Cultural Assessment of Elderly Chinese Americans

Management of their health and illness issues is also discussed. Cultural assessment theory and an assessment tool are used for he study, and their usefulness, strengths, and weaknesses analyzed. Demographics This cultural assessment is focused on elderly Chinese Americans in Flushing, New York where according to the revised 2010 census reported 56,355 Asians resided, comprising 70. 35% of the total population. Although the census reported on all Asian subgroups combined, it has been determined that most of the population consists of Chinese and Korean immigrants.Studies have also shown that the elderly portion of the population often faces more disparate treatment in relation to health care and that is why this population was chosen for the assessment. Ethnic and Cultural Health Practices Illness and death are usually viewed by elderly Chinese Americans as a natural part of life. Health is equated to finding harmony between the complementary forces of yin and yang. Special foods and herbs are used to restore balance between yin and yang and promote healing.Other common practices include massage, acupuncture, conferring with a medium or spiritualist, and institution, which is a traditional Chinese technique that involves burning an herb called Muggers to facilitate healing. Otherwise, Chinese Americans do not generally have conflict with Western health practices but when an illness is considered shameful, they often will not seek treatment. Bad news regarding diagnosis or prognosis is shielded from the patient by family members because they believe it will make the patient worse medically.With family having such a significant role in decision-making processes, it is imperative to explain and encourage durable power of attorney or other tool used to give power to the person making medical decisions. Religious Belief System Religious practices the Chinese may follow are Confucianism (a philosophy), Taoism, ancestor worship, Buddhism, and Christianity. At one time , atheism was encouraged in mainland China so some patients will say they do not have a religion. Generally, Chinese religion is dualistic and emphasizes yin and yang which are considered the makeup of the Tao.Tao is their ‘eternal cosmic principal'. Health and Illness Needs Common illnesses in the Chinese community include diabetes, stroke, hepatitis B, hypertension, tuberculosis, and cancers of the upper GIG tract, lung, liver, and misanthropy, and G-6-PDP deficiency, a condition in which the lack of an enzyme results in anemia. † Chinese men also have a large tendency to smoke. As noted by Eng, et al (2005-2006), â€Å"Up to 65% of men from China smoke. Although there is no true conflict with Western medicine, Chinese Americans often institute traditional remedies before trying Western treatments.That is why they may initially present to the facility in an advanced stage of illness. Management of Health and Illness When managing the health and illness of elderly Chin ese immigrants several factors are involved. Availing health care to those in need is essential to managing the health of Chinese immigrants. Understanding familial roles and relationships is another one of the most important factors because â€Å"culture emphasizes loyalty to Emily and devotion to traditions and puts less emphasis on individual feelings† (University of Washington Medical Center, 2007).Another factor is whether the patient understands their medications and the importance of following a regimen. Explaining medications fully and not Judging traditional Chinese remedies involving herbs will help build a bridge between traditional medicine and Western medicine. If the patient is not comfortable with the dosages or uses of their medication, they will most likely be noncompliance. Learning and understanding nonverbal cues will also help because out of respect, Chinese clients will not tell a actor no.Respect is shown by avoiding eye contact or giving small bows whe n authority figures are present. It is also believed emotions must be maintained in stressful times so they may appear stoic. Lastly, be aware that women are modest about being examined by a male and should be asked up front if it is alright for the practitioner to examine them. Language Language has been the crux of many of the problems elderly Chinese Americans encounter on a regular basis. The fact that many of the immigrants do not speak English and there are several dialects spoken, interpretation becomes more difficult.Mandarin is the official spoken language in China but Cantonese, Taiwanese, Taiwanese, and Fussiness are some of the other dialects to name a few. Chinese characters used in writing are the same for all the dialects, characters are used to express words, thoughts and principles. Nutrition An old Chinese saying is that â€Å"Medicine and food share the same source†. Chinese Americans tend to believe food provides certain energies for different parts of the body and grains, fruit, meat, and vegetables must be eaten to maintain a healthy balance. Pork is the preferred meat and rice is the most important food.Hot and old fluids also are considered necessary for healing based on the individual's situation. As noted by University of Washington Medical Center (2007), mirror patient may only prefer to drink only hot liquids (water or tea) when sick or postpartum†. Hot and cold energies are thought to balance yin and yang Just as light and dark energies do. Herbs are a common part of traditional Chinese diets so it is very important to question clients about their diet in the initial interview for purposes of learning interactions with possible interventions.Literacy and Education For Chinese Americans, education is the leading determinant of health status. Many elderly Chinese, especially the earlier immigrants, did not have formal education and most of them did not speak English (Pariah, et al 2009, p. 7). Compounded with language ba rriers, this group became socially isolated and lacked access to health care. They also participated less in leisure activities other than family planned functions, and had more difficulty finding employment.Thus, most live in poverty and that has harmed them drastically both in mental and physical health. Fortunately, the younger generations of Chinese Americans have been afforded more educational opportunities and help the elders understand and receive treatments otherwise unattainable to them. The Friedman Family Assessment Model The Friedman family assessment model was used in this cultural assessment. It assisted in the collection of identifying data, developmental stage and history of the family, environmental data, family structure, and family functions.Information on family stress, coping, and adaptation was also collected. Overall, the process of the family assessment using Friedman Assessment Tool was a great experience. Knowing the family and building rapport with them wh ile assessing them in various aspects is very helpful regardless of setting. This type of assessment and involvement encourages holistic care of the individual, their family as a group, and the community. The strengths of this assessment model are the in-depth questions and large amount of areas covered.The weakness is that if all parts are not completed, it is difficult to develop an accurate assessment. The lack off good rapport with the family could render the tool understanding of the culture and family functions are key to attaining desired outcomes. Conclusion This cultural assessment was developed through the use of the Friedman family assessment model. It successfully identified data on the family's development, history, environment, health and illness beliefs and practices, religion, cultural beliefs, language, literacy and education issues, and a host of other information.Although it was found that most Chinese Americans still prefer to try traditional remedies first, it w as also found that Western medicine is an option they are open to when available and all else fails. Familial influences and education are the major factors governing health status. Those who are more educated, have better overall health. Elderly Chinese Americans in Flushing, NY will probably always encounter issues with health care because most of them still do not speak English and were never formally educated.Educating this population on their medications and available interventions will improve their quality of life and possibly extend their life spans. It is time stop allowing elderly Chinese Americans to be lost in poverty and suffering needlessly. References 2010 census interactive population search.

Morality in Copying CD’s Essay

Morality is an issue that will forever encompass debates from thousands of sectors around the world. There are no definite set of rules of what is moral and what is not; as such, it will infinitely be hard to define. Judging someone’s morality is going to be difficult given this lack of definitive structure of the subject itself. This paper will be discussing piracy (which is what copying cd’s may lead to) in the context of morality. As difficult as the task may sound, this paper shall try to be as objective as it can be given the infinite boundary of the context. Piracy Piracy has been the thorn on the side of the music industry since the early 1990’s. Piracy is not even hard to do, given that one must simply stick a CD to a computer then transfer its entire contents to another and from there, numerous other copies can be made. The cycle does not and will not stop because most people prefer things for free. College students who must be the most frequent computer users will not be averse to copying CDs and distributing it to others. They sure enjoy their music and they normally are under strict budget due to their educational financial needs. The music industry is not the only field that piracy has wrecked. Almost anything that is being distributed on a CD or uploaded online has been endangered by piracy. Software is easily pirated, the newest Microsoft products are easily found on bootleg shops, finding its way easily in the third world black market. Aside from software, there are videogames and movies that can easily be copied and sold for much less than the producer originally retailed it, all illegally, of course. With piracy, the artists, software developers, producers, actors, programmers suffer as they are not paid the royalties they deserve for working hard on their respective projects but the consumers win, as they get the media they want/need for free or at a considerably lower price. The Utilitarian Approach According to Velasquez, et al. (1989), â€Å"utilitarianism is a moral principle that holds that the morally right course of action in any situation is the one that produces the greatest balance of benefits over harms for everyone affected.† The utilitarian approach can certainly be used by those who copy the CD’s and distribute it to a wider span of users. When a person purchases a CD and uploads its entire content online on a file sharing site, his reasoning is that, such upload can share the music to a wider variety of people. These people can get it for free thanks to that one person who uploaded it for sharing out of the goodness of his heart. When a person buys a CD, he has paid for rights to use the content of that music. No matter how he abuses the content of that CD by repeated usage is something he is entitled to do. However, copying the entire contents of the CD and giving the copy to another person is another story as herein, he has breached some legal boundaries of his usage. Morality may be a subject that is infinite but legality has very strict confines and stepping beyond its boundaries is punishable by a hefty sum, long hours of community service or jail time. The utilitarian reasoning is not a defense against illegal acts and as such, one cannot escape punishment by reiterating that he committed piracy for the benefit of the world, out of the goodness of his heart. In addition, the utilitarian approach does not consider the minority who will be affected by such act. For instance, the loss of income to those people who have labored to bring the media out on the market is not something utilitarianism will consider. Deontological Ethics According to the Encyclopedia Britannica (n.d.), â€Å"in deontological ethics an action is considered morally good because of some characteristic of the action itself, not because the product of the action is good.† Given this definition, copying CDs onto another computer, given today’s anti-piracy campaign, is not going to be considered moral even though the intentions maybe good and the act may be easy to do. Music, movie, software, videogame industries have lost billions of dollars because of piracy, they are trying to fight it as best they can and as such, there are piracy warnings/threats on almost every media distributed. Doing it anyway will certainly question one’s morality over it. To circumvent this, one does not usually copy CD’s. He goes to websites where he can share files. However, in the UK, such file sharing can now be considered illegal (Solanki 2010). Such is the campaign against piracy that in the US, every digital media sold in the market is protected by DRM, a software that limits the number of devices the content can be played in to typically, 5 machines (Grossman 2007). Exceeding this limit can raise questions on one’s morality via Deontological Ethics. Conclusion Copying the contents of a CD is piracy. Piracy nowadays is a criminal offense that is punishable by law. One can hardly find anything moral over something that is illegal. Even though piracy may be the most tolerated crime in the world, it will be best for the person to stay on the conservative side and not commit it, for his personal welfare. References: Encyclopedia Britannica. (n.d.) Deontological ethics. Retrieved 19 July 2010 from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/158162/deontological-ethics Grossman, L. (2007). The Battle Over Music Piracy. Time.   Retrieved 19 July 2010 from http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1625209,00.html Solanki, M. (2010). File sharing becomes illegal as Government pushes through Digital Economy Bill. SeekBroadband. Retrieved 19 July 2010 from http://seekbroadband.com/focus/2010/04/09/internet-technology-news/file-sharing-becomes-illegal-as-government-pushes-through-digital-economy-bill/ Velasquez, M. et al. (1989). Calculating Consequences: The Utilitarian Approach to Ethics. Issues in Ethics V2 N1. Retrieved 19 July 2010 from http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/calculating.html

