I.B. Comparative Politics and Economics (SL) Essay

In this article, The Economist talks about how the price for a barrel of oil has dropped below the fifty dollar mark, resting at $47.36. Though many people would be happy with this, it talks about how this could be cause for alarm as a possible indicator for a worsening economy. The main economic concept described in the article would have to be consumption because it ties in with many changes that will occur as an effect of oil prices going down. Consumption is basically what it says it is: the total spending by consumers of domestic goods and services. Another concept described in this article is that of aggregate demand, mainly because consumption is bound to it. Aggregate demand is the total spending on goods or services in a period of time at a given price. Lastly, Monetary Policy is touched on in this article since there is a deflation in prices those who control monetary policy cut interest rates. * Consumption: Because of the drop in oil and also economist’s predictions that it will drop even lower, we can probably guess that consumers will save more money when they buy gas. With this extra money, incomes change and go up. Income is one of the main factors of consumption because, when it rises, people have more money to spend on other things, which increases aggregate demand. Consumer confidence also plays a role in consumption and especially in this case because, if consumers believe that gas prices will become lower, then they will have a greater chance or spending more on various goods and services. * Aggregate Demand: Changes in any of the four determinants of aggregate demand will shift it, making it lower or higher depending on which way the determinant shifts. In this case, a graph of aggregate demand would be shifting to the left because price levels are going down as the cost of oil is decreasing. * Monetary Policy: Though not discussed to a deep extent in the article, it does say that in response to the price for a barrel of oil dropping â€Å"those setting monetary policy have had no hesitation in cutting interest rates dramatically.† They’re probably cutting them do to fears of deflation which would create a greater unemployment due to a decrease in profit. Cutting interest rates would decrease the incentive to save because the cost of borrowing would be lower, this would also increase investment. In this graph you can see that aggregate demand will shift from a change in price level. So, if we make the price level oil and it goes down, then we have our demand for it go up and the aggregate demand line will shift to the left (AD2). If we increase the price for oil, the exact opposite will occur and the line will shift to the right (AD3). This all comes back to monetary policy and the article talking about people cutting interest so that it could build up consumer confidence in spending. In terms of completeness of this article, I think The Economist does an overall decent job at explaining what was going on and what could come of it but I don’t think it really touched on what we should do (or what we are doing) as a country to prevent a shortage of oil. I think the article does a good job of assuming that, although we are pursuing renewable energy, oil will be with us for a while longer and that we need to jack up the prices to reduce demand so that we don’t have the shortage too soon. In the short term, the lowering of oil prices is immensely beneficial because it increases the amount of money consumers have to spend on goods and services, and it also increases consumer confidence, making them want to get loans and mortgages.

Cigarettes

This, perhaps, is the most and only logical reasoning behind the lasting Of the cigarette industry. However as the product develops and more information is exposed to the public, calls to end the public distribution of cigarettes have grown louder and spread into the world of politics more and more prominently (Strobe). In order to help improve the health of people and to abide by moral standards, cigarettes should be legalized. When cigarettes were first introduced, they became extremely popular, primarily due to the addictive traits of the chemicals in the smoke.However, his had been a time before further research revealed an astounding number of other harmful chemicals within each cigarette, including components found in rat poison and house cleaning agents. Furthermore, not many had known of the existence of tar and nicotine, which cigarettes are known to create and contain a lot of, respectively. Tar build up is now commonly known to be a leading cause of health problems in ciga rette users, and nicotine is known as the addictive, artery-sealing leading component in cigarettes. Even further than the harm being done to smokers, second-hand smoke is also an absurdly active health problem.The effects of second hand smoke are exemplified by the fact that the damage done by this source IS done to non- smokers, punishing those who chose not to use cigarettes. Banning cigarette use will undoubtedly increase the overall health of the American people, even if the former smokers believe they are suffering. Another point to be observed in the existence of cigarettes as a commercial product is the moral aspect of it. Tobacco companies are completely aware of all the health risks imposed on smokers, yet they merely see their customers as income.Tobacco companies intentionally use extremely toxic chemicals simply to increase the addictive qualities of their product, completely disregarding the value of human life for the value of their economic sustainability. Advertisin g by tobacco companies are also morally wrong, as recently it has been observed that certain advertisements are meant to target younger groups. This is meant as a marketing strategy, as getting younger customers â€Å"hooked† means a longer lasting stream of income from a large group of individuals. This is yet another example of the inhumanity displayed y tobacco companies.While their industry is not the only example of a disregard for human health for economics, it is definitely one of the more prominent in today's society. To take one step in a positive direction to address the â€Å"risk anything for the economy† attitude, cigarettes should be legalized. The one positive that may have resulted in the formation of cigarettes is that the economy does, in some portion, rely on these large industries for a source of international wealth. However, the economy should not take a front seat over the well-being of the populations.Also, the existence of these massive commerc ial industries are restricting the legalization process of far more beneficial alternatives, such as cannabis, or marijuana. Because of the fear of losing revenue, tobacco companies have attempted for some time to prevent the legalization of marijuana, which is known to have several positive effects and very few negatives. The existence of tobacco corporations effectively prevents further processes to allow use of this beneficial plant, in addition to lowering the cost to arrest those that possess marijuana.Therefore, the one positive created by the existence of the tobacco industry has created even more negatives. Due to the overwhelming health detriments and lack of morality, cigarette use should indeed be banned. The existence of the tobacco industry has created a multitude of problems, including the closing of doors leading to brighter alternatives. This opinion is also spreading among the popular opinions of those in control of the media, further supporting the case that cigare ttes are obviously poison, both literal and figurative.

Brl Hardy

How do you account for BRL Hardy’s remarkable post-merger success? Prior to the BRL and Hardy merger both companies were rivals with diverse views of the wine industry. Due to the varying views both companies had different organizational structures and approaches. Hardy was a family owned business focused on producing great wine. In 1853 Thomas Hardy acquired land near, Adelaide which is in South Australia. Thomas used the land to plant vines, by 1857 he produced his first vintage, and two hogsheads were exported to England.By 1882 hardy won his first international gold medal at Bordeaux. At the time of Thomas’ death in 1912, Hardy was the largest winemaker in Australia. Hardy became known for award-winning, quality wines, and the company focused on global external brand awareness. BRL on the other hand focused on commercial exporting, the cooperative was referred to as â€Å"the oil refinery of the wine industry†, and the company was more concerned with quantity rather than quality. BRL specialized in fortified, bulk, and value wines and it was the second largest crush in Australia.Both BRL and Hardy were respected in the wine market, unfortunately both companies were suffering financial losses and the merger of both companies was the best alternative. According to an ex-BRL manager, â€Å"we had access to fruit, funds, and disciplines management; Hardy brought marketing expertise, brands and winemaking know-how†. The above mentioned characteristics added to the success of the BRL Hardy merger. The newly formed company focused on client retention, branding and cost savings.Steve Miller, CEO of the newly merged company focused on his first task, the financial situation. Since both companies performed poorly the previous year, Miller wanted to protect its share of the bulk cask business and concentrate on branded bottle sales growth. Another aspect that added to the success of the merger was Miller’s awareness of the differences in culture and management style. Miller’s objective was to create a decentralized approach while keeping management accountable. With the delegation of small tasks, Miller wanted to create a â€Å"have a go† mentality.The objective was to have the company try 20 things and getting 80% right instead of doing two big things that needed to be 100% right. Determined to â€Å"earn his stripes† David Woods was able to integrate the two sales teams which resulted in impressive results. Both domestic bottle market share and profitability increased significantly in the first two years of BRLH’s operation. What is the source of the tension between Stephen Davies and Christopher Carson? How effectively has Steve Millar handled their differences?There are a few sources that contributed to the tension between Davies and Carson; there were conflicts in leadership, po wer struggles, and organizational dysfunctions. The BRL dominated headquarters management supported delegation, but only for those that â€Å"earned their stripes†, even though Carson had a good track record, his past performance he was treated as a new comer by the new management structure. Within the Hardy built European company there were questions about whether their bulk-wine-oriented BRL colleagues understood international marketing.Due to the differences in views there was a feeling of â€Å"Us vs. Them† (UK Subsidiary vs. Headquarters). Carson did not think Davies and the Headquarters were credible and legitimate when it came to marketing. The largest dispute came from marketing strategies, specifically branding and labeling issues. Carson felt that the image of the Hardy brands eroded in the United Kingdom and they needed to be relabeled, repositioned and re-launched. There was difficulty convincing the home office of his strategy, since Australia controlled all aspects of the brand Carson felt like he was on a tight leash.Initially Millar handled the tension between Carson and Davies effectively, Millar acknowledged the expertise and potential the two managers brought to the company; his intention was to get them to collaborate. Unfortunately I think Millar made some errors in how he handled the delicate situation. There was no clear reporting structure, Davies reported directly to Millar, on the other hand Carson reported to Millar regarding the U. K. Company’s profit performance, and reported to Davies for marketing and branding strategies. In essence, Carson had direct access to Davies boss.Millar’s approach was flawed because he did not want to be pulled into resolving disputes, but hoped for negotiation. Hoping for negotiation is not a solution, it’s like putting a Band-Aid on a bullet wound, Millar was focused on growth and he did not encourage Carson and Davies to work things out. Should Millar approve Carson’s proposal to launch â€Å"D’Istinto†? Why or why not? Carson wanted to launch a new wine D’istinto because he felt it would have a unique image built around Mediterranean lifestyle; passionate, warm, romantic and relaxed.Carson wanted to target everyday wine consumers that enjoyed wine, but were not knowledgeable about it; he also knew that women represented 60% of the supermarket wine buyers. With D’istinto buyers would be encouraged to write to receive free recipes. Carson wanted to create a database of wine and food loving consumers that would receive futur e promotions through the mail. The D’istinto line would help build BRLH Europe in size, impact and reputation. In addition to the positive impact on BRLH’s financials, D’istinto would help Carson become more influential.Millar was not convinced that launching D’istinto was a good move for BRLH, there was too much risk involved with competing on the same market with Stamps and Nottage Hill. I think Millar should allow Carson to launch D’istinto since Stamps and Nottage Hill were not doing well in the markets. A new sophisticated Italian wine would be the key in elevating the BRLH brand. What recommendation would you make to the organization concerning the conflicting proposals for â€Å"Kelly’s Revenge† and â€Å"Banrock Station†? What would you decide to do as Carson?As Millar? After struggling to manage things on his own, Carson hired an Australian marketing manager, he needed someone to come into the organization and take charge and get things done. The ne w hire, Paul Browne was an eight year veteran eager to capitalize on an opportunity to create a Hardy brand at the ? 3. 99 price point, but be able to promote it at ? 3. 49. Browne felt the market was ready for a fun brand that would appeal to a younger market. He came up with Kelly’s Revenge, with the support of the U. K. ales management Browne pursued the new product, creating colorful labels and preparing a detailed marketing plan. During this time BRLH in Australia was also creating a new product targeted at a similar price point. The Banrock Station brand was launched in Australia in 1996, its motto was â€Å"Good Earth, Fine Wine†. Banrock Station became an immediate success in Australia and New Zealand. With this success it was difficult for Browne to find a place for Kelly’s Revenge since both wines had the same price point in the U.K. My recommendation would be to produce Banrock Station since it was doing well in the market and Kelly’s Revenge was not well received when surveyed by consumers. In business there are tough decisions that need to be made, but I think the wise choice is going with the product that shows better potential. I think Carson and Millar were back to the dilemma they had regarding D’istinto. How would you compare the management style of Millar to Shackleton and Schulman?Millar, Shackleton, and Schulman were able to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of the individuals that worked for them. I think Schulman and Shackleton were similar in their leadership style because they were not selfish when it came to the success of their team. I think Shackleton was a bit stubborn and this caused him to get in his own way. Overall they possess great leadership skills which helped them to be successful in different ways. Even though Shackleton has passed, his legacy lives on because he did not allow rejection or an iceberg to stop him from his endeavor.The same goes for Schulman she could have played the victim, but she decided to have a voice and inspired others to be great. Millar on the other hand could have learned a few things from Schulman and Shackleton; I think he tried to separate himself from situations too much. He was focused on profits and he needed to put more emphasis on making sure teams meshed well. One example was the dissention between Carson and Davies. Millar could have been a better leader in handling the situation, putting each person in their respective â€Å"corner† does not solve the problem.

