Pigs cant fly

Thesis: Life is about making decisions and creating an identity for oneself and yet at times decisions are made for one that would forever impact one's life, and one's sense of identity in ways that would cause us to question between one's personal desire and choosing to conform. Individuality is something that seems to be encouraged by many around the globe. Creating a sense of unique identity is something all humans will unconsciously do.Many would argue that individuality and identity go hand in hand and are something all people have the right to. In the short story Pigs Can't Fly by Shyam Selvadurai we egin to learn how certain identities aren't accepted as much as others are. Selvadurai describes the life of a young boy by the name of Arlie which isn't quite the same as the other boys in his family. ame as the other boys in his family. Thesis: Life is about making decisions and creating an identity for oneself and yet at times decisions are made for one that would forever impact one's life, and one's sense of identity in ways that would cause us to question between one's personal desire and choosing to conform. would torever impact one's lite, and one's sense ot identity in ways that would cause

A Day Without Media Essay

In the book â€Å"Amusing Ourselves to Death† the idea that immersion in what we love will lead to our end is presented and analyzed. After reading this book I took it upon myself, as part of a class assignment, to go 24 hours without media. Initially I believed that this would be an easy task but found that as a whole we are surrounded by media in every instance of our lives. From car rides, to simply walking around my house I had to be observant to avoid media that would reset my 24 hour time frame. In Postman’s book, â€Å"Amusing Ourselves to Death†, he reflects on how the television brings families to the same room but creates separation between them. In my time without media I spent two meals with my family (a lunch and dinner). At both of these gatherings my family talked much more than we usually did. While watching television we would â€Å"shush† each other to hear the show, but without it we discussed school, politics, and controversies such as legalizing weed. Looking back at this I see Postman’s point. We become so focused on the story folding out in front of us that we block out each other in the process. I also noticed the same effect when I was driving with my grandfather that night. He needed to deliver a present to family and I needed driving hours, so I drove the hour and a half drive. I wasn’t allowed to touch the radio because of my media break so we talked for that time. I found out that my close grandfather, whom I see five times a week, has severe ankle problem and was going to get treatment later that week. I like to think I’m close to my family, but this occurring without me even knowing about it struck a chord in me. How much do we really know about our loved ones? What simply hasn’t come up because we spend our time learning about the new celebrity fads or who wore what where? As I’m sitting here listening to the radio while writing this I have to reflect on Postman’s thoughts of how intertwined our world is with media. As he put it, President Taft wouldn’t have been voted into office in today’s world because less people would vote for someone that overweight. By this Postman means to point out how media has touch our lives. Not being able to use my cell phone to call people or watch the news on television, shrunk my  world to what I could see, hear, and touch around me. I spent most of my time in my room reading books to pass the time, and when I did leave my room I only saw my family room, kitchen, and a little outside. We rely on television, radio, and other media to bring us information. But, what is never a given is that the information sources we depend on aren’t biased. When opinions disguised as â€Å"facts† are viewed without any analysis and taken at face value, we are only creating sue do opinions that aren’t even ours. This influence in our lives not only emphasizes rifts in ideals, but also can give groups the power to falsify information and mislead others. Maybe we are not simply â€Å"Amusing Ourselves to Death† but Amusing Ourselves to the Death of Ourselves. When I was in middle school up till eighth grade I had a friend who used to watch BBC all the time as a child. I remember asking him about his speech patterns, and him telling me that he even used to have a British accent! I can also relate to these thoughts. When I was smaller I used to speak using syntax that wasn’t very normal. This was because I used to be very sheltered and not get out much. Sesame Street was one of my favorites as a child. Communication skills have to be developed like anything else, with practice. When I wasn’t exposed to people talking casually, I developed a way of speaking that didn’t fit with the people around me. This is a prime example of Postman’s point. We as a new generation can’t communicate like we should be able to. Technology has stripped us of that. When most kids get don’t know what to say next in a situation, the check their phones. This is a good example of our reliance on media and technology and show s our subconscious dependence on these devices. When you turn to your television tonight who or what do you see? What do you learn? What human interaction do you participate in? Postman mentions in his book how through television we learn to interact with people. But, these people we learn how to interact with don’t act like real humans do. They are actors, their body movements and word phrasing has been planned out and set step by step for them. This means that those actors we learn to interact with, and habits we gain don’t help us to talk to people face to face. While  breaking from media I thought about this at a point. In summary I believe the time I spent without media allowed me to see through Postman’s lens. The thought that the media we love so dearly is slowly destroying us may seem preposterous at first, but when further analyzed has ground to stand on. We gain social skills, news, opinions, bias, and a central meeting place for a family from media. Are these good or bad? Does this media influence our life to the point that it is the main factor we all cling to? We have to guard ourselves against the negative effects of this technology so we are not used. That doesn’t mean we cut ourselves off from it completely. If we do that than we are shrinking our world view to that which we can see ourselves. Like everything else in life we must take new media in proportion, with a clear mind. If so we may be able to avoid â€Å"Amusing Ourselves to Death†.