Hospitality and Destiny in the Odyssey and Sundiata Essay

Princeton’s Wordnet defines hospitality as â€Å"[the act of] cordial reception: [or] kindness in welcoming guests or strangers.† Since the start of this semester, we have read about two different journeys in which hospitality plays an important role in fulfilling the destiny of the main character. In Homer’s Odyssey, many examples of this are apparent, whether they are for the benefit or the downfall of the protagonist Odysseus. However, Odysseus is not the only one whom hospitality rules. His son Telemachus also is affected by his hospitality towards others. In Niane’s Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali, the theme of hospitality runs thick throughout the narrative, as Sundiata is greatly affected by how the other characters receive him. If it were not for the hospitable acts shown to both of the weary travelers, Odysseus and Sundiata may not have been able to return to their homeland. The extreme observance of hospitality in the two texts may be compared with the golden rule: treat others, as you would like to be treated. The rule of hospitality may also be applied to the gods. In the time of Odysseus, gods or deities could take the form of humans or alter human appearance. If a stranger showed up at your door, you might not know whether they are mortal or immortal. If you turned away a god or someone loved by the gods, this could anger them and in turn they could avenge your inhospitable act. The gods might respond with not giving you a good harvest or make your life a complete hell, as Poseidon did to the journey of Odysseus. Good hospitality was to be displayed towards everyone, no matter age or gender. In The Odyssey, not only was Odysseus treated well by the lords of the lands he visited, but, his young son, Telemachus, was treated with respect. In Sundiata, hospitality was not only showed towards men, but also women. When Sassouma forced Sogolon into exile, the neighboring lands and kings she and her children encountered treated them with generosity. In The Odyssey many hospitable acts were displayed before kings even knew who had ventured to their land. When Telemachus travels to Pylos seeking information about his father, King Nestor treated him and Pallas Athena with much respect. As they approached the citadel King Nestor and his son spotted them. â€Å"As soon as they saw the strangers, all came crowding down, urging  them to sit. Nestor’s son Pisistratus, first to reach them, grasped their hands and sat them down at the feast on fleecy throws† (Homer 108, lines 39-44). This demonstrates how welcoming the Pylians are towards strangers. This is truly a hospitable greeting because the Pylians were not just carousing around, but in fact were involved in a feast in honor of the god Poseidon. They invited these foreign guests in as if they were members of the royal family to take part in the feast. Menelaus, like Nestor, treated his guest as part of the royal family before knowing their names. Menelaus provided Telemachus and Pisistratus with food but not just any food but, â€Å"He passed them a fat rich loin with his own hands, the choicest part, that he’d been served himself† (Homer 126, 74-75). The Greeks loved to eat and what an honor it would have been to be given the kings slab of meat. He also had women bathe them, rub them with oil, and provide them with warm fleece and shirts to wear. Before Telemachus was to leave, Menelaus insisted on giving him many gifts but Odysseus’ young son respectfully declined any such gifts. Menelaus insisted on giving him a mixing bowl forged to perfection made of solid silver with a lip of gold made by Hephaestus himself (Homer 144, 692-694). The hospitality shown by Menelaus is a great example of treating others as you would like to be treated. Menelaus, the great and lustrous king, showered his guest with the best of everything, as he would have wanted done for him. Not only in The Odyssey and ancient Greece was hospitality shown towards strangers, but it also occurred in Sundiata. The first stop on the exile journey of Sundiata was Djedeba. The king there received them with a little mistrust, but mentioned that everywhere the stranger enjoys the right to hospitality (Niane 29). The stay with the king of Djedeba lasted two months and not much is mentioned in the novel of what was given to Sundiata and his family. But the stay with Djedeba emphasizes the point that even though someone may be wary of allowing strangers to stay with them, the act of hospitality is entitled to all strangers who need a place to stay. Those who were members of the highest social class were not the only ones expected to practice hospitality. Hospitable acts were to be practiced by  and towards all social classes. When Odysseus returned to Ithaca, Athena disguised him by dressing him in beggar clothes. She directed him towards the swineherd’s establishment. The swineherd had to save the king from his beastly dogs and after this invited him into his home. The swineherd, Eumeaus, told Odysseus, â€Å"It’s wrong, my friend, to send any stranger packing-even one who arrives in worse shape than you† (Homer 303, 64-65). Odysseus told him, â€Å"May Zeus and the other gods give you your hearts desire for the royal welcome you have shown me here† (Homer 303, 60-62). The hospitality that was shown towards the beloved king no doubt pleased the gods. Even though the swineherd could not provide the extravagant baths, bedding, and food of kings, he still gave Odysseus the best of what he had. Odysseus was invited by the swineherd to sit down on a pile of brush and twigs covered with the skin of a shaggy wild goat, which was the swineherd’s own good bedding. He fed the king scrawny pigs that were freshly slaughtered. This was the best food that could be offered by the swineherd because the suitors who overran the home of Odysseus took the fattened pigs. The hospitality shown by the swineherd proves that one does not have to offer the best of things to show hospitality towards strangers. Hospitable acts were not expected only to be shown towards the living, but the deceased deserved the same rights. In Sundiata, when it came time to leave Mema and return to Mali, Sogolon passed away. Sundiata said to the king, â€Å"King, you gave me hospitality at your court when I was without shelter†¦In any case, allow me to bury my mother before I go† (Niane 46). The king was outraged that Sundiata wanted to leave his country and at first refused. But either it was fear, or out of respect he had for Sundiata, or a combination of both, Sundiata got his wish. Burial grounds were provided for Sogolon in the country of Mema. Showing hospitality towards the dead is as important towards showing it towards the living. Hospitality was not to go unnoticed either; hospitable acts were expected to be repaid when the time arose. A great example of repaying hospitality came from Menelaus. Telemachus and Nestor’s son arrived outside the gates of  Menelaus’ estate and lord Eteoneus runs through the halls and delivers the news to the battle-hardened king and ask, â€Å"Should we unhitch their team for them or send them to someone free to host them well†(Homer 125, 33-34)? Menelaus responds hastily, â€Å"Just think of the hospitality we enjoyed at the hands of other men before we made it home†¦And bring them in strangers, guest, to share our flowing feast†(Homer 125, 38-39, 41-42). Menelaus wants to show the same hospitality to those who visit his land just as the rulers showed him when he was in need. Political alliances also proved to be good situations to practice hospitality. One of the stops on the exile journey of Sundiata and his family was the region of Ghana. When they arrived they were greeted by the king’s brother who made them comfortable and brought water for them to quench their thirst. After Sogolon explained where they were from and why they were in exile the king, Soumamba, responded, â€Å"No one has ever found our hospitality wanting. My court is your court and my palace is yours† (Niane 34). The reason for easy welcoming of the strangers was the history of the relationship between Mali and Ghana. The king also said to his brother, â€Å"Brother, look after our guests. Let Sogolon and her children be royally treated and from tomorrow let the princes of Mali sit among our children† (Niane 34). Another hospitable act in Sundiata, which involved alliances between nations, happened again in Mema. This alliance had to do with the family relationship of two kings. Upon their arrival at Mema, the sister of the king greeted Sogolon and her family and housed them in a wing of the palace. They were recommended by Soumaba to come to Mema, and after showing the king of Mema, Moussa Tounkara, a letter from Soumamba the king said, â€Å"My cousin Soumaba recommends you and that is enough. You are at home. Stay here as long as you wish† (Niane 36). Sundiata became so beloved by the people and the king that he became viceroy and even secured a spot as heir to the throne of Mema. This is example of hospitality starts out as a friendly gesture, and evolves into a new set of hierarchal position for the traveling family. The hospitality shown by the people of Mema allowed the exiled royal family of Mali to become pretty much citizens of this new country. The act of hospitality is prevalent in both the Odyssey and Sundiata. Not  only do kings of regions and countries practice this act, but hospitality is expected to be practiced by everyone regardless of their social class. Hospitality should be shown towards everyone regardless how the two parties affiliate with one another. Hospitality goes along way in the stories of Odysseus and Sundiata. It creates relationships with lands that others fear, like the region of Ghana in Sundiata. It also creates relationships with those who have no prior relationships to those of foreign lands, like Telemachus creates with the comrades of his father. If only this type of hospitality was prevalent in society today our world would be a much more friendly and fearless place to live. Fagles, Robert. The Odyssey. New York: Penguin, 1996. Niane, D. T. Sundiata: an Epic of Old Mali. Harlow: Longman, 2006.

