Saturday, November 30, 2019

What picture of Victorian life is created by the novel A Christmas Carol  Essay Example

What picture of Victorian life is created by the novel A Christmas Carol   Essay The Victorian Age was one of change and development but will always remain a focal point of our history. Family Life for the middle and upper classes was very important, as each family was a large one, living in comfortable houses when life was enjoyable and where children were taught to know their place. In contrast, for poor or working classes families the biggest fear was ending up in the workhouse. If this did happen families split up and were led regimented lives as they were made to dress in uniform and to have short hair cuts. For many children in this class of family life was not a good style of living, living off scraps and conditions were certainly no better. Many children died from scarlet fever, measles, Polio or TB. They were given foul drinking water from open drains and there was a distinct lack of toilets this meant that disease was quickly spread We will write a custom essay sample on What picture of Victorian life is created by the novel A Christmas Carol   specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on What picture of Victorian life is created by the novel A Christmas Carol   specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on What picture of Victorian life is created by the novel A Christmas Carol   specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The father of an upper- class family was most definitely the head of the household and was strict and obeyed by all family members. The children were taught to respect their father and called him sir. Often the father would retire to his study when wanting quiet and the rest of the family were never allowed to enter. The mother of the family was very much the organiser of the family, planning dinner or parties. She would not be expected to do manual work around the house like washing, cooking or cleaning. She would be called mama and saw upbringing as an important responsibility. Between her and the father they believed firmly that a child should be taught the difference between right and wrong and a child should be punished for his own good. Spare the rod and spoil the child is a quote often used by parents of that time. The children of such aristocratic families saw little of their friends and from an early to a late age spent most of their time in their nursery. They were brought up by their nanny and saw their parents a measly once a day. The children were allowed downstairs for one hour in the evening and some mothers taught their children how to read and write and sometimes even Latin. In most occasions boys were sent away to boarding schools where they would learn discipline and the true realities of life. Only the boys worked while the female side of things stayed at home with mama and were expected to marry as soon as could be arranged. Education was a changing system in the Victorian age as children spent less time at work and adults felt that children should be prevented from working. Their were major changes in the development of schooling as the son of wealthier parents often attended boarding school. Some of the less wealthy children attended dame schools and Sunday schools were set up. However some children were considered too ragged to be allowed into any school and therefore stood no chance of learning anything. This led to the establishment of ragged schools. As I mentioned this was a period of change and in 1870 an Education was passed which changed many peoples wavered views on the subject and people began to look up to it with some pride. It would make an interesting task to compare schools of this age to schools of that age. From the book A Christmas Carol I have noticed how relevant the information above is to it. For some life was snug, warm, dry and bright as is witnessed by all the work people at the party for them. They had dancing, more dancing, a cake and a cold roast. There were mincepiesand plenty of beer. This was a time when the lower or working classes became upper class people and could the true delights of life. Times were jolly for these people as she wished him or her a Merry Christmas There are many comparisons between the life as an upper class man/ women to that of a lower class man/women but family life has to be a key issue. Using the book I can now compare what I have written above to what is written in the book. Scrooges Family is a prime example of a middle class family struggling to make ends meet. They were in another scene; a room, not very large or handsome but full of comfort which is a quote that pretty much sums up the character of the middle classes, not good conditions to say the least but there is so much love and commitment to each other that the family could stick together through thick and thin. Another example of this is, forty children conducting themselves like one, but every child was conducting itself like forty ;showing that the lower classes had big families and all acted the same way in a rabble; but the mother and daughter laughed heartily as it was all a joke in the end and was no different to the behaviour they were used to. The Father came home attended by a man laden with Christmas presents and toys which shows that they had some wealth and the actions of the children is almost comical at times as they rush towards the defenceless porter There is joy and gratitude and ecstasy showing the true spirit of things in this household at Christmas. The Cratchit family is a prime example that is shown in the book of a lower class family. The mother dressed out poorly in a twice turned gown, but brave in ribbons . There was lots of screaming as people danced about the table . These are all examples of the poor conditions they were under but were still able to have fun in their own unique way. The family again shows love when Mrs Cratchit says kissing her a dozen times which is a theme throughout the Cratchit household. The family wear threadbare clothes darned up and the first time Tiny Tim is described he is said to bare a little crutch, and had limbs supported by a wooden frame which immediately lets the reader know his poor state and how he needs help. Another example of the love that encircles the cratchit is when Bob hugged his daughter to his hearts content . When the goose for Christmas dinner is brought out the cratchits naà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ve attitudes to real life are stated as it is described as such a bustle ensued that you might have thought a goose the rarest of all birds as they have never seen something like it before. Although they are a poor family they have good manors, characteristic of everybody at this time, grace was said . As the meal is being eaten surveying one small atom of a bone upon the dish is a quote that sums up how they are desperate to eat everything up and not to waste a thing, as they cant afford to do so. After the meal they have chestnuts on the fire that spattered and due to these warming games a homely loving atmosphere is created, as there is a comment on the fathers feelings dreaded that he might be taken from him. This again shows the natural loving nature of the family. Next the family is described with jobs such as a poor apprentice and that Martha the daughter with this job needs a good long rest, as it is a very tiring job, characteristic of those times. The family is not well dressed; their shoes were far from being waterproof , and there clothes were scanty showing the state of living of the cratchit family. Apart for these nasty conditions they are described as being happy grateful, pleased with one another, and contented with the time. Which is a classic example of the attitude towards each other although under disheartening conditions. At the family of Scrooge who are middle class citizens are also very happy, they laughed and encouraged them in their merriment, and passed the bottle, joyously and then listen to some music so obviously they have some money but live by lamplight . Ailo they are well educated as Scrooges niece played well upon the harp and they played such games as blind man s- buff. The conditions that Bob cratchit lives in under scrooge are shocking. He lives in a dismal little cell, a sort of tank and was copying letters . The clerks fire was so very much smallerand couldnt replenish it, for Scrooge kept the coal the coal- box in his own room which shows us the cruel harshness of Scrooge. To warm himself up Bob cratchit would try to warm himself up by putting on his white comforter but he was not a man of strong imagination so he failed . At the time of Christmas there were many Christmas traditions, like festivities in the street with people proffering their services to go before horse and carriages and some labourers were repairing the gas pipes, and had lighted a great fire in a brazier, round which a party of ragged men and boys were gathered, warming their hands and winking their eyes before the blaze in rapture. Other traditions mentioned in the book are the brightness of the shops, where holly sprigs and berries crackled in the lamp heat of the windows and the Lord Mayor gave orders to his fifty cooks and butlers to keep Christmas as a Lord Mayors household should. These are all examples of the jolly and old-fashioned Christmass that were a characteristic feature of Victorian life. Although these great traditions streamed from the streets every night Scrooge still worked hard and says Its enough for a man to understand his own business, and not to interfere with other peoples which sums up his negative, cold hearted feelings towards Christmas. He shows ill- will towards Christmas and gives the clerk one day off in a crude manor and its not fair. If I was to stop half a crown for it, youd think yourself ill-used, Ill be bound. Which means that he is grudgingly giving the clerk Christmas day off. This shows us that money is very important to him and gives us an insight into why the ghosts come to haunt him. Other traditions include Blind mans buff and snap dragon, both of which his model lower class father, Bob Cratchit, runs home to play on Christmas day. By the end of the book these attitudes change and he is made to question his attitude by the experiences here is a quote that at the end of the book that says just that I dont know how long Ive been among the spirits. I dont know anything. Im quite a baby. Never mind. I dont care. Id rather be a baby. The novel A Christmas Carol concentrates very much on the experiences of the working class, but it wasnt like this for everyone for example the middle classes or the upper classes. If you belonged to this social sector you saw the finer things in life at that time and enjoyed the best of life but for many illustrated in this book life was very much harder.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

