Lost Horizon

Lost Horizon is a utopian fantasy novel, and so the reader must use his/her imagination to help make this unusual world (Shangri-La) believable. It is more cerebral than that According to Steven Silver Reviews on the novel, the monks at Shangri-La believe in a philosophy which is a mix of Christianity and is brought to the valley by the 18th French priest Perrault which is also the name of the French fabulist and the Buddhism which existed before Perrault's arrival. The motto of these monks could best be summed up as â€Å"Everything in moderation, even moderation†, same as what Aristotle believed in his idealism. The novel opens in a gentleman's club in Berlin where four Englishmen have met for the evening. Talk turns to a plane hi-jacking which had occurred in Baskul, India the previous year. When the men realize they all knew one of the kidnap victims, Hugh Conway, the conversation briefly touches on his probable fate. After the group breaks up, one of their number, the author Rutherford, confides to another that he has seen Conway since the kidnapping and goes on to provide a manuscript accounting for Conway's experiences. Conway is among four kidnap victims, the others being Mallinson, his young assistant who is anxious to get back to civilization, Barnard, a brash American, and Miss Brinklow, an evangelist. Conway himself rounds out the group as an established diplomat and stoic. When the plane crashes in the Kuen-Lun Mountains, the quartet is rescued and taken to the hidden lamasery of Shangri-La. Conway is the most adaptable and open-minded character in the book and takes what people say at face value as truth. Conway, Malinson, Barnard, and Ms. Brinklow are four passengers catching a flight out of Baskul as the political and military situation there deteriorates. The plane is being flown by a pilot who appears to be in a trance and taking them drastically off course. A forced landing on a Himilayan mountain top kills the pilot and ruins the plane. The four survivors are rescued and brought to a strange, almost magical, mountain monastery and village. The setting is lush and green despite the altitude. The people placid and friendly, but mysteriously quiet about the prospects for returning to civilization, so remote is the village. Despite his knowledge Conway leaves with Malinson in an attempt to reach India on foot. They are deceived and the journey is a tragic one. Conway managed to reach civilization and then is desperate to leave to make his return back to Shangri-La, to accept his position as successor to the deceased High Lama. Basically, the story is a spiritual journey for those who see what it is they have stumbled upon, Shangri-La: paradise on Earth. Conway is given an audience with the High Lama but remains quiet as to what is going on. People age years instead of decades, there is no crime or war or hunger. The novel teaches us that desire itself corrupts mankind. Buddhism teaches that nirvana is the end of desire for anything at all, even life itself. Hilton takes this idea and uses it to create his utopia. In Shangri-La, no one wants anything because everyone has everything they need. Children are indoctrinated in courtesy and etiquette even when they are still very young. They are taught to share and love. If two men desire the same woman, one is willing to let go. Passion and ambition are not good. The basis of all human emotion is desire, and when all desire is eliminated, you achieve a utopia. People in Shangri-La do not â€Å"do† anything because they do not want anything. They read, listen to music, have discussions and share nature walks, but they do not compete with each other or perform work. Hilton’s utopians live abnormally long lives because they do not experience any tension or yearnings. Reference: Hilton, James (1988). Lost Horizon. Mass Market Paperback. ISBN: 0671664271      

A Glimpse at Bernard Maybeck Architectural Works

Just imagine looking at a full scale drawing? Well that was just one of Maybeck’s ways of studying his design. His works are blend of possibility and actuality and the reason why the blending of unrelated styles became a success in his works (Matthews, 2008). His love on experimenting designs is very much seen in his Buena Vista Way studio because it looks like a laboratory and at the same time a house.This visionary Architect and described as the Gothic man of the 20th Century believes that every architectural problem requires an original solution. He addresses the housing crisis during the World War 1 by making generic floor plans called small houses or the workers houses. Most of his house design works infused the garden with the house structure. He never uses one type of specifications for the finishes but leave it to his Clients to make the decision.However, most of his works are made up of wood and timber (see photo of a community hall on page 3) for which reason why som e of his drawings did not came into reality because of the scarcity of lumber and failure on the part of the timber supplier. Design Studio Small House The gauge of success for a famous work is its revival when Bill Buchanan an architect whom he mentored enlivens his heritage in Oregon by adopting Maybeck standards for the design of 1000 dwellings on a steep hill on a 630 Acre land parcel near Harbor Hill.Bill Buchanan believes that his mentor ideas are still in proportion of meeting the requirements for affordable housing. Maybeck’s flexibility 80 years ago can now be answered by the existing technology when at the time of his mentor’s life is quite difficult to undertake for example, the inclusion of garden on rooftops which makes a plant difficult to tend and the bedroom oriented towards the sky when ninety years ago is inconvenient due to the lack of technology with regards to thermal protection for buildings.Keith Pepper Brooklyn city council member also believes in the potential of the revival of the famous Californian Architect by persuading that good designs are an economic potential (Week, 2000). Recently the Oregon’s Department of Transportation rerouted part of Highway 101 which will allow part of downtown to return to Maybeck’s original plan and provision of funding for the reconstruction of the design.

Peasant Revolt DBQ

The peasant revolts in late 1524 were constructed by peasants, craftsmen, and poor soldiers. Although the cause of these peasant revolts were constant, there are several responses from the German states. Some German’s saw the attacks as too intense, others such as nobles viewed the revolts as devious, and others including the pastors and people with religious beliefs related the revolts to god’s will. The documents mostly overlooking the ruthlessness of the attacks came from Martin Luther and the Pastor.These documents depict a message that the revolts were extensive. Their responses to the revolts were both the same, almost like they were reflecting on the occurrences of the revolts as a summary rather than an opinion. The townsfolk were the peasant supporters, opening the gates and towers to the peasants to let them in. Being a rebel himself, Martin Luther, theologian, was able to relate and give a different point of view on the peasant revolts.Luther has more of a ne gative outlook towards the peasants, as he states that â€Å"(the peasants) violently took matters into their own hands. † The map given shows that most conflict was in the middle of Germany, ranging down towards Republic of Venice and South Germany. One other document that conveyed the message of the overall attack responses was the Decree of the Imperial Diet. It talked about the recap of the year, the â€Å"unchristian rebellion by subjects through southern Germany†, and other larger than life depictions of the revolts.The three documents written or directed towards the noblemen convey the noblemen response to the revolts. In the document in reply of Memmingen Town Council, we are able to see what the high authorities of the town had to say about the peasant revolts between 1524 and 1526. â€Å"The peasants shall pay us a reasonable amount of money. † This shows the cause of the peasant revolts, as there were duties being asked of the lower class, and they we re not able to follow up the requests, such as money.Lichtenstein, a noblemen, also reflects on the peasant revolts, saying how nobles joined the peasants because no help or consolation had been sent by the territorial prince. Lichtenstein, however, tells us how it was like to be a nobleman during this time: â€Å"I begged that the peasants should not force me to swear an oath of allegiance to them. † Von Henneberg reflects on the response to the revolts, and how the nobles attempted to ignore the revolt attempts. Peasant Revolt DBQ The peasant revolts in late 1524 were constructed by peasants, craftsmen, and poor soldiers. Although the cause of these peasant revolts were constant, there are several responses from the German states. Some German’s saw the attacks as too intense, others such as nobles viewed the revolts as devious, and others including the pastors and people with religious beliefs related the revolts to god’s will. The documents mostly overlooking the ruthlessness of the attacks came from Martin Luther and the Pastor.These documents depict a message that the revolts were extensive. Their responses to the revolts were both the same, almost like they were reflecting on the occurrences of the revolts as a summary rather than an opinion. The townsfolk were the peasant supporters, opening the gates and towers to the peasants to let them in. Being a rebel himself, Martin Luther, theologian, was able to relate and give a different point of view on the peasant revolts.Luther has more of a ne gative outlook towards the peasants, as he states that â€Å"(the peasants) violently took matters into their own hands. † The map given shows that most conflict was in the middle of Germany, ranging down towards Republic of Venice and South Germany. One other document that conveyed the message of the overall attack responses was the Decree of the Imperial Diet. It talked about the recap of the year, the â€Å"unchristian rebellion by subjects through southern Germany†, and other larger than life depictions of the revolts.The three documents written or directed towards the noblemen convey the noblemen response to the revolts. In the document in reply of Memmingen Town Council, we are able to see what the high authorities of the town had to say about the peasant revolts between 1524 and 1526. â€Å"The peasants shall pay us a reasonable amount of money. † This shows the cause of the peasant revolts, as there were duties being asked of the lower class, and they we re not able to follow up the requests, such as money.Lichtenstein, a noblemen, also reflects on the peasant revolts, saying how nobles joined the peasants because no help or consolation had been sent by the territorial prince. Lichtenstein, however, tells us how it was like to be a nobleman during this time: â€Å"I begged that the peasants should not force me to swear an oath of allegiance to them. † Von Henneberg reflects on the response to the revolts, and how the nobles attempted to ignore the revolt attempts.

Midterm Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Midterm - Essay Example For instance, the company needs to determine; the target market, political aspects, economical aspects, beliefs and culture, and if there are any legal matters that the Company ought to familiarize with. Since, it is significant to exalt immediate reaction to a few inclinations that may be present that ought to offer the company a competitive benefit internationally. Thus, the company necessitates a strategic tactic that is in amidst the company’s preeminent interest to define how the company will successfully succeed other company in the market. Rationally, for the company to be prosperous it needs to first understand and comprehend the challenges that the company products face from other companies Comprehensive and Transnational Business The above move targets the company to identify a policy that ensures the company’s product achieve an overwhelming support from across all markets. â€Å"No society can surely be flourishing and happy of which by far the greater part of the numbers are poor and miserable.† (Baffoe-Bonnie & Mohammed, 75) The reason as to why The company should consider mining of diamonds To Intensify sales and control the diamonds market Safeguard the company future To curb the adverse risks that come a long with losses from the company’s current products The company’s goal is to acquire new market that for the company’s products within two months by requesting for appointments, induction of new social media publicizing operation and networking with homegrown business ventures. This goal will allow the company to grow and increase its revenue. However, there some geographical aspects to consider. Currently, some parts of the country suffer from poor infrastructure, adverse weather conditions like flooding and scarce energy materials for manufacturing processes. Reoccurring earthquakes and tropical weather conditions; The Company needs to fully consider and come up with strategic plans to avert the afor ementioned problem from affecting the company. The Political and Legal Environments Facing the Business The political setting of the US the most influential on earth, thus it is very stable. The two foremost political parties: Democrats and Republicans are the ones that determine the US politics. Besides, Citizens interests are competing and thus differ on the basis of their different families, their race or age. Operational concerns Starting up a business- requires registering the company name, finding licenses, authentic certifications and documentation, and insurance. Making and implementing contracts- an inclusive contract needs to be placed in the location that is a lawfully binding, what activates a breach and necessitates legal act, principles that contrast across boundaries, and debate the legal consequences basing on the legal structures of the US Employee hiring and sacking- the company prerequisites to comprehend the legal consequences that come along with labor issues. B usiness culture in the new product Culture are the arts, ideals, insolences, and beliefs and other indices of human rational achievement considered collectively. Communication language in the office is English, thus it is advantageous to the company as most employs are conversant with the English language. The companies that deal with diamonds require gem diamonds. The above diamonds are abundant in the company’s mining fields. Cultural modification issues may surface in the company The company’s products depict high quality as compared to others. Therefore, the company must

