Reproduction Issue Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Reproduction Issue - Essay Example This essay focuses on the ethical implication of third trimester abortion with reference to its medical effect on the fetus and the mother. In particular, this essay argues against third trimester abortion. Numerous claims against abortion argue that both the mother and the fetus have particular rights. It was emphasized by Annas (1998 as cited in Orshan, 2008, 310) that the fetus is not an individual within the context of the Constitution and declares that states cannot criminalize abortion prior to the determination of the viability of the fetus. States can prohibit abortion after determination of the viability of the fetus only if there is an anomaly that allows abortion to defend the health or life of the mother. States can enforce limits on abortion prior to the determination of viability only if such limits do not generate major barriers to a woman’s acquiring an abortion (Wikipedia, 2013b). Roe v. Wade made sure that women have the legal privacy right, and that such right is basic and general to cover her choice to obtain an abortion. Third term abortion is the most disputed topic of reproductive rights. There is no involuntary right to obtain abortion after the first trimester. In later trimester, the fetus is already viable. A six-month fetus can possibly stay alive with a delivery even though it would have higher susceptibility to complications. The Supreme Court has always considered exceptions for the likelihood of third trimester abortion if the woman’s life is in danger (Hall, Bobinski, & Orentlicher, 2007). It is not possible to ethically abort a possibly viable fetus except if there is a major justifying condition like danger to the life of the fetus or the mother. With regard to court directive, the court cannot oblige a doctor to carry out an operation that is professionally or ethically unjustifiable (Wikipedia, 2013a). For instance, if legislation ratified today making it legally permissible to carry out ‘mercy killing’, or

Ways of the World Essay Example for Free

Ways of the World Essay The Reemergence of a Unified China 1. What are some of the causes that allowed Buddhism and Daoism to creep into China? 2. In what way did the Sui Dynasty unify China from 589-618? 3. Discuss the ways in which the Tang and Song Dynasties were regarded as the â€Å"Golden Age of Chinese Achievement.† Culturally— Politically— Economically— 4. In what ways did women’s lives change during the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties? China and the Northern Nomads: A Chinese World Order in the Making 5. Why did the Chinese interact with their nomadic neighbors to the north? 6. Even though China saw itself as â€Å"the center of the world,† why did it allow itself to deal with the â€Å"barbarians?† 7. Why did the Chinese government often give other states gifts that were in fact worth more than the tribute those states paid to China? 8. Who were the Xiongnu, the Uighurs, the Khitan, and the Jurchen in relation to the Chinese ? Xiongnu Uighurs Khitan and Jurchen— 9. Did the Chinese convert large numbers of the northern nomads to Chinese cultural ways? Why or Why not? Coping with China: Comparing Korea, Vietnam, and Japan 10. In what political, economic, and social ways did Korea, Vietnam, and Japan experience and respond to Chinese influence? 11. What’s the significance of the Trung Sisters in Vietnam? 12. In what different ways did Japanese and Korean women experience the pressures of Confucian orthodoxy (practices, beliefs)? 13. Why didn’t the Japanese succeed in creating an effective centralized and bureaucratic state to match that of China? China and the Eurasian World Economy 14. What techniques or technologies did China export to other regions of Eurasia? China and Buddhism 15. Between 300 and 800 C.E., what helped to facilitate the acceptance of Buddhism in China? 16. What were the major sources of opposition to Buddhism in China?

Obesity in America Essay -- Overweight Americans

How is it that a nation so obsessed with counting calories, cutting back carbs, and going on diets is so incredibly overweight? The United States is by far the heaviest country in the world. Almost two thirds of Americans are overweight and one third are obese (â€Å"Statistics†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ). That’s a lot of fatties in a land of 281,421,906 people (â€Å"Question†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ). On the surface, it’s simply bewildering as to why America is in such a state because this country is made of people from the rest of the world. However, eastern and western Europeans, Asians, Africans, South Americans, and Australians aren’t faced with even half the number of weight-related health issues that Americans encounter every day. Other countries aren’t nearly as overweight as America: 5% of people in France are considered overweight or obese (â€Å"ObEpi 2003:†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ), in Germany less than half of the population is overweight and only 11% obese (â€Å"Quickfacts†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ), in Japan about 20% are considered overweight (â€Å"Criteria†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ) and in England, 20 percent are overweight (â€Å"Tackling†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ). So why are Americans so large? I can think of a number of reasons as to why this is the case. First and foremost, Americans care too much about too many unimportant things. They care so much about swim suits, fitted clothes, and losing weight to look good, that they lose sight of the real problem, their health. Fad diet followers are faced with a tough realization that they are no better off than before they started Atkins, South Beach, what-have-you, and oftentimes their packing more pounds than in the beginning. Sprouting from American obsessive-compulsive eating habits is a number of disorders and conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, high c... ...ureau. 3 August 2004. . â€Å"Quick Facts: Society.† German Embassy, Washington D.C.. 4 August 2004. . â€Å"Statistics Related to Overweight and Obesity.† NIDDK Weight-Control Information Network. 1 August, 2004. . â€Å"Tackling Obesity in England.† House of Commons – Public Accounts – Ninth Report. 4 August 2004. . Worley, Mary Ray. â€Å"Fat and Happy: In Defense of Fat Acceptance.† 28 July 2004. .

Culture and identity Essay

Between Ourselves is about an Indian girl who has travelled to America for further education. She is Hindu and her mother is telling her not to marry someone from there. She meets and marries an American and of course her parents do not approve. Later the woman regrets the loss of Indian culture. Lovelace’s story is about Joebell a Trinidadian who is trying to go to America. He thinks that he is a hero and is risk taker and would have a better life in America. In the end he fails to go to America and then realises that Trinidad is where he belongs partly because he never saw an American fail. Joebell as a character is very different from lots of people: he is courageous and takes risks e.g. he takes a big risk getting the fake passport. Joebell has been influenced very much by American films especially cowboy films. In Joebell’s mind America is everything e.g. † Where everybody have a motor car and you could ski on snow and where it have seventy five channels of colour television†. This is what Joebell is thinking about nothing else, just watching television all day. I think Joebell has a presence of fame, as he would go in a snackette and would take up a big space and just ask for a toothpick. Above all I think Joebell is a very interesting person, as he would do things that other people wouldn’t. The Mother in â€Å"Between Ourselves† is someone who cares about her daughter a lot, she is worried that her daughter will meet and marry a man in America and marry. She writes â€Å"Your Ghosh Mashima asked me the other day if I was expecting an American son-in-law. Of course not our Miru is as she was before and she would not do such a thing, she went to America to study not to catch a husband†, this shows that Miru’s mother is proud of her religion, faith, culture and tradition. When Miru replies saying that she is going to marry an American, the mother shows her frustration e.g. â€Å"Both your father and I are astounded by your letter, so Ghosh Mashima was not so wrong after all! How could you!† This shows the anger of the Mother as she sends the money for her flight back. The daughter (Miru) is a person who is very determined and independent. The choice for her to go to university in America changes the rest of her life and a choice that she can’t change. Her relationship with her Mother that was once strong is now vulnerable, E.g. I miss you a lot, wit respect and love, yours Miru†. This was Miru’s first letter, the last letter that she wished she had written conveyed a lot more anger e.g. I am even more astounded by your lack of understanding, you show no sympathy for my inner struggle†, this shows her anger at her mother. ‘Between Ourselves’ is a story that has been written in a series of letters between mother and daughter. I think that this shows that it is a personal story and intimate. The letters give the reader the idea that they are eavesdropping on someone else’s conversation. In Joebell and America the story changes from third person to first person. I think that Earl Lovelace has written this brilliantly, when I first read it I did not notice it, it was like looking at someone doing something then the next minute you are in that persons brain, the effect of this is emphasised because it is at a extremely crucial part, when the two immigration officers â€Å"Squirrel eyes † and the other man sit next to Joebell. It also slows down the tension, its like the reader identifies with Joebell. In ‘Joebell and America’ there is some very entertaining language, the whole way through the story, e.g. When Joebell’s mother hears that her son is going to America she says â€Å"Joebell gone away praise God! â€Å". The way Joebell thinks that he is a hero and how Joebell tries to be a Yankee â€Å"How ya doin, main! Hiya baby!†. The story is written in a Trinidadian dialect, which makes it more fun, more interesting because it is written in a way that someone speaks and it has a powerful rhythm. This is very different to ‘Between Ourselves’, this story funny whereas ‘Between Ourselves’ is a lot more tense, more serious between the mother and daughter e.g. the way the mother reacts when she reads what her daughter has written in the letter that she is going to marry someone from America, the mother is astounded, and shocked with disgust. I think this story would keep you at the â€Å"edge of your seat† in a more serious way. The different stories tell two numerous attractions of America, firstly in ‘Between Ourselves’ the letters make you think that this is the homeland of the world, where you meet a whole new world, but the food is not as good as the food in Calcutta, whereas in ‘Joebell and America, the attraction to America is having a chance to watch seventy five channels of colour television. Personally I think that just going to America to watch TV is very sad. When Earl Lovelace wrote ‘Joebell and America’ I think he wanted to make us feel that Trinidad society is worth staying in, rather than going to America, and that Joebell would be better in Trinidad because he likes to walk and likes to know everyone around him, in ‘Between Ourselves’ the author wants us to think that when you move from one country to another, it is like changing cultures and is never simple, also when you move countries and stay for a long time your culture and identity from your homeland maybe lost.

