Battle of Ashdown in the Viking-Saxon Wars

Battle of Ashdown in the Viking-Saxon Wars Battle of Ashdown - Conflict Date: The Battle of Ashdown was fought January 8, 871, and was part of the Viking-Saxon Wars. Armies Commanders: Saxons Prince Alfred of Wessexapprox. 1,000 men Danes King BagsecgKing Halfdan Ragnarssonapprox. 800 men Battle of Ashdown - Background: In 870, the Danes embarked on an invasion of the Saxon kingdom of Wessex. Having conquered East Anglia in 865, they sailed up the Thames and came ashore at Maidenhead. Moving inland, they swiftly captured the Royal Villa at Reading and began fortifying the site as their base. As work progressed, the Danish commanders, Kings Bagsecg and Halfdan Ragnarsson, dispatched raiding parties towards Aldermaston. At Englefield, these raiders were met and defeated by Aethelwulf, the Ealdorman of Berkshire. Reinforced by King Ethelred and Prince Alfred, Aethelwulf and the Saxons were able to force the Danes back to Reading. Battle of Ashdown - The Vikings Strike: Seeking to follow up on Aethelwulfs victory, Ethelred planned an assault on the fortified camp at Reading. Attacking with his army, Ethelred was unable to break through the defenses and was driven from the field by the Danes. Falling back from Reading, the Saxon army escaped from their pursuers in the Whistley marshes and made camp across the Berkshire Downs. Seeing an opportunity to crush the Saxons, Bagsecg and Halfdan rode out from Reading with the bulk of their army and made for the downs. Spotting the Danish advance, 21-year old Prince Alfred, rushed to rally his brothers forces. Riding to the top of Blowingstone Hill (Kingstone Lisle), Alfred made use of an ancient perforated sarsen stone. Known as the Blowing Stone, it was capable of producing a loud, booming sound when blown into correctly. With the signal sent out across the downs, he rode to a hill-fort near Ashdown House to gather his men, while Ethelreds men rallied at nearby Hardwell Camp. Uniting their forces, Ethelred and Alfred learned that the Danes had encamped at nearby Uffington Castle. On the morning of January 8, 871, both forces marched out and formed for battle on the plain of Ashdown. Battle of Ashdown - The Armies Collide: Though both armies were in place, neither appeared eager to open the battle. It was during this lull that Ethelred, against Alfreds wishes, departed the field to attend church services at nearby Aston. Unwilling to return until the service was finished, he left Alfred in command. Assessing the situation, Alfred realized that the Danes had occupied a superior position on higher ground. Seeing that they would have to attack first or be defeated, Alfred ordered the Saxons forward. Charging, the Saxon shield wall collided with the Danes and battle commenced. Clashing near a lone, gnarled thorn tree, the two sides inflicted heavy casualties in the melee that ensued. Among those struck down was Bagsecg as well as five of his earls. With their losses mounting and one of their kings dead, the Danes fled the field and returned to Reading. Battle of Ashdown - Aftermath: While the casualties for the Battle of Ashdown are not known, the chronicles of the day report them as being heavy on both sides. Though an enemy, the body of King Bagsecg was buried at Waylands Smithy with full honors while the bodies of his earls were interred at Seven Barrows near Lambourn. While Ashdown was a triumph for Wessex, the victory proved pyrrhic as the Danes defeated Ethelred and Alfred two weeks later at Basing, then again at Merton. At the latter, Ethelred was mortally wounded and Alfred became king. In 872, after a string of defeats, Alfred made peace with the Danes. Selected Sources Berkshire History: The Legends of King AlfredBattle of AshdownBBC: King Alfred