An Introduction to Erikson’s Stages of Development

An Introduction to Erikson’s Stages of Development Psychoanalyst Erik Eriksons stages of development articulated a psychosocial theory of human development made up of eight stages that cover the entirety of the human lifespan from birth to old age. Each stage is defined by a central crisis that the individual must grapple with in order to move on to the next stage. Erikson’s theory has been highly influential on scholars’ understanding of human development and identity formation. Key Takeaways: Erikson's Stages of Development Erik Eriksons stages of development consist of eight stages that cover the entire human lifespan. This structure makes the point that development does not end when an individual reaches adulthood; rather, it continues throughout the entire lifespan.Each stage of development revolves around a central crisis that the individual must contend with in order to move on to the next stage.The success at each stage is reliant upon success at previous stages. Individuals must go through the stages in the order laid out by Erikson. Stages of Psychosocial Development The stages of psychosocial development laid out by Erikson are as follows: 1.  Trust vs. Mistrust The first stage takes place in infancy and ends around age 1. Erikson said that infants first social achievement is to let their caretakers out of sight without becoming anxious. In other words, infants must develop a sense of trust in their caretakers and the people around them. When infants come into the world, they are vulnerable and dependent on others for survival. When a child’s caretakers successfully meet their needs- e.g. food, warmth, and safety- the child develops confidence that the world is a safe and secure place. If the child’s needs are not met, however, the child comes to believe the world is an inconsistent, untrustworthy place. This doesn’t mean that all mistrust is bad. According to Erikson, a certain amount of mistrust is necessary. Without some amount of mistrust, the child could become too trusting and consequently would not know when to be skeptical of people’s intentions. However, an individual should emerge from this stage with a greater sense of trust than mistrust. If the infant is successful in this endeavor, they will develop the virtue of hope: a belief that one’s desires are achievable despite the chaos of the world. 2.  Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt The second stage takes place when the child is around 2 or 3 years old. As children grow, they become more capable of doing things on their own. If children are supported in their bids at independence, they will learn to have confidence in their abilities. On the other hand, if children are too controlled or criticized, they will start to doubt their ability to take care of themselves. If the individual emerges from this stage with a greater sense of autonomy than shame or doubt, they will develop the virtue of will: the ability to make choices freely while also having self-control when appropriate. 3. Initiative vs. Guilt The third stage takes place between the ages of 3 and 6. Preschool age children start to take initiative in pursuing their own objectives. When they are successful, they develop a sense of competence in their ability to make and achieve goals. When those objectives meet resistance or become problematic in the social world, they will experience guilt. Too much guilt can lead to a lack of self-confidence. If the child emerges from this stage with more positive than negative experiences taking initiative, they will develop the virtue of purpose: the ability to determine what they want and go after it. 4. Industry vs. Inferiority The fourth stage takes place from 6 to 11 years old. This stage marks the child’s first forays into grade school and structured learning. It is therefore the first time the child must begin to understand and contend with the expectations of the wider culture. Children learn what it means to be a good member of society, both in terms of productivity and morality. If children come to believe they cannot function properly in society, they develop feelings of inferiority. Children who experience success at this stage will develop the virtue of competence. 5. Identity vs. Role Confusion The fifth stage takes place during adolescence and in some cases can extend into the 20s. With the onset of puberty, physical and cognitive changes cause adolescents to think about their futures for the first time. On the one hand, they are trying to determine who they are and what they want for their futures. On the other hand, they worry about making unwise commitments and are concerned about the way others, especially their peers, perceive them. While identity development is a lifelong process, the fifth stage a key time for identity, as adolescents start to choose and pursue the roles they wish to fulfill as adults. They also must begin to develop a worldview that gives them a sense of personal perspective. Success at this stage will result in a coherent sense of identity that leads to the virtue of fidelity: loyalty to one’s commitments. 6. Intimacy vs. Isolation The sixth stage takes place during young adulthood. Adolescents are often too preoccupied to truly be intimate with another person. However, during young adulthood, individuals who have established a sense of their own identity can achieve a genuine connection with someone else. At this stage, those whose relationships remain impersonal will experience isolation. People who achieve more intimacy than isolation at this stage will develop the virtue of mature love. 7. Generativity vs. Stagnation The seventh stage takes place during midlife. It is at this time that people turn their attention to what they can offer the next generation. Erikson called this â€Å"generativity.† While his focus was on raising children, adults who produce anything that contributes to the future, including creative works and ideas, are also being generative. Adults who are not successful at this stage become stagnant, self-absorbed, and bored. Generative adults who contribute to the next generation and avoid becoming overly self-indulgent develop the virtue of care. 8. Ego Integrity vs. Despair The eighth and final stage takes place during old age. At this point, people start to look back on their lives. If they can accept and find meaning in what they have done and accomplished throughout their lives, they will achieve integrity. If people look back and don’t like what they see, the realization that life is too short to try out alternatives and repair regrets will lead to despair. Finding meaning in one’s life in old age results in the virtue of wisdom. The Structure of the Stages Erikson was influenced by the work of Sigmund Freud, particularly Freuds stage theory of psychosexual development. Erikson expanded on the five stages outlined by Freud by assigning psychosocial tasks to each stage, then adding three additional stages for later periods of adulthood. Erikson’s stages rest on the epigenetic principle: the idea that each stage is dependent upon the previous stage and, therefore, individuals must go through the stages in a specific order. At each stage, the individual must wrestle with a central psychosocial conflict in order to progress to the next stage. Each stage has a particular conflict because, according to Erikson, individual growth and sociocultural context work together to bring that conflict to the individuals attention at a particular point in life. As individuals move through the psychosocial stages specified by Erikson, their success rests upon the outcomes of previous stages. For example, when infants develop more mistrust than trust in their caretakers during the first stage, they may experience role confusion during the fifth stage. Similarly, if an adolescent emerges from the fifth stage without having successfully developed a strong sense of identity, he or she may have difficulty developing intimacy during the sixth stage. As a result of these structural elements, Erikson’s theory communicates two key points: Development does not stop when one reaches adulthood. Rather, individuals continue to develop throughout their entire lifespan.Each stage of development hinges upon the individual’s interaction with the social world. Critiques Eriksons stage theory has faced some criticism for its limitations. Erikson was vague about the experiences an individual must undergo in order to successfully grapple with the conflict of each stage. He also wasn’t specific about how people move through the various stages. Erikson himself was aware that his work was unclear; he explained that he intended his theory to provide context and descriptive detail for development, not precise facts about developmental mechanisms. Nevertheless, Erikson’s theory can be credited with inspiring a great deal of research into human development, identity, and personality. Sources Crain, William. Theories of Development: Concepts and Applications. 5th ed., Pearson Prentice Hall. 2005.Dunkel, Curtis S., and Jon A. Sefcek. â€Å"Eriksonian Lifespan Theory and Life History Theory: An Integration Using the Example of Identity Formation.†Ã‚  Review of General Psychology, vol. 13, no. 1, 2009, pp. 13-23,  http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/a0013687Erikson, Erik H. Childhood and Society. W.W. Norton Company, 1963.Erikson, Erik H. Identity: Youth and Crisis. W.W. Norton Company, 1968.McAdams, Dan. The Person: An Introduction to the Science of Personality Psychology. 5th ed., Wiley, 2008.McLeod, Saul. â€Å"Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development.† Simply Psychology, 2013. https://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html