Role of information system in customer relationship management Coursework

Role of information system in customer relationship management - Coursework Example How to ensure strong customer service and satisfaction Customer satisfaction and service are vital components in the survival and progress of any business. it is for this reason that organizations invests heavily in ensuring that customer service reaches a level that will satisfy and woe the customer towards coming for more. Businesses need to maintain customers in a manner that will make them appreciate the brand, products or services being offered by the businesses. This paper looks at ways in which a strong customer service and satisfaction can be maintained in a business. First, know the needs of every customer in the market so as to avoid forced creation of demand where it is none existent. Secondly, it is important to perform tests with a view of building an understanding of the desires of consumers within the market segment. This helps build up innovative ideas useful in identification and solving possible problems that may arise due to customer expectation about the product o r service the business offers. Thirdly, being true to your customers can help the business a greatly. All deliveries of goods to customers should always be done at the right time. Where delivery may not be possible on the agreed schedule, proper communication with the customer is vital. Fourthly, plan well and perform periodic training of the team you work with in order to uphold business reputation and trust. It is also important to train a team that will enhance flexibility and effective communication skills. Fifthly, always appreciate your customers. It is worth sending thank you messages to your loyal customers. This strategy will likely yield positive results that help in positive growth of the business. Moreover, always create loyalty programs among your customers. This can be done through unique gift offers or special promotions targeting long time customers in the business. Always approach issues related to your customers in a mature manner as though you are dealing with a l ong time friend. This can be done by being sincere to them on issues that may arise in the day to day running of the business. It is important to promise what you can achieve other than giving unrealistic expectations. This is because empty promises tend to anger and frustrate customers making them shun any future transaction with the business. It is for this reason that a successful business need to set correct expectations since it helps in retention of customers. Develop a customer philosophy that will direct the way employees interact with clients. The philosophy developed should be able promote respect and constant appreciation of customers. This is a key component in customer satisfaction and retention. Lastly, develop a quick response time whenever there is a blame game in business transactions. Effective communication and admittance of a mistake can really yield marvelous results in the long term. This should be followed with a communication on what you plan to avert similar mistakes in future. Customer Service System Customer service refers to various business practices aimed at providing services to clients during and after a business transaction. These services are aimed at building customer satisfaction and retention. Customer service system refers to blending of procedures, people and technology with a view of serving customer needs in a way that will promote profitability and achievement of business objectives. It is important to note that implementation of an effective client service system may be quite difficult when all the stake holders does not understand its importance. In addition, all the stake holders should be willing to buy into using the system otherwise its contribution to the business may be futile. There are numerous reasons why organizations need

Michael Porter's Five Forces Framework Research Paper

Michael Porter's Five Forces Framework - Research Paper Example KFC is has 44% of the total fast food market share in Malaysia and is the leading company. On the other hand, McDonald’s has 18% of the fast food market share and Burger King, Wendy’s, and other local companies take 18% of the market share. There are more than 365 fast food companies in Malaysia. The companies have opened many branches across the main cities. The availability of many companies in the market markets the competitiveness in the industry very stiff. Stiff competitiveness is very unhealthy for the new entrants in the markets as well as for the existing firms (Wilk, 2006). Highly time-constrained lifestyles in Malaysian have led to the food industry growth with many people having limited dining time. This has led to many eastern fast food companies from Dubai, China and Japan considering venturing into the industry. Many firms are entering the market because Malaysian has managed recovered from the meltdown of global financial market and its economy is performing well. The government policies are very good for the investors. Malaysia has also cultivated good relationship with other eastern countries such as China and Japan creating more trade between the two countries. This creates a threat for new entrants to the existing companies (Jargon, 2012). New entrants in the Malaysian Market have eaten away the share of some companies market share, for example, the market share of McDonalds was 20% in the year 2011 while in the year 2013 it reduced to 18%. On top of the first food companies that are many local hotels and food companies which act as substitutes to fast food. The demand for a fast food is increasing at 3.9% annually making the customers bargain to be very low (Jargon, 2012). The suppliers are facing high demand for their products increasing their bargain, which is a disadvantage to the fast food companies. In overall, the Malaysian food industry is very

U.S. Perspectives and Foreign Policy in Latin America Essay

U.S. Perspectives and Foreign Policy in Latin America - Essay Example The BBC asserted that while the U.S. government has been busy implementing its war against terrorism in Iran and Afghanistan, its relations with Latin America turned sour, from Mexico down to Peru. Strong anti-American feelings, or what one Peruvian leader called "the neo-liberal economic model that has failed to benefit our nation", converted into a string of electoral victories by what the West perceives as left-leaning governments. 2 A "leftward" drift is apparent in Latin America's southern hemisphere since the start of the decade. In Venezuela, leftist Hugo Chavez garnered 56.93% of the votes in 30 July 2000. In Brazil, center-Left Luis Inacio LULA da Silva won 61.27% in the second round of elections in October 27, 2002. In Argentina, left-leaning Nestor Kirchner was sworn in as president on May 25, 2003 to a four-year term of office after his rival, Carlos Menem, decided to stand down. In Uruguay, Tabar Ramn Vzquez Rosas of the Frente Amplio garnered 51.94% in the October 31, 2004 elections. In Bolivia, left-wing Evo Morales won a historic 54% of the vote in 18 December 2005. In Chile, center-Left Michelle Bachelet's second round votes of 53.49% beat Michelle Bachelet in 15 January 2006. In Peru, center-Left Alan Garcia beat Ollanta Humala in 4 June 2006. 3 Lula is again expected to win in the upcoming run-off elections this 29 October 2006. On December 3, Venezuela's Chavez will face liberal democrat Manuel Rosales. Elsewhere in the region, leftward shifts that are not necessarily anti-U.S. have also been observed in Honduras, Haiti, and Costa Rica. Former Nicaraguan Sandinista Party Chief Daniel Ortega will make another presidential re-election bid in November 2006. II. Independence, Regional Integration and Petroleum Politics Noam Chomsky, the renowned linguist and political analyst, noted in June 2006 that for the first time since the Spanish colonization, many countries in the hemisphere are "moving towards a degree of independence and towards a degree of integration." Petroleum-oil and gas-is a key issue. Chomsky adds that the United states is "terrified" considering that the largest energy producer in the hemisphere is Venezuela, which is one of the five founding members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Bolivia, with its vast gas reserves, is second to Venezuela. 4 Last February, U.S. secretary of state Condoleezza Rice accused Chavez of "Latin brand of populism that has taken countries down the drain," and that Venezuela's relationship with Cuba is "particularly dangerous." 5 A controversial figure next to Venezuela's Hugo Chavez is Evo Morales of Bolivia. Last March 2006, Noam Chomsky said of Evo Morales's victory: "Morales' election reflects the entry of the indigenous population into the political arena throughout the continent. Along with other popular forces, indigenous people are demanding control over their own resources, a serious threat to Washington's plans to rely on resources from the Western hemisphere, particularly energy." 6 Otto Reich, former assistant secretary of state for the Western hemisphere and adviser to President George Bush, presents a different view however. In the same BBC interview with Noam Chomsky regarding Evo Morales challenge to the

Local Police Response to Terrorism Research Paper

Local Police Response to Terrorism - Research Paper Example It is quite clear that the national security agencies cannot work alone in the fight against terrorism. Hence the situation requires team work among the private and public agencies; most importantly along with the local police. All of them must work in tandem to ensure the security of the country. Getting back to the role of local police it is to be said that local police can definitely identify probable terrorists operating or living in the respective jurisdictions and thus coordinate with the other agencies to prevent or even to respond to terror attacks. However, such responsibilities are of extreme significance and may lead to increase in the work load of the police of force, which to be honest is already quite hectic (Jongman, 2005). The present study looks to analyze the importance of the role of the local police in the fight against terrorism. During the course of the study various aspects such as the effect of political, economic and social changes on the law enforcement agen cies including local police; importance of partnership among local communities and local police along with other critical issues such as related to the role of the local police in the battle against terror has been analyzed. ... It has also been claimed by both of them that this role not much different in the role that the authorities play in case of the fight against local crimes. It has also been argued that counter terrorism should be added into the everyday departments. This should be inducted in to the agendas of every meeting. The officers should be communicated and trained regarding the new role to ensure that the prevention against terrorism becomes a part of the daily thought process and routine. However, things are easier said than done. It is needless to discuss that terrorist attacks are quite rare events. Terrorist attacks would not occur as frequently as a homicide or robbery or theft (Miller and Braswell, 2010). The arguments posted by Researchers are absolutely right and has to be agreed. However, the next question that comes to mind would be: What can the local police actually do? One mat say that the local police can collect intelligence about probable terrorism activities; ensure the prote ction of seemingly vulnerable targets are protected; and there would also be the most obvious response, i.e. the local police should always be in a position to respond to any kind of attack. The last topic is quite controversial and hence in the best interest of the research it has been avoided and hence the first two tasks would be discussed. Such an approach is of great significance because if the phrase prevention is better that cure had to come true then it would be for the battle against terrorism. It is needless to discuss about the devastation of terrorist attacks and hence the prime focus should be on avoiding such disasters rather than any other crime such as murder of robbery, where the main focus would be to ensure that the criminal(s)

Ansewring qustions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ansewring qustions - Essay Example There are things that we know from our birth and they do not need to be proved anyhow. These things are priori like 2+2 = 4, they do not need any evidences and explanation why it is so. The views of empiricists are quite opposite; they think that only experience can give way to knowledge. All the suppositions, which are considered by rationalists to be priori, empiricists considered as â€Å"trifling† if they were not proved by experience (Blackburn). As for me I can’t state that I agree with any of these theories, both of them are useful. Philosophy is a science, in which we can’t find right or wrong opinions. However, I must say that the views of empiricists are closer to my own views. The fact is that I do not believe in things I did not see with my own eyes. Thus, in my opinion, the experience is very important and every supposition must have its own evidence to become a statement. We can state something only if it was already proved and we have the proofs. 2. Kant: Why, for Kant, is the rationalist argument insufficient to explain knowledge? What does it mean to know something is â€Å"a priori†? How exactly does the connection between our reason and sensory impressions work? Be sure to include some substantive text based information including the role of synthetic a priori propositions? According to the great philosopher Immanuel Kant, it is useless to support something without the evidences received from experience. Every statement should be proved with the help of experience. The theories based on such approach like rationalist theories can’t be helpful anyhow. Thus, further work was needed to be done in this direction. These views were reflected by the great philosopher in his work called the Critique of Pure Reason. According to Kant, the word â€Å"sensibility† and the word â€Å"sense† are closely connected in meaning. That is why,

