McCarthyism and the Red Scare Essay

Have you ever had that moment in your life when you thought to yourself, â€Å"Why would he do that, or why would that happen?† Well, that is just what many people thought about McCartyism and the Red scare after that time period had passed. The Red Scare was a point in time when many Americans believed that the uprising of communism would be among them. These waves of the Red Scare happened twice, once after World War One, and the second time, which was more significant, after World War Two. During this time period many people were extremely afraid of communism, so the ideals of McCarthyism rose up. McCartyism was named after Joseph McCarthy, who was the Senator of Wisconsin at the time. Joseph McCarthy’s actions, as well as The House Un-American Activities Committee, and Congress were not justified. It was breaking people’s Constitutional rights, ruining many peoples lives and careers, and because they interrogated hundreds and thousands of people who didn†™t even believe that communism should exist in our country. One of the main reasons to prove that the actions during the Red Scare weren’t justified was because it broke people constitutional rights. During a speech Senator Margaret Smith of Maine said this inspiring quote, â€Å"The right to criticize; The right to hold unpopular beliefs; The right to protest; the right of independent thought.† Now, to some this might just look like a list of rights an American has. But to many, this is an inspiring quote of the things great about America and the things that McCarthy, Congress, and the HUAAC attacked. This shows that McCarthyism broke many of the rights that they as Americans had and deserved to keep. Another important reason why the actions of McCarthyism weren’t justified was that they ruined many people’s lives and careers. One group collected and published the names of people in the world of the arts and entertainment thought to be un-American in their politics (Picture seen in back). The most famous victims were able to successfully fight off such attacks, but Red Channels, radio stations, weren’t destroyed for many years. Red Channels reported on possible Communists and they faked information in order to keep their stations alive. These Channels ruined and/or harmed many people’s  careers. The last major reason why all this was not justified is because they interrogated hundreds and thousands of innocent people who didn’t even believe that communism should exist in our country. Refusal to cooperate with the HUAAC could ruin careers. If a witness refused to testify about past political associations, relying on the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the witness would be cited for contempt of Congress. The government would then prosecute the witness for criminal contempt of Congress. Some people were convicted and sent to federal prison for several years. Mcartyism was not justified because it broke many constitutional rights, ruined people’s careers, and led to a state of panic throughout America. So next time your in a situation where you dont know what to do or what to say. Think about how it will affect others, not just yourself.

Prescriptive Grammar Essay

This lesson highlights the important fact that linguists describe the grammatical system of a language on the basis of what people actually say, not what they should say. To a linguist, grammar consists of those constructions judged acceptable by a native speaker’s intuitions. This is what it means to say that linguistics is descriptive and not prescriptive. Linguistics is descriptive, not prescriptive. Many people associate knowing a language with speaking and writing it according to the grammatical rules established for that language in grammar books and dictionaries. The study of linguistic competence does not include the study of prescriptive standards that claim that one sentence rather than another is correct. Instead, linguists are interested in what speakers of a language actually say and what they accept as possible in the language, regardless of whether the construction matches the grammar rules posited by the grammar â€Å"police.† This approach to grammar is descriptive rather than prescriptive. Descriptive grammar is what speakers say, and when, why and how they say it (and not whether they should or shouldn’t say it.) Linguists concern themselves with discovering what speakers know about a language and describing that knowledge objectively. They devise rules of descriptive grammar. For instance, a linguist describing English might formulate rules such as these: 1.Some English speakers end a sentence with a preposition (Who do you want to speak to?) 2.Some English speakers use double negatives for negation (I don’t have nothing.) 3.Adjectives precede the nouns they modify (red book, nice guy) 4.To form the plural of a noun, add -s (1 room, 2 rooms; 1 book, 2 books) 5.The vowel sound in the word suit is produced with rounded lips. Linguists don’t make judgment calls as to whether the speakers should or shouldn’t speak a certain way. Descriptive grammar, then, is created by linguists as a model of speakers’ linguistic competence. Prescriptive grammar is what speakers should or shouldn’t say. When most people think of â€Å"grammatical rules,† they think of what linguists call rules of prescriptive grammar. Prescriptive rules tell you how to speak or write, according to someone’s idea of what is â€Å"good† or â€Å"bad.† Of course, there is nothing inherently good or bad about any use of language; prescriptive rules serve only to mold your spoken and written language t o some norm. Here are a few examples of prescriptive rules; you  can probably think of others. 1.The subject of a sentence must agree with the verb (The instructions are clear NOT The instructions is clear.) 2.Use much for count nouns. Use many for non-count nouns (We don’t have much coffee AND We don’t have many cups of coffee.) 3.Capitalize the first letter of a sentence (The television is broken. It needs to be fixed.) 4.Use subject pronouns after the verb be (It was I who called you NOT It was me who called you.) 5.Use the definite article the before names of rivers and geographical areas but not before the names of lakes or continents (the Nile, the Middle East AND Lake Tahoe, Asia) Notice that the prescriptive rules make a value judgment about the correctness of an utterance. Descriptive rules, on the other hand, accept the patterns a speaker actually uses and try to account for them. Descriptive rules allow for different varieties of a language; they don’t ignore a construction simply because some prescriptive grammarian doesn’t like it. If linguistics is descriptive and not prescriptive, then why do we have prescriptive rules anyway? So, if prescriptive rules are not based on actual use, how did they arise? Many of these rules were actually invented by someone. During the 17th and 18th centuries, scholars became preoccupied with the art, ideas, and language of ancient Greece and Rome. The classical period was regarded as a golden age and Latin as the perfect language. The notion that Latin was somehow better or purer than contemporary languages was strengthened by the fact that Latin was by then strictly a written language and had long ceased to undergo the changes natural to spoken language. For many writers of the 17th and 18th centuries, the rules of Latin became, whenever remotely feasible, the rules of English. It is somewhat surprising that rules that do not reflect actual language use should survive. There are several reasons, however, for the continued existence of prescriptive rules. 1.Rules provide a standard form of a language that is accepted by most speakers of that language. Adherence to prescriptive rules allows a speaker to be understood by the greatest possible number of individuals. This is especially important for a language such as German, which has dialects so different from one another that their speakers cannot always understand each other. 2.A set of standard rules is necessary for students learning English (or any other language) as a second language. Imagine the chaos if there were no guidelines for learning English  (or Spanish, or Japanese, or Arabic, etc.) Thus, rules serve a very useful purpose for language teachers and learners as well. 3.Most importantly, there are social reasons for prescriptive rules. Nonstandard dialects are still frowned upon by many groups and can inhibit one’s progress in society. The existence of prescriptive rules allows a speaker of a nonstandard dialect to learn the rules of the standard dialect and employ them in appropriate social circumstances. Therefore, prescriptive rules are used as an aid in social mobility. This does not mean, however, that these judgments about dialects are linguistically valid. The idea that one dialect of a language is intrinsically better than another is simply false. From a strictly linguistic point of view all dialects are equally good and equally valid. To look down on nonstandard dialects is to exercise a form of social and linguistic prejudice. We’ll learn more about language and identity in our next module. According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, the term dates from 1706 and is defined as â€Å"a person who adheres strictly and often excessively to a tradition†, especially â€Å"one preoccupied with the purity of a language and its protection from the use of foreign or altered forms.† A purist is one who desires that an item remain true to its essence and free from adulterating or diluting influences.