Quantitative Methods and Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Quantitative Methods and Analysis - Essay Example Particular demographic information includes employees’ gender, age group, department, position, and length of tenure with the company. Job satisfaction and satisfaction with the benefits received are measured using a Likert-type scale from 1 to 7, with 1 representing a â€Å"Least Satisfied† measure while 7 represents a â€Å"Most Satisfied† measure. Employee gender is either male or female; age group was divided into three, with those belonging to age 16 to 21, 22 to 49, and 50 to 65. Employees were classified according to three possible departments: Human Resources, Information Technology, and Administration; they were classified as either hourly employees who were eligible for overtime pay, or salaried employees who were not eligible for overtime pay. Their tenure with the company was also noted in the database and subdivided into three levels: less than two years, 2 to 5 years, and more than 5 years. In today’s day and age, statistics finds more and mo re uses in the workplace. For example, statistics is used to find the demographic distribution of employees in the workplace (Black, 2010). Those working in the Quality Control department use statistics to determine the products that are of good enough quality to be distributed to the market. Managers use statistics to determine employee performance and operational costs and values. Employees use statistics to keep track of their performance level too, knowing very well that such figures may mean the difference between promotion and service termination (Anderson, Sweeney, & Williams, 2009). Any organization that uses appropriate and correctly interpreted statistics will truly benefit in providing a more scientific venue for their decision making needs. With the use of statistics, problems may be identified early on, and corrected as necessary (Rubin, 2009). Moreover, statistics also provides evidence and actual proof of where an organization may focus its resources, whether in the f orm of physical or human capital. As the rest of this report will illustrate, statistics may be used to determine the thoughts and feelings of an organization’s members. This is very crucial because human resource and the satisfaction and proper treatment of employees should be a major concern for any organization (Cook, 2008). In placing the focus on the information provided by the database, it was found that 61% of the surveyed employees were male and 39% were female. These figures indicate that while females have long been in the employed sector, employees are still predominantly male. Among male employees, 54% have been with the company less than two years, 32% have been with the company between two to five years, and 14% have been with the company more than five years. Among female employees, 21% have been with the company less than two years, 58% have been with the company between two to five years, and 21% have been with the company more than five years. These statisti cs show that female employees are more loyal career-wise because they tend to stay with their company for a longer period of time. When it comes to extrinsic job satisfaction, males and female tend to be similarly satisfied with a mean value of 5.4 for both genders. This value seems to translate to overall job satisfaction as there is a 41% chance that an employee’s overall job satisfaction level is at least 5.2. When classified according to department, majority of the employees were in

Australian Law-Surrogacy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Australian Law-Surrogacy - Essay Example One dilemma in surrogacy is the determination of parenthood. Currently, family and parenthood are defined biologically instead of social terms. This brings an issue in when determining who the legal parents of the child are, mainly between the surrogate mother and the social or foster parents of the child. In some countries like Australia, the law identifies the surrogate mother of a child as its legal mother and any surrogate arrangements that transfer custody of the child to others is rendered void. This brings issues especially if the surrogate mother had offered the services as commercial surrogacy and later claims the child (Tuininga, 240). The issue of parenthood arises because of the fact that the commissioning parents consider themselves to be the real parents of the child because their chromosomes were used. The surrogate mother can also claim parenthood because their biological components were used. (Tuininga, 240). This is even more serious were gestation was absent in the commissioning mother and hence the surrogate mother has some genetic relationship with the child. Temana (1108) observes that surrogate mothers normally try to maintain close and intimate relationship with the social parents of the child and this could put those marriages at risk of breaking. Zimmerman (123) states that there is also a high tendency that surrogacy makes problems underlying a marriage to surface for example, it brings into light infertility problem in one of the couple. (Tuininga, 240).  ... gate mothers normally try to maintain close and intimate relationship with the social parents of the child and this could put those marriages at risk of breaking. Zimmerman (123) states that there is also a high tendency that surrogacy makes problems underlying a marriage to surface for example, it brings into light infertility problem in one of the couple. Ragone (201) states that he commissioning parents go through a complicated process in order to adopt the child they wanted despite the fact that they could have paid heavily to have the child born and that one of them, mostly the father, could be the genetic father of the child. This is because in surrogacy, the father or both parents donate gametes that will be transferred clinically to the surrogate mother. Ironically, the law does not recognize them as the legal parents of the born child despite the fact that this child might not have any genetic relationship with the surrogate mother. One dilemma that emerges in surrogacy is t hat others do not accept it yet it is a healthy way of creating human life as compared to other methods like cloning. History In Australia, all forms of surrogacy were considered to be illegal and all states passed laws to make this a criminal offense. However, things have changed over the recent years. According to the Lawyers and Legal Services Australia (1), altruistic surrogacy has recently been legalized and this has been done in all Australia states, except for the state of Tasmania. However, commercial surrogacy is still considered by the law to be a criminal offense. These changes in the history of surrogacy in Australia were made possible by the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008. This Act changed the legality of altruistic surrogacy from 1st January, 2010. In its part,

5 questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

5 questions - Essay Example quilibrium† model for groups development in which a group’s progress is marked by two phases of stability—Phase I and Phase II—emphasized by abrupt changes at the project center point that occurs halfway to the deadline. There are number of factors that can positively or negatively affect cohesiveness; a few of these are number of employees, duration of time for task achievement and duration of time the group spent together, organization, external pressures, location and reputation of the group, closeness of supervision, and internal competitive behavior. For example large groups (with size more than 25 to 30 employees) may reduce the development of cohesiveness. The longer the duration for group development, the larger the cohesiveness. Outside pressures (of close supervision) could speed up development of cohesion. The higher the reputation, the more potential cohesiveness will evolve. Expressing the purpose in terms of specific goal increases the productivity over and above any performance benefits achieved through individual goal setting. A behavioral norm for high productivity and performance set over organizational norms qualifies high performing work groups. For example business revenues can be influenced by many factors such as market position, advertisement and price. Through advertisement a businessman express his purpose of increasing revenues and mostly advertisement increases the productivity (Daft & Marcic, 2010). Group would be most useful for this decision. Advantages of decision of a group include (1) More information and knowledge through the sharing of group member resources, (2) Number of increased commitment and acceptance to the decision, (3) Better apprehension of the decision. The time for a group to make a decision might how ever be longer. Given the uncertain and unstructured nature of this conclusion, a group would be more efficient. Advantages in a group decision-making situation are complete information and knowledge is

Baroque Period Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Baroque Period - Research Paper Example Clamor worked in Kothen as a court musician and an organist in Celle. He became ducal chamber musician in Hanover from the year 1666 (Walter, Murray, and Simon, 2001). Clamor Heinrich Abel made a series of compositions and musical guidebooks between the year 1694 and 1696 when he was Obermusicus in Bremen. His best works of music include various compositions for chamber music and string orchestra. Clamor composed a collection of fifty-nine individual works under the heading Erstlinge musikalischer Blumen, which included works for four instruments, allemandes, preludes, sonatinas, courantes and sarabandas. Initially, Clamor’s musical works were published in three separate volumes, and later they were combined into Drei Opera musica (Walter, Murray, and Simon, 2001). Clamor is considered the inspirer of violist and violinist Ferdinand Abel Christian and Carl Friedrich and Leopold August, who were both viol virtuoso and composer. Johan was a minor German Baroque composer. He was a violinist in 1934 and travelling to several countries including England, Italy, and France to perform and train violinists. Johan became a Kapellmeister in Nuremberg in the year 1746. He was in charge of music making in chapels, choirs, and orchestras. As a Kapellmeister, Johan wrote occasional vocal works and several harpsichord concertos, sonatas and symphonies. Johan’s symphonies contained two to three episodes or movements featuring sonata principles. Harpsichord concertos were musical instruments played by means of a keyboard. Most of his works were published and sold in various markets where other musicians used them as guides for their music endeavors (Agrell, 2011). Johan was a fluent Baroque composer in the gallant style of North German during his time; he was also a widely accepted musician and conductor. Johan’s contribution to musical landscape is evidenced by the composition of twenty-two symphonies that gained popularity in the music industry and among trainers and trainees. Johannes Nucius Johannes Nucius was a Germany composer of the late Renaissance and early Baroque period. Nucius was a talented composer who penned an influential treatise in applying rhetoric in compositional devices; his works of art shows an influence of Lassus. Among his publications, include two collections of motets, which contained a total of one hundred and two pieces, and several masses (Lambert, 2004). The works of Nucius that were published in Leibnitz and Prague were homophonic with an abundance of expressive devices; he later described the application as Musices poeticae in his major treatise. Nucius’ fame that lasted until the 18th century arose from the Musices poeticae. This treatise was the most influential among the three of the famous German Baroque treatises such as the Syntagma musicum (1618), Critica musica (1722-1723) and Musicalisches Lexicon (1732)