The benefits and costs of increased trade integration between Essay

The benefits and costs of increased trade integration between countries depends on the relative importance of trade creation ver - Essay Example Most countries, both developed and developing countries have opened their economies with a view to take advantage of the existing opportunities. However, it is not clear whether the benefits and costs of increased trade integration between these countries depends on the relative importance of trade creation versus trade diversion, plus the dynamic gains from integration. The focus of this paper is to ascertain whether in light of the countries involved, the above connotation is true. Trade creation and trade diversion are two important components in increasing the rate of growth of world trade. They are also important components which help increase the benefits and costs of increased trade integration. Viner (2009) was the first researcher to introduce the terms â€Å"trade creation versus trade diversion† which became useful in analyzing custom unions and other trade related economics issues. Trade creation as envisaged by Viner (2009) refers to a situation in which two count ries operating within customs union start trading with each other whereas they formerly produced products in questions for themselves. In international economics terms, it implies that these countries move from autarky to trading with no tariffs on these goods while they both benefit. In trade creation the cost of goods in consideration decreases upon the economic union formation leading to increased efficiency of economic integration. This means that the essence of trade creation is to eliminate custom tariffs on the unifying state’s inner borders causing further decrease in the prices of goods (El-Agraa, 1981). On the other hand, trade diversion, occur whenever two countries start trading within the union (Institute for the integration of Latin America and the Caribbean, 2004). But formerly, these two countries imported the product or from outside the union. In this case, importing country had previously had same tariffs on other countries, but had opted to buy from outside the union because that was somewhat lower (Institute for the integration of Latin America and the Caribbean, 2004). The country then switches its purchases from its initial lowest price to the higher price country after the union. This eventually has a negative efficiency effect. Basically what this means is that trade diversion involves diverting trade flows from the actual cost-efficient partner countries to less efficient partner countries, which became an economic union member and made its products cheaper within the union but somewhat higher when compared to the other place in the world. Worth nothing is the fact that both trade diversion and trade creation effects occur because of formation of economic union. Currently, efficiency of economic integration of unions is assessed as the final outcome between trade diversion and trade creation effects (Irwin, 2006). Trade diversions as discussed involves creating free-trade areas, and is important in creating larger markets, which provide more completion as it creates increased access to raw materials (Institute for the integration of Latin America and the Caribbean, 2004). The happy ending will be the lower unit costs because firms can now gain economies of scale in this arrangement. From the point of view of consumers, greater choices and lower prices makes them happy too. On the other hand, in trade creation two countries involved reduce tariffs on their goods. It can also imply simplifying export or

Global Communication Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Global Communication Law - Essay Example It is significant to note that the first amendment does not guard statements pronounced to insult, incite people to do an illegal action, or provoke violence. In addition, the U.S law prohibits utterance of words that aim to promote religious, racial or any kind of discrimination that might lead to violence and hostility. It is against the law for a person to behave in a certain manner otherwise in private if the behavior done due to national or race origin of the other party. Such act that aims to insult, intimidate, offend, or injure other people is prohibited by the law. Freedom of expression, speech, and right to privacy may be limited in cases where they pose a risk to public safety, national security, and territorial integrity (Huffman & Trauth, 82). 2. What constitutes â€Å"obscenity† differs in many nation-states when it comes to pornographic and obscene materials. Do you think that moral-religious censorship laws in non-western societies and freedom of expression in western societies can co-exist in the global village of today? Is there something in the foreign culture that can benefit or lead to improvement of our own system? According to the U.S constitution, obscenity is defined in reference to Miller v California case decided in 1973. Therefore, obscenity refers to a situation where the work shows or explains, in a patently offensive manner, sexual conduct defined by law. Further, obscenity involves a situation where the work described lacks serious scientific, political, literary, or artistic value. U.S states treat pornographic materials as obscene because they contain sexually explicit materials that go against societal moral standards. It is rational to understand that â€Å"Half of obscene materials available on the internet comes from outside the U.S and is thus prohibited by law† (Huffman & Trauth, 99). The foreign cultures provide that no sexually explicit materials should be available or accessible to the public because it contradicts

Financial Analysis of Ted Baker & Burberry Essay Example for Free

Financial Analysis of Ted Baker Burberry Essay INTRODUCTION Burberry is a global luxury brand offering menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, coats, dresses, shoes, accessories, bags, scarves, beauty and fragrance. The quintessentially British brand was first founded as an outerwear brand, well known for its iconic Burberry trench coat and distinct tartan print. The brand has over 497 directly operated stores and concessions operating in 32 countries; and via a third-party distribution network- 70 franchise stores in an additional 28 countries and approximately 1,400 wholesale department and specialty store doors in over 80 countries (as at 31 March 2014). The brand continues to develop its presence in existing and  under-penetrated markets. THE BASICS Burberry was founded by Thomas Burberry in 1855 in Hamphire England and remained an independent company until 1955, when it was taken over by Great Universal Studios (GUS). In 2005, GUS divested its remaining interest in Burberry. Burberry Group PLC was initially floated on the London Stock Exchange in July 2002. In 2013/2014, Burberry had a turnover of  £2,330 million (up 16.5% from the previous year), recording a profit before tax of  £461 million (up 7.7% from the previous year). The company employs 9698 employees across 34 countries and is headquartered in London. The accounts are presented in GBP, which is Burberrys functional currency. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker BRBY with a market capitalization of GBP6822.43 Million. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU. The accounts have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with no reservations. MANAGEMENT CHANGES On the management side, the most significant change is the departure CEO Angela Ahrendt in April 2014 who left Burberry (to join Apple). Ahrendt the CEO since 2006 has lead the successful transformation of the company, tripling revenue three-fold during her tenure. Ahrendt was succeeded by Christopher Bailey, Chief Creative Officer (CCO) who has been with Burberry since 2001. Bailey holds the roles of CEO and CCO and his appointment as CEO is considered a natural progression. Other important changes include, the changes of the CFO and COO, and the appointment of three new non-executive directors. The new board appointments focus on evolving the Boards relevant skills and competencies for the future under its succession plan. THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT After three years of double digit growth, analyst estimated that the luxury sector growth slowed to 2% in 2013. This was in part due to a slowdown in China (the worlds 4th largest luxury market), in light of government policy changes on gift giving and the Chinese consumer increasingly shifting luxury consumption abroad (which has in turn help drive luxury sales in the rest of Asia and Europe). Whilst Burberry is a luxury brand, note that its growing beauty and fragrance lines are attainable luxury and has the capacity for resilience in unfavourable economic conditions. Burberrys five strategic themes which have sustained its growth during the period include:[1: Claudia DArpizio, Bain Report: Luxury Goods Worldwide Market Study Spring 2014 ]

Romeo and Juliet Essay Example for Free

Romeo and Juliet Essay The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet The deaths of Romeo and Juliet in William Shakespeare’s play are both friar and Sr. Capulet. This takes place in Italy. Although much could have been done to prevent their suicides, these â€Å"star-crossed lovers† ultimately are not able to avoid their destiny. A series of unfortunate circumstances result in disaster, and even though many people could be to blame for their deaths, the friar plays a particularly integral role. While some believe that sr. Capulet is responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s death, this is not the case. Upon further investigation the friar should receive the blame. Admittedly, Sr. Capulet has a large influence on Romeo and Juliet’s death because he forced Juliet to marrying Paris. But, the friar married Juliet and Romeo without anyone finding out and if he wouldn’t have married them then Juliet would have never killed herself because she wouldn’t have a reason to. For example the first reason why Friar Lawrence is responsible for the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is when he married them he knew what he was getting into and what the consequences were but he didn’t care. Also the second reason is in act 4 scene 5 the Friar Lawrence quotes â€Å"Your part in her you could not keep from death, but heaven keeps his part in eternal life† he means that he approved her death even though it wasn’t real. So the friar is a bad planner and liar. He didn’t plan Juliet’s â€Å"death† on time to let Romeo know it was not real so he believed it and suicide himself so he could be with her. If the friar planned her death without rushing Romeo would have found out her death wasn’t realistic and that the friar planned it so Juliet wouldn’t have to marry Paris and they could live happily in Verona, Italy. A third reason is because he sends Romeo a letter about Juliet’s death and where Romeo is suppose to meet Juliet and take her to verona