Friday, November 22, 2019

5 Examples of Confused Sentences

5 Examples of Confused Sentences 5 Examples of Confused Sentences 5 Examples of Confused Sentences By Mark Nichol When writers neglect to take sufficient care in forming sentences, confusion and error can easily result. The following five sentences illustrate various ways in which the wrong word order or choice of phrasing can obfuscate meaning; discussion and a revision follows each example. 1. Various supervisors have developed their own risk assessment methodologies independently, which are not always directly comparable. A restrictive clause (one that starts with which and provides an additional and optional detail), should immediately follow the word or phrase it refers to (after the intervening comma, that is); do not permit another part of speech, such as the adverb independently, in this example, to separate them: â€Å"Various supervisors have independently developed their own risk assessment methodologies, which are not always directly comparable.† 2. If you’d like to read more about Smith’s beliefs, many more of them are detailed on his website. Many more of Smith’s beliefs are detailed on his website whether you’d like to read more about them or not. The following revision of a false conditional expresses the immutable presence of Smith’s beliefs on his website regardless of your interest in reading about them: â€Å"If you’d like to read more about Smith’s beliefs, visit his website to read many more of them.† 3. However, U.S. regulators go further by specifying that special due diligence is performed. The important distinction that the action must be performed, rather than that it is being performed, is obscured by use of the wrong form of the verb: â€Å"However, U.S. regulators go further by specifying that special due diligence be performed.† 4. Conventional data-management strategies used to factor in only data sources within the enterprise. This sentence states that at a previous time, something occurred. However, the phrase â€Å"used to† could be misunderstood to mean â€Å"employed in order to,† leading to further confusion because the sentence then appears to be incomplete, because there is no object. Alternatively, the reader might read â€Å"used to† to mean â€Å"accustomed to,† with the same result. The sentence will read unambiguously if the verb phrase is altered, as in â€Å"Conventional data-management strategies previously factored in only data sources within the enterprise.† 5. Every rape is not a gender-motivated hate crime. This sentence states that of all the rapes committed, none is a gender-motivated hate crime. The statement is clumsy, but worse, it is not what the writer meant to say. The point that although some or many rapes may be committed with that motivation, others are not. That meaning is conveyed by a simple relocation of the negation: â€Å"Not every rape is a gender-motivated hate crime.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Writing Basics category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Good At, Good In, and Good WithLatin Plural EndingsCapitalizing Titles of People and Groups