Role of Registered Nurse in Hospice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Role of Registered Nurse in Hospice - Essay Example Their goal is to reduce suffering, control symptoms and restore functional capacity of patients suffering from incurable, progressive illnesses. A RN in a hospice setting has to fill several roles from medication and supervision to emotional support. They also have to be extremely sensitive to the patient’s personal, cultural and religious values, beliefs and practices. Patients in hospice care are not on any type of life-prolonging medical treatment (Hussain, 2011). Instead, they are put on pain management and other comfort measures to assist them in the dying process (Hussain, 2011). Since it is not easy to care for patients with terminal illnesses, the role of a Registered Nurse is pivotal in ensuring that the patients and their families have a supportive and caring environment. A Registered Nurse in hospice care is required to perform a variety of roles as listed below: Case Manager As a case manager, the RN is responsible for assessing and managing the patient’s ca re. Each patient is assigned one case manager so that they can build a trusting relationship and ensure continuity of care. The RN is also the eyes and ears of the hospice physician and, therefore, must have expert assessment skills. As part of their role, the RN monitors the vital signs, manage medications, especially pain medications and take care of the overall needs of the patient (Morrow, 2009). They are required to assess pain, symptoms, nutritional status, bowel functions, safety, and psychosocial-spiritual concerns of the patient and the family (Knight & Gunten, 2004). The RN also plays a major role in educating the family about the disease progression, use of medications, daily care needs and other aspects of the overall plan of care (Knight & Gunten, 2004). If a patient has a food craving late at night, the RN will also arrange for someone to get it from the store (Morrow, 2009). If the patient is at home, the nurse may also help the family members in doing some of the hou sehold chores, so that the family can focus on their loved one. In a hospice setting, the RN has the unique opportunity to witness a patient’s last moments and therefore, they must be extremely compassionate and empathetic. They serve as advocates for the patient, ensuring that all activities work towards the benefit of the patient. They should also be a critical thinker so as to ensure that the entire stay of the patient in the hospice facility is supportive and caring. The RN is also required to educate and supervise the nursing assistants to coordinate care for the patient. Intake and Admission Nurse As an intake and admissions nurse, the RN is often the first hospice personnel to meet the patient. They meet with the patient and their family and spend a considerable amount of time with them explaining the philosophy of hospice and developing an appropriate plan of care (Morrow, 2009). The RN is also responsible for conducting a complete assessment of the patient and determ ining the needs and preparedness of the patient to stay in a hospice setting (Morrow, 2009). They then consult with the hospice physician before admitting a patient into the facility. Once the patient is admitted, the RN orders the required medications and equipment and begins educating the patient and the family about hospice care. Triage Nurse As a triage nurse, the RN

Direct Solar Energy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Direct Solar Energy - Research Paper Example The solar technologies are categorized as active and passive solar technologies depending in the manner in which they capture convert and distribute solar energy. For example, active solar technologies use solar power for transforming sun rays into electricity directly by means of photovoltaics (PV) or indirectly through concentrated solar space (CSP). The direct solar energy systems generate electricity in one of the two ways: photovoltaic cells and concentrated solar power. The total worldwide capacity of CSP has been growing at an average annual rate of 50 %. However, Ellis, et al. (2013) notes that the CSP have lower renewable energy contribution as compared to solar photovoltaics. The current photovoltaic power generation is 189 GW and is produced by crystalline silicon, concentrating, and thin-film PV.Even though the conventional energy account for 70% of the global energy consumption, the current consumption patterns would not be sustainable in future because of their environm ental impact to climate change and depletion. In this perspective, solar energy is renewable and it cannot be depleted. Direct solar energy mitigates global warming, enhances sustainability, reduces pollution, discourages the use of fossil fuels because solar energy is cheap, and reduces the required transmission lines of the electricity grids, as well as improving the quality of water resources.In general, the costs of renewable energy are lower as compared to that of fossil fuels and nuclear energy.

Is spanking your child effective discipline or bad parenting Research Paper

Is spanking your child effective discipline or bad parenting - Research Paper Example e people see spanking as an outdated method of punishment or even child abuse, while others view a swat on the bottom as a parents prerogative and if done correctly can be effective. Do you agree with this? Where do we draw the line when it comes to disciplining our children? There has been a huge amount of research on the effectiveness of corporal punishment of animals, but remarkably little on the effectiveness of spanking children. This may be because almost no one feels the need to study it because everyone assumes it is effective. Study after study shows that almost 100 percent of parents with toddlers and young children do hit their children. There seems to be many reasons for the strong supporters of spanking children, but they all seem to be myths. Wikopedia: In its original sense, discipline is systematic instruction intended to train a person, in a craft, trade or other activity, or to follow a particular code of conduct of order. Often, the phrase "to discipline" carries a negative connotation. This is because enforcement of order–that is, ensuring instructions are carried out–is often regulated through some type of punishment. Spanking is the act of striking the buttocks of another person to cause temporary pain without producing physical injury. It generally involves one person striking the buttocks of another person with an open hand. When an open hand is used, spanking is referred to in some countries as slapping or smacking. More severe forms of spanking, such as switching, paddling, belting, caning, whipping, and birching, involve the use of an implement instead of a hand. It is most commonly used to discipline an infant, a child, or a teenager. It generally involves an adult – typically a parent, guardian, or teacher – striking the childs buttocks as punishment for unacceptable behavior. Some countries have outlawed the spanking of children in every setting, but many allow it at least when administered by a parent or guardian. Some

Literature review Essay Example for Free

Literature review Essay According to (Light, Pillerner, 1984), systematic literature review is also useful for it provides literature review needed in the scientific world. Systematic reviews follow a predetermined set of guidelines while being conducted and produces results that are fair. Unbiased reports are of great scientific value for they become the rationale for scientific studies. Through the results, hypotheses that do not have supporting evidence are eliminated and the ones which are based on evidence used for scientific studies. Thus systematic literature reviews define strengths and limits of available researches that are used in the science world. Among the many advantages of systematic literature review is that, unlike ordinary research that provides conclusions and suggests recommendations to a particular study or question, systematic literature review does not limit researchers, practitioners, clinicians, health care managers among other users of systematic review findings. Mulrow (2008) states that systematic literature review leaves room for the findings to be challenged. For instance, if researchers do not agree with a particular study that has been appraised through systematic literature review; room is provided for parties who do not agreeing with the research findings to build their own reviews. The transparent way through which systematic literature review is conducted provides the building blocks through which it can be challenged. In addition, the process of conducting a systematic literature review is less tiring as compared to the primary studies which use data collected from the field. Systematic literature reviews uses the already processed and documented primary data and therefore is less tedious. Power and precision is accorded to systematic reviews through their use of quantitative methodologies in data analysis. When compared with other traditional research literatures, systematic reviews have an advantage over them for they are able to justify their evidence and conclusions qualitatively and also quantitatively. Thomas, Harden et al, (2004) acknowledges that the use of Meta – analysis in systematic reviews gives them a greater command when it comes to evidence over traditional literature reviews that only relies on qualitative evidence. In addition, the combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies ensures that the results are of greater precision. Systematic literature reviews uses a methodology that does not have room for biasness. The results obtained through systematic literature reviews are valid and can be reproduced when the same procedure is used. Mulrow, (2008) emphasizes that systematic reviews are transparent and researches widely on the available data making policy makers, clinicians, nurses among other users to widely rely on systematic literature reviews. The reviews also provide information that is clear and defined depending on the question or the study under review. Last but not least of the advantages of systematic literature review is the use of quantitative methods in literature reviews. The combination of both qualitative and quantitative methods of evaluating existing data contributes to the accuracy of results accorded to systematic literature reviews. Systematic literature review is far from perfect and many professionals argue as to the practicability of the evidence produced through systematic literature reviews. They argue that systematic literature reviews are reviews done by a group of researchers who think that by conducting the review, they have already solved a problem. According to Mulrow, (2008) to most professionals, a systematic literature review only signifies the beginning of a finding and not a way for solving a problem. For instance, while systematic literature reviews makes use of existing researches to make the reviews, the existing research evidence may have been conducted in relation to a particular group of people, area or particular settings. Then, though the systematic review conclusions will be drawn, questions arise as to how systematic literature reviews that may have used research findings that were only meant for a particular group of people or area should be generalized to other regions or people. They raise a problem of generalizing and disseminating quality and clear information to consumers and thereby undermining one of the most important reasons as to why systematic literature reviews should be done.

