The Speckled Band Essay Example for Free

The Speckled Band Essay The social and historical settings in the stories mean that although both stories are about crime and detectives, they are almost seperate genres as far as detective stories go. However, they have a very similar structure. Both stories start with a desperate young woman asking for help in solving a crime. In the middle of both stories, the detectives investigate the crimes and find evidence. Holmes does this mostly at the scene of the crime whereas the Op goes to the police station and peoples apartments to interview people involved. Both storied have similar endings in that the detectives solve the crimes very cleverly and then explain to the other characters how they did it. This is a way to explain to the reader how they did it, so the plot makes sense. However, Death on Pine Street ends with a display of the roughness of the Op, as he knocks the tennant down the steps. Holmes did not act in this manner. The differences also lie in the characters other than the detectives. The Speckled Band has far fewer characters, as it is focused on a far smaller location. The victims of the stories are different. In The Speckled Band we feel sorry for Miss Stoner and her sister, they are innocent young girls being cruelly mistreated by a vicious stepfather. We cant really feel very sorry for Gilmore as he is a crook and a serial adulterer. His death may have been an accident, but he probably did deserve it. Dr. Roylott is obviously made out to be the evil, vicious villian of The Speckled Band, but Death on Pine Street is set in an environment where just about everyone is unpleasant and involved in some sort of shady activity; this is again due to the socio-historic setting of the story. The Speckled Band takes on a typically Victorian view of woman, innocently in need of rescue by a heroic character like Holmes. In Death on Pine Street it is just the opposite; the women are tough, they can do things for themselves, and like Cara Kenbrook, are far from innocent. There is also a lot more violence in Death on Pine Street than in The Speckled Band, this again, shows us the difference between 1890s England and 1930s America. The language difference is also clearly seen, Holmes story being spoken in standard english, and Death on Pine Street full of slang terms and americanisms. Both stories give us a good representation of what it was actually like in those periods of time. Because Sherlock Holmes was the first fictional detective it is easy to see how later detective stories like Death on Pine Street were influenced by him. But the whole atmosphere and morality of the two stories is different. The different historical and social circumstances are easily noticable.The language spoken, the attitude of the characters and the overall morals are different. The Speckled Band is a classic, simple Good Versus Evil story, with Good prevailing as usual. However Death on Pine Street has a general feeling of corruption, distrust and seems full of double crossings. The more modern story is influenced by classic features of Holmes such as his strength of character, brilliant mind and use of a complex mystery, however the modern American setting has meant changes to the classic English style. Death on Pine Street blurs the borders between good and evil, which I find interesting. The classic Holmes approach, whilst enjoyable, can seem unrealistic, considering present day life. Both stories are very enjoyable in their own way, as I stated before they could almost be in seperate genres. The element of mystery is used well in both stories, and both stories have interesting characters. I think the fact that they are both so ingenious is what compells us to read on; we want to know how they managed to solve such a complex puzzle. Although from differing times and places, they are both prime examples of what a detective story should be.

The Grafenberg Area :: Sex Anatomy Papers

The Grafenberg Area Just what is the purpose of existence? This question has been raised countless times by countless millions of people, wondering just what exactly they are here for. Some of those among us decide to make the study of that question their life's work, and spend many hours thinking, writing, and speaking about it. These specialists, philosophers, exist to give us some idea of why we continue to exist. One school of philosophical thought holds that the only thing of any value whatsoever is pleasure, and that the purpose of existence is to experience as much pleasure as possible. This school of philosophical thought, called hedonism, is theoretically sound. All actions taken by human beings can be argued to have been performed because the performer discerned or imagined a tangible reward for performing the act. Hedonists hold that individuals should identify that which gives them pleasure, and act upon that knowledge to derive the maximum amount of pleasure possible from any situation. As sex is among the more powerful forms of pleasurable stimuli known to man, researchers among the biological, anthropological, and medical fields have endeavored to discover greater knowledge of human sexuality. Sexual research is performed to provide accurate information to several audiences. The general public benefits from this research in that people develop a higher awareness of their own capacity for sexual fulfillment; they discover the extent to which their body and mind are geared to pleasure, and they learn how to exercise that capacity while minimizing the risk of exposure to sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. Many people come to accept the feelings their bodies are capable of producing without feelings of guilt or shame. This is a significant event in my opinion, because I believe the path of ascension for the human race lies in self-awareness. Particularly among those cultures which are historically sexually repressive, the widespread dissemination of sexual information can bring about a very positive change in the way people feel about themselves. Medical professionals, too, greatly benefit from the research of sexuality. Clinical research and scientific surveys give physicians more accurate data on the proper functioning of human sexual organs, allowing physicians to find more effective forms of contraception and disease prevention, and allowing more accurate diagnoses of potential problems. These more accurate diagnoses can lead to more effective treatments for sexual disorders. Among the other major beneficiaries of sexual research are judiciary officials, who when given more accurate definitions of sexual deviancy and sexual criminality are better able to pronounce just sentencing.