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Managing People in Hospitals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Managing People in Hospitals - Essay Example The experience is about how I managed a sudden accident that took place in the hospital without disturbing the normal routine. It was a sunny Wednesday morning, when I was walking in the corridor of the hospital to attend one of my patients while walking I realized I ‘d a stiff back that day and my job demanded a lot of mechanical work so it wasn’t any good for me. But my happy go lucky nature and my attitude of taking problems light helped me again that day and I made my entry in the intensive care unit almost completely forgetting my pain. In the ICU when I reached to a patient REHMAAN, a nice man though but very disappointed with his health, I gave him a routine check-up and then guided the ward boy to do the needful so as the treatment is well in place. And after analyzing few more patients I headed towards my cabin to take a small rest bout. While resting I heard a sharp voice as if someone dropped the medicine tray and all the bottles broke down, being a senior in that wing it becomes my responsibility to keep track of such incidents and reach out for any kind of help. As soon as I came out of cabin I saw Ryan lying down on the ground holding his left arm with right hand and the medicine tray was near his right shoulder. All bottles were broken and drug stains were all over. Ryan was crying in pain and was breathing very heavily as he has this problem of anxiety at times, I tried to help him to sit against the wall but he being a healthy guy it was a difficult task for me alone to do it. I tried to calm him down a bit but his breath was really going very abnormal, I got him a glass of water from he merely had a sip as he was not feeling comfortable at all. At the same time I required to make sure that calling any wad boys for help should not result in attention degrade for patients, so after making Ryan sit against the wall I went into the adjacent the wall I went into the adjacent ICU and quickly analyzed the current scenario like who all patients need extra care and who are almost recovered so that some guys can attend to 3-4 patients so that I get some helping hands.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Homosexual Stereotypes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Homosexual Stereotypes - Essay Example Homophobia is a feeling of apprehension, worry, aversion, abhorrence and revulsion with the act of being homosexual. This fear and apprehension let the heterosexual believe that the homosexuals are inferior beings and their attitudes, their behaviours, their societal articulation, media and other texts project this. When the homosexuals experience such a dislike and abhorrence, they either have then nothing to do except to hide their sexual orientation or led a life of an inferior being. This inferiority complex when materializes, it hinders these individuals to get to know themselves and accept what they truly are. The problem of homophobiais the result of many false propaganda and many myths about homosexuals and the societal non-acceptance of these attitudes, at some places in the name of law, and at other in the name of religion. Dirty gay 'jokes' and other physical and oral persecution lead many to commit either suicide or to hide their orientation all through their lives. While the available studies have shown post-dissolution relationships to be important and challenging to formerly dating partners, more research on these relationships is needed. Initial descriptions of post-dissolution relationships (Metts, et al, P. 265-278, 2002; Schneider & Kenny, 451-466, 2000) and the role of post-dissolution relationships in social networks (Foley & Fraser, 1998) utilized samples of heterosexual ex-partners only. In other aspects of relating, same-sex and opposite-sex, romantic relationships have been found to share more similarities than differences. Specifically, similarities between same-sex and opposite-sex romantic relationships have been found in studies of closeness (Peplau & Cochran, P.321-349, 2002), commitment (Duffy & Rusbult, 1-23, 2000), jealousy, love level, maintenance behaviours (Haas & Stafford, 1998), satisfaction and sexuality. Yet, because same-sex romantic relationships exist in an environment that often does not condone, rarely encourages, and offers few relational role models, the differences in the social context of same-sex and opposite-sex romantic relationships may lead to significant differences between the qualities of and influences on the two types of post-dissolution relationships. Many people believe that these gays are bad or else they are deviant heterosexual individuals. There is a wide degree of intolerance towards gay men. This is due to extensive negative image propagation in the media, the defiance and indifference of church towards the religious orientation of these men and women and stereotypes of a rigid society. The heterosexual individuals commonly take these stereotypes, regarding the homosexuality and the inferiority of gays, as true. As Arthur Dong illustrated in his documentary titled "Licensed to kill", he showed that these stereotypes appear and increase social

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Othello Plot Points Essay Example for Free

Othello Plot Points Essay Othellos Ensign, hates him cause hes black, wants Cassios job, believes he would be better Cassio- Innocent Party, gets a job as Othellos Lieutenant, gets into a fight and his stripped of rank, but goes to Desdemonia to try and win back Othellos favour Roderigo- Loves Desdemonia, is persuaded by Iago to attempt to kill Cassio, is murdered by Iago to remain silent (d) Emilia- Married to Iago, gives iago the handkerchief that convinces Othello that Desdemonia and Cassio had a relationship (d) Plot Othello marries Desdemonia in secret. However Roderigo goes to her father and blows their cover. Othello is forced to defend himself from accusations of witchcraft. News of a Turkish invasion of Cyprus reaches Venice, and Othello, with Cassio his new Lieutenant, and Iago, his ensign, are deployed to Cyprus to defend against the Turkish fleet. Desdemonia is allowed to accompany Othello, and Emilia, Iagos wife, accompanies her as her attendant. The enemy fleet is destroyed by a storm. Othello calls for a celebration, during which Iago gets Cassio drunk, who causes a fight. Othello strips him of his rank, and blames him for the disturbance caused by Iago. However, Iago tells Cassio to go to Desdemonia, and convince her to try to plead his case. Whilst Cassio does this, Iago goes to Othello and hints that Cassio and Desdemonia are having an affair. For the rest of the film, Honest Iago controls the actions of the characters, turning Othello against his wife and Roderigo against Cassio so that, at the end of the play, Roderigo attempts to murder Cassio, while Othello smothers his wife after accusing her of betraying him and having an affair with Cassio. Roderigo fails, and after he is identified as Cassios attacker Iago murders him, claiming to have been overcome with rage, but really silencing to cover his involvement. Othello then murders his wife, however Emilia walks in calls for help. As the truth comes out, Othello realises his wife was innocent. Iago murders his wife after she reveals what he has done. He is then captured and brought before Othello, who stabs him but does not murder him, saying he would prefer Iago live in pain for the rest of his life than die. Othello then kills himself out of guilt at what he has done. Iago is hauled off to be tortured, and Cassio is made Governer of Cyrpus. The end.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Essay --

A volcano erupts, and lava spews everywhere, burning every living thing it touches. By the time the eruption is over, not a single blade of grass is still living in the area. Volcanoes and their magma have always been viewed as chaotic, uncontrollable objects. But what if humans could use them for their own advantage? Geothermal energy is energy from Earth’s heat. Geothermal energy has some advantages over other types of energy. One is that it is available over 90% of the time compared to coal plants only getting 75%. That means that while many power plants, like solar plants and wind turbines, and even coal plants can’t be producing energy anywhere near all of the time, geothermal energy plants can be working nearly all of the time. Recently, scientists drilling into the Krafla volcano in Ireland, led by Gumunder Omar Friedleifsson accidentally discovered that magma can be a useful way to get geothermal energy. This happened when the scientists found magma 7,000 feet into the earth. They soon realized that the water heating the drill they were using, and the extremely hot magma made a superheated steam tha could be chemically altered to power a turbine. After the discovery, scientists estimated that geothermal energy from magma could produce 25 MW of power, which is 5 times more t han current geothermal energy wells makeInterestingly enough, this more powerful energy would also be cheaper, because conventional geothermal energy needs expensive perforated piping down the entire hole, while geothermal energy from magma would only need it for about 100 meters. Also, unlike fossil fuels, another cheap energy source, geothermal energy is renewable, and it does not harm the environment a lot. This one accidental discovery the scient... ...many of the island country's economies, because they wouldn’t have to import a lot of fossil fuels for their energy. This would help the whole world in general, and could keep them from going any farther into debt. Geothermal energy from magma will be extremely useful, especially to countries with a lot of volcanoes that are in debt. Scientists have discovered that magma can be used to make geothermal energy. This would be very useful, as it is much more efficient than conventional geothermal energy, and it is better for the environment than fossil fuels, and it is renewable. There are, however, some bad parts about the energy. The plants could cause minor earthquakes, and could be destroyed by the volcano erupting. However, the advantages of geothermal energy from magma outweigh the risks, and it probably will become a very important energy type in the near future.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Breaking DES (Data Encryption Systems)