English Law and Entrapment

English Law and Entrapment Analyse the approach of the English courts towards entrapment evidence. How far is it consistent with the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights? Before we can analyse the English Courts approach to entrapment evidence, we must define what entrapment is. It can be defined as An agent of the state à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦., cause some to commit an offence. For he should be prosecuted.[1] Over the years, the common-law approach on entrapment has evolved. The courts took it as if the evidence is relevant than the court would deem it admissible. In R v Leatham it was said it matters not how you get it; if you steal it even, it would be admissible in evidence[2]. Of course, we cant imagine it being like that now. We have The European Convection of Human Rights, which guarantees everyone a fundamental right to a fair trial in criminal courts cases. We also have the Human Rights Act[3], which also gives the defendant to a right to fair trial. In the determination of his civil rights and obligations or of any criminal charge against him, everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial tribunal established by law[4] It has always been clear that there is no defence for entrapment, someone who has committed the crime should be convicted of such crime. This is shown R V Sang[5] the fact that the counsellor or procurer is a policeman or informer, although it may be of relevance in mitigation of penalty for the offence, cannot affect the guilt of the principal offender[6]. Any entrapment should be taken into mitigation when deciding the appropriate sentence. Even though there is no defence to there is a chance for entrapment, for the case to be stayed, meaning to have the case stopped if there has been an abuse of court processes. This shown in R V Loosely: Although entrapment is not a substantive defence, English law has now developed remedies in respect of entrapment: the court may stay the relevant criminal proceedings, and the court may exclude evidence pursuant to s.78. In these respects, Sang has been overtaken. Of these two remedies the grant of a stay, rather than the exclusion of evidence at the trial, should normally be regarded as the appropriate response in a case of entrapment[7] However, even though a judge has the power to stay proceedings if there is an abuse of process. This cannot be seen an acquittal as an it is not, but just the judge stopping the case. As he believes the case must be stopped, as continuing with the abuse of process would make the trail of the defendant unfair. Which would be a breach of Artifice 6 of The Convention on European Human Rights. It should be noted that even though it Is not an acquittal, it would be very unlikely for the case to go back to court. If this is done without a change to the facts and circumstances of the case, and the prosecutor tries to bring the charge again. This could also be an abuse of process. Even though the English common law has evolved over time in regards to entrapment and protecting the defendants human rights to a fair trial. Several leading cases have made it to the European Court of Human Rights. One of them being Teixeira de Castro v. Portugal[8] in this case the applicant was asked to buy drugs, for two undercover police officers. The applicant did buy these drugs for them after which he did he was arrested. He was convicted and appeals in Portugal went against him, he took his case to The European Court of Human Rights, they held that Portugal did breach article 6. The court held that: . In the light of all these considerations, the Court concludes that the two police officers actions went beyond those of undercover agents because they instigated the offence and there is nothing to suggest that without their intervention it would have been committed. That intervention and its use in the impugned criminal proceedings meant that, right from the outset, the applicant was definitively deprived of a fair trial. Consequently, there has been a violation of Article 6  § 1.[9] Even though it seems that The European Court of Human Rights, believes that using entrapment evidence. Does infringe Article 6 of the Convection of Human Rights, right to a fair trial, as shown iTeixeira de Castro v. Portugal[10]. However, it is also worth pointing out that entrapment as a whole and inadmissibility of evidence does not automatically breach Article 6. This can be shown in Schenck v. Switzerland[11] where the court said While Article 6 (art. 6) of the Convention guarantees the right to a fair trial, it does not lay down any rules on the admissibility of evidence as such, which is therefore primarily a matter for regulation under national law. The Court, therefore, cannot exclude as a matter of principle and in the abstract that unlawfully obtained evidence of the present kind may be admissible. It has only to ascertain whether Mr Schenks trial as a whole was fair.[12] At this stage, it is fair to state there is a number occasions where entrapment by the police is genially allowed. As long as the is evidence that the suspect is doing something illegal and the entrapment of the suspect is not the only evidence. One of these occasions is where police or other state officials, go into a shop and conduct test purchases. Another occasion is where police or other state officials act as passengers to catch out unlicensed taxi drivers. Entrapment of unlicensed taxi driver is shown in East Riding of Yorkshire Council v Dearlove,[13] In this case Dearlove placed an advert for Chauffeur services, a licensing officer saw this advert and noticed that he was not licenced for these services. The licensing officer emailed Mr Dearlove on several occasions reminding him of licensing obligations. A test purchase was made and the booking did happen. Mr Dearlove was taken to court and they came to the following descion: We were of the opinion that the actions of the local authority were excessive in the absence of any criminal activity on Mr Dearloves part and as such we found it would be unfair to allow the proceedings to continue and ordered a stay of the proceedings.[14] When the case was appealed, they decided that the actions of the council was not entrapment, as they only did what a normal member of public would do in booking the service. The went on to say the following: It does not seem to me that there was, in the conduct of the councils officers, anything that could amount to impermissible entrapment. They booked the service just as an ordinary member of the public would do à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ In my view the officers simply provided the opportunity for commission of an offence by the provision of the very kind of service that Mr Dearlove had advertised[15]. They went on to say: Mr Dearlove had an express warning that a test purchase might be made and there can be no unfairness in those circumstances in initiating a test purchase a few weeks later. There is, moreover, a strong public interest in ensuring that only licensed operators supply taxi services of this kind.[16] In conclusion with the European Conviction on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights, only allowed to focus on the trail being fair. The approach of the English Courts does seem to be consistent with the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights. This is because English common law has evolved, to help make trails fairer in regards to evidence and entrapment. This has been done the Police and Criminal Evidence Act[17] and the Abuse of Process Doctrine. Which has given the courts to the power so stay an case, for an abuse of process, which has come from entrapment. Word Count: 1343 Bibliography Table of Legislation Cited: Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms Human Rights Act 1998 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 Table of Cases Cited: East Riding of Yorkshire Council v Dearlove [2012] EWHC 278 (Admin), CO/8593/2010R Leatham (1861) 25 JP 468, Crompton J R V Loosely, [2001] UKHL 53 R v Sang [1980] AC 402 Schenck v. Switzerland, (10862/84 (Series A No.140; (1988) 13 EHRR 242)) Teixeira de Castro v. Portugal, (25829/94 (1999) 28 EHRR 101) Table of Journals Cited: McKay, Simon, Approaching Allegations of Entrapment Part I [2009] Criminal Law and Justice Weekly. https://www.criminallawandjustice.co.uk/features/Approaching-Allegations-Entrapment-Part-I Accessed March 2017 McKay, Simon, Approaching Allegations of Entrapment Part II [2009] Criminal Law and Justice Weekly. https://www.criminallawandjustice.co.uk/features/Approaching-Allegations-Entrapment-Part-II Accessed March 2017 Further Reading: Sleight, David, The law regarding entrapment June 2010 Accessed March 2017 [1] R V Loosely, [2001] UKHL 53 as per Lord Hoffmann paragraph 35. [2] R v Leatham (1861) 25 JP 468, Crompton J [3] Article 6, Human Rights Act 1998 [4] ARTICLE 6, Right to a fair trial, European Convention on Human Rights [5] R v Sang [1980] AC 402 [6] R v Sang [1980] AC 402 [7] R V Loosely, [2001] UKHL 53 as per Lord Nicholl paragraph 16 [8] Teixeira de Castro v. Portugal, (25829/94 (1999) 28 EHRR 101) [9] Teixeira de Castro v. Portugal, (25829/94 (1999) 28 EHRR 101) at Paragraph 39 [10] Teixeira de Castro v. Portugal, (25829/94 (1999) 28 EHRR 101) [11] Schenck v. Switzerland, (10862/84 (Series A No.140; (1988) 13 EHRR 242)) [12]Schenck v. Switzerland, (10862/84 (Series A No.140; (1988) 13 EHRR 242)) [13] East Riding of Yorkshire Council v Dearlove [2012] EWHC 278 (Admin), CO/8593/2010. [14] East Riding of Yorkshire Council v Dearlove [2012] EWHC 278 (Admin) [15] East Riding of Yorkshire Council v Dearlove [2012] EWHC 278 (Admin) [16] East Riding of Yorkshire Council v Dearlove [2012] EWHC 278 (Admin) [17] Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984

New Jersey Vs. T.L.O. :: Legal Essays

Decision : Reasonable standard held to be proper standard for determining   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   legality of searches conducted by public school officials. On March 7, 1980, a teacher at Piscataway High School in Middlesex County, N.J., found two girls smoking in the school lavatory, which was a violation of school code. The teacher took them to the Principles office where they met the Assistant Vice-Principle Theodore Choplick. Under questioning the first girl admitted smoking in the lavatory. The second girl, 14 year old freshman T.L.O., denied that she had smoked in the lavatory. Mr. Choplick then asked to search the girl’s purse. He found a pack of cigarettes. Upon pulling the pack of cigarettes out Mr. Choplick discovered cigarette rolling papers, which is closely associated with marijuana. He proceeded to search the purse to find a small amount of marijuana, a pipe, small empty plastic bags, a substantial amount of money all in one dollar bills, and two letters that implies that she is a dealer. Mr. Choplick notified her mother and the police and told her mother to take her to the police headquarters. A New Jersey juvenile court admitted the evidence, saying that the search of the purse was reasonable under the standard of enforcing school policy and maintaining school discipline. The court found the student, T.L.O., to be a delinquent and sentenced her to a years probation. The appellate Division affirmed the courts decision that there had been no Fourth Amendment violation, T.L.O. New Jersey Vs. T.L.O. :: Legal Essays Decision : Reasonable standard held to be proper standard for determining   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   legality of searches conducted by public school officials. On March 7, 1980, a teacher at Piscataway High School in Middlesex County, N.J., found two girls smoking in the school lavatory, which was a violation of school code. The teacher took them to the Principles office where they met the Assistant Vice-Principle Theodore Choplick. Under questioning the first girl admitted smoking in the lavatory. The second girl, 14 year old freshman T.L.O., denied that she had smoked in the lavatory. Mr. Choplick then asked to search the girl’s purse. He found a pack of cigarettes. Upon pulling the pack of cigarettes out Mr. Choplick discovered cigarette rolling papers, which is closely associated with marijuana. He proceeded to search the purse to find a small amount of marijuana, a pipe, small empty plastic bags, a substantial amount of money all in one dollar bills, and two letters that implies that she is a dealer. Mr. Choplick notified her mother and the police and told her mother to take her to the police headquarters. A New Jersey juvenile court admitted the evidence, saying that the search of the purse was reasonable under the standard of enforcing school policy and maintaining school discipline. The court found the student, T.L.O., to be a delinquent and sentenced her to a years probation. The appellate Division affirmed the courts decision that there had been no Fourth Amendment violation, T.L.O.

Lord of the Flies essay :: essays research papers

Importance of Leadership Leadership is something that stands out in people. In a group, people tend to look to the strongest person to follow. However, the strongest person may not be the best choice to follow. In Lord of the Flies by William Golding, Ralph and Jack each have leadership qualities. Jack is probably the stronger of the two; however, Ralph is a better leader. He has a better understanding for the boys. He also has more common sense and treats the boys better than Jack.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ralph shows that he has a better understanding of the boys than Jack. He knows that the boys need some sort of order on the island in order for them to survive. He starts a simple form of government and sets a few rules for them. Even though they don’t last very long, the fact that he tried to help the group is what makes him a better leader. Ralph’s wisdom and ability to look toward the future also has an advantage over Jack. He has a sense to keep his focus on getting off the island. When the fire goes out, Ralph gets upset because the chance to be rescued was gone as well. Ralph enforces his role of leadership as he gives the boys a sense of stability of an authority figure. He keeps the boys in pretty good order at the meeting by making a rule that they can only speak if they have the conch. Ralph knows that the littleuns are afraid and they need shelter to feel more secure. They work together for a while, but as the time goes on the smaller boys want to go play. They slowly lose all their help until Simon and Ralph are the only ones left to work on them. Ralph knows that this is a necessity and keeps bringing it up at the meetings. Jack, on the other hand, is doing nothing but causing chaos.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jack fails to realize that the boys need security, stability, and order on the island Jack was a leader of the choir before the boys landed on the island. These boys, who were in the choir, still want to follow Jack; however, they have no discipline at all. The only thing that is on Jack’s mind is hunting. He doesn’t care about anything else, except capturing and kill the pigs for some food.

