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Saturday, August 31, 2019

Child Labor Essay

Throughout history there have been articles, boycotts, books, poems, and so much more released to raise awareness on child labor. Children work under illegal, hazardous, and exploitative conditions each day risking their lives. Many of these children have their opportunity for an education taken away to work under harmful circumstances. William Blake’s poem â€Å"The Chimney Sweeper† was written to help aware and prevent child labor. William Blake wrote a poem to aware the society of child labor in Britain. A real life event inspired him to write his poem about the injustice being done to the children. Child labor is exploitation to children. They were out in extremely hazardous conditions that threaten their lives. Children began to die because they were stuck in an unsafe place. The ashes that surrounded them threatened their physical health to an extreme. Fires would be set and the children would be stuck in the chimney causing them to burn to death. Blake uses a variety of symbolism through biblical ideas. He uses symbols to represent what he states in his poem. The Chimney Sweeper is based on a true story. This boy was sold and left alone by his father. Tom sweeps chimneys with four other boys: Dick, Joe, Ned, and Jack. One night tom dreams that he and the other children are sleeping in black coffins. Blake says this relating to the black ashes the children are covered in every day from sweeping the chimneys. In his dream an angel appears with a key. She unlocks the coffin the children were in and let them out. â€Å"Were all of them lock’d up in coffins of black. And by came an Angel who had a bright key, And he open’d the coffins & set them all free;† (lines 12-14) Child labor has been a big issue since industrialization began. Like the poem children were being put to work in atrocious conditions. Child labor was used because they do not have to get paid as much as adults. They were working more than a full time job. Some children would end up working for factories when their family could not afford much so they would give them up. Blake’s poem created a well-known issue concerning child labor in the real world. The way Blake described the children’s suffering and harsh living conditions caught the attention of many of his readers. The poem was created with the intention to have laws against child labor. As well as in Britain, there were many places around the world that were creating laws against child labor like the United States. The British act stated the age limit for children to begin working, children should be washed once a week, and prohibited to clean chimneys with fire in them. This act marked part of a beginning into the long battle to fight for the end of child labor. Unfortunately, till this day child labor occurring all around the world. The International Labor Organization estimated that over 215 million children under the age of 17 are currently working under illegal and harmful conditions. Children around the world are still suffering and unprivileged from opportunities of an education. A lot is done around the world to help and reach awareness to people about child labor. William Blake’s â€Å"The Chimney Sweeper† is a great resource created to help inform the people of the suffering and unfortunate life children live. Work Cited Blake, William. â€Å"The Chimney Sweeper.† –Blake. Web. 18 May 2012.. Fried, Milton. â€Å"Child Labor.† History of Child Labor. Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America. Web. 18 May 2012. . Heath, DIanne. â€Å"Social Science Medley.† Analysis of â€Å"The Chimney Sweeper† by William Blake ~. Social Science Medley, 30 Mar. 2011. Web. 18 May 2012. . Songs of Innocence,1789 and Songs of Experience; 1794 http://165.29.91.7/classes/humanities/britlit/97-98/blake/POEMS.htm; â€Å"- Texts in Context.† Imagery, Symbolism and Themes in Blake’s The Chimney Sweeper (I) from Crossref it.info. Web. 18 May 2012. .

Factors Affecting Women Shoppers Essay

Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development 3. 3 2013 Budget Presentation Speech by Malaysia Prime Minister. 3. 4 The Household Use of Internet Survey,2005 by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commisions. | | | | | CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1. 1Background of the Study The usage of Internet has grown rapidly over the past years and it has become a common means for delivering and trading information, services and goods. Nowadays, internet is not only a networking media, but it is also used as a means of transaction for consumers at global market. Women contribute the large number of Malaysia’s population. Major contribution of women to the nation always been recognized. With the increasing number of career women in Malaysia contribute further enhance of the purchasing power among women buyers. The existence of telecommunications equipment such as smart phones and tablets are not limiting time and place for them to be online. The roles of a shopper’s personal attitudes have been widely acknowledged in consumer decision-making and behavioral intentions (Wu, 2003). In particular, attitude serves as the bridge between consumers’ characteristics and the consumption that satisfies their needs (Armstrong & Kotler, 2003). Moreover, consumers’ characteristics, such as personality, as well as demographic and perception on online shopping benefits, have also been found to influence their online shopping behavior (Cheung & Lee, 2003). Thus, identifying the relative importance of each determinant of choice towards a given action could be a useful step in understanding such behavior occurs. The main aim of this study is to investigate purchasing intention of women shopper at Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), with a particular emphasis on understanding and evaluating the factors which directly or indirectly influence their purchasing intentions by measuring the attitude towards online shopping. 1. 2Problem Statement Online shopping in Malaysia is a new technology breakthrough since it has just begun to assault the Malaysia retailing sector with the online shopping services (Haque et al. 2006). In order to increase online shopping in Malaysia, understanding consumer online shopping behavior and factors affecting this behavior when shopping online should be given priority. With the expansion of career women in Malaysia, women shoppers become one of the important market segments or two reasons; first, this group has money and shopping interest. According to Statistics on Women, Family and Community 2011, shows that number of female employed increased from 2000 until 2010. It shows that women in Malaysia have purchasing power (See Appendix 3. ). Second, this segment of the population has the potential of earning a greater income than other segments of the population. It will be great significance to find out the factors which influence women shoppers’ intention to shop online if we want to expand group of online buyers and the volume of e-commerce. According to to Statistics on Women, Family and Community 2011, Number of female enrollment in University is higher than ma le and the number keep increasing. In 2001, number of male enrollment student in University is 103,747 and female 142,242. In 2010, Number of male enrollment in University is 184,457 and female 278,323 (See Appendix 3. 2). The differences of student become bigger each year. The higher of education background can contribute to higher income in the future. Third, growth of online business keeps increasing. Recently, during the 2013 budget presentation by our Prime Minister has stated that; the Malaysia Government aware women not only important in a family, but also contribute to the development to the national economy. The government allocated 50 million to support women’s role. One of them is, Get Malaysia Business Online Program (GMBO) introduced to help 50 thousand small entrepreneurs, especially women to increase their online sales. Grants of thousand Ringgit Malaysia through the provision of 50 million Ringgit Malaysia by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) (See Appendix 3. 3). A mid-2005 survey by the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Corporation (MCMC), only 9. 3% of Internet users had purchased products or services through the Internet during the preceding three months. Among those who did so, airline tickets were the most popular items (43. %) followed by books (15. 6%) and music (6. 8%). Amounts spent on these items were small, however, with 57. 7% of transactions worth less than M$500. Moreover, it is expected Malaysian online sales will increase every year at a high growth (See Appendix 3. 4). Opportunities of online shopping can be restricted by internal and external constraints on behavior. It is important in expl aining human behavior since an individual who has the intention of accomplishing a certain action may be unable to do so because her environment prevents the act from being performed. Moreover, there are some barriers which have contributed to the unwillingness of Malaysians to shop online because they afraid their personal information will be stole or misused by others. Despite the high potential of online shopping in Malaysia, there is still lack of understanding concerning the online shopping and its impact on marketing. Consequently a framework is needed to structure the complex system of effects of these different factors, and develop an in-depth understanding of consumers’ attitudes toward internet shopping and their intentions to shop online. 1. Objectives of the Research The objectives of this study are; 1. To determine women shoppers’ shopping attitudes towards website design. 2. To determine women shoppers’ shopping attitudes towards reliability of online retailer. 3. To determine women shoppers’ shopping attitudes towards online shopping customer service. 4. To determine women shoppers’ shopping attitudes towards trust on online retailer. 1. 4Scope of Study Literature Review Factors influencing online shopping intention toward online shopping have been researched and documented in the context of traditional consumer literature. A review of empirical studies in this area shows that the theories of Reasoned Action (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1975) and Acceptance Model (Davis, 1989) are among the most popular theories used to explain online shopping behavior. Therefore the theoretical framework f this study is based in these theories. Online Shopping Perceived Benefit Perceived benefits are advantageous results derived from attributes. The benefit can be physiological, psychological, sociological, or material in nature. Within the online shopping context, the consumers’ perceived benefits are the sum of online shopping advantages or satisfactions that meet their needs or wants. There are many differences between a physical store and its electronic counterpart. Most of the previous online shopping research has focused on identifying the attributes of online stores that promote success (Davis, 1989; Liu & Arnett, 2000). Previous studies of online shopping have established two categories of benefits; intrinsic and extrinsic. Both are important in customers’ selections to patronize the online stores. Extrinsic benefits include features such as wide selection of products, competitive pricing, easy access to information and low search costs. Intrinsic benefits include features such as design and color. Research Framework The key components of the research framework for consumer attitude towards online shopping can be seen in Figure 1. Website Design| | Online Shopping| Reliability| | | Customer Service| | | Trust| | | Hypotheses: A series of testable hypotheses were developed from the proposed research model, as shown below: Hypothesis 1: There is a significant relationship between web site design and online shopping. Hypothesis 2: There is a significant relationship between reliability of online retailer and online shopping. Hypothesis 3: There is a significant relationship between customer service and online shopping. Hypothesis 4: There is a significant relationship between trust on online retailer and online shopping. In general, base on the hypotheses, the research framework will be focusing on four factors as independent variables and propensity to shop online will be the dependent variable. . e. for the hypothesis 1, 2, 3 and 4 which are focusing on Web Site Design, Reliability, Customer Service, and Trust, it is hypothesize that there should be a positive relationship that would likely to influence the online shopping. Research Methodology To undertake this project, two types of data will be gathered. i. Secondary data This type of data will be used extensively in literature review to provide the framework of this study. Textbook, journals and internet shopping reports will be the sources of this desk research. ii. Primary data This type of data will be the main instrument used in evaluating the factors affecting women shoppers’ online shopping attitude and purchase intention. The process of gaining this input is discussed next. In doing so, the rest of this section organized into four main areas; the research design, the target population and the sample size, methods for data collection, and data analysis and interpretation. The research design In getting the shoppers data, I choose to employ descriptive research over exploratory or causal research. This type of research is suitable when a study intends to produce accurate description of variables relent to the decision being faced, without demonstrating that some relationship exists between variables. This description fits well with the objectives of this study. In addition, a cross sectional studies is elected over longitudinal studies. The former allow the researchers to assess to a larger number of customers, thus enabling them to produce a more representative data. Through this method, data is typically cross tabulated against each other to answer specific issues. This kind of data is meaningful to companies that appeal to many segments of the markets such as internet shopping. The target population and the sample size In line with the scope of the project, the population refers to the female employee of Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP). To further define the population, this study will only examine the behavior of women shoppers in the age bracket 20 to 55 years old. The sample elements will be chosen using systematic sampling. Within this pool of shoppers, a sample of 200 shoppers will be selected. This sample size is considered appropriate. Roscoe (1975) for instance stated ‘samples sizes larger than 30 and less than 500 samples are the appropriate for most research. Likewise, Sekaran (1994) agrees that 500 samples are the appropriate upper limit for the sample size. Methods for data collection Since cross sectional study has been chosen for this study, data will be collected through questioning. Using this method, the respondents will be identified systematically and to aid questioning the shoppers, a set of questionnaire will be designed. The questionnaires will be distributed through online and respondents will be invites through UMP Portal.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Concept of Classical and Modern Management Essay