Data Encryption Standard (DES) is an algorithm for decrypting and encrypting unstipulated information in the United States administration standard. DES is derived from IBM’s Lucifer code and is depicted by the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 46, with its current modification being FIDS 46-3 (Conrad, 2007). DES is a mass code that takes a plaintext sequence as a key in and generates a code transcript wording of the same measurement lengthwise.The mass of the DES obstruct is 64 bits which is also the same for the input dimension even though the 8 bits of the key are for the recognition of faults making the efficient DES input amount 56 bits. Because of the progressions in the authority of dispensation in workstations there are weaknesses in the 56-bit key extent presently (Conrad, 2007). In the company of proper hardware, there is a best chance assault on methodical efforts to all the 72 quadrillion hence, there is a possibility of dissimilar inputs.Advanced Encr yption Standard (AES) developed into an innovative FIPS-standard encryption average in 2001, 26th November to replace DES. Statistics Encryption Algorithm explains the definite algorithm as contested to the average. In such circumstances, TDEA is a short form for Triple DES. At the same time, there is a description of Triple Data Encryption Algorithm Modes of Operation ANSI X9. 52-1998 (Clayton & Bond, 2002). History of DES DES was proposed in 1975 and approved in 1977 as a federal information processing standard. It was criticized by the people who felt that it’s 56 key lengths to be insecure.In spite of this, DES remained a strong encryption algorithm until mid 1990. In the year 1998 summer, the insecurity of DES was demonstrated when a $ 250,000 computer which was built by the electronic frontier foundation decrypted a DES-encoded message in 56 hours. This was improved in the 1999 to 2002 hours through a combination of 100,000 networked personal computers and the EFF machi ne. DES remains a de facto standard unless a substitute is found (Landau, 2000, p. 341). A certified DES is obtained from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).This Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) works in three key lengths: 128, 192, and 256 bits. The publication of DES indicated a new era in cryptography. The development in the community of public cryptographers was enhanced by having an algorithm availability of study that the national security agent certified to be secure (Landau, 2000, p. 341). The (DES) Data Encryption Standard A system that encrypts quickly but is essentially what is impossible to break is all what cryptographers have always wanted. Public key systems have captured the imagination of mathematicians because of their reliance on elementary number theory.Public key algorithms are used for establishing a key because they are too slow to be used for most data transmissions. Private key system does the encryption because they are typically fa ster than public key ones (Landau, 2000, p. 341). The data Encryption Standard (DES) workhorse uses private key algorithm besides relying on cryptographic design principles that predate public key. The RC4 in web browsers and the relatively insecure cable TV signal encryption are an exception to DES. DES is the most widely used public cryptosystem in the world. It is the cryptographic algorithm which is used by banks for electronic funds transfer.It is also used for the protection of civilian satellite communications. Still, a variant of DES is used for UNIX password protection. There are three operation of the DES which involves XOR, substitution and permutation. The DES is an interrelated block cipher and a cryptosystem on a block of symbols that sequentially repeats an internal function which is called a round. It encrypts data by the use of a primitive that operates on a block of symptoms of moderate size. Self invert ability is also essential to enable one of the objects to enc rypt and decrypt. When encrypting ordinary text, DES begins by grouping the text into 64 bit block.A number of operations are performed by the DES on each block (Landau, 2000, p. 343). The transformation of how the block is to be carried out is determined by a single key of 56 bits. DES iterates sixteen identical rounds of mixing; each round of DES uses a 48-bit sub key. The DES begins with an initial permutation P and ends with its inverse. The permutations are of minor cryptographic implications but forms part of the official algorithm. The selection of sub keys starts by splitting the 56-bit key into two 28-bit halves and rotating each half one or two bits; either one bit in rounds 1, 2, 9, and 16 or two bits otherwise.The two halves are put back together and then 48 particular bits are chosen and put in order (Landau, 2000, p. 343). Attacks of DES The selection of DES was followed by protests in which case some of the researchers appeared to object to the algorithm small key spa ce. Investors in the key public cryptography claimed that a DES encoded message could be broken in about a day by a $ 20 million machine made up of a million specially designed VLSI capable of searching one key per microsecond while working in parallel.The use of a meet in the middle attack to break a four round version of DES did not extend past seven rounds (Landau, 2000, p. 345). This is evidence that, for all these attacks none of them posed a serious threat to the DES. Other attacks on the DES were performed to poke harder to the innards of DES. This brought anomalies which led to the first attacks that were seen to be more theoretically better than exhaustive search. The attacks were against the block structure system and the need of all block-structured cryptosystems needed to be designed to be secure against differential and linear cryptanalysis.There is a strong attack to DES which is differential cryptanalysis. This is apparently known to the algorithms designers. In order to design a secure cryptosystems, there is a need for a mixture of well known principles, some theorems and the presence of some magic. Attacks on a cryptosystem fall into two categories which are passive attacks and active attacks. The passive attacks are the ones which adversely monitors the communication channel. They are usually easier to mount although they yield less. The active attacks have the adversary transmitting messages to obtain information (Landau, 2000, p.342). The aim of the attackers is to determine the plaintext from the cipher text which they capture. A more successful attack will determine the key and thus compromise a whole set of messages. By designing their algorithms, cryptographer’s help to resist attacks such as cipher text only attack whose adversary has access to the encrypted communications. The known plain text attack which has its adversary has some plain text and its corresponding cipher text. The third attack which can be avoided is the chos en text attack and its adversary chooses the plain text for encryption or decryption.The plain text chosen by the adversary depends on the cipher text received from the previous requests (Landau, 2000, p. 342). Observations about DES The simplicity found in the DES amounts to some fully desirable properties. To start with it is the complementation. To illustrate, allow X to denote the bitwise complement of X. If C is the DES encryption of the plaintext P with key K, then P is the DES encryption of P with