Non-disclosure agreement

Limited Liability Company  «XXX » (address), represented by its Director Name Name, and hereinafter referred to as â€Å"COMPANY†, on the one hand, and _ (address)___, hereinafter referred to as â€Å"EMPLOYEE†, have concluded this Agreement upon the following: – 1. Subject. The Agreement is concluded in order to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of Confidential Information as defined below. The parties agree and acknowledge entering into a confidential relationship with respect to the disclosure of certain proprietary and confidential information (hereinafter termed as â€Å"Confidential Information†).   This Agreement shall govern the conditions of disclosure. 2. Definition of Confidential Information. For purposes of this Agreement, â€Å"Confidential Information† shall include all technical information, business information or material that has or could have commercial value or other utility in the business in which the COMPANY is engaged. It includes all methods, processes, formulae, systems, techniques, inventions, patents, trade secretes, computer programs, research projects, business methods, financial data, etc. Confidential Information may be in form of electronic documents and files, physical documents and oral communications. If Confidential Information is transmitted orally, the COMPANY shall indicate in writing that such communication be constituted as Confidential Information. Confidential information also includes any written works, which were produced by the EMPLOYEE at the COMPANY’s demand.   The COMPANY shall label or stamp all written documents with the wording â€Å"CONFIDENTIAL†, acting as an indicator. 3. Exclusions from Confidential Information. EMPLOYEE’s obligations under this Agreement does not extend to information that is: (a)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Publicly known at the time of disclosure, or subsequently becomes publicly known through no fault of the EMPLOYEE; (b)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Learned by the EMPLOYEE through legitimate means other than from the COMPANY or COMPANY’s representatives; (c)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Is disclosed by COMPANY with COMPANY’s prior written approval; or (d)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Is produced by the EMPLOYEE before the COMPANY actually discloses it to the EMPLOYEE. 4. Obligations of EMPLOYEE. EMPLOYEE shall hold and maintain the Confidential Information in strictest confidence, for the sole and exclusive benefit of the COMPANY.   EMPLOYEE shall carefully restrict access to Confidential Information to other employees, contractors and third parties as is reasonably required and shall require those persons to sign nondisclosure restrictions at least as protective as those in this Agreement. EMPLOYEE shall not, without prior written approval of COMPANY, use for EMPLOYEE’s own benefit, publish, copy, or otherwise disclose to others, or permit the use by others for their personal benefit or to the detriment of COMPANY, any Confidential Information. EMPLOYEE shall return to COMPANY any and all records, notes, and other written, printed, or tangible materials in its possession pertaining to Confidential Information immediately, if the COMPANY requests it in writing.   EMPLOYEE shall return to the COMPANY all material and documents that contain Confidential Information, and shall not retain any of these copies.   EMPLOYEES shall not disclose CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION to future employers or use it themselves, at any time even after termination. 5. Relationships. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute either party a partner, joint venturer or employee of the other party for any purpose. 6. Severability. If a court finds any provision of this Agreement invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall be valid and interpreted so as best to effect the intent of the parties. 7. Integration. This Agreement expresses the complete understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter and supersedes all prior proposals, agreements, representations, and understandings. This Agreement may not be amended except in a writing signed by both parties. 8. Waiver. The failure to exercise any right provided in this Agreement shall not be a waiver of prior or subsequent rights.   COMPANY will be entitled to obtain an injunction to ensure that no infringement of this Agreement occurs. This Agreement and each party’s obligations shall be binding on the representatives, assigns and successors in interest of such party. Each party has signed this Agreement in WITNESS. ________________________________________ (EMPLOYEE’S Signature) ________________________________________ (Typed or Printed Name) Date: _____________________ ________________________________________ (COMPANY’S Signature) ________________________________________ (Typed or Printed Name) Date: _________________ ______________________________________________ (Witness 1 Signature) ________________________________________ (Typed or Printed Name) Date: _________________ ______________________________________________ (Witness 2 Signature) ________________________________________ (Typed or Printed Name)    Date: _________________ References: http://inventors.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=inventors&cdn=money&tm=347&gps=197_10_588_283&f=00&tt=14&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.inventnet.com/nondisclosure.html http://www.inventionconvention.com/ncio/inventing101/003.html http://www.ilrg.com/forms/non-disc.html http://www.score.org/downloads/NonDisclosureAgreement.pdf   