Reflection Paper on politican system essays

Reflection Paper on politican system essays In analyses of different geopolitical struggles, social constructivism has taken into account most, if not all, of the factors associated with state security by starting at the level of the populace of each state. By taking into account internal political struggle, historical oppression, imperialism, and economic factors, social constructivism has overshadowed realist theories of state insecurity by incorporating all aspects of state functions instead of regulating definitions of global insecurity to describing a current global climate. Historical references are interwoven with cultural factors to flesh out a perspective on global interaction that considers everything that forms a state. Two specific examples of insecurity formation that are more accurately explained by social constructivism rather than realism, are the reasons behind interactions that both the Middle East and New Zealand have with the west; these areas will be used to illustrate the overwhelming superiority of soci al constructivism in realistically portraying the global power structure. Political scientists aligning themselves on the side of realism might argue that the theory encompasses all forms of international security and the definitions behind insecurity. Realism is a theory based upon threats inherently existing in the global system without addressing why or where the threats originated from outside of military proximity. Social constructivism thwarts all efforts by realists to describe and explain the global balance of power purely in the realm of states. By formulating a theory based on the cultural explanations behind what causes states to act and therefore cause other states to feel insecure, social constructivists explain the world from a perspective where there are no objective threats. In this realm, the historical and political values shape the present actions of a state and thus the situations that can potentially be threatening. The re...

The influence of british eurosceptic tabloids on Public opinion. An Dissertation

The influence of british eurosceptic tabloids on Public opinion. An investigation into the coverage of the single currency - Dissertation Example The elites of Europe were found to be largely supportive about the European integration. They were also able to gather a mass quiescence to some extent, if not the support regarding this agenda from the public (Alarcon, 2004, p.30). Thus for many years, there was relatively little importance that was attributed towards public opinion. This was in accordance with the thinking of neo-functionalist ideologies which viewed the elite behavior as its key towards European integration. It was observed that as the EU continued to become more and more integrated there grew a questioning tendency in the general public (Hansen, 2008, p.5).This was the beginning of euroscepticism. Euroscepticism and its positive and negative features The phenomenon called euroscepticism had crept into mainstream politics in the early years of the 1990’s (Kuzio, 2010, p. 5).Historically, the term appeared to have resurfaced in Britain where the term began to be used synonymously with words like awkwardness or otherness which were regarded to be the oppositionist group against Britain’s participation within the Continental European integration project for political and economic togetherness in the 1960’s (Harmsen & Spiering, 2005, p.13). ... Similarly, the term skeptic has been interpreted as ‘an attitude of doubt or a disposition of disbelief’ (Hansen, 2008, p.7). There would be some argument that euroscepticism is rather a negative signal as a gap that lies between the desire of the political elite along with the European public. It would also argue that as it many normative implications regarding the democratic credentials in the European integration agenda when a large and growing proportion of the EU general public did not buy into the concept, it carried a negative perspective. However, it must be mentioned that there are positive attributes too in the concept of euroscepticism in the sense that it exhibits an increased awareness, mass interest and critical capacity regarding the public. The term also helps to act as a reminder to the political elite that the group would not be able to govern without having popular consent from the mass. Some would even argue stating that euroscepticism is in fact â₠¬Ëœhealthy’ as it invites a closer evaluation of the policy choices that were open to Europe and thus helped to increase the participation of the ordinary public in the policy making process of the EU (Hansen, 2008, p.7). Though Britain did become a member of the EU in 1973, it has been constantly applying for petitions to withdraw its membership form the circle. This was prompted largely by the ideologies pertaining to euro skepticism (1973: Britain joins the EEC, 2012). The political scenario in Britain can be held for propagating euro skepticism. This is demonstrated by their refusal to share power unlike their other counterparts in the continental European integration projects (Harmsen & Spiering, 2005,

The Mediation and Arbitration Process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Mediation and Arbitration Process - Essay Example The process of arbitration and mediation as methods of resolving dispute has a long history. It began long before the 20th century. Long before the white man conquered what is now the United States of the indigenous American tribes as a means of resolving disputes within and between different tribes. The first U.S president, George Washington, also used arbitration. He had an arbitration clause in his will that stated that incase of any dispute arising from the wording of the document a panel of three arbitrators should be set to give binding decision to resolve the dispute. He stated that the decision made by the arbitrators should be as final and binding as any decision made the supreme court of the United States. The first arbitration clause to be used in a labor management document in the United States history was made by the Journeymen Cabinet-Makers from Philadelphia. It was more of an interest arbitration clause than a grievance clause. In addition, the United Mine workers of America (UMWA) formulated a type of grievance arbitration clause that was adopted by the delegates and placed in its constitution at the UMWA’s founding convention of 1890. Studies conducted in the United States unionized sector have shown that a number of collective bargaining agreements that contain arbitration as a means of dispute resolution (grievance arbitration) has been on the rise. For instance, in 1944 the bureau of Labor statistic showed that 73% of all labor contracts in United States had arbitration clauses .