key K. In some cases the complementation can simplify DES cryptanalysis by basically cutting the investigating space in half.These properties do not cause serious weakness in the algorithm. The set generated by the DES permutations do not form a group. The group may have at least 102499 elements. There is strength in the DES when it lacks a group structure. It appears to be double encryption where this is twice by two different keys, EK2 (EK1 (P) and is not stronger than single encr yption. The reason is that when meeting in the middle attacks for a given plaintext cipher text pair, an adversary will compute all 256 possible enciphering of the plaintext i. e.EKi (P), and indexes the same. The adversary will then compute all possible deciphering of the cipher text (Landau, 2000, p. 345). Models of DES There are four forms of DES, which are accepted by FIPS 81. They include (ECB) Electronic Codebook form, code mass sequence form (CFB), productivity reaction form (OFB) and system response (CFB). The forms are used to with both DES and Triple DES. Within each form, there are main dissimilarities which are based on the fault proliferation and obstruct vs. tributary codes (Conrad, 2007). Electronic Codebook (ECB) ModeIn this form of encryption, there is sovereign encryption into respective blocks of codes text. It is done by means of Feistel code which generates 16 sub-inputs derived from the symmetric input and also encrypts the plaintext using 16 surroundings of co nversion. Similarly, the development is used in the conversion of code text reverse into simple text with the dissimilarity that, 16 sub inputs are contributed in overturn arrangement. The result of repeated blocks of identical plaintext is the repeated blocks of cipher text which is capable of assisting in the vault investigation of the code wording.In Appendix 1 there is an illustration of the result (Conrad, 2007). The first picture of SANS symbol is the bitmap layout. The second picture is the encrypted logo of SANS bitmap via DES ECB form. The visibility of the model is due to the recurring of masses of the simple wording pixels in the bitmap which are encrypted into masses which are repeated and are of particular code pixels. In this form, faults do not proliferate due to the autonomous encryption of each obstruct. Cipher Block Chaining (CBC) ModeThe CBC form is an obstruct code which XORs every original obstruct of simple wording with the previous block of code wording. This indicates that repeated obstructs of simple wording do not give rise to repeated obstructs of code wording. CBC uses a vector of initialization which is an arbitrary original obstructs used to make sure that two simple wordings result in different code wordings. In figure 2 of the Appendix there is a clear illustration of the same SANS symbol bitmap data, encrypted with DES CBC form. There is no visibility of any prototype which is true for all DES forms apart from ECB.Therefore, in this mode, there is proliferation of faults as each prior step’s encrypted output is XORed with the original obstructing of simple wording (Conrad, 2007). Cipher Feedback (CFB) Mode The Cipher Feedback Mode is a tributary code that encrypts simple wording by breaking into X (1-64) bits. This permits encryption of the level of byte or bits. This mode uses an arbitrary vector of initialization. The preceding elements of code wording are XORed with consequent components of code wording. Therefore, in this mode of CBC there is proliferation of faults (Conrad, 2007).Output Feedback (OFB) Mode Similar to CFB form, the productivity reaction form makes use of the vector of random initialization and also encrypts simple wording by shattering downward into a tributary by encrypting components of X (1-64) bits of simple wording. This form fluctuates from CFB form by generating a simulated-arbitrary tributary of productivity which is XORed with the plaintext during every step. Therefore, the productivity is fed back to the simple wording and because the output is XORed to the simple wording, faults there is no proliferation of mistakes (Conrad, 2007).Counter (CTR) Mode The oppose form is a tributary code similar to OFB form. The main disparity is the accumulation of contradict obstructs. The offset can be supplementary to an arbitrary importance that is used only once and then increased for each component of simple wording that is encrypted. The initial counter obstructs acts as a vecto r of initialization. Therefore, in each surrounding there is XORing of the offset obstructs with simple wording. Accumulation of offset obstructs permits disintegration of encryption into equivalent phases, improving presentation on a suitable hardware.There is no proliferation of mistakes (Clayton & Bond, 2002). (Table 1 in the Appendix summarizes the Data Encryption Standard). Triple DES (T DES) In anticipation of 2030, TDES can be used as FIPS encryption algorithm which is permitted in order to allow conversion to AES. There are three surroundings of DES which are used by TDES which have an input extent of 168 bits (56 * 3). There is a possibility of reduced effective key length of TDES to roughly 12 bits though beast might assaults against TDES re not realistic at present (Conrad, 2007).Architecture for Cryptanalysis All modern day practical ciphers both symmetrical and asymmetrical make use of security apparatus depending on their key length. In so doing, they provide a margin of security to cover from computational attacks with present computers. Depending on the level of security which is chosen for any software application, many ciphers are prone to attacks which unique machines having for instance a cost-performance ratio (Guneysu, 2006).Reconfigurable computing has been recognized as way of reducing costs while also acting as an alternative to a variety of applications which need the power of a custom hardware and the flexibility of software based design such as the case of rapid prototyping (Diffie & Hellman, 1977, pp. 74-84). What this means is that cryptanalysis of today’s cryptographic algorithms need a lot of computation efforts. Such applications map by nature to hardware based design, which require repetitive mapping of the main block, and is easy to extend by putting in place additional chips as is needed.However, it should be noted that the mere presence of resources for computation is not the main problem. The main problem is availab ility of affordable massive computational resources. The non-recurring engineering costs have enabled hardware meant for special purpose cryptanalysis in virtually all practicable situations unreachable. This has been unreachable to either commercial or research institutions, which has only been taken by government agencies as feasible (Diffie & Hellman, 1977, pp. 74-84).The other alternative to distributed computing with loosely coupled processors finds its base on the idle circles of the large number of computers connected through the internet. This method has considerably been successful for some applications. However, the verified detection of extraterrestrial life is considerably still a problem more so for unviable problems with power of computing in a particular organization (Guneysu, 2006). In cryptanalysis some algorithms are very suitable for special-purpose hardware.One main example for this is the search for the data encryption standard (DES) (FIPS, 1977). What this mean s is that a brute- force attack