While classical and scientific management theories come from generally the same school of business thought, there are some distinct differences within the subgroups. First, there’s classical scientific management theory which concentrates on the efficiency of the individual worker. Secondly, you have classical administrative that focuses on the organization rather than the individual worker within. Each have their merits but are also over 100 years old and can have deficiencies in today’s technologically advanced workplace. However, that doesn’t mean that the theories are outdated by any means. You just need to use them as supplements and not a primary or sole management strategy. To understand and implement the classical and scientific management theory basics, you need to know the basis and the pros and cons of the theories. Once you have the basics down, it’ll reduce process procedure problems during implementation. Therefore, before you institute any o f the policies there are a few items to consider: 1. Know the origins of classical and scientific management theory. 2. Understand the pros and cons of scientific and classical management theory. 3. Study cases and examples of scientific and classical management theories. Examine the tenants of classical and scientific management theory Any theory, no matter what the application, won’t work if you don’t understand the basis on which it’s built. One of the basic differences between the two are classical focuses on management and scientific on methods to accomplish good business management. Try: Evaluate the essential aspects of Scientific Management theory. Then, examine the comparison of the two types of management in this article on the Classical Schools of Management. Be sure you know the pros and cons of classical theory in business There’s no single management theory that you’ll be able to apply to every situation and have it work. For instance, the classical school of management relies on the experience of management more than other theories. This is fine if your staff is mature. However, you’ll need to adjust the theory application for inexperienced staff members. Try: Study the benefits and limitations on the Scientific Management Theory at 12manage – The Executive Fast Track. Then, examine the weaknesses of Classical Management theory at ArticlesGratuits.com to compare and contrast the two. Use case studies and real world examples to understand scientific and classical school of management A proper knowledge base can’t be obtained without seeing how theories apply to situations that you’ll experience on the job. Case studies and critiques are a great way to accomplish this. Try: Register at the Business Network and evaluate the classical school of management case study. Utilize the classical management real world mistake by Steven C. McConnell. †¢Classical theory of management or any style of management is contingent on the employees to which you apply it. Be sure that the theory you choose will work correctly with your staff before making any changes.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Reflections Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Reflections - Essay Example It inculcates trust and confidence and helps patient recover faster. The concepts of ‘self’, ‘other’ and ‘holistic’ have increasingly evolved as critical paradigms of nursing. The concepts of ‘self’ and ‘other’ denote the need to understand oneself within the defined constraints of social fabric and promote a distinct identity able to contribute to the development process through designated skills and ideologies that are conferred to the identity. As a nurse, I would, therefore, be taking care of the healthcare needs of the others, namely patients. Holistic care has evolved from the fact that environmental factors widely contribute to the overall well-being of patients. I believe that nurses’ functions are not confined to medicine; nurses also have to support the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of the patients through cross cultural understanding and building fruitful relationships with them. The fears vis-Ã  -vis professional advancement, environmental changes, problems at the home-front, conflicts at workplace etc. are major deterring factors for personal and professional growth. They generate stress and tension that adversely impacts the emotional and physical well-being of individuals. They must be overcome through understanding of these life issues. Also, positive attitude should be developed, as it encourages resolution of such

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Adult Learners Postsecondary Academic Persistence Dissertation

Adult Learners Postsecondary Academic Persistence - Dissertation Example Actually, most community colleges rely on mature students with most of them learning part-time and staying outside the school. In the recent past, the mode of enrollment for most students has undergone a transformation with majority of them preferring to commute to and back from colleges (Bean and Metzner 485). The rise in the number of mature students was occasioned by massive dropouts of traditional students thus forcing college administrators to come up with a model that could take in mature students to replace those who were dropping out. Despite the high number of adult students joining colleges, trends also show that such students have an unlikely possibility of completing their studies. Majority of the non-traditional students live outside the school setting and this aspect alone sets them apart from the traditional students. Majority of these non-traditional are also part-timers since most of them are either working or taking care of families. Due to lack of adequate contact with the student’s faculty, non-traditional students are less likely to complete their study program (Bean and Metzner 485). Q.2 Commuter can come from any part of the country. Given the nature of these students, they are unable to reside within the schools and they therefore have to commute hence earning themselves the name commuter students. On their part, traditional students are classified as 18-24 years and they attend college full-time. By virtue of being mature, the commuter students have already developed self-control and values that usually come with being mature. This makes them less susceptible to socialization unlike their traditional counterparts (Garni 465). In many instances, traditional students are registered for degree programs than any other. While on the other hand, commuter students might be registered for a degree or any other programs. The commuter student is not mostly likely to be affected by what the college has to offer and most of them do not conti nue with the program after they are assured that they have attained the qualification that they were looking for. Most commuter students are usually in a certain location for some time and if for example one is transferred from their place of work, then they have to discontinue the program. This means that commuter students are less likely to continue with their academic programs as compared to their residence counterparts (Garni 466). Q.3 It is evident; there is a clear connection between a student’s high school GPA and their college performance. Students who demonstrate a low academic performance are most likely to drop out compared to their counterparts who perform well. Research has also shown that a student’s college GPA is strongly linked to their past academic performances. Although a student’s high school grades may not be directly linked to the rate of dropout, there is a clear link between high school grades and college grades and low grades are a key factor in the rate of drop-outs (Bontrager 9). Ideally, the academic outcome has a direct link with the psychological outcome. Students who attain good grades are more likely to stay in school compared to those who perform poorly. Research shows that most commuter students had a low GPA in high school and this translates to low GPA in their college education. In reality, even if a student has a low academic outcome but get adequate psychological support,

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Strategic Analysis of ZARA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Strategic Analysis of ZARA - Essay Example Per se, Zara has many risks imposed by such factors as rival promotional competence, the ability of consumers to dictate pricing among retailers, and even responsiveness (or lack thereof) of suppliers that are critical to meeting the two week lead time from design to delivery. The report identified that Zara requires acknowledgement of market forces that can potentially impede brand sustainment and growth in sales. These forces include ongoing negative publicity for allegations of unethical business practices, the competence of competitive rivalry especially related to marketing philosophies of rivals, and even macro-economic issues related to foreign currency exchanges. All of these factors influence Zara’s strategic position and direction. Findings indicate recommendations that include more proactive efforts at promoting corporate social responsibility, changing trading currency from the Euro to the American dollar, conducting more market research studies on consumer target groups, and working to build an internal culture focused on ethical behaviour. These recommendations will assist Zara in sustaining a positive brand reputation and building equity that can translate into future revenue gains through diversification efforts. CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction......................................................................................... 2.0 Competitive forces and industry audit............................................. 2.1 PESTLE Analysis..................................................................... 3.0 An internal strategic audit.................................................................. 4.0 Public relations crises at Zara........................................................... 5.0 Recommendations for improving future business position........... 6.0 Conclusion........................................................................................... References 1.0 Introduction Zara is a leader in providing what is referred to a s fast fashion products in the retail environment. Fast fashion is defined as the ability of the company to rapidly replenish inventories in the sales environment in a lead time of two weeks or less. Accomplishment of this strategy entails aligning all elements of the value chain that are necessary to achieve competitive advantage. This report highlights Zara’s industry environment, the competitive pressures and threats of the firm’s operating environment, and proposes recommendations for future business improvement. 2.0 Competitive forces and industry audit The retail industry in most developed countries is very saturated, meaning that international markets are inundated with a variety of retail competitors. Zara is currently most impacted by competitive forces from H&M, The Gap and Benetton, which are competitors that offer similar fashion products at reasonably similar pricing structures. Because of this saturation and presence of like rivals, Zara must be ever-awar e of the changing market forces that have the ability to improve business position or severely hinder its performance and profitability. Porter (2011) describes five forces that impact whether or not a business can adapt or find positive market position in its operating markets. These include threat of substitutes, buyer power, supplier power, rivalry between competitors, and the risk of new market entrants by competing retail organisations. All of these forces influence business strategy development as well as responsiveness of Zara in attempting to outperform competitors. Zara faces very little in its sales markets in relation to substitutes. Substitutes are defined as replacement products that can serve as surrogate products for consumers. In the fashion industry, except for like products

Monday, August 26, 2019

Should the UK join the Euro currency Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 9750 words

Should the UK join the Euro currency - Essay Example The appearance of euro in 1999 and its acceptance by 11 countries of European Union (at a primary stage) has been the most significant effort of the Community towards this direction. Since its introduction euro has verified the provisions referring to its success. However, there are countries of the European Union that have not been convinced on the stability of the new (common) currency and for this reason are still reluctant in entering the European Monetary Union (EMU). Sweden and UK are the most representative examples of the above phenomenon. Particularly regarding Britain, the country’s position towards euro has been considered as crucial mostly because of the role of this country to the development of the global financial markets. The participation of UK in the European monetary union has been chosen because of the importance of this issue for the social, financial and political context in Britain. Moreover, the specific issue has been extensively examined as it presents a series of difficulties that create severe problems to the realization of the relevant project. More specifically, the participation of Britain in the monetary union as it has been formulated and applied in the members of EU has been doubted as of its feasibility. The existing differences between UK and the European Union have been found to be a lot. In fact, the difference in currency is not the only one existed between Britain and the other members of European Union.

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Empires Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Empires - Assignment Example Without delving into the fact that the United States has a representative government, devoid of an emperor or empress, it should also be noticed that even though the United States has a few territorial holdings around the globe, these are negligible with regards to the overall population that they hold and/or the geographic importance that they denote. As such, it will be the express function of this brief analysis to present the rationale for why the United States, even though it oftentimes behaves as a traditional empire, does not fit this definition and must therefore be regarded as another entity entirely. Firstly, it must be understood that the United States within the current era and the United States over the past 120 years is quite a different issue entirely. One could easily argue that after the conclusion of the Spanish-American war, the United States was firmly in a position in which it could express a degree of Imperial control over the populations of distant places such as Cuba, the Philippines, Guam, and various other holdings throughout the Caribbean. Interestingly, the United States soon divested themselves of these territories and only held on to a few scant islands within the Pacific and Puerto Rico. Further, with successful engagement in victory within the first and second world wars, the United States once again was faced with an option of retaining the territory that it had gained or allowing for a type of â€Å"new empire† to be evidenced. It is at this juncture that it should be understood that even though the United States is not ascribe to a traditional und erstanding of what â€Å"empire† necessarily at first, it most certainly has redefined the power dynamic and created a situation in which economic empire is a reality through which the United States has come to control commerce on a global level. For instance, many scholars have viewed the situation within Japan as key evidence with regards to the way in which the

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Management of change (Reflection) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Management of change (Reflection) - Essay Example I was very excited because this gave me an opportunity to have first-hand experience in working in the finance department. The first day was overwhelming since I was still adjusting to my role. I was too scared and did not understand how to go about fixing problems. In the course of the simulation, I was able to identify an area that I excelled in the process of managing change. I could identify areas that need change. For example, previously writing on invoices manual on paper. I was able to identify this shortcoming and introduce E-invoicing. That was a change that was welcome since no one wants to use paper. Management of change is all about timing. In the event that I noticed a shortcoming, I was quick to respond. The decision-making in the event of a need for change is an area that I noticed that I was good in ensuring effective management of change. Helping other employees in the process and adapting to change was another area I was effective in. I could take up helping other employees that met difficulties in the change process, which is necessary to ensure that the company moved forward as a whole. Accepting the possibility of making mistakes is also necessary for the change process. I noticed my lack of composure in the event of any change as a shortcoming. The new responsibilities bestowed upon me overwhelmed me. I reacted by avoiding the problem presented in the event of change. I found myself running away from the problems on the first day . I avoided tasks that needed a lot of concentration This was a sign of weakness and resistance to change. Being good at decision-making and deciding when and how to change things in the wake of a change was an area I was good. This is in the case of introduction of E-invoicing Problem-solving ability in managing change in the event that the invoice clearing was not on time and offering a solution was a strong point. I was also good at accepting challenges.