Assignment Essay Essay Example for Free

Assignment Essay Essay Sustainable tourism is being able to the deliver positive environmental, social, and economical results with thought to the needs of the visitors, host community and surroundings. Sustainability as defined in the Brundtland commission report it states as â€Å"meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future generations to meet their needs†. For example, the small business are starting to practices sustainability principles by changing to renewable energy sources, reducing use of paper and recycling more. As a result, the concept of sustainability addresses the aspects of â€Å"triple bottom line† meaning the balance of societies, economy and the environment are described by (Bonevac, 2010). According to the World Tourism Organization, â€Å"sustainable tourism means meeting the needs of the present tourist and host regions while protecting and enhancing the opportunity for the future†. Instead of just being a product, sustainable tourism is a philosophy that underpins all tourism actions (Owens, Is there a Meaningful Definition of Sustainability? , 2003). To all tourism development and management, it is a fundamental concept instead of being an add-on factor. The foremost aim of sustainable tourism is to maintain the economic and social return of tourism development while reducing or justifying the unattractive impacts on the natural, historic, cultural or social environment (Governemnt, 2009). The stated objectives attained by matching the needs of tourists with those of the destination. Sustainable tourism is an industry, which challenges to make a little impact on the environment and the local culture, though helping to produce income, employment and the preservation of local ecology. Hence, responsible tourism is both cost-effectively and culturally responsive, meaning have minimum impact on the environment and culture of the host community (Group, 2007). Scotland Tourism Organization has defined sustainable tourism as â€Å"tourism committed to generating a low impact on the surrounding environment and community by acting responsibly while generating income and employment for the local economy and aiding social cohesion† (Organisation v. s. , 2013). Scotland Sustainable tourism aspires to guarantee that economic development in terms of encouraging experience for each one involved local community, Tourism Companies and visitors. In practice, sustainable tourism means greener transport, given that transport is innermost to tourism; however it also put pressure on our natural resources and contributes to our worldwide environment impacts. Procedures like cheering visitors to utilize communal transport, and advance in cleaner forms of transport will assist in this area (Organisation v. . , 2013). Regular and environmental strains a more even stretch of visitors lessens pressures on the natural and built environment and on communities, and capitalizes on the financial payback. Scotland Tourism Organization modifies its advertising drive to persuade a stretch of visitors throughout the year and around state (Organisation v. s. , 2013). For example, â€Å"surprise yourself†. There is necessary to work with the public, private and independent sectors to determine the environmental and social impacts of tourism. These guarantees that tourism expansion carries a encouraging experience for home people, tourism companies and the tourist themselves (Organisation v. s. , 2013). Green accommodation is one in that all room offers lessens their misuse, energy and water use. The green Tourism Business Scheme persuades businesses to trim down their environmental impacts. The scheme is one of the largest of its land in Europe with over 800 Scottish members (Organisation v. s. , 2013). However, any tourism industry can take advantage from flattering more sustainable through safeguarding the very features on which tourism depends; taking a sustainable move to tourism expansion is the only way to guarantee long-term tourism expansion in the South Pacific (Organisation v. s. , 2013). The success of tourism in any country depends on taking care of the environmental or social impacts of tourism development. The visitors benefit from sustainable move to tourism throughout from enhanced relates with local communities, a tall value tourism experiences and a natural and fabricated environment. Thus, by fetching a sustainable tourism destination will provide the South Pacific Tourism Businesses a cutthroat frame by producing community assistance for tourism; attaining value savings and designing innovative marketing prospect. As the tourism industry develop in as many regions and countries, it generates noteworthy impact on the consumption pattern, natural resources, pollution and social systems (Organisation v. s. , 2013). For the industry to survive as a whole it is vital to understand and interpret the need sustainable and responsible planning and management. To begin with, education and collaborative partnership are approaches that can assist destinations attain more sustainable tourism. The whole idea of sustainability based on the association through environmental, ecologically and socially responsible tourism. Partnerships with local communities through rural community gathering before and during development are needed in order to let alone the frequent divergence between conservation initiatives and traditional resources users (Billington, Carter, & Kayamba, 2008). The departments from the government can collaborate with the resource owners to develops and negotiate over the investment on proposal (English National Park Authorities Association, 2009). For example, the Chumbe Island Coral Park is a good example of collaborate partnership, which was developed to sustain the natural beauty and attractions of the island (English National Park Authorities Association, 2009). Chumbe Island is located in the Indian Ocean channel of the coast of the semi autonomous region of Zanzibar (English National Park Authorities Association, 2009). The person responsible for the project on the natural park at Chumbe Island was (David, 2011). During her work life, (David, 2011) experience the need for the conservation and sustaining of the natural flora and fauna. (David, 2011) developed an innovative approach to protect marine conservation combined with tourism development through the sustainable and multilevel partnership approach to promote successful marine park management, awareness of marine conservation and sustainable tourism management. David, 2011) Develop a small marine park that would help consume a unspoiled coral reef, offer environmental education for both the locals and the foreign visitors and generate management fund through authentic ecotourism. Thus, the need for the park at Chumbe Island arose due to improper aid and the government in the country noted conservation programs. Hence, the collaborative partnership arose to sustain the nature conservation of Tanzania for the future (English National Park Authori ties Association, 2009). Secondly, the partnership approach deals with the local communities because they are the essential people who are the resource owners (Governemnt, 2009). Engaging the local community in the environmental education on sustainability through workshops and seminars will increase their concerns for the global issues such as climate change (Clark, 2013). In addition, collaboration with NGO has to hold workshops with the angler’s, to engage them in sustainable fishing practices and conservation of the resources (David, 2011). Thus, the young and the old generation in the area is to be informed about sustainable fishing practices, laws and regulation regarding fishing practices and marine conservation area and the benefits of marine protected areas (Ki-Hoon & Ball, 2003). All this environmental awareness, education and training initiative with the community are to provide skill development on sustainable tourism (Group, 2007). The scale of growth of the tourism industry In the South Pacific is rapidly and that the environmental and social, economic impacts of it cannot be overlooked (Azam & Sarker, 2011). This has caused the Pacific Region to find ways in which the industries could be made more sustainable. The industry is more sustainable through minimizing resource use and waste production (Othman, 2004). For the sustainability of tourism, water is the major issue for concern. For example, a tourist in a hotels uses on standard one third of more water per day than a local inhabitant uses and put severe restriction on local supply (Othman, 2004). Activities such as golf course, artificial snow ski’ resorts are in demand of water. For small and medium sized business, sustainability thought of an expensive and difficult idea (Billington, Carter, & Kayamba, 2008). Most of the dominating tourism industries in the South Pacific have not actively engaged in government activities that encourages that adoption of sustainability practices (David, 2011). There are a number of barriers identified by the researchers that hinds implementing sustainability practices in South Pacific tourism businesses including the financial crisis for implementation, the labor insecurity of being certified, lack of government and industry support the technical nature of information forums. Hence are a number of actions businesses could undertake to improve environmental performance (Azam & Sarker, 2011). Activities’ relating to efficient resources use and waste management includes minimizing energy consumption, for example using open ventilation instead of air-conditioning and heaters encouraging the use of renewable sources and improved technology also Getting involved in accreditation programs (Owens, Is there a Meaningful Definition of Sustainability? 2003). There is a need to promote and facilitate the reduction, reuse and recycling of materials and water quality including the efficient treatment of sewerage, avoiding discharge into marine and rivers (Organisation, 2005). For example, in Australia the Australian formula 1 ING grand Prix Corporation, which works with environmental packaging and waste recycling partner to minimize the impact of the race on the environment? Billington, Carter, & Kayamba, 2008) Thus, by minimizing waste use, energy use and waste production, businesses can reduce their impact on the environment and achieve cost savings (Ki-Hoon & Ball, 2003). Furthermore, the conserving and giving value to natural and cultural heritage is of critical importance’s, in order to enhance the quality of life of local communities through tourism, and connect the people in is scheduling and management (Organisation, 2005). The growing awareness’s and generating direct and indirect support for conservation is the key role played by the tourism industry (Group, 2007). The generation of economic propensity for the tourism industry is to provide with quality natural and cultural heritage (Azam & Sarker, 2011). This would ensure the long-term competitiveness, viability and the prosperity of tourism enterprises and destinations and the quality of life of local communities and to the visitor experience by providing a safe, satisfying and fulfilling experience to the visitors available to all without discrimination by gender, race, religion, disability or in other ways (Organisation, 2005). Areas that are of importance to tourism natural and cultural includes the natural landscapes quality and variety, man-made cultural landscapes, heritage and historic sites, the flora and fauna diversity, local uniqueness such as art, crafts, cuisine, language events and festivals (Organisation, 2005). Thus, to address these issues listed above relevant action like being more prepared to use the tourism argument as to fund the prevention of nature and culture and to prevent damaging change (Clark, 2013). Also strengthening the relationship between protected area and local tourism interest, within the context of a sustainable tourism strategy and action plan would lead the South Pacific to be more sustainable (Organisation v. s. , 2013). Sustainable development is holistic in nature; therefore, it requires management of policies and coordination of action between sectors (Othman, 2004). To control the impact of tourism initiated by environmental or developmental strategies and policies legislation and regulations are necessary (Governemnt, 2009). Appropriate strategies or sets of policies for specific aspects of tourism were developed. For example, in Bulgaria the separate strategy for ecotourism, which reflects the sustainability principles? (Bonevac, 2010) This initiative can also be taken by the local Ministry of Environment of Tourism to integrate the strategy in terms of regulations (David, 2011). In coordinating and ensuring success of this specific sub-sector, such regulations and legislations can be very helpful. This can be very helpful in demonstrating processes and formulating policies that could be modified more widely in tourism (Ki-Hoon & Ball, 2003). Strategy and policies must be developed and implemented at both local and national level in order to achieve effective result. Most countries in the South Pacific are in the process of decentralizing their political and administrative structures so local decision-making is the vital aspect toward sustainability development (English National Park Authorities Association, 2009). An integrated approach to the development and management of tourism is within local destinations, is recognized as the most successful direction to sustainable tourism (Governemnt, 2009). Thus, it is vital for the national and local strategies to be corresponding but these two variable in tourism strategies vary in terms of national tourism strategies relates to the national tourism vision of the overall position and direction (Organisation v. s. , 2013). While local tourism strategies relates to the holistic of the local destinations in areas such as local objectives and priorities, local resource opportunity and constraints and many more (David, 2011). Hence, the identifying of policies and instruments to create the enabling environment for sustainable tourism is more of national strategy while the determining of what happens on ground is more of local strategies (Governemnt, 2009). Both the national and local tourism strategies are required for sustainable tourism to embrace the principles of sustainable development and both strategies are reliable and commonly reinforcing (Othman, 2004). Finally, the command control instrument allows government to exert strict control over certain aspects of development and operation, backed by legislation (Organisation, 2005). Legislation, regulation and licensing are the interdependent tools that can be used to strengthen sustainability by setting out requirements that are compulsory and enforceable and which lead to sanctions and penalties if they not met (Billington, Carter, & Kayamba, 2008). The process of checking and signaling compliance with regulations or otherwise identified obligatory standards; assigning permission to operate is called licensing (Organisation, 2005). To control aspects of business development and operations and to influence people’s behavior government are in a position to apply laws, regulations and penalties. These legislation and regulations must be applied when the governments believes that it is necessary to do so (Governemnt, 2009). Thus, for regulations to be successful, it has to be relevant, clear, practicable in terms of compliance and capable of being enforced. In order the tourism industry to be more sustainable the laws and legislations should enable and support the sustainability of tourism and give authority to act (Billington, Carter, & Kayamba, 2008). It should also seek to raise sustainability performance above such standards through other means, which would also stimulate personal commitment towards continual improvement. For example, in the government of Fiji builds up a (EIA) environmental Impact Assessment regulation, which stated that for any company or hotel with an EIA reports in Fiji, has to provide the Fiji Government with an EIA report of the development to progress (Turnbull, 2003). There are a number of areas in which laws and regulations can be implemented to attain more sustainable tourism industry and that includes operation, management and development which are controlled by this legislation to protect the environment, communities, culture and heritage, visitor experience and the business as a whole (Turnbull, 2003). The purpose of government intervention in the sector as law provides a vehicle for underpinning sustainability. These legislations can also provide the basis for enabling the control and licensing of activities specific to the tourism sector and for the undertaking to certain action to support tourism development (Organisation v. s. , 2013). To conclude, sustainable tourism is all about forecasting of long-term, working together examining on results and adaptive to change and the most effective thing is communication to put across the message of sustainable tourism. It is the duty of the private, public and independent sector to acquire leadership role in tackle the challenge of this sector. The degree at which the tourism industry is increasing in the South Pacific forecasts that the environmental and social impacts of tourism cannot be disregarded. Traditionally, a number of sustainable tourism activities has been carried out and is supported by the national Tourism Organization of the South Pacific countries. However, there are a number of challenges that still stay alive and need attention in order to be more sustainable tourism industry, like climate change. In order to tackle these challenges and grip future sustainable opportunities in a harmonized manner, research and development done in these South Pacific countries to handle these issues through sustainable tourism strategy plan. The tourism strategies plans would assist the tourism industry to change unenthusiastic community discernment of the industry and achieve economic benefits through sustainable practices. It believed that it would egg on business to hold sustainable tourism practices in order to meet consumers demand and to improve business performance. Sustainable tourism should be broadcasted and celebrated amongst tourists, host communities and the participants in the industry move the industry toward sustainability. Nevertheless, the commitment to change and improve must be authentic and supported on well-established procedures and actions that is to be achieved. Assignment Essay. (2016, Sep 09).

Financial Fragility, Capital Regulation and Bank Testing Essay

Financial Fragility, Capital Regulation and Bank Testing - Essay Example As the discussion highlights  bank mergers can reduce the cost of operation and increase scope of activities thus enabling them to control market and funding liquidity. This document examines the effects of bank mergers on market and funding liquidity and their interactions during the financial crisis. The activities of the bank influence their capacity to control market and funding liquidity. Investors prefer strong institutions that they perceive as being less risky because they are fairly stable during the periods of the economic downturn.  Ã‚  This paper outlines that liquidity risk is the risk that a particular asset or portfolio may not be exchanged in the market quickly in order to evade a loss, and it results from uncertain liquidity. Liquidity risk could either be due to the market liquidity or funding liquidity. Market liquidity is the condition whereby the assets cannot be traded in the market due to lack of liquidity in the market. The market liquidity can drain sudde nly, interlinked with instability, have cohesion across securities, co-varies with the market, and is dependent on â€Å"flight to quality†. Funding liquidity refers to ease with which traders can obtain funding for assets. The investors require portfolio security with high returns in case the market is illiquid and require return premium for an illiquid security in a situation where the entire market is illiquid. Small banks pose high risk to the investor because they may not be able to acquire funding during the periods of the economic downturn.