The Donner Party, Ill-Fated Settlers Turned to Cannibalism

The Donner Party was a group of American settlers heading to California who became stranded in heavy snows in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in 1846. Isolated in horrific conditions, about half of the original group of nearly 90 people died of starvation or exposure. Some of the survivors turned to cannibalism in order to survive. After those who managed to stay alive were rescued in early 1847, the story of horror in the mountains appeared in a California newspaper. The tale made its way east, circulated through newspaper articles, and became part of western lore. Fast Facts: The Donner Party About half of a group of nearly 90 settlers heading to California in 1846 starved when snowbound.Disaster was caused by taking an untested route which added weeks to the journey.Survivors eventually resorted to cannibalism.Story circulated widely through newspaper stories and books. Origin of the Donner Party The Donner Party was named for two families, George Donner and his wife and children, and George’s brother Jacob and his wife and children. They were from Springfield, Illinois, as was another family traveling with them, James Reed and his wife and children. Also from Springfield were various individuals associated with the Donner and Reed families. That original group left Illinois in April 1846 and arrived in Independence, Missouri, the following month. After securing provisions for the long trip westward, the group, along with other travelers from a variety of places, left Independence on May 12, 1846. (People would typically meet in Independence and decide to stick together for the journey westward, which is how some members of the Donner Party joined the group essentially by chance.) The group made good progress along the trail westward, and in about a week had met up with another wagon train, which they joined. The early part of the journey passed with no major problems. The George Donners wife had written a letter describing the early weeks of the trip which appeared in the newspaper back in Springfield. The letter also appeared in papers in the East, including the New York Herald, which published it on the front page. After passing Fort Laramie, a major landmark on the way west, they met up with a rider who gave them a letter which claimed that troops from Mexico (which was at war with the United States) might interfere with their passage ahead. The letter advised taking a shortcut called the Hastings Cutoff. Shortcut to Disaster After arriving at Fort Bridger (in present day Wyoming), the Donners, the Reeds, and others debated whether to take the shortcut. They were assured, falsely it turned out, that the traveling would be easy. Through a series of miscommunications, they did not receive warnings from those who knew otherwise. The Donner Party decided to take the shortcut, which led them into many hardships. The route, which took them on a southerly path about Great Salt Lake, was not clearly marked. And it was often very difficult passage for the groups wagon. The shortcut required passing over the Great Salt Lake Desert. The conditions were like nothing any of the travelers had seen before, with blistering heat by day and frigid winds at night. It took five days to cross the desert, leaving the 87 members of the party, including many children, exhausted. Some of the party’s oxen had died in the brutal conditions, and it became obvious that taking the shortcut had been a colossal blunder. Taking the promised shortcut had backfired, and put the group about three weeks behind schedule. Had they taken the more established route, they would have gotten across the final mountains before any chance of snowfall and arrived in California safely. Tensions in the Group With the travelers seriously behind schedule, anger flared in the group. In October the Donner families broke off to go ahead, hoping to make better time. In the main group, an argument broke out between a man named John Snyder and James Reed. Snyder struck Reed with an ox whip, and Reed responded by stabbing Snyder and killing him. The killing of Snyder happened beyond U.S. laws, as it was then Mexican territory. In such a circumstance, it would be up to the members of a wagon train to decide how to dispense justice. With the groups leader, George Donner, at least a day’s travel ahead, the others decided to banish Reed from the group. With high mountains still to cross, the party of settlers was in disarray and deeply distrustful of each other. They had already endured