is more than twice the magnitude faster when put in place on FPGA’s as opposed to in software on computers meant for general purposes at relatively the same costs (FIPS, 1977). That notwithstanding, for many crypto algorithms the advantages due to cost-performance of hardware meant for special purposes over those meant for ordinary purposes is not really as dramatic as is usually the case of DES, more so for public-key algorithms (Guneysu, 2006).Arising from the advent of low-cost FPGA families with much logic approaches recently, field programmable gate arrays offer a very interesting way for the thorough computational effort which cryptanalysis needs (Lesnsta & Verheul, 2001, pp. 255-293). Many algorithms dealing with the most important problems in cryptanalysis is capable of being put in place on FPGAs. Code breaking though, requires more additional efforts as opposed to just programming a single FPGA with a certain algorithm (Electronic Fro ntier Foundation, 1998).Owing to the enormous perspectives of cryptanalysis problems, many more resources as opposed to FPGA are needed. This implies that the main need is massively powerful parallel machinery suited to the requirements of targeted algorithms. Many problems are capable of being put in parallel and are perfectly suited for an architecture distributed. Conventional parallel architectures for computing can theoretically be used for applications of cryptanalysis (Guneysu, 2006). An optical Architecture to Break Ciphers The targeted DES brute force attack has several characteristics.To begin with, expensive computational operations which are put in parallel. Next, there is no need of communication between single parallel instances. The next characteristic is the fact that the general expense for communication is not high owing to the fact that the stage of computation strongly outweighs the data input and output stages. According to Blaze et al, (1996), communication is almost entirely used for results reporting as well as initialization. A central control instance with regards to communication is capable of being accomplished by a conventional low cost personal computer, connected simply by an interface.This would imply that there is no need for a high-speed communication interface. The fourth characteristic is the fact that a DES brute-force attack and its following implementation require little memory. The final consequence of the above is the fact that the available memory on present day low cost FPGAs is sufficient (Guneysu, 2006). What this implies is that by making use of low-cost FPGAs, it is possible to develop a cost effective dynamic architecture which is capable of being reprogrammed which would be able to accommodate all the targeted architectures (Blaze et al, 1996).Realization of COPACOBANA Drawing back, the Cost-Optimized Parallel Code Breaker (COPACOBANA) meeting the needs available comprise of several independent-low prized FPGAs, connected to a hosting PC by way of a standard interface such as a USB. Moreover, such a standard interface permits to extend a host-PC with more than one device of COPACOBANA. The initialization of FPGAs, the control as well as the process of results accumulation is carried out by the host. Critical computations are carried out by the FPGAs, which meet the actual cryptanalytical architecture (Schleiffer, 2006).Developing a system of the above speculations with FPGA boards which are commercially available is certainly possible but at a cost. Therefore it is important to put into considerations the design and layout among others in coming up with the above kind of system (Schleiffer, 2006). This would therefore mean that our cost-performance design meant for cost optimization is only capable of being achieved if all functionalities are restricted to those required for code breaking. Arty the same time, many designs choices should be based on components and interfaces which are readi ly available (Guneysu, 2006).Conclusion In conclusion, cryptanalysis of symmetric and asymmetric ciphers is extremely demanding in terms of computations. It would be fair to hold the belief that breaking codes with conventional PCs as well as super-computers is very much costly. Bit-sizes of keys should be chosen in a way that traditional methods of code breaking do not succeed (Rouvroy et al 2003, pp. 181-193). This would mean that the only way to go through ciphers is to develop special-purpose hardware purposely meant for suitable algorithms.In the final analysis, traditional parallel architecture in the end equally appears to be too complicated and therefore not cost saving in finding solutions to cryptanalytical problems. As earlier observed, many of these problems can easily be put in parallel implying that the algorithms which correspond to them are equally capable of being parameterized to lower communication costs (Guneysu, 2006). A hardware architecture which is cost effec tive (COPACOBANA) is the end product of the algorithmic requirements of the intended problems of cryptanalysis.This work represents not only the design but also the first prototype of an effective design which meets the demands of the request. In the final analysis, COPACOBANA would be able to accommodate as many as 120 FPGAs which are less costly. At the same time, it is possible to break data encryption standard (DES) within a period of nine days. This would require a hardware design comprising of reprogrammable logic which could be adopted to accommodate any task, even those not necessarily in line with code breaking (Rouvroy et al 2003, pp. 181-193). References Blaze, M.. , Diffie, W. , Rivest, R. L., Scheiner, B. , Shimomura, E. , and Weiner, M (1996). Minimal Key Lengths for Symmetry Ciphers to Provide Adequate Commercial Security. Ad Hoc Group of Cryptographers and Computer Scientists. Retrieved from December, 13, 2008 from http://www. counterpane. com/keylength. html. Clayto n, R. and Bond, M. (2002). Experience Using a Low-Cost FPGA Design to Crack DES Keys. In B. S. Kaliski, C. K. Koc Cetin, and C. Paar, editors, Cryptographic Hardware and Embedded Systems – CHES 2002, 4th International Workshop, Redwood Shores, CA, USA,volume 2523 of series, pages 579 – 592. Springer-Verlag. Conrad, E. (2007).Data Encryption Standard, The SANS Institute Diffie, W & Hellman, M. E. (1977). Exhaustive cryptanalysis of the NBS Data Encryption Standard. Computer, 10(6): 74-84 Electronic Frontier Foundation. (1998). Cracking DES: Secrets of Encryption Research, Wiretap Poolitics & Chip Design. O’Reilly & Associates Inc. Federal Information Processing Standard. (1977). Data Encryption Standard, U. S Department of Commerce. Guneysu, T. E. (2006). Efficient Hardware Architecture for Solving the Discrete Logarithm Problem on Elliptic Curves. AAmasters thesis, Horst Gortz Institute, Ruhr University of Bochum. Landau, S.(2000). Standing the Test of Time: The Data Encryption Standard vol. 47, 3, pp. 341-349. Lenstra, A and Verheul, E. (2001). Selecting Cryptographic Key Sizes. Journal of Cryptology, 14(4):255–293. Rouvroy, G. , Standaert, F. X. , Quisquater, J. , and Legat, D. (2003). Design Strategies and Modified Descriptions to Optimize Cipher FPGA Implementations: Fast and Compact Results for DES and Triple-DES. In Field-Programmable Logic and Applications- FPL, pp. 181-193 Schleiffer, C. (2006). Design of Host Interface for COPACOBANA. Technical report, Studienarbeit, Host Gortz Institute, Ruhr University Bochum