Why dose the united states have an inconsistent policy in the middle Essay

Why dose the united states have an inconsistent policy in the middle east - Essay Example The long standing conflict between Israel and Palestine has been one of the defining factors of how the US relates with the other countries in the Middle East. The close relationship between the US and Israel started back even before the State of Israel was created in 1948. From the very beginning the US was in support of the Jews returning to their Biblical ancestral Land. From relationship led to many missionaries from the US flocking into the Middle East, with their main objective to convert the Muslim population to Christianity. However, it was not very easy converting the die-hard Muslims, and the policy of the western missionaries turned to the creation of educational programs. As a result numerous American colleges were set up in Arabic cities such as Cairo, Istanbul and Beirut. The missionaries in these countries did manage to make lasting impressions on modernization, education and healthcare in the countries where they had operations. The institutions were used a means of p reaching western democracy to what the US viewed as aristocratic systems (Covarrubias and Lansford 178). However, the US was also ready to go against its democracy teachings by imposing its interests on the people, and when they defied they were labeled anti-reformist and dictatorial. The US policies on terrorism are also quite inconsistent. The country has been very vocal in demonizing the terrorist activities of extremist groups based in the Arab world. Its official policy on terrorism is to denounce it with as much force and valor as possible. However, there are times when the country has gone against its own anti-terrorism policies by carrying out terrorist attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan. The US waged a War against the two countries in a bid to stamp out terrorism and secure the freedom of the oppressed Muslims on these countries. However, instead of

Unclear Energy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Unclear Energy - Assignment Example The geographical location of Jordan makes it hard to use water as a coolant and therefore need to find other means of cooling the reactors. The other difference is the availability of the relevant personnel to run the nuclear plants. Sophisticated and technical knowledge is required to manage a nuclear plant ensuring safety and efficiency. The use of nuclear energy in America started back in the 1940s, and therefore enough plans are set up to ensure enough individuals are trained for this job. Jordan is facing a challenge of personnel to operate the machines and maintain the nuclear power plants as it is something that has never been used before in this country. Environmental impact of the nuclear plants is the other difference. Nuclear energy production releases minimal amounts of greenhouse gases to the environment. However, the waste products from nuclear reactors contain radioactive elements that are harmful to human. Proper engineering techniques should be used and far away from human settlement. America has land that can be used for this while Jordan has limited land capacity and hence disposal of these wastes would be a problem. Also, Jordan still uses fuels and oil as a source of energy that highly contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases (Armaroli, 2013). Students contribution is highly required for the establishment of solutions on challenges faced in the energy sector. The first research on other cooling techniques to be used in nuclear plants located in areas where there is scarcity of water. The other is acquiring knowledge regarding operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants s it is a challenge faced in Jordan and other countries. The third is research and advice of disposal techniques of the radioactive wastes so as not to endanger human beings. The use of nuclear energy in America started a long time ago and therefore there is a big difference between the

Theories relevant to my study Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Theories relevant to my study - Assignment Example This mode of teaching advocates for acknowledgement of cultural heritages. Thus, it provides the students with a wide range of instructional strategies which support their different learning habits (Lynch, 2011). There are various theories that are associated with culturally responsive pedagogy. These include Maslow’s hierarchy of need theory, McClellan Acquired Needs Theory and the Self-Determination theory by Richard Ryan. Maslow’s hierarchy of need theory bases its arguments on self-actualization, esteem, belongingness, safety and psychological needs of a person. Acquired needs theory focus on the need for achievement, affiliation and power (Analytitech, n.d). On the other hand, the self-determination theory focuses on human motivation and personality (Intime, 2002). Therefore, it is evident that these theories illustrate that students should be provided with conducive condition for them to learn. They provide a basis whereby teachers can understand the diverse learning needs of the students so that they can improve their performance in class (Analytitech, n.d). In this perspective therefore, it is important for the administration of schools to re-evaluate and re-shape the school curriculum so that the diverse academic needs of the students can be addressed in an appropriate

Human Resources Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Human Resources Management - Essay Example REFERENCES EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The role of human resources manager is very diverse and requires a complicated individual in the job role with a vast understanding of information technology, human behaviour knowledge, psychology, conflict resolution, and planning innovator. HRM now fulfils, due to environmental or internal factors, a role where more intervention and inter-connectivity between line management roles and strategic leadership are becoming strengthened. It is not a segregated business function today where once it was likely limited to just control methodologies to secure lower budgeting; a hard view of HRM. It is much softer today and requires empowerment strategies as a key resource for improving the competitive position of the business or bring more human-related value. This report identifies the changing role of HRM using appropriate expert theory and experience. Introduction The role of human resources managers has changed in recent years, most of which is derived of cha nging roles and activities within the entire business network. Areas such as supply chain, global competition, new technology development and attitude recognition of workers at the psychological level in order to gain new motivation or performance outcomes have brought these changes. There is must more interaction between human resources and line management as a product of these evolutions, therefore seeming to make them indistinguishable and also inter-connected roles. From recruitment through the process of ensuring employees achieve a satisfactory work environment when measured against performance standards, the HRM process is that of a counsellor, coach, mentor, skills developer, and even strategist. There is virtually no area of the business that is not, in some fashion, influenced by the HR manager or the processes that guide HR practices. The roles of HRM Empowerment of workers is one of the major human resource goals and is a central focus of their activities. â€Å"Empower ment will allow greater control over non-management staff by line managers and supervisors when given authority or more authority in areas such as recruitment, discipline and absence control† (Yusoff & Abdullah, 2008, p.10). Thus, there is a control element of the HRM role when working toward some sort of empowerment model. The HRM manager acts then as a facilitator of empowerment for not only the worker, but colleagues at the management level. They allow managers to become familiarized with and adapt to changing human resources principles and then offer them guidance to remain self-focused on running the management floor. â€Å"HR should be a support for departmental managers and members of staff. For that they should come out of their office and talk to people and not delegate the job to departmental managers† (Watson, Maxwell & Farquharson, 2007, p.31). This author reinforces that the role of HR is highly visible in the organization and there is direct contact with s enior-level managers or same-level management peers only as a facilitator of their line management activities with a touch of human resources focus1. It reinforces the connection between management and operations and the HR practitioner in a way that provides stronger connections with managers and meets the overall goal of empowering them to take HR action where needed; and perhaps recognise where certain deficiencies lie. The HR manager also works with a composite of different technologies to support the HR function. Computer

International Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

International Marketing - Essay Example The emphasis of this discussion focuses on how leadership and organizational structure can help companies become more effective at international business affairs. In order for a company to succeed it must develop its human capital and have managerial team that is able to lead the organization to achieve greater things. If the leaders of a company do not prepare the organization for expansion the possibility of international business activity are non-existent. Going global does not occur overnight, there is preparation that must take place within the organization and in its corporate culture. Corporate culture can be defined as a system of shared actions, values, and beliefs that develops within an organization and guides the behavior of its members (Shermerhorn, Osborn, Hunt, 2003). The leaders of the company have to instill confidence and change the mindset of the employee so that fear of failure is not constraint that inhibits international expansion plans. There are different leadership styles that can help a manager become the type of leader that lead a company and its employees towards international business proliferation. The person in a corporation that has control over the strategic path of an organization is its chief executive officer (CEO). This individual is responsible for the financial performance of the company and has power to change the organization, while at the same time the CEO must motivate and inspire the staff of the firm. Among the leadership styles that could be used to lead a global organization are situational leadership, charismatic leadership, and transformational leadership. A situational leadership application is Fielder’s contingency theory. Fielder’s contingency theory stipulates that the leader’s style adapt and become appropriate to the situation based on three factors: leader-member relations, task structure, and position power

Stainless steel powder metrology Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Stainless steel powder metrology - Thesis Example PROCEDURE The mixtures underwent a complete procedure to obtain the results and compare them according to different standards. The procedure of the experiment is explained in detail in this part of the report. Preparation of the Mixture The powder mixture, each specimen separately, is weighed and the weight recorded. The process is initiated after the weighing. The powder is properly mixed using tubes and revolving machine. In these experiments, two different mixtures, ferrous 316L with 1 gram silicon and the same mixture with the addition of 1gm boron is used. The mixtures were then sintered and quenched under different temperature conditions. The sintering has to be discussed briefly to be understood. Sintering and Quenching The specimens prepared are pressurized at 700 MPa and made into round discs as shown in the picture below. . The specimen is heated inside a closed container, to different temperature. As recorded before, there are in total 13 specimens which are used in the ex periment. Each specimen is labeled properly before any kind of experiment us conducted on it. The two mixtures samples of â€Å"A† and â€Å"B† are heated at 1220, 1230, 1235, 1240, 1280, and 1295o C respectively. Each sample was then sectioned, mounted and polished for microscopical examination. These methods are explained in detail in the following part of the report. Sectioning It is essential for maximizing the working parameters since incorrect cutting can waste small samples, which are very difficult to make. The sample with deformation should be given maximum support to un-clamp them (German, 1990). Mounting The samples are too little in size to handle the different steps of the procedure. It is essential for maximizing the working parameters. Therefore a uniform and rounded surface is given to the specimen so that the damage is prevented during grinding and polishing procedures (German, 1990). Grinding The samples are grounded to reach finer surfaces. Grinding is done under stream of water to remove any free particles that are being cut out of the sample and to minimize the eroding effect on the sample and to save its surface from rash cuts. The specimen is then dried out as there was water on it (German, 1990). Polishing It is also a very important part of the experiment. Since for the photography the best surface is required. It is done by rotating a cloth over the surface with the help of a polishing machine. A polishing liquid is also used (German, 1990). Etching The samples need to be etched as the last part of the procedure. But before etching is done, the surface has to be cleaned and free of any impurity. The samples have to be etched with a proper liquid to prevent damage. During the process, the sample is removed from the sample when the first blooms of grains are observed. After etching, the samples are washed ruinously with washing material, either water or alcohol. Warm air is then passed over it. If the material is of soft n ature, it must be covered so the surface can be saved (German, 1990). Microscopic examination This is a very important process since the examination with naked eye would not reveal the required results. Special method of illumination is used between the two controlling diaphragms to enlighten the eye piece where the results can be seen and photographed (German, 1990). Recording before the Procedure The two