ISOM 201 Excel assignment Speech or Presentation

ISOM 201 Excel assignment - Speech or Presentation Example The means are however different among the retailers and means that the standard deviation is not a god measure for variability. The universal measure, coefficient of variation, which does not depend on units, is therefore suitable (109). Based on the coefficient of variation, the demand is more volatile for retailer D and least volatile for retailer B. Retailer A experiences the second highest level of volatility and retailer C follows. From the results, and using either the standard deviation or coefficient of variation because of equivalent means, combining retailer B and retailer D, reduces the variability from 69.9 percent to 64.75 percent. The other combinations increase variability of D. Postponement tactic allows Benetton to meet uncertain demand of each color by reducing the level of uncertainty. By waiting until demand arises in a season, the company operates under certainty. Production is also done on demand and therefore to meet customers’ needs at a low inventory level. With high level of uncertainty, the postponement strategy reduces volatility to establish accuracy in production volumes. This ensures reliable and valid data and the eliminated error, due to variation, in the production volumes, ensures accurate

Examining Google Electronic Medical Records Information Technology Essay

Examining Google Electronic Medical Records Information Technology Essay A1) Google electronic medical records are a concept based on how the patients can store their medical records electronically (Plunkett, 2008). All over the world, there are many patients who visit to hospitals when they are ill. It is necessary for them to maintain their medical records. So, if we count each patients visit to the hospital for a year, it would be a big number. In such case, is difficult for the patient to maintain all medical records. So, Google has come up with a new task with all new features that help the patients to maintain their medical records. Google has given a name to this task as Google Health. This Google Health means current medical record storage system. Googles medical record system provides a feature where the patients can enter their medical records. These medical records are stored in a very secure place known as repository. The repository is provided with the best security, where it can be accessed only by the health care providers. Doctors are invi ted to give their advices and send relevant information to the medical records entered by the patients. This system is developed with many features. The features include health profiles for medication, reminder messages for prescription refills, reminder messages for the doctor visits, directories for doctors. The features also include the services for patients to enter their medical records, get advices from the doctors and personal health advices. The main purpose for developing this medical system is to make patients records easily accessible, more complete to streamline recordkeeping (Laudon, Laudon, C., 2008). 2. What are the problems with Americas current medical recordkeeping system? How would electronic medical records alleviate these problems? A2) American current medical recordkeeping system has following problems It is difficult to maintain paper based medical record by patients, as they frequently visit to the hospital. The current record system is difficult to access. The process of accessing the records is time consuming for both patients and doctors. In certain medical emergencies, time is the most critical factor. In such situations, access to the records becomes difficult. There are security issues related to storage and retrieval of the medical records. As the medical records are highly confidential, any theft or unauthorized access to it can create ethical and legal issues. The medical records entered by the patients should be provided with the appropriate security or else the information can be tracked by the internet thefts. So, it is always important to provide security to the data or the medical record of the patients being stored online. Other problem, with the current system is that the medical records are not accessed from multiple locations. If the patient needs to get transfe rred to a hospital across cities, then he needs to carry his medical records. The solution to this problem, as explained in next paragraph, is to switch to electronic. Following features of Electronic medical records will alleviate these problems Google has developed a system called Google Health, which is designed with a purpose of storing the medical records. The main purpose for developing this system is to make patients medical records easily accessible. The system is developed with the best features that enable the patients to easily enter their medical records. This system is developed to benefit patients in storing their medical records. Google is one of the best companies with a dedicated mission to bring up online innovations. The mission is to organise the worlds information and make it universally accessible and useful. This means, the information that is being collected from all over the world should be made accessible and useful. The best way is to switch to electronic health records, which means storing all patients medical records electronically (Carter, 2008). This conversion to electronic health records stands to provide much needed organization and efficiency to the healthcare industry, which is the single l argest segment of Americas Gross Domestic Product. After the discussions between the individuals and the privacy advocates, they made this electronic medical health records to be stored in such a way that decreases the likelihood of privacy invasion (Laudon, Laudon, C., 2008). 3. What management, organization, and technology factors are most critical to the creation and development of electronic medical records? A3) Developing the electronic medical records is not necessary but the most important thing is to maintain the medical records. The health care system is developed with the best features where in patients can enter his or hers medical information (Willis, 2008). There are some factors to which the management is responsible. The management is purely responsible for maintaining each medical record entered by each patient. The management looks after the security provided for the information. The managements work is to look how the records are being handled by the servers. Also, the privacy along with the security, the electronic records stored online is referred by many users in many different fields according to their requirement. Apart from this, the management must also manage their employees payments. The employees are the people who work to accomplish companys tasks. There are some factors to which the organization is responsible. The medical records entered by patients are stored in the databases which are managed by different organizations. These organizations must organise the databases in such a way that the medical records should be stored safely and permanently. These medical records are used by the patients for future retrievals. The organization is also responsible for updating the medical records of the patients and makes them accessible to the users without any trouble. They should also be able to manage, the operations performed by the users. Also, there are some more factors in which the technology can play a major role. The technology that is used and implemented should enhance security of the medical records rather than making the patients worried about their information. The technology that is used should be able to store the data or information to the database without missing any data and also retrieve the required data where and when required (Laudon, Laudon, C., 2008). 