Yahoo Reaction Paper

On the 3rd of May, 2012, Daniel Loeb, Yahoo's largest external shareholder, who then controlled 5. % of the company through his hedge fund – Third point, launched an attack on Yahoo! And its new C. E. O. , alleging that Scott Thompson had lied on his resume about his academic qualifications. This was a result of a proxy war between Yahoo! And Loeb, who being a major stakeholder, wanted his choice Of candidates on the board and saw Thompson as an obstacle. These allegations snowballed into a huge crisis during a trying period for the organization.After rejecting a profitable takeover bid from Microsoft, steep competition from other internet giants and top level management issues, this situation weakened the company rather. Thompson, in his resume, claimed to have a college degree in accounting and computer science from Stonewall College near Boston. This â€Å"claim† was published on the company's bio and annual report, a legal document whose validity and authenticity is confirmed by the CEO- He even certified these degrees in the Securities and Exchange Commission filings.After receiving Lobe's letter stating that Thompson only had an accounting degree from Stonewall and the college didn't even offer a computer science degree at the time, Yahoo! Initiated an investigation. Upon receiving the findings of the investigation, Yahoo! Encoded that Thompson in fact only had an accounting degree and called the mistake an â€Å"inadvertent reproof. F-judging information on ones resume is something that many people indulge in, in order to make their profiles appealing especially in competitive job markets, a place where they fear loss to other capable candidates.Scott Thompson probably didn't need to lie about this particular qualification as he was in fact more than capable to lead Yahoo! Given his past experiences in technology firms like Papal and Visa. In my opinion, one of the most important methods of moral reasoning that one must adopt while making any professional or even personal decision, is the Rawlins Liberalism moral method. As Minnie Moldavia rightly suggests, one should keep in mind that the decisions you make could eventually decide your social position in the future.This future could not just have a positive or negative effect on you, but also the others who depend on and matter to you. Had Scott Thompson followed this method while making his resume as opposed to just a consequentiality approach, it is very likely he wouldn't have found himself in such a controversy. This saga did not just affect him, but also the organization, its shareholders and employees. Since Loeb first revealed Thompson padded resume, Yahoo's shares fell by around 3%. Since his tenure began, Thompson began to cut costs by laying off almost 14% of the Yahoo! Rockford, most of whom were in fact engineers and computer science graduates. Although the â€Å"Resume-Gate† seemed to some a minor error blown out of proportion, several disgruntle d Silicon Valley employees questioned how they could work for an organization where the C. E. O. Claimed to be a computer scientist and actually wasn't. Employee and share-holder morale was at an all-time low, a situation caused by a decision made many years ago, which Thompson rabble thought would never come back to haunt him. Thompson is not alone. There have been other C. E.Co's who have lied about their credentials in the past and some have almost got away with it. Ronald Carmella, C. E. O of Bausch & Lomb, admitted to his mistakes and retained his position. Others like David Edmondson from Radiograms haven't been so lucky. In the name of marketing or branding themselves, people believe they can attract aspirations jobs and seem appealing to employers. More often than not, people do not need these little lies to achieve success or the job of their dreams. David Edmondson, for example, had climbed up the company ladder and had become C. E. O. Cause of his ability and skillet, not because of the degree he showcased on his resume. Radiograms may have been too harsh when they implemented their decision, but it was definitely for the long term stability of the company. From the observations so far, understand that the active agents are the board of directors at Yahoo, Scott Thompson and Daniel Loeb. Their decisions will affect the passive agents I. E. The shareholders and the employees. So were Yahoo! And Radiograms justified in asking their prized possessions to move on? As a decision maker, the questions one must ask, according to Graham Tucker, are as follows.Is the decision Profitable? On firing Scott Thompson without cause, Yahoo! Would have to pay him a huge severance fee and stock grants of up to $million. This would seem a huge compensation and a loss for the organization in the short term, but could definitely seem profitable in the near future as the stock prices were bound to increase, which they did upon Thompson resignation. Tucker also asks if the decision is legal. The answer to that is also yes. According to the Serbians-Solely Act of 2002, violators face penalties of 20 years in prison and nines of up to $million if the data submitted to the SEC isn't authentic.Fairness of the decision is another question that Tucker asks. According to the Yahoo's code of ethics, all employees are expected to disclose fair, accurate, timely and understandable information in reports and documents filed to the S. E. C. This applies even to directors. It would be unfair to other employees if such conduct ignored what the top level management was up to. The decision of firing Thompson was also the right decision as this would not just set a strict precedent at Yahoo, but it would also salvage the company from a trying tuition.No company would want their leader lying about anything let alone something as petty as three words on their resume. Trust issues creep in and shareholders could question the transparency and openness the company has to offer. Lastly, Tucker asks if the decision taken would ensure further sustainable development. I personally believe that during this predicament, in spite of multiple changes in management a few years earlier, a good change would benefit Yahoo's future growth. A situation like this sets a bad tone at the top and beginning afresh would uplift employee and shareholder morale.

How to Email Professors at Prospective Grad Schools

How to Email Professors at Prospective Grad Schools As an applicant to graduate school you have probably wondered more than once exactly what professors look for when they select students. Wouldn’t it be easier if you could just ask them? Before you go any further, let me warn you that emails can backfire. Many applicants email professors at graduate programs they wish to attend and receive terse replies, or perhaps most commonly, no replies. For example, consider this question from a reader: I am trying to figure out a topic that would be most suitable for me. I have reached out to many professors with little luck. Occasionally, they will share articles, but rarely will I get a response to a question. My questions range from graduate opportunities to specifics about their work.   This reader’s experience is not unusual.   So what gives? Are graduate professors simply rude? Perhaps, but also consider the following contributors to the poor responses from faculty. Figuring out What You Want to Study Is Your Job First and foremost, it seems that this reader needs to do more work before contacting prospective mentors. As an applicant, realize that choosing a field of study is your task and one that you should do before emailing professors at graduate programs. To do so, read widely. Consider the classes youve taken and what subfields interest you. This is the most important part: Talk with faculty at your university.   Approach your professors for help. They should be your first line of advice in this regard. Ask Informed Questions, Not Ones Whose Answers Are Readily Available Before you email a professor for advice,   be sure that you have done your homework. Dont ask questions about information that you can learn from a basic internet or database search. For example, information about a professors research and copies of articles are easily available online. Likewise, dont ask questions about the graduate program unless you have carefully reviewed all of the information on both the departments website and the professor’s website. Professors might view answering such questions a waste of time. Moreover, asking questions about information that is readily available might signal naivetà © or, worse, laziness. This is not to say that you should never contact professors at prospective programs. Before you email a professor make sure that it is for the right reasons. Ask informed questions that show that you are familiar with his or her work and the program and simply seek clarification on a few specific topics.  Ã‚   Three basic guidelines for emailing professors at prospective graduate programs: Do not inundate the professor with questions. Ask only one or two specific questions and you will be much more likely to get a reply than if you ask a series of questions.Be specific.   Don’t ask questions that will require more than a sentence or two in response.   In-depth questions about their research usually fall in this area. Remember that professors may be pressed for time. An email that looks like it will take more than a minute or two to answer may be ignored.Don’t ask questions that are outside of a professor’s purview. General questions about financial aid, how applicants are selected by the program, and housing, for example,   fall into this area. What should you ask prospective graduate mentors?Probably the question that you are most interested in is whether the professor is accepting students. That simple, direct, question is most likely to yield a response. How Do You Ask a Professor Whether He or She Is Taking Students? In a simple email,  explain that you are very interested in the professor’s research on X and, here’s the important part, would like to know whether he or she is accepting students.   Keep the email brief, just a couple of sentences. A short, concise email will likely yield a response, even if it is a â€Å"No, I am not accepting students.† What Next? Thank the professor for his or her response, regardless. If the faculty member is accepting students then work on tailoring your application to his or her lab. Should you start a dialogue? You can’t predict how a professor will respond to multiple emails. Some might welcome them, but it is better playing it safe and avoid emailing the professor again unless you have specific questions about his or her research. Faculty doesnt want to mentor students who require hand-holding, and you want to avoid being perceived as needy. Should you decide to ask a specific question about his or her research, remember that brevity is key in receiving a response.