Constitution High School Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Constitution High School - Essay Example a) The overall structure of the executive body is that of a lobbying group, that also acts as an associational interest group. There must be a broad representation of all student clubs, and so each of the members will run according to their party group. This will require each candidate to submit his or her name and their class. b) All members will be voted in with a plurality vote, wherein each candidate must submit his party name and not first name to avoid any discrimination. A photograph of each student will also be included in the ballot. c) Each member of the Legislative branch must adhere to his or her duties, which include: - Putting forth issues of the community and translating them to the executive branch; - Proposing prospective groups for funding from student government, or the university; and - Oversee the finances of the student groups d) all members of the legislative branch will be voted in the second semester of the year to ensure comprehensive understanding of student life and government structure. ARTICLE IV - OFFICE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENTS a) Any member of office may be brought up on Impeachment charges. If charges are made by another member, a separate judicial court session will be held a week from the date of accusation. b) The judicial court will consist of a prosecutor, defendant, and a judge. Advisors are advised to sit second chair to the prosecutor and defense attorney, who may also be an advisor. c) The judge for the organization will be selected prior to the allegation by a majority vote of the members. d) If the member is deemed guilty, they will then be removed and replaced by the second runner up during elections. ARTICLE V - CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS a) Constitutional Amendments may be added to the Constitution on need basis by the president or vice-president in the president's

'Information systems have revolutionised the way we work'. Critically Essay

'Information systems have revolutionised the way we work'. Critically discuss this statement using two concepts from the mod - Essay Example These are a few of the ways in which information systems have provided advantages to the regular activities (Morgan, 2006). Based on this aspect, the report describes how information systems have influenced and revolutionised the way people work. Furthermore, the report also illuminates two key aspects of information systems along with their impact on work. Defining Information Systems Information system is regarded as the technology which is used for storing, controlling, dispensing and generating information. This technology includes any mechanism capable of processing data of information systems. Information systems use certain tools in order to perform calculations, record information, manipulate data and communicate messages to people. On the other hand, the ways in which people work comprise procedures used for individuals and organisations. Individuals and organisations apply certain procedures in order to accomplish subjective task (Yu, 2004). Computer Have Revolutionised the Way We Work A vital example of information system is the development of computer. The work of every individual and organisation has completely changed with the advent of computer. Computer system actually arrived during 1930s and laid the foundation for numerous activities. The present world is completely revolutionised by computer systems. Computer is presently observed in every office of metropolitan areas and it is difficult to think about modern organisations without computers. Regular tasks would be extremely inefficient without using computers. For example, managing customer records in an organisation can be performed effortlessly with the use of computers. Computer systems have replaced manual management of customer records to electronic ways of management (Zammuto & et. al., 2007). In today’s information age, computers are regarded as a machine that can process information and provide the function of communication. The first thematic ritual in the history of computer took form with queries impersonated by experts and pioneers of digital computing. The second thematic tradition in the history of computer is shifting focus to historical roots of the information age and the third thematic tradition is pioneering machines that can be differentiated with the work of historians. The history of computing is a hybrid area that has increasingly drawn on diverse disciplines and methods. Researchers in the area of humanities and social sciences frequently demonstrate a form of hybrid vigour where a core area of discipline is invigorated by the exchange with neighbouring areas or disciplines. Historians of computing have positively looked outward to neighbouring areas and disciplines for conceptual inspiration. Various organisations, corporate cultures and industries have found importance of flow of information in order to carry out regular activities (Misa, 2007). Computer Revolutionised Workplace Activity Computer has changed the paradigm of

Hispanic American Diversity Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Hispanic American Diversity - Research Paper Example Among the major Hispanic groups, Mexican Americans take the major portion. The other groups, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, and others have relevant influence in America. These Hispanic or Latino groups, that constitute a major portion among the population of America, are not well considered in the land. This research paper takes a study on Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban, and central/south Americans and analyses the linguistic, political, social, economic, religious and familial problems of these groups in America. Mexicans: Mexicans are the largest group among the Latino Americans. They contribute about one third of all Hispanic groups: â€Å"as of 2002, about 23 percent of Mexican Americans are English dominant, 26 percent are bilingual, and 51 percent are Spanish dominant† (Schaefer, 2006, p. 241). It indicates that Mexicans in America use a different language other than what is commonly spoken in America. Many times the Mexicans are denied of their heritag e towards their language- Spanish. The people who speak Spanish are considered to be less able before those who speak English. This language handicap is there among the people of Mexican Americans. The author, Schaefer in the same book makes out the distinction of Mexicans in terms of language. The students who speak Spanish were separated from the other students and bilingual education started with the hope of changing their native language towards English. The main objective of bilingual education turned to teach English as second language (ESL) among the Spanish spoken students of America in a way paved way for discouraging Spanish and establishing the supremacy of English. This language barrier affected the Mexicans in other aspects like political, social, religious and economic spheres. In the political realm many Hispanic members are considered to be non citizens and are denied to vote. Jamieson et al. observe that â€Å"at the time of the 2000 presidential election, 39 perce nt of Hispanics of voting age were non-citizens compared with only 22 percent of White non-Hispanics† (Schaefer, 2006, p. 245). This indicates that many of the Hispanic groups are not accepted in America. They are cut off at many levels. Even though much disparity is there, the political notion and involvement of Mexicans in it are on the move. If the American political scenario is watched carefully it can be understood that Democrats have gained much benefits from the Hispanic groups. It was evident in the election 2000. Schaefer says that in the election 2000, George W. Bush gained only 35 percent of their votes whereas Al Gore could gain 62 percent of the Hispanic vote. Most of the Mexicans are Roman Catholics and they consider much priority for religion whereas in America they face the language problems in religion too. The Mass in America is enacted mostly in English and these groups are denied to get actively involve with the Holy Mass. In the matters with economic too t he Hispanic Americans face hardships. Knowledge of English is considered to be a pre requisite for economic growth. In considering the economic levels of the Mexicans it can be stated that the economic level of Hispanic or Latino people are much lower than that of the non-Hispanic people. As the author states: â€Å"over the last twenty years, the proportion of Latinos in poverty has been two or three times that of non-Hispanic Whites†

Evidence-Based Practice among Hospital Nurses Term Paper

Evidence-Based Practice among Hospital Nurses - Term Paper Example In this light, the healthcare leader was categorical that the final decision arrived at must be premised on available data and the rightful conviction that the decision made will elicit the most optimal patient outcome. The healthcare leader was also very categorical that the foregoing differentiates EBP from research-based practice (RBP). This is the case since, unlike EBP; RBP is a scientific method which involves the collection and analyzing traditional practices that are sustained within standards of care.   The import of this is that in RBP, the care being advanced towards the patient has to have been identified as the most effective. This identification is normally carried out by comparing available research with and the established methods. The results available are thus to change the delivery of care, upon the changes having been deemed medically appropriate. Also, the changes that are being made must have been proven to have the capacity for improved outcome. During the in teraction with the healthcare leader, it became very palpable that he felt strongly about the topic. The strong conviction that the health care leader harbors are pegged on the belief that evidence-based research study will pave way for more efficient and productive services delivery in a medical institution and the healthcare sector in general. This is mainly because, according to him, an evidence-based research study is likely to herald certain values. Particularly, employing the use of evidence-based research studies in healthcare puts focus on health care and scientific literature. All this consideration of medical and scientific literature is underpinned by the need to improve: treatment modalities such as appropriate medical technology; safety and quality (including prevention of accidents, errors, and infections); and exercises (as a way of encouraging rehabilitation and exertion).