4. What are the pros and cons of electronic patient records? Do you think the concerns over digitizing our medical records are valid? Why or why not? A4). Following are the few pros to the electronic patient records: It is easier to create, store and retrieve the information. As all records are stored in single database managed by a single service provider, the expertise can develop at the providers end. The information on electronic patient records can be accessed from anywhere across the world. When storing the medical records of the patients online, concerned databases allow some users to view the records and find solution to their medical problems. Even the doctors can view the advices given by other specialist doctors and can learn more about the medication. As all the medical records are stored electronically, the users can make changes to their records and retrieve the required records from any system just by making use of the internet. Following are the few Cons to the electronic patient records: The primary issue with electronic medical records is the data theft or ensuring that the security of the records is not compromised. The medical record can be either paper based or maintained electronically. In both the cases, the medical records need security. The security to printed records is a traditional and proven process while the security process for the electronic records has not been established so far. The security is provided to the medical records stored electronically by using some best technologies. At some point, these technologies provide limited security to the medical records. There have been many cases in the recent past when the personal data of the user was compromised with. As there is only one single service provider of online medical records, it can also mean a single point of failure. If such a system has to be established, it needs to be done with multiple players. Are concerns over digitizing medical records valid? Why or why not? Digitizing means storing or safeguarding the medical records online electronically by using some types of electronic gadgets. The concept of digitizing is to make the medical records accessible anywhere from the world any time. This concept is beneficial for the users as they can view their records where and when necessary. Sometimes, it may not be good to use this concept, if the security for the medical records is not good as this may lead to the track the medical records of many patients (Laudon, Laudon, C., 2008). If any kind of emergency medical problem arises during the access to the medical records then it can become a critical issue as it means that someones life is at stake (Baren, 2007). 5. Should people entrust Google with their electronic medical records? Why or why not? A5) Google has developed amazing task where it organises all the medical information of the people and make them available to the users when it is necessary. The Google has named the task as Google Healthcare. By the name itself anyone can guess what the concept is all about. We can entrust Google with their electronic medical records as it benefits the users or the patients in many different ways. With this system the patients can enter their medical records, make changes to the records, and retrieve the medical records when necessary. The patients can retrieve and access the medical record from anywhere in the world. This is because of digitizing. Digitizing means the medical records that are entered by the patients are stored electronically. The medical records stored in this way need a very high security as they are chances for the medical records to be viewed by any other users. So, for this sake it is always necessary to provide high and best security for the medical records be ing stored electronically. Google has provided this security facility. Sometimes we may not entrust on Google with its electronic medical records. This is because the security reason. As the medical records entered online are stored in databases these require high security. These databases are managed by different organizations. The databases used should be enough reliable to store the entered medical records, make changes to the medical records and retrieve the medical records when required by the patients. If the database is unable to update the medical records entered by the patients, it may cause a problem when the patient tries to retrieve that medical record (Laudon, Laudon, C., 2008). The concept of digitizing medical records are valid only when the security provided for the medical records is at the highest range when compared to other security features and must be checked by the organizations at times (Tanner, 2007). 6. If you were in charge of designing an electronic medical recordkeeping system, what are some features you would include? What are features you would avoid? A6) Concept of maintain medical records is useful to the users. It is a concept developed by the one of the greatest and biggest companies Google. This concept of Google is mainly about helping users in storing their medical records safely and provides access to their medical records when required by them. It provides the users to enter their medical records which can be accessed by the doctors and give relevant advices to the patients. There are some problems with this concept that were faced by the users. So, as a solution to these problems was to switch to electronic. This means that all the records are maintained electronically where each user is provided with unique username and passwords. If, I am required to design an electronic medical record keeping system, I would include all the required necessary features that will benefit the users of this system. I would also like used technologies which provide the best and high security for the medical records entered by the patients (Grady, 2007). I would provide different features like providing access to the medical records for the patients, organise each health department separately. I would maintain each patients records separately in a well organised manner, provide access to the information when required by different departments. Provide with best database that can store, change and retrieve the medical records entered by the patients. Organise all diseases and allergies according to the type which helps the patients to find the required information for which they are looking for. Provide with a search text for finding the exact solution, provide with lists of doctors of different department their timings of availability. And also provide a text box named as queries where the patients can query and seek for the advices, immediate response and advices to the patients. The things which I would like to avoid are less access speed which consumes patients time, bad or very poor security. Also, would avoid acce ss to medical records by unauthorised users, would avoid databases which are not reliable. Also, avoid limited access to the medical records, would avoid late responses to the queries or advices put by the patients (Laudon, Laudon, C., 2008).