Drum Dance Essay Example for Free

Drum Dance Essay As seems to be common to many indigenous tribes, both the Saux and the Samoans led a spiritually-based life, which involved paying homage to a higher being. The Saux consistently sought guidance from the creator in how to live. In a similar way, the Samoans consulted wizards who practiced magical arts. Ceremonies formed an important part of tribal life. The aim was to honor their gods. For both the Saux and the Samoans, these often assumed the form of clan feasts, namings, adoptions, and burials. The Saux had major thanksgiving festivals a couple of times a year. These were to celebrate the start of the spring season and then again to celebrate the fertility of the land in summer after the harvest. Like the Saux, Samoans celebrated the New Year offerings, which is the principal feast of the year which honors their primary god, Tangaloa-fua. In recent times, new religious practices such as the Drum Dance have been added to the rich tapestry of Saux tradition. Dance has always dominated Samoan celebrations especially at weddings. Dance today, for both the Saux and the Samoans has changed hardly at all in its form and its meaning. Inherent in the flex of the hand and the turn of the foot, is the transferred and accumulated knowledge handed down from their ancestors. Further back in time, Samoans believed in demoniacal possession. Samoan wizards used charms to drive evil spirits out of the bodies of those possessed by them. Like the Samoans, the Saux had their own shamans that the tribe referred to in matters of possession, and whom they sought supernatural advice from when they needed guidance. Whilst we know that languages exist in linguistic families which we can use to trace their origins, both the Saux and the Samoans attribute more to language than simply words that they’ve always spoken. According to Saux tradition, their language contained all the accumulated knowledge of their ancestors. Similarly, Samoan wizards often claimed that they were speaking under the influence of a spirit. Language was a powerful medium when interpreted by Saux shaman or Samoan wizards. Animals and images of nature featured strongly in both Saux and Samoan religious life. The Saux believed that every person and animal had a ‘manito’ or guardian spirit. Samoans preferred to wear their beliefs and links to nature on their bodies. Tattooing has a long tradition in Samoan culture. Most of the motifs were of animal origin as there were considered sacred by different families. From a young age, Saux boys were taught to fast and keep holy vigils to bring their souls closer to the Great Spirit. Once they had proved themselves worthy, their ‘manito’ or guardian spirit would be revealed. Proving one self was also an important to Samoans. Seven-day long fires would be kept burning to celebrate a man who had proved himself in battle. This was done for anyone who made himself illustrious in battle. Both the Saux and the Samoans believed in the power of sacred objects. Once the guardian spirit was revealed to Saux boys, they could begin collecting sacred things to be kept in a bag around their necks. Similarly, Samoan wizards could invoke curses. By invoking O le tangata fai tui, they could curse an object of hatred or dread, and use enchantments against it. References Native Languages of the Americas. (2009). A Sauk Legend. Retrieved 21 May 2010 from Native Language of the Americas website : http://www. native-languages. org/saukstory. htm New Zealand Electronic Text Centre. (2008). Myths and Legends of Ancient Samoa. Retrieved 21 May 2010 from Victoria University of Auckland website: http://www. nzetc. org/tm/scholarly/tei-TuvAcco-t1-body1-d48.html Native Languages of the Americas. (2009). Native Americans Sac and Fox Culture and History. Retrieved 21 May 2010 from Native Language of the Americas website: http://www. native-languages. org/sac-fox. htm Scribd. (n. d). Samoan customs, Analogous to those of the Israelites. Retrieved 21 May 2010 from Scribd website: http://www. scribd. com/doc/3086235/samoan-customs-analogous-to-those-of-the-israelites Sultzman, Lee. (1999). Sauk and Fox History. Retrieved 21 May 2010 from http://www. tolatsga. org/sf. html