Anne Bradstreets Poem Essay -- Dear Loving Husband Anne Bradstreet E

Anne Bradstreet's Poem "To my Dear and Loving Husband" Anne Bradstreet?s poem, ?To my Dear and Loving Husband? presents a beautiful love theme. "Of ever two were one, then surely we" (1). This quotation is important because Bradstreet is pointing out that she does not feel as though she is one individual person. And one of the first questions that come to my mind is if Bradstreet was trying to make a point for all wives to be that way or she felt insecure about her own self. The poem itself portrays a loving wife, but the fact is she sounds like she is afraid to be alone, that her husband is the one who makes her complete, in another words, it makes her be a full person.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Also we see the great value she has for the love of her husband by the way she describes it as meaning more to her than all the gold in the world and how her own love for her husband is a love that she cannot stop, because her love is "such that rivers cannot quench" (7).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The first part in this poem, "If ever two were one" (1) sets us with expectations to continue with the reading. These words show that Bradstreet and her husband were really in love, that this love could unite two persons and make them one. Bradstreet and her husband think, act, and feel much like they are part of each other. The tone of this poem tells us that she is a very religious, because she speaks of praying and the heavens. We get the impression that she is a very dedicated person, to her family and to God. She...

“Three Men in a Boat and Nothing of the Dog” Analyses

â€Å"Three men in a boat and nothing of the dog† The story I am going to screen is entitled â€Å"Three men in a boat and to say nothing about the dog†. It was written by a famous English writer Jerome Klapka Jerome. He born in Walsall, Staffordshire, England on May 2nd, 1859, in the family of a preacher and coal mine owner. Leaving school at the age of fourteen after his mother's death, Jerome worked such diverse jobs as a railway clerk, a journalist, and a schoolmaster. He also tried himself as an actor, playwright, editor, and at last he found fame through his writing.His first book â€Å"On Stage and off† was published in 1888. In 1889, Jerome published the humorous Three Men in a Boat. It might be interesting to know that these three characters are based on Jerome himself and two real-life friends, George Wingrave and Carl Hentschel, with whom he often took boating trips. The dog, Montmorency, is really fictional but, Jerome K. Jerome admits that in all Eng lishmen, contains an element of the dog. What brought him fame was his original idea and using simple plot structure which helps readers to understand and be involved in the story.Let me introduce a brief plot of the story for the film: As the beginning of the story three main characters come to Sonning, a town on the river Themes, where they decide to put up for the night. After that friends have plenty of time that is enough to cook a supper. In the inciting incident, they make up their mind to prepare an Irish stew; therefore, it would be a good opportunity for gentlemen to eat all odds and ends. Next we’ll show the process of cooking in details, and it is used as rising actions of the story.In climax, Montmorency, the dog, brings a dead rat, which is the point of a little discussion. Finally, all the characters are satisfied with the supper that means that the Irish stew was very tasty and delicious. To understand how the friends successfully managed to prepare an Irish s tew we should analyze the characters of each hero. . As for George, he is household and a leader, because he proposed to make an Irish stew. He gathered woods and made a fire, it means that he’s an experience cooker. In addition, he is creative, that is proved by his adding ll odds and ends to the stew. And as it’s said, every housekeeper has his own recipe of the Irish stew, so George used all his knowledge and imagination and invented his own recipe. He is hard-working and level-headed. Moreover he determined and economical; it can be seen in all his actions and metaphor words: â€Å"Oh, that won’t do! You’re wasting them. You must scrape them. † To say more, George refused the idea of adding a dead water rat to the stew, and that’s enough to say that he is a very conservative gentleman.To tell about Harris, I can say that he is totally emotional, open-minded and joyful. Besides, he is sociable, cheerful, enthusiastic and talkative. Harris suggested adding the water rat, brought by Montmorency. He must be very extravagant and experimental, so even judge George to be a man hampering the world’s progress. Harris’s partner of scraping and peeling potatoes was easy-going and single-minded narrator. I think he is calm and flexible, and at the same time is very enthusiastic, talkative and romantic, judging by the way he describes the sonning and nature.I think they are all romantic because they were all inspired by the idea of making this great trip. And they enjoy and admire the nature, new places and their adventures. To show their joy characters there’s such hyperbole is used â€Å"I should never have thought that peeling potatoes such an undertaking†. Then the author uses such stylistic devise as metaphor, for example ‘they stood in the potato-scrapings half-smothered†. Judging by dialogues of the main characters of the story – Harris, George and the narrator, it’s clearly that they are intelligent and well-mannered people.The author uses indirect speech in order to male characters contrast. He avoids stock characters; they are quite individual and original. It’s hard to identify a development of the characters, they just try to travel and learn how to survive without early experience. The author describes the actions in ironical and humorous way. The method of presentation is subjective and the reader sees everything from first-person narration. Also that method helps the readers to feel the atmosphere of the story and imagine themselves on the heroes’ place.Every use of language devices presents how Mr. Klapka Jerome talented and skillful. In fact, Jerome K. Jerome is famous for his art of story-telling, the basis of our screen adaptation is the way the author presents the situation. The atmosphere of the story is warm and his vivid style and humour which is generally expressed in laughter-provoking situations often based on mi sunderstanding created a bright and comfort mood and witty and ironic tone. The story is full of such stylistic devises as metaphors, epithets, similes and hyperboles.And they help us to image town and understand what the characters felt at that time. While describing Sonning the narrator uses simile â€Å"it’s more like a stage village than one built of bricks and mortar†; it’s also used metaphor â€Å"every house is smothered in roses† to show how beautiful houses were. The language of the story is rich in colloquial idioms and phrases. Each sentence contains a complete thought, and the writer makes it a point to have all the causes of events fully expressed, without leaving anything for guesswork on the reader’s part.The author’s manner is highly emotional and in that time is easy to read and understand the topic of the story. The idea of our film would be real friendship. It is proved by the title of the story and the behavior of the mai n characters, which respect each other and stay friends in spite of little quarrels. The main idea is not expressed in a straightforward categorical manner, but it’s clear how important to stay friends during long period of time, don’t hurt each other and be ready to help in any case.And the river Thames seems to symbolize the life-stream and the boat is like friendship itself that helps us to avoid and solve problems. And in conclusion I’d like to say that our film would teach people to be friendly and look at problems in a humorous way, that’s very important in our life and what more not to turn the life into a routine. We are people and should not only work, spend and earn money but we also should develop, travel and pay attention to life values.