Friday, August 23, 2019

Chinese Economic Revolution Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Chinese Economic Revolution - Research Paper Example As a result there was a wide variety of goods and services to choose from. Chinese producers were also able to export their goods and expand their businesses overseas. By the late 1980’s these reforms had accomplished extraordinary results: incomes increased, more consumer products, food and housing was made available and the country experienced high growth rates. The economic reforms were Chinese government’s way to emphasize an increase production, consumption and people’s income as well as advancement in technology without it having an adverse impact on budget deficits, inflation and unemployment. The first of these economic reforms were introduced in the agricultural sector. Under the agricultural reforms, agricultural land was divided among farmers who became owners of the lands they worked on. The farmers were allowed to keep the agricultural output if they agreed to give a small share of it to the government. This was a popular move among the farmers who f ound a way to increase their incomes. The result of these reforms was a dramatic increase in production of agricultural goods and this move stimulated the growth in the agricultural industry. Farmers were also able improve their standard of living as the reforms allowed them to increase their income by producing more goods (Myers 1991). Foreign trade played a significant role to boost China’s economy once the new economic reforms were introduced. In the years preceding the economic revolution foreign trade rarely contributed more than 10% to China’s GDP as the country mostly relied on self-sufficiency. However after the reforms the contribution increased significantly and by 1986 foreign trade contributed to 36% of the... The modern world has become familiar with the phrase ‘Made in China’. Chinese goods and services are being sold all over the world. There is clearly a shift in economic power from the developed West to China and India. The remarkable growth of China can be credited greatly to the Chinese Economic Revolution that occurred in the late 1970’s. The remarkable growth of China can be credited greatly to the Chinese Economic Revolution that occurred in the late 1970’s. In 1978 Deng Xiaoping introduced economic reforms in China. There were two phases to the reforms. In the first phases focus was on the countryside. A ‘Household Responsibility System’ was introduced which made peasants, working on farms, owners of those lands. The second phase of these reforms focused on industrialization and worker welfare as well as on enterprises. One of the key changes as a result of these reforms was that control was shifted from state-owned to private enterprise. These reforms were against the communist philosophy as they supported a free-market system. These reforms helped arouse a sleeping economic giant from its slumber and take the world’s economic stage by storm. The reforms encouraged private entrepreneurship, foreign investment and foreign trade, reduced government control with focus on free-market and education of the labor force among others. The Chinese economy will continue to grow and maintain its average growth rates of 10% per annum till 2020.

Film Journal Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Film Journal - Personal Statement Example The motivation factor behind this course of action is to show Fifty Shades of Grey is not advancing modern feminism. My discovery that fits this story particularly is Freud’s treatment of Masochism and sadism in his discussion of sexual aberrations. Christian is a direct embodiment of Oedipus complex. The term is used to signify a child’s desire to have sex with his parents. In our case, Freud might suggest that Christian lacks an outlet that can help him master the Oedipus complex. He thus finds girls and women who can represent his mother and exploits them sexually in order to get the feeling of control of his past and sexuality. Analyzing the movie, The Girl with The Dragon tattoo, I would focus on the incident where Lisbeth is assaulted by her guardian. The movie misses a bold opportunity to project voyeurism in the incidents of recorded or photographed violence. The movie could have revealed more about the real and scary human fascination as well as preoccupation with violence and sex

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Television genre Essay Example for Free

Television genre Essay According to the Catalan language dictionary Alberti , culture is a joint space of knowledge from a person; or else the joint space of the human creations in general, or the specific of a country or a society. So everything that creates culture is related to the knowledge that different individuals have. And how can people achieve knowledge? As said by Timo Jarvilehto, psychology professor in the Oulu University: the senses are not transmitters of environmental information; rather, they create a direct connection between the organism and the environment that makes possible a dynamic organism-environment system With the help of efferent effects on receptors, each organism creates its own particular world Therefore, we get knowledge thanks to everything that surrounds us. Basing on the results of an interview (see annex), Catalan people do not know their own culture. The Catalan typical folkloric dances are danced in a cultural association called Esbart. Theoretically, everybody must know at least, which is the name of this association, but when we look to the results we see that this is not true. To the question: Do you know what an Esbart is? No more than a 20% of the interviewed men knew what is it. In women, results are a bit higher, but anyway the tax is very low; only a 40% of them knew the answer. However, the results for another question were very different. After the Catalan culture, I asked for the American one. The question was: Do you know what the Country Dance is? Surprisingly ALL the interviewed women know how the American dances are, even some of them had practice it. Moreover, in the males case only one of the interviewed didnt know what the American dances were, and it was the case of a 72 years old man who almost didnt know what the television was. So we can extract from this example that the actual society knows better foreign cultures that their own traditions. Going back to the first definition of culture, we know that what is around us affect us. Since last 30 or 40 years, media are one of the main stimuli around us. So are the influences that help us most to create culture.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Preventing Vomiting in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy

Preventing Vomiting in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy Efficacy of Preoperative Administration of Metoclopramide and Dexamethasone in Preventing Vomiting in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy Shatha Abutineh Ph., Ola Samawi Ph., Lana Mattar Ph., Dr. Osama Al-Elwan, Dr. Basem Al-Kousheh Abstract Objective: To carry out a comparative study between metoclopramide and dexamethasone to find out its effect by the way of preoperative administration on the rate of postoperative emesis in children who undergoing tonsillectomy. Patients and Methods: Ninety patients between the age of 3-14 years who planned for tonsillectomy were enrolled in our study. Patients were randomly divided into three main groups: Group I: In which children received Dexamethasone injection with a dose of 0.15 mg/kg IV (n = 30). Group II: In which children received Metoclopramide injection with a dose of 0.15 mg/kg IV (n = 30). Group III: In which children received 4 ml saline (n = 30). All episodes of Postoperative vomiting were recorded Results: There were no significant differences between these three main groups of patients regarding the age, sex, weight, type of surgery, duration of surgery and duration of anesthesia. The incidence of vomiting throughout the initial four hours (0-4 hours) was not wasnt considerably different between the three groups, three patients (10%) in the dexamethasone group compared with 3 patients (10%) in the metoclopramide group and 4 patients (13%) in the saline group (P < 0.05). The incidence of vomiting during (4-24 hours) was more frequent in the saline group, 8 patients (27%) developed vomiting (P < 0.001). Only three (10%) patients in the metoclopramide group vomited during this period compared with 6 patients (20%) in the dexamethasone group Conclusion: Metoclopramide found to be more effective than dexamethasone in preventing vomiting in children undergoing tonsillectomy. Key words: Dexamethasone, Metoclopramide, Tonsillectomy. Introduction Tonsillectomy is considered one of the foremost performed surgical procedures in pediatric age group with a reported rate of postoperative vomiting ranging between 40%-73% (1-3).The rate of postoperative emesis is found to be higher in pediatric patients than in adults who undergo tonsillectomy (4). Patients often perceive Postoperative nausea and vomiting as one of the foremost bothering side effects of anesthesia and many believe about it as distressing as the pain related to the operation (5). Postoperative nausea and vomiting can contribute to the event of medical complications (6,7), and patients with Postoperative nausea and vomiting consume a lot of resources and need extra health care skilled time compared with patients in whom these complications square measure avoided. Metoclopramide is often used as prophylactic medicine in these patients to prevent vomiting. However, its use is restricted by low efficiency and the chance and risk of unwanted adverse effects, such as extrapyramidal symptoms (8). Dexamethasone is considered to be a steroid of low price, with low rate of adverse effects, prolonged anti vomiting effect in cancer patients, and highly effective in reducing the rate of postoperative vomiting in kids who undergo tonsillectomy (8). However, their actual mechanism in preventing nausea or vomiting continues to be unknown. The aim of our study is to carry out a comparative study between metoclopramide and dexamethasone to find out its effect by the way of preoperative administration on the rate of postoperative emesis in children who undergoing tonsillectomy. Material and Methods Ninety patients of both genders, aged 3-14 years who planned for tonsillectomy were enrolled in the study. The exclusion criteria were, all Children who received steroids, antiemetic and antihistamine drugs twenty four hours prior to surgery. Patients were randomly divided into three main groups: Group I: In which children received Dexamethasone injection with a dose of 0.15 mg/kg IV (n = 30). Group II: In which children received Metoclopramide injection with a dose of 0.15 mg/kg IV (n = 30). Group III: In which children received 4 ml saline (n = 30). The drugs were administered i.v immediately before induction of anesthesia. Patients were instructed to fast from midnight and without giving them any premedication. All the operations were performed by one surgeon using the cold dissection method. The bleeding was controlled by cauterization using bipolar diathermy. All patients were transferred after surgery to the recovery room first before they transferred to the ward. After being transferred to the floor, a soft food was given to all patients throughout their hospital stay. In addition to that, all patients had given a maintenance intra venous fluid until adequate oral intake was achieved. All attacks of Postoperative vomiting were reported by nurses who do not know about the study group during the first 4 hours and 4-24 hours after the end of general anesthesia. We defined Vomiting as expulsion of the contents of stomach through the mouth; and complete response was defined as absence of Postoperative vomiting without a need for antiemetic. Antiemetic was given when there are 2 or more attacks of Postoperative vomiting in the first 24 hours after general anesthesia. Results: 90 patients (30 per group) were included in the study. There were no significant differences between these three main groups of patients regarding the age, sex, weight, type of surgery, duration of surgery and duration of anesthesia. (Table 1). Table 1: Demographic characteristics of patients in their respective group. Characteristics Group I (n = 30) Group II (n = 30) Group III (n = 30) Age (yr) 4.9 Â ± 3.1 4.8 Â ± 3.2 4.6 Â ± 3.2 Weight (kg) 19.7 Â ± 5.7 20.6 Â ± 5.5 20.1 Â ± 5.3 Sex (male/female) 19/11 20/10 18/12 Type of surgery Tonsillectomy -Adenotonsillectomy 8 22 6 24 6 24 Duration of surgery (min) 17.8 Â ± 3.7 16.6 Â ± 4.2 18.1 Â ± 3.5 Duration of anesthesia (min) 35.1 Â ± 6.3 36.2 Â ± 5.3 36.2 Â ± 6.1 No significant difference were found between these three groups in regard to the incidence of post operative vomiting in first 4 hours (0-4 hours), three patients (10%) in the dexamethasone group compared with 3 patients (10%) in the metoclopramide group and 4 patients (13%) in the saline group (P < 0.05). The incidence of vomiting during (4-24 hours) was more frequent in the saline group, 8 patients (27%) developed vomiting (P < 0.001). Only three (10%) patients in the metoclopramide group vomited during this period compared with 6 patients (20%) in the dexamethasone group. Thus Emesis-free within the first 24 hours was achieved significantly more often in patients who had received metoclopramide than in those who had received dexamethasone or placebo (saline). Discussion Complications of tonsillectomy in children are not uncommon and include pain which may result in poor oral intake, dehydration, vomiting, infection, fever and bleeding. Tonsillectomy using bipolar method has been used because of the advantage that it decreases the time of operation and it thus reduce the risk of immediate postoperative bleeding (9). However, bipolar dissection method may result in more postoperative pain (9). The mechanism of action of dexamethasone as an antiemetic is by antagonizing the prostaglandin, inhibit release of tryptophan and endorphins (10-13). These therapeutic effects of dexamethasone leaded to common use of it in children undergoing tonsillectomy. Many medications have been used in order to prevent post operative vomiting (14). The ideal drug to be used should have a good efficacy, little adverse effects and cheap (14,15) . The action of metoclopramide is mainly facilitating the release of acetylcholine. This action may be mediated by many different mechanisms. The antiemetic and nausea inhibitory effects of metoclopramide are related to its central dopaminergic effects (8). Metoclopramide in high doses was found to be very effective in decreasing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. In very low doses it frequently used to treat nausea and vomiting (8). The aim of using these low doses is to decrease central pyramidal and sedative effects which are found to be more common in children than adults. The efficacy of lower doses of metoclopramide in preventing post operative nausea and vomiting is very variable (8). Because of the short half-life of metoclopramide, it is unlikely to produce any antiemetic effect in the recovery period if administered during induction of anesthesia (8,16). Different reports have studied the benefit of administration of 10 mg metoclopramide in adult patients (17). Several studies regarding the effect of a single preoperative I.V dose of steroid on the morbidity of tonsillectomy has been reported different results (18,19). Many reports have found that preoperative administration of a single dose of I.V steroid have reduced the postoperative pain, emesis with an earlier return to normal oral intake feeding (20-22).On other hand another different studies have found no significant differences (23). However, in our study only three (10%) patients in the metoclopramide group vomited during 4-24 hour period compared with 6 patients (20%) in the dexamethasone group and 8 patients (27%) in the saline group. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the three groups in regard to the incidence of vomiting during the first four hours. Conclusion Metoclopramide found to be more effective than dexamethasone in preventing vomiting in children undergoing tonsillectomy. References 1. Litman RS, Wu CL, et al. Ondansetron reduces vomiting after tonsillectomy in children. Anesth Analg. 1994 Mar;78(3):478-81 2. Furst SR, et al. Prophylactic antiemetic treatment with ondansetron in children undergoing tonsillectomy. Anesthesiology, 81 (1994), pp. 799-803 3. Ferrari LR, et al. Metoclopramide reduces the incidence of vomiting after tonsillectomy in children. Anesth Analg, 75 (1992), pp. 351-354 4. Rose JB, et al. Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Pediatric Patients. British Journal of Anaesthesia1999;83:104 -117. 5. Ledesma MJS, et al. A comparison of three antiemetic combinations for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Anesth Analg. 2002 Dec;95(6):1590-5. 6. Celiker V, et al. Minimum effective dose of dexamethasone for preventing nausia and vomiting after adenotonsillectomy. J Ankra medical school 2003; 25(1):21-25. 7. Schumann R, et al. Massive subcutaneous emphysema and sudden airway compromise after postoperative vomiting. Anesth Analg 1999; 89: 796-797. 8. Olutoye O, et al. Management of postoperative vomiting in pediatric patients. Int Anesthesiol Clin 2003;41:99-117. 9. Weimert TA, et al. Electro dissection tonsillectomy. Arch Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery 1990; 116:186-8. 10. Rich W, et al. Methylprednisolone as an antiemetic during cancer chemotherapy: a pilot study. Gynecol Oncol. 1980;9:193-198 11. Harris AL. Cytotoxic-therapy-induced vomiting is mediated via enkephalin pathways. Lancet 1982;1:714-6. 12. Young SN. Mechanism of decline in rat brain 5-hydroxytryptamine after induction of liver tryptophan pyrrolase by hydrocortisone: roles of tryptophan catabolism and kynurenine synthesis. British Journal Pharmacology. 1981 Nov;74(3):695-700 13. Sagar S. The current role of antiemetic drugs in oncology: a recent revolution in patient symptom control. Cancer Treatement Revion 1991;18:95-135. 14. Apfel CC, et al. How to study postoperative nausea and vomiting. Acta Anaesthesiol Scandaneivia, 2002; 46:921-928. 15. Watcha MF Management of postoperative vomiting in pediatric patients. Current Opinion Anaesthesia, 2003; 16:575-583. 16. Scuderi PE. Pharmacology of antiemetics. Int Anesthesiol Clin, 2003; 41:41-66. 17. Gan TJ, Meyer T, Apfel CC et al Consensus guidelines for managing postoperative nausea and vomiting. Anesthesia Analgesia, 2003; 97:62-71. 18. Heatley DG. Perioperative intravenous steroid treatment and tonsillectomy. Archives of Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery. 2001; 127:1007-1008. 19. Shott SR. Tonsillectomy and postoperative vomiting: do steroids really work? Archives of Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery. 2001; 127:1009-1010. 20. Vosdoganis F et al (1999). The effect of single dose IV dexamethasone in tonsillectomy in children. Anaesthesia and Intensive Care 27 489-492 21. Catlin FI, et al. The effect of steroid therapy on recovery from tonsillectomy in children. Archives of Otolaryngoogyl Head Neck Surgery. 1991;117(6):649-52. 22. Volk MS, et al. The effects of pre operative steroids on tonsillectomy patients. Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery. 1993; 109:26-30. 23. Ohlms LA, et al. Use of intra operative steroids in pediatric tonsillectomy. Arch Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery. 1995; 121:737-742.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

The Problems That Faced Arab Nationalism Politics Essay

The Problems That Faced Arab Nationalism Politics Essay Upon the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the presence of imperial powers shortly after, the Middle East had to contend with a radical change in both the dynamics and the concentration of power within the region. These circumstances would lead in turn to chronic conflict in the Middle East and consequent repeated attempts at unifying the Arab world. This essay will look at how and why attempts were made at uniting Arab states and why these attempts often failed at delivering any significant unification. First it is important to look closely at the position the Middle East found itself in, in the early 20th century. The Ottoman Empire had ruled the region for over four centuries and had done so through divisions of people in different autonomous communal groups. This was in stark contrast to the territorial borders imposed by the imperial powers. As Ayoob argues, boundaries imposed by imperial powers fragmented the region into the multitude of weak, competing and often artificial state units on the basis of great powers interests and not indigenous wishes. The position the Middle East therefore found itself in was one in which indigenous groups were divided by territorial borders imposed by imperial powers, with these borders often simply being drawn with a ruler on a map with little attention being paid to the dynamics of the peoples living in these areas. Next it is important to look at the challenges states faced in nation building and how this would HAVE/of contributed to the need of Arabism. As Hinnebusch explains, one of the great difficulties facing Arab nations was incongruence within the new founded states. Identification of the people within the territorial state was weak compared with loyalties to sub-state units, such as the city, the tribe, or religious sect. The imported idea of the nation state had little historic tradition on which to build. As a result of Arab states being in a weakened position due to their challenge of nation building the ARABIST/Arabism movement meant that states could be UNITED MORE STRONGLY/stronger united. Leaders of Arab states would call for unity within the region in order to counter pressures from western powers. Hinnebusch explains that within a group, identity facilitates cooperation and mobilizes agents for change and where identity converges with shared territory and economic interdependence, resulting in a nation state or regional community, legitimacy and stability is reached. This was the mentality of Arab leaders when calling for unity. Kienle (1995) argues that states turned to Pan Arabism when they feel vulnerable and insecure. The use of identity is merely an instrument used in order to call for support in times of potential danger. Benedict Anderson argues that certain processes tie groups together into an imagined community. For example the development of local and regional economies engage different groups creating a link between them. The one-state-one-nation Western ideal contrasted with the Arab notion of one-nation-many-states. This follows the basic principle of Arab Nationalism or Arabism, which calls for the unification of all Arab people. The Arab world is unique in that the region shares, to a large extent, a common language, culture, history and religion. These are all important factors in determining nationalism of a state. Therefore the region looked set in establishing an Arab nationalism movement as it held all the ingredients to do so. However the issue was that the region had been divided into states, some of which WERE deemed artificial, and so as these new founded states attempted to consolidate power within their own territory and gain some form of identity, Arabism would face several constraints. From the outset there had been no agreement on how Arabism would be combine with more local loyalties (such as within the state). As states started to gain independence nationalistic movements started to take place in order to unify the peoples within territorial borders. For example Iraq, WHICH/who became the first Arab state to achieve its official independence in 1932, went through a process that attempted to create a sense of Iraqi Patriotism. King Faisal conducted a competition between poets and musicians to provide words and music for the first Iraqi national anthem. Therefore one of the issues that first arose in causing a difficulty in the establishment of Arabism was the need of consolidating power within new FOUND/founded territorial borders and the call to local loyalties that would put a wider call to Arabism on hold. Another issue that faced Arabism was the competition between the stronger Arab states in taking lead throughout the region. As state building became more and more important, leaders were often concerned about losing power to other Arab states. An example of this was King Faisal attempts at holding an Arab congress in Baghdad, in order to use Arab support to help reduce Iraqi weakness and overcome the dangers threatening the integrity of Iraqi society. However Humphreys, the British High Commissioner, NO WHO NEEDED/who argued it could provoke hostility from Iraqi neighbours and bring about the very dangers that the king feared, rejected the proposal. It would have built up hostility from leading Arab states like Saudi Arabia who resisted any moves made by states that could put them into a leading position within the region. The outcome of the six-day war is often used to signal the end of the Arabism movement. The war led to the astounding Israeli victory over a united Arab force (primarily Egypt, Syria and Jordan) and the inability of ARAB/Arabic countries to generate economic growth. One of the major reasons to why this would be the downfall of the ARABIST/Arabism movement was the extent to which Egypt suffered major losses in the war. Egypts losses meant that they would no longer at the front food of Arab politics. From 1967 and throughout the 1970s we see the country move further and further away from the pursuit of Arabism. The Camp David Accords, promoting peace between Israel and Egypt and the expulsion of Egypt from the Arab league in 1979 highlight the end of Egypts quest in uniting Arabic nations. The lack of efficiency of Pan-Arab institutions was another factor in the failure of the movement. In an anarchic system whereby states have no one to report to, there was no way in ensuring that Arabic states would adhere to Pan-Arab friendly practices. One OF the first institutions to be set up in order to promote Arabism was the United Arab Republic (UAR), established in 1958, which included Syria and Egypt. However the institution only lasted until 1961 as Syria pull out of the initiative due to Nassers want to dominate both countries. In 1963 the new UAR was set up, this time including Iraq as well AS Egypt and Syria, and including an entirely federal system where by each state was able to keep its identity. The institution lasted longer than its predecessor had, but again was abolished in 1971 due to the differences between Syria and Egypt. Gamal Abdell Nasser, the Egyptian President, had been a key figure in the push for unity among Arab states. Soon after his assumption of power in 1956, becoming the second president of Egypt, Nasser nationalised the Suez Canal, and at the same time denounced Western influence in the Arab world. This created a strong feeling of support throughout the Arab world for Nasser, and the way in which he dealt with the repercussions of the British and French powers consolidated his position as the face of Arabism. From this point on Nasser would attempt to unify Arabs throughout the region although often he was seen as overbearing, one example NO BEING NEEDED/being mentioned above whereby the early break up of the UAR was caused through his domination of Syrias government and consequently Syrias decision to leave the institution. The death of Egypts second president on the 28th of September 1970 is often seen as the final nail in the coffin for Arabism, after the devastating results of the 1967 war. It meant that there was no leader to which Arabs could aspire and turn to in the name of Arabism and as a result meant there was nothing holding the fort in preventing the movement NO INTO NEEDED/into dissolving into something of the past. There is conclusive evidence that Nassers death was in fact the end of Arabism. By the mid-1970s the idea of Arab unity became less and less apparent in Arab politics (The Continuum Political Encyclopaedia of the Middle east). Nassers death also clinched the end of Egypt as the leading state of Arabism. Anwar Al Sadat, Nassers successor, revived an Egyptian orientation, unequivocally asserting that only Egypt and Egyptians were his responsibility. Ultimately the death of Nasser led to the Arab world losing its leader in the quest of uniting its peoples.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Powerful Women of Homers Odyssey Essay -- Homer Odyssey womody