The Impact Of Globalization On Employment Commerce Essay

The Impact Of Globalization On Employment Commerce Essay Globalization has in no doubt affected the way people work. It has resulted into radical and rapid changes that call for adjustments in employment policies of different organization. This report presents a report on the effect of globalization on employment policies. The National Bank of Abu Dhabi is going to be used as our case where its employment policies are going to be highlighted with special considerations on how this affect it industrial relations. The report begins by describing what is meant by globalization followed by a brief analysis of the National Bank of Abu Dhabi, its employee profile and its achievements. The report will the highlight the impact of globalization on employment strategies followed by a close examination of what effects dual labor has had on the banks industrial relations. Grievance procedures of the company and how it relates to the UAE law is going o be captured too with special consideration on how the bank makes its employees aware of these procedu res. The conclusion will contain three personal recommendations on what should be done to put the bank at par with other financial institutions in the region and the world. The concept of Globalization With the world becoming a global village based on modern advancements in technology, trade political, socio-cultural norms and world economies, the forces of change are so strong to an extent that all aspects of life call for adjustments. This phenomenon is referred to as globalization (Bentolila Gilles, 2003, p. 56). It involves a process that leads to transformation of local and regional cultures into international or global ones thus unifying a society and making it work together as one. This has culminated into establishment of international economies through trade, flow of capital, investment, migration, and technology flow and its effects. Traditional barriers maintained by governments are the main victims of the trend as people are forced to abandon the restrictions and actively engage in different affairs at an international stage. Ways of doing business have not been spared by globalization either. The force has called for adjustments in different business field s especiall y in human resource. Employment policies have been adjusted to fit the modern world requirements of the labor market in order to attain any targets of an organization. Organizational behavior places labor as one of the most important factor that determines performance (Holley et al. 2008, p. 11). This paper seeks to highlight the impact of globalization on employment strategies with further emphasis shifting to mitigatory mechanism that are employed to face off challenges that might come with this. The National Bank of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates is going to form an evaluation platform for this research and thus we will be able to establish and understand the grievance procedure in place in the company and its impact on industrial relations. Grievance procedures are simply the protocols that employee and employer follow in order to address employee problems amicably and satisfactorily. Company information Based in the Arab world, the National Bank of Abu Dhabi is among one of the most competitive financial institutions that has committed much of its efforts to competitively serve both local and international customers. Under its chief executive Mr. Michael H. Tomalin and board chairman H. E. Nasser Ahmed Khalifa Alsowaidi, the bank has managed to scoop several top awards for its services, the most notable one being 2011 award given by Thompson Reuters and complinet recognizing the bank as the most recognized international compliance officer as presented by john garret, the groups general manager and chief compliance officer (The National Bank of Abu Dhabi, 2011). The bank also boasts of being the owner of the best investment product. It was the best arranger and best financial information provider via the internet. These awards together with many others are associated to the banks employee commitment to its vision that fosters on the future recognition of the bank as the worlds best Arab bank. These successes are also expressed in the banks mission to provide its customers with exceptional services that create products and delivering services of enduring value which, will help its customers grow. The bank has a set of values that are in no doubt behind its efficiency in providing quality services to its customers. Some of these values are the need to understand customer needs, teamwork, being accessible around the clock, withholding the value of stakeholders, recognizing people as its greatest asset and thus safeguarding their interests and acknowledging the need to be loyal to its heritage and maintaining a positive global outlook (The National Bank of Abu Dhabi, 2011). The bank has also made a few pledges to its customers which includes recognizing them, understanding their needs, listening t o them, dedicating its energies to serving its customers and eventually grow with them. By analyzing these pledges, there is a clear indication that good and well motivated employees are key to achieving them. It is worthy to acknowledge that unless the bank has an elaborate grievance addressing procedure, all of its mission and vision cannot be realized. The bank has some of the best employee focused attention which is greatly supported by good employment policies. The bank employment policy first recognizes its employees as the most valuable asset and goes ahead to provide the most rewarding working environment and compensation packages that allows them advance their careers. This has made the bank the biggest employer among other commercial banks with its employees coming from all over the world. Other employment policies of the bank focus on Emiratization which simply means attracting the most qualified nationals of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by providing a successful and a well rewarding banking career. Pre-employment training is also embraced by the bank employment policies which also create room for employees to seek further training while still working. This come in form of time allowances for various new training programs (The National Bank of Abu Dhabi, 2011). Training of potential employees is among the banks employment policies which seeks to absorb freshly graduated students from different academic fields thus creating a window of diversifying strategies which do not have to come from business scholars only. Globalization has a lot of influence on employment prospects of the bank. Despite the fact that the government is encouraging Emiritization (employing more UAE citizens), the bank has 61 percent of its employees from outside UAE with only 39 percent being UA E citizens by 2010. Out of this number, 60 percent are female. Impact of globalization on employment strategies Globalization and Job security Globalization has brought about a very fierce competition in employment. This is because through globalization, there is massive migration of highly trained professionals who are seeking lucrative careers (Bentolila Gilles, 2003, p. 59). National Bank of Abu Dhabi is among top ten in the list of the most secure banks in the world. It has also attracted many professionals from different parts of the globe. This has come along with a lot of job insecurity as any employer is likely to opt for the most qualified. Security of tenure has declined and jobs have become less permanent. The net effect of this is the emergence of non-standard form of employment such as temporary and part-time employments. This has lead to adjustments in banks employment policy which is now shaped to accommodate all forms of employment forms. Employee turnover characterized by workers mobility has also increased leading to notable changes in worker- employer relationships within the banks workforce. Employees have in many occasions expressed their reservations to dispensable employment agreements with most of them working in fear of losing their jobs uncertainly. This greatly affects employees who have not yet had an opportunity to upgrade their educational backgrounds thus reducing their employability. However, the bank has made a provision in its employment policies grievance procedure to offer training opportunities for it employees which is supposed to help them advance their career. Globalization has come with a lot of technological changes and just like any other bank, the National Bank of Abu Dhabi needs to employ people with the most recent skills in technology. Though the bank has not had to send people packing based on modern skills acquisitions and technology awareness, most job quits have been voluntary where employees go back to training institutions for further training (The National Bank of Abu Dhabi, 2011). Globalization also comes with a lot of competition from other competitors thus effecting job security of employees. Companies have in many occasions laid off some of its staff to cut down on costs of doing business and in order to face competitors with a least expensive and efficient workforce. The bank has at point succumbed to forces of globalization such as those to call for outsourcing of labor. This involves employing workers from different parts of the globe without necessarily allowing them enjoy normal employee benefits such as security of tenure. This has further made jobs more insecure as outsourced labor might be just as effective as original. This has also resulted in a change in the banks employment policies which have also shifted to outsourcing and training it employees on probation before full engagement. Effects of Low skilled workers on employment policies The level of education possessed by workers has in a big way influenced their employability at the National Bank of Abu Dhabi. It is evident beyond any reasonable doubt that only the best trained workers are securing lucrative careers with the most reputable companies. The bank emphasizes on its quest to tap the best and most skilled professionals from across the world, a fact that is boosted by the globalization era. Although the banking sector has not experienced much layoff due to under qualified staff, the situation has it that most original or traditional employees are being outdone by recently graduated people thus putting their employability at risk of being lost. Technology plays a major role in evaluating qualifications as it is one of the most powerful forces globalization reckon with. Employment policies have therefore been adjusted to enable the bank acquire the most qualified individuals or still by offering a training package before being employed. Education does not on ly affect employability but also earning. Being a leading financial institution, the National Bank of Abu Dhabi employs the best candidates for different jobs right from the management to subordinate (The National Bank of Abu Dhabi, 2011). This implies that the institution is only ready to pay highly to the best employees and therefore pushing off least qualified individuals. Studies show that lowly ranked jobs that require low academic qualifications are going to less competitive environments with more competitive environments taking on the best. Employment strategies of the bank have not depicted any form of bias on locals and foreigners. The only disparity comes from the governments policy to have the number of UAE nationals working in local institutions increased. The bank has responded to this positively by increasing UAE nationals working in it from 36 percent in 2009 to 39 percent in 2010 (The National Bank of Abu Dhabi, 2011). This move has however not caused a lot of changes in its employment policies since the exte rnal world offers the best compared to the local labor market. Effects of Globalization on Sweatshop Exploitation Toxic Imports Globalization has by a great way encouraged the import of cheap labor especially form countries suffering from unemployment but with good educational back grounds. This means that the employees of this nature are highly qualified but willing to take on low paying jobs and at the same time work for long hours (Bentolila Gilles, 2003, p. 63). This phenomenon is normally associated with developed countries or those perceived to be rich. UAE is no exception as it has some of the best institutions recognized globally such as the National Bank of Abu Dhabi. This bank has also fallen prey to this problem as most of its workforce (61 %) come from outside UAE. Although this cannot be directly associated with foreigners being cheap to hire, it is true that dealing with local or native employees is more technical compared to foreigners. The law has put down very robust and complicated policies that aim at protecting its citizens from exploitation. This may in one way or the other influence the banks employment policy status of absorbing more foreigners to work there. The bank is also at risk of importing toxic labor as incompetent workers could be imported. This kind of workers are believed to be interested short time benefits and are therefore likely to put in extra efforts to achieve their short term objectives and thus becoming toxic not only to future company prospects but also to the labor market. This is one of the major reasons the government of UAE has put it mandatory for employers to have at least 40 percent of their employees to be UAE nationals. This move is aimed at embracing the future endeavors of the national economy and the countrys future in general. Although sweetshops may have a positive effect on a firms profits, critics argue that there is a more negative effect in the future prospects of a company since its public image could be tempered with thus demeaning its performance. Locals are also likely to give a cold reception to the bank and withdraw their trust from it thus jeopardizing its operations in the region. Sweetshop and toxic workers also pose as a risk to original employees by reducing their job security because they are cheaper to hire. His is another challenge the National Bank of Abu Dhabi is facing as a result of it employing a huge number of foreigners who are recognized almost equally by UAE labor laws. Globalization and technology Among the achievements attained by the National Bank of Abu Dhabi is being in the forefront in implementing highly technology based services. This is in line with what globalization comes with especially in information technology. The bank won the best mobile transaction and the best prepaid card categories from the smart card awards in the Middle East region. This indicates that the bank has a better chance of surviving in the world of technology thus attracting more customers (The National Bank of Abu Dhabi, 2011). However, the bank is equally faced with challenges that come with this. Technology applications call for a reduction of the labor force as it permits performance of different tasks without involving any people. Technological globalization also calls for job cuts across all sectors especially in low profiled jobs such as auditing and networking. This occurrence has forced the bank to adjust its employment policies to match the current conditions by cutting down the number of people it employs each year. The use of technology has obviously affected the way the bank employs people be it from the UAE or the Diaspora. Dual Labor Market and its impact on industrial relations issues in the bank The United Arab Emirates has experienced a lot of changes in trade in the recent past. It has become a major commercial center with the economy becoming more diverse and dynamic, serving as a major re-exporting center in the Middle East and other parts of the world like Africa. The emirate has attracted a lot of attention from investors simply because it has very few logistical costs which make business operations easier. This has lead to an increase in financial activities due to improvements of business in various industries such as tourism, transport and banking among many others. Such changes in any economy will in no doubt attract a lot of people who will be willing to work there. This notion is further guaranteed by the international chain of events and changes in the way people do business. Globalization has come along with a dual labor market effects which includes effecting changes in industrial relations issues of many organizations. This phenomenon is believed to divide the labor market into two namely primary and secondary sectors. These sectors are either identified with high or low value added workers or along formal and informal sectors. A gap between locals and foreigners exists in the National Bank of Abu Dhabi as much as job levels are concerned (The National Bank of Abu Dhabi, 2011). This is evident from the way the bank has left short term employment to foreigners as these comes with no or little promotions to higher positions. The secondary sector of the dual market best explains this. Wages offered are deterred by the market forces and therefore subject to change whenever economic drivers change. This kind of jobs is also characterized by low level skilled workers, low earnings, impermanence, easy entry and low returns basing on ones experience. The Natio nal Bank of Abu Dhabi has in many occasions advertised such jobs outside the country and especially on the internet. This implies that the most preferable source of these workers is the Diaspora. Although the bank is ranked as one of the best employers basing on what it offers to its employees as salaries, workers who fall under secondary sector of dual labor market receive the least payments. This effect is as a result of the dynamism experience by the world labor markets as a result of globalization. Dual labor market theories assert that immigration of workers is as a result of economic globalization and effective penetration across boundaries by potential employees (Holley et al. 2008, p. 52). Therefore, this is a major effect of globalization of employment policies o the National Bank of Abu Dhabi as it employs 61 percent of its employees from outside the country. International trends of migrations by workers are controlled by labor demands from modern civilization. Industrial relations of the bank have therefore been affected by these changes prompting the bank to seek cheap labor from all over the globe. Dual labor conditions in the Middle East are still so much prevalent as a result of low numbers of local professionals which encourages foreigners come looking for jobs in the emirate. The net effect is that foreigners have the largest employee stakes in most UAE based organizations. The grievance procedure in place in the company and its impact on industrial relations A grievance is defined as any form of discontent affecting an organizations performance and thus can be termed as either being legitimate, unvoiced, oral, written or even ridiculous. If this situation is not correctly addressed, it may lead to a very poor relationship between the employees and the management. Such conflicts are very detrimental to any organizations performance and thus very injurious to customers who depend on such institutions. An organized form of settling these matters of employee dissatisfaction is referred to as grievance procedure. Whether unionized or not, all companies are required by the UAE law to have a well established grievance procedure. The National Bank of Abu Dhabi is no exception as it has established good communication mechanisms courtesy of its human resource department. The bank allows it employees to join labor unions in the country (The National Bank of Abu Dhabi, 2011). By so doing, the bank expects to receive all grieving matters concerning its workers who happen to be from UAE and the Diaspora. Staff awareness is highly regarded as the bank organizes several conferences among its employees with special consideration of both local and imported workforce. These conferences employ a few variations in addressing employee grievances because of other organizational structures of the bank since the needs of different workers are varied or distributed along the general spectrum of employee grievances. For instance, other workers might be complaining of salaries while other could comfortable with what they earn but not with the working environments they are subjected to. Different institutions have different grievance procedures which involve a series of successive steps. The National Bank of Abu Dhabi has made it clear to its workers of the four steps it expects it follow which are; Holding discussion conferences among its aggrieved workers in presence of a supervisor and if possible a representative from the workers union. Hosting of constructive meetings between the middle management and their counterparts in the worker union. Top management then meets to address the grievances together with the top union leaders with both parties being formally informed by their juniors of the previous meetings The fourth and the last step involve an arbitration process that involves close scrutiny of the problems. It is from this dialogue that workers are expected to have their grievances addressed. Since employees could be having different demands especially in salaries and other remunerations for local and foreign employees, the bank has different panels that take care of each side separately (The National Bank of Abu Dhabi, 2011). Grievance procedures are equally upheld by the labor laws of the United Arab Emirates. According to University of Pennsylvania; Middle East Research Institute (1985, p. 67), the law has undergone a series of transformations since effects of globalization started taking place. The federal law number 9 of 1980 is the most commonly used piece of legislation when it comes to labor matters. This law defines who an employee is with the most important point for this research being that it does not discriminate employees by their places of origin. Therefore, we can say that the laws go along with what the National Bank f Abu Dhabi employment policies that allow it employ much of its employees from outside the country (The National Bank of Abu Dhabi, 2011). Termination of employment as a solution to a worker-employees crisis is also embraced by the UAE labor laws. This law focuses on the need to have an employee pass a test in whatever job they apply for. The law allows a six month probation period under which an employer is allowed to dismiss a potential employee if he or she fails to fulfill all the requirements. Comparing this with the National Bank of Abu Dhabi employment policy, this law seems to go hand in hand with the presence of temporal and non-standard employment status such as contracts and internships (The National Bank of Abu Dhabi, 2011). This opportunity is mostly beneficial to an employer as this allow him or her to terminate employment without giving terminal employment benefits. These grievances laws do not address the biases in nationality of employees. It recognizes anybody legally allowed to work there as any other employee. The only disparity found in labor laws of UAE based on nationalities is the clause that recognize the use of Arabic as the official language of writing and keeping records. The law however allows the use of other languages in writing but still maintains that Arabic prevails in any situation therefore calling for documentation in different languages as long as Arabic remains official. The law also requires an employee to engage constructively with his or her employer for negotiations before any final decision is made. The employer is required to present his or her grievance to the employer in writing (failure to which no steps can be taken) and followed by meetings to discuss the claims (University of Pennsylvania; Middle East Research Institute, 1985, p. 69). The law also allows employees to file appeals against employer decisions which might not be necessarily correct. The law is not seen to favor the UAE nationals per se but it is seen to encourage institutions to employ the locals. The government has embarked on a very serious campaign to increase the number of UAE nationals in what it calls Emiritazation the only distinction seen between foreign and local employees. Procedural addressing of employee grievances by the National Bank of Abu Dhabi by engaging them in discussions matches the law provision for informal settlement of these conflicts. The law allows employer and employee to solve their issues by themselves without necessary going through the law. Basing on such procedures used by the bank in addressing its employee grievances, it is correct to say that the bank concurs with the labor laws of UAE. These laws have had a positive impact on both employer and employees as they allow them solve their differences on a neutral platform. The UAE has generally adapted the international standards of grievance procedures. This decision has resulted in employees of the bank settle for it. The procedures seem to be all inclusive as the deal with all types of grievances that may arise, a reason that may be behind the acceptance of the procedure by most if not all employees. Conclusion Globalization has come along with many changes especially in the labor markets. Companies have been forced to adjust their employment policies to match with the modern global demands. The National Bank of Abu Dhabi is one of such institutions that are faced by challenges that come with globalization. The overall effects as found out include changes in labor markets which permit export of labor to other countries. This is proved by the fact that 61 percent of the banks employees come from outside UAE. This pressure has caused a change in employment policies especially in seeking the most qualified individuals. High influx of employees into the country has made the bank embark on a thorough training program before formal employment. This has helped in sieving out under qualified employees. The UAE laws on labor are also conversant with the new trends of labor as dictated by globalization. It recognizes foreigners just like it does to locals although it advocating for higher numbers of UAE nationals working in local firms. The National Bank of Abu Dhabi has a well established grievance procedure. It caters for some of the most notorious hitches of its employees by calling for dialogue with its employees. This offers an opportunity to informally solve any problem and thus avoid affecting its performance and public image. Although industrial relations of the bank have been affected by the changes in the labor market, the institution maintains its quest of the best employees by tapping the best talents through its thorough training programs. This has enabled it maintain a sound relationship with its employees thus retaining its leading position in the region and the world as the best financial institution. Basing on what has happened and what is likely to come, I would recommend the following actions to the institution in order to maintain and improve its local and international image. Avoid any policy adjustments that are likely to create a bias between locals and foreign employees. This is because the word is changing at a very rapid and steady rate implying that the future call for more integration. Any attempts to embrace such moves will make the bank more local and thus repel international attention. Focus on employee affairs interested programs such as training. This should be done by coming up with training packages such as refresher courses. This will in no doubt boost the companys grievance procedure. The government should also come up with labor laws that are suitable and matches todays trends of doing business. As much as the government would wish to advocate for better employment status of its citizens, it should bear in mind that the world is changing meaning the firms even in the UAE will succeed when putting on a global face. It should encourage a competitive process like calling for acquisition of better academic skills which will obviously address the issue without being detrimental to any sector of its economy.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Cerebrospinal Fluid