Effect of the Political instability on Haitis development

Effect of the Political instability on Haitis development The Problem Haiti is a country that suffers from major political instability, which has deterred the country’s growth and development. Between 1950 and 2008, the country had a record eleven coup d’à ©tats highlighting the volatility of the political scene there. In spite of the restoration of democratic rule in 2006, Haiti has continued to suffer from political instability.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Effect of the Political instability on Haitis development specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Indifferent and ineffective governance that continues to accentuate the instability already experienced by Haiti characterizes the country. These factors have deterred economic development in this South American Country. The socioeconomic factors in the country are the most serious causes of the instability. The BBC (2012) records that Haiti has a huge wealth gap with a minority 1% owning nearly 50% of the count rys wealth. The poor have engaged in widespread riots or joined gangs due to the lack of alternative means of employment. The climate of instability has led to a rise of powerful urban gangs and militia who often operate with government sanction. The legitimacy and authority of political leaders are sometimes derived from the power of this militia (Carey, 2005). At the same time, political instability has had the effect of further plunging the country into economic disarray. The Haitian economy has suffered greatly in light of the political turmoil that has plagued the country. In the mid 1990s, the deepening political crisis led to a drop in international aid. By the end of 1997, the lack of a functioning government led to a freeze in international aid to Haiti, an act that left the formal Haitian economy virtually collapsed (Donais, 2005). The dependency theory sheds some light on the rampant poverty that has fueled the political instability in Haiti. This theory states as long as the Third World is linked to the north they can never break free of their dependence and poverty† (Diaz, Trapp Feldman, 2008, p.3). This is a true reflection of the Haitian situation since as a former colony of France, Haitis link to the Western world was established centuries ago. Even after independence, Haiti continued to rely on the policies and economic support of Western powers. Haiti continues to depend on the international community for financial aid. In addition to this, the country relies primarily on the US as the destination for her exports.Advertising Looking for essay on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Fig 1: Haitian Borrowing in Millions of Dollars The world systems theory developed by Immanuel Wallerstein can also be used to explain the situation in Haiti. This theory advances that the world is divided into core countries, which are industrialized capitalist countries and peripher y countries like Haiti that rely on low-skill and rely on labor-intensive production. According to the theory, these periphery countries such as Haiti suffer from unequal distribution of labor and exchange and they are exploited by the core countries. Background Haiti is geographically located in the Caribbean island of Hispaniola and it shares the Island with the Dominican Republic which lies on its East. The country occupies an area of 27,750 sq kms and has a population of 10.1 million (BBC, 2012). Haiti has over 25% arable land and this land is used for cultivation purposes. The agricultural sector is a major employee in the country with 38% of the population working in this sector (CIA, 2012). Fig 2: Geographical Positioning of Haiti The republic of Haiti has had a turbulent political history since its independence from France in 1804. The Haitian political scene has been characterized by authoritarian rule and a military domination. Political leaders appoint their own constitu tions to strengthen their hold on power.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Effect of the Political instability on Haitis development specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Haitian government is predatory in nature with state resources being used to advance the interests of the elite while the security apparatus suppresses and extorts the ordinary people. In such a government, the elite office holders have viewed the majority poor as objects to be exploited instead of subjects in a shared political system. Haiti has not exhibited major development since its independence; the country is today the most deprived in the Western Hemisphere. The overreliance on agriculture has led to the high unemployment rate in the country with over 60% of the labor force lacking formal jobs. The country has an acute shortage of skilled labor while there is a surplus of unskilled labor, a factor that has increased the unemployment rate in th e country. In the job market, low-income levels make it hard for those employed to maintain a decent standard of living. Haiti has therefore grown to depend excessively on the international community for its economic sustenance. Fig 3. Comparing Growth of Per Capita GDP among American Countries Due to its geographical location and natural resources, Haiti was once a choice destination for tourists. Macollvie (2009) notes that its sandy beaches and beautiful coastal cities once made it a major destination for international cruise ships providing the country with significant amounts of foreign exchange. However, the political instability has led to major security concerns with kidnappings, deadly riots, and rampant thefts characterizing the country. Due to this reason, many countries have issued travel warnings regarding Haiti thus effectively stifling its tourism industry.Advertising Looking for essay on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Discussion Putting the Problem in Context The problem of political instability is an old one and it has plagued Haiti for over a century. In its formative years, the country operated without state institutions and it was governed by a combination of the military and the elite. This set the tone for the future governance of the country and Macollvie (2009) observes that at no time in the history of the country has there been a significant degree of long-term popular participation in the political process (p.72). The problems in Haiti continue to persist for because of a number of major reasons. To begin with, the efforts of the international community to restore stability never take into consideration the realities in the country. Donais (2005) observes that the lack of success in international efforts can be blamed on the fact that the positive political change is almost explicitly promoted by outsiders who lack an intimate knowledge of the domestic realities facing Haitians and the ir thoughts regarding politics. A lack of adequate economic opportunities has further exacerbated the problem of political insecurity in Haiti. The World Bank best articulates how instability in Haiti mitigates economic growth by noting that the country is limited in capacity to establish law and order or to create conditions for economic growth and poverty reduction (Saye, 2010, p.71). The country is characterized by an unreconstructed winner-take-all political culture. Donais (2005) elaborates that Haiti is a predatory republic where capturing of governing power is the primary means of acquiring wealth and power. Those who are in power are therefore keen to maintain their grasp using all possible means. Members of the public not involved in politics have taken to violence and drug trafficking to provide for themselves. Drug trafficking is a highly profitable activity and the major drug barons have corrupted the judicial system and the police to ensure that the drugs flow though Ha iti uninterrupted (BBC, 2012). Widespread corruption has further contributed to the political instability and the lack of economic development in the country. Corruption is widespread in Haiti with the government accountability organization, Transparency International ranking Haiti â€Å"most corrupt nation in the world†. An official of the organization stated that corruption was so deeply entrenched in the country that it was acceptable as part of everyday life (Saye, 2010). Fig 4: WGI Government Effectiveness and Control of Corruption Addressing the Issues To try to mitigate the outcomes of these problems, efforts have been undertaken by governments. The international community has been involved heavily in Haitian affairs as it tries to address the political issues in the country. As far back as 1915, the country exhibited acute manifestations of chronic political instability, which prompted US troops to land at Port au Prince on July 28, 1915. The United Nations has engag ed in numerous efforts to restore peace, democracy, and stability to Haiti (Donais, 2005). The efforts of the international community to restore stability to the Haitian political scene have been succeeded but only to some extent. International efforts through the United Nations helped Haiti recover after it failed to stop the threat of an armed insurgency in 2004 (Carey, 2005). The international community led by the US has promoted policies in Haiti that are aimed at encouraging the installation of democracy in the Country. These policies led to the reinstallation of democracy in 2006. However, such efforts are of no practical use in promoting growth if they are not accompanied by political stability in the country. The political issues in Haiti have also persisted due to the color tensions that exist in the country. Since independence, Haiti experienced an institutionalization of skin color as a determination of status. The mulattos (light-skinned blacks) made up the elite in soci ety while the noirs (dark-skinned blacks) were the commoners. Macollvie (2009) state that this division based on skin color created a system of double government that kept power in the hands of the minority mulattos. With time, these divisions became based more on money than on skin color with the government serving the interest of the wealthy and ignoring the poor. Theoretical and Practical Solutions The establishment of a law-making branch of government that is not only stable but has the backing of the citizens of the country will also help to bring about political stability in the country. Historically, Haiti has had an inconsistent parliament that did not serve the interest of the masses. Haitian presidents have held power over the parliament, disbanding or dissolving it at will. These heads of states have been notorious for dissolving parliaments that showed a lack of support for their policies. Macollvie (2009) notes that Haitis parliament since independence has been a farce serving the interests of the elite and offering no opposition to the president. A strong parliament that has the support of the citizens will increase the political stability of the country. Such a parliament will have the legitimacy needed to steer the country into stability and economic prosperity. Enhancement of the democratic institutions in Haiti will increase the likelihood of stability and economic growth. According to the comparability perspective, a mature democracy will accrue direct and indirect benefits that will lead to the economic growth of the country. In such an environment, there will be effective control of governmental power and greater weight will be given to the provision of basic needs of the public. Capacity building of Haitian security forces and the eventual removal of foreign forces from Haiti will also assist in bringing about political stability. This solution is backed by the State theory which accentuates the importance of security in modern states. Th is theory advances that the state originates in and is justified by citizens who confer sovereignty on a central authority in exchange for security (Verner Egset, 2007, p.43). For decades, Haiti has been faced with numerous international interventions and foreign occupations. In the early 20th century, the country faced foreign occupation mostly from the US and other European powers which wanted to protect their interests in the country. In recent times, Haiti has had UN multinational peacekeeping troops who are there to help in the nation building efforts (Macollvie, 2009). This reliance on foreign forces has damaged the credibility of the government to protect its citizens. If the international community invested more in building an effective Haitian security apparatus, Haitians would have more faith in their government. This would have the desirable effect of increasing political stability. The major donors in Haiti can assist in promoting political stability by making it a prer equisite to Haiti receiving aid. As it currently stands, Haiti is not self sufficient and international aid is the major source of government financing. The Haitian President Michel Martelly is constantly appealing to potential donors to increase support of the country in order for it to meet its budget shortfalls. It is therefore evident that Haiti is greatly dependent on international aid and this fact can be used as leverage in demanding for political stability. Conclusion and Recommendations Haiti has suffered from political instability which has deterred the countrys development for decades. This paper has looked at has political instability and social inequality has affected Haitis economic development. It has noted that the two factors have led to the near collapse of Haiti as a state. The use of international interventions and occupations to maintain stability to Haiti have helped to prevent the decline of the country into permanent failed state status but this strategy does not help to create the political stability needed to bring about economic growth and prosperity for the country. Haiti is receiving a lot of international support in its efforts to develop. The country should use this goodwill to advocate for the development of state institutions. These institutions will provide the basic services for the citizens and promote economic development and social advancement. Well-developed governmental institutions will have the potential to mitigate the risk factors of violence that come from a socioeconomic context. The country should use its current stability to develop its natural resources. Political instability has contributed to the severe degradation of Haitis coastal resources. With stability, the economy of the country will once again be able to exploit its coastal resources for the good of the entire nation. References BBC (2012). Haiti country profile. Web. Carey, H. (2005). Militarization without Civil War: The Security Dilemma and Regime C onsolidation in Haiti. Civil Wars, 7 (4), 330–356. CIA (2012). The World Factbook: Haiti. Web. Diaz, A., Trapp, A., Feldman, A. (2008). Haiti Background Report. Web. Donais, T. (2005). Back to Square One: The Politics of Police Reform in Haiti. Civil Wars, 7(3), 270-287. Macollvie, J. (2009). Haiti: Hope Turns to Ashes. World Policy Journal, 4(1), 61-69. Saye, L. (2010). The Haitian State: Something Alien. Journal of Third World Studies, 27 (2), 71-88. Verner, D., Egset, W. (2007). Social Resilience and State Fragility in Haiti. NY: Word Bank.

How to Do a Tombstone Rubbing

How to Do a Tombstone Rubbing Tombstone rubbings are commonly used by family history researchers as a method for preserving a tombstones inscription. Learn how to do a grave rubbing safely, and when to use an alternative method of cemetery documentation. How to Do a Tombstone Rubbing Get permission. Check with the cemetery or with the state or local historical society to learn if tombstone rubbings are permissible. This practice has been banned in some areas and cemetery locations due to the damage it can cause.Be sure that the tombstone that you have chosen is sturdy and stable.  Do NOT do a tombstone rubbing on any stone that is wobbly, flaking, chipping, crumbling or otherwise unstable. Take a photograph instead.If allowed, clean the tombstone with plain water and a soft bristle (natural or nylon) brush.  Scrub the stone from the bottom up to avoid further streaking and staining.   Flush well with water when you are done. Again, do not do this on a stone that is crumbling, chipping or flaking.Cut a piece of plain white paper, butcher paper, rice paper or Pellon interfacing material to a size slightly larger than the tombstone. You can obtain rice paper from art supply stores and Pellon from craft and fabric shops.Tape the paper or fabric to the graveston e.   Make sure that it is secure so that it wont slide as you are rubbing and cause a blurred image, and that it ​covers the face of the stone completely so that you wont get marks on the tombstone when rubbing. If you have someone with you to assist, then you may prefer to have them hold the paper to avoid any possible damage from using tape. Using rubbing wax, a large crayon, charcoal, or chalk, gently start to rub along the outside edges of your paper or material, carefully working your way in. Or you may choose to begin at the top and work your way down the tombstone.Rub lightly to start with, and then apply more pressure to darken in the design if it suits you. Be very careful and gentle so as not to damage the tombstone.If you used chalk for your grave rubbing, then carefully spray the paper with a chalk spray such as Krylon.  Hairspray is another alternative. Be very careful not to get any on the tombstone.When the rubbing is done, carefully remove it from the tombstone and trim the edges to suit your liking.If you used interfacing for your tombstone rubbing, then place the material face up on an ironing board with an old towel over it. Press down with a hot iron (dont use a back-and-forth motion) to permanently set the wax into the fabric. Tips for a Better Tombstone Rubbing Interfacing material is an especially good material for tombstone rubbings because it doesnt tear and folds without creasing for easy travel.Caught without supplies? In a pinch, you can use  green leaves to do the rubbing as long as you can put your hands on some paper.Consider other methods of preserving the tombstone inscription such as photographs or foil casts as an alternative to the potentially damaging tombstone rubbing.Practice makes perfect! Before going to the cemetery, contact a local monuments store to see if you can practice rubbings on one of their tombstones.Check local laws before visiting the cemetery. Some countries dont even allow tombstones to be photographed without the permission of the cemetery keeper.Be sure to pick up any trash and leave the cemetery just as you found it.