Unit II Solid Waste Impact Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Unit II Solid Waste Impact - Essay Example Solid materials such as home appliances will be collected and set aside from recycling (U.S Environmental Protection Agency, 2014). The municipal council’s landfill needs to be located in an area with less human and industrial activity. A confined area near the edge of the national park is the best option for establishing the landfill. This is because there is less human activity in that area, and so there will be less air pollution. The area will be fenced off from wild animals that may wander into the landfill and feed on the waste materials and far away from a water source (National Park Service, 2014). During my survey I learnt that during the weekdays very few people visit the national park. The number increases on the weekends when people are resting. The municipal council decided that the landfill will operate only on weekdays when there is less human activity around the

Global Politcal economy - To what extent can free trade be viewed as Essay

Global Politcal economy - To what extent can free trade be viewed as beneficial to economic development Use specific examples to support your answer - Essay Example World Trade Organizations (WTO) , European Commission, US Trade Representative and Fronning, 2005 are all conclusive that countries derive benefits. Free trade encourages growth and jobs since lowering trade barriers is good for employment. However, it is noted that as trade expands ,some jobs are lost because of technology and competition from imports. In terms of job creation, EU Commission calculates that the creation of its single market meant 300,000 to 900,000 jobs to be created. Job prospects are enhanced in companies involved in trade. WTO reports 12 million people in the United States owe their jobs to exports; 1.3 million well paying jobs were created between 1994 and 1998. In Mexico, best jobs are those related to export activities, workers of sectors that export 60 percent of its production or more are paid 39% higher than the rest in the economy and those working in in-bond assembly plants are paid 3.5 times the Mexican minimum wage. Free trade brings competence in the system. It helps cut costs because of rules involved. For instance, when there is no free trade, different tariffs and duties are imposed; and if you were an importer of parts for your own production, it would be difficult to calculate different tariff rates charged on imports, thus buying would be very difficult. So in this aspect, free trade brings simplification and standardization of procedures, transparency, and increased certainty on trading conditions. Free trade discourages lobbying in the sense that governments are protected from lobbying of interest groups. For instance when a pressure group asks for protectionism, government can safely reject it on the basis of free trade agreements. Free trade encourages good governance since the rule reduces opportunities for corruption. Take for example quota system as a trade barrier. The quota system is the allocation of a specific amount for import or export. This system is prone to corruption because it

Information Management and a Business Environment Research Paper

Information Management and a Business Environment - Research Paper Example Ciena Corporation was founded in 1992, listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange (symbol CIEN) in 1997, and included in the S&P 500 market index in 2001. The company is headquartered in Linthicum, State of Maryland, USA, with offices located all over the US and Canada as well as Europe and Asia, totalling approximately 1500 employees. Ciena’s founding mission was to design, manufacture and sell optical transport and switching equipment. The company pioneered DWDM technology and became a world leader in the space. Following four acquisitions since 2003 and several key technology partnerships, Ciena deliberately augmented its portfolio to address the network applications with the most business value to its customers. My role as Human Resources Generalist for EMEA incorporates recruitment for the region as well as providing a fully supportive Human Resource/personnel function. There is a great need for effective Information Management within a business environment. The prime focus of the fieldwork was, therefore, the Travel Agent outlet, using a methodology designed to learn through interviews with counter staff what role the use of view data links to Tour Operators played in the servicing of customers (Feeny D. F., and Brownlee C. G. (2001). Subsequent interviews took place with management representatives of leading Tour Operators to elicit the role they saw for systems links to travel agents, and how it related to their overall strategy for competing in the industry. HR representatives interviewed were presented with a standard customer set and asked to explain how they would respond to each customer type.