A Study Of HIV And Aids Health Essay

A Study Of HIV And Aids Health Essay HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV is not like other viruses and different from other, the reason is it attacks the immune system. HIV discovers and destroys a form of white blood cell, T-cells or CD4 cells, which the immune system must have to fight diseases. AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and it is the final phase of HIV infection. Possibly, it can take many years to a person get infected from this disease called HIV to get at this stage. With the problem of AIDS refers to that the virus has damaged the immune system to the point at which the human body has a tough time fighting with infections. When some person has one or more than one particular infections, specific cancers or a very low number of T-cells, the person is regarded as a patient of AIDS. HIV transmission can take place when blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, or breast milk from an infected individual comes into the body of an uninfected individual. HIV can come in the body all through a vein, the lining of the anus or rectum, the lining of the vagina, the opening to the penis, the mouth, the eyes, the nose, or cuts and slashes. The most ordinary methods that HIV is transmitted from one individual to another individual is be having sex (anal, vaginal or oral) with an HIV infected individual, or by sharing an infected needles with an HIV, or from if mother is infected from HIV, than the baby also gets infected during birth or through breastfeeding after birth. HIV can also be passed on through receipt of infected blood. Though, from the year 1985, all donated blood in the United States must be tested for HIV. So, the chances of infection all through transfusion of blood or products related to blood is extremely low down. Some healthcare workers have become infected after being stuck with needles containing HIV-infected blood or when infected blood comes in contact with a workers open cut or is splashed into a workers eyes or inside their nose. There has been only one instance of a patient being infected by an HIV-infected dentist to his patient. HIV attacks the immune system. The immune system is a group of cells and organs that protect your body by fighting disease. The human immune system usually finds and kills viruses fairly quickly. However, different viruses attack different parts of the body. HIV attacks a special type of immune system cell known as a CD4 lymphocyte. HIV has many ways of evading the bodys defenses including the ability to rapidly mutate. This means that once HIV has taken hold, the immune system can never fully get rid of it. In the situation, if left is not treated, then HIV will ultimately weaken the immune system to the extent that an individual will become sick with different types of infections, known as opportunistic infections. AIDS defining illness are considered to be as most serious opportunistic infections. When an individual becomes sick with one of the AIDS defining illness, he is said to have AIDS. There isnt any way to tell just by looking if someones been infected by HIV. In fact, a person infected with HIV may look and feel perfectly well for many years and may not know that they are infected. However, as the persons immune system weakens, they become increasingly vulnerable to illnesses. The only reliable way to tell whether someone has HIV is for them to take a simple blood test, which can detect infection within just a few weeks after the virus enters the body. The most important type of treatment for HIV or AIDS is known as antiretroviral treatment. This treatment comprises of drugs that should be taken every single day for the remaining life. The main motive of antiretroviral treatment is to remain the proportion of HIV in the human body at very low level. This also discontinues weakening of the immune system and permits the immune system to get better from any damage that HIV possibly has caused by now. If an individual is taking two or more than two antiretroviral drugs at the same time, that is called combination therapy. By taking a combination of three or more anti-HIV drugs is a little referred to as HAART. HAART stands for Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy. Luckily, there are more than 20 approved antiretroviral drugs accessible and unluckily, there is no list licensed or available in each and every country. Initially, the combination of drugs that an individual is given is called first-line therapy. If after some time, HIV becomes opposed to this combination or if there will be any side effects, a move to second line therapy is suggested. Second line therapy consists of at least of three new drugs so as to increase success. Apart from this, there are many other things through which you can decrease the risk of catching HIV or passing it along to someone else. The simplest is to withdraw or abstain from sex like so not have oral, anal or vaginal. Until, you should have love or relationship with only one person or having sex with only each other and both of you should be familiar with each others HIV status. If any of you have HIV, use protection like condoms to avoid other sexually transmitted diseases and likely infections with a different damage of HIV. If only one of you has HIV, use a latex condom and lubricant every time you have sex. If you have, or plan to have, more than one sex partner, get tested for HIV. If you are a man who has had sex with other men, get tested at least once a year. If you are a woman who is planning to get pregnant or who is pregnant, get tested as soon as possible before you have your baby. Talk about HIV and other STDs with each partner before you have sex. Learn as much as you can about each partners past behavior, including sex and drug use, and consider the risks to your health before you have sex. Ask your partners if they have recently been tested for HIV, and encourage those who have not been tested to do so. Use a latex condom and lubricant every time you have sex. If you think you may have been exposed to another STD, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, or Chlamydia, get treatment. These STDs can increase your risk of getting HIV. Get vaccinated against the hepatitis B virus. Even if you think you ha ve a low risk for HIV infection, get tested whenever you have a regular medical check-up. Do not inject illicit drugs. You can get HIV through needles, syringes, and other paraphernalia if they are contaminated with the blood of someone who has HIV. Drugs also cloud your judgment, which may result in riskier sex. If you do inject drugs, use only clean needles and syringes, and never share needles or syringes. Be careful not to expose yourself to another persons blood. Get tested for HIV at least once a year. Also, consider getting counseling and treatment for your drug use, and get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. Fortunately, there are numerous organizations that assist HIV/AIDS victims and are constantly working to find a cure. One of these organizations is the Global AIDS Alliance (GAA). The goal of the GAA is to stop the global AIDS crisis and to limit the impact it has on poor countries that are hit hardest by the epidemic. The GAA was founded in 2001 and plays a critical role in shaping the AIDS policy debate and campaigns to speed the global response to HIV/AIDS. In just a few years, the GAA has achieved considerable success in increasing funding and influencing AIDS policy. In the future, the GAA plans to achieve universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care by 2010. Works Cited AIDS/HIV. About.com. Jan. 2009. 11 Jan. 2009 . Global Aids Alliance. 2008. 11 Jan. 2009 . HIV/AIDS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Jan. 2009. Department of Health and Human Services. 11 Jan. 2009 . Mulvihill, M. L., M. Zelman, P. Holdaway, E. Tompary, and J. Raymond. Instructors Resource Manual: Human Diseases: A Systemic Approach. 6th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2006. What is Aids? Avert: Averting HIV and AIDS. Dec. 2008. 11 Jan. 2009 .