Buddha’s Brain

[in the SPOTLIGHT] Richard J. Davidson and Antoine Lutz Buddha’s Brain: Neuroplasticity and Meditation I n a recent visit to the United States, the Dalai Lama gave a speech at the Society for Neuroscience’s annual meeting in Washington, D. C. Over the past several years, he has helped recruit Tibetan Buddhist monks for— and directly encouraged—research on the brain and meditation in the Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior at the University of WisconsinMadison. The findings from studies in this unusual sample, as well as related research efforts, suggest that over the course of meditating for tens of thousands of hours, the long-term practitioners had actually altered the structure and function of their brains. In this article we discuss neuroplasticity, which encompasses such alterations, and the findings from these studies. Further, we comment on the associated signal processing (SP) challenges, the current status, and how SP can contribute to advancing these studies. WHAT IS NEUROPLASTICITY? The term neuroplasticity is used to describe the brain changes that occur in response to experience. There are many different mechanisms of neuroplasticity, ranging from the growth of new connections to the creation of new neurons. When the framework of neuroplasticity is applied to meditation, we suggest that the mental training of meditation is fundamentally no different than other forms of skill acquisition that can induce plastic changes in the brain [1], [2]. WHAT IS MEDITATION? The term meditation refers to a broad variety of practices, ranging from techDigital Object Identifier 10. 109/MSP. 2007. 910429 niques designed to promote relaxation to exercises, performed with a more farreaching goal such as a heightened sense of well-being. It is thus essential to be specific about the type of meditation practice under investigation. In [3], meditation was conceptualized as a family of complex emotional and attentional regulatory strategies developed for various ends, including the c ultivation of well-being Buddhist Vipassan? and Mah? mudr? , a a a and are also implicated in many popular secular interventions that draw on Buddhist practices. FINDINGS OF BRAIN CHANGES IN MEDITATION In what follows, we summarize the changes in the brain that occur during each of these styles of meditation practice. Such changes include alterations in patterns of brain function assessed with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), changes in the cortical evoked response to visual stimuli that reflect the impact of meditation on attention, and alterations in amplitude and synchrony of highfrequency oscillations that probably play an important role in connectivity among widespread circuitry in the brain. EXPERIMENTAL SETUP The experiments described below that measure hemodynamic changes with fMRI require a high-field-strength magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner equipped with the appropriate pulse sequences to acquire data rapidly and with the necessary fiber optic stimulus delivery devices so that visual stimuli can be presented to the subject while he or she lays in the bore of the magnet. For the studies that measure brain electrical activity, a high-density recording system with between 64 and 256 electrodes on the scalp surface is used. FA MEDITATION A recent study [4] used fMRI to interrogate the neural correlates of FA (continued on page 172) THE TERM NEUROPLASTICITY IS USED TO DESCRIBE THE BRAIN CHANGES THAT OCCUR IN RESPONSE TO EXPERIENCE. and emotional balance. Here we focus on two common styles of meditation, i. e. , focused attention (FA) meditation and open monitoring (OM) meditation. FA meditation entails voluntarily focusing attention on a chosen object in a sustained fashion. OM meditation involves nonreactively monitoring the content of experience from moment to moment, primarily as a means to recognize the nature of emotional and cognitive patterns. OM meditation initially involves the use of FA training to calm the mind and reduce distractions, but as FA advances, the cultivation of the monitoring skill per se becomes the main focus of practice. The aim is to reach a state in which no explicit focus on a specific object is retained; instead, one remains only in the monitoring state, attentive moment by moment to anything that occurs in experience. These two common styles of meditation are often combined, whether in a single session or over the course of a practitioner’s training. These styles are found with some variation in several meditation systems, including the 1053-5888/08/$25. 00 ©2008IEEE IEEE SIGNAL PROCESSING MAGAZINE [176] SEPTEMBER 2007 [in the SPOTLIGHT] y=4 continued from page 176 % T2 Accuracy: Times2 Versus 1 50 40 30 20 10 0 ? 10 Novices Time1 Practitioners PZ P3b to T1 420-440 ms 0 10 1,000 F-Values ms Novices Practitioners r=? 0. 68, p=. 001 Amygdala 0. 2 0. 1 0 ? 0. 1 ? 0. 2 10 20 30 (a) V 20 ? 20 20 ? 20 20 ? 20 20 ? 20 20 ? 20 20 ? 20 (d) 40 50 r=? 0. 64 Time2 +5? V ? 5? V ? 200 Blink No-Blink T1 T2 ?5 ? 4 ? 3 ? 2 ? 1 0 1 2 3? V T1-Elicited P3b Amplitude: Time2 Versus 1 (c) (b) F3 Fc5 Cp5 F4 Fc6 Cp6 V2 500 300 100 0 Blocks 50 Resting State 100 Meditative State (e) 150 Time (s) % 100 45 0 Controls % 100 45 * * % 80 Practitioners * * * * * 40 0 Ongoing Initial Baseline Baseline (g) Meditation State * Controls Practitioners * * 0 * 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (f) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 [FIG1] Neuroimaging and neurodynamical correlates of FA and OM meditations. (a) Relationship between degree of meditation training (in years) and hemodynamic response in the amygdala (in blue) to distractor sounds during FA meditation in long-term Buddhist practitioners. Individual responses in the right amygdala are plotted (adapted from [4]). (b) The reduction in P3b amplitude (a brain-potential index of resource allocation) to the first of two target stimuli (T1 and T2) presented in a rapid stream of distracter stimuli after three months of intensive Vipassan? meditation [5]. (c) Generally, the greater the reduction in brain-resource allocation to T1 was a over time, the better able an individual became at accurately identifying T2 (adapted from [5] ). d)–(e) Example of high-amplitude gamma activity during a form of OM meditation, nonreferential compassion meditation, in long-term Buddhist practitioners [6]. (e) Time course of gamma (25–42 Hz) activity power over the electrodes displayed in (d) during four blocks computed in a 20-s sliding window every 2 s and then averaged over electrodes. (f) Intra-individual analysis of the ratio of gamma to slow oscillations (4–13 Hz) averaged across all electrodes during compassion medita tion. g) The significant interaction between group (practitioner, control) and state (initial baseline, ongoing baseline, and meditation state) for this ratio. meditation in experts and novices. The study compared FA meditation on an external visual point to a rest condition during which participants do not use meditation and are simply instructed to adopt a neutral baseline state. The meditation condition was associated with activation in multiple brain regions implicated in monitoring (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), engaging attention (visual cortex), and attentional orienting (e. g. , the uperior frontal sulcus, the supplementary motor area, and the intraparietal sulcus). Although this meditation-related activation pattern was generally stronger for long-term practitioners compared to IEEE SIGNAL PROCESSING MAGAZINE [172] JANUARY 2008 novices, activity in many brain areas involved in FA meditation showed an inverted u-shaped curve for both classes of subjects. Whereas expert me ditators with an average of 19,000 practice hours showed stronger activation in these areas than the novices, expert meditators with an average of 44,000 practice hours showed less activation. This inverted u-shaped function resembles the learning curve associated with skill acquisition in other domains of expertise, such as language acquisition. The findings support the idea that, after extensive FA meditation training, minimal effort is necessary to sustain attentional focus. Expert meditators also showed less activation than novices in the amygdala during FA meditation in response to emotional sounds. Activation in this affective region correlated negatively with hours of practice in life, as shown in Figure 1(a). This finding may support the idea that advanced levels of concentration are associated with a significant decrease in emotionally reactive behaviors that are incompatible with stability of concentration. Collectively, these findings support the view that attention is a trainable skill that can be enhanced through the mental practice of FA meditation. OM MEDITATION Another study [5] recently examined the idea that OM meditation decreases elaborative stimulus processing in a longitudinal study using scalprecorded brain potentials and performance in an attentional blink task. The consequence of decreased elaborative stimulus processing is that the subject is able to better attend moment-to-moment to the stream of stimuli to which they are exposed and less likely to â€Å"get stuck† on any one stimulus. The attentional blink phenomenon illustrates that the information processing capacity of the brain is limited. More specifically, when two targets T1 and T2, embedded in a rapid stream of events, are presented in close temporal proximity, the second target is often not seen. This deficit is believed to result from competition between the two targets for limited attentional resources, i. e. , when many resources are devoted to T1 processing, too few may be available for subsequent T2 processing. The study in [5] found that three months of intensive training in Vipassan? meditation (a common style of a OM meditation) reduced brain-resource allocation to the first target, as reflected in a smaller T1-elicited P3b, a brainpotential index of resource allocation. This is illustrated in Figure 1(b), which shows the reduction in P3b amplitude. In this figure, the scalp-recorded brain potentials from electrode Pz, time-locked to T1 onset as a function of T2 accuracy [detected (no-blink) vesus not detected (blink)], time (before or after three months), and group (practitioners versus novices) are shown. The scalp map shows electrode sites where this three-way interaction was significant between 420 and 440 ms. The reduction in brain-resource allocation to T1 was associated with a smaller attentional blink to T2, as shown in Figure 1(c). As participants were not engaged in formal meditation during task performance, these results provide support for the idea that one long-term effect of OM meditation may be reduction in the propensity to â€Å"get stuck† on a target as reflected in less elaborate stimulus processing and the development of efficient mechanisms to engage and then disengage from target stimuli in response to task demands. Previous studies [6] of high-amplitude pattern of gamma synchrony in expert meditators during an emotional version of OM meditation support the idea that the state of OM may be best understood in terms of a succession of dynamic global states. Compared to a group of novices, the adept practitioners self-induced higher amplitude sustained electroencephalography (EEG) gamma-band oscillations and long-distance phase synchrony, in particular over lateral fronto-parietal electrodes, while meditating. Importantly, this pattern of gamma oscillations was also sig- nificantly more pronounced in the baseline state of the long-term practitioners compared with controls, suggesting a transformation in the default mode of the practitioners as shown in Figure 1(g). Although the precise mechanisms are not clear, such synchronizations of oscillatory neural discharges may play a crucial role in the constitution of transient networks that integrate distributed neural processes into highly ordered cognitive and affective functions. An example of high-amplitude gamma activity during a form of OM meditation, nonreferential compassion meditation, in long-term Buddhist practitioners [6] is shown in Figure 1(d) and (e). The intra-individual analysis of the ratio of gamma to slow oscillations (4–13 Hz) averaged across all electrodes during compassion meditation is illustrated in Figure 1(f). The abscissa represents the subject numbers, the ordinate represents the difference in the mean ratio between the initial state and meditative state, and the black and red stars indicate that this increase is greater than two and three times, respectively, the baseline standard deviation. The significant interaction between group (practitioner, control) and state (initial baseline, ongoing baseline, and meditation state) for this ratio is shown in Figure 1(g). The relative gamma increase during meditation was higher in the postmeditation session. In the initial baseline, the relative gamma was already higher for the practitioners than the controls and correlated with the length of the long-term practitioners’ meditation training through life (adapted from [6]). SP CHALLENGES While SP has a unique opportunity to contribute to this novel effort to chart the manner in which the brain may be transformed through the mental practice of meditation, there are several associated challenges. Among these challenges are the characterization of different signatures of brain function that distinguish among different meditation practices, IEEE SIGNAL PROCESSING MAGAZINE [173] JANUARY 2008 [in the SPOTLIGHT] continued the parsing of variance in brain activity that may be due to changes in peripheral physiology such as respiration, and the simultaneous measurement of electrical and hemodynamic signals to harness the best temporal and spatial resolution possible. IMPACT ON BRAINCOMPUTER INTERFACES One of the interesting implications of the research on meditation and brain function is that meditation might help to reduce â€Å"neural noise† and so enhance signal-to-noise ratios in certain types of tasks. In contexts where brain-computer interfaces are being developed that are based upon electrical recordings of brain function, training in meditation may facilitate more rapid learning. This idea warrants systematic evaluation in the future. FUTURE WORK Ongoing and future work focuses on a few distinct directions. One of the crucial areas requiring attention is the characterization of changes in connectivity among the various brain circuits that are engaged by these practices. The development of new methods to probe different aspects of connectivity (both structural and functional) will be extremely valuable in furthering this line of inquiry. The goal of such work is to better understand how different circuits are integrated during meditation to produce the behavioral and mental changes that are said to occur as a result of such practices, including the promotion of increased well-being. AUTHORS Richard J. Davidson ([email  protected] edu) is a director and Antoine Lutz ([email  protected] edu) is an associate scientist, both with the Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, University of Wisconsin-Madison. REFERENCES [1] A. Berger, O. Kofman, U. Livneh, and A. Henik, â€Å"Multidisciplinary perspectives on attention and the development of self-regulation,† Prog. Neurobiol. , vol. 82, no. 5, pp. 256–286, 2007. [2] R. A. Poldrack, â€Å"Neural systems for perceptual skill learning,† Behav. Cognit. Neurosc. Rev. , vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 76–83, 2002. [3] A. Lutz, J. P. Dunne, and R. J. Davidson, â€Å"Meditation and the neuroscience of consciousness: An introduction,† in The Cambridge Handbook of Consciousness, P. D. Zelazo and E. Thompson, Eds. Cambridge, U. K. : Cambridge Univ. Press, in press. [4] J. A. Brefczynski-Lewis, A. Lutz, H. S. Schaefer, D. B. Levinson, and R. J. Davidson, â€Å"Neural correlates of attentional expertise in long-term meditation practitioners,† Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. , vol. 104, no. 7, pp. 11483–11488. [5] H. A. Slagter, A. Lutz, L. L. Greischar, A. D. Francis, S. Nieuwenhuis, J. M. Davis, and R. J. Davidson, â€Å"Mental training affects use of limited brain resources,† PLoS Biol. , vol. 5, no. 6, pp. e13800010008, 2007. [6] A. Lutz, L. Greischar, N. B. Rawlings, M. Ricard, and R. J. Davidson, â€Å"Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude synchrony during mental practice,† Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. , vol. 101, no. 46, pp. 16369–16373, 2004. [SP] I N D I A N A U N I V E R S I T Y †¢ P U R D U E U N I V E R S I T Y †¢ F O R T WAY N E FOUNDING DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION RESEARCH Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) Department of Engineering invites applications and nominations for the position of Founding Director of the Center of Excellence in Wireless Communication Research. Candidates must possess a recognized national reputation for research excellence in the field of wireless communication. Master’s degree required; possession of an earned doctorate in electrical engineering or its equivalent is highly desired. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong history of applied research, industry collaboration, and experience in Department of Defense-funded projects. The initial appointment will be for a period of three years with the option for subsequent renewal based upon performance. IPFW is a regional campus of both Indiana University and Purdue University and is the largest university in northeast Indiana. Serving more than 12,000 students and offering more than 180 degree options, IPFW is a comprehensive university with a strong tradition of service to and collaboration with the region. The Department of Engineering offers B. S. degrees in electrical, computer, civil, and mechanical engineering. The M. S. egree in engineering with concentrations in electrical, mechanical, computer, and systems engineering will be launched during the 2007-2008 school year. The department presently includes 16 full-time faculty members and has approximately 300 undergraduate students. The Founding Director of the Center of Excellence in Wireless Communication Research shall have the following responsibilities: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Establish the Center of Excellence in Wireless Communication Research, emphasizing the practical application of wireless technology for the needs of the regional defense industry. Expand collaboration with industry through sponsored research. Establish a wireless laboratory to support courses in wireless communication. Develop a series of undergraduate courses that would lead to an undergraduate certificate in wireless communication. Develop and teach courses for the Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) – electrical engineering concentration – that would lead to a graduate certificate in wireless communication. Develop and offer credit and non-credit professional development experiences for regional employees. Participate in IEEE 802. X standards development. Coordinate and host conferences on the application of wireless technology with an emphasis on defense applications and emerging commercial wireless technologies. This position offers a unique opportunity to build a Center of Excellence in Wireless Communication Research and to significantly expand industry-university collaborative research in the fields of wireless networks. IPFW offers a competitive salary and benefits package and an excellent work environment. Fort Wayne is the second largest city in Indiana and is located within several hours of Chicago, Columbus, Cincinnati, Detroit, and Indianapolis. It boasts affordable housing, a low cost of living and a safe environment in which to raise a family. The region is home to seven major defense contractors employing over 1,800 engineers working in the fields of wireless communication, sensor networks, C4, network-centric systems, and defense products. Applicants with extensive industrial rather than university career experience will be given serious consideration and are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates demonstrating extensive contact networks within the business and governmental sectors will be preferred. To apply for this position, please visit our Web site at www. ipfw. obs. Applicants should submit a cover letter addressing wireless communication and DoD knowledge and experience, resume/vita, statement of research and teaching experience, and the names and contact information for at least three references. The committee will begin review of applications immediately and the search will remain open until the position is fi lled. For additional information regarding IPFW and the Department of Engineering please visit the Web sites at: www. engr. ipfw. edu and www. ipfw. edu. ,3): LV DQ (TXDO 2SSRUWXQLW(TXDO $FFHVV$IILUPDWLYH $FWLRQ (PSORHU IEEE SIGNAL PROCESSING MAGAZINE [174] JANUARY 2008