Loss of Biodiversity Due to Pollution Research Paper

Loss of Biodiversity Due to Pollution - Research Paper Example The Gulf of Mexico is opulent in biodiversity and exceptional habitats, and hosts the solitary recognized nesting shoreline of Kemp’s Ridley, the world’s rare sea turtle. It has an interesting circulation array which stretches it organic and socioeconomic significance; water from the Caribbean come into commencing the south over the Yucatan Channel amid Cuba and Mexico and, after warming up in the basin, goes out over the northern Florida Canal amid the United States and Cuba to produce the Gulf River in the North Atlantic that assists to standardize the macroclimate of the western Europe. Creeks and bays are public along Gulf seashores with other reefs, sea grasses, and coastal wetlands, principally Spartina alterniflora, usual in the north, and certain oyster’s ridges, native to national sea greenswards, and mangrove forests in the south. Off shore, coral ridges are conjoint in several areas in the southern Gulf, alongside northwest Cuba, beside Florida Keys, and one district off Texas. Creatures that call Gulf of Mexico home vary from infinitesimal to gigantic. (Day, 2013). Gulf Oil Spill Gulf oil spill is acknowledged as the nastiest spill in the account of United States. Inhabitants from the Gulf of Mexico echo that, tallies of fish, mantra rays, sharks, dolphins and sea turtles are escaping the spirals of oil and cleaners to the trivial waters off the coasts of Alabama and Florida. Marine biologists suggest that these animals feel the adjustment in water chemistry and attempt to drip the polluted water dead zones by swimming in the direction of the oxygen rich shallows (National Research Council, 2012). Immediate Impact Under normal Gulf season, death is expected during laying and nesting period (Marion, 2011). The oil spills instantaneously endangered brown pelican, the egrets, the laughing gulls and other shore and migrant birds, beached with greased fuzz as they strained to rear their young nestlings. Their fledglings faced and still face an indeterminate future, as they begin their expedition on infested water. Dead and vanishing sea creatures still attempt to leak from the oxygen depreciated water, because of methane gas from the oil, which depletes oxygen at a very high speed, as illustrated in the pictures below (Benn & Bolton, 2011). Physical Effects Physical effects comprise of demise by asphyxia, with oil hindering air openings or gills. By numbing sensual organs, oil upsets creatures’ ability to discover food or sense predators. Many birds and other inhabitants succumbed to death as a consequence of hypothermia, bec ause oil led to lessening of the protecting effect of plumages and fur. Since the oil spill, crabs have been documented hiking out of water, as a toxic gleam approaches the shoreline. During morning hours, they are observed floating stomach up in the water, in a bid to get more oxygen. Nevertheless, the air they inhale is loaded with chemicals blowing up from the water (National Research Council, 2012). Impact of the oil spill on coral reefs presents unique physical conditions. This is because healthy coral reefs are amongst the most organically assorted and economically treasured ecologies on earth, providing vital ecosystem services. They are a foundation of nourishment for millions, guard seashores from storms and corrosion, offer habitation, procreating and nursery lands for economically essential fish species, offer businesses and revenue to local economies from angling, leisure, and tourism, are a basis of treatments, and hotspots for aquatic multiplicity. Immediate spill resu lted to death of some corals, leading to subsequent smothering and sinking of them. Over time, reduction of photosynthesis, development and reproduction has been documented. Regardless of this, the extent of coral reef damage unswervingly attributable to the Gulf Spill has remained unusually minor (Marion, 2011). Toxic effects Skin ulcerations, destruction to the spleen, liver, lungs and

Why I want to be an electrical engineer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Why I want to be an electrical engineer - Essay Example Ever since my childhood, I have only admired a particular field, engineering. My aspiration for this field is driven by the passion of being like some identified engineers in my society who are perceived to be doing well in life. This has accorded them all the respect they deserve. Similarly, performing well in the core subjects for electrical engineering course has been my driving force into the discipline. Why I want to be an electrical engineer Electrical engineering is a branch of engineering science that involves designing of devices, and connection and maintenance of current flows to ensure that the machines run properly. It is a broad field that also involves proper use of mathematical and physics techniques as well as the study of current flows. The field is divided into two main areas of study that an individual can specialize in, the heavy current part that involves the study of devices such as transformers and the light current which involves the study of current flows by the use of computers. Electrical engineering profession therefore allows one to choose a line of specialization because it has a variety of sub branches. Though it can majorly be subdivided into two branches, heavy current and the light current, it has a wider micro scope that includes â€Å"communication and signal processing, power electronics, electromagnetic and digital systems† among others (Ipfw, p. 1).

What are the main data collection techniques to elicit requirements Is Essay

What are the main data collection techniques to elicit requirements Is one better than another What is the preferred method - Essay Example Basically, there are two types of interview: structured and unstructured interview based data collection methods. We can extract a lot of useful data through such interviews. We can use this technique to discover people’s opinions, feelings, objectives and hard facts. However, there are certain limitations of this method, for example a large amount of qualitative data can be hard to analyze and it is extremely difficult to compare diverse respondents (Fisher & Foreit, 2002; Summerhill & Taylor, 1992). This is a significant data collection technique to elicit requirements. This method allows us to collect data and information quickly a large number of people. Here we are able to easily manage this process remotely. This can also offer a great deal of support for collecting data about beliefs, attitudes and characteristics. However, there are also certain problems with this method like that its simplistic (presupposed) categories offer a very small background. Here we also have no room for users to communicate their real requirements (Fisher & Foreit, 2002; Summerhill & Taylor, 1992). This data collection technique to elicit requirements is used for summarization as well as feedback. Here we are able to discuss the outcome of the data collection stage. This method also allows us to extract a set of requirements. We can use this data collection technique as a significant management tool. However, the scope of this technique is very limited (depends on the discussion) (Fisher & Foreit, 2002; Summerhill & Taylor, 1992). This data collection technique to elicit requirements is based on the brainstorming and project team. This technique allows us to make use of more natural communication between people as compared to a formal interview. In this scenario, we are able to measure reaction to motivation materials (for example: storyboards, mock-ups, etc.). This method has also some disadvantages for instance it is can create unnatural