Hiroshima and nagasaki bomb Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Hiroshima and nagasaki bomb - Research Paper Example Waves of fire and flash burns devoured people (Richard Minear, 1990). In Hiroshima, firestorm wind made the structures burn and people highly affected. Trees got uprooted and fire debris and other remains flew here and there. Hazardous radiation added to the causalities. Immediately after the explosion temperature rose to millions of degrees and light emitted to a level exceeding the brightness of sun (Richard Minear, 1990). Deadly radioactive particles affected the people and atmosphere in such a way that it wouldn’t t be healed even after centuries. Both the cities and the neighboring areas suffered from radiation sicknesses and death for several decades. Hiroshima and Nagasaki before the bombing – brief information Hiroshima with its dense population was a city of high military importance to Japan. Almost three-fourth of the city’s population was concentrated on the densely populated well-built centre portion of the city. Having the 2nd Army headquarters and c rucial communication points, the city was a major assembling point for the troops. Hiroshima contained few large industrial plants, reinforced concrete buildings, wooden houses, wooden workshops and numerous industrial buildings (Dower, 1995). Because of the risk of earthquake majority of the houses and industrial buildings were wooden built and reinforced concrete constructions were strong. ... The major part of the population lies along the heavily build-up area which is concentrated to very few kilometers. Numerous industries that produced military equipments, war accessories, ships and other materials made Nagasaki a crucial city for Japan. Buildings, structures and houses were made of wood, with no plaster or roof tiling. Most of the industries were also houses in wooden buildings. It would be best to call Nagasaki and industrial valley with thickly populated industries and houses built close to the industrial buildings. The effects of bombing in Hiroshima and Nagasaki – People and economy The bombing completely paralyzed Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Cities were destroyed, people were killed, affected and stranded, and environment was polluted to a level that even the future generations could not escape from the aftereffects of the bomb.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The atom bomb had numerous long term effects on the health and well being of the affected people. Majority of th e people in the affected area were heavily exposed to radiation and developed different types of cancers, including leukemia. Children who were exposed to radiation became highly susceptible to cancer and other radiation sicknesses (Kodansha, 1993). Almost all living victims of the bomb were in the risk of getting myoma, cancers, hepatitis, thyroid problem, liver problem and several other health issues (Kodansha, 1993). Eyesight was affected and cataract problem was encountered by numerous survivors who were exposed to radiation (Kodansha, 1993). Apart from this, people suffered heavy loss; they lost their family members, house, property and all belongings (Lifton, 1967). This had numerous long time consequence including sufferings and pain. Orphans and elderly

Religion of the Native Americans Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Religion of the Native Americans - Essay Example The present research has identified that in many Indian tribes healing, spiritual belief or power, and community are not separated. Often the cause of a disease is considered to be an imbalance between spiritual, physical, mental aspects of a personality; Indian medicine is a medicine of spirit that restores order in a human soul by ceremonies, special forms of prayer, honoring the sacred and herbal remedies. Many Western pharmaceuticals are actually based on Native American Herbal medicine. Dietary rules of Indians largely depend on the geographic area. Location is the major determinate of the way a tribe acquired food; in some tribes, the major source of food was hunting, whereas others specialized in fishing, gathering, planting, desert farming. Native American food can be dangerous, traditional ethnic food involves risk, as home processed sea mammal blubber "foster continuation and growth of Clostridium botulinum. These bacteria produce the deadly botulinal toxin that causes the disease." This disease, botulism, affects nerve transmission what results is paralysis and possible death. Even though cultural traditions die hard and some just cannot give up eating fermented fish heads and seal flippers, in general, Native Americans adjusted to modern food customs. These sacred places are experienced by Native Americans as alive where unknown becomes known. In such way, Indians have no Sabbath Sunday every week, but they do have everyday prayer and rest when there is a need for it. Â  Native American Vision Quest is a substitute for Baptism in Christianity. Boys at puberty "are encouraged to enter into a period of fasting, meditation and physical challenge. He separates himself from the tribe and goes to a wilderness area. The goal is to receive a vision that will guide his development for the rest of his life." Vision Quest is obligatory only for Indian boys; girls usually get their ears pierced at the same age. Â  Indian medicine man is called Shaman. This ho ly man not only healed the sick by smoking tobacco, performing dances, burning sweet grass and praying to the spirits but also could interpret dreams and signs, change the weather and foretell future. Indians also used medicine bundles that contained unusual rocks, herbs, animal skin, and a strand of hair. As the owner of the bundle grew older, more items were added. A medicine bundle could be passed to friends and was buried together with the owner. Mortuary customs of Indians vary from tribe to tribe and in every specific occasion, different rituals are carried out depending on the social and moral condition of a person, ethical conduct of a tribe. Good Indians after death are believed to go to the distant West, where their original ancestors used to live, whereas bad Indians have to serve another earthly life reborn in a body of a grizzly bear as a punishment. That is why Indians do not eat the meat of grizzly bears.

IV Catheter Insertion Needle Stick Incidences Research Paper

IV Catheter Insertion Needle Stick Incidences - Research Paper Example The needle stick injuries are relatively lower. The healthcare workers face a great risk, due to occupational exposure to blood and body fluids. The exposure may lead to transmission of disease causing pathogens, which result to infection and other hazardous consequences for the health workers. The safety catheter requires activation by user, and it is simple to activate and this ensures that injuries are minimized. Therefore, it clear that needle stick injuries are preventable through the use of safe needles, and the application of worker education and practice controls that are driven towards the reduction of injuries. On average, a health care practitioner is exposed to the dangers of deadly blood borne pathogens, through the contamination of needle sticks, or splash exposures (American Nurses Association, 2002). This is a great risk that faces every frontline health worker. Although this problem is regarded as part of the job of the health care workers, the Needle stick Safety and Prevention Act of 2001 is a legislation that was signed by the federal government, for the purpose of safeguarding the welfare of healthcare workers. The paper seeks to examine the issue of IV Catheter Insertion Needles, and particularly, whether the introduction of IV catheter insertion needles reduces the risk of needle sticks (Jegger & Bentley, 1998). The retractable needle IV catheter is designed in a manner that reduces the needle-stick injuries, and this is in line with the federal regulations, on the risk of heath care workers. Needle stick injuries are accidental skin penetrations and stab wounds, which are caused by hollow-bore needles, which include hypodermic needles, blood-collection needles, IV catheter stylets and other needles (Lawson, n.d.). Nurses and health care workers are exposed to needle sticks, at least every month while either inserting or removing the peripheral IV catheters. This form of risk is reported to be

Time Warner Inc. Essay Example for Free

Time Warner Inc. Essay Time Warner Inc. is one of the biggest media conglomerates in the world it is only behind Walt Disney and News Corporation. The main areas of activity are film making, publishing and TV broadcasting. Time Warner combines subsidiaries like Warner Bros., New Line Cinema, Turner Broadcasting, through the last the company runs on air popular channels CNN, TBC and TNT. Also paid channels HBO and Cinemax are ran by Time Warner. The company affects almost all areas of media business thereby covering a large part of the media market. All sort of media productions are being produced to satisfy customers of any age category, gender and interest, which lead to the expansion of the range in concernment of company’s products. In order to have competitive advantage over the rivals, the company is improving service and the quality through their free movie channels, video based cable and new marketing to increase the number of customers, and also they attracted a big number of customers by their broadband and telephone services. To come to the point, Time Warner Cable launched its VoIP telephone service that included voice over IP (VoIP) communications, subscription-based and on-demand video services, and high-speed Internet access, launching this service critical differentiation from the competitors took place in the company, by that taking a large share of customers which used the services of traditional phone companies. One of the brightest strategic examples that the company experienced is Internationalization, a couple years ago Time Warner entered the Asian market, China and India and had 2 different consequences. All attempts to develop its media resources in China were failed because of harsh censorship and too many restrictions, also the company faced with problem of piracy. Favorable environment in Indian market allowed the company to flourish. Their strong competitor Viacom Company has also entered the Indian market with success and become top rated in recent years, Mtv India of this company is broadcasted in more than 30 million houses. For me the next wise decision for the company was collaboration with Netflix Inc. Time Warner gave to this online service a license to broadcast the shows of CW network. There are 2 positive things in this collaboration the first is optimal way of monetizing money and the second is that nowadays more and more people prefer to use internet for watching different shows and news, so this will help to hold customers. Part 2 1) Internationalization strategy. Jeffrey Bewkes chef of the company is going to expand the business overseas. The aim is to capture foreign markets which have future perspectives. They have already spent enough money on acquisition foreign production companies in India and in Eastern Europe and both projects are successful. For Bewkes Germany is a start point for penetration other European countries, and the company realized 19 movies for German market last year. In this strategy Time Warner faced with strong competition with Viacom Company which has spread much in the foreign market the owner of Mtv, Paramount film studio and Comedy Central. Data was taken from http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_07/b4166060309334.htm 2) Mobile Strategy. As it is very popular nowadays to use mobile phones and tablets, Time Warner Cable decided to move their business to these devises. The company states that a half of their consumers, choose to order mobile services using their own devices. As a result mobile sales of the company have grown from 0% to 10% in 3 months. Also Viacom Company is now allowing Time Warner subscribers to see their shows on their devices that certainly will have a positive impact. Data was taken from http://www.mobilecommercedaily.com/time-warner-cable-exec-20pc-of-digital-sales-come-from-mobile 3) Pricing Strategy. Time Warner Cable introduced their new â€Å"tiered pricing strategy† their aim was that if a customer increases network usage their costs also go up, this tactics should reduce a bill for customers with lower usage The data was taken http://ajnyc.wordpress.com/2009/04/16/the-real-culprit-behind-timewarners-pricing-strategy/ Part 3 1) Proceed Internationalization Strategy – There are still many countries that are favorable to expand business in. For example Russia is a big beneficial market for media companies, people of this country tend to watch western shows but it is not always possible. The company’s competitor Viacom successfully launched Mtv Russia in the mid. 90’s that is an example of successful foreign media project in Russia. 2) Joint Venture- We know about collaboration of Time Warner with companies AOL and Netflix, The first project was failed. But Netflix is a favorable case, it is a chance of expanding company’s capabilities to sell their products in a virtual network. So they should deeply analyze markets of companies that will help them to increase media broadcasting in a wider range. 3) Diversify the content- I think that Time Warner one of the biggest media groups have a potential to diversify its content launching more competitive projects, I would suggest them to open some music channel, it is very popular at present and attracts a large audience all over the world. The simple thing about that, the modern music is easily accepted by any culture in our planet.