Corporate Governance In Coca Cola Corporation Commerce Essay

Corporate Governance In Coca Cola Corporation Commerce Essay The Coca-Cola Corporation is dedicated to reverberation ideology of communal authority. The Board is designated by the shareowners to supervise their concentration in the enduring strength and the largely accomplishment of the production and its economic power. The Board provides as the eventual resolution manufacture body of the concern, excluding for individuals matters retained to or mutually shared with the shareowners. The Board elects and administers the associates of superior organization, who are charged by the Board with accomplish the production of the corporation. The Corporate Governance strategy, all along with the contracts of the all of the Board commission and the solution preparation of the Board afford the structure for communal supremacy at The Coca-Cola Company. Ethics Compliance: The core of the ideology and performance program at The Coca-Cola concern is our signs of Business behaviour. The system conducts the business behaviour; involves integrity and reliability in all substances. All of the executives and administrators are essential to examine and realize the system and pursue its instructions in the administrative centre and generously proportioned society. The policy is managed by the companys Ethics Compliance commission. This cross-functional superior administration group supervises the entire principles and acquiescence programs and resolves system infringements and regulation. Our Ethics Compliance workplace has functioning liability for edification, discussion, examining and estimation associated to the Code of industry perform and compliance concerns. Relates internationally obtain a assortment of moral code and compliance instruction options controlled by the Ethics Compliance Office. The company frequently screen and review the business to certify compliance with the system and the act. Coca-cola also sustains a constant rest of best-in-class values approximately the world that administrate how the company examine and hold Code concerns. In 2008, it modifies the Code to promote progress its efficiency. More than 20,000 contacts concluded more than 30,000 personally and web-based Ethics and Compliance guidance conference from August 2007 in the track of June 2008. All correlates will obtain in-person Code of company performs guidance in 2008. The company has skilled the contacts Code of dealing accomplish, European Union rivalry law, Latin American opposition law, economic reliability, logical possessions and spirited intellects, drug-free agency and avoids agency hostility. In 2006, company revolved out a simplified universal anti-bribery conformity program with partisan strategies, training and reviews. In accumulation, it extended the compliance program in the region of United State operates approved with opinionated policies, instruction and audits. Coca-cola associates, bottling colleagues, providers, regulars and customers can ask enquiries about the Code and former ethics and compliance subjects, or statement probable breach, through Ethics procession, a universal Web and telephone reports and exposure service. Phone calls are toll-free, and Ethics Line is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with obtainable translators. Corporate Social Responsibility: Coca-cola Greece was lately documented for its commercial collective responsibility attempts with 3 honours at the esteemed CSR distinction Awards formal procedure. The CSR superiority Awards identify accomplishment transversely all industries, not only food and beverage, and are honoured by a commission includes of convincing stakeholders, such as nongovernment associations and administration representatives. The appreciation of quality in 3 sorts exhibits the obsession of the coca-cola Company has for carrying the promises of subsist confidently stage to life at job and in the society. Continuous Achievement Award Human Resources Award Environment Award Vision 2020: The humankind is varying all around us. To prolong to succeed as a business for the next 10 years and beyond, we need to be required to stare forward, identify with the tendency and services that will figure out the business in the prospect and progress quickly to organize for whats to come. We have to get prepared for tomorrow today. Thats what the 2020 Vision is all regarding. It produces a lasting intention for the production and supplies coca-cola with a Route map for captivating mutually with the bottling partners. Coca-cola Mission Coca-colas Roadmap commences by means of the mission, which is durable. It proclaims the reason as a corporation and provides as the criterion oppose which the company consider the performance and resolutions. To energize the world To encourage moments of confidence and pleasure To generate assessment and compose a diversity. Coca-cola vision The Companys vision is to provide the structure for the Roadmap and conducts each and every feature of the trade by explaining what the company require to accomplish in order to prolong attaining sustainable, superiority development. People: Be an enormous circumstance to do job where persons are enthused to be the best they can be. Portfolio: convey to the world a portfolio of excellence drink brands that predict and convince peoples requirements and desires. Partners: cultivate a charming system of consumers and suppliers; collectively they produce common, lasting value. Planet: Be a conscientious national that makes a distinction by serving construct and maintain sustainable communities. Profit: exploit long-standing arrival to shareowners while being attentive of its all responsibilities. Productivity: Be an exceedingly efficient, lean and fast-moving organization. Task 2 Management of Financial Risk According to annual report, its clearly evident that, certain fiscal risks faced by Coca-Cola Hellenic occur from unfavourable variations foreign Exchange rates, in interest rates, product prices and other market risks. Company Board of Directors has accepted the Treasury Policy and graph of Authority, which mutually afford the organized framework designed for every treasury and treasury associated transactions. Currency Risk Given the Groups functioning performance, they are presenting to a major quantity of foreign currency risk. Coca-colas foreign currency disclosure comes up from disagreeable transforms in trade rates with the euro, the US dollar and the exchanges within its non-euro Kingdoms. Operation establishments begin mostly from the materials acquired in exchanges such as the US dollar or euro which can guide to maximum cost of trade in the functional currency of the country. Conversion establishments occur as several of its processing includes efficient currencies other than euro, and any change in the functional currency against the euro impacts our consolidated income statement and balance sheet when results are converted into euro. Coca-cola treasury plan involves the prevarication of progressing Twelve month estimated operational outcomes contained by the distinct least (25%) and maximum (80%) exposure stages. Prevaricating away from a Twelve month span may arise, theme to convinced greatest coverage levels, granted the estimated transactions are extremely credible. Where available, we use derivative financial instruments to reduce our net disclosure to currency changeability. These conventions generally established in one year. Interest Risk The Team represents to market risk occurring from varying interest rates, first and foremost in the euro zone. Intermittently they estimate the required combination of fixed and floating rate responsibility and adapt the interest expenses based on the required combination of debt. They cope up the interest rate expenditure by means of an arrangement of permanent and floating rate debt, interest rate switch and choice cap agreements. Though they have denial place of target for the assortment of set to floating rate liabilities, traditionally they have been extra showing to floating rates as this has be inclined to act as a expected evade against on the whole business risk. Credit Risk Credit risk is inhibited by a provisional procedure as to the option of probable oppose parties for treasury dealings. The Companys credit risk is handled by launching a permitted opponent party and country confines, detailing the highest experience that they organized to admit with deference to individual counterparties or countries. The restrictions are reconsidered and observed on an expected basis. Liquidity Risk The common strategy is to maintain a least quantity of liquidity engages in the structure of currency on the balance sheet when sustaining the stability of our liquidity engages in the variety of idle dedicated amenities, to make sure that the Company contain cost-effective admit to enough economic assets to convene the financial support desires. These embrace the routine backing of all its process in addition as the funding of the resource disbursement program. In order to alleviate the opportunity of liquidity limitations, Company make an effort to sustain a least of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬250 million of fiscal headroom. Monetary headroom refers to the surplus engaged funding obtainable, later than considering cash flows from functioning performance, dividends, acquisitions, tax expense, interest expense and capital expenditure requirements. Risk Map: 10 High 9 Quadrant II (Detect monitor) Quadrant I (Prevent at Sources) 8 Significance 7 6 Low 5 Quadrant IV (Low Control) Quadrant III (Monitor) 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 Low Likelihood High The risk map positions every risk in the next four Quadrants: Prevent at source risk Risks in this Quadrant are categorized as prime Risks and are rated High precedence. They are crucial risks that intimidate the accomplishment of concern purposes. These risks are mutually considerable in significance and probable to arise. They should be condensed or removed with defensive reins and must be organize assessment and testing. Detect and Monitor Risks Risks in the quadrant are momentous, but they are fewer possible to arise. To make certain that the risks stay little probability and are administered by the concern suitably, they require observing on a revolving base. Detective powers must be positioned into a place to make sure that these high consequence risks will be identified ahead of they crop up. These risks are second main concern behind prime risks. Monitor Risks Risks in the quadrant are not very important, but contain a superior possibility of happening. These risks should be watched properly to certify that they are being properly supervised and that their implication has not distorted due to varying business circumstances. Low Control Risks Risks in this quadrant are equally improbable to take place and not considerable. They involve least observing and supervise if not consequent risk category. Task 3 a) Risk Factors In Further the consequent issues, which may extensively influence the trade, financial circumstance or results of operations in future periods? The risks explained below are not the single risks facing Coca-Cola Company. Further risks not currently recognized by company or that they presently consider being inappropriate also may effectively unfavourably affect the business, economic condition or result of operations in future periods. Current risk faced by Coca-cola Health Concerned Risk Customers, communal physical condition officials and government officials are appropriately increasing concerned about the public fitness consequences connected with stoutness, mainly between adolescent populace. And also, few researchers, fitness supporters and nutritional procedures are cheering customers to decrease expenditure of sugar-sweetened drinks, together with those sugared with HFCS or other nutritive sweeteners. Rising community anxiety concerning these matters; probable new dues and law-making system concerns the advertising, labelling or accessibility of the drinks; and harmful promotion consequential from definite or endangered authorized performance in opposition to the coca-cola or other companies in its manufacture relating to the advertising, labelling or deal of sugar-sweetened drinks might decrease requirement for companys beverages, which may possibly influence its profitability. Environmental Risk H2o (water) is the major element in significantly all of the coca-cola products. It is also a partial source in several parts of the world, facing supreme disputes from over utilization, mounting contamination, broken administration and weather change. As requirement for water prolongs to enhance all-around the world, and as water becomes scarcer and the superiority of obtainable water deteriorates, Companys classification might obtain increasing production costs or face potential boundaries which could destructively change the productivity or net purposeful returns in the extended run. Business financial risk The non-alcoholic beverages business surroundings is hastily developing as a effect of, among other things, changes in customers inclinations, together with altered based on health and nutrition concerned and obesity anxieties; variable consumer tastes and needs; changes in customers standard of living; and spirited product and pricing demands. As well, their manufacturing is being affected by the trend toward consolidation in the market conduit, especially in Europe and the United States. If they are unable to successfully adapt to this rapidly changing environment, the companys share of sales, capacity growth and overall economic grades could be depressingly affected. Risk factors which the Company may face in future Technological Risk Coca-cola relies on data based knowledge system and schemes, include the Internet, to progression, broadcast and shop electronic information. Especially, Coca-cola depends on its information technology communications for digital advertising performance and electronic infrastructure in its areas approximately the world and between Company personnel and our bottlers and other customers and suppliers. Defence violation of this infrastructure can create system disruptions, shutdowns or unauthorized disclosure of classified information. If they are not capable to prevent such breaches, Companys operations could be interrupting, or they might undergo economical damage or loss because of lost or misappropriated information. Climate risk The sales of the products are inclined to several extents by climate circumstances in the markets in which they function. Strangely wintry or rainy weather conditions at some point in the summer months could have a provisional consequence on the insist for all its products and contribute to lower sales, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations for such periods) Risk analysis management techniques Risk management frequently concentrates on matters of indemnity. Conversely, there are number of further main considerations when evaluating areas of risk into a big business initially; they require equally reliability and the infrastructural proficiency to make the progression. Secondly, they should entirely recognize their association, and its progressions and objectives. And thirdly, they must be consisting of support and hold up from the association and the administrative team. Coca-cola Amatol (CCA) comes under the category of being risk conscious, but not obsessed by dictatorial condition. CCA is increasing its risk management representation to manage enterprise-wide and supply to the eventual productivity of the business. This result will be achieved not only by sustaining sound business decisions but also all the way through configuration of the organizations strategies with its shareholders and investors aspiration to make sure that efficient business authority is in place. CCA, inside the broader coca-cola structure, is on an ERM expedition. They are determined to take out the conventional split and soloed approach that regularly exists in organizations and they are responsibility so by taking an approval and possession of the risk management process. At CCA they know the significance of the essential values of the ERM process. They are: a dedication to the journey; an reasonable framework that embraces a general language; a uniform approach to- no matter the nature of the business unit or its objectives; a statement form that identifies stakeholders, corresponds the course and objectives; and drives literary modification; and ensuring advice of the outcome through an elimination of black holes or silos. Risk Management Plan There are four stages to risk management planning. They are:  · Risk recognition Risks Quantification Risk reaction Risk Monitoring and Control Types There are several definite risk management techniques as there are sort of industry, but once a risk has been recognized and considered, largely efforts at justifying the risk fall into four essential grouping in spite of the framework. The initial, prevention, can be as easy as not committing in activity that manufactures the risk, but this not only eradicates risk but potential benefits as well. Risk reduction through concrete steps is far more general, and the particulars will be associated to the type of business and risk involved. Risk transference is also highly advantageous as when an accessible choice; it involves outsourcing the difficulty to an additional article such as in the course of acquire of insurance. Ultimately, risk preservation is predictable in a few cases where the risks are either improbable, or the costs of explanatory or transferring the risk are excessive. C) Communicating with stake holders Many of coca-cola stakeholders consist of all those who are generally influenced by or who most influenced the means the company run the big business. This includes customers, consumers, contractors, and workers, Government supervisors, NGOs plus the confined communities in which the company operates. Coca-cola regularly connect with its major stakeholders as exposed in Diagram In addition, they conceded a detailed investigation in March 2007 to classify the most important areas of concern for its stakeholders. This implicated a succession of focal point groups with customers aged 18 and over and with workforce of both CCE and CCGB. It also incorporated the interviews with consumers, non-governmental organisations and the media. The study exposed a strong agreement of estimation between the diverse stakeholder groups and provided an obvious graph of the areas of liability they most require to concentrate on all these areas. Coca-cola stakeholder study has also helped out to refine its prospect strategy on communal and ecological issues. On every key subject it contains Next Step the act which has to be taken in the following year to certify that the business persists to make an optimistic impact. Consumer Communication On June 11 2010 Coca-cola has published that the Coca-cola Poland has completed a foremost move a head forward in how it instructs customers regarding recycling, by integrating its Recover-Recycle activity into every main coca-cola labelled or supported huge events this year. A vast My Coke sampling program, which happened between April and September 2010, is one of the key promoting performances where coca-cola Poland will report to customers about the profit of recycling through Recover-Recycle. Conclusion: There is no doubt that the Coca Cola is the second largest beverages company in the world. However, it should work on above mentioned deficiencies to overcome them and strive to make its competitors lagged behind. The Company coca-cola have a corporate (Head Office) section that is liable for giving the Company a largely course and provided that sustain to the provincial formation. Means considered choice at the Coca-Cola Corporation are completed by a managerial Committee of 12 concerned Officers. This commission assisted to form the six strategic priorities set out in previous. The financial resources allocation for the Vision 2020 had been discussed under the six Ps as laid out by the company. International through to grass-roots and the community, Coca-Cola has strengthened its position as a football insider and this helps to build the brand and corporate reputation of Coca-Cola. Last year, Coca-cola saw its sales decreased in UK market. In order to re create the sales, Coca-cola to define new communication plan such as Recover-Recycle activity.

the good earth type 2 journal :: essays research papers

The Good Earth Type Two Journal—The Good Earth—Wang Lung, Olan, Lotus, Uncle â€Å"Are we not to see the moth-browed bride?†Pg.24  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Tactless- The uncle is tactless because everyone already expects a farmer’s wife to be unattractive and he has no remorse to mock his nephew. â€Å"This woman is well enough!†Pg.28  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Content- Wang Lung becomes content with his wife when he learns that she cares for him more than anyone else. â€Å"When I return to that house it will be with my son in my arms. I shall have a red coat on him and red-flowered trousers and on his head a hat with a small gilded Buddha sewn on the front†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Pg.34  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Pretentious- Olan is pretentious because she wants to show the great house that she is no longer the slave that they knew, but she is a successful wife that has borne a healthy young son. â€Å"Thus everyone will know I have a son!†Pg.39  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Proud- Wang lung is proud to have a son as his first child. It is a symbol of good fortune, and he wants the word of his son and good fortune to be known to everyone. â€Å"I will tell your words to the whole village!† Pg.66  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Coercive- The uncle coerces Wang Lung to giving him money by threatening him to tell the village that Wang Lung cursed his whole family, his flesh and blood. â€Å"My nephew there he has silver and he has food, but he will give none of it to us, not even me, and my children, who are his own bone and flesh.†Pg.77  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Contemptuous- The uncle is becomes contemptuous after his second visit to Wang Lung asking for money. After he is turned away with nothing he attempts to turn the village upon him their hunger forcing them to scorn him for having food. â€Å"There and there and there!†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ â€Å"That is for a thief!† Pg.119  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Reproachful- He is reproachful of his children for belittling themselves by stealing. He does not know how to be proud of someone that steals. â€Å"There is nothing to sell except the girl.†Pg.124  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Truthful- Olan is truthful to Wang Lung by telling him that the only way to get back to the land in their current situation is to sell their only girl to slavery. â€Å"If I had the gold and the silver and the jewel, I would buy land with it, good land, and I would bring forth harvests from the land!† Pg.130  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sincere- Wang Lung is sincere because he would not buy luxuries for himself, but instead he would but land that would sustain all generations to come and could never be taken away.