Trends in Selection Methods Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Trends in Selection Methods - Assignment Example Also, the process of selection creates a base for practicing adequate employee motivational strategies. When the abilities and personal traits of the candidates for a job are assessed, the goal is not just to identify the individuals that can rightly do the job, but it is actually about choosing candidates that would actually accept to work when offered to and would tend to develop a long term relationship with the company, beneficial both for the employee and the organization. Thus, selection should ensure retention which means â€Å"the existence of an ongoing employee relationship† (Huang, Lin and Chuang, 2005). There is a certain cost associated with the process of selection, which goes into the training of the very personnel that are given the responsibility if recruiting employees for an organization, so that they may perform their duty adequately. However, the added cost is balanced by the increased retention that surfaces as a result of right selection of employees. â €Å"It is widely acknowledged that traditional selection interviews are unreliable predictors of which candidates are likely to be successful performers.† Rational practices: â€Å"Best practice† and â€Å"best fit† are two of the most fundamental and rational employee selection practices. The â€Å"best practice† is a perspective that emphasizes that many HR policies that also include the system of reward motivate the employees to work hard, while the â€Å"best fit† requires the managers to align the rewards with the strategic goals of the organization so that it may gain competitive advantage in the market (Morris and Maloney, n.d., p. 2). Many organizations do not make use of these practices and hence the performance of employees declines. There is dire need to take care of these matters along with making the selection procedure more reliable so that the difference between the expected and observed performance of the employees can be minimized. Analysis of interview as a selection tool: Although use of interview as a selection tool has been subjected to a lot of controversies in conventional recruitment practices, yet its efficiency as an assessment tool can not be denied. Particularly for the jobs in which assessment of an individual’s verbal and social skills are a critical factor, interview does the job efficiently. It helps the interviewer to make a sharp judgment not only of the candidate’s quickness of response, but also his/her fluency in the language demanded. In addition to estimating the candidate’s job related knowledge, the interviewer may also retrieve any supplementary information he/she may deem important in the context of a particular job. Likewise, the candidate may also ask the interviewing staff any questions that are influential upon his/her decision to join the organization. Hence, an interview is quite flexible in its structure and can be modified as required in an attempt to dra w the best conclusions both for the interviewers and the candidate. Sometimes, the interviewer is able to improve the process of interview for the rest after having conducted it with the first candidate. Because of its open nature, existing staff interviewing a candidate face-to-face may well assess if he/she can adjust in the very culture of an organization. This reduces the verisimilitude of interpersonal conflicts in the organization after the candidate is hired. In addition to that, selection through interview is a cost effective process. However,

Unknown and Undiluted Titration Date Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 6

Unknown and Undiluted Titration Date - Essay Example Furthermore, the concentration of Cca2+ is again subtracted from all the total concentration, in addition, the Mg2+ concentration is 0.0227+-0.005M after calculation. After Na2H2EDTA.2H2O is prepared and goes in contamination by water in 0.3 percentage the standard solution has to be corrected. Here below are the equations that analyses and further determines the EDTA solution concentration. Mass without impurity is the mass corrected and the mass actual is the dried chelating agent; EDTA concentration bears the name as CEDTA; the initial MW represents molecular weight, and the volume of the solution (500 ml) is V solution. Propagation of the errors calculates the uncertainty. The balance of uncertainty is +- 0.0001g and that of volumetric flask’s uncertainty is +-0.15 ml. the standard relative deviation is initialized by SRD. Calculation of results is in tabulation in the table. Results show that both relative derivation volume and relative derivation balance is +-0.0003.Moreso, after calculating using the values above EDTA concentration solution is 0.0018+-0.0004M. 1.00ml Ca/Mg solution in the spike is contained in the blank titration, Ph 10 buffer solution, water in conjunction with the indicator. From all the titration, the data in trial one from all the titrations undergoes nullification due to it being carried out hastily. Additional of 1.00ml in dilution of the unknown sample to the blank titration is put in a performance. The equation below is used to calculate V total: Both the standard deviation and the mean of part one and part two titrations are as follows and in illustration in table 4.Concentration of Mg2+ and Ca2+ can be identified from the values in the unknown sample.  

Teaching Math Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Teaching Math - Essay Example Learning disabilities (LD) seriously interfere with students' achievement in mathematics thus putting them at a higher risk of having problems in meeting the obligatory academic standards as compared to the normal student population. Thus, some recent studies report that between 4-7% of the school age population experiences some form of math difficulty as a result of LDs (Fuchs & Compton, 2005). Granted the increasingly strict graduation requirements imposed on high school seniors in mathematics the risk is even greater these days than ever before. The lack of specialized teacher training, coupled with insufficient amounts and poor availability of effective study material and traditional LD-friendly curricula contributes substantially to the already huge educational issues the average US students with a learning disability must face (Miller & Mercer,1997). Various behavioral disorders (BD) such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), conduct disorder (CD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in students represent another highly important problem in terms of teaching and learning mathematics. Thus, ADD/ADHD is one of the most commonly met behavioral disorders in the U.S.: approximately 7.8% of children and adolescents aged from 4 to 17 are diagnosed with it (Chang, 2005). The base prevalence of ODD is also estimated within the range of 1.7% -almost 10% (Rey, 1993). These behavioral disorders are also commonly associated with serious academic problems, including problems in learning mathematics (Todd et al, 1999). In fact, it will not be an exaggeration to state that BDs are almost always associated with LDs. Thus, one of the latest studies in this field reports that 71% of children with ADHD also have a LD and 26% of children with ADHD have a specific math disability (Mayes & Calhoun, 2006). However, despite the growing recognition that students with some form of LD or BD have unique learning needs, up to now the majority of such students are taught without any reference to their needs, including those in learning mathematics, in the general education classroom. One possible reason for such disappointing situation is lack of literature on teaching math for students with LD and BD: some researchers observe that the literature on teaching math is scarce even when compared with the existing research in the field of teaching other subjects such as language and reading - a situation that is hardly acceptable considering the importance of mathematics in modern world (Steele, 2004). The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the most interesting works in the field of teaching math for students with LD. Literature Review There is a solid body of literature exploring definitions, diagnostic criteria, and many other formal aspects of LD with some authors focusing specifically on mathematics (Dockrell & McShane, 1993; Adelman & Taylor, 1993; Lerner, 1993; Butterworth, Cipolotti & Warrington, 1996). Similarly, a serious body of research is dedicated

Lactobacillus bulgaricus and E.coli. (Microbiology-SLP5) Essay

Lactobacillus bulgaricus and E.coli. (Microbiology-SLP5) - Essay Example While the Lactobacilli are found in plant herbage especially at temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius, the Escherichia bacteria are basically anaerobic and are found in the human colonic flora in the intestinal lumen. Thirdly, the Lactobacilli are involved in producing yoghurt and in maintaining healthy intestinal flora but the Escherichia bacteria are mainly used in industrial microbiology as an extremely versatile host of beneficial heterologous proteins, which can be mass produced through E. coli. Lastly, unlike Lactobacilli, E. coli can be pathological and may cause diarrhea, meningitis or urinary tract infection (â€Å"Lactobacillus,† 2010; â€Å"Escherichia,† 2010). When it comes to the similarities between Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Escherichia coli, only two things need to be noted: they are both rod-shaped and they both have benefits in the field of biotechnology. As to the specialized functions of Lactobacilli, particularly Lactobacillus bulgaricus, based on the results of scientific research, this particular species of bacteria performs an important role in the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, or AhR, pathway, which in turn inhibits the development of a pathological condition known as â€Å"dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced† colitis (Takamura et al., 2011). Moreover, Lactobacillus bulgaricus is also involved in the destruction and elminition of putrefactive or proteolytic bacteria in the bowels, which cause â€Å"intestinal auto-intoxication† thus causing a series of arteriosclerotic changes that lead to physical aging (â€Å"Lactobacillus,† 2011). In a similar way, E. coli bacteria have been helpful in the expression of heterologous proteins, as previously mentioned, as well as in studies that help to illustrate and explain in detail complex cellular responses (Lee & Lee, 2003). Moreover, E. coli is used in the conversion of glycerine into ethanol (â€Å"E.coli,† 2010). The

Steady-State Economics and Environmental Philosophy Research Paper

Steady-State Economics and Environmental Philosophy - Research Paper Example According to an article â€Å"CASSE proposes the establishment of a steady state economy with stabilized population and per capita consumption.† (U.S. Fed News Service) To begin let’s examine the significance the environment has on a state’s economy. Why is it important that the two thrive together to produce a stabilized economy, The environment and the economy rarely have traveled together on the same path. Gains in the economy come at the sacrifice of the environment. Protection of our natural resources hamstrings business development. Or so the argument goes. But what if by protecting special lands, cleaning up environmental problems and growing responsibly, we actually increase jobs, stop the population migration, and revitalize our communities? (DiBerardinis) According to an article published for Environmental Law the state of the environment plays a very significant role in the advancement or the downslide of the economy, The warning of "global environment al crisis" is being sounded more and more frequently by scientists, politicians, and other observers. The doomsday predictors of the 1960s, like ecologists Paul Ehrlich(1) and Rachel Carson,(2) have been joined by an ever-growing chorus of doomsayers in the 1990s.(3) Rachel Carson's concerns regarding pesticides were prominent in the early 1960s; today, concerns about the potential myriad of ecological effects from global warming predominate. Loss of biodiversity from habitat destruction, pollution, and other threats is also a major present concern.(4) The proliferation of environmental alarms has, as expected, been accompanied by claims of critics that the alarms are overstated.(5) Besides denying the existence or magnitude of environmental threats, these critics question the priorities of the leading environmental advocates and their focus on government regulation, rather than the market, to address those priorities.(6) Underlying the debate over whether humans' demands on the Ear th have exceeded its ecological carrying capacity is a debate over the propriety of economic growth, the primary goal for rich and poor countries and for most international institutions.(7) The doomsayers generally see humans' unbridled pursuit of economic growth as a major root of all or most environmental evils; their critics generally see growth as providing a solution to environmental problems.(8) While this debate has continued, there has been increasing consensus behind the concept of "sustainable development," which became a global future through its adoption by the United Nations-sponsored Brundtland Commission in a 1987 report entitled Our Common Future.(9) That report defined sustainable development vaguely as development that "meet[s] the needs and aspirations of the present without compromising the ability to meet those of the future."(10) Although that concept has helped raise the prominence of environmental protection on national and global policy agendas, it has not u nseated economic growth as the primary public policy objective. (Wenig) The impact of the environment is crucial to the survival of a state’s economy. There are many ways to help ensure the environment’s safety. There are organizations that rise up to protect natural habitat from extinction. There are organi