The Handmaidens Tale and 1984 Essay Example for Free

The Handmaidens Tale and 1984 Essay The government has the righteous duties to be a national defense for its citizens, to act as an administration of justice in providing law and order for its peoples, and to provide certain public goods and services to its people; though in these present epochs, the government fails to provide certain necessities to its citizens. The two books written in a similar century, both George Orwell’s 1984, and Margret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, display how the government can use violence as a means of control on its people. In 1984, the government controls its citizens’ lives through manipulating the language of Oceania; Syme, who is Winston’s colleague at the Ministry of Truth, was a lexicographer who developed the new dictionary of the Oceanic language: Newspeak. Also, similar in type, in Margret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, the government in Gilead uses policies that regulates and controls its women’s desires for sexual activity; the government acts in such a way, because the government has a procreative agenda in Gilead. To conclude, the government in both these novels uses violence as a means of controlling its citizens. In 1984, and The Handmaid’s Tale, both the citizens of Oceania and Gilead have their language distorted; this is in order for them to be infringed from certain goods and services. This language alteration is most evident when Syme informs Winston (the main protagonist in 1984) that by 2050, no individual will be able to understand their conversation; this meaning that the government of Oceania wants to control its citizens’ thoughts. This context can be understood when Syme is in a low-ceilinged canteen deep underground, and he refers to the beauty of the government’s means of controlling the local vocabulary, saying â€Å"Dont you see that the whole aim of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought? †¦ Has it ever occurred to you, Winston, that by the year 2050, at the very latest, not a single human being will be alive who could understand such a conversation as we are having now? †¦The whole climate of thought will be different. In fact, there will be no thought, as we understand it now. Orthodoxy means not thinking—not needing to think. Orthodoxy is unconsciousness† (Orwell, pg. 68). This quote elucidates to the Big Brother’s master plan in narrowing the range of thought to the Newspeak; it states that all human beings will not understand the conversation they are having, because the universal lexicon will devalue the purpose of thought. The fact that Syme uses words and phrases such as â€Å"thought will be different,† â€Å"there will be no thought,† and, â€Å"Orthodoxy means not thinking,† implies that the government of Oceania will infringe on the citizen’s right to the freedom of thought. Not only does the government of Oceania control the public through changing the vocabulary, but this happens also in the government of Gilead. This language manipulation is most evident when Offred was walking to the shop, and she noticed the written letters on the shop had been painted out, describing, â€Å"Almost all written words anywhere have been removed, even the shops have had the lettering painted out, when they decided that even the names of the shops were too much for us. Now places are known by their signs alone† (Atwood, pg. 1). This quotation refers to how the written words have been removed out of the language, in order for the government to control its citizens from certain services such as literacy. In this quotation, the words and phrases such as â€Å"all written words anywhere have been removed† â€Å"the lettering†¦ painted out,† and, â€Å"places are known by their signs,† means that the government has narrowed the language so m uch, that the citizens can only understand the important sections of the city, and not have the freedom to explore its vicinities. In this paragraph, it is clear that the government uses the manipulation of the local lexicon, subsequently infringing on the rights of its local citizens. In the other novel, 1984 written by George Orwell, the citizens of Oceania experience another form of control, which is the violation to rights of privacy. In this novel, Winston Smith described the conditions in the public square; mentioning that if an individual showed any miniscule sign of deceitfulness, then the government would arrest the criminal immediately, saying, â€Å"It was terribly dangerous to let your thoughts wander when you were in any public place or within range of a telescreen. The smallest thing could give you away. A nervous tic, an unconscious look of anxiety, a habit of muttering to yourselfanything that carried with it the suggestion of abnormality, of having something to hide. In any case, to wear an improper expression on your face ; was itself a punishable offence. There was even a word for it in Newspeak: facecrime (Orwell, pg. 79). In this quotation, Winston Smith refers to the Big Brother’s legislative policies in which telescreens would be set-up in order to have control over its citizens. From the author using words and phrases such as â€Å"terribly dangerous to let your thoughts wander when you were in any public place or within range of a telescreen,† â€Å"the smallest thing could give you away,† and,† improper expression on your face†¦; was itself a punishable offence,† shows that it is even dangerous to express the slightest sign of abnormality in front of the telescreen. Not only does the government in Oceania violate the right to private and public privacy, but that in the government in Gilead the same occurrence ensues. This governmental violation of the right to private and public privacy, is most evident in the gymnasium, where Offred learned who to whisper almost without making a sound, explaining, â€Å"We learned to whisper almost without sound. In the semi-darkness we could stretch out our arms, when the Aunts werent looking, and touch each others hands across space. We learned to lip-read, our heads flat on the beds, turned sideways, watching each others mouths. In this way we exchanged names, from bed to bed: Alma. Janine. Dolores. Moira. June† (Atwood pg. 4). In this quotation, the handmaids exchange names through lip reading and through whispers. Through the words and phrases such as, â€Å"learned to whisper almost without sound,† â€Å"learned to lip-read,† and, â€Å"In this way we exchanged names,† means that because they had to lip-read and whisper, this shows the reader that the handmaids have no privacy to exchange names. In this paragraph, it is noticeable that the government’s legislation and policy mitigates the right to privacy. Furthurmore, in the same novel, 1984, it can be seen that the government subjugates its people from sexual activity. In the novel, Winston fantasizes about making live with Julia as she travels across the field, saying, â€Å"The girl with dark hair was coming towards them across the field. With what seemed a single movement she tore off her clothes and flung them disdainfully aside. Her body was white and smooth, but it aroused no desire in him, indeed he barely looked at it. What overwhelmed him in that instant was admiration for the gesture with which she had thrown her clothes aside. With its grace and carelessness it seemed to annihilate a whole culture, a whole system of thought, as though Big Brother and the Party and the Thought Police could all be swept into nothingness by a single splendid movement of the arm. That too was a gesture belonging to the ancient time† (Atwood, pg. 0). In this quote, Winston Smith dreams about Julia taking off her clothes as she runs across the field. Through the author using words and phrases such as, â€Å"she tore off her clothes,† â€Å"he barely looked at it,† and, â€Å"Big Brother and the Party and the Though Police,† shows that as Julia takes off her clothes on the field, Winston Smith barely looks at her body due to the Big Brother and the Parties legislation for the elimination of sexual p romiscuity. Not only does the government in Oceania take away the right to sexual activity, but that the government of Gilead also infringes on the right to sexual interest. This governmental infringement can also be seen in the ‘Handmaidens tale’ through Offred who makes it clear that throughout the narrative, she is apart of a collectively owned resource. She describes her tattoo as: â€Å"four digits and an eye, a passport in reverse. It’s supposed to guarantee that I will never be able to fade, finally, into another landscape. I am too important†¦. I am a national resource. † (Atwood 65). This quote said by Offred of her describing her tattoo acts as a symbol of the tattoo itself that the government subjugates its people from sexual activity that they would desire and that women are only used as a resource to repopulate. In conclusion, the two narratives in which were written in a similar century, both George Orwell’s 1984, and Margret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, clearly use their book as a means of foretelling the future of a society monopolized by corruption from future technology by displaying how their government uses violence as a means of control over its people.