Political Regime and Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Political Regime and Business - Essay Example By an examination of the political regime, one can therefore make the decision to invest or not to invest in a given country. Most countries often have political regimes that are different and diverse in their ideologies and in their practices. An example of two countries with different ideologies is the United States and China. Given the different ideologies in the two countries, the business environment in the two countries is likely to be very different. The changes in the political environment of a given country usually have an impact on the business environment of the country. A stable political regime often means that there will be less tension which will in turn create a positive business environment. The stable political regime also means that it will be easier to start up a business in this environment. The two governments (the Chinese government and the United States government) usually put in place different ideologies that have different impacts on the business environmen t as will be discussed in the paper (Collins and Block, 2007, p. 130). The term political ideology refers to the set of beliefs and ideals that seek to explain or direct how the society should work and how power should be allocated to the different sectors of the society. A political ideology is therefore a collection of ideas and thoughts on how the society and the different sectors of the society should function and on how best to achieve this ideal functioning of the society. The differences in ideologies followed therefore form the basis of the differences in political regimes. In most political regimes, the old policies that have proved to be ineffective are often replaced by newer policies in an attempt to improve the situation. The political regime of a given country usually has a direct impact on the practices that will be followed in the country which will in turn affect the business. This effect is usually felt in the types of employment contract that are in place in a giv en country which affect the way that a business hires and treats its employees. The effect is also felt in the human rights treatment which affects the environment under which the business is expected to operate. The political regime in the United States is characterised by a mixture of liberalism and a high level of individualism in their practices. There is also a high emphasis on individual rights and liberties which translates even in the business environment in the country. The country was founded on the principles of democratic republic. At present, the major political parties in the country are the Republican and the Democratic parties. The democratic situation in the United States encourages private ownership of property (Jennings 2010, p. 69). The United States also adopts a free market policy. This means that the prices and other market conditions are regulated by the laws and forces of demand and supply. The government does not interfere with the means of production, and these means are controlled by the private citizens. In this free market, the prices of commodities in this market are as a result of voluntary transactions as opposed to being subjected to government control. Such a policy opens room for competition among various entities. The liberalised government system of the United States presents prospective businesses

Comparing poems Essay Example for Free

Comparing poems Essay In this essay I am going to compare the way the theme of racism is dealt with in the poems Half caste and nothings changed. I will analyse the poems and then compare them. The things I will be comparing are the similarities and differences, the layout and also the use of language. I will be looking at both of the authors Tatamkhula Africa (Nothings Changed) and John Agard (Half caste) intentions and then decide which one of the poems I think is most effective. I am going to begin with a comparison of the purposes of the two poems. Nothings changed is about a black man looking back at his childhood and realising that nothings changed, he is upset about this as although segregation is said to have gone, he feels as if it is the same as before. Half-caste is about a mixed race man who is asking for an explanation for why they are treated like half a person. He refuses to be called half-caste as he finds it offensive. In both of these poems, the writer is dealing with the issues of racism. The two writers are expressing their anger and want the readers to take notice of how they feel. The two writers both use repetition throughout the poem. Tatamkhula used the phrase nothings changed as both the title and the ending of the poem, this emphasises the fact that his whole poem is based on the fact that he feels that nothing has changed in his life, mainly on the aspect of the way black people are treated. John repeats explain yuslef a number of times throughout the poem, he says this because his main aim of the poem is for people to explain themselves. These both are examples of repetition used by the writers to emphasise on their point that they want to get out by writing their poem. The two writers have a completely different style of writing. In nothings changed the writer uses standard use of English as he is happy to write this way. On the other hand the writer of half caste writes the words in slang. Clearly he wants to show the reader that he is what he is and is not going to change for anyone.  Tatamkhula compares a black person like himself to an amiable weed, he is doing this as he feels that both black people and amiable weeds are not cared for. Also he believes they are not wanted. He then later compares a white person to the opposite, a red rose, this maybe because he thinks that a lot of care is taken into caring for a red rose and also the white people. Here Tatamkhula expresses himself through metaphors and he does so continuously throughout the poem. Johns use of language happens to be really strong. He shows straight away that he is extremely angry. An example of this is that he said could have said you can come back tomorrow and listen my other half of my story if you want, however instead he demands the reader yu must come back tomorrow. The must emphasises that the writer is serious.  Both of these writers use different type of writing to express the way they feel. Tatamkhula effectively uses metaphors to compare what he feels like and what other people are being treated as. Johns strong use of language makes his poem more effective as he is showing exactly how he feels in the first instant. Both writers intentions are similar. They both want the reader to think about and understand what they are going through. They want these problems of racism to stop. Tatamkhula writes about what he sees and feels. An example of this is when writes I press my nose to the dear panes. Here he is on the other side of the glass from were the white people are sitting. This shows that he is separated from the people. He expresses that although segregation has said to be gone, it is still there. He can see the white people through the glass, however the glass is like a border where he can not pass only because of his colour. John Agard throughout the poem is writing as if he is speaking to the reader. It seems as if he is having a conversation with the reader, excuse me, I believe that this makes it more interesting, and also encourages the reader to take it more seriously.  He often uses the term half-caste to outsmart people who use this term. Although he uses slang he shows that he is aware of the things going an around the world. He says yu mean when Picasso mix red an green is a half-caste canvas. This is an example of him having good knowledge and yet outsmarting the term half-caste. Here he is arguing that if Picassos paintings can be a mixture of red and green, why cant he be a mixture of races without being treated as half of a person. Tatamkhula explains how they are treated differently with the example of their food. At the whites only inn there is crushed ice, linen falls these both show expense and luxury items. He then compares this with what he is used to which is bunny chows and plastic table tops This clearly shows that this is not an expensive place, yet more shows it is a cheap place. He then adds further Wipe your fingers on your jeans this shows that he is used to doing this, and yet is proud of doing it. He is not ashamed to express the way he is living and feeling. Both writers express their anger continuously through out the poem. They obviously want things to change, and want to be treated equally as everyone else. They express there feelings in form of a poem which they want people to take notice of, and maybe if they are the ones who are causing or doing something to make them feel like this, they would want them to stop instantly.  In my opinion I strongly believe that Nothings changed is far more effective. I think this because it expresses more how he feels and what he is going through. Although Half-Caste also expresses the writers feelings it is not as effective. This may be because Tatumkhula uses many examples of what he feels like and how he is treated differently.