Healthcare Administration 8 questions Assignment

Healthcare Administration 8 questions - Assignment Example The prevalence as well as the sustainability of communicable diseases which is another macro-trend in the United States has been a major concern for the healthcare practitioners and they are currently devising a long-term plan on how to handle the situation. Tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases have been ranked as the leading communicable diseases in the United States. Future research is expected to focus on relaying actual statistics on the rate of new infections and other underlying statistics on communicable diseases (Kronenfeld, 2002). Child health which focuses on infant mortality rate is regarded as a very vital macro-trend in the United States that requires a lot of attention so as to enable the realization of strategies in the healthcare system. Chronic diseases remain the greatest cause of infant mortality in the country. Diseases such as asthma are recorded to the leading cause of absenteeism in schools because its management is very costly and cannot be afforded by most families (Ryff, 2001). A recent article by Molly Worthen of the Daily beast indicated that nothing much has been achieved in the United States even with the presence of the Obamacare. Healthcare system has become considerably costly due to the presence of indirect costs incurred by those seeking health services. Hence, there is need for a complete overhaul in the entire health system and the present macro-trends. Dan Mangan of cnbc in an article titled, â€Å"US: Well pay for health insurance. World: Not us† indicated that economic factor was key towards the achievement of sustainable policies in the health sector. The ever increasing insurance on health matters was not necessary and is viewed as a means by which the government exploited the

Steady-State Economics and Environmental Philosophy Research Paper

Steady-State Economics and Environmental Philosophy - Research Paper Example According to an article â€Å"CASSE proposes the establishment of a steady state economy with stabilized population and per capita consumption.† (U.S. Fed News Service) To begin let’s examine the significance the environment has on a state’s economy. Why is it important that the two thrive together to produce a stabilized economy, The environment and the economy rarely have traveled together on the same path. Gains in the economy come at the sacrifice of the environment. Protection of our natural resources hamstrings business development. Or so the argument goes. But what if by protecting special lands, cleaning up environmental problems and growing responsibly, we actually increase jobs, stop the population migration, and revitalize our communities? (DiBerardinis) According to an article published for Environmental Law the state of the environment plays a very significant role in the advancement or the downslide of the economy, The warning of "global environment al crisis" is being sounded more and more frequently by scientists, politicians, and other observers. The doomsday predictors of the 1960s, like ecologists Paul Ehrlich(1) and Rachel Carson,(2) have been joined by an ever-growing chorus of doomsayers in the 1990s.(3) Rachel Carson's concerns regarding pesticides were prominent in the early 1960s; today, concerns about the potential myriad of ecological effects from global warming predominate. Loss of biodiversity from habitat destruction, pollution, and other threats is also a major present concern.(4) The proliferation of environmental alarms has, as expected, been accompanied by claims of critics that the alarms are overstated.(5) Besides denying the existence or magnitude of environmental threats, these critics question the priorities of the leading environmental advocates and their focus on government regulation, rather than the market, to address those priorities.(6) Underlying the debate over whether humans' demands on the Ear th have exceeded its ecological carrying capacity is a debate over the propriety of economic growth, the primary goal for rich and poor countries and for most international institutions.(7) The doomsayers generally see humans' unbridled pursuit of economic growth as a major root of all or most environmental evils; their critics generally see growth as providing a solution to environmental problems.(8) While this debate has continued, there has been increasing consensus behind the concept of "sustainable development," which became a global future through its adoption by the United Nations-sponsored Brundtland Commission in a 1987 report entitled Our Common Future.(9) That report defined sustainable development vaguely as development that "meet[s] the needs and aspirations of the present without compromising the ability to meet those of the future."(10) Although that concept has helped raise the prominence of environmental protection on national and global policy agendas, it has not u nseated economic growth as the primary public policy objective. (Wenig) The impact of the environment is crucial to the survival of a state’s economy. There are many ways to help ensure the environment’s safety. There are organizations that rise up to protect natural habitat from extinction. There are organi

The Delicate Relationship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Delicate Relationship - Essay Example The country would benefit from the employment opportunities within their companies while the company would benefit from the European market.   The firms and the government could, therefore, agree based on the clear motives. Intentions of both parties. From time to time, the diplomatic ties are not sufficient to keep companies operating in the same country. The risk of companies exiting the country in which they work is very high. Diplomatic measures only work when the collateral damage to be caused too much to handle (Pigman, 77). The relationship between a firm and its parent country’s Government is slightly different. It is important to note that for the government, the firms offer an invaluable addition to the physical or cyber critical infrastructure. Google Inc., for example, is one of the most powerful companies in the world. The advancements that the company has made advancements in information technology. The US government, therefore, considers the company an asset a s opposed to a liability (The Monitor 1). There have been reports that indicate, the government, has been making requests for personal information from Google. The purpose of these inquiries is unknown. Diplomacy is not a common practice between the government and the firms that are in the parent country. The need for constant communication between the firm and the country is very important as it ensures their agreement remains safe. In the event a firm and the government of a host country have similar interests, they are able to come to an agreement.