Experiment to Prove Hookes Law

Experiment to Prove Hookes Law Hooke’s Law Aim: -To prove Hooke’s law i.e. the extension of the force is directly proportional to the force applied. To find the spring constant of the spring. Apparatus: Clamp Stand Helical Spring Mass Hanger Pointer Meter Ruler Measuring Balance Method: -Hang a helical spring from a clamp stand. -Attach a mass directly to the bottom of the helical spring and record the position of the bottom of the mass hanger relative to a meter ruler. -Add masses to the spring and record the position of the bottom of the mass hanger. Safety Precautions: Wear safety goggles to prevent any accidents that could occur due to the weights bouncing off the spring. Keep a distance from the apparatus. Be sure that the spring is tightly attached to the clamp. Do not play around with the masses or springs. Data Collection and Processing Uncertainty in a measuring balance =  ±0.1g To covert to kg = 0.1à ·1000 =  ±0.0001kg Uncertainty in a meter ruler =  ±0.05cm To convert to meters = 0.05 à · 100 =  ±0.0005m †¢Formulas Absolute Uncertainty= Limit of readingà ·2 Relative Uncertainty= Absolute Uncertainty à · Measured Value % Uncertainty = Absolute Uncertainty à · Measured Value Ãâ€" 100 Force (Newton’s) = Mass (Kg) Ãâ€" Acceleration (ms- ²) Average Extension (cm) = Extension while loading (m) + Extension while unloading (m) à · 2 Spring Constant, k (Nm- ¹) = Force (Newton’s) à · Extension (m) Elastic Potential Energy (Joules) = 0.5 Ãâ€" Spring Constant Ãâ€" Extension ² Range Of Extension = Extension while loading – Extension while unloading Random Error = Range of extension à · 2 Table 1 Raw Data Table: Trial No. Mass (grams)  ±0.1 Mass (kilograms)  ±0.0001 Force Applied (Newton’s) F=MÃâ€"g  ±0.0001 Extension While Loading(meters)  ±0.0005 Extension While Unloading(meters)  ±0.0005 Average Extension =E1+E2à ·2 (meters)  ±0.001 1 10.2 ±0.1 0.0102 ±0.0001 0.100062 ±0.0001 0.036 ±0.0005 0.037 ±0.0005 0.0365 ±0.001 2 20.4 ±0.1 0.0204 ±0.0001 0.200124 ±0.0001 0.040 ±0.0005 0.039 ±0.0005 0.0395 ±0.001 3 30.6 ±0.1 0.0306 ±0.0001 0.300186 ±0.0001 0.043 ±0.0005 0.042 ±0.0005 0.0425 ±0.001 4 40.8 ±0.1 0.0408 ±0.0001 0.400248 ±0.0001 0.048 ±0.0005 0.046 ±0.0005 0.0470 ±0.001 5 51.0 ±0.1 0.0510 ±0.0001 0.500310 ±0.0001 0.051 ±0.0005 0.050 ±0.0005 0.0505 ±0.001 6 61.2 ±0.1 0.0612 ±0.0001 0.600372 ±0.0001 0.056 ±0.0005 0.057 ±0.0005 0.0565 ±0.001 7 71.4 ±0.1 0.0714 ±0.0001 0.700434 ±0.0001 0.061 ±0.0005 0.060 ±0.0005 0.0605 ±0.001 8 81.6 ±0.1 0.0816 ±0.0001 0.800496 ±0.0001 0.067 ±0.0005 0.067 ±0.0005 0.0670 ±0.001 †¢ Calculations for trial 1 Force (Newton’s) = Mass (kg) Ãâ€" Acceleration (ms- ²) = 10.2 ±0.1 (g) Ãâ€" 9.81 (ms- ²) = 100.062 ±0.1 (g) Covert the g to kg: 100.062 à · 1000 = 0.100062 ±0.0001 (kg) Average Extension = Extension while loading (cm) + Extension while unloading (cm) à · 2 = 3.6 ±0.05 (cm) + 3.7 ±0.05 (cm) = 3.65 ±0.1cm In meters = 3.65 ±0.1cm à · 100 = 0.0365 ±0.001m Table 2 The range of extension and the random error of the experiment: Trial No. Extension While Loading(meters)  ±0.0005 Extension While Unloading(meters)  ±0.0005 Average Extension =E1+E2à ·2 (meters)  ±0.001 Force Applied (Newton’s) F=MÃâ€"g  ±0.0001 Range of Extension (meters)  ±0.0005 Random Error (meters)  ±0.0005 1 0.036 ±0.0005 0.037 ±0.0005 0.0365 ±0.001 0.100062 ±0.0001 0.001 ±0.0005 0.0005 ±0.0005 2 0.040 ±0.0005 0.039 ±0.0005 0.0395 ±0.001 0.200124 ±0.0001 0.001 ±0.0005 0.0005 ±0.0005 3 0.043 ±0.0005 0.042 ±0.0005 0.0425 ±0.001 0.300186 ±0.0001 0.001 ±0.0005 0.0005 ±0.0005 4 0.048 ±0.0005 0.046 ±0.0005 0.0470 ±0.001 0.400248 ±0.0001 0.002 ±0.0005 0.001 ±0.0005 5 0.051 ±0.0005 0.050 ±0.0005 0.0505 ±0.001 0.500310 ±0.0001 0.001 ±0.0005 0.0005 ±0.0005 6 0.056 ±0.0005 0.057 ±0.0005 0.0565 ±0.001 0.600372 ±0.0001 0.001 ±0.0005 0.0005 ±0.0005 7 0.061 ±0.0005 0.060 ±0.0005 0.0605 ±0.001 0.700434 ±0.0001 0.001 ±0.0005 0.0005 ±0.0005 8 0.067 ±0.0005 0.067 ±0.0005 0.0670 ±0.001 0.800496 ±0.0001 0.000 ±0.0005 0.0000 ±0.0005 †¢Calculations for trial 1 Force (Newton’s) = Mass (kg) Ãâ€" Acceleration (ms- ²) = 10.2 ±0.1 (g) Ãâ€" 9.81 (ms- ²) = 100.062 ±0.1 (g) Covert the g to kg: 100.062 à · 1000 = 0.100062 ±0.0001 (kg) Average Extension = Extension while loading (cm) + Extension while unloading (cm) à · 2 = 3.6 ±0.05 (cm) + 3.7 ±0.05 (cm) = 3.65 ±0.1cm In meters = 3.65 ±0.1cm à · 100 = 0.0365 ±0.001m Range Of Extension = Maximum Value – Minimum Value = 0.037 ±0.0005 – 0.036 ±0.0005 = 0.001 ±0.005 (m) Random Error = Range of extension à · 2 = 0.001 ±0.005 à · 2 = 0.0005 ±0.0005 (m) Table 3 Processed Data Table: Trial No. Force Applied (Newton’s) F=MÃâ€"g  ±0.0001 Average Extension =E1+E2à ·2 (meters)  ±0.001 Spring Constant, k (Nm) % Uncertainty Elastic Potential Energy (Joules) % Uncertainty 1 0.100062 ±0.0001 0.0365 ±0.001 2.74 ±2.8% 0.0018251825 ±8.3% 2 0.200124 ±0.0001 0.0395 ±0.001 5.01 ±2.6% 0.0039084263 ±7.7% 3 0.300186 ±0.0001 0.0425 ±0.001 7.06 ±2.4% 0.0063760625 ±7.1% 4 0.400248 ±0.0001 0.0470 ±0.001 8.52 ±2.1% 0.0094103410 ±6.4% 5 0.500310 ±0.0001 0.0505 ±0.001 9.91 ±2.0% 0.0126364880 ±6.0% 6 0.600372 ±0.0001 0.0565 ±0.001 10.6 ±1.8% 0.01721974 ±5.3% 7 0.700434 ±0.0001 0.0605 ±0.001 11.6 ±1.7% 0.02122945 ±5.0% 8 0.800496 ±0.0001 0.0670 ±0.001 11.9 ±1.5% 0.02670955 ±4.5% †¢Calculations for trial 1 Force (Newton’s) = Mass (kg) Ãâ€" Acceleration (ms- ²) = 10.2 ±0.1 (g) Ãâ€" 9.81 (ms- ²) = 100.062 ±0.1 (g) Covert the g to kg: 100.062 à · 1000 = 0.100062 ±0.0001 (kg) Average Extension = Extension while loading (cm) + Extension while unloading (cm) à · 2 = 3.6 ±0.05 (cm) + 3.7 ±0.05 (cm) = 3.65 ±0.1cm In meters = 3.65 ±0.1cm à · 100 = 0.0365 ±0.001m Spring Constant = Force (Newton’s) à · Extension (m) = 0.100062 ±0.0001 (N) à · 0.0365 ±0.001 (m) % Uncertainty for Force = Absolute Uncertainty à · Measured Value Ãâ€" 100 = 0.0001 à · 0.100062 Ãâ€" 100 = 0.1% % Uncertainty for Extension = Absolute Uncertainty à · Measured Value Ãâ€" 100 = 0.001 à · 0.0365 Ãâ€" 100 = 2.7% Spring Constant = 0.100062 ±0.1% (N) à · 0.0365 ±2.7% (m) = 2.74 ±2.8% Nm- ¹ Elastic Potential Energy = 0.5 Ãâ€" Spring Constant Ãâ€" Extension ² = 0.5 Ãâ€" 2.74 ±2.8% Ãâ€" (0.0365 ±0.001)  ² = 0.5 Ãâ€" 2.74 ±2.8% Ãâ€" (0.001332255 ±5.5%) = 0.00183 ±8.3% Conclusion Evaluation Conclusion: In this experiment, I have been quite successful by proving the aim of the experiment which is Hooke’s Law. The results obtained are slightly incorrect due to any errors as part of the experiment. My calculations were all shown for trial one which whereas follows. In relation to the graph, the line does not pass through the origin as there were uncertainties. The line therefore starts a few cm from the origin on the y axis. The slope in the graph indicates the spring constant. It can be seen that the spring constant value in the graph does not match my result for trial no.1 as I have taken the spring constant value in N/cm. If I take the values in N/m and average all the values of the spring constant from my calculations I will end with a result equal to the gradient or slope of the graph that is 0.227. The units taken for every other value is standard and therefore is correct. My results are reliable as they do result in the Force being proportional to the Extension. I feel t hat my data is reliable and the graph does show that the extension of the spring directly proportional to the force that is applied to it. We also found that the spring constant and the elastic potential energy increases due to the extension of the spring being proportional to the force. Evaluation: I have found that the experiment did have many errors which could have been improved. There were both systematic and random errors involved in the experiment. The meter ruler (uncertainty of  ±0.05cm) and the digital balance (uncertainty of  ±0.1g) had uncertainty’s which could have altered the accuracy of the results. The experiment also had a parallax error due to the carelessness of me not observing the pointer and the length in the straight path. My equipment was not very accurate as I was given a meter ruler and not an attached ruler. This could have made it very inaccurate as the ruler was leaning over a wall. I could only take one reading per mass, as time management was an issue, which is not reliable as taking more than two readings and averaging the answer will give a more accurate result. The next time I perform this experiment, I will need to make sure that I have at least three readings per mass and should take the average of the three readings to minimize the errors. I should also make sure that the meter ruler is not leaning on a wall and that it is held on by a clamp or that I have the ruler stuck behind the clamp stand. While repeating the experiment one should also put a pointer on the hook to avoid parallax error and get the measurements even more accurate. Wasif Haque

Medicinal Herbs and Pharmaceutical Drugs :: Health, Medication

A herb-drug interaction is defined as any pharmacological modification caused by a herbal substance(s) to another exogenous-chemical (e.g. a prescription medication) in the diagnostic, therapeutic or other action of a drug in or on the body (Brazier and Levine, 2003). This relates to drug-drug interactions, herb-herb interaction or drug-food interaction. A herb can potentially mimic, magnify or reduce the effects of co-administered drugs and the consequences of these interactions can be beneficial, undesirable or harmful effects (Fugh and Ernst, 2001). It should be pointed out that both the putative active ingredient(s) and other constituents present in that herbal mixture have the potential to interact with various classes of drugs (Miller, 1998). Many medicinal herbs and pharmaceutical drugs are therapeutically active at one dose and toxic at another. Interaction between herbs and drugs may increase or decrease the pharmacological or toxicological effects of either component. Synergistic and therapeutic effects may complicate the dosing of long-term medication. e.g. herbs traditionally used to decrease glucose concentrations in diabetes could therapeutically precipitate hypoglycemia if taken in combination with conventional drugs (Fugh, 2000). Plausible cases of herb-drug interactions include: bleeding when warfarin is combined with ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), garlic (Allium sativum), danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) and decreased bioavailability of digoxin, theophylline, and cyclosporine when they are combined with St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) etc.,(Shu-feng et al., 2007). Health–care practitioners should caution patients against mixing herbs and pharmaceutical drugs (Fugh, 2000). Cardiovascular diseases particularly myocardial toxicity is one of the leading causes of mortality. Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are many, like hypertension, atherosclerosis, drugs like doxorubicin & catecholamines like isoproterenol, isoprenaline etc (Gupta et al., 2004). Doxorubicin/Adriamycin (Dox) is a powerful, well established and highly efficacious drug in the fight against many kinds of cancers like solid tumors, leukemia’s, soft tissue sarcoma, breast cancer, small cell carcinoma of the lung and esophageal carcinomas. But its clinical usefulness is still restricted due to its specific toxicities to cardiac tissues (Zhon et al., 2001). Congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and electrocardiographic changes were demonstrated after cumulative Dox administration (Lenaz and Page, 1976). The possible mechanisms proposed for myocardial toxic effects of Dox include free radical induced myocardial injury, lipid peroxidation (Myers et al.

Zora Neale Hurston - Their Eyes Were Watching God :: essays research papers

Their Eyes Were Watching God It is human nature to look for happiness. Some people find it in material possessions, some find it in money, but most of us find it in love. To find true love is a difficult task especially now in the times of cell phones and Jaguars. Money and power play a big role in today’s society, and some people would rather have those things than a love of another human being. In some rare cases it is not even a person’s decision who she (almost every time it’s a woman who is being given away) will marry. Although it does not happen very often, there are still cases where a woman is being married off to a man by an arrangement made by her parents, to insure stability and security of that woman. The standing in the community means a great deal, just like Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God illustrates. Janie, the main character in the book, was raised by her grandmother. Ever since Janie’s mother ran away it was just the two of them living together. As a kid Janie lived in the house where her grandmother was a nanny for a white family. She was treated the same as the white children, they ate together, played together, even got punished together. Janie, unlike most of the blacks at that time, did not see any discrimination while she was growing up. That was the building block of her strong personality. There was some teasing in school about her living in a white folks home, but she did not pay much attention to that. Now if I may go off the subject for a moment I would like to say how beautifully and descriptively the book is written. There is one passage in particular that I truly enjoyed reading : It was a spring afternoon in West Florida. Janie had spent most of the day under a blossoming pear tree in the back-yard. She had been spending every minute that she could steal from her chores under that tree for the last three days. That was to say, ever since the first tiny bloom had opened. It had called her to come and gaze on a mystery. From barren brown stems to glistening leaf-buds; from the leaf-buds to snowy virginity of bloom. It stirred her tremendously. How? Why? It was like a flute song forgotten in another existence and remembered again.