We Need Nuclear Energy Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive Topics

We Need Nuclear Energy      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   "Minutes ago, the lights flickered, went out briefly, snapped on again. It was a warning. The electricity would last only a few moments longer, and then we would be plunged into three hours of darkness. . . . For the third time today, by official edict, we are taking our turn without electricity. A miners' strike has reduced coal stocks almost to the vanishing point, and most of Britain's electricity comes from coal" (Weaver, "The Search . . .", 652). This could become a common occurrence if the United States doesn't use other energy sources besides fossil fuels. Nuclear energy should continue to be used in the United States.    Nuclear energy is produced in a nuclear reactor. Inside the reactor, uranium undergoes fission. Fission occurs when a fast-moving neutron strikes a nucleus of uranium. The nucleus cannot take the extra neutron, so it splits apart, producing an enormous amount of heat. This takes place in the reactor core, which is surrounded by a large quantity of pressurized water that absorbs the heat. This heat is transferred from this water to the water in a steam generator, where it boils water to steam. The steam turns turbines, which produces electricity (Macaulay, 174-9).       The main benefit of nuclear energy is the amount of energy within uranium. One kilogram of uranium produces 440,000 megajoules of energy. Coal produces a maximum of 30 megajoules, and crude oil produces 46 ("Why . . . "). In other words, one pound of uranium can produce as much energy as 12,000 pounds of coal or 1,200 gallons of oil ("Nuclear . . . "). A one million kilowatt power station uses 2.3 million tons of coal each year. A one million kilowatt nuclear reactor, on the other hand, us... ...uclear Energy." Three Mile Island Student Research Project. [on-line] Available: http://www.ee.rochester.edu:8080/programs/399Projects/TMIStudy/TMIPros.htm    "The Three Mile Island Accident." Three Mile Island Student Research Project. [on-line] Available: http://www.ee.rochester.edu:8080/programs/399Projects/TMIStudy/TMIIncident.html    Weaver, Kenneth F. "The Promise and Peril of Nuclear Energy." National Geographic. April 1979. pp. 459-493.    Weaver, Kenneth F. "The Search For Tomorrow's Power." National Geographic. November 1972. pp. 661-672.    "Why Uranium." Uranium Information Centre. [on-line] Available: http://www.uic.com.au/whyu.htm    Young, Paulette. "Average Price of Coal Delivered to Electric Utilities by Census Division and State, 1987, 1992-1996." [on-line] Available: http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/coal/cia/t92p01.txt

Seven Major Changes in the Workplace

Running head: SEVEN MAJOR CHANGES IN THE WORKPLACE Seven Major Changes in the Workplace Seven Major Changes in the Workplace With the ever-growing population and technological changes many employers are going to have to adapt. Robert Barner highlights seven major changes that will affect the places where we work, both for the employer and employee (Kreitner, 2004, p. 76). The seven major changes are (1) The virtual organization (2) The just-in-time workforce (3) The ascendancy of knowledge workers (4) Computerized coaching and electronic monitoring (5) The growth of worker diversity (6) The aging workforce and (7) The birth of the dynamic workforce (Kreitner, p. 76). I will discuss how these seven changes major changes will affect the managers at my company, Blake Inc. The Virtual Organization We are living in a time where technology is in the forefront. Things are constantly changing and companies must be able to keep up with it. Right now in my company my managers are scrambling to keep up with the constantly changing technological world. Managers are now being set up with access to their computers from home. So if they are unable to come in to work or need to leave early they can still communicate with us. They can do everything from home that they can do at the office. They are also working on a plan, in case of an emergency or the office building is no longer usable that we can set up shop somewhere else within 48 hours. My manager is also setting up a web site that will be accessible by all employees to get update information concerning the company, such as business decisions, software help and 24 hour technical support. The Just-In-Time Workforce At Blake we are aligned with Temp Agencies that are able to supply us with workers at a moments notice. My managers know that must be able to meet high demands. They also set up incentives for employees wishing to put in extra work. They understand that is better to have people who know the business to do the work rather than a temp who really has no interest or knowledge in the company. The Ascendancy of Knowledge Workers Now more than ever it is important that companies hire very knowledgeable people. My managers are now trying to hire more people with a technical or analytical background to help with reports and other information needed by employees. Employees must know what they want and what they need so that they can effectively communicate this to the technical staff. Also, the managers at Blake must be able to step up and jump in when needed. This means they must know their job and all aspects of the company. The managers must know the responsibilities of each of their employees and make sure that their employees are knowledgeable as well. We have recently been asked to create a manual entailing our job responsibilities so that if something happens someone else will have knowledge of what we do. Computerized Coaching and Electronic Monitoring Being an internet-based company all employees has access to a wealth of information through the intranet. From the intranet you can look up other employees, find customer information such as contracts and orders placed, to information on employee benefits. At Blake employees just found out that their internet access was truly being monitored. Upon finding this out Managers took away internet access from all employees in which it is not a job necessity. This did not go well with employees as they felt as though their privacy was being invaded. As a supervisor I had to make sure that my employees had access to the websites they needed but nothing more. Employees feel that they are not trusted and treated like babies. Managers at Blake must be careful not to alienate employees in order to try and gain more efficiency. The Growth of Worker Diversity Blake employs a very diversified group of people. In fact some employees can barely speak English well. At times it gets kind of hard to understand them. My Managers must work hard not to alienate any one group of people. Every employee must be given the same chance to excel. They also must be proactive in learning about each group’s backgrounds and or culture as to not offend anyone. Managers at Blake are becoming more understanding o different beliefs and cultures and do not punish people for partaking (taking a day off) in these beliefs. The Aging Workforce Managers at Blake encourage continuing education. In fact anyone who wishes to go to school can do so for free, it is mentioned on our website how they will provide up to $50,000 for each employee towards their education. Education is encouraged whether you are young or old. Managers really respect the older employees because the hold so much knowledge and experience, so they must be careful not to quickly replace them with a younger face. It is important to have a good mix, as not all young college grads are a good fit as not all older people are. The Birth of the Dynamic Workforce Blake managers must work to be more encouraging. They will have to be able to motivate employees and encourage cross training. Employees must be able to help out in other departments when needed. Slow times in one department may mean a chaotic time in another. Being able to meet the demands in the high productivity department and use workers from the slow department can decrease cost. Managers must be able to think ahead in order to keep up with competition and stay ahead of the game. Blake is a pretty good company to work for but has been behind the times for a while. My managers are proactively trying to keep up with industry standards. This has caused a lot of revamping and the recruiting of more knowledgeable employees. Blake Managers understand that if they want to stay in business they must come to terms with the changes in the 21st century. Reference Kreitner, R. (2004). Management (9th ed. ). Boston, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Influence of alcohol on youths life Essay