American Japanese Internment Camps Essay Example for Free

American Japanese Internment Camps Essay 1.0   Introduction Japanese Americans refer to all Americans of the Japanese heritage who were born in Japan or the descendants of those who were born in Japan. Initially, they were the largest Asian American group but currently they are sixth largest group in those of mixed race and mixed ethnicity. The largest group of these people is found in California while others are distributed in other states such as Washington, New York, Illinois and Hawaii.   Although every year there is quite a considerable number of Japanese immigrants who enter United States, the net migration still remains low since the older Japanese Americans still leave United States and go back to their original country, Japan. Japanese Americans have a long history in the United States since history records that the first group arrived American in the late 1800s.   In the year 1942, the United States government forced all the Japanese Americans and the Japanese who had settled along the Pacific Coast to relocate to war relocation camps which were referred to as internment camps.   Since the internment camps resulted from the presence of Japanese Americans, this research shall first focus on their history and later discuss about the internment camps. 2.0   History of Japanese Americans in the 19th Century United States has ever been known as the country of immigrants as a result of war, food shortages and political persecutions in other countries where the immigrants hail from. Japanese people happen to make a large percentage of the immigrants, and as highlighted earlier, they began to migrate in to the United States from the late 1800s.   The main cause of the immigration of the Japanese was to work in the sugar plantations which were established along the Pacific by traders who had settled in the Hawaiian Kingdom. The sugar industry had grown tremendously as it was aided by the Americas civil war in the year 1861-1865, and that called for more workers after the Hawaiian population was decreasing due to disease. Other workers were leaving the plantations for better work, and as a result the Hawaii’s foreign minister sought more workers from Japan. Consequently, in the year 1868, the first one hundred and forty nine Japanese immigrants arrived in Hawaii.   Since they were not used to the harsh conditions in the region and all the hard work in the sugar plantations, about forty of them returned to Japan. The rest went ahead and even intermarried with the Hawaii residents. The first Japanese immigrants in to the Hawaii gave formed the Japanese American community.   In the year 1886, the Japan and the Hawaii signed labor convection after which a lot of Japanese migrants arrived to Hawaii as contract workers and some went to California as student laborers.   According to the studies of Niiya and Japanese American National Museum-Los Angeles, Calif. (1993), the Japanese migration to Hawaii was mainly labor migration which intensified following Chinese exclusion from the United States in the year 1882.   It also involved emigration back to Japan and also to West Coast. It was halted by the Gentlemen’s Agreement in the year 1908 and finally by the Exclusion Act in the year 1924. 2.1   Reasons for the Japanese Migration to America Although most of the Japanese went to America for the contract labor, some still had others reasons. For instance, some just followed their parents like the case of one teenage girl who narrates that she just followed her dad. In another case, a woman followed her spouse after he had stayed for quite some time without returning back to Japan. Though she had thought that they would make enough money and return home, they ended up settling there permanently. Student’s immigrants also made a good number of Japanese Americans especially in San Francisco. In the year 1890, there were about three thousand Japanese students in America. Since they did not have enough money for their upkeep and studies, they resulted in to working in the plantations to earn extra money. Consequently, they ended up living in very poor conditions and one newspaper described them as â€Å"poor students and youths who have rashly left their native shores. Hundred of such are landed every year, with miserably scant funds in their pockets†¦Their objection is to earn with labor of their hands, a pittance sufficient to enable them to pursue their studies in language, sociology and politics† (Niiya Japanese American National Museum (Los Angeles, Calif.) 1993 pp. 3). 2.2   Japanese Americans Life in the Early 20th Century Contrary to what most Japanese had expected, life in America was quite hard for any one else other than the Native Americans.   The life and the work were made difficult by the banks, labor recruiters, and the immigration agents who used to charge Japanese immigrants extortion fees. In addition to the economic exploitation, the Japanese Americans also used to face racial discrimination. The social attitude, laws, and practices limited and excluded them from enjoying life fully, liberty, and also property. The salary that they were getting was barely enough to sustain them, leave alone saving money to enable them go back to Japan.   Most of them wished they were back in Japan like one worker who used to be paid fourteen dollars a month and out of those dollars, he used to pay more than half for the sleeping quarters. The rest was spent in buying food and other personal use.   In such a situation, it was practically hard for such a person to save enough money that would have enab led him to go back to Japan. As a result, majority were eventually forced to settle completely in America (Niiya, Japanese American National Museum (Los Angeles, Calif.) 1993). 2.3   1941-1945 The harsh living conditions of Japanese Americans continued to worsen as the years progressed.   In the year 1941, the situation worsened further especially after the Japan attacked and damaged the Pearl Harbor. The Americans accused the Japanese Americans of collaborating with Japan and as a result, they betrayed America. Since every one had started spreading rumors of how the Japanese Americans had helped Japan in the war, the whole of the American population started to have a bad altitude towards them.   As a result, many people started to propose for their removal from the Western States, as they feared Japan might attack them from West Coast although Japan did not have such plans. However, other Americans had other reasons for their removal since some coveted their farms. The groups who were pressing for the Japanese Americans removal from the West Coast continued to increase as groups like Anti-immigration Organizations, Chambers of Commerce from every city, and the American Legion joined the rest who were pressing for the same. The major reason why the Americans wanted the Japanese Americans removed was mere hatred other than the reasons that they were giving initially. Henry McLemore, one of the San Francisco Examiner was quoted to have said that â€Å"let us have no patience with the enemy or with any one whose veins carry his blood.† He continued to say that â€Å"I personally hate Japanese† (Spickard 2009 pp. 106). Still, some politicians continued to express their sentiments towards Japanese as some said that it was impossible to know whether they were loyal or not and were often referred to as inscrutable Orientals. With such hatred, it was obvious that the Japanese Americans were not going to escape relocation. The decision of relocating or imprisoning the Japanese Americans was made in the Washington D.C. by the administration of Roosevelt guided by the military leaders. They were arguing that it was of military necessity to do so, though they were not able to demonstrate that necessity. The military leaders believed that Japanese were dangerous regardless of whether they are loyal or not. Moreover, they continued to argue that even giving them citizenship was not to help in any way, since that would not change their nature. Despite the fact that there were a few protests who argued that they had already jailed all the dangerous Japanese Americans, the administration went ahead and made the decision to remove all of them from the West Coast. Studies of Spickard (2009) record that on 19th February 1942, President Roosevelt issued executive order 9066 that empowered the Secretary of War, Henry Stimson, to designate military areas with an aim of excluding Japanese Americans from the West Coas t. As a result, Arizona, Washington, Oregon and California were divided in to two military regions and the Japanese Americans were prohibited from western parts of the states and some inland sections. Following the order, some of the Japanese Americans started to move towards east with their belongings and family. However, moving with such a short notice was almost impossible for them and many American did not want them to settle in their territories. They were continuously harassed, and due to this, they continued to move to the east.   One governor from Idaho was quoted to have said that â€Å"The Japs live like rats, breed like rats, and act like rats. We do not want them buying or leasing land or becoming permanently settled in our state† (Spickard, 2009 pp.107). When voluntary migration failed to produce desirable results, on March 27, DeWitt stopped it and put travel restrictions on the Japanese Americans in the military zone. In addition, the army decided to move all of them in the concentration camps. 3.0   Concentration Camps The concentration camps were the barbed wire enclosures where the Japanese Americans were moved to after the executive order was issued in the year 1942, to bar them from residing in the West Coast parts of America. Though there had been camps earlier in the history of America, these camps were exceptional because a whole ethnic group was forced to reside there. Since Japanese Americans were passive by nature and accepted anything that was imposed on them, as some people argue, they did not resist moving in to the camps neither did they move out of the same without an order. Some people planed to resist legally though much was not derived from the same, since it did not stop them from being evacuated from their places. Studies of Spickard (2009), record that during the evacuation day, one hundred and twelve thousand Japanese Americans were taken to the evacuation camps. The camps were of very poor conditions since it is recorded that even the ground was wet especially on the day of evacuation. There was no adequate light and the rooms were very small. The environment was not favorable either since it was hot during the day and very cold at night. Whichever the case, they had no alternative but to stay in the barbed wire enclosures. The ten camps were located at different locations particularly in the interior west, in the isolated desert areas. Some of the camps were located at Amache, Minidoka, Poston, Manzanar California, Jerome, Tula lake California and Heart Mountain. After evacuation, only six Japanese Americans remained in the local hospitals since they were seriously sick.   Since they were living communally, all facilities were being shared by about two fifty people. Given that the conditions in the camps were not conducive at all, around one thousand and two hundred left the camps when they were given the chance of joining the US Army. Although many of the Japanese Americans had become desperate and frustrated at first given that some of them even attempted suicide, they later decided to adapt to the life of the camps. Each camp had a government owned farm land that was leased to them; they engaged in agricultural activities and produced poultry and dairy products. The cost of food was not high and other services like the medical cares were provided free of charge. Education was also offered free of charge up to the high school level and majority of the internees were recruited as teachers and others were trained to fit in the employment programs that were available at the camps. 3.1   Japanese Americans Life after Relocation from Concentration Camps After January 1945, all people were finally allowed to leave the internment camps.   The Japanese Americans were given the identification card and they were told that once they presented them to the authorities, they would be allowed to go back to their homes. However, though the government had allowed them to leave, they were still afraid of the Americans for they were still hostile towards them. Even the people who received them were similarly harassed by the rest.   One man who had returned to California in May after the executive order was removed was quoted to have said â€Å"Everybody was afraid of being attacked by the white people. The war was still going on at that time and prejudice and oppression were very severe† (Niiya Japanese American National Museum-Los Angeles, Calif., 1993 pp. 19) as he described the situation. Moreover, on top of racial discrimination and other forms of harassment, the Japanese Americans still went through a lot trying to rebuild their lives once again. 4.0   Conclusion The Japanese Americans are among the many immigrant groups found in the United States. Since the late 1800s nearly half a million Japanese immigrants have settled in America and more than twice of that number today claim Japanese ancestry.   Although they went to America being optimistic that they would work hard and establish themselves, some of these dreams were never realized. Some thought that after making some money, they would go back to their motherland which never came to be since life in America was characterized by a lot of economic hardships. In addition, they faced a lot of prejudice and were discriminated against. The worst came to worst during the Second World War when all the Japanese Americans were forced in to camps with no apparent reason –other than being of the same ancestry with the America’s enemy, Japan. The relocation camps which were located far from the West Coast were characterized by the poor living conditions.   Since the year 1942 when the Japanese Americans was relocated to the internment camps, they were able to go back after the year 1945 when the executive order was finally removed.