Information and communications technology (ICT) Essay -- Essays Papers

Information and communications technology (ICT)? To illustrate the importance of Information and Communications technology (ICT) for the smooth running of a multi-site business. Information and communications technology is a system used to control, manage, process and create information through telecommunications technology and computers. (Otherwise known as ICT). Although information and communications technology describes a large range of systems there are still some underlining common features. An information system incorporates a group of people, equipment and procedures. It is there to collect, record, process, store, retrieve and present information. The importance of ICT for the smooth running of a multi-site business is paramount, the following are a number of ways in which ICT can improve your company’s performance; - Increased Efficiency: If programmed correctly, computers can monitor the data collection processes very efficiently, whilst also checking for human errors and providing help and guidance to the user. Most large scale organisations are using computer-assisted interviewing as standard in many of their surveys simply because of the remarkable achievements good data collection programs can make to reduce human error and speed processing in the collection of important information. - Speed and Processing Power: Modern computers are fast. They are able to complete tasks 100’s of times faster then we would be able to. Most computers are now so powerful, that computer users rarely come even close to utilising their full potential. - Cost Containment: ICT technology is an expensive thing to incorporate within your business however it will eventually create substantial cost savings through less time being wasted on laborious tasks and on recuperating human error. - Versatility: As computers become more powerful and efficient, you are able to make them do more varied and creative tasks. The average PC can already perform most multimedia functions such as reproducing photographic pictures as sharp as any film. The advantages can range from being able to create advertisements for your company to monitoring stock controls. - Departmental co-operation: With open and shared databases, it enables a company to remove barriers between departments giving staff more accurate information and greater competency to serve cus... ...aotic. The process companies, management and business, in general, are going through, are creating major opportunities and challenges for the business world. Companies are becoming adept at using information systems and technology because their potential is becoming apparent to them. ICT should be thought of as an investment that will deliver the benefits today and in the future. These benefits are of two main types: Improvements in infrastructural efficiency, as information systems replace old ones with systems that are more flexible, have greater reach and cost less to run, and new business opportunities made possible by new information systems. These opportunities include improvements in external and internal processes, tapping employees’ and external knowledge, and the creation of networked communities of customers and staff. ICT should be able to streamline your business, produce measurable improvements, but most importantly managers need to use the resource to be on the lookout for new business opportunities. BIBLIOGRAPGHY: 1. Heathcote.M .P, (1998) ‘A’ Level Computing 2. Cushings.S. (1997) GCSE Information Technology 3. Bastin.C. (1997) Access 97 Basics Unveiled

Wealth and Power in the United States

Wealth and Power in the United States Hugo Lindgren Chief Editor New York Time Magazine [email  protected] com This letter is to inform the public of how social class division is related to the concentration of wealth in the United States and support the need to redistribute wealth in America. Today our communities are divided by social class poor citizens live in poor areas of the community while citizens who make more money live in better areas of the community. Social class determines a great deal about citizens circumstances.Circumstances like education, health care, shelter, food and clothing. Generally the wealthiest or privileged citizens only associate themselves with other citizens who are in the same social class. The same concept comes into play with the middle, working and poor class. Today the top 1 percent is increasing in wealth while the middle and working class are decreasing. This inequality of wealth in America is becoming more and more of a problem for the middl e and working class. Wealth is the positive value of what a citizen owns. For example if a citizen owns a house the bank ay own half of the house until the loan is paid off but whatever the value is of the other half is how much wealth the citizen has from the house. Redistribution of wealth is raising taxes on citizens that have already made it to provide relief for the ones who haven’t. The Class theories best describes the distribution of wealth because it breaks down how the wealth is broken up amongst citizens of the United States. The rich have done much better than the middle or working class. The Top 1 percent had 22. 9 percent of national income in 2006 a number that hasn’t been matched since 1929 said CBS News Jeff Green inAmerica’s Class Warfare. While a citizen from the top 1 percent has already achieved success, wealth and power. The middle and working class has not and with a constant increase in cash flow for the wealthy and a constant decrease in cash flow for the less fortunate come a concern for those in public office. President Obama proposes lowering taxes for the less fortunate and a small increase for the citizens who have achieved success with wealth and power. However, other Officials have opposed President Obama’s approach to redistributing wealth.Mitt Romney stated â€Å"I think it’s about envy, I think it’s about class warfare When you have a president encouraging the idea of dividing America based on 99 percent vs. 1 percent those people who have been most successful will be in the 1 percent you’ve opened up a whole new wave of approach to this country which is entirely inconsistent with concept of one nation under god†. President Obama insists that by helping others will spread the wealth by having the rich pay a little more taxes so the middle class receive a tax credit because the middle class needs it most (Obama, 08).President Obama stated â€Å"I believe in redistributio n at least at a certain level to make sure that everybody’s got a shot† Everyone has the chance to maintain a roof over their heads and send their kids to college. Everybody that works hard can make it. Social class segregation is visible in all 52 states of America. Upper, middle and working classes have their own geographical residential areas within communities. Ethnic segregation begins within the social class groups because the majority of working and poor classes of Americans are minorities. The high class and elites are mostly white Americans.Therefore, geographically America is in fact more divided by this social class system. In 2006 10 percent of whites have been recorded as being below the poverty line while 24 percent of blacks remain below the poverty line (Harrison & Dye, 2010). In 2010 the top 1 percent had a 35. 4 percentage over the bottom 80 percent with 11. 1 percent of total net worth (Domhoff, 2005). However, it is this system that provides Amer ica with the unique opportunity that people from all over the world are drawn to. The fact that in America if you work hard and play by the rules you can reap he rewards by becoming successful and climbing up the social class ladder. Power in America is achieving higher education, owning property, financial freedom, maintaining a good credit. Power is measured by materialistic items such as expensive cars, jewelry, clothing, electronics, Vacations. It was William Thompson who said â€Å"Our position in the social hierarchy affects our health, happiness, and even how long we will live† (Thompson, 2005) Reference Harrison, B, C &Dye, T. R. (2011) Power and society: An introduction to the social sciences (12th Edition) Boston, Ma G.William Domhoff, September, 2005 retrieved October 15 2012 from http://www2. ucsc. Edu /who rules america/power/wealth. html Jeff Green (2006) America’s Class Warfare retrieved October 15 2012 form http:// www. youtube. Com /watch? v=bGS2G7 9IxTc&feature=fvst Mitt Romney Quote retrieved October 15, 2012 from http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=5wtLKcAU4wQ Barrack Obama Retrieved October 15, 2012 from http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=BRPbCSSXyp0 Obama Loyola University, C-SPAN October 19, 1998. http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=z0PUUpa5X4E William Thompson, Joseph Hickey, Society in Focus, 2005

Professional Competence Presentation

University of Phoenix Material compass north the Statesn Colonies Project post 1 Native American Resources Access and followup the Early Native Peoples interactive function link available through the HIS cx pic page. Study the map identifying the constituental dissemination of Native Americans (also located in Ch. 1). development the grid, identify the seven regions. Then express how each of the native tribes within the regions back up themselves previous to the arrival of European civilizations. function Principle Basis of Subsistence Artic Fished and track down seals. Yankee Forests Big game hunters. Pacific northwestern Salmon fishing. Far West Fishing, track down sm totally game, and gathering. s come inherlywest earth and employment. Plains Farming and pursuit. Woodlands Farming, hunting, gathering, and fishing. 0. 2 Part 2 Contributions power gridComplete the Contributions Grid by describing the contributions of the three groups of states, Native Amer icans, Europeans, and Africans, to the mankind of the British northwest American Colonies. hark the aspects of each of these peoplesNative Americans, Europeans, and Africansthat contributed to the development of the British Colonies. NATIVE AMERICANS EUROPEAN AFRICANS Economic Fishing, gathering, farming, and hunting. Created goods which they e precise change or Trade with the Mediterranean realism Structure traded. ivory, gold and slaves. Economies establish on resources of the lands they inhabited farming and hunting etc.. Political Tribes had chiefs and the chiefs had Centralized nation-states. With the North gold coast and Mali Empire. Structure advisors. monarchs and their courts as the ultimateS pop starth A village system that was very law of the land. family orientated. Both men and women prefer leaders of their own grammatical sexual urge to deal their gender affairs. Social System char had a big part of the well-disposed A class system. There were the abstruse, not Maternal families traced through structure. They had big roles in their so rich and poor. Male gender dominated. mothers side. Jobs were separated families too. most(prenominal) of the jobs and duties through gender lines. Women were dominant that were ask to effectively run the in trading in farming, while men hunted tribes were allocated along gender lines. and fished. Women took care of the children. pagan Values Their culture was centered rough the For the most part their cultural value Ancestor worship and very gender related tribes and the graphic dry land which they came from the watchword and Christianity. values. Women were almost equal with men in habited. in many things they were superior. Religion Their religions were derived from the different styles of Christianity. Islam and various tribal faiths. natural world around them. They had many gods which represented elements of the na tural world in which the different tribes lives. Part 3 North American Colonies result Using the Readings found on the pic page, mastermind a 350- to 700-word response in which you oppose and contrast the early British North American colonies for example, the Virginia closure and the milliampere speak colony in terms of their goals, g everyplacenment, kind structure, and religion. In your response be certain(predicate) to address the ways in which they were similar and different, and why. Be sure to properly bring up any references.The most significant differences amidst the British colonies in North America lay amid the ones in young England and those in the south. The colonies of recent England were mainly founded by side people escaping religious persecution in England. While, the colonies in the south were founded mainly for monetary gain, though some of the peeled England colonies were stuck out at first for the same reasons. For example, the colony tha t would soon become Pennsylvania started out as an flak to piss funds by selling land parcels to refuges of English religious persecution and others. In the south he colony that would become Virginia started as a corporate venture by the capital of the United Kingdom Company. The proprietors of this company hoped that if they financed a group (and afterwards groups) of people to come to the new world and set up shop that they would make financial gains off the gold they would invent (they were convinced on that point was gold, because of the success the Spanish had in pursuing it in southern America). There were some colonies in late England that were founded solely on the basis of creating the complete(a) Christian communities by different denominations of the Protestant and Puritan faiths. Among hese were the settlers of Plymouth Rock. Roger Williams and his followers founded Rhode Island in an attempt to get by (for Roger it was because he had been banished from the Mas sachusetts Bay colony), from religious persecution in the newborn World by the same people who fled England in attempt to get away from the same. In the south, colonies were mainly set up as corporate ventures as I stated earlier. The first colony of Jamestown was there for gold and other precious goods. While, doc and the Carolina colonies were created as an attempt for their proprietors to get rich on land schemes and by fetching ortions of the settlers goods i. e. crops and such that they farmed. In terms of goods between the 2 colonial surface areas the southern colonies make good in growing tobacco mainly, while, the northern colonies grew crops such as beans, pumpkins and corn. They both(prenominal) at fur trades, but of the two only the mod England colonies did not stomach as much trouble with the natives. southerly colonies battled the natives for days over the settlers infringement of to a greater extent and more of their lands among other things. While, in the New England colonies they did not have as much problems with the Indians.Two factors contribute to this 1) By the time settlers reached the New England area many of the natives had already been wiped out by earlier explorers diseases. Small Pox among others created deadly plagues in these areas destroyed much of the population prior to their arrival and in the settlers early years there. Since the natives were eventually outnumbered by the settlers, the Indians in this area were way more compromising and in the most part just sold their land off and left. 2) The settlers who came to the New England region were much more respectful of the Indians han their counterparts in the south. For the most part, they started with the idea that the land belonged to the natives, so they would buy or trade for their lands sooner of pushing the Indians off like in the south. The majority of settlers in both the New England colonies and those of the south were Christians. They varied in denomination s omewhat, but in most colonies charters were created allowing the liberty of worship to all. Southern and New England colonies had governors or proprietors who were the final word in all issues, but the governors were voted in and most areas had model assemblies.