The Host Prologue: Inserted

The Healer's name was Fords Deep Waters. Because he was a soul, by nature he was all things good: compassionate, patient, honest, virtuous, and full of love. Anxiety was an unusual emotion for Fords Deep Water. Irritation was even rarer. However, because Fords Deep Water lived inside a human body, irritation was sometimes inescapable. As the whispers of the Healing students buzzed in the far corner of the operation room, his lips pressed together into a tight line. The expression felt out of place on a mouth more often given to smiling. Darren, his regular assistant, saw the grimace and patted his shoulder. â€Å"They're just curious, Fords,† he said quietly. â€Å"An insertion is hardly an interesting or challenging procedure.† â€Å"Any soul on the street could perform it in an emergency. There is nothing for them to learn by observing today.† Fords was surprised to hear the sharp edge marring his normally soothing voice. â€Å"They've never seen a grown human before,† Darren said. Fords raised one eyebrow. â€Å"Are they blind to each other's faces? Do they not have mirrors?† â€Å"You know what I mean ?C a wild human. Still soulless. One of the insurgents.† Fords looked at the girl's unconscious body, laid out facedown on the operating table. Pity swelled in his heart as he remembered the condition the poor, broken body had been in when the Seekers had brought her to the Heeling facility. Such pain she'd endured Of course she was perfect now ?C completely healed. Fords had seen to that. â€Å"She looks the same as any of us,† Fords murmured to Darren. â€Å"We all have human faces. And when she wakes up, she will be one of us, too.† â€Å"It's just exiting for them, that's all.† â€Å"The soul we implant today deserves more respect then to have her host body gawked at this way. She'll already have far too much to deal with as she acclimates.† â€Å"It's not fair to put her through this.† Bythis, he did not mean the gawking. Fords heard the sharp edge return to his voice. Darren patted him again. â€Å"It will be fine. The Seekers needs information and-â€Å" At the wordSeeker, Fords gave Darren a look that could only be described as a glare. Darren blinked in shock. â€Å"I'm sorry,† Fords apologized at once. â€Å"I didn't mean to react so negatively. It's just that I fear for this soul.† His eyes moved to the cryotank on its stand beside the table. The light was a steady, dull read, indicating that it was occupied and in hibernation mode. â€Å"This soul was specially picked for the assignment,† Darren said soothingly. â€Å"She is exceptional among our kind ?C braver than most. Her lives speak for themselves. I think she would volunteer, if it was possible to ask her.† â€Å"Who among us would not volunteer if we were asked to do something for the greater good? But is that really the case here? Is the greater good served by this?† â€Å"The question is not her willingness, but what it is right to ask any soul to bear.† The Healing students were discussing the hibernating soul as well. Fords could hear the whispers clearly: their voices was rising now, getting louder with their excitement. â€Å"She's lived on six planets.† â€Å"I heard seven.† â€Å"I heard she never lived two terms as the same host species.† â€Å"Is that possible?† â€Å"She's been almost everything. A Flower, a Bear, a Spider-â€Å" â€Å"A See Weed, a Bat-â€Å" â€Å"Even a Dragon!† â€Å"I don't believe it ?C not seven planets.† â€Å"At least seven. She started at the Orgin.† â€Å"Really? The Orgin?† â€Å"Quiet, please!† Fords interrupted. â€Å"If you cannot observe professionally and silently, then I will have to ask you to remove yourselves.† Abashed, the six students fell silent and edged away from another. â€Å"Let's go on with this, Darren.† Everything was prepared. The appropriate medicines were laid our beside The human girl. Her long dark hair was secured beneath a surgical cap, exposing her slender neck. Deeply sedated, she breathed slowly in and out. Her sun-browned skin had barely a mark to show for her accident. â€Å"Begin thaw sequence now, please, Darren.† The gray-haired assistant was already waiting beside the cryotank, his hand resting on the dial. He flipped the safety back and spun down the dial. The red light atop the small gray cylinder began to pulse, flashing faster as the seconds passed, changing color. Fords concentrated on the unconscious body: he edged the scalpel through the skin at the base of the subject's skull with small, precise movements, and then sprayed the medication that stilled the excess flow of blood before he widened the fissure. Fords delved delicately beneath the neck muscles, careful not to injure them, exposing the pale bones at the top of the spinal column. â€Å"The soul is ready, Fords,† Darren informed him. â€Å"So am I. Bring her.† Fords felt Darren at his elbow and knew without looking that his assistant would be prepared, his hand stretched out and waiting; they had worked together for many years now. Fords held the gap open. â€Å"Send her home,† he whispered. Darren's hand moved into view, the silver gleam of an awaking soul in his palm. Fords never saw an exposed soul without being struck by the beauty of it. The soul shone in the brilliant lights of the operating room, brighter than the reflective silver instrument in his hand. Like a living ribbon, she twisted and rippled, stretching, happy to be free of the cryotank. Her thin, feathery attachments, nearly a thousand of them, billowed softly like pale silver hair. Though they were all lovely, this one seemed particularly graceful to Fords Deep Waters. He was not alone in his reaction. He heard Darren's soft sigh, heard the admiring murmurs of the students. Gently, Darren placed the small glistening creature inside the opening Fords had made in the human's neck. The soul slid smoothly into the offered space, weaving herself into the alien anatomy. Fords admired the skill with which she possessed her new home. Her attachments wound tightly into place around the nerve centers, some elongating and reaching deeper to where he couldn't see, under and up into the brain, the optic nerves, the ear canals. She was very quick, very firm in her movements. Soon, only one small segment of her glistening body was visible. â€Å"Well done,† he whispered to her, knowing that she could not hear him. The human girl was the one with ears, and she slept soundly. It was a routine matter to finish the job. He cleaned and healed the wound, applied the salve that sealed the incision closed behind the soul, and then brushed the scar-softening powder across the line left on her neck. â€Å"Perfect, as usual,† said the assistant, who, for some reason unfathomable to Fords, had never made a change from his human host's name, Darren. Fords sighted. â€Å"I regret this day's work.† â€Å"You're only doing your duty as a Healer.† â€Å"This is the rare occasion when Healing creates an injury.† Darren began to clean up the workstation. He didn't seem to know how to answer. Fords was filling his Calling. That was enough for Darren. But not enough for Fords Deep Waters, who was a true Healer to the core of his being. He gazed anxiously at the human female's body, peaceful in slumber, knowing that this peace would be shattered as soon as she awoke. All the horror of this young girl's end would be borne by the innocent soul he'd just placed inside her. As he leaned over the human and whispered in her ear, Fords wished fervently that the soul inside could hear him now. â€Å"Good luck, little wanderer, good luck. How I wish you didn't need it.†