International trade and restrictions such as tariffs

International trade and restrictions such as tariffs Introduction A tariff is a duty levied on a product when it crosses national borders. The most popular tariff is the import tariff, which is tax levied on an imported product. Most of the time, tariff is imposed for protection or revenue purposes. A protective tariff is designed to insulate import-competing producers from foreign competition. Though protective tariff is not indented to totally prohibit imports from entering the country, it does place foreign producers at a competitive disadvantage when selling in the market. A revenue tariff is imposed for the purpose of generating tariff revenues and may be placed on either export or imports. The important thing to be considered about tariff is who gains and who suffers. It means the impact of tariff on stakeholders. Government gains, because it gains revenue from the tariff. Domestic producers gain, because tariff protects them from foreign competitors. Consumers lose because they pay more. In general, two conclusions can be derived from the effect of import tariff. First, tariff is pro-producer and anti-consumer (domestic). While tariff protects domestic producer, at the same time it increases domestic price of the product. Second, Import tariff reduces overall efficiency of the world economy (large country). It reduces efficiency because protective tariff encourages domestic firms to produce more at home, but they can produce more efficiently abroad. The result is insufficient using resources. Besides, tariff raises employment in the protected industry (such as steel) by increasing the price of competing import goods. Industries that are primary suppliers of inputs to the protected industry also gain jobs. However, industries that purchase the protected product (such as auto manufactures) face higher costs. These costs are then passed on to the consumer through higher prices, resulting in decreased sales. Thus unemployment falls in these related industries. Tariff Welfare Effects (large country) http://internationalecon.com/Trade/Tch90/90img47.gif Source of: http://internationalecon.com, International Trade Theory and Policy Welfare Effect of Tariff Welfare Effects of Import Tariff on Steel Stakeholders Imported country Exporting country Consumer Surplus -(A+B+C+D) +e Producer Surplus +A -(e+f+g+h) Govt. Revenue +(C+G) 0 National Welfare +G-(B+D) -(f+g+h) World Welfare -(B+D)-(f+h) Source: Suranovic S. (2004), International Trade and Investment Policy, ch 90 Domestic Consumers The consumers are affected by the market price. High price will reduce the consumer surplus because tariff reduces the purchasing power of consumers. As it is mentioned in the table, consumer loses: (A+B+C+D). Domestic Producers Producers are also affected by the market price. An increase market price will lead to increase the supply, and producer surplus will rise. High price is an incentive for the producers to increase production. It is obvious from the table producer gains: +A Domestic Government The government receives revenue as government impose import tariff. Beneficial from the revenue depends on how government will spend it. + (C+G) Domestic welfare Domestic welfare is summing gains and losses of the stakeholders. As a result, the domestic welfare is positive. +G-(B+D). Tariff Effects on Exporting Countrys Consumers As a result of the tariff, export countys consumers are happy. The price reduction in the export countries increases consumer surplus. . A decrease in the market price will lead to an increase in the quantity purchased and a large consumer surplus. +e Exporting Countries Producers Tariff leads price falls in the exporting country and the producer surplus reduces. Production decrease because, demand for the product diminish as it mentioned above for the large country. (e+f+g+h) Exporting Countrys Government Export country gains nothing, as tariff has no effect on the revenue. 0 Exporting Countries Welfare As usual the aggregate welfare is the summing of the gains and losses to consumers and producers. The welfare of the exporting country decreases. (f+g+h) Tariff Effects on: World Welfare If small country imposes tariff, it does not affect the world price. Contrary, if large country imposes import tariff it reduces the world price of the product as the demand decrease. If the world price falls, it diminishes world production and consumption. So the world welfare reduces. (B+D)-(f+h) Bushs Steel Tariff Case of U.S. Background of the Case Steel has traditionally been a very important industry worldwide. Steel is an important ingredient and symbol of an economy. As a result, governments around the world are willing to be highly protective of their steel industry. Global consumption of steel rose from 28million tons at the twentieth century to 780 million tons at the end-an average increase of 3.4 percent per year. Source: Michael, R. Czinkota (2005), International Business, 7th edition, part 2, p137 America is one of the worlds largest steel producer and consumer. But 31 American steel producers went bankruptcy, because of the cheap steel import. In November 2001, the International Trade Commission realized that the U.S industry had suffered serious injury from imports. It recommended that president impose tariff from 15 percent to 40 percent, depending on the type of the steel. Substantial tariffs on steel imports would raise U.S domestic price and will boost the industry. Without protection, nearly 60,000 U.S steel workers can lose their jobs. Besides, there are many steel consumers, such as automakers and construction companies. Increase the price hurt the consumers businesses. Steel consuming producers argue that because of the high price, they would lose competition with foreign rivals. Imposing tariffs on steel imports goes against U.S trade liberalization and EU warned U.S. Making the Decision President George W. Bush faced difficulties. If he eliminated the tariff it would lead more domestic steel producers to bankruptcy. On the other hand if he did too much of the tariff, it would cause trade war with steel-producer countries. On 5th of March 2002, President Bush decided to impose 30 percent tariff on importing steel. President Bushs Steel Trade Remedy Program of 2002-2003 Tariff Rates Products year1 Year 2 Semi finished slab Plate, hot-rolled sheet, cold-rolled sheet 30% 24% Tin mill products 30% 24% Hot-rolled bar 30% 24% Cold-finished bar 30% 24% Rebar 15% 12% Welded tubular products 15% 12% Carbon and alloy flanges 13% 10% Stainless steel bar 15% 12% Stainless steel rod 15% 12% stainless streel wire 8% 7% Source: Robert, J. Carbaugh (2006), International Economics,10th edition, ch 4,p122 According to political, it was the most aggressive action take by George Bush in order to protect domestic steel industry. http://www.bized.co.uk/images/steel_tariff.gif Source: http://www.bized.co.uk/images/steel_tariff.gif Reactions As it was expected, the first reaction was by leading steel-producing countries. Americas largest trading partner EU also increased its tariff against U.S producers. But Japan, South Korea, Brazil and Australia promised to take the United States to WTO arbitration panel. Despite U.S officials protested that it was just temporary safeguards. According to EUs Trade commissioner, Pascal Lamy: The international market is not the Wild West where everyone acts as he pleases. German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder declared the Bush decision against free world markets, while French President Jacques Chirac called the move serious and unacceptable. The Major steel-Producing Countries, 2001 and 2000 Source: Michael, R. Czinkota (2005), International Business, 7th edition, part, p138 Russians said the tariff had a profound impact on the relations between the two countries. Russian official claimed that U.S hit a blow to one of the Russias major export industries. As a result, in March 2002, Russia began trade war between U.S as putting embargo against U.S poultry import as a reason of health concern. Impact of tariff on domestic market The Bush tariff provided some relief to U.S. steelmakers from cheap imports. But some cost-cutting occurred among steelmakers during 2002-2003: some producers merged and labor contracts were renewed. Large number of U.S. companies who use steel for production opposed against the Bush tariff. Chief executives of these firms noted that, tariff drove up their costs and imperiled more jobs across the manufacturing belt than they saved in the steel industry. President Bush found himself in difficult situation by opposing interests of steel producers and steel users. Removing Bush tariff After reviving the steel industry, Bush removed steel tariff in December 2003. He noted that the tariff provided steelmakers time for restructuring and regain competitiveness. But his removal of the tariff was primarily in response to the WTOs ruling. Impact of tariff on stakeholders However, both the issuing and the lifting of the tariffs caused controversy in the United States. All evidence points to the fact that the move seemed to have backfired as the price of raw material have risen, inadequate supply of these raw materials (steel scrap) leading to delivery delays, all of which are transferred to the consumers of steels (automobile manufactures) in form of high prices. In some cases, these steel consumers found it even cheaper to source from abroad, further cutting the steel market in the U.S. and eventually loss of jobs. Most of the car makers shifted their resource from steel to plastic. It left the consumers such as automobile makers to competitive disadvantage situation; because car prices were high and low quality (most of the parts were plastic). Steel scrap is an essential raw material for steel mills around the world. Mini-mills, which run on electricity instead of coal-fired furnaces, produce about one-third of the worlds roughly 900 million metric tons, and they rely exclusively on scrap steel. Nucor Corp. a Charlotte, N.C., a large U.S. steelmaker that operates electricity-fired furnaces, raised prices on its steel-sheet products by $40 a ton as rising demand gave it room to pass on rising raw-material costs to customers. Weirton Steel Corp. followed suit by adding a $25/ton surcharge to all its products. These price hikes has made U.S. steel uncompetitive in the global market. In addition, non-unionized and more efficient steel company (Nucor Steel Corp.), have as a result of the move, taken most of the market share from unionized companys operating old lines. The tariff also meant that Europe was bound to be flooded by the diverted steel, which was cause for concern. However, by 2002, whatever global steel glut that existed had vanished as a booming Chinese economy sucked in more steel imports, further undermining the American steel market. Hence, other foreign producers took the advantage presented by the emerging market s and kept the steel trade going while the U.S. suffered. Amid the fears of the tariffs imposed on steel imports, many in the U.S. regarded the move as wealth destroying and politically escapable. They argued that it did nothing to help the people it intended to in the short term and it failed to address the ensuing high costs, including legacy liabilities in health-care and pension benefits. The argument that the tariff gave the steel industry breathing space to adapt to a new market, has been viewed by some as the developed world version of the old infant industries line that has long been discredited by the Third World. In the global arena, the United States poised at the receiving end of retaliatory levies from Japan and some European countries. The Japanese threatened to impose retaliatory duties on a range of American products, from steel to gasoline and clothing if the U.S. did not drop the tariffs on foreign steel imports the WTO considered illegal. This move was intended to add $85 million a year to the price of American goods exported to Japan. Similarly, in August 2002, the WTO told the European Union it could impose some $2.2 billion in punitive tariffs on imports from the United States, ranging from textiles to pool tables and citrus products. Under retaliatory threat, the Bushs administration spent a good deal of time coming up with a package that would both avert a trade war and blunt criticisms from the domestic steel industry and its workers. The tariffs were lifted by Bush on December 4, 2003. The lifting of the 30 percent steel tariff was welcomed with applause although the administration indicated that it will still be monitoring imports in order to respond if cheap steel surges into the U.S. A major trade war was consequently avoided and within minutes of the announcement, the European Union had dropped its threat of retaliatory tariffs on $2.2 billion of U.S. products. Also joining the celebration were U.S. steel-consuming industries that had watched prices jump by more than 30%. An International Trade report found that in their first year alone the levies exacted a $680 million hit on the economy. Soon after the tariffs were lifted, steel prices in the U.S. rose. This continued through the first quarter of 2004. As of early April, 2004, steel warehouses saw no sign of significant in-bound steel from foreign shores that could drive the price of steel down to the level it had reached before Bush withdrew the tariffs. This indicates that U.S. steel producers may have imp roved its equipment and processes as intended, thereby, putting them at favorable competitive stance to trade steel within and outside the U.S. This can be improved more, if U.S. manufacturers reach a deal with labor unions in order to rid the industry of its legacy costs to employees. Though tariff saved about 60,000 of Americans who worked for steel using manufactures, it increased unemployment in steel consuming industries such as automobile manufacturers. Conclusion The lessons from this act of protectionism vary among individuals and groups of individuals. Indeed, some of the presidents political opponents, such as Representative Dick Gephardt, criticized the plan for not going far enough and some of the steel manufacturers advocated for more time and that tariff exemptions should not be made to countries, especially those that were threatening to impose retaliatory duties. The early withdrawal of the tariffs also drew political criticism from steel producers, as well as supporters of protectionism, but was cheered by proponents of free trade and steel importers. It is however, difficult to determine with certainty if President Bushs tariffs was the necessarily way to go. We have seen that while the tariffs have been somewhat restrictive, they have not fully prevented foreign steel from coming into the United States. In the global economy today where the tenets of free trade have been embraced by most nations, where nations are seeking ways of conveniently eliminating barriers to trade for the purpose of domestic and international economic emancipation the lesson learned is that protectionism will always backfire and it is in the best interest of the U.S. and other nations to stick to and defend the free trade principles.

The Development of Civilization Essay -- History Antropology Sociology

The Development of Civilization Our civilizations are merely a wrinkle in time. Billions of years ago, during the Paleolithic Culture people had only knowledge for basic survival. The Stone Age was a time for hunting and gathering, building tools, and making fire. As the human race evolved, so did the culture. This is when the Neolithic Culture was born. People started taking control. Farms sprang up and sedentary villages began to take form. Amazingly, not too far from these progressing cultures grew civilizations. When one wants to look at the true heart of a civilization, they must first understand the civilization’s beliefs, moral standards, social interaction, attitudes, values and social consciousness. Without a sincere background about these topics, one cannot truly develop a full understanding of the period. History calls upon humankind to breakdown civilizations, and find the roots of past civilizations. Many factual ideas have been abstracted from numerous sources through out time. In studying Ancient Greek civilization, the reader sees immense concentration of social consciousness for its peoples’ needs. Greek civilization absorbed many different attitudes from the Athenians, Spartans, and Macedonians. Another highly moral civilization was the Medieval times. The English had intolerant views on Religion; an aspect of a society which had much importance to the world at this time. Because of these beliefs, all religions had to experience frustrations that occasionally lead toward conflict. The Chinese were greatly influenced by the earth’s ways, rather than global issues and demonstrated this through their religion, Buddhism. The Han dynasty incorporated a Confucius government system into their legal system, and po... ...uman civilization. It is known that respect for elders, and the wise was necessary. It was also important to know what one’s role was in society, whether it be childbirth, or growing rice. Civilization is a fascinating topic, because they are able to show where humanity progressed, or regressed. In viewing many civilizations through out the course of five months, it is clearer to see where exactly ideas originated. The belief system that humans have developed is like one giant melting pot. There are ideas, attitudes, social awareness, and values all boiled down into one big mass. Much like a science experiment, sometimes things do not belong together, and some do. These are all learning opportunities, and most likely humankind will eventually learn the perfect mix. Until then, it is assumed that we will continue to make mistakes, while advancing at the same time.