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Cerebrospinal Fluid Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics in Congenital Brain Anomalies Protocol of Thesis for Partial Fulfillment of Master Degree in Radiodiagnosis By Eman Mahmoud Elsayed Sobh M.B.B.Ch Radiodiagnosis Resident Ministry of Health Supervisors Prof. Dr. Amany Ezzat Mohammed Mousa Professor of Radiodiagnosis Faculty of Medicine Mansoura University Dr. Mahmoud Abd Ellatif Mohammed Assistant Professor of Radiodiagnosis Faculty of Medicine Mansoura University 2017 Introduction Congenital brain anomalies are abnormal developments of the brain that happen during intrauterine life and they are rare among the congenital anomalies of various organ systems. These anomalies of the central nervous system cause approximately 25% of perinatal deaths and account for about 33% of all major anomalies diagnosed at or after birth. The etiology of congenital brain anomalies is poorly understood, albeit some clinical and experimental evidence indicates that a variety of factors, including genetic (chromosome abnormality), environmental (ionizing radiation, toxic agents), infection (rubella and cytomegalovirus), and nutrition (hypervitaminosis A) might play some roles(Chen Zimmerman, 2000). It is important to diagnose these conditions as early as possible due to its far reaching neurological deficit and detrimental outcome. Most of the congenital brain anomalies can be reliably diagnosed by neuroimaging (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain. Radiologist and treating physician should be aware of various specific imaging appearances and unique signs of these anomalies to avoid delay in diagnosis and thereby further treatment (Singh, Srivastav, Singhania, Devi, 2014). Imaging techniques may be underutilized when clinicians are unaware of the technique or dont recognize its potential. During the last three decades, flow-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have been increasingly applied to quantitatively and qualitatively assess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics in congenital brain disorders. CSF flowmetry is an extremely valuable tool because it is rapid, sensitive, non-invasive, easily performed and provides critical information in preoperative assessment as well as post-operative follow up of these patients. It is also effective in treatment planning (Yildiz, Yazici, Hakyemez, Erdogan, Parlak, 2006; Zhang Li, 2012). Phase contrast MRI is one the magnetic resonance angiography techniques that have been modified to study the CSF hydrodynamics. The normal and abnormal CSF hydrodynamics can be assessed quantitatively by measuring the peak velocity of CSF in the aqueduct using two-dimensional phase-contrast MRI which demonstrates mechanical coupling between cerebral blood and CSF flow during the cardiac cycle. The normal physiologic motion of CSF is pulsatile which synchronizes with the cardiac cycle. Quantitative analysis of CSF flow in pathways such as aqueduct that is tubular and relatively regular in diameter is desirable because the resulting laminar flow can be measured accurately by phase-contrast MRI. Qualitative assessment provides visual appreciation of the CSF flow through the aqueduct and basal cisterns. (Giiang, Chen, Chen, Huang, Chung, 2000). Aim of Work The aim of this work is to assess the CSF flow dynamics in different congenital brain anomalies using phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC MRI). Patients Site of the study: Mansoura University Hospital, Radiodiagnosis Department, MRI unit Sample size: 30 patients Duration: within 1 year Inclusion Criteria Patients with congenital brain anomalies diagnosed clinically or radiologically Exclusion criteria Patients / Guardians refusing the procedure Patients have contraindications to MRI studies Patients with associated known arrhythmias Methodology All patients will be subjected to: Full clinical examination Radiological investigations (MRI including phase contrast study of CSF flow dynamics) Electrocardiograph (ECG) Informed consent will be obtained from all patients after full explanation of the benefits and risks of the procedure. Any unexpected risks appear during the course of the research will be cleared to the participants and the ethical committee on time Any patients will be treated in the hospital if any complications occur to them related to the technique Privacy and confidentiality will be maintained to all patients. References Chen, C.-Y., Zimmerman, R. A. (2000). Congenital brain anomalies Neuroimaging (pp. 491-530): Springer. Giiang, L.-H., Chen, C.-Y., Chen, M.-Y., Huang, T.-Y., Chung, W. (2000). Normal and abnormal cerebrospinal fluid dynamics evaluated by optimized cine phase-contrast MR imaging. Chin J Radiol, 25, 191-195. Singh, T. G., Srivastav, V., Singhania, P., Devi, S. M. (2014). Congenital brain anomalies: Neuroimaging findings. Journal of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, 3(2), 77. Yildiz, H., Yazici, Z., Hakyemez, B., Erdogan, C., Parlak, M. (2006). Evaluation of CSF flow patterns of posterior fossa cystic malformations using CSF flow MR imaging. Neuroradiology, 48(9), 595-605. doi:10.1007/s00234-006-0098-8 Zhang, B., Li, S. B. (2012). Cine-PC MR in assessment of cerebrospinal fluid velocity in the aqueduct of the midbrain correlated with intracranial pressureinitial study. Med Hypotheses, 78(2), 227-230. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2011.10.031

Antony and Cleopatra Essay examples -- Antony and Cleopatra

As a onetime outpost of Rome, England was greatly influenced by Roman genealogy-ancestors that were god-like (Mars), superhuman (Hercules), fearless warriors (Pompey) who flourished in a patriarchal society (ancient 4). I would like to discuss how Shakespeare uses these characteristics in his Roman tragedy Antony and Cleopatra, as a means to express sixteenth century England's cultural upheavals, one of which was the transformation of masculinity defined in terms of power to masculinity rooted in humanism. Traditionally, the monarch of a country is the "head of the nobility"(Giddens 2) and skilled in weaponry so as to fight side by side with his soldiers. Queen Elizabeth shattered this tradition with her femininity and physical inability to fight a war. As Eugene Giddens points out, Elizabeth was viewed as "conflict-shy". Because she did not "enter war lightly", a great anxiety arose within the military and the English nobility. After all, their major source of honors and promotion in the monarch's court--great military feats--was constricted by the lack of war (Giddens 2). Shakespeare's emphasis on Rome's martial society in Antony and Cleopatra addresses the importance that a martial society held for men in England during Elizabeth's reign. Military prowess defined masculinity by power and honor. Giddens highlights a Francis Bacon quote from "Of the True Greatness of Kingdoms and Estates" in which Bacon writes "No body can be healthful without exercise, neither natural body nor politic: and certainly to a kingdom or estate, a just and honourable war is the true exercise . . . for in a slothful peace, both courages will effeminate and manners corrupt" (Giddens 13). Note the same sentiment for the relationship between war, ... ...age and Literature 15 (1990): 79-107. Carducci, Jane S. â€Å"Brutus, Cassius, and Caesar in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar; Language and the Roman Male.† Language and Literature 13 (1988): 1-19. Giddens, Eugene. â€Å"Honourable Men: Militancy and Masculinity in Julius Caesar.† Renaissance Forum 5.2 (2001): 34 pars. 6 Oct. 2006. http://www.hull.ac.uk/renforum/v5no2/giddens.htm Shakespeare, William. â€Å" Antony and Cleopatra† The Necessary Shakespeare Second Edition. Ed. David Bevington. New York: Pearson Longman, 2005. 752-800. Vaught, Jennifer. â€Å"Masculinity and Affect in Shakespeare’s Winter’s Tale: Men of Feeling from the Renaissance through the Enlightenment.† 1650-1850: Ideas, Aesthetics, and Inquiries in the Early Modern Era 10 (2004): 305-325. Wofford, Susanne L. ed. Shakespeare’s Late Tragedies A Collection of Critical Essays. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. 1996. Antony and Cleopatra Essay examples -- Antony and Cleopatra As a onetime outpost of Rome, England was greatly influenced by Roman genealogy-ancestors that were god-like (Mars), superhuman (Hercules), fearless warriors (Pompey) who flourished in a patriarchal society (ancient 4). I would like to discuss how Shakespeare uses these characteristics in his Roman tragedy Antony and Cleopatra, as a means to express sixteenth century England's cultural upheavals, one of which was the transformation of masculinity defined in terms of power to masculinity rooted in humanism. Traditionally, the monarch of a country is the "head of the nobility"(Giddens 2) and skilled in weaponry so as to fight side by side with his soldiers. Queen Elizabeth shattered this tradition with her femininity and physical inability to fight a war. As Eugene Giddens points out, Elizabeth was viewed as "conflict-shy". Because she did not "enter war lightly", a great anxiety arose within the military and the English nobility. After all, their major source of honors and promotion in the monarch's court--great military feats--was constricted by the lack of war (Giddens 2). Shakespeare's emphasis on Rome's martial society in Antony and Cleopatra addresses the importance that a martial society held for men in England during Elizabeth's reign. Military prowess defined masculinity by power and honor. Giddens highlights a Francis Bacon quote from "Of the True Greatness of Kingdoms and Estates" in which Bacon writes "No body can be healthful without exercise, neither natural body nor politic: and certainly to a kingdom or estate, a just and honourable war is the true exercise . . . for in a slothful peace, both courages will effeminate and manners corrupt" (Giddens 13). Note the same sentiment for the relationship between war, ... ...age and Literature 15 (1990): 79-107. Carducci, Jane S. â€Å"Brutus, Cassius, and Caesar in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar; Language and the Roman Male.† Language and Literature 13 (1988): 1-19. Giddens, Eugene. â€Å"Honourable Men: Militancy and Masculinity in Julius Caesar.† Renaissance Forum 5.2 (2001): 34 pars. 6 Oct. 2006. http://www.hull.ac.uk/renforum/v5no2/giddens.htm Shakespeare, William. â€Å" Antony and Cleopatra† The Necessary Shakespeare Second Edition. Ed. David Bevington. New York: Pearson Longman, 2005. 752-800. Vaught, Jennifer. â€Å"Masculinity and Affect in Shakespeare’s Winter’s Tale: Men of Feeling from the Renaissance through the Enlightenment.† 1650-1850: Ideas, Aesthetics, and Inquiries in the Early Modern Era 10 (2004): 305-325. Wofford, Susanne L. ed. Shakespeare’s Late Tragedies A Collection of Critical Essays. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. 1996.

Spending Power of Children Essay -- Marketing

In present day to day life, kids play a vital role in the purchase behaviour of the family. This paper focuses on the effects of retail communication on the purchase decision of children. The various factors which influence child’s behaviour have been studied. The methodology adopted includes thorough observation of a kid from entry to exit in the store followed by a personal interview of the accompanying person. Further, the kid’s interaction with the accompanying person has been studied and his/her evaluation of the request is noted. After analysing the complete behaviour, a framework has been proposed which depicts the complete process and the various factors which influences child’s behaviour in the store. Introduction Nowadays children’s share in the family expenditure occupies a significant place. It is also believed that this share is spent by the elders to buy necessary things for the children but now the scenario is changing. The children have the major say in deciding what things they want and what they don’t. According to one of the researcher, spending power of children or young consumers is expected to be over  £200m in the UK alone (Nicole Weiner, 2004). So now it can be estimated that how much it would have been risen over the last 7 years. Markets are also influenced by this kind of behaviour and mould themselves accordingly. We can see a large variety of child centric things in the markets, which are making huge profits despite being not much of necessity. This study is done to find out the various factors involved that influence a kid’s behaviour at a retail store and the percentage of accompanying persons that yield to the various types of influence attempts made by the kids at the store. Litera... ... ‘crying’, and ‘hitting’ contributes (33.33%), (50%)& (16.67%) respectively. For those who made simple purchasing attempts, ‘simple requesting for the product’ was their first preference with (86.67%) & ‘pointing towards the product’ was the second with 53.33% and the rest like ‘grabbing it from the shelf’ and ‘naming a product’ were at the back with 40%, 33.33% respectively. Accompanying person initiated demands are defined as those in which the accompanying persons willingly offer the product to their child. This includes voluntarily asking about child’s product preference, suggesting a certain product, inviting them for the product selection. In this ‘voluntarily asking about their product preference’, ‘suggesting a certain product’, ‘inviting them for the product selection’ contributes 44.44%, 55.55% and 44.44% respectively towards the AP initiated dema nd.