Principles of Motivational Interviewing

Principles of Motivational Interviewing Motivational Interviewing Assignment Introduction: For the purpose of this assignement this student will identify 4 principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI) based on Miller and Rollnick’s (2002a) skilful clinical method of communication, comparing and contrasting these principles with the Digial Recording from my Laboratory work, concluding with the contribution that MI has made to the provision of nursing practice. What is Motivational Interviewing: The World Health Organisation (WHO) clearly identified Health Promotion as â€Å"†¦ the process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve, their health†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (WHO 1986), however, there have been â€Å"feelings of frustration† recorded from primary health care workers (HCW) when interacting with patients in relation to making healthy lifestyle changes. This has been attributed in part, due to a lack of motivation in patients and therefore the patient may be adverse to change (Percival, 2013). Miller Rollnick (2002b) hope that HCW by using a collaboration of MI techniques may bring about positive change within a patient, by promoting their hopes and aspirations for the future, drawing on their tangible strengths and using motivation as the mechanism to achieve this change. Indeed, Miller and Rollnick (2002c) defined MI as: â€Å"It is a collaborative, not a prescriptive, approach, in which the counsellor evokes the person’s own intrinsic motivation and resources for change.† Principles of Motivational Interviewing: Miller Rollnick in 2002 identified a number of guiding principles for MI; expressing empathy, develop discrepancy, roll with resistance and support self-efficacy, further reviewed by Rollnick et al. (2008) and expressed using the acronym RULE: Resist the righting reflex, Understanding person’s motivation, Listen with empathy and Empower the person. To achieve success in MI using these principles, there are certain skills that must be utilised in a positive and effective outcome, for instance asking open questions, affirming the strengths of the patient and reflecting back or summing up what you have heard. Assess and critique of digital recording using identified principles: Resist the Righting Reflex: A natural and automatic reaction of the HCP is to make things â€Å"right† by fixing a problem, this stems from their training and experience in healthcare. Through the role play I feel that I spent too long trying to redirect the patient back to the topic of smoking, wanted to right the situation and I wouldn’t take verbal and nonverbal cues that the patient did not want to talk about smoking at that given time, it seemed to me that she had a greater desire to vent her feelings about her current marital situation including the recent infidelity, from a biopsychosocial perspective this was central to her recovery, and yet I returned on a number of occasions to the question of smoking albeit in a covert manner. The patient was in a state of pre-contemplation (Prochaska and DiClemente 1986), whereby she didn’t want to engage in any confrontational situation, believing that she did not need to change her habits regarding smoking, upon reflection the patient appeared pressured to into accepting change which further exacerbated her lack of desire to change. It appears that there was an increase in persistent resistance from the patient, which was as a direct outcome of me reverting back to the issue of smoking, therefore it is probable to say that in this scenario as a result of my desire to â€Å"right† the situation, I in fact made it worse, creating an underlying tension which was not beneficial for the patient’s recovery. I feel that a better approach would have been to gently broach the subject, with an understanding and acceptance that this was not the right time to discuss smoking cessation as the patient had other ongoing stressors. If by looking at and talking with the patient about her current biopsychosocial and socioecological stressors, I may have developed greater insight into what exactly may motivate this patient, therefore giving me clearer collateral to help develop my objective of discussing smoking cessation. Exploring and understanding the individual’s motivation: The patients own motives for change are more often than not prone to initiating change, however, in this scenario there was no indication that the patient was voicing any indicators that they wanted to change their smoking habbit, yes, she had mentioned that she had given up in the past and though I tried to develop that area it was met with resistence. Instead of trying to reason why this person isn’t motivated, I should have looked at what it is exactly that