The Powerful Women of Homer's Odyssey Homer's "Odyssey" depicts women as strong subjects-they are real substantive characters. Women in this poem are tough, strong-willed and are treated with the respect and seriousness they deserve. Homer characterizes the women in his poem as the real counterparts of men-they have real feelings, real plans and are able to accomplish them on their own. Some of the more impressive and intriguing women in the book are Nausicaa, Arete, Circe, Calypso, Penelope, Helen and Athena. Nausicaa is a sweet girl, and on the outside she may appear to just be the stereotypical woman, but, in the poem she has much more depth. She is the daughter of a king with dreams of her wedding and other girlish fantasies. She characterizes all that is pure, innocent and righteous in the world. Arete is Nausicaa's mother is very intelligent and is independent in nature. She is abl...

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Carnivore: Chewing Through Our Right to Privacy :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays

Carnivore: Chewing Through Our Right to Privacy The debate around Carnivore is not really about Carnivore itself. It is more of a debate of whether or not Carnivore oversteps current privacy laws and the Fourth Amendment. Carnivore is a software program that enables the FBI to filter and collect email on a subject of a court order to be used as evidence. The issue around Carnivore started when the ACLU and other such groups demanded a review of the system in 2000. Since then, there has been a Congressional review of Carnivore. The FBI believes that Carnivore is well within the bounds of the law and that such a system is necessary to fight crime on the Internet. Advocates of privacy such as the ACLU believe that Carnivore violates Fourth Amendment rights and that the FBI cannot be trusted not to abuse Carnivore. In return, the FBI believes that the public should trust the FBI with electronic surveillance. Basically, the debate around Carnivore is the FBI versus everyone else. Both sides of the Carnivore debate use mainly argument of definition to present their points. Since the integrity of the FBI has been called into question, the FBI’s argument for the use and need of Carnivore consists mainly of logos and ethos. Ethos is also used in order to build an image that the public can trust. Those who are against Carnivore use mainly pathos in their arguments to point out that Carnivore is a threat to personal privacy and that the FBI cannot be trusted. The FBI’s position on Carnivore is outlined in Donald M. Kerr’s congressional statement made before a Senate committee that was reviewing the FBI’s Carnivore system. As the Assistant Director of the Laboratory Division for the FBI, Kerr has extensive knowledge of the workings and capabilities of the Carnivore system. In his statement, Kerr makes five points ranging from what Carnivore is to why the public should trust the FBI with Carnivore. Kerr explains that because terrorists, spies, hackers, and criminals used computers and the Internet, the FBI needs a tool like Carnivore to counter them. Another reason the FBI feels that they need Carnivore is to combat information warfare, fraud, and the spread of child pornography on the Internet. Logos in the form of statistics and examples is used to show that there has been an increased use of the Internet for criminal activity. Carnivore: Chewing Through Our Right to Privacy :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays Carnivore: Chewing Through Our Right to Privacy The debate around Carnivore is not really about Carnivore itself. It is more of a debate of whether or not Carnivore oversteps current privacy laws and the Fourth Amendment. Carnivore is a software program that enables the FBI to filter and collect email on a subject of a court order to be used as evidence. The issue around Carnivore started when the ACLU and other such groups demanded a review of the system in 2000. Since then, there has been a Congressional review of Carnivore. The FBI believes that Carnivore is well within the bounds of the law and that such a system is necessary to fight crime on the Internet. Advocates of privacy such as the ACLU believe that Carnivore violates Fourth Amendment rights and that the FBI cannot be trusted not to abuse Carnivore. In return, the FBI believes that the public should trust the FBI with electronic surveillance. Basically, the debate around Carnivore is the FBI versus everyone else. Both sides of the Carnivore debate use mainly argument of definition to present their points. Since the integrity of the FBI has been called into question, the FBI’s argument for the use and need of Carnivore consists mainly of logos and ethos. Ethos is also used in order to build an image that the public can trust. Those who are against Carnivore use mainly pathos in their arguments to point out that Carnivore is a threat to personal privacy and that the FBI cannot be trusted. The FBI’s position on Carnivore is outlined in Donald M. Kerr’s congressional statement made before a Senate committee that was reviewing the FBI’s Carnivore system. As the Assistant Director of the Laboratory Division for the FBI, Kerr has extensive knowledge of the workings and capabilities of the Carnivore system. In his statement, Kerr makes five points ranging from what Carnivore is to why the public should trust the FBI with Carnivore. Kerr explains that because terrorists, spies, hackers, and criminals used computers and the Internet, the FBI needs a tool like Carnivore to counter them. Another reason the FBI feels that they need Carnivore is to combat information warfare, fraud, and the spread of child pornography on the Internet. Logos in the form of statistics and examples is used to show that there has been an increased use of the Internet for criminal activity.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

It 460 – Unit 2 Project

Running head: UNIT 2 PROJECT Session 1 Part 4 IT Consultant Firms 1. Gatesix Inc. Gatesix Inc. is based in Phoenix, Arizona. They handle everything from web development, productivity solutions, and marketing applications. They are considered am all inclusive company that handles all your IT needs. They consider themselves no nonsense and will work within a budget. They have a broad range of services which include but are not limited to: †¢ Web Development – Custom development of web-based software, content management, custom applications, e-commerce. Interactive Marketing – SEO strategy analysis, search engine marketing, paid search marketing, and ongoing SEO support.†¢ Software Development – Business applications, business process automation, web-based applications, client extranets, employee intranet, and E-commerce applications. †¢ Interactive Design – Website design, flash and multimedia design, and graphic design. Network Support â€⠀œ network analysis and design, office cabling and networking, remote monitoring and support, desktop support, server setup and management both Microsoft and Linux platforms, VPN setup both Microsoft and Cisco, managed support, onsite and offsite backups, after-hours help with moves, server migrations and upgrades. †¢ Staff Supplementation – System architects, project managers and technical leads, internet marketing consultants, graphic and web designers, software engineers, and both onsite and offsite resources. 2. IBM Services The next company I found is IBM.Obviously they are a well known company who has offices and service throughout the world. They are definitely competition whom can offer all IT services and are well recognized. IBM can offer everything from communication services to training. †¢ Business continuity and resilience – Disaster recovery service, information protection, managed resilience, and resilience consulting. †¢ End user service s – Client virtualization (workplace optimization consulting), device deployment and management (platform integration and development, software platform management), and help desk ervices. †¢ Integrated communication – designing, implementing and managing communications and networking environments to optimize. Integrated business communications.†¢ IT strategy and architecture – Analyze and develop a plan to provide a business-driven infrastructure, identify cost reduction opportunities and improve quality. †¢ Maintenance and technical support – Hardware and application maintenance (24/7). †¢ Middleware – Service-oriented architecture (SOA) integration, IT lifecycle management, information on demand infrastructure, and infrastructure optimization. Security and privacy – Threat mitigation solutions, data security, and integrated security program. †¢ Server services – Server optimizer, integration, management, an d server products. †¢ Site and facility support – data and facility strategy, IT assessment, design, and construction. They also help with IT consolidation and relocation. †¢ Storage and data – Storage optimization and integration, lifecycle management, data mobility, storage and data products, and storage and data management. †¢ Training – They offer a wide variety of training from software to administration and applications. 3.MIT Consulting MIT Consulting is located in Toronto, Ontario. They have long standing relations with many manufacturers which helps they provide up to date consulting and services. MIT Consulting is a well rounded company that can offer consultant services for all aspects of business and IT needs. They have a wide range of backgrounds that make up their team. †¢ Business consulting – Consulting for planning, training, financing, market research, and promotion/advertising. †¢ Hardware and Software (sales an d service) – They offer a variety of hardware and software products from Microsoft to Lenovo.They also provide service for all the products they provide. †¢ IT relocation – they help with all relocation of a company IT resources. †¢ Technical support – For all aspect of IT emergency problems. They can restore the entire system or individual aspects or elements. †¢ Web development – Design and development of new website or single features. †¢ Web Hosting – Web hosting services. †¢ Disaster Recovery – Hardware planning, backup solutions, data recovery, and off-site storage. †¢ DVR Systems – Premises monitoring via internet recording using digital video recorders. Wifi – Building and deployment of company wireless network. Session 2 Part 3 Project Scope Statement Training Information Management System (TIMS), the project scope is to allow users to track instructors, students, courses and grades. TIMS must be completed in six months and must allow the functions listed above. TIMS must also link with the accounting system for accurate pricing for courses and accounting financial interaction. TIMS should be able to track credits earned toward IT industry certification requirements. The new system may also allow students to register for courses online.Session 2 Part 4 Interview and Questions The following is the list of employees at SCR who I wish to interview and the accompanying questions for each employee or group of employees. SCR training group: Jill Martin Questions: 1. What is the cost benefit of this training group program? 2. How long do the courses take? Is there a standard or are all the courses different? 3. Will these courses be non-stop and on-going? Or will it just stop after a year or so? 4. What is your vision for these courses? 5. How much improvement from the employees are you looking for? 6.How much will each of the courses cost? 7. Is it free for employees who w ant to update themselves in information technology? 8. How do you know it will work at the end of the course? 9. Will there be pretesting for the participants who are taking the courses? 10. What will be the system requirement for this training program? Executive Committee: Gary Smith and Nan Wheeler (Executive Assistant) Questions: 1. How would you like the TIMS program to benefit SCR Associates? 2. Is there anything specific that you would like to see implemented? 3. What is the proposed budget for this program/project? . What are you trying to achieve with this new training program? 5. Do you feel the students will have the necessary skills to be successful in the Information Technology sector after completing these courses?6. Do you feel this training program will be profitable for SCR? Systems Group: Jesse Baker (Manager) and Robert Newman, Marge Clark (Programmers) Questions: 1. Have you ever worked with any system similar to TIMS? 2. Are there any obstacles or restrictions th at you foresee in this project? Network/Web Group: Tamisha Spencer (Manager) Questions: . How would you like to see the system designed in terms of being accessible to everyone, i. e. through the intranet or internet? Administrative Support Group: Janet Gannon (Human Resources Specialist) Questions: 1. Can you go through the process of staff training from start to finish with me? 2. Currently what are the problems associated with staff training? 3. From a HR perspective how do you see this benefiting staff training? Business Solutions Group: Lynn Chou (Manager) Stephanie Greene (Business Analysts) Meg Harris (Corporate Trainers) Questions: . How can this be designed to be used in your department?References Gatesix (2008) Gatesix Inc. Retrieved February 8, 2009 from http://www. gatesix. com/. IBM (n. d. ). IBM Services. Retrieved February 7, 2009 from http://www. ibm. com/technologyservices/us/en/. MIT Consulting (2009). MIT Consulting Services. Retrieved February 8, 2009 from http:/ /www. mitconsulting. ca/index. php? ref=services. SCR Associates (n. d). SCR work sessions and intranet. Retrieved February 6, 2009 from http://oc. course. com/sc/sad7e/scr/intranet/index. cfm.