Cyborg Imagination in the Age of Electronic Incunabula :: Research Essays Term Papers

Cyborg Imagination in the Age of Electronic Incunabula In Hamlet on the Holodeck, Janet Murray argues that we live in an age of electronic incubabula. Noting that it took fifty years after the invention of the printing press to establish the conventions of the printed book, she writes, "The garish videogames and tangled Web sites of the current digital environment are part of a similar period of technical evolution, part of a similar struggle for the conventions of coherent communication" (28). Although I disagree in various ways with her vision of where electronic narrative is going, it does seem likely that in twenty years, or fifty, certain things will be obvious about electronic narrative that those of us who are working in the field today simply do not see. Alongside the obvious drawbacks--forget marble and gilded monuments, it would be nice for a work to outlast the average Yugo--are some advantages, not the least of which is what Michael Joyce calls "the momentary advantage of our awkwardness": we have an opportunity to see our in teractions with electronic media before they become as transparent as our interactions with print media have become. The particular interaction I want to look at today is the interaction of technology and imagination. If computer media do nothing else, they surely offer the imagination new opportunities; indeed, the past ten years of electronic writing has been an era of extraordinary technical innovation. Yet this is also, again, an age of incubabula, of awkwardness. My question today is, what can we say about this awkwardness, insofar as it pertains to the interaction of technology and the imagination? Let me begin with a confession: I'm a technodummy. By "dummy" I mean the kind of person targeted by books such as IDG Books' HTML for Dummies, Javascript for Dummies, and C++ for Dummies. I notice that the series has extended past the technical fields: there is now a Dieting for Dummies, an Entertaining for Dummies, and so forth. There is not only a Dating for Dummies but also an ABRIDGED version of Dating for Dummies, which I guess is for people who want to skip the movie. There is even a book put out by Alpha Books called The Complete Idiot's Guide to Enhancing Self-Esteem, which seems to me to be carrying the concept a bit far. Anyway, I confess that, although I've never bought a "for Dummies" book, I am one of the people such books are written for, a technodummy, which is to say someone who isn't exceptionally skilled in using computers.