motivates her, irrespective of her current situation. There was scope to develop this as the patient showed great concern for her children, a key discrepancy in her concerns and her current smoking habit, this is a focal point that I should and could have developed further. In her current situation the patients confidence appeared to be extremely low, however I could have measured a true subjective rating in her confidence level by asking her a simple rating question â€Å"to rate from 0-10 how ready are you†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . This would have given me a springboard on which to probe for further motivational factors. Again by asking simple open ended questions such as: â€Å"what do you want to achieve? or how important is this for you?† it would have given greater insight into what motivates the patient by denoting what their goals are. As such, my focus was to talk about smoking cessation and unfortunately I didn’t pay much attention to signals; identifying what interests and concerns the patient was currently experiencing. There were small marked areas of ambivalence, which some (Mill Red 2008) regard as normal in MI and it was apparent at this time that the cons to giving up smoking outweighed the pros thus the patient appears to be somewhat unmotivated. Listening with empathy Empathy entails the HCP to listen to and engage with the patient in a non-judgmental manner. I expressed an understanding of how personal this experience was for the patient asking them to focus on their own issues and recovery, it could have been very easy for me to have been blasà © about the circumstances leading up to the admission, accepting what the patient was telling me in a non judgmental way. Giving a summary reflection, I paraphrased what the patient had told be asking for affirmation that I had an understanding of the current situation, which helped me to contextualise and use the patients own frame of reference. I listened for ‘change talk†, but couldn’t identify any desire, ability, reasons, need, commitment or taking steps towards instigating change, therefore the patient may not have been ready to engage in MI, however, it was a brief encounter of 5 minutes, giving me good insight into the patients current situation. The patient may not have been able to articulate their true convictions because of fear, lack of cognizance or increased anx iety due to her physical ill health and also the far reaching impact of her partner’s infidelity. Upon reflection my opening of â€Å"tell me about your problem† was poor and should have been more open and empathetic could have been more, I should have used â€Å"tell me about it† I felt that I displayed some very good attributes to listening empathetically; my body language and posture were open, engaging and receptive. I was non-confrontational or judgemental and verbally exhibited this through an appropriate use of tone and pitch, however, as mentioned earlier, I missed some important cues and felt that I didn’t ‘roll with resistance’, though it must be noted that working in a psychiatric environment there are less time constraints and more opportunities to develop an augmented MI working relationship with a patient. Empower the patient: Erickson et al. (2005) deemed that a person can increase their belief in the probability of change based on their ‘past successes’, so by focusing on the patient’s strengths and allowing them to achieve their own goal(s) the HCP can give the responsibility, ownership and control of choices back to the patient. It is within this stage that the HCP has to be a facilitator and motivator to the patient. Again the use of ‘scale questions’ can be very beneficial to the patient allowing them to rate how they perceive their situation allowing them to focus on their skills and strengths. As with all interventions in nursing, the skillset is with the clinician and MI can only work effectively if used correctly. Throughout the role play there were a number of positive example of where I was empowering the patient, starting with â€Å"I am not hear to lecture or preach to you, just to talk to you†¦Ã¢â‚¬  this I felt set expectations with the patient though it could have been more specific to smoking cessation. Focusing on strengths and positives; I asked â€Å"what did you do before to give†¦Ã¢â‚¬  showing the patient that they have succeeded in stopping smoking in the past. The patient expressed concerns about intrinsic family issues, though acknowledging that these are important, I advised the patient to focus and ‘concentrate on themselves in the here and now’. There were a number of pitfalls that I should have avoided such as using technical terms ‘psychosocial/biopsychosocial’ as the patient may not have understood what I meant, I should have kept it short and simple, mirroring the language used by the patient. Another area that should have been avoided was when I asked â€Å"when did you start smoking again? I know you don’t want to talk about it but..