amelia.† â€Å"Oh, then you know she is here?† â€Å"I brought her,† he confirmed. Her eyes widened. That was news. He had been out all night and was considerably worse for the wear. She glanced at a nearby clock. It was not yet even noon. When could he have collected Amelia? And where? And why? â€Å"It is a long story,† he said, clearly to cut her off before she could ask any questions. â€Å"But suffice it to say, she will inform you that you were in Stamford this morning, and you invited her back to Belgrave.† Her brows rose. If he was asking her to lie, it was very serious, indeed. â€Å"Thomas, any number of people know quite well that I was not in Stamford this morning.† â€Å"Yes, but her mother is not among that number.† Grace wasn't sure if she should be shocked or delighted. Had he compromised Amelia? Why else would they need to lie to her mother? â€Å"Er, Thomas†¦Ã¢â‚¬  she began, unsure of how to proceed. â€Å"I feel I must tell you, given the number of delays thus far, I would imagine that Lady Crowland would be delighted to know – â€Å" â€Å"Oh for God's sake, it is nothing like that,† he muttered. â€Å"Amelia assisted me home when I was† – he blushed then. Blushed! Thomas! – â€Å"impaired.† Grace bit her lip to keep from smiling. It was quite remarkable what a pleasant image that was – Thomas allowing himself to be anything less than perfectly composed. â€Å"That was most charitable of her,† she said, perhaps a little too primly. But really, it couldn't be helped. He glared at her, which only made it more difficult to maintain an even face. She cleared her throat. â€Å"Have you, er, considered tidying up?† â€Å"No,† he snapped, â€Å"I rather enjoy looking like a slovenly fool.† Grace winced at that. â€Å"Now listen,† he continued, looking terribly determined. â€Å"Amelia will repeat what I have told you, but it is imperative that you not tell her about Mr. Audley.† â€Å"I would never do that,† Grace said quickly. â€Å"It is not my place.† â€Å"Good.† â€Å"But she will want to know why you were, er†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Oh, dear, how to put it politely? â€Å"You don't know why,† he said firmly. â€Å"Just tell her that. Why would she suspect that you would know more?† â€Å"She knows that I consider you a friend,† Grace said. â€Å"And furthermore, I live here. Servants always know everything. She knows that.† â€Å"You're not a servant,† he muttered. â€Å"I am and you know it,† she replied, almost amused. â€Å"The only difference is that I am allowed to wear finer clothing and occasionally converse with the guests. But I assure you, I am privy to all of the household gossip.† For several seconds he did nothing but stare, as if waiting for her to laugh and say, Only joking! Finally he muttered something under his breath that she was quite certain she was not meant to understand (and indeed she did not; servants' gossip was occasionally risque, but it was never profane). â€Å"For me, Grace,† he said, his eyes boring into hers, â€Å"will you please just tell her you don't know?† It was the closest she had ever heard him come to begging, and it left her disoriented and acutely uncomfortable. â€Å"Of course,† she said quickly. â€Å"You have my word.† He nodded briskly. â€Å"Amelia will be expecting you.† â€Å"Yes. Yes, of course.† Grace hurried to the door, but when her hand touched the knob, she found she was not quite ready to go. She turned around, taking one last look at his face. He was not himself. No one could blame him; it had been a most extraordinary two days. But still, it worried her. â€Å"Will you be all right?† she asked. And immediately regretted that she had done so. His face seemed to move, and twist, and she could not be sure if he was going to laugh or cry. But she did know that she did not want to be witness to either. â€Å"No, don't answer that,† she mumbled, and she ran from the room.