Mid Term

Mid Term Essay Exam Section I: Literature through 1700 In both the poem â€Å"Contemplations† by Anne Bradstreet and William Bradford's Of Plymouth Plantation, nature is a main subject. Both poems are interested in nature's role in people's (especially Christian's) lives, whether it be negative or positive. The question that comes to mind is nature a chaotic wilderness, the physical evidence of Satan's meddling, or is it the marvelous examples of the works of God? Bradford believed very firmly that is the former. â€Å"The traditional Puritan view of nature (which the Separatists shared as well) was very negative.Bradford did not view nature through a romantic lens, but rather he saw it as evidence of Satan at work in the world. † He believed that as Satan would â€Å"sow errours, heresies and wonderful dissensions amongst the professors themselves,† he was in fact the creator of confusion and disorder in the natural world. Bradford saw America as a forbidden was teland, a direct reflection of the spiritual chaos. In the poem â€Å"Of Plymouth Planation†, he wrote that the Pilgrims, after reaching the New World, found a â€Å"hideous and desolate wilderness, full of wild beasts and wild men. Bradford compared the arrival of the Pilgrims in the New World to Moses and the Israelites, but America, in being untamed, was not the Promise Land they had pictured. Instead it was a place of chaos and danger, â€Å"full of woods and thickets, [representing] a wild and savage hue. † In Bradford's mind, this new land became the wilderness the Israelites wandered in for forty years, but unlike Moses, the Pilgrims had no consolation, and neither could they, as it were, view this as a more goodly country.According to Bradford, this made nature a kind of spiritual trial at best, and a very hostile and demon like land. From Bradford's point of view nature was a fallen world. The lack of order and stability was both threatening and representativ e of the contamination of sin to all Creation. The â€Å"civil parts of the world† where nature had been conquered and tamed, paved over into cities or manicured gardens was the ideal. This is because both the Puritans and Pilgrims saw order as reflective of reason and a spiritual understanding. The Puritans had a great thought to control and understand.Even though both Bradford and Bradstreet looked at nature and saw something else beyond it, the spiritual world in her poem â€Å"Contemplations,† Bradstreet saw nature as being a pale reflection. Instead of nature being evidence of Satan's presence in a fallen world, it is an example of the power and glory of the God who created it. It is one of the few ways that humans can catch a glimpse of the Creator's omnipotence. Nature, from Bradstreet's view, is a beautiful, impressive, and while it remained a part of a larger, spiritual picture, it is a positive figure and representative of God.Bradstreet devoted much of †Å"Contemplations† to nature's awareness of aesthetic properties. She begins the poem by describing the trees in autumn, describing them as having an air of humble majesty, â€Å"Their leaves and fruits seemed painted, but was true of green, of red, of yellow mixed hue. † She admired the sun as it had control over night and day as well as the seasons. She also sees nature that praises God. She referred to grasshoppers and crickets, describing their seemingly harmonized song as â€Å"they kept one tune and played on the same string. Bradstreet makes it very clear that even though nature is beautiful, it cannot compare to the glories of God. She illustrated this with the long life of the oak tree, asking â€Å"hath hundred winters past since thou was born? / Or thousand since though breakest thy shell of horn? † before continuing to say that those numerous years mean nothing in the face of eternity. She continued to point this out later by describing the continual re-birth of the world as the seasons come and go, how â€Å"the earth (though old) still clad in green/†¦ insensible of time/Nor age nor wrinkle†¦ re seen,† whereas man lives for little more than a moment (and during that time suffers and grows old) in comparison to the ancientness of the earth. Bradstreet, in comparison to Bradford, see nature as not only evidence of God's glory rather than that the confusion and disorder of Satan and also she thinks of it almost as a living entity that is capable of praising and worshiping its creator as well. To her, nature is not a trial to be overcome and conquered, but rather an example of a learning tool that not only brings pleasure to the senses, but the soul as well.I think Anne Bradstreet was more effective in how you used her poem â€Å"Contemplations† in describing nature. In the third stanza she talks about her eye catching sight of the â€Å"stately Oak† and addressing the tree she asks â€Å"How long s ince thou wast in thine infancy? The answer might be a hundred or even a thousand years. In stanzas 4-7 she talks about the sun and declares that the sun is an amazing entity. â€Å"The more I looked, the more I grew amazed,† And softly said: â€Å"What glory’s like to thee? I think her amazement led her to understand how some civilizations considered the sun a god: â€Å"Soul of this world, this universe’s eye, No wonder some made thee a deity. † In stanzas 8-10 she looks at the sky and thinks about what song she could sing to offer glory to her maker, but feels dumbfounded at the prospect of adding glory to such a powerful spirit. In stanza 9, she hears the crickets and grasshoppers singing and writes: â€Å"Whilst I, s mute, can warble forth no higher lays? † In stanzas 21-33 she recalls sitting by the river and being reminded that the river is searching for and ever traveling toward the ocean.In stanzas 20-26 she thinks about the creatures of the sea, and how they look and how they fulfill their own destiny. http://www. associatedcontent. com/topic36271/anne-b. html Section II: Literature 1700 through 1820 Part 1: â€Å"But the old beliefs did not die easily, and as early as the 1730s conservative reaction against the worldview of the new science and psychology followed as some intellectuals, aware of the new though but intent on maintaining the final truth of revealed religion, resisted the religious implications of Enlightenment principles† (154).The Great Awakening was a watershed event in the life of the American people and before it was over, it had swept the colonies of the Eastern seaboard, transforming the social and religious life of land. The Great Awakening was actually several revivals in a variety of locations. Neither the Anglicans or Puritans were terribly successful in putting down roots. The problem was the settled parish system of England was difficult to transplant. Unlike communities of the old world, the small farms and plantations of the new spread out into the wilderness, making both communication and ecclesiastical discipline difficult.People often lived a great distances from a parish church, membership and participation suffered. Because the individual depended on himself for survival, authoritarian structure of any kind, either by government or ecclesiastical, was met with resistance. As a result, by the second and third generations, the vast majority of the population was outside the membership of the church. One person who was one of the principle figures in the Great Awakening was Jonathan Edwards. Edwards had received a bad press for his â€Å"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. In this sermon he pointed out that any moment, â€Å"our hold on life could break and we'd be plunged into fires of eternal and logically. † People listened to Edwards because he spoke about what people were interested in. The Puritan's were growing deeply concerned by what th ey perceived to be a striking decline in piety. The youth of the second and third generation had inherited the Puritan theocracy, but had begun to forget it, and the older generation was gravely concerned about this development. They had come to this country to found a biblical commonwealth, but their vision did not seem to be shared by community's youth. † Another problem weighing on Puritan consciences for a long time was election. The question that was raised why should anyone preach? The decision had been made before the foundation of the world according to Calvinist orthodoxy. â€Å"If preaching were simply for the edification of the Saints, then it was like preaching to the choir, in that you were preaching to the already converted. † As a result, worship attendance had declined.By surprise there was a great outpouring of response to the preaching of Edwards. This movement surprised people because it produced something that wasn't expected: people professing conve rsion. What Edwards said in these sermons was Calvinism. â€Å"You can't control salvation. † Puritans heard him say, â€Å"if you try. God will aid your salvation. † Edwards talked about â€Å"Pressing into the Kingdom†. â€Å"It was,† he said, â€Å"not a thing impossible. † By this Edwards referred to God's power to save whomever he pleases. The Puritans heard it as there was a chance they could achieve election.Another figure in the Awakening was George Whitefield. He offered a new quality to the prevailing view of how one gains citizenship in the Kingdom of God. According to Whitefield the key test of one's election was whether one had an emotional experience of conversion. This represented a reaction to the Enlightenment. In essence: Whitefield had reduced Christianity to it's lowest common denominator, those sinners who love Jesus will go to heaven. Denominational distinctives had been downplayed and this theme was picked by Samuel Davies, o ne of the leaders of the Awakening in Virginia.Whitefield mainly preached in terms of everyday experience. Whitefield attacked established ministers for leading their flocks into Hell by not demanding an experience salvation of people, a theme that would be picked up by Gilbert Tennant who preached on the dangers of an unconverted ministry. As a result, the established clergy attacked Whitefield and the unchecked enthusiasm of the revivals. One of the leaders in this counterattack was Charles Chauney who led the attack from the pulpit of First Christ, Boston. Chauney claimed anyone can have a good sermon.As a result, established preachers could not compete with these itinerant evangelists, and their preaching threatened to undermine loyalty of parishioners. They tended to view these evangelists as ignorant and filed with zeal. Others had carried the revival to extremes like James Davenport who burned books, and claimed to be able to distinguish the elect from the damned. The rising opposition to the Awakening had a major impact on the direction of American Christianity. â€Å"The old Puritan synthesis of head and heart—of a religion that appealed to both mind and spirit—broke apart†.The revivalists had moved in the direction of a greater rationalism in theology. The Awakening began in the North and tended to be an urban phenomenon where highly emotional preaching appeared in Puritan churches. The compromises of the Half-way covenant had been swept aside, and the notion of the church as a body of saints, was reclaimed. The standards of membership had been increased, and yet, membership still rose. In the South, the Great Awakening was more on the frontier phenomenon than was the case in the Middle Colonies or New England.In the areas that were nominally Anglican (the tidewater) it had very little impact. This was because the residents of the tidewater had just enough religion to inoculate them from catching the real thing, and the authoriti es were better able to enforce the established church. This was not the case in the piedmont and mountains of Virginia and North Carolina, as the revival had a wide open field. The main reason was the population had very few ties to the Anglican establishment. One of the main leaders of the Awakening in the South was Samuel Davies. The revival in Hanover began when Samuel Morris began to read sermons ofWhitefield and Luther to his neighbors. As a result, conversions were numerous, and special reading houses were built. When Davies arrived the Awakening surged and fought for the legal toleration of dissenters. Another leader in the Awakening was Shubal Stearns who brought the Separate Baptist movement to this region. The Methodists had gained a foothold in the South mainly through the preaching of an Anglican clergyman with Methodist sympathies of Devereux Jarratt. Both the Methodists and Baptists had an advantage over the Presbyterians and surpassed them in numbers.The main reason w as the Presbyterians insisted on an educated ministry and ordered worship. As a result, the Methodists and Baptists were better able to address the needs of frontier communities with lay preachers who could go where there was need, and who could be quickly deployed without waiting for them to complete their education. The Methodists and Baptists were also more open to the emotional and unrestrained nature of worship in the revivals, while Presbyterians were uncomfortable with what they viewed to be the excesses of the revivals.Some of the results of the Great Awakening to unify 4/5ths of Americans in a common understanding of the Christian faith and life, dissent and dissenters enjoyed greater respect than ever before, education was important, a greater sense of responsibility for Indians and Slaves from the revival of George Whitefield, and it served to revive a sense of religious mission. http://www. wfu. edu/-matthetl/perspectives/four. html Native Americans: Native Americans The Seneca orator known as Red Jacket (1757? 1830), for the red jacket the British awarded him for his services as a message runner during the Revolutionary War. Red Jacket may have had many names, although the only one we know is Sagoyewatha, which means â€Å"he keeps the awake. † After the War of 1812, he was involved in successful negotiations with the Americans to protect Seneca lands in western New York. Among many of his orations, his most famous speech was the reply he gave to the missionary Jacob Cram in 1805. Cram had been sent from Massachusetts to establish a mission station among the Seneca’s. He invited them to assemble at Buffalo Creek, New York.Through an interpreter, his address developed the assertion that, in Cram’s words, â€Å"There is but one religion, and but one way to serve God, and it you do not embrace the right way, you cannot be happy hereafter. † After appropriate consultation with others of the Seneca delegation, Red Jacket del ivered the speech outlining what has been called a â€Å"separatist† position-quite simply, the notion that while the ways of white Christians may be fine for them, they are not necessarily equally fine for non-white indigenous peoples who have their own religious beliefs.Present at Red Jacket’s speech was Erastus Granger, postmaster and Indian agent at Buffalo Creek and cousin to Gideon Granger, Thomas Jefferson’s postmaster. His immediate subordinate was Joseph Parish, who probably served as a translator, as he had done on other occasions. Whoever transcribed the translation of Red Jacket’s speech, it soon appeared in print, in the April 1809 issue of the Monthly Anthology, And was reprinted many times throughout the nineteenth century. In Red Jacket’s Speech to the U. S.Senate, he made valid points that were tragically true regarding the treatment of Native Americans by the Europeans. Through his words he is never belligerent or accusatory; inst ead he maintains a peaceful, respectful tone. Red Jacket is a magnificent orator with a strong sense for power of words. The reader is aware of the emotions and beliefs of the Native Americans. Red Jacket spoke to the Senate with a purpose, and by the end of his speech it is clear that he was successful. At the beginning of the speech, Red Jacket addresses his audience as â€Å"Friends and Brother† and repeated continually throughout the speech.I think Red Jacket is trying to create a peaceful atmosphere where his words will be heard. He informed the Senate that while they spoke, the Native Indians listened and requests the same respect in return. As the speech progresses, Red Jacket begins to make good points about the rude and greedy behavior that many of the white settlers relationships with the Native Indians. In the beginning, the Native Americans took pity on their new visitors, providing them with food, welcoming them, and treating them as friends.Over time, the number of settlers began to increase, as did the amount of land they seized from the Indians. In the speech Red Jacket says, â€Å"They wanted more land; they wanted our country. † When I read this line you can imagine him uttering this line in a powerful but elegant manner. Red Jacket was not there to concede defeat: he was standing up for his people. Even though the settlers had acquired the majority of the Native Americans land, they are still not happy, and this is way Red Jacket came before the Senate.The settlers craved more, desired to convert the Native Americans to Christians. In the eyes of the Europeans, If you do not embrace Christianity, you will not be happy. This to me sounds strange because many of the settlers who fled to the New World, arrived with the hope of enjoying their religion, and not being persecuted for practicing what they believe. Yet, after their arrival, they began to force their religion upon the Native Americans, informing them that what they belie ve is wrong. To me, this sounds like hypocritical behavior on behalf of the settlers.They came to the New World with the intention of freely practicing their religion, and now they are the ones forcing their religion on others. Continuing his speech, Red Jacket discusses more interesting information. One of the points I find fascinating, is when he questions if the religion of the settlers was meant for the Native Americans, why were they not given a book to study from as well. He continues by mentioning that all he knows of this religion is what the settlers tell him, â€Å"How shall we know when to believe, being so often deceived by the white people? In concluding his argument, he poses another question, since all Christians read from the same book, why do they not all agree? He even mentions that the Native Americans also have a religion but they never feud about who is right or wrong. His final plea to the Senate is, â€Å"We do not wish to destroy your religion or take it fr om you. We only want to enjoy our own. † He is not demanding the settlers to return the land they wrongly claimed as their own, he is simply asking that they allow the Native Americans to practice the religion of their forefathers in peace.