† as I feel that this reaffirmed a negative with the patient, contrasting strongly with the strengths and positives previously identified. Patients’ own arguments for change can be more persuasive than any arguments that an HCP may put forward, but it must be noted. Concentrate on the here and now†¦ It is fundamental that the HCP engages with the client in an open, non-confrontational manner with the HCP not falling into the trap of being the expert trying to assess the patient, apportioning blame or having preconceived ideas/beliefs regarding the patient. Conclusion: The Contribution that MI has mad to Nursing Practice. MI by the virtue of its patient centredness, MI affords itself to be used in a wide array of clinical settings through the use of interpersonal relationship (Rollnick and Miller 1995) allowing healthcare providers to be at one with the patient (Sobell Sobell 1993). There have been, in excess of 200 Randomised clinical trials validating the efficacy of MI in a wider cohort of nursing interventions (REF). It appears from the research that there are more studies needed to validate the true clinical efficacy of MI, however, MI has been used successfully in a multiplicity of settings from from smoking/alcohol cessation, improved efficacy in medication adherence, clients with Cancer (Thomas et al. 2012) HIV, weight management, indeed MI could and should be used all encounters between HCP and patients. The UK’s National Health Servce is rolling out a programme through all sectors about making every encounter count† which has its basis in MI. The WHO actively encourages the use of MI for those working on a quit lines when used in combination with theoretical approaches (WHO, 2014). Talking therapies have been complimented by the symbiotic use of MI in the promotion of health and as such must be embraced across all segments of the health sector, affording self-efficacy in positive outcomes for the patient. References: Mill Red 2008) Erickson, S. J.,Gerstle, M., Feldstein, S.W. (2005). Brief interventions and motivational interviewing with children, adolescents and their parents in paediatric health care settings. Archives of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, 159, 1173–1180 Miller, W. R. (1983). Motivational interviewing with problem drinkers. Behavioural Psychotherapy, 11, 147–172. Miller W.R. (1995) Motivational Enhancement Therapy with Drug Abusers http://motivationalinterview.org/Documents/METDrugAbuse.PDF(Accessed 13/10/2014) Miller W, Rollnick S (2010) What’s New Since MI-2, 2’nd International Conference on Motivational Interviewing, Stockholm, Sweden. (Last accessed: 14/10/2014) http://www.motivationalinterview.org/Documents/Miller-and-Rollnick-june6-pre-conference-workshop.pdf Miller, W. Rollnick S. (2002a pg. 41) Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People for Change, 2nd edn. Guilford Press, New York Miller, W. and Rollnick, S. (2002b) Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People for Change, 2nd edn. Pg 22 New York; The Guilford Press Miller, W. and Rollnick, S. (2002c pg.41) Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People for Change, 2nd edn. New York; The Guilford Press. Moyers, T. Rollnick S. (2002) A motivational interviewing perspective on resistance in psychotherapy. Psychotherapy in Practice 58, 185–193. Percival, J. (2013) Healthy lifestyle changes – getting beyond the ‘difficult’ conversationNovember 2013 | Volume 23 | Number 9 RCN London Prochaska J.O, DiClemente C.C (1986) Towards a comprehensive model of change. In Miller WR, Heather N (Eds) Treating Addictive Behaviors: Processes of Change. Plenum Press, New York NY, 3-27. Rogers C. (1951) Client-Centered Therapy. Houghton-Mifflin, Boston, MA. Rollnick, S. Miller, W. and Butler, C. (2008) Motivational Interviewing in Health Care. London; The Guilford Press. Sobell M.B. Sobell L.C. (1993) ProblemDrinkers. Guilford Press, New York. Thomas, M.L. (2012), Elliott, J.L., Rao, S.M. Fahey, K.F. Paul, S.P Miaskowski, C. A Randomized, Clinical Trial of Education or Motivational-Interviewing–Based Coaching Compared to Usual Care to Improve Cancer Pain Management: Vol. 39, No. 1, January 2012 Oncology Nursing Forum White, W.L. Miller, W.R. (2007) The use of confrontation in addiction treatment: history, sciences and time for change. Counsellor 8, 12–30. WHO (2009) Milestones in Health Promotion, Statements from Global Conferences. Accessed 17/10/2014 /http://www.who.int/healthpromotion/Milestones_Health_Promotion_05022010.pdf?ua=1 WHO (2014) Training for tobacco quit line counsellors: telephone counselling. WHO, Geneva. 1