The Return: Midnight Chapter 26

â€Å"Now you know how it's done?†Elena asked Meredith. â€Å"You put the key in the keyhole and say where you want to go. Then open the door and go through. That's it.† â€Å"You three go first,†Stefan added. â€Å"And quick.† â€Å"I'l turn the key,†Meredith told Matt. â€Å"You take care of Mrs. Flowers.† Just then Elena thought of something that she didn't want to say aloud, only to Stefan. But she and he were physical y so close, she knew he would pick it up. Saber! she thought to Stefan. We can't leave him to these malach! We won't, she heard Stefan's voice in her head say. I showed him the way to Matt's house, and told him to go there and take Talon and protect the people who will be coming. At the same time Matt was saying, â€Å"Oh, my God! Saber! He saved my life – I can't just leave him.† â€Å"Already taken care of,†Stefan reassured him and Elena patted him on the back. â€Å"He'l be at your house in a little while, and if you go somewhere else he'l track you.† Elena turned her pats into gentle pushes. â€Å"Be good!† â€Å"Matt Honeycutt's bedroom in Fel ‘s Church,†Meredith said, thrusting the key at the door handle, and opening the door. She and Mrs. Flowers and Matt al stepped forward. The door shut. Stefan turned to Elena. â€Å"I'm going first,†he said flatly. â€Å"But I'm holding on to you. I'm not going to let you go.† â€Å"Never let me go, never let me go,†Elena whispered in an imitation of Misao's â€Å"Have nightmares.†Then she had a thought. â€Å"Slave bracelets!† â€Å"What?†Stefan said. Then, â€Å"Oh, I remember, you told me. But what are they supposed to look like?† â€Å"Like any two bracelets, matching if possible.†Elena was scrambling around the back of the room, where furniture was piled up, opening drawers, closing them. â€Å"Come on, bracelets! Come on! This house is supposed to have everything!† â€Å"What about these things you wear in your hair?†Stefan asked. Elena looked back and he tossed her a bag of soft cotton ponytail holders. â€Å"You're a genius! They won't even hurt my wrists. And here are two white ones so they'l match!†Elena said happily. They arranged themselves in front of the door, with Stefan to Elena's left so he could see what was out there before they stepped in. He also had a firm grip on Elena's left arm. â€Å"Wherever our friend Bonnie McCul ough is,†Stefan said, and thrust the key into the lockless door handle, turning it. Then, after giving Elena the key, he gingerly opened the door. Elena wasn't sure what she was expecting. A blaze of light maybe, as they traveled through dimensions. Some kind of spiraling tunnel, or shooting stars. At least a feeling of motion. What she got was steam. It soaked through her T-shirt and dampened her hair. And then she got noise. â€Å"Elena! Eleeeeeeeeeeeeeeena! You're here! â€Å" Elena recognized the voice but couldn't locate the screamer in the steam. Then she saw an immense bathtub made of tiles of malachite, and a frightened-looking girl tending a charcoal fire at the bath's foot, while two other young attendants holding scrubbing brushes and pumice stones cowered against the other wal . And in the bath was Bonnie! It was obvious that the tub was very deep, because Bonnie wasn't able to touch bottom in the middle but she was half-leaping out of the water like a foam-covered dolphin over and over to attract attention. â€Å"There you are,†gasped Elena. She dropped to her knees on a thick, soft blue rug. Bonnie made a spectacular leap and just for a moment Elena could feel a smal soapy, sudsy body in her arms. Then Bonnie went down again and came up laughing. â€Å"And is that Stefan? It's Stefan! Stefan, hello! Helloooo! â€Å" Stefan glanced back, as if trying to assess the suds situation. He seemed satisfied with it, turned slightly, and waved. â€Å"Hey, Bonnie?†he asked, voice muffled by the sounds of continual splashing. â€Å"Where are we?† â€Å"It's Lady Ulma's house! You're safe – you're al safe!†She turned a smal hopeful face to Elena. â€Å"Where's Meredith?† Elena shook her head, thinking of al the things about Meredith that Bonnie didn't know yet. Well, she decided, this wasn't the time to mention them. â€Å"She had to stay behind, to protect Fel ‘s Church.† â€Å"Oh,†Bonnie looked down, troubled. â€Å"Stillbad, is it?† â€Å"You wouldn't believe it. Real y; it's – indescribable. That's where Matt and Mrs. Flowers and Meredith are. I'm sorry.† â€Å"No, I'm just so glad to see you! Oh my God, but you're hurt.†She was looking at the smal tooth wounds on Elena's arm, and the blood on her torn T-shirt. â€Å"I'l get out and – hey, no, you get in! There's plenty of room; plenty of hot water, and†¦ plenty of clothes! Lady Ulma even designed some for us, for ‘when we came back'!† Elena, smiling reassuringly at the bath girls, was already stripping as fast as she could. The tub, which was big enough for six to swim in, looked too luxurious to miss and, she reasoned, it made sense to be clean when you greeted your hostess. â€Å"Go have fun,†she shouted to Stefan. â€Å"Is Damon here?†she added in a whispered aside to Bonnie, who nodded. â€Å"Damon's here, too,†Elena caroled. â€Å"If you find Lady Ulma, tel her Elena's coming, but she's getting washed up first.†She didn't actual y dive into the pearl pink steaming water, but she got onto the second step down and let herself slide from there. Instantly, she was immersed in delicious heat that seeped straight into her body, pul ing some magic string that relaxed al her muscles at once. Perfumes suffused the air. She flung her wet hair back and saw Bonnie laughing at her. â€Å"So you got out of your hole and you've been here wal owing in luxury while we've been worried sick?†Elena couldn't help but hear the way her voice went up at the end, making it a question. â€Å"No, I got picked up by some people, and – â€Å"Bonnie broke off. â€Å"Well†¦the first few days were tough, but never mind. Thank God we got to Lady Ulma's in the end. Want a bath brush? Some soap that smel s just like roses?† Elena was looking at Bonnie with slightly narrowed eyes. She knew that Bonnie would do just about anything for Damon. That included covering up for him. Delicately, al the while enjoying the brushes and unguents and many kinds of soaps laid out on a shelf for easy reach, she began an inquisition. Stefan got out of the steamy room before he was soaking wet. Bonnie was safe and Elena was happy. He found he had stepped into another room, in which were a number of couches made of some soft spongy material. For drying? Massage? Who knew? The next room he entered had gas lanterns that were turned high enough to rival electrical light. Here were three more couches – he had no idea what for – a ful -length silvered-glass mirror, and smal er mirrors in front of chairs. Obviously a place for makeup and beautifying. This last room opened onto a hal way. Stefan stepped out and hesitated, spreading delicate tendrils of Power in different directions, hoping to find Damon before Damon noticed his presence in the estate. The Master Key had proved that it could overcome the fact that he hadn't been invited here. That meant that maybe he could†¦ At that moment he got a hit, and withdrew his probe immediately, startled. He stared down the long corridor. He could actual y see Damon, pacing in the room at the end, talking to someone Stefan couldn't see behind the door. Stefan crept very quietly down the hal way, stalking. He made it to the door without his brother even noticing, and there he saw that the person Damon was talking to was a woman wearing what looked like buckskin breeches and shirt, who had weathered skin, and a general aura of being more at home outside civilization than inside it. Damon was saying, â€Å"Make sure there are enough warm clothes for the girl. She's not exactly hardy, you know – â€Å" â€Å"Then where are you taking her – and why?†Stefan asked, leaning against the doorjamb. He had the good fortune to once – just this once – take Damon unaware. His brother glanced up, and then jerked like a startled cat. It was priceless to watch Damon scrambling for a mask until he decided on the fa?ade of absent amiability. Stefan guessed that no one had ever put so much effort into walking over to a desk chair, sitting down, and forcing himself to lounge. â€Å"Well, well! Little brother! You dropped in for a visit! How†¦ nice. What a pity, though, that I'm practical y running out the door on a journey, and there's no room for you.† At this point the weather-beaten woman who had been taking notes – and who had risen when Stefan entered the room – spoke up. â€Å"Oh, no, my lord. The thurgs won't mind the extra weight of this gentleman. They probably won't notice it. If his baggage can be ready by tomorrow you can start out in the early morning just as you planned.† Damon gave her his best â€Å"shut up or die†glare. She shut up. Through clenched teeth, Damon managed to say, â€Å"This is Pelat. She's the coordinator of our little expedition. Hel o, Pelat. Good-bye, Pelat. You may go.† â€Å"As you wish, my lord.† Pelat bowed and left. â€Å"Aren't you taking this ‘my lord'thing a bit too seriously?†Stefan asked. â€Å"And what is that costume you're wearing?† â€Å"It's the uniform of the captain of the guard of Madame le Princess Jessalyn D'Aubigne,†Damon said coldly. â€Å"You got a job?† â€Å"It was a position.†Damon bared his teeth. â€Å"And it's none of your business.† â€Å"Got your canines back, too, I see.† â€Å"And that's none of your business either. But if you want me to knock you out and trample over your undead body, I'l be delighted to oblige.† Something was wrong, Stefan thought. Damon should be through the taunting phase and be actual y trampling on him by now. It only made sense if†¦ â€Å"I've already spoken to Bonnie,†he said. And so he had, to ask where he was. But to a guilty mind, apparent foreknowledge often worked wonders. And Damon hastily said exactly what Stefan hoped he wouldn't. â€Å"I can explain!† â€Å"Oh, God,†Stefan said. â€Å"If she'd just done as I told her – â€Å" â€Å"While you were off becoming a princess's captain of the guard? And she was – where?† â€Å"She was safe, at least! But, no, she had to go out into the street and then to that shop – â€Å" â€Å"Shocking! She actual y walked in the street?† Damon ground his teeth. â€Å"You don't know how it is around here – or how the slave trade works. Every day – â€Å" Stefan slammed both hands on the desk, now truly angry. â€Å"She was picked up by slavers? While you were sleazing around with a princess?† â€Å"Princess Jessalyn does not sleaze,†Damon replied icily. â€Å"Nor do I. And anyway it al turned out to be a good thing because now we know where the Seven Kitsune Treasures are.† â€Å"What treasures? And who cares about treasures when there's a town being destroyed by kitsune?† Damon opened his mouth, shut it, then looked narrowly at Stefan. â€Å"You said that you'd talked to Bonnie about al this.† â€Å"I did talk to Bonnie,†Stefan said flatly. â€Å"I said hel o.† Damon's dark eyes flared. For a moment Stefan thought he was going to snarl or start a fight. But then, through clenched teeth, he said, â€Å"It's al for the damned town, don't you see that? Those treasures include the largest star bal ever to be fil ed with Power. And that Power may be enough to save Fel ‘s Church. At least to stop its total annihilation. Maybe to even clear out every malach that exists and destroy Shinichi and Misao with a single blow. Is that noble enough for you, little brother? Is it reason enough?† â€Å"But taking Bonnie – â€Å" â€Å"You stay with her here if you like! Spend your lives here! I might mention that without her I would never have been able to set up an expedition, and that she's determined to go. Besides, we're not coming back this way. There has to be an easier route from the Gatehouse to Earth. We wouldn't survive coming back, so you'd better hope like hel that there is one.† Stefan was surprised. He had never heard his brother speak with such passion about anything that involved humans. He was about to reply, when behind him there came a scream of pure, unadulterated rage. It was frightening – and worrying, too, because Stefan would recognize that voice anywhere, anytime. It was Elena's.