Friday, August 16, 2019

I Am From

I'm from â€Å"Let's eat! † and â€Å"Man I sure am stuffed† Cheesy chicken spaghetti and rich death by chocolate. Burned bacon and slimy squash given to the dog to avoid eating. I'm from pineapple cheese pizza with caramelized pineapples atop And creamy chicken Alfredo with delicious golden strands of pasta. I'm from nana's homemade brownies and double chocolate chip cookies Stirred slowly and mixed with a â€Å"secret† recipe and baked with ark chocolate shavings For special occasions such as 4th of July parties and birthdays.FAMILY/MUSIC I'm from a song shared with Shelby. Air Guitar is our main profession. Driving in circles with the windows down Just to find the perfect song to live to Until we were pulled over for screaming the lyrics to We Can't Stop. I'm from Mac Miller blaring through my headphones and car speakers. I'm from Linkin Park. The Lumineers A Day to Remember And always: Maroon 5. Until I grew older and closer to God, and discovered TobyMac.I'm from a brown playful puggle we named Slade; Being lazy and sleeping on any soft surface in 2003. I'm from Alice, the playful powerful puppy. And Daisy our loveable Boston terrier Who chewed up all my socks with her sharp puppy teeth. And unfortunately had to be put down when my step brother was born.I'm from drinking hazelnut coffee beside Shelby on my front porch. Or near the sounds of the waterfall from the creek behind her house. I'm from Heather Hannel in Columbus, Ohio where horses run wild.Silly laughs and precious secrets shared between us. Heathers kindness and guidance Help me through life. I'm trom dreaming And living And my red 2001 Chevy Cavalier. I'm from The Voice And the Carroll family. I'm from wishing and playing and working at ArbVs. Like making roast beef sandwiches. And working with my best friend, Shelby. I'm from stormy Forks, Washington Beautiful Paris, Extravagant England, Exhilarating Disney World. I'm from here. Now. Face-timing my friend and typing my poe m.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