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Football Essay

Have a skilled team put to gather to match other local teams of similar age and skill. (Competitive) Team WorkHard training, weekly with all team members will ensure good team skills which are compulsory in winning any tournament. I will make sure I am fully committed in training and coaching my team. Leading them to become a successful football team.Personal experience Secondary research (spectating other) Internet (YouTube, blogs, football magazines). The planned date for this to be completed is at least 1 week before local football tournament starts. This will give the team members, time to rest before they play their first match. Win a trophy with my football Team. Being competitiveThis is the last step and also my final goal for this business plan. I will Make sure my team wins all of their matches by playing specifically according to the other team’s weaknesses. This will require a lot of patience and extra hours of training.BBC Sport /advise offers some quick tips about football My own experience and secondary research.This goal should be completed after the last match which will be 2 weeks before footballs season ends. List the skills And explain how they are helpful When they will be helpful And why they are helpful.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Spinal Injuries essays

Spinal Injuries essays Spinal injuries are a very serious, and even life-threatening, problem facing almost everyone at some point in there lives. If a broken vertebra pinches a spinal nerve, paralysis may result. The spine is a column of vertebrae stacked one on the next from the skulls base to the tail bone. Each vertebra is hollow through the center where the spinal cord runs through. There are some signs and symptoms that you should check for if you suspect spinal injury on an injured person. Head injuries may indicate that the head may have been snapped in one of more directions. If the victim is conscious, ask them if they feel a pain when they move their arms or legs. Also, the victim may feel numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning in their arms of legs. They may also lose control of their bowls or bladder. However, deformity or an odd looking angle of the head serves as the best clue to a serious spinal injury. If the victim is unconscious, you should check for cuts, bruises and deformities; that may serve as a good clue to spinal injuries. You should also test their responses by pinching their hands and feet. If no reaction occurs, spinal The first and most important thing you should do is keep the victim immobile at all times. The only exeption to that would be if the victim is in a dangerous place such a burning building or car. The second first aid procedure you should administer would be monitoring the breathing by using a jaw thrust. Be sure to keep the head and neck still. Victims usually required a neck splint, but one should not be put on by you. It takes at least two trained EMS people to put a neck brace on. Since you can not put on a brace, you should stabilize their neck by putting objects on both sides of the neck. Float the victim gently to shore and place them on a backboard in the water if they are in water. ...

Monday, November 4, 2019

An Introduction To Encryption And Decryption

An Introduction To Encryption And Decryption CHAPTER 1 This thesis proposes a VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL) design of Encryption and Decryption Algorithm for Data. In this chapter, the challenges of cryptography is firstly presented. This chapter also briefly discusses the problem definition, scope of work and the thesis objectives are also highlighted.Finally, the chapter end with the chapter organization. The dissertation presentation is provided at the end 1.1 An introduction to Encryption and Decryption, a type of cryptography Encryption and Decryption, a type of cryptography, refers to the process of scrambling information so that the observer cannot be detecting the data. Cryptographic key is a piece of data used to encrypt or decrypt to plaintext. (Alex Brennen V., 2004) The Crypto, from the word cryptographic mean is it has its origins in the Greek word KRUOTOS, which means hidden. Thus the objective of cryptography is to hide information so that only the intended recipient can read it.[2] . Cryptographic is a protocol or method of performing encryption and decryption (Alex Brennen V., 2004). There are two types of cryptographic: symmetric and asymmetric key. Figure 1.1 is example a symmetric cryptographic has a single key, which is used for both encrypting and decrypting information. Data Encryption and Decryption is a well-known example of symmetric cryptographic. In symmetric cryptographic, public-key cryptographic uses complementary pair of keys to divided the process of encryption and decryption. This process is shown in Figure 1.2. This part is discuss about the symmetric-key cryptographic only.[3]. The proposed projects is to create the algorithms where it is use to convert of information, rearranging the original massage produce output referred as ciphertext Plaintext Plaintext Ciphertext Key Figure 1.1: Symmetric Cryptographic Plaintext Plaintext Ciphertext Encryption Key and Decryption Key Figure 1.2: Public-Key Cryptographic 1.2 Problem Statement At present there are many encryption and decryption, especially in the communication system provided in a variety of application. Encryption and decryption is particularly impacted in the field of military communications and reliable security data to protection for transmitting. This ciphertext is used in the military is to send information such as direction, strategy, secret codes and other information that can not be know by the national foe during the war.[4] Creating this system is the process by which information can not be detect by the national foe. The information can not be recognizing by the national foe because this system is using the process to encrypt data and decrypt data. [4] 1.3 Scopes of Work Based on available software resources, limited time frame and expertise, this research project is narrowed down to the following scope of work: 1. The project is only to design fixed 64-bit input of data block size, 64-bit output of data block size and 56-bit of key size based on an Encryption and Decr yption algorithm . 2. The projects is limited to design, to synthesis, to simulate and to verify the design in Altera Quartus II software. Objective The project are to create a system that can protect electronic data (secret information) which Consist of encryption and decryption process and to fully design an encryption and decryption algorithm using VHDL. The objectives of this project are

Saturday, November 2, 2019

The Spring Gala Concert, Featuring the USA Percussion Ensemble, USA Essay

The Spring Gala Concert, Featuring the USA Percussion Ensemble, USA Steel, and the World Music Group - Essay Example This paper illustrates that the opening piece in the Spring Gala Concert was David Skidmore’s ‘Unknown Kind’. Skidmore is a relatively young composer having been born in 1982. Still, his compositions have been regularly performed around the country and at universities. His composition ‘Unknown Kind’ was originally performed at Carnegie Hall in 2007. While the author enjoyed the composition itself it ran counter to many of my expectations. The researcher had been expecting something more along the lines of traditional classical music, but the composition was slightly minimal and experimental. Still, it set a unique tone for the rest of the concert, as the rest of the compositions continued a slightly experimental theme. The ‘Unknown Kind’ composition was followed by a performance of Shostakovich’s ‘intermezzo’. This work fell along more traditional classical lines. This was perhaps the piece the author enjoyed the most as it balanced these classical elements with a sort of offbeat tone. David Maslanka’s ‘Crown of Thorns’ followed this piece. This was a highly minimal piece and during the performance, the author witnessed a young child dozing to sleep. The researcher didn’t share the child’s boredom, however, and after a period he came to appreciate the eccentricities in the work, as they offered an escape from run-of-the-mill type tonality. The intermission followed the conclusion of this piece.