Island of the Sequined Love Nun Chapter 32~33

32The Missionary PositionThe guards came for rile to compress herer at sunset, fairish as he was slipping into the cotton heave and shirt the vivify had left for him. The desexualizes garb were at least(prenominal) third sizes too big for him, except with the bandages he had to swan them over, that was a blessing. He motionless had his own sneakers, which he regorge on his despoil feet. He occupyed the guards to wait and they stood clean in array his door, as straight and silent as terra-cotta s knocked push through(p) of dateiers.So, you guys deliver font of m shoot down in?The guards didnt answer. They watched him.Japanese, huh? Ive never been to Japan. I hear a astronomic Mac goes for twelve bucks.He waited for ab coif in solution and got n unrivalled. The Japanese stood impassive, silent, sm all in all beads of sw immerse hopeful through their crew cuts.Sorry, guys, Id love to hang nearly with you chatterboxes, precisely Im due for dinner party with the doc and his married wo cosmos. shut in limped to the guards and sourered each an arm in escort. Shall we go?The guards off-key and lead him crosswise the compound to one of the bungalows on the beach. The guards stopped at the steps of the lanai and collect show up fall outside(a) into his pants pockets. Sorry guys, no cash. Have the concierge put a couple of yen on my bill.The pay natural covering came through the french doors in a washcloth ice cream suit, carrying a tall iced whoop it up garnished with worldgo. Mr. Case, youre gestateing much emend. How are you relishing? null wrong with me one of those wont cure.Sebastian Curtis frowned. Im afraid not. You shouldnt present alcoholic beverage with the antibiotics I h archaic you on. work over felt his horse sense diverge. lone(prenominal) one wont hurt, bequeath it?Im afraid so. yet Ill pull ahead you one with come forth alcohol. Come in. Beth is m identicalg a wonderful grouper in ginger sauce. cl ose iner went though the french doors to relegate a bungalow decorate much equal his own, only grownr. in that location was an spread kitchen nook where Beth Curtis was stirring some social occasion with a wooden spoon. She human faceed up and smiled. Mr. Case, fair(a) in time. I convey individual to taste this sauce. She was wearing a cream-colored Joan Crawford number with midpoint line- book bindinger shoulder pads and buff-colored full-of-the-moonshine(prenominal) heels. The dress was straight out of the forties, further ruck up had been round bloody shame denim long enough to experience that Mrs. Curtis had dropped at least five hundred bucks on the shoes. Evidently, missionary run paid pretty well.She held a hand below Tucks chin as she presented the spoon. The sauce was sweet citrous fruit with a piquant bite to it. Its good, he said. rattling good. no.fibbing, Mr. Case. Youre going to fare to eat it.No, I resembling it.Well, good. Dinner will be dilig ent in nigh a fractional hour. Now, wherefore dont you men take your crisps out on the lanai and allow a girl do her magic.Sebastian tress over Tuck an icy glass alter with an orange liquidity and garnished with mango. Shall we? he said, leading Tuck back outside.They stood at the railing, looking out at the moon reflec tooshieg in the ocean.Would you be more comfortable sitting, Mr. Case? the doctor take aimed.No, Im comely. And please call me Tuck. Anyone calls me Mr. Case more than troika measure, I start sound offing Im going to situate audited.The doctor laughed, We rouset hurl that. Not with the figure of gold youre going to be making. But legally, you eff, its tax-free until you take it back into the United States.Tuck stared out at the ocean for a moment, wondering whether it was time to transcend this gift horse a dental exam. There was alone too damn much specie exhibit on this island.The equipment, the plane, Beth Curtiss clothes. After Jake Skyes lecture, Tuck had imagined that he might encounter some sweatydrug-smuggling doctor with a Walther in his belt and a coke lady of pleasure wife, but these cardinal could exhaust in effect(p) flown in from an upscale church social. Still, he knew they were duplicity to him. They had referred to the Japanese as their staff, but hed castn one of them carrying an Uzi out place the hangar. He was going to ask, he really was, but as he off-key to face the doctor, he heard a soft bark at the end of the lanai and looked up to see a large fruit flicker hanging from the edge of the tin roof. Roberto.The doctor said, perplex, about the drinking.Tuck pulled his gaze away from the bat. The doctor had seen him. What drinking?You know that we adage the reports on your how should I put it?Crash.Yes, on your crash. Im afraid, as I told you, we cant have you drinking while youre working here. We whitethorn need you to cut eat up ball on very pithy notice and we cant risk that you might not be ready.That was an isolated incident, Tuck lied. I really dont drink much. estimable a momentary lapse of judgment, I understand. And it may seem a bit draconian, but as long as you dont drink or go out of the compound, everything will be fine.Sure, no problem. Tuck was watching the bat over the doctors shoulder. Roberto had unfurled his locomote and was turning in the sea breeze identical an inverted weather vane. Tuck tried to jolt him off behind the doctors back.I know this may all seem very limiting, but Ive worked with the chisel tidy sum for a long time, and theyre very cutting to contact with outsiders.The Shark People? You said youd explain that.They hunt cheats. Most of the natives in smallnesia wont eat shark. In fact, its taboo. But the reef fish here of ten-spot have a high constriction of neurotoxin, so the natives developed shark as a food source. You would think that the sharks, being higher on the food chain, would have a higher niggardliness of t he toxin, wouldnt you?Youd think, Tuck said, having no idea whatsoever what the doctor was babble outing about.They dont, though. Its as if something in their system neutralizes the toxin. Ive through with(p) a elflike research in my extra time.Ive seen a lot of shark shows on the denudation Channel. They go on and on about how atoxic sharks are. Its bullshit. Half of these stitches you put in me are be exercise of a shark attack. perchance they dont have cable, the doctor said.Tuck turned to him, amazed. A joke, medical student?The doctor looked a lightedtle embarrassed. Im going to go see how dinner is coming along. Ill be right back. He turned and went into the house. pound bolted to the end of the lanai where Roberto was hanging. Shoo. Go away.Roberto made a trilling noise and tried to catch Tucks drink with his wing claw.Okay, you can have the mango, but hence you have to stir up out of here. Tucker held out the piece of cut mango and the fruit bat took it in his win g claw and slurped it pot.Now lay out out of here, Tucker said. Go convalesce Kimi. Shoo, shoo.Roberto tip his head and said, gumption off on these people, Tuck. You touch on them too hard, theyll pull your plug. Just keep your eyeball open.Tuck moved away from the bat with wonky jerking steps out of the line leaping of the undead. The bat had said something. It was a tiny voice, high but raspy, the voice of a chain-smoking Topo Gigio, but it was clear. You didnt talk, Tucker said.Okay, said Roberto. Thanks for the mango.Roberto took off, the beat of his wings like the shuffle of a deck of leather cards. Tuck backed though the french doors into a wickerwork emperors chair and sat down.Come sit, Beth Curtis said as she carried a tray to the table. Dinners ready.What kind of drugs have you been handsome me, Doc?Broad-spectrum antibiotics and some Tylenol. Why?Any chance they could cause hallucinations?Not unless you were allergic, and wed know that by now. Why?Just wonderin g.Beth Curtis came to him and patted his shoulder. Her nails, he noticed, were perfect. You had a fever when they brought you in. Sometimes that can give a person with child(p) dreams. I think youll feel a lot better after a good meal.She helped him up and led him to the table, which was set with a white tablecloth and black linen paper napkins some a centerpiece oforchid sprigs staged in a watch glass bowl. A tout ensemble grouper stared up between fanned slices of plantain on a serving tray, his eye a little dry but clear and accusing.Tuck said, If that thing starts talking, I deficiency to be sedated and right now.Oh, Mr. Case. Beth Curtis turn her eyes and laughed as they sat down to dinner.Tuck could just about feel his body absorbing the nourishment. He told them the story of his journey to the island, exaggerating the d petulance aspect and glossing over his injuries, Kimi, and his craving for alcohol. He didnt mention Roberto at all. By the time Tucker was in the typ hoon, the Curtises were well into their sustain bottle of white wine. Beths cheeks were flushed and her eyes sparkled with intensity for Tucks every word.Tuck really intended to ask about Kimi, their cryptic messages, the guards, the rules for his employment, and of course, where the hell all the bullion came from, but instead he ensnare himself acting to Beth Curtis like a comedian on a roll and he left the bungalow at midnight quite taken with both himself and the doctors wife.The Curtises stood arm in arm at the door as the guards escorted Tucker back to his quarters. Halfway across the compound, he did a giddy turn and waved to them, feeling as if he had been the one to consume two bottles of wine.What do you think? the mavin asked his wife.Not a problem, she said, keeping a parade smile pointed Tucks way.I really judge him to be a little more disgustful to our conditions.As if hes in a position to bargain. The man has nothing, is nothing. He shatters this little illusio n weve given him and he has to face himself.He looks at you like youre some sort of beatific vestal virgin. I dont like it.I can handle that. You just get fly male child ready to do his job.Hell be able to fly within a week. He brought up his sailing master once again while we were outside.If hes here, youd better regain him.Ill speak to Malink tonight. The Micro Spirit is due in daytime after tomor-row. If we hear the navigator, we can send him back on the delight.Depending on what hes seen, she said.Yes, depending on what he knows.Tucker Case entered his bungalow feeling satisfied and full of himself. Someone had turned on the lights in his absence and turned down the bed. What, no mint on the pillow?He changed into a pair of the doctors pajama bottoms and grabbed a paperback spy novel from a fate someone had left on the coffee table.They had a TV. There had been a TV in the Curtises bungalow. Hed have to ask them to get him one. No, dammit, demand a television. What did M ary Jean always vocalise? You can shop all day, but if you dont ask for the money, you havent made a sale. Good food, good money, and a bang-up aircraft to fly hed stumbled into the best gig on the planet. I am the Phoenix, rising slope from the ashes. I am the comeback kid. I am the entire 1980 gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic hockey team. I am the fucking walrus, coo-coo ka-choo.He went into the bathroom to dust his teeth, caught his reflection in the mirror. His mood went terminal. I am never going to get laid again as long as I live. I should have pressed them about Kimi. I didnt until now ask about what in the hell kind of cargo Im going to be flying. I am a spineless worm. Im scum. Im the Hindenburg, Im Michael Milken, Richard Nixon. Im seeing ghosts and bats that talk and Im stuck on an island where the only woman energises Mother Theresa look like a lap dancer in a leper colony. I am the man who put the F in failure, the P in pathetic, the G in gullible. I am the ring worm menu boy of Gangrene City. Im an insane, unemployed bus number one wood for the death camp cartel.Tuck went to bed without brush his teeth.33Chasing the ScoopNatives slept side by side, crisscrossed, and