The Host Chapter 45: Succeeded

Healer Knits Fire and Cerulean walked through the door together. The Healer handed me a tall glass of water. It didn't feel as cold as the first-my fingers were cold with fear now. The dark-skinned woman had something for me, too. She handed me a flat rectangle with a handle. â€Å"I thought you would want to see,† Knits Fire said with a warm smile. The tension flooded out of me. There was no suspicion or fear. Just more kindness from the souls who had dedicated their lives to Healing. Cerulean had given me a mirror. I held it up and then tried to stifle my gasp. My face looked the way I remembered it from San Diego. The face I'd taken for granted there. The skin was smooth and peachy across my right cheekbone. If I looked carefully, it was just a little lighter and pinker in color than the tan on the other cheek. It was a face that belonged to Wanderer, the soul. It belonged here, in this civilized place where there was no violence and no horror. I realized why it was so easy to lie to these gentle creatures. Because it felt right to talk with them, because I understood their communication and their rules. The lies could be†¦ maybe should be true. I should be filling a Calling somewhere, whether teaching at a university or serving food in a restaurant. A peaceful, easy life contributing to a greater good. â€Å"What do you think?† the Healer asked. â€Å"I look perfect. Thank you.† â€Å"It was my pleasure to heal you.† I looked at myself again, seeing details beyond the perfection. My hair was ragged-dirty, with uneven ends. There was no gloss to it-homemade soap and poor nutrition were to blame for that. Though the Healer had cleaned the blood from my neck, it was still smudged with purple dust. â€Å"I think it's time I called the camping trip quits. I need to clean up,† I murmured. â€Å"Do you camp often?† â€Å"In all my free time, lately. I†¦ can't seem to keep away from the desert.† â€Å"You must be brave. I find the city much more comfortable.† â€Å"Not brave-just different.† In the mirror, my eyes were familiar rings of hazel. Dark gray on the outside, a circle of moss green, and then another circle of caramel brown around the pupil. Underlying it all, a faint shimmer of silver that would reflect the light, magnify it. Jamie? Mel asked urgently, beginning to feel nervous. I was too comfortable here. She could see the logic of the other path laid out before me, and that frightened her. I know who I am, I told her. I blinked, then looked back at the friendly faces beside me. â€Å"Thank you,† I said again to the Healer. â€Å"I suppose I'd better be on my way.† â€Å"It's very late. You could sleep here if you'd like.† â€Å"I'm not tired. I feel†¦ perfect.† The Healer grinned. â€Å"No Pain does that.† Cerulean walked me to the reception area. She put her hand on my shoulder as I stepped through the door. My heart beat faster. Had she noticed that my pack, once flat, was now bulging? â€Å"Be more careful, dear,† she said, and patted my arm. â€Å"I will. No more hikes in the dark.† She smiled and went back to her desk. I kept my pace even as I walked through the parking lot. I wanted to run. What if the Healer looked in her cabinets? How soon would she realize why they were half empty? The car was still there, in the pocket of darkness created by a gap between streetlights. It looked empty. My breath came fast and uneven. Of course it should look empty. That was the whole point. But my lungs didn't calm until I could glimpse the vague shape under the blanket on the backseat. I opened the door and put the backpack on the passenger seat-it settled there with a reassuring clatter-then I climbed in and shut the door. There was no reason to slam the locks down; I ignored the urge. â€Å"Are you okay?† Jared whispered as soon as the door was closed. His voice was a strained, anxious rasp. â€Å"Shh,† I said, keeping my lips as still as I could. â€Å"Wait.† I drove past the bright entrance and answered Cerulean's wave with one of my own. â€Å"Making friends?† We were on the dark road. No one was watching me anymore. I slumped in the seat. My hands started to shake. I could allow that, now that it was over. Now that I'd succeeded. â€Å"All souls are friends,† I told him, using my normal volume. â€Å"Are you all right?† he demanded again. â€Å"I'm healed.† â€Å"Let me see.† I stretched my left arm across my body, so he could see the tiny pink line. He sucked in a surprised breath. The blanket rustled; he sat up and then climbed through the space between the seats. He pushed the backpack out of the way, then pulled it onto his lap, testing its weight. He looked up at me as we passed under a streetlamp, and he gasped. â€Å"Your face!† â€Å"It's healed, too. Naturally.† He raised one hand, holding it in the air near my cheek, unsure. â€Å"Does it hurt?† â€Å"Of course not. It feels like nothing happened to it in the first place.† His fingers brushed the new skin. It tingled, but that was from his touch. Then he was back to business. â€Å"Did they suspect anything? Do you think they'll call the Seekers?† â€Å"No. I told you they wouldn't be suspicious. They didn't even check my eyes. I was hurt, so they healed me.† I shrugged. â€Å"What did you get?† he asked, opening the drawstrings on the backpack. â€Å"The right things for Jamie†¦ if we get back in time†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I glanced at the clock on the dashboard automatically, though the hours it marked were meaningless. â€Å"And more for the future. I only took what I understood.† â€Å"We'll be back in time,† he promised. He examined the white containers. â€Å"Smooth?† â€Å"Not a necessity. But I know what it does, so†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He nodded, digging through the bag. He muttered the names to himself. â€Å"No Pain? Does it work?† I laughed. â€Å"It's amazing. If you stab yourself, I could show you†¦ That's a joke.† â€Å"I know.† He was staring at me with an expression I didn't understand. His eyes were wide, like something had deeply surprised him. â€Å"What?† My joke hadn't been that bad. â€Å"You did it.† His tone was full of wonder. â€Å"Wasn't that the idea?† â€Å"Yes, but†¦ I guess I didn't really think we were going to make it out.† â€Å"You didn't? Then why†¦? Why did you let me try?† He answered in a soft almost-whisper. â€Å"I figured it was better to die trying than to live without the kid.† For a moment, my throat was choked with emotion. Mel was too overcome to speak as well. We were a family in that one instant. All of us. I cleared my throat. No need to feel things that would only come to nothing. â€Å"It was very easy. Probably any of you could get away with it, if you acted naturally. She did look at my neck.† I touched it reflexively. â€Å"Your scar is too obviously homemade, but with the medicines I took, Doc could fix that.† â€Å"I doubt any of us could act so natural.† I nodded. â€Å"Yes. It's easy for me. I know what they expect.† I laughed briefly to myself. â€Å"I'm one of them. If you trusted me, I could probably get you anything in the world you wanted.† I laughed again. It was just the stress fading, making me giddy. But it was funny to me. Did he realize that I would do exactly that for him? Anything in the world he wanted. â€Å"I do trust you,† he whispered. â€Å"With all our lives, I trust you.† And he had trusted me with every single human life. His, and Jamie's, and everyone else's. â€Å"Thank you,† I whispered back. â€Å"You did it,† he repeated in wonder. â€Å"We're going to save him.† Jamie is going to live, Mel rejoiced. Thank you, Wanda. Anything for them, I told her, and then I sighed, because it was so true. After reattaching the tarps when we reached the wash, Jared took over the driving. The way was familiar to him, and he drove faster than I would have. He had me get out before he pulled the car into its impossibly small hiding place under the rock slide. I waited for the sound of rock against metal, but Jared found a way in. And then we were back in the jeep and flying through the night. Jared laughed, triumphant, as we jolted across the open desert, and the wind carried his voice away. â€Å"Where's the blindfold?† I asked. â€Å"Why?† I looked at him. â€Å"Wanda, if you wanted to turn us in, you had your chance. No one can deny that you're one of us now.† I thought about that. â€Å"I think some still could. It would make them feel better.† â€Å"Your some need to get over themselves.† I was shaking my head now, picturing our reception. â€Å"It's not going to be easy, getting back in. Imagine what they're thinking right now. What they're waiting for†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He didn't answer. His eyes narrowed. â€Å"Jared†¦ if they†¦ if they don't listen†¦ if they don't wait†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I started talking faster, feeling a sudden pressure, trying to get him all the information before it was too late. â€Å"Give Jamie the No Pain first-lay that on his tongue. Then the Inside Clean spray-he just has to inhale it. You'll need Doc to -â€Å" â€Å"Hey, hey! You're going to be the one giving the directions.† â€Å"But let me tell you how -â€Å" â€Å"No, Wanda. It's not going to go down that way. I'll shoot anyone who touches you.† â€Å"Jared -â€Å" â€Å"Don't panic. I'll aim low, and then you can use that stuff to heal 'em back up again.† â€Å"If that's a joke, it's not funny.† â€Å"No joke, Wanda.† â€Å"Where's the blindfold?† He pressed his lips together. But I had my old shirt-Jeb's raggy hand-me-down. That would work almost as well. â€Å"This will make it a little bit easier for them to let us in,† I said as I folded it up into a thick band. â€Å"And that means getting to Jamie faster.† I tied it over my eyes. It was quiet for a time. The jeep bounced along the uneven terrain. I remembered nights like this when Melanie had been the passenger†¦ â€Å"I'm taking us right to the caves. There's a place the jeep will be fairly well hidden for a day or two. It will save us time.† I nodded. Time was the key now. â€Å"Almost there,† he said after a minute. He exhaled. â€Å"They're waiting.† I heard him fumbling beside me, heard a metal clank as he pulled the gun from the backseat. â€Å"Don't shoot anyone.† â€Å"No promises.† â€Å"Stop!† someone shouted. The sound carried in the empty desert air. The jeep slowed and then idled. â€Å"It's just us,† Jared said. â€Å"Yes, yes, look. See? I'm still me.† There was hesitation from the other side. â€Å"Look-I'm bringing the jeep in under cover, okay? We've got meds for Jamie, and we're in a hurry. I don't care what you're thinking, you're not going to get in my way tonight.† The jeep pulled forward. The sound changed and echoed as he found his cover. â€Å"Okay, Wanda, everything's fine. Let's go.† I already had the pack on my shoulders. I got out of the jeep carefully, not sure where the wall was. Jared caught my searching hands. â€Å"Up you go,† he said, and lifted me over his shoulder again. I wasn't as secure as before. He used only one arm to hold me. The other must have had the gun. I didn't like that. But I was worried enough to be grateful for it when I heard the running footsteps approaching. â€Å"Jared, you idiot!† Kyle shouted. â€Å"What were you thinking?† â€Å"Ease up, Kyle,† Jeb said. â€Å"Is she hurt?† Ian demanded. â€Å"Get out of my way,† Jared said, his voice calm. â€Å"I'm in a hurry. Wanda's in perfect shape, but she insisted on being blindfolded. How is Jamie?† â€Å"Hot,† Jeb said. â€Å"Wanda's got what we need.† He was moving fast now, sliding downhill. â€Å"I can carry her.† Ian, of course. â€Å"She's fine where she is.† â€Å"I'm really okay,† I told Ian, my voice bouncing with Jared's movement. Uphill again, a steady jog despite my weight. I could hear the others running with us. I knew when we were through to the main cavern-the angry hiss of voices swelled around us, turning into a clamor of sound. â€Å"Out of my way,† Jared roared over their voices. â€Å"Is Doc with Jamie?† I couldn't make out the answer. Jared could have put me down, but he was in too much of a hurry to pause for that second. The angry voices echoed behind us, the sound constricting as we entered the smaller tunnel. I could feel where we were now, follow the turns in my head as we raced through the junction to the third sleeping hall. I could almost count the doors as they passed me invisibly. Jared jerked to a halt and let the sudden stop slide me down from his shoulder. My feet hit the floor. He ripped the blindfold from my eyes. Our room was lit by several of the dim blue lanterns. Doc was standing rigidly, as if he'd just sprung to his feet. Kneeling beside him, her hand still holding a wet cloth to Jamie's forehead, was Sharon. Her face was almost unrecognizable, it was so contorted with fury. Maggie was struggling to her feet on Jamie's other side. Jamie still lay limp and red, eyes closed, his chest barely moving to pull in air. â€Å"You!† Sharon spit, and then she launched herself from her crouch. Like a cat, she sprang at Jared, nails reaching for his face. Jared caught her hands and twisted her away from him, pulling her arms behind her back. Maggie looked as if she was about to join her daughter, but Jeb stepped around the struggling Sharon and Jared to stand toe-to-toe with her. â€Å"Let her go!† Doc cried. Jared ignored him. â€Å"Wanda-heal him!† Doc moved to put himself between Jamie and me. â€Å"Doc,† I choked. The violence in the room, swirling around Jamie's still form, scared me. â€Å"I need your help. Please. For Jamie.† Doc didn't move, his eyes on Sharon and Jared. â€Å"C'mon, Doc,† Ian said. The little room was too crowded, claustrophobic, as Ian came to stand with his hand on my shoulder. â€Å"You gonna let the kid die for your pride?† â€Å"It's not pride. You don't know what these foreign substances will do to him!† â€Å"He can't get much worse, can he?† â€Å"Doc,† I said. â€Å"Look at my face.† Doc wasn't the only one who responded to my words. Jeb, Ian, and even Maggie looked and then did a double take. Maggie glanced away quickly, angry that she'd betrayed any interest. â€Å"How?† Doc demanded. â€Å"I'll show you. Please. Jamie doesn't need to suffer.† Doc hesitated, staring at my face, and then let out a big sigh. â€Å"Ian's right-he can't get much worse. If this kills him†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He shrugged, and his shoulders slumped. He took a step back. â€Å"No,† Sharon cried. No one paid any attention to her. I knelt beside Jamie, yanking the backpack off my shoulders and tugging it open. I fumbled until I found the No Pain. A bright light switched on beside me, pointed at Jamie's face. â€Å"Water, Ian?† I twisted the lid open and pinched out one of the little tissue squares. When I pulled Jamie's chin down, his skin burned my hand. I laid the square on his tongue and then held out my hand without looking up. Ian placed the bowl of water in it. Carefully, I dripped enough water into his mouth to wash the medicine down his throat. The sound of his swallow was dry and painful. I searched frantically for the thinner spray bottle. When I found it, I had the lid off and the mist sprayed into the air above him in one fast movement. I waited, watching his chest until he inhaled. I touched his face, and it was so hot! I scrambled for the Cool, praying it would be easy to use. The lid screwed off, and I found that the cylinder was full of more tissue squares, light blue this time. I breathed a sigh of relief and placed one on Jamie's tongue. I picked up the bowl again and dribbled another mouthful of water through his parched lips. His swallow was quicker this time, less strained. Another hand touched Jamie's face. I recognized Doc's long bony fingers. â€Å"Doc, do you have a sharp knife?† â€Å"I have a scalpel. You want me to open the wound?† â€Å"Yes, so I can clean it.† â€Å"I thought about trying that†¦ to drain it, but the pain†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"He'll feel nothing now.† â€Å"Look at his face,† Ian leaned in beside me to whisper. Jamie's face was no longer red. It was a natural, healthy tan. The sweat still glistened on his brow, but I knew it was just left over from before. Doc and I touched his forehead at the same time. It's working. Yes! Exultation swept through both Mel and me. â€Å"Remarkable,† Doc breathed. â€Å"The fever has cooled, but the infection may remain in his leg. Help me with his wound, Doc.† † Sharon, could you hand me -† he began absentmindedly. Then he looked up. â€Å"Oh. Ah, Kyle, do you mind handing me that bag right there by your foot?† I scooted down so that I was over the red, swollen cut. Ian redirected the light so I could see it clearly. Doc and I both rustled through our bags at the same time. He came up with the silver scalpel, a sight that sent a quiver of unease down my spine. I ignored it and readied the bigger Clean spray. â€Å"He won't feel it?† Doc checked, hesitating. â€Å"Hey,† Jamie croaked. His eyes were open wide, roaming the room until they found my face. â€Å"Hey, Wanda. What's going on? What's everyone doing here?†