more than their share of hardships on the trails, and seemingly endless problems, including bands of Native Americans raiding at night and stealing oxen, continued to plague them. Trapped by Snow Arriving at the Sierra Nevada mountain range at the end of October, early snows were already making the journey difficult. When they reached the vicinity of Truckee Lake (now called Donner Lake), they discovered the mountain passes they needed to cross were already blocked by snowdrifts. Attempts to get over the passes failed. A group of 60 travelers settled into crude cabins which had been built and abandoned two years earlier by other settlers passing by. A smaller group, including the Donners, set up a camp a few miles away. Stranded by impassable snow, the supplies quickly dwindled. The travelers had never seen such snow conditions before, and attempts by small parties to walk onward to California to get help were thwarted by the deep snowdrifts. Facing starvation, people ate the carcasses of their oxen. When the meat ran out, they were reduced to boiling ox hide and eating it. At times people caught mice in the cabins and ate them. In December, a party of 17, consisting of men, women, and children, set out with snowshoes they had fashioned. The party found the traveling nearly impossible, but kept moving westward. Facing starvation, some of the party resorted to cannibalism, eating the flesh of those who had died. At one point, two Nevada Indians who had joined the group before they headed into the mountains were shot and killed so their flesh could be eaten. (That was the only instance in the story of the Donner Party where people were killed to be eaten. The other instances of cannibalism occurred after people had died of exposure or starvation.) One member of the party, Charles Eddy, eventually managed to wander into a village of the Miwok tribe. The Native Americans gave him food, and after he reached white settlers at a ranch, he managed to get a rescue party together. They found the six survivors of the snowshoe group. Back at the camp by the lake, one of the travelers, Patrick Breen, had started keeping a diary. His entries were brief, at first just descriptions of the weather. But over time he began noting the increasingly desperate conditions as more and more of those stranded succumbed to starvation. Breen survived the ordeal and his diary was eventually published. Rescue Efforts One of the travelers who had gone ahead in October became increasingly alarmed when the Donner Party never showed up at Sutter’s Fort in California. He tried to raise the alarm and eventually was able to inspire what eventually amounted to four separate rescue missions. What the rescuers discovered was disturbing. The survivors were emaciated. And in some of the cabins rescuers discovered bodies which had been butchered. A member of a rescue party described finding a body with the head sawed open so the brains could be extracted. The various mutilated bodies were gathered together and buried in one of the cabins, which was then burned to the ground. Of the 87 travelers who entered the mountains on the final phase of the journey, 48 survived. Most of them stayed in California. Legacy of the Donner Party Stories about the Donner Party began to circulate immediately. By the summer of 1847 the story had reached the newspaper in the East. The New York Tribune published a story on August 14, 1847, which gave some grim details. The Weekly National Intelligencer, a Washington, D.C. newspaper, published a story on October 30, 1847, which described the terrible suffering of the Donner Party. An editor of a local newspaper in Truckee, California, Charles McGlashan, became something of an expert on the story of the Donner Party. In the 1870s he talked to survivors and pieced together a comprehensive account of the tragedy. His book, History of the Donner Party: A Tragedy of the Sierra, was published in 1879 and went through many editions. The story of the Donner Party has lived on, through a number of books and films based on the tragedy. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, many settlers heading to California took what happened as a serious warning not to lose time on the trail and not to take unreliable shortcuts. Sources: Distressing News. American Eras: Primary Sources, edited by Sara Constantakis, et al., vol. 3: Westward Expansion, 1800-1860, Gale, 2014, pp. 95-99. Gale Virtual Reference Library.Brown, Daniel James.  The Indifferent Stars Above: The Harrowing Saga of the Donner Party. William Morrow Company, 2015.