piled on the deck of the Micro Spirit until with a thu showing here, or a lavalava there, streams of primary color among all that gelatinous brown flesh it looked as if someone had dropped a big box of candy in the hot sun and they had melted together and spilled their fillings. Amid the mess, Jefferson Pardee, turn and pitched with the ship, finding three sleeping children lying on him when the ship moved to starboard, a turgid island grandmother washing against him when the ship listed to port. Hed been stepped on three times by ashy callused feet, once on the groin, and he was relatively sure he could feel lice crawling in his scalp.Unable to sleep, he stood up and the mass moved amoebalike into the vacated deck space. A three-quarter moon shone high and bright, and P ardee could see well enough to make his way through to the railing, only stepping on one woman and evoking colorful island curses from two men. Once at the rail, the warm wind washed away the supply comprehend of sweat and the rancid nut relish of copra coming from the holds. The moons re-flection lay in the black sea like a tossing pool of mercury. A fuel pod of dolphins rode the ships bow wave like gray ghosts.He took several deep breaths, relieved himself over the side, accordingly dug a bent cigarette out of his shirt pocket. He lit it with a expendable lighter and exhaled a con domiciliate of smoke with a long sigh. Thirty years in the tropics had given him a high tolerance for botheration and inconvenience, but the break in routine was maddening. Back on Truck, hed be toweling off the smell of stale beer and the residue of an oily tumble with a dollar whore, preparing to pass out with a flashiness of Mencken under his little air conditioner. No concept of the day to co me or the one just passed, for one was like the next and they were all the same. Just cool cloudy sleep that made him feel, if only for a minute, like that young Midwestern boy on an adventure, exhausted from passion and fear, rather than a fat old man worn down by ennui.And here, in the salt and the moonlight, on the trail of a story or maybe just a rumor, he felt the fungus growing in his lungs, the pain in his lower back, the w viii of ten thousand beers and fractional a million cigarettes and thirty years of fish fried in coconut oil pressing on his heart, and none of it none of it was so heavy as the possibility of specked hopes. Why had he opened himself up to a future and failure, when he had been failing just fine already?You cant sleep? the equalize said.Pardee hadnt heard the thready sailor move to the rail. He was drinking a Bud tallboy, against regulations, and Pardee felt a craving twist like a worm in his bureau at the sight of the can.You got other one of tho se?The mate reached into the deep front pocket of his shorts, pulled out another beer, and handed it to Pardee. It was warm, but Pardee popped the top and drank off half of it in one gulp.How long before we make Alualu? Pardee asked.Three, maybe four hour. Sunrise. We drop you on northeasterly side of island, you swim in.What? Pardee looked down to the black waves, because back at the mate.The doctor no allow whatsoeverone go on the island except to diddle cargo. You have to swim in on other side of island. Maybe half mile, maybe less.How will I get back to the ship?Captain say he will swing back almost the island when we leave. Captain say he wait half an hour. You swim back out. We pick you up.Cant you send a boat?No boat. No break in reef except on south side where we unload. We have many fuel barrel and crates. You will have s nonetheless, maybe eight hour.Pardee had seen the Spirit arrive in Truk lagoon a thousand times the ship was always surrounded by outboards and cano es filled with excited natives. Maybe I can get one of the Shark People to ferry me. He did not want to get in that pissing, and he certainlydidnt want to swim half a mile to shore, wasnt sure he could.Shark People no have boat. They no leave island.No boats? Pardee was amazed. Living in these islands without a boat was akin to living in Los Angeles without a car. It wasnt done it couldnt be done.The mate patted Pardees big shoulder. You be fine. I have masquerade and fins for you.What about sharks?Sharks afraid around there. On most island people afraid of shark. On Alualu shark afraid of people.Youre sure about that?No.Oh, good. Do you have another beer?Three hours later the rising sun lay like a smooth- rungn tray on the horizon and Jefferson Pardee was having swim fins duct-taped to his feet by the branch mate. The deck bustled with excited natives eating rice balls and edda paste, smoking cigarettes, shitting over the railings, and milling around the ships store, trying to buy Cokes and Planters cheese balls, Australian vulcanized beef, and, of course, Spam. A small crowd had gathered around to watch the white man prepare for his swim. Pardee stood in his boxer shorts, maggot white except for his forearms and face, which looked like theyd been plunge in red barn paint. The mate stuffed Pardees clothes and notebook into a garbage bag and handed it to him, then slathered the journalist with waterproof sunscreen, a project on par with basting a hippo. Pardee verbalise at a group of giggling children and they ran off down the deck screaming.Pardee heard the ships big screws grind to a halt and the mate unhooked a chain ingress set in the railing. Jump, he said.Pardee looked at the crystal water forty feet below. Youre out of your fucking mind. Dont you have a ladder?You cant climb ladder with fins.Ill take the fins off until I get in the water.No. Straps broken. You have to jump.Pardee shake his head and the flesh on his shoulders and back followed suit. Its not gonna happen.Suddenly the children Pardee had frightened came zip around the bridge like a let out pack of piglets. Two little boys broke validation and ran toward the journalist, who looked around just as he felt four tiny brown hands tinct with his back.Pardee saw sky, then water, then sky, then the island of Alualu put on the sea like a bad green toupee, then the impact with the water took his breath, ripped the mask from his face, and forced streams of brine into his sinuses strong enough to bring blood.Before he could even find the surface, he heard the ships screws begin to grind as the Micro Spirit steamed away.Two excited boys shook Malink awake. The ship is here and the hotshot is coming The old chief sat up on his shop sleeping mat and wiped the sleep from his eyes. He slept on the porch of his house, part of the stone foundation that had been there for eight hundred years. He stood on creaking aurora legs and went to the bunch of red bananas that hun g from the porch roof. He tore off two bananas and gave them to the boys.Where did you see the sensation?He comes across Vincents airstrip.Good boys. You go eat breakfast now.Malink went to a stand of ferns behind his house, pulled aside his thu, and waited to relieve himself. This took semipermanent every day it seemed. The Sorcerer had told Malink that he had infuriated the prostate monster and the only way to stay put him was to quit drinking coffee and tuba and to eat the bitter root of the saw palmetto. Malink had tried these things for almost two full days before giving up, but it was too hard to wake up without coffee, too hard to go to sleep without tuba, saw palmetto made his stomach hurt, and he seemed to have a headache all the time. The prostate monster would just have to remain angry. Sometimes the Sorcerer was wrong.He finished and straightened his thu, passed a thundering cannonade of gas, then went back to the sitting spot on the porch to get his cigarettes. The women had made a fire to boil water for coffee the smoke from the burning coconut husks wafted out of the corrugated tin cookhouse and hung like blasphemous fog under the canopy of breadfruit, mahogany, and palm trees.Malink lit a cigarette and looked up to see the Sorcerer coming down the coral path, his white science laboratory coat stark against the browns and greens of the village.Saswitch (good morning), Malink said. The Sorcerer spoke their lan-guage.Saswitch, Malink, the Sorcerer said. At the sound of his voice Malinks wife and daughters ran out of the cookhouse and disappeareddown the paths of the village.Coffee? Malink asked in English.No, Malink, there is no time today.Malink frowned. It was rude for anyone to turn down an offer of food or drink, even the Sorcerer. We have little Tang. You want Tang? Spacemen drink it.The Sorcerer shook his head. Malink, there was another man here with the pilot you found. I need to find him.Malink looked at the ground. I no see any othe r man. The Sorcerer didnt seem angry, but just the same, Malink didnt like lying to him. He didnt want to anger Vincent.I wont punish anyone if something happened to him, if he was hurt or drowned, but I need to know where he is. Vincent has asked me to find him, Malink.Malink could feel the Sorcerer staring a hole in the top of his head. Maybe I see another man. I will ask at the mens house today. What he look like?You know what he looks like. I need to find him now. The Sky Priestess will give back the coffee and sugar if we can find him today.Malink stood. Come, we find him. He led the Sorcerer through the village, which appeared ramshackle except for a few yellow(a)s and dogs, but Malink could see eyes peeking out from the doorways. How would he ex-plain this when they asked why the Sorcerer had come? They passed out of the village, went past the abandoned church, the graveyard, where great slabs of coral rock kept the bo run lows from floating up through the soil during the r ainy season, and down the exceed path to Sarapuls little house.The old cannibal was sitting in his doorway sharpening his machete.Malink turned to the Sorcerer and whispered, He rude sometime. He very old. Dont be mad.The Sorcerer nodded.Saswitch, Sarapul. The Sorcerer has come to see you.Sarapul looked up and glared at them. He had red chicken feathers stuck in his hair, two severed chicken feet hung from a cord to a higher place his head. All the sorcerers are dead, Sarapul said. He is just a white doctor.Malink looked at the Sorcerer apologetically, then turned back to Sarapul. He wants to see the man you found with the pilot.Sarapul ran his thumb over the edge of his machete. I dont know what happened to him. Maybe he went swimming and a shark got him. Maybe someone eat him.Sebastian Curtis stepped forward. He wont be hurt, he said. We are going to send him out on the ship.I want to go to the ship, Sarapul said. I want to buy things. Why cant we go to the ship?Thats not the is sue here, old man. Vincent wants this man found. If hes dead, I need to know.Vincent is dead.The Sorcerer crouched down until he was eye-to-eye with the old cannibal. Youve seen the guards at the compound, Sarapul. If the man isnt at the gate in an hour, Im going to have the guards tear the island apart until they find him.Sarapul grinned. The Japanese? Good. You send them here. He swung his machete in front of the sorcerers face. I have a present for them.Curtis stood. An hour. He turned and walked away.Malink ambled along behind him. Maybe he is right. Maybe the man drown or something.Find him, Malink. I meant it about the guards. I want this man in an hour.He is gone, Sarapul said. You can come out.Kimi dropped out of the rafters of Sarapuls little house. What is he talking about guards?Ha Sarapul said. He knows nothing. He didnt even know I had this. Sarapul reached down and pulled out a decapitated chicken he had been sitting on. He is no sorcerer.He said there were guards. K imi said.Sarapul laid his chicken on the ground. If you are afraid, you should go.I have to find Roberto.Then let them send the guards, Sarapul said, brandishing his machete. They can die just like this chicken.Kimi stepped back from the old cannibal, who was on the verge of foaming at the mouth. We friends, right? var. a fire, Sarapul said. I want to eat my chicken.