Alcohol abuse among the youths has become a major concern in the recent past in various parts of the world. Alcohol is one of the most abused drugs with more than 60% of homesteads having access to alcohol. While in the past alcohol was not termed as a drug, today it is the leading cause of many deaths in the United States especially among the youths. Alcohol use and abuse by the youths has significant impact on their mental development and other health issues. Alcohol has been known to compromise the capability of a person to perform some of the normal tasks and also other complex tasks, the ability brain cells to retrieve information and it also slows information recording by the brain cells. Alcohol also has the effect of degrading coordination and slowing down reaction process. Apart from destroying the brain, alcohol abuse leads to other physical health problems as well as social and economic problems (Buddy, para 2). Currently, most youths drink due to peer influence or just to appear superior to their peers. Drinking has become a major problem in most colleges as more young people engage in alcohol drinking. In America for example, research has established that almost 50% of all students consume alcohol even before they reach their 8th grade (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), para 1). This trend continues as the students continue to 12th grade with the frequency at which alcohol increasing as students’ sets on adolescent and early adulthood. Some of the negative impacts associated with youth drinking include risky sexual activities, high risks to societies and individuals through road accidents and subsequent deaths, alcohol stimulated or induced brain damage, increased crime such as homicide, assaults and rapes all associated with alcohol, poor academic performance and poor general health of youths who take alcohol among other effects (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), para 1-2). This research paper will thus evaluate the various negative effects that alcohol abuse has on youths’ lives as well as their families and the society as a whole. Effects of alcohol abuse on youths As mentioned earlier, alcohol abuse is the leading cause of deaths in the United States as well as other parts of the world. Unlike in the past where terminal illnesses were ranked as the first killers in the world, today alcohol has been identified as the major killer around the world a scenario which has been attributed to the exposure of individuals to alcohol. Alcohol is one of the oldest drugs in the world. However, its abuse especially among the youths has increased in the recent past and its effects are felt across all nations (Felsted, pp 16). One of the major impacts of alcohol abuse on youth’s lives is that it interferes with the normal development process of the brains. Current research has established that brain development continues through the early twenties in a person. However, the pre-frontal cortex which is the part which is responsible for controlling cognitive ability and reasoning develops later in life as it takes a longer time to mature. Drinking in the early ages by a person (before the complete development and maturity of the brain) thus affects a person memory as it damages the region of the pre frontal cortex. Most of the youths who begin drinking do so at tender ages when their brain cells are still at the development stages. Brain cells develop when individuals are young and excessive drinking interferes with this development making young people more ineffective and unproductive. Research has established that most of the youths start drinking before the age of 16 (Barnes & Brown, pp 45). During this period, it is the time when brain cells fully mature and intoxication with alcohol reduces or interferes with hormone release and functioning. Excessive use of alcohol reduces the capability of the brain to coordinate and integrate information thus interfering with good decision making process (Barnes & Brown, pp 45). Academic degradation is another effect of alcohol abuse amongst the youths. As mentioned above, alcohol interferes with effective brain development as well as the ability of the brain to integrate and coordinate information to make meaningful translation of assimilated information. The ability of a person to comprehend and perform complex tasks and also to control impulses is controlled by the pre-frontal cortex which is destroyed by early age drinking. Alcohol abuse also slows down a person’s ability to be creative and make mature and meaningful decisions. Most of the youths who abuse alcohol are in their college levels or junior classes. Due to the negative impact alcohol abuse has on brain development and concentration capability, such youths end up performing poorly in their course work. Poor academic performance has various implications both in the short run and long run life of a youth. Mostly, students who perform poorly in class or course work end up getting poor grades which in turn forces the students to retake a course or a unit. Students who are forced to retake a course usually find it to be offensive and end up dropping out of school. This has further implications in their later life as it is difficult to find a descent job without good grades. Also, students who perform poorly in their academics are unlikely to find good jobs to support them and their families in the future. They thus end up with blue collar jobs which are not capable of supporting them financially in the long run (Buddy, para 4-6). Poor academic performance by youths and the subsequent loss of welfare has significant impact not only to the youths but also the communities in which they live in. Youths are the energetic and creative generation which is entitled to take up community development projects and to take care of the younger ones in their families in cases where parents are old or incapacitated. When youths are involved in alcohol abuse, they are unable to bring development in their communities thus affecting the overall development of these areas. Also, the government loses out as there are few youths to employ in more sophisticated careers thus end up importing professionals which can be costly. Alcohol has not only destroyed the future lives of youths but it has also destroyed the welfare of the families, societies and the overall economic growth of a country (Barnes & Brown, pp 76). Another negative impact of alcohol abuse among the youths is that it leads to loss of jobs thus economic welfare. Alcohol is very addictive and once addicted; a person becomes alcohol dependence and cannot work effectively without it. Once in the blood stream, alcohol changes the normal functioning systems and makes it to become dependent on alcohol for functioning. Most of the young adults have lost some prestigious jobs due to alcohol addiction and abuse. Once fully addicted, a person cannot perform his or her duties and thus end up being retrenched or laid off from their work places. Loss of economic welfare renders a person incapable of feeding and taking care of his or her family leading to marital problems which may even lead to divorce or separation. Domestic violence associated with alcohol and drug abuse is the main reason given by most people while filing for a divorce. Alcoholics tend to become violent and unruly which have negative impacts on the children development. Most children who are brought up in families characterized by domestic violence tend to become reserved and perform poorly in class and they may even become violent later in their lives. Young married couples who abuse alcohol are more likely to raise unhealthy families and are even more likely to be violent and disorderly (NIAAA, para 5). Alcohol abuse among the youths also leads to increased crime and homicide cases. In America for example, over 36% cases of homicide which are reported are related to alcohol intoxication and abuse. 0% of these cases are reported to have been committed by young persons under the age of 25 years whose history verify excessive use of alcohol (Felsted, pp 22). Alcohol has different effects on adults and youths which make these two groups of individuals to behave different while under its effects. In adults, alcohol acts as a sedative which makes the adults to be more controlled even after they are totally drunk. On the contrary, alcohol acts as a stimulator for young people which make them to drink past the necessary or legal limits. Alcohol brings some kind of energy in young people which stimulates them to do things they would rather not do while sober. This explains why more homicide cases which are reported to be carried out by young people are linked to alcoholism. Other crimes which are commonly committed by young persons while under the influence of alcohol include rape cases, assaults and robberies. In America for example, over 45% of all rape cases are committed by young adults between the ages of 19 and 23 years while 44% of robberies and over 35% of assaults are all alcohol related. This is still the trend in most of the colleges where over 90% of all college rapes and violence are directly related to alcohol abuse. Most of the young persons who are imprisoned for homicide cases and rape cases attribute their actions to alcohol intoxication (Felsted, pp 25). Alcohol abuse amongst the youths is also an avenue through which most of the young persons are introduced to hard drugs such as cocaine, brown sugar, heroine and bhang. Young people are usually very eager and anxious to try out new things and love being adventurous. However, under the influence of alcohol, they become more vulnerable to be introduced to other dangerous drugs which are more fatal to their health as well as their lives. Under the influence of alcohol, young people are unable to make rational decisions which make it easy for them to fall prey of hard drugs abuse. Most of the young people who are today addicted to drugs say they were first introduced to such drugs during a drinking spree. Once introduced to such drugs, it becomes difficult to quit and even treat. Other health complications may arise which may not only be costly to treat but may lead to death. Drug addiction is hard to quit hence it can easily destroy the live of the youth (Barnes & Brown, pp 109). Death is also another negative impact of alcohol on youths today. Alcohol intoxicates the mind making a person to act and behave irrationally. As already mentioned, youths are in their development stages and they are very energetic, curious and explorative. Unlike their counterpart adults, they tend to make decisions at impulse without thinking of the consequences that may accrue. Most of the youths who commit suicide are said to have prior being intoxicated with alcohol and other drugs. Alcohol is a leading cause of suicide cases which are reported around the world. Apart from suicide, most youths also meet their death while driving under the influence of alcohol. It is normal for the youths to explore and try out different things to satisfy their curiosity. Drinking is one of the means of doing this and at times they end up driving under this condition. This is dangerous as a person is not mentally and physically stable to drive which leads to major road accidents and deaths. Accidents caused by driving under the influence of alcohol are usually fatal and may cause further harm to other motorists and pedestrians as well. Families end up losing their children in such accidents all due to alcohol abuse. Another influence of alcohol on youths is that it leads to increased sexual activity amongst the youths which exposes them to dangers of contracting sexually transmitted diseases some of which may be terminal such as AIDS. Alcohol intoxicates a person and hinders rational thinking and decision making. Under the influence of alcohol, youths engage in sexual activities without reasoning or even taking precaution. This exposes or makes them vulnerable of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Currently, most of the persons living with HIV/AIDS virus are young people and they attribute it to alcohol and drug abuse. Such diseases are terminal and before a youth realizes he or she is infected, he can pass it over to others especially when drunk. Once infected with sexually transmitted diseases especially those which are terminal, a person feels worthless and may even become ill to an extent that he or she cannot work normally or may even commit suicide. Youths who are energetic, creative and future leaders and pillars of the world thus end up dying due to alcohol abuse (NIAAA, para 7). Alcohol also leads to poverty both for the youths and their families in that once a youth becomes infected with sexually transmitted diseases; their families are forced to cater for him which requires finances. Alcohol also has other health issues in the lives of youths. Alcohol is the leading cause of liver cirrhosis and kidney failure problems. Such diseases require a lot of money to treat and usually lead to diversion of money from other family welfare issues. This may easily lead to family poverty thus further complications in family matters. Alcohol abuse among the youths also leads to stress among the family members as they try to help the addicted person. Apart from economic constraints in the family for medical care, excessive alcohol especially amongst the youths makes them to become unruly and disorderly. They may also become abusive both physically and emotionally and sometimes sexually. This may cause trauma in families and may even attract legal suits against the perpetrator. Most of the youths are incarcerated as a result of alcohol abuse. This is also costly to their families as well as the youths (Felsted, pp 43-46). Alcohol drinking by the youths also affects their reproductive and maturation systems. During puberty and adolescence, young people experience rapid growth and set the onset of maturity to adulthood. During this growth and development process, different hormones are released to aid in maturity of an individual and development of reproductive system. Alcohol destroys or tampers with the production of growth hormones thus slowing growth and development of productive organs, bones, and muscles. Excessive alcohol intake by youths especially in males can cause impotence or immaturity in development of sexual organs. Women who take excessive alcohol during their youth may also become infertile or develop other fertility complications in the future. This affects the future reproductive health of an individual as such people may become incapable of procreating. This is also a major reason for family breakups and divorces in the world (Barnes & Brown, pp 116). Another heath effect of alcohol intake among the youths is that it lowers the immune system. Exposure to alcohol especially during the youthful years leads to suppression of the immune system of an individual making such a person vulnerable to illnesses and diseases. Chronic exposure to alcohol changes the pattern in which hormones are released in the body. Hormones are the ones which stimulate the immune system in the body and once they are altered, the immunity of a person is affected greatly. Low immune system exposes a person to various kinds of health risks and diseases such as liver damage (NIAAA, para 9). Alcohol abuse by youths affects their behavioral development. Usually, youths who are under the influence of alcohol tend to be rowdy and disorganized and pick fights with almost everybody even their parents and teachers. In colleges, such students’ education is terminated which may mean end of their careers and aspirations. Termination of education also means that they cannot get better paying jobs due to lack of proper school qualifications and certificates. Alcohol makes the youths behave in an immature and irresponsible manner despite where they are. Behaving irresponsibly also has legal implications on youths. Most of the rowdy youths who become a public nuisance are picked up by the authorities and may be taken to rehabilitation centers or juvenile courts. This delays their education and prolongs their time in school which in some instances can be humiliating especially when a student is schooling with younger students. Such students may end up dropping out of school which further decreases their chances of getting good jobs. Alcohol generally leads to poverty in the long run for the youths (Felsted, pp 67-68). Conclusion Youth drinking has become a major concern in most parts of the world due to the negative impact alcohol has had on the young generation. The youth comprise of over 30% of the total population and they comprise the future generational leaders. Alcohol has however changed some of the youths and corrupted their energetic and agile minds rendering such youths almost useless to the global economy. Alcohol abuse among the youths is the leading cause for their deaths, poor performance thus poor paying jobs for the youths, diversion of family financial resources to cater for huge medical bills associated with alcohol related ailments, diseases and rehabilitation costs. Effects of alcohol on youth’s awareness campaigns should be planned to ensure that the future generation is protected.