Truman Capotes In Cold Blood Essay -- In Cold Blood Essays

1. Title: â€Å"In Cold Blood.† 2. Author plus biographical background information: Truman Capote, one of America’s most famous writers was born in New Orleans in 1924 and died in California in 1984. He wrote both fiction and non- fiction stories. (for example this book, â€Å" In cold blood†) short stories, novels, travel writing, profiles, reportage, memoirs, plays and films. 3. Number of pages: 336 4. Theme (s): - Murder - Feelings 5. The Clutter family. Herb Clutter: He’s the father of the murdered family. He’s forty-eight yr. old. Herb is a normal man, who makes a living with the farm he owns. His social contacts in the neighborhood and the people of Holcomb community are very good, people love to talk with him and Mr. Clutter is a member of the agricultural society. Mrs. Clutter: She’s the mother of the family, and loves miniature things. She has two kids, a girl named Nancy and a boy named Kenyon. The daughter is very much loved in town by boys who like to hang out with her, but she already has a boyfriend named Bobby Rupp. Nancy has another love, and that’s her old fat horse named Babe. The brother of Nancy is Kenyon, he’s a boy who likes to fish and hunt. Chase coyotes on his â€Å"Coyote wagon†, just a normal boy. Perry and Dick. Perry Smith is a very quiet person who had a lousy childhood, which affected his behavior in worse form. He seems to be a quite decent person to talk with, but he’s very easily influenced. In the end you feel a little sorry for him because Truman Capote describes him as a person who had a very difficult childhood. Perry was the person who killed the Clutters by shooting their brains out with a .12-gauge shotgun. He’s feel’s no sorry for the crime he has committed. But he also says he liked Mr. Clutter, and thought he was a very nice man. Then there is his companion named Richard (Dick) Hickock. He’s the one who comes with the idea of robbing the Clutter family and to kill any people in the house on the moment of the robbery. When they’re looking for the safe of Mr. Clutter, they find out that there isn’t any safe in the office of Mr. Clutter. They decide to tie the family up and kill them. Dick doesn’t dare to pull the trigger so Perry has to do the dirty work. Dick first was planning to rape Nancy Clutter, but Perry kept him from doing that. People who are sexually obsessed make him mad. In the story you’ll know ... ...about what they’ve done. But they are very pissed of the fact that there was so little money in the house ( they only got 40 $ ). They decide to go to Mexico to flee and hide for the police, who are starting an investigation on the Clutter murder case. The whole city of Holcomb is shocked by the killing of the loved family and everybody is scared. Perry and Dick stay in Mexico for a while but then they want to return to the states again, they decide to hitchhike back to the USA. Then Floyd Wells, a former cellmate of Dick. Dick told Wells that he was planning to kill the Clutters and leave no witnesses. Floyd Wells reads about the murder and tips the police of the possible murderers. Dick and Perry stole a car when they were back in the US, they also pass out false cheques and spent the money on a holiday in Miami. Then they travel to Las Vegas where the police catch them. They are questioned about the murder and they finally make a full confession. They spent the rest of their time in jail until they have to go to court to hear their punishment. The jury as the judge decides to give them the dead penalty by hanging. Eventually both of the men are hanged on April 14 1965. Truman Capote's In Cold Blood Essay -- In Cold Blood Essays 1. Title: â€Å"In Cold Blood.