The Return: Nightfall Chapter 29

â€Å"Elena!† Something was bothering her. â€Å"Elena!† Please, no more pain. She couldn't feel it right now, but she could remember†¦oh, no more fighting for air†¦ â€Å"Elena!† No†¦just let it be. Mentally, Elena pushed away the thing that bothered her ears and her head. â€Å"Elena, please†¦Ã¢â‚¬  All she wanted was sleep. Forever. â€Å"Damn you,Shinichi!† Damon had picked up the snow globe with the miniature forest when Shinichi found Elena's smudged glow radiating from it. Inside it, dozens of spruce, hickory, pine, and other trees grew – all from a perfectly transparent inner membrane. A miniature person – given that someone could be miniaturized and placed into such a globe, would see trees ahead, trees behind, trees in every direction – and could walk a straight line and come back to their starting point no matter which way they went. â€Å"It's an amusement,† Shinichi had said sullenly, watching him intently from under his lashes. â€Å"A toy, for children, usually. A play-trap.† â€Å"And you findthis amusing?† Damon had smashed the globe against the driftwood coffee table in the exquisite cabin which was Shinichi's secret hideout. That was when he had discovered why these were games for children – the globe was unbreakable. After that Damon had taken a moment – just one moment – to get hold of himself. Elena had perhaps seconds to live. He needed to be precise with his words. After that single moment, a long flow of words had spilled out from his lips, mostly in English, and mostly without unnecessary curses or even insults. He didn't care about insulting Shinichi. He had simply threatened – no, he hadsworn – to carry out on Shinichi the kind of violence that he had seen sometimes in a long life filled with humans and vampires with skewed imaginations. Eventually, it had gotten through to Shinichi that he was serious, and Damon had found himself inside the globe with a drenched Elena in front of him. She was lying at his feet, and she was worse off than his worst fears had allowed him to picture. She had a dislocated right arm with multiple fractures and a hideously shattered left tibia. Horrified as he had been to imagine her staggering through the forest of the globe, blood streaming from her right arm from shoulder to elbow, left leg dragging behind her like a wounded animal's, this was worse. Her hair had been soaking with sweat and mud, straggling over her face. And she'd been out of her mind, literally, delirious, talking to people who weren't there. And she was turning blue. She had been able to snap exactly one creeper with all her effort. Damon clawed up huge armfuls of them, ripping them from the earth viciously if they tried to fight or wrap around his wrists. Elena gasped in one deep breath just as suffocation would have killed her, but she didn't regain consciousness. And she wasn't the Elena he remembered. When he'd picked her up, he'd felt no resistance, no acceptance, nothing. She didn't know him. She was delirious with fever, exhaustion, and pain, but in one moment of half-consciousness had kissed his hand through her damp, disheveled hair, whispering â€Å"Matt†¦Find†¦Matt.† She didn't know who he was – she scarcely knew whoshe was, but her concern was for her friend. The kiss had gone through his hand and up his arm like the touch of a branding iron, and since then he'd been monitoring her mind, trying to divert the agony she was feeling away – away anywhere – into the night – into himself. He turned back to Shinichi and, in a voice like an icy wind, said, â€Å"You'd better have a way to cure all her wounds – now.† The charming cabin was surrounded by the same evergreens, hickory, and pines as grew in the snow globe. The fire burned violet and green as Shinichi poked it. â€Å"This water is just about ready to boil. Make her drink tea made with this.† He handed Damon a blackened flagon – once beautiful chased silver; now a battered remnant of what it had been – and a teapot with some broken leaves and other unsavory-looking things at the bottom. â€Å"Make sure she drinks a good three quarters of a cup, and she'll fall asleep and wake up almost as good as new.† He dug an elbow into Damon's ribs. â€Å"Or you can just let her have a few sips – heal her partway, and then let her know it's in your power to give her more†¦or not. You know†¦depending on how cooperative she is†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Damon remained silent and turned away. If I have to look at him, he thought, I'll kill him. And I might need him again. â€Å"And if you really want to accelerate the healing, add some of your blood. Some people like to do it that way,† Shinichi added, his voice picking up speed with excitement again. â€Å"See how much pain a human can take, you know, and then when they're dying, you can just feed them tea and blood and start over†¦if they remember you from last time – which they hardly ever do; they'll usually go through more pain just to get a chance to fight you†¦,† he giggled, and Damon thought he sounded not quite sane. But when he had suddenly turned to Shinichi, he had to hold himself very still inside. Shinichi had become a blazing, glowing, outline of himself, with tongues of light lapping from his projection, rather like close-up solar flares. Damon was nearly blinded, and knew he was meant to be. He clutched the silver flagon as if he were holding on to his own sanity. Maybe he was. He had a blank space in his mind – and then there were suddenly memories of trying to find Elena†¦or Shinichi. Because Elena had abruptly been absent from his company, and it could only be the fault of the kitsune. â€Å"There's a modern bathroom here?† Damon asked Shinichi. â€Å"There's whatever you want; just decide before you open a door and unlock it with this key. And now†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Shinichi stretched, his golden eyes half shut. He ran a languid hand through his shiny black hair tipped with flame. â€Å"Now, I think I'll go sleep under a bush.† â€Å"Is that all you ever do?† Damon made no attempt to keep the biting sarcasm out of his voice. â€Å"And have fun with Misao. And fight. And go to the tournaments. They – well, you'll have to come and see one for yourself.† â€Å"I don't care to go anywhere.† Damon didn't want to know what this fox and his sister considered fun. Shinichi reached out and took the miniature cauldron full of boiling water off the fire. He poured the boiling water over the collection of tree bark, leaves, and other detritus in the battered metal teapot. â€Å"Why don't you go find a bushnow ?† Damon said – and it wasn't a suggestion. He'd had enough of the fox, who had served his purpose now anyway, and he didn't care a bit about whatever mischief Shinichi might make for other people. All he wanted was to be alone – with Elena. â€Å"Remember; get her to drink it all if you want to keep her for a while. She's pretty much unsalvageable without it.† Shinichi poured through a fine sieve the infusion of dark green tea. â€Å"Better try before she wakes up.† â€Å"Will you justget out of here ?† When Shinichi stepped through the dimensional crack, taking care to turn just the right way so as to reach the real world, and not some other globe, he was steaming. He wanted to go back and thrash Damon within an inch of his life. He wanted to activate the malach inside Damon and cause him to†¦well, of course, notquite kill sweet Elena. She was a blossom with nectar untasted, and Shinichi was in no hurry to see her buried underground. But as for the rest of the idea†¦yes, he decided. Now he knew what he would do. It would be simply delicious to watch Damon and Elena make up, and then, during the Moonspire Festival tonight, to bring back the monster. He could let Damon go on believing they were â€Å"allies,† and then, in the middle of their little spree – let the possessed Damon loose. Show that he, Shinichi, had been in control all along. He would punish Elena in ways she had never dreamed about and she would die in delicious agony†¦at Damon's hand. Shinichi's tails quivered a little ecstatically at the thought. But for now, let them laugh and joke together. Revenge only ripened with time, and Damon was really quite difficult to control when he was raging. It hurt to admit that, just as his tail – the physical one in the center – hurt from Damon's abominable cruelty to animals. When Damon was in a passion it took every ounce of Shinichi's concentration to control him. But at Moonspire Damon would be calm, would be placid. He'd be pleased with himself, as he and Elena would undoubtedly have laid some absurd plot to try to stop Shinichi. Thatwould be when the fun would begin. Elena would make a beautiful slave while she lasted. With the kitsune gone, Damon felt that he could behave more naturally. Keeping a firm grasp on Elena's mind, he picked up the cup. He tried a sip of the mixture himself before trying it on her and found it tasted just slightly less nauseating than it smelled. However, Elena really had no choice, she could not do anything of her own volition, and little by little, the mixture went down. And then a dose of his blood went down. Again, Elena was unconscious and had no choice in the matter. And then she'd gone to sleep by herself. Damon paced restlessly. He had a memory that was more like a dream floating around in his head. It was of Elena trying to throw herself out of a Ferrari going about 100 kilometers an hour, to get away from – what? Him? Why? Not, in any case, the best of beginnings. But that wasall he could remember! Damn it! Whatever came right before it was a total blank. Had he hurt Stefan? No, Stefan was gone. It had been the other boy with her, Mutt.What had happened? Damn it tohell ! He had to figure out what had happened so he could explain it all to Elena when she woke up. He wanted her to believe him, to trust him. He didn't want Elena as a one-night bleeder. He wanted her tochoose him. He wanted her to see how much better suited she was to him than to his mousy, milksop brother. His princess of darkness. That was what she wasmeant to be. With him as king, consort, whatever she wished. When she saw things more clearly, she would understand that it didn't matter. That nothing mattered except them being together. He viewed her body, veiled under the sheet, with dispassion – no, with positiveguilt .Dio mio – what if he hadn't found her? He couldn't get the picture out of his mind of how she'd looked, stumbling forward like that†¦lying there breathless†¦kissing his hand†¦ Damon sat down and pinched the bridge of his nose. Why had she been in the Ferrari with him? She'd been angry – no, not angry. Furious was closer but so frightened†¦ofhim . He could picture that clearly now, the moment of her throwing herself out of the speeding car, but he couldn't remember anything before it. Was he going out of his mind? What had been done to her? No†¦Damon forced his thoughts away from the easy question and made himself ask thereal question. What hadhe done to her? Elena's eyes, blue with golden flecks, like lapis lazuli, were easy to read even without telepathy. What had†¦he†¦done to her that was so frightening that she would jump out of a speeding car to get away from him? He'd been taunting the fair-haired boy. Mutt†¦Gnat†¦whatever. The three of them had been together, and he and Elena had been†¦damn! From there to his awakening at the steering wheel of the Ferrari, all was a shimmering blank. He could remember saving Bonnie at Caroline's house; he could remember being late for his 4:44A.M . meeting with Stefan; but after that, things began to fragment.Shinichi , maledicalo! That fox! He knew more about this than he was telling Damon. I have always†¦been stronger†¦than my enemies, he thought. I have always†¦remained†¦in†¦control. He heard a slight sound and was by Elena in an instant. Her blue eyes were shut, but the lashes were fluttering. Was she waking up? He made himself turn down the sheet by her shoulder. Shinichi had been right. There was a lot of dried blood, but he could sense that the blood flow itself was more normal. But there was something horribly wrong†¦no, he wouldn't believe it. Damon barely kept himself from screaming in frustration. The damn fox had left her with a dislocated shoulder. Things were definitely not going well for him today. Now what? Call for Shinichi? Never. He felt he couldn't look at the fox again tonight without wanting to murder him. He was going to have to put her shoulder back in the socket alone. It was a procedure usually only attempted by two people, but what could he do? Still keeping Elena in an iron mind-grip, making sure shecouldn't awaken, he grasped her by the arm and began the painful business of dislocating the humerus even farther, pulling the bone away so that he could finally release pressure and hear the sweetpop that meant that the long arm bone had slipped back into the socket. Then he let go. Elena's head was tossing from side to side, her lips parched. He poured some more of Shinichi's magical bone-knitting tea into the battered cup, then lifted her head gently from the left side to put the cup to her lips. He let her mind have some freedom, then, and she started to lift her right hand and then dropped it. He sighed and tilted her head, tipping the silver flagon so that the tea trickled into her mouth. She swallowed obediently. It all reminded him of Bonnie†¦but Bonnie hadn't been so terribly hurt. Damon knew he couldn't return Elena to her friends in this condition; not with her camisole and jeans shredded, and dried blood everywhere. Maybe he could do something about that. He went to the second door off the bedroom, thought, bathroom – modern bathroom, and unlocked and opened the door. It was exactly what he'd imagined: a pristine, white, sanitary place with a large heap of towels piled, ready for guests, on the bathtub. Damon ran warm water over one of the washcloths. He knew better by now than to strip Elena and dump her in warm water. It was what she needed, but if anyone ever found out, her friends would have his beating heart torn out of his chest and staked on a pike. He didn't even have to think about that – he simply knew it. He went back to Elena and began to gently stroke dried blood off her shoulder. She murmured, shaking her head, but he kept it up until the shoulder at least looked normal, exposed as it was by torn cloth. Then he got another washcloth and went to work on her ankle. This was still swollen – she wasn't going to be running away anytime soon. Her tibia, the first of the two bones in the lower leg, had grown properly together again. It was more evidence that Shinichi and theShi no Shi had no need for money, or they could simply put this tea on the market and make a fortune. â€Å"We look at things†¦differently,† Shinichi had said, fixing Damon with those strange golden eyes. â€Å"Money doesn't mean much to us. What does? The deathbed agonies of an old rogue who fears he's going to hell. Watching him sweat, trying to remember encounters he's long forgotten. A baby's first conscious tear of loneliness. The emotions of an unfaithful wife when her husband catches her with her lover. A maiden's†¦well, her first kiss and her first night of discovery. A brother willing to die for his brother. Things like that.† And many other things that couldn't be mentioned in polite company, Damon thought. A lot were about pain. They were emotional leeches, sucking up the feelings of mortals to make up for the emptiness of their own souls. He could feel the sickness inside him again as he tried to imagine – to calculate – the pain Elena must have felt, leaping out of his car. She must have expected an agonizing death – but it was still better than staying with him. This time, before entering the door that had been a white-tiled bathroom, he thought,Kitchen, modern, with plenty of ice packs in the freezer. Nor was he disappointed. He found himself in a strongly masculine kitchen, with chrome appliances and black-and-white tiling. In the freezer: six ice packs. He took three back to Elena and put one around her shoulder, one at her elbow, and one around her ankle. Then he went back into the kitchen's spotless beauty for a glass of ice-cold water. Tired. So tired. Elena felt as if her body were weighted with lead. Every limb†¦every thought†¦lapped in lead. For instance, there was something she was supposed to be doing – or not doing – right now. But she couldn't make the thought come to the surface of her mind. It was too heavy. Everything was too heavy. She couldn't even open her eyes. A scraping sound. Someone was near, on a chair. Then there was liquid coolness on her lips, just a few drops, but it stimulated her to try to hold the cup herself and drink. Oh, delicious water. It tasted better than anything she'd ever had before. Her shoulder hurt terribly, but it was worth the pain to drink and drink – no! The glass was being pulled away. She tried, feebly, to hang onto it, but it was pulled out of her grasp. Then she tried to touch her shoulder, but those gentle, invisible hands wouldn't let her, not until they had washed her own hands with warm water. After that they packed the ice packs around her and wrapped her like a mummy in a sheet. The cold numbed her immediate feelings of pain, although there were other pains, deep inside†¦. It was all too difficult to think about. As the hands removed the ice packs again – she was shivering with cold now – she let herself lapse back into sleep. Damon treated Elena and dozed, treated and dozed. In the perfectly appointed bathroom, he found a tortoiseshell hairbrush and a comb. They looked serviceable. And one thing he knew for certain: Elena's hair had never looked like this in her life – or unlife. He tried to stroke the brush gently through her hair and found that the tangles were much harder to get out than he'd imagined. When he pulled harder on the brush, she moved and murmured in that strange sleep-language of hers. And, finally, it was the hair brushing that did it. Elena, without opening her eyes, reached up and took the brush from his hand and then, when it hit a major tangle, frowned, reached up to grasp a fistful and try to get the brush through it. Damon sympathized. He'd had long hair at times during his centuries of existence – when it couldn't be helped, and though his hair was as naturally fine as Elena's, he knew the frustrated feeling that you were ripping your hair out by the roots. Damon was about to take the brush from her again, when she opened her eyes. â€Å"What – ?† she said, and then she blinked. Damon had tensed, ready to push her into mental blackout if it were necessary. But she didn't even try to hit him with the brush. â€Å"What†¦happened?† What Elena was feeling was clear: she didn't like this. She was unhappy about another awakening with only a vague idea of what had been going on when she slept. As Damon, poised for fight or flight, watched her face, she slowly began to put together what had happened to her. â€Å"Damon?† She gave him that no-holds-barred lapis gaze. It said,Am I being tortured, or treated, or are you just an interested bystander, enjoying somebody's pain while drinking a glass of cognac? â€Å"Theycook with cognac, princess. Theydrink Armagnac. And I don't drink†¦either,† Damon said. He spoiled the entire effect by adding hastily, â€Å"That's not a threat. I swear to you, Stefan left me as your bodyguard.† This was technically true if you considered the facts: Stefan had yelled, â€Å"You'd better make sure nothing happens to Elena, you double-dealing bastard, or I'm going to find a way to come back and rip off your – † The rest had been muffled in the fight, but Damon had gotten the gist. And now he took the assignment seriously. â€Å"Nothing else will hurt you, if you'll allow me to watch over you,† he added, now getting into the area of the fictitious, since whoever had frightened or pulled her out of the car had obviously been around when he had. But nothing would get her in the future, he swore to himself. However he had blundered this last time, from now on there would be no further attacks on Elena Gilbert – or someone would die. He wasn't trying to spy on her thoughts, but as she stared into his eyes for a long moment, they projected with total clarity – and utter mystery – the words: I knew I was right. It was someone else all along. And he knew that under her pain, Elena felt a huge sense of satisfaction. â€Å"I hurt my shoulder.† She reached up with her right hand to grip it, but Damon stopped her. â€Å"You dislocated it,† Damon said. â€Å"It's going to hurt for a while.† â€Å"And my ankle†¦but someone†¦I remember being in the woods and looking up and it wasyou . I couldn't breathe but you tore the creepers off me and you picked me up in your arms†¦.† She looked at Damon in bewilderment. â€Å"Yousaved me?† The statement had the sound of a question, but it wasn't. She was wondering over something that seemed impossible. Then she began to cry. A baby's first conscious tear of loneliness. The emotions of an unfaithful wife when her husband catches her with her lover†¦ And maybe a young girl's weeping when she believes that her enemy has saved her from death. Damon ground his teeth in frustration. The thought that Shinichi might be watching this, feeling Elena's emotions, savoring them†¦it was impossible to bear. Shinichi would give Elena her memory back again, he was certain of that. But at a time and place most amusing to him. â€Å"It was my job,† he said tightly. â€Å"I'd sworn to do it.† â€Å"Thank you,† Elena gasped between her sobs. â€Å"No, please – don't turn away. I really mean it. Ohhh – is there a box of tissues – or anythingdry ?† Her body was heaving with sobs again. The perfect bathroom had a box of tissues. Damon brought it back to Elena. He looked away as she used them, blowing her nose again and again as she sobbed. Here there was no enchanted and enchanting spirit, no grim and sophisticated fighter of evil, no dangerous coquette. There was only a girl broken by pain, gasping like a wounded doe, sobbing like a child. And undoubtedly his brother would know what to say to her. He, Damon, had no idea of what to do – except that he knew he was going to kill for this. Shinichi would learn what it meant to tangle with Damon when Elena was involved. â€Å"How do you feel?† he asked brusquely. No one would be able to say he'd taken advantage of this – no one would be able to say he'd hurt her only to†¦to make use of her. â€Å"You gave me your blood,† Elena said wonderingly, and as he looked quickly down at his rolled-up sleeve, she added, â€Å"No – it's just a feeling I know. When I first – came back to Earth, after the spirit life. Stefan would give me his blood, and eventually I would feel†¦this way. Very warm. A little uncomfortable.† He swung around and looked at her. â€Å"Uncomfortable?† â€Å"Too full – here.† She touched her neck. â€Å"We think it's a symbiotic thing†¦for vampires and humans who live together.† â€Å"For a vampire Changing a human into a vampire, you mean,† he said sharply. â€Å"Except I didn't Change when I was part spirit still. But then – I turned back human.† She hiccupped, tried a pathetic smile, and used the brush again. â€Å"I'd ask you to look at me and see that I haven't Changed, but†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She made a helpless little motion. Damon sat and imagined what it would have been like, taking care of the spirit-child Elena. It was a tantalizing idea. He said bluntly, â€Å"When you said you were a little uncomfortable before, did you mean thatI should take some of your blood?† She half glanced away, then looked back. â€Å"I told you I was grateful. I told you that I felt†¦too full. I don't know howelse to thank you.† Damon had had centuries of training in discipline or he would have thrown something across the room. It was a situation to make you laugh†¦or weep. She was offering herself to him as thanks for rescue from suffering that he should have saved her from, and had failed. But he was no hero. He wasn't like St. Stefan, to refuse this ultimate of prizes; whatever condition she was in. He wanted her.