Night World : Black Dawn Chapter 20

Maggie held Sylvia gently. Or at least, she knelt by her and tried to hold herasbest she could without disturbing the piece of broken spear that wasstill lodged in Sylvia's body. It was all over. Where Hunter Redfern and hismost trusted nobles had been, there was a large scorched crater in the earth. Maggie vaguely recalled seeing a few people running for the hillsGavin the slave trader had been among them. But Hunter hadn't been one of them. He had been at ground zero when the blue fire struck, and nowthere wasn't even a wisp of red hair to show thathe had existed. Except for Delos, there weren't any Night Peopleleft in the courtyard atall. The slaves were just barely peeking out againfrom their huts. â€Å"It's all right,† Jeanne was yelling. â€Å"Yeah, youheard me it's all right!Delos isn't dangerous. Notto us, anyway. Come on, you, get out of therewhat are you doing hiding behind that pig?† â€Å"She's good at this,† a grim voice murmured. Maggie looked up and saw a tall, gaunt figure,with a very small girl clasped to her side. â€Å"Laundress!† she said. â€Å"Oh, and PJ.-I'm so glad you're all right. But, Laundress, please†¦ .† The healing woman knelt. But even as she did, alook passed between her and Sylvia. Sylvia's facewas a strange, chalky color, with shadows thatlooked like bruises under her eyes. There was alittle blood at the corner of her mouth. â€Å"It's no good,† she said thickly. â€Å"She's right,† Laundress said bluntly. â€Å"There'snothing you can do to help this one, Deliverer, andnothing I can do, either.† â€Å"I'm not anybody's Deliverer,† Maggie said. Tearsprickled behind her eyes. â€Å"You could have fooled me,† Laundress said, andgot up again. â€Å"I see you sitting here, and I see allthe slaves over there, free. You came and it happened-the prophecies were fulfilled. If you didn'tdo it, it's a strange coincidence.† The look in her dark eyes, although as unsentimental as ever, made Maggie's cheeks burn suddenly. She looked back down at Sylvia. â€Å"But she's the one who saved us,† she said, hardlyaware that she was speaking out loud. â€Å"She deserves some kind of dignity†¦.† â€Å"She's not the only one who saved us,† a voicesaid quietly, and Maggie looked up gratefully atDelos. â€Å"No, you did, too.† â€Å"That's not what I meant,† he said, and kneltwhere Laundress had. One of his hands touched Maggie's shoulder lightly, but the other one wentto Sylvia's. â€Å"There's only one thing I can do to help you,† hesaid. â€Å"Do you want it?† â€Å"To become a vampire?† Sylvia's head movedslightly in a negative. â€Å"No. And since there's woodnext to my heart right now, I don't think it would work anyway.† Maggie gulped and looked at the spear, whichhad cracked in the confusion when the guards ran. â€Å"We could take it out – !† I wouldn't live through it. Give up for once, will you?† Sylvia's head moved slightly again in disgust. Maggie had to admire her, even dying, she still hadthe strength to be nasty. Witches were tough. â€Å"Listen,† Sylvia said, staring at her. â€Å"There'ssomething I want to tell you.† She drew a painfulbreath. â€Å"About your brother.† Maggie swallowed, braced to hear the terrible details â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"It really bugged me, you know? I would put on my nicest clothes, do my hair, we would go out †¦and then he'd talk about you.† Maggie blinked, utterly nonplussed. This wasn't at all what she had expected. â€Å"He would?† â€Å"About his sister.How brave she was. How smartshe was. How stubborn she was.† Maggie kept blinking. She'd heard Miles accuse her of lots of things, but never of being smart. Shefelt her eyelids prickle again and her throat swellpainfully. â€Å"He couldn't stand to hear a bad word about you,† Sylvia was saying. Her purple-shadowed eyes narrowed suddenly, the color of bittersweet nightshade. â€Å"And I hated you for that. But him †¦ I liked him.† Her voice was getting much weaker. Aradia knelton her other side and touched the shimmering silvery hair. â€Å"You don't have long,† she said quietly, as if giving a warning. Sylvia's eyes blinked once, as if to say she understood. Then she turned her eyes on Maggie. â€Å"I told Delos I killed him,† she whispered.†But †¦I lied.† Maggie felt her eyes fly open. Then all at onceher heart was beating so hard that it shook herentire body. â€Å"You didn'tkill him? He's alive?† â€Å"I wanted to punish him†¦ but I wanted himnear me, too†¦.† A wave of dizziness broke over Maggie. She bentover Sylvia, trying not to clutch at the slender shoulders. All she could see was Sylvia's pale face. â€Å"Please tell me what you did,† she whisperedwith passionate intensity. â€Å"Please tell me.† â€Å"I had him †¦ changed.† The musical voice wasonly a distant murmur now. â€Å"Made him a shapeshifter †¦ and added a spell. So he wouldn'tbe human again until I wanted †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"What kind of spell?† Aradia prompted quietly. Sylvia made a sound like the most faraway ofsighs. â€Å"Not anything that you need to deal with,Maiden†¦. Just take the leather band off his leg.He'll always be a shapeshifter †¦but he won't be lost to you†¦.† Suddenly her voice swelled up a little stronger,and Maggie realized that the bruised eyes werelooking at her with something like Sylvia's oldmalice. â€Å"You're so smart †¦ I'm sure you can figure outwhich animal †¦Ã¢â‚¬  After that a strange sound came out of herthroat, one that Maggie had never heard before.Somehow she knew without being told that itmeant Sylvia was dying-right then. The body in the green dress arched up once andwent still. Sylvia's head fell back. Her eyes, the color of tear-drenched violets, were open, staringup at the sky, but they seemed oddly flat. Aradia put a slender dark hand on the paleforehead. â€Å"Goddess of Life, receive this daughter of Hellewise,† she said in her soft, ageless voice. â€Å"Guideher to the other world.† She added, in a whisper,†She takes with her the blessing of all the witches.† Maggie looked up almost fearfully to see if theshining figure who had surrounded Aradia like anaura would come back. But all she saw was Aradia's beautiful face, with its smooth skin the color of coffee with cream and its compassionate blindgaze. Then Aradia gently moved her hand down to shutSylvia's eyes. Maggie clenched her teeth, but it was no use.She gasped once, and then somehow she was in the middle of sobbing violently, unable to stop it.But Delos's arms were around her, and she buriedher face in his neck, and that helped. When she gotcontrol of herself a few minutes later, she realizedthat in his arms she felt almost what she had inher dream, that inexpressible sense of peace and security. Of belonging, utterly. As long as her soulmate was alive, and they weretogether, she would be all right. Then she noticed that P.J. was pressed up againsther, too, and she let go of Delos to put one armaround the small shaking body. â€Å"You okay, kiddo?† she whispered. P.J. sniffed. â€Å"Yeah. I am, now. It's been prettyscary, but I'm glad it's over.† â€Å"And you know,† Jeanne said, looking down atSylvia with her hands on her hips, â€Å"that's how Iwant to go. Taking my own way out †¦ and totally pissing everybody off at the end.† Maggie glanced up, startled, and choked. Thenshe gurgled. Then she shook her head, and knewthat her crying spell was over. â€Å"I don't even know why I'm like this about her. She wasn't a nice person. I wanted to kill her myself.† â€Å"She was a person,† Delos said. Which, Maggie decided, was about the best summing-up anybody could provide. She realized that Jeanne and Laundress andDelos were looking at her intently, and that Aradia's face was turned her way. â€Å"Well?† Jeanne said. â€Å"Do you know? Which animal your brother is?† â€Å"Oh,†Maggie said. â€Å"I think so.† She looked at Delos. â€Å"Do you happen to knowwhat the name Gavin means? For a shapeshifter?Does it mean falcon?† His blacklashed golden eyes met hers. â€Å"Hawk orfalcon. Yes.† Warm pleasure filled Maggie. â€Å"Then I know,† she said simply. She stood up, and Delos came with her as if he belonged by her. â€Å"How can we find the falcon she had with her thatfirst day we met? When you were out with the hunting party?† â€Å"It should be in the mews,† Delos said. A fascinated crowd gathered behind them as theywent. Maggie recognized Old Mender, smiling and cackling, and Soaker, not looking frightened anymore, and Chamber-pot Emptier †¦ â€Å"We really need to get you guys some newnames,† she muttered. â€Å"Can you just pick one or something?† The big girl with the moon face and the gentleeyes smiled at her shyly. â€Å"I heard of a noble named Hortense once†¦ .† â€Å"That's good,† Maggie said, after just the slightestpause. â€Å"Yeah, that's great. I mean, comparatively.† They reached the mews, which was a dark littleroom near the stable, with perches all over thewalls. The falcons were upset and distracted, and the air was full of flapping wings. They all lookedalike to Maggie. â€Å"It would be a new bird,† Delos said. â€Å"I thinkmaybe that one. Is the falconer here?† While everyone milled around looking for him, Jeanne edged close to Maggie. â€Å"What I want to know is how you know. How didyou even know Gavin was a shapeshifter at all?† â€Å"I didn't-but it was sort of logical. After all, Bernwas one. They both seemed to have the same kind of senses. And Aradia said that Sylvia took care of Miles down at her apartment, and Bern and Gavinwere both there. So it seemed natural that maybeshe made one of them pass the curse along toMiles.† ‘But why did you figure Gavin was a falcon?† â€Å"I don't know,† Maggie said slowly. â€Å"I justwell,he looked a little bit like one. Sort of thin andgolden. But it was more things that happened-he got away from Delos and over to the hunting party too fast to have gone by ground. I didn't really think about it much then, but it must have stuckat the back of my mind.† Jeanne gave her a narrow sideways glance. â€Å"Stilldoesn't sound like enough.† â€Å"No-but mostly, it was that Milesjust had to bea falcon. It had to be something small-Sylviawould hardly be carrying a pigora tiger or a beararound with her up the mountain. And I saw herwith a falcon that first day. It was something she could keep near her, something that she could control. Something that was an-accessory. It just allmade sense.† Jeanne made a sound like hmph.†I still don'tthink you're a rocket scientist. I think you luckedout† Maggie turned as the crowd brought a little manwith a lean, shrewd face to her-Falconer. â€Å"Well,we don't know yet,† she murmured fervently. â€Å"ButI sure hope so.† The little man held up a bird. â€Å"This is the newone. Lady Sylvia said never to take the green bandoff his leg-but I've got a knife. Would you like todo it?† Maggie held her breath. She tried to keep herhand steady asshe carefully cut through the emerald green leather band, but her fingers trembled. The leather tie fell free-and for a moment hexheart stood still, because nothing happened. And then she saw it. The rippling changeasthebird's wings outstretched and thickened and thefeathers merged and swam†¦and then Falconerwas moving back, and a human form was takingshape†¦ . And then Miles was standing there, with his auburn hair shining red gold and his handsome,wicked smile He gave her the thumbs-up sign. â€Å"Hey, I knew you would rescue me. What arelittle sisters for?† he said-and then Maggie was inhis arms. It seemed a long time later that all the hugging and crying and explaining was done. The slavesthe ex-slaves, Maggie corrected herself-had begunto gather and organize themselves and make plans.Delos and Aradia had sent various messengers outof the valley. There were still things to be settled-months' andyears' worth of things. And Maggie knew that lifewould never be the same for her again. She would never be a normal schoolgirl. Her brother was a shapeshifter-well, at least itwas a form he could enjoy, she thought wryly. Hewas already talking to Jeanne about a new way ofgetting to the summits of mountains-with wings. Her soulmate was a Wild Power. Aradia had already told her what that meant. It meant that theywould have to be protected by the witches and Circle Daybreak until the time of darkness came andDelos was needed, so that the Night World didn'tkill them. And even if they survived until the final battle†¦it was going to be a tough one. Plus, she herself had changed forever. She feltshe owed something to the people of the valley,who were still calling her the Deliverer. She wouldhave to try to help them adjust to the Outside world. Her fate would be intertwined with theirsall her life. But just now, everybody wastalking about getting some food. â€Å"Come into the castle-all of you,† Delos saidsimply. He took Maggie's arm and started toward it. Justthen P.J. pointed to the sky, and there was an awed murmur from the crowd. â€Å"The sun!† It was true. Maggie looked up and was dazzled.In the smooth, pearly sky of the Dark Kingdom, in exactly the place where the blue fire had flashedfrom the earth, there was a little clearing in theclouds. The sun was shining through, chasing awaythe mist, turning the trees in the surrounding hillsemerald green. And glinting off the sleek black walls of the castlelikeamirror. A place of enchantment, Maggie thought, lookingaround in wonder. It really is beautiful here. Then she looked at the boy beside her. At hisdark hairjust now extremely tousled-and hissmooth fair skin, and his elegant bones. At themouth which was still a bit proud and willful, but was mostly vulnerable. And at those fearless, brilliant yellow eyes whichlooked back at her as if she were the most important thing in the universe. â€Å"I suppose that all prophecies come true by accident,† she said slowly and thoughtfully. â€Å"From just ordinary people trying and lucking out.† â€Å"There is nothingordinary about you,† Delossaid, and kissed her. Onefrom the land of kings long forgotten; One from the hearth which still holds the spark; One fromthe Day World where two eyes are watching; One fromthe twilight to be one with the dark.