† 2. Author plus biographical background information: Truman Capote, one of America’s most famous writers was born in New Orleans in 1924 and died in California in 1984. He wrote both fiction and non- fiction stories. (for example this book, â€Å" In cold blood†) short stories, novels, travel writing, profiles, reportage, memoirs, plays and films. 3. Number of pages: 336 4. Theme (s): - Murder - Feelings 5. The Clutter family. Herb Clutter: He’s the father of the murdered family. He’s forty-eight yr. old. Herb is a normal man, who makes a living with the farm he owns. His social contacts in the neighborhood and the people of Holcomb community are very good, people love to talk with him and Mr. Clutter is a member of the agricultural society. Mrs. Clutter: She’s the mother of the family, and loves miniature things. She has two kids, a girl named Nancy and a boy named Kenyon. The daughter is very much loved in town by boys who like to hang out with her, but she already has a boyfriend named Bobby Rupp. Nancy has another love, and that’s her old fat horse named Babe. The brother of Nancy is Kenyon, he’s a boy who likes to fish and hunt. Chase coyotes on his â€Å"Coyote wagon†, just a normal boy. Perry and Dick. Perry Smith is a very quiet person who had a lousy childhood, which affected his behavior in worse form. He seems to be a quite decent person to talk with, but he’s very easily influenced. In the end you feel a little sorry for him because Truman Capote describes him as a person who had a very difficult childhood. Perry was the person who killed the Clutters by shooting their brains out with a .12-gauge shotgun. He’s feel’s no sorry for the crime he has committed. But he also says he liked Mr. Clutter, and thought he was a very nice man. Then there is his companion named Richard (Dick) Hickock. He’s the one who comes with the idea of robbing the Clutter family and to kill any people in the house on the moment of the robbery. When they’re looking for the safe of Mr. Clutter, they find out that there isn’t any safe in the office of Mr. Clutter. They decide to tie the family up and kill them. Dick doesn’t dare to pull the trigger so Perry has to do the dirty work. Dick first was planning to rape Nancy Clutter, but Perry kept him from doing that. People who are sexually obsessed make him mad. In the story you’ll know ... ...about what they’ve done. But they are very pissed of the fact that there was so little money in the house ( they only got 40 $ ). They decide to go to Mexico to flee and hide for the police, who are starting an investigation on the Clutter murder case. The whole city of Holcomb is shocked by the killing of the loved family and everybody is scared. Perry and Dick stay in Mexico for a while but then they want to return to the states again, they decide to hitchhike back to the USA. Then Floyd Wells, a former cellmate of Dick. Dick told Wells that he was planning to kill the Clutters and leave no witnesses. Floyd Wells reads about the murder and tips the police of the possible murderers. Dick and Perry stole a car when they were back in the US, they also pass out false cheques and spent the money on a holiday in Miami. Then they travel to Las Vegas where the police catch them. They are questioned about the murder and they finally make a full confession. They spent the rest of their time in jail until they have to go to court to hear their punishment. The jury as the judge decides to give them the dead penalty by hanging. Eventually both of the men are hanged on April 14 1965.