Fats in the American Diet Essay -- Essays Papers

Fats in the American Diet There has been a myth in our society for the last few decades about fats. Ever since the USDA created the food pyramid in the early 80’s, the feeling towards fats has been that all types are bad for one’s health and should be consumed at a minimum. However, more recent studies have shown that not all fats are detrimental, and some are necessary in maintaining healthy bodies. Certain types are helpful for reducing the risk of cancer, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Without fats the body could not absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K because they help move the supplements into the bloodstream where the vitamins get absorbed (Graham par. 2). Simple actions like a regular consumption of nuts, helps aid in lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes 2 (Medical Update par. 6). There are many different types of fats in our diet. Monounsaturated and Omega-3 and 6 fats are the healthiest forms, while saturated and trans-fats are the worst kinds. While a gram of any type of fa t contains the same amount of calories (nine per gram) the health benefits are definitely not equal (Good, Bad Fats par. 1). This paper will look into the different types of fats and their impact both positively and negatively on the individual. It will provide information on popular diets, and a look into the current USDA’s food pyramid which is under pressure to be reevaluated. Nutritional ingredients in foods that people consume on a regular basis will also be examined. Within the past few years a new commercial fat product developed by Proctor & Gamble has been developed. This commodity is called olestra and it has been surrounded by controversy. This raises the issue of whether government should be involved in any of the health de... ... Aug2003, Vol. 237 Issue 2 - â€Å"Heart Smart Advice Updated for 2000: More Fat. But Make it ‘Mono’ Please† by Golub, Catherine, Environmental Nutrition, Jul99, Vol. 22, Issue 7 - Hellmich, Nancy. â€Å"Atkins, South Beach, or Dr. Phil? An expert rates the books.† USA Today 15 Jan. 2004. - â€Å"Monounsaturated fat Appears Protective against Breast Cancer†, Women’s Health Weekly, 01/19/98 - â€Å"New Food Labels Help Consumers avoid the Worst Fats.† Consumer Reports, Dec. 2003 - â€Å"A New Healthy Food Pyramid† Medical Update (source included in back, no other info) - â€Å"The New Rules of Fat†, By: Schuler, Lou, Men’s Health, Nov2002, Vol. 17, Issue 9. - Sienko, Michell J. and Robert A. Plane. 1966 chemistry: Principles and Properties. McGraw-Hill Co., NY. - Stanton, Michele. â€Å"The Atkins Diet Reconsidered.† Prevention, Jan. 2003, Vol. 55, Issue 1 Fats in the American Diet Essay -- Essays Papers Fats in the American Diet There has been a myth in our society for the last few decades about fats. Ever since the USDA created the food pyramid in the early 80’s, the feeling towards fats has been that all types are bad for one’s health and should be consumed at a minimum. However, more recent studies have shown that not all fats are detrimental, and some are necessary in maintaining healthy bodies. Certain types are helpful for reducing the risk of cancer, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Without fats the body could not absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K because they help move the supplements into the bloodstream where the vitamins get absorbed (Graham par. 2). Simple actions like a regular consumption of nuts, helps aid in lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes 2 (Medical Update par. 6). There are many different types of fats in our diet. Monounsaturated and Omega-3 and 6 fats are the healthiest forms, while saturated and trans-fats are the worst kinds. While a gram of any type of fa t contains the same amount of calories (nine per gram) the health benefits are definitely not equal (Good, Bad Fats par. 1). This paper will look into the different types of fats and their impact both positively and negatively on the individual. It will provide information on popular diets, and a look into the current USDA’s food pyramid which is under pressure to be reevaluated. Nutritional ingredients in foods that people consume on a regular basis will also be examined. Within the past few years a new commercial fat product developed by Proctor & Gamble has been developed. This commodity is called olestra and it has been surrounded by controversy. This raises the issue of whether government should be involved in any of the health de... ... Aug2003, Vol. 237 Issue 2 - â€Å"Heart Smart Advice Updated for 2000: More Fat. But Make it ‘Mono’ Please† by Golub, Catherine, Environmental Nutrition, Jul99, Vol. 22, Issue 7 - Hellmich, Nancy. â€Å"Atkins, South Beach, or Dr. Phil? An expert rates the books.† USA Today 15 Jan. 2004. - â€Å"Monounsaturated fat Appears Protective against Breast Cancer†, Women’s Health Weekly, 01/19/98 - â€Å"New Food Labels Help Consumers avoid the Worst Fats.† Consumer Reports, Dec. 2003 - â€Å"A New Healthy Food Pyramid† Medical Update (source included in back, no other info) - â€Å"The New Rules of Fat†, By: Schuler, Lou, Men’s Health, Nov2002, Vol. 17, Issue 9. - Sienko, Michell J. and Robert A. Plane. 1966 chemistry: Principles and Properties. McGraw-Hill Co., NY. - Stanton, Michele. â€Å"The Atkins Diet Reconsidered.† Prevention, Jan. 2003, Vol. 55, Issue 1

Racial Profiling by Police in Canada Essay -- systematic discrimination

Systemic discrimination has been a part of Canada’s past. Women, racial and ethnic minorities as well as First Nations people have all faced discrimination in Canada. Policies such as, Charter of Rights and Freedoms, provincial and federal Human Rights Codes, as well has various employment equity programs have been placed in Canada’s constitution to fight and address discrimination issues. Despite these key documents placed for universal rights and freedoms Aboriginal and other minority populations in Canada continue to be discriminated against. Many believe there is no discrimination in Canada, and suggest any lack of success of these groups is a result of personal decisions and not systemic discrimination. While others feel that the legislation and equality policies have yet resulted in an equal society for all minorities. Racism is immersed in Canadian society; this is clearly shown by stories of racial profiling in law enforcement. The key to understanding racialized profiling is to understand what systemic discrimination and profiling mean. Systemic discrimination sometimes called systemic racism is defined as, â€Å"Patterns and practices†¦ which, although they may not be intended to disadvantage any group, can have the effect of disadvantaging or permitting discrimination against†¦ racial minorities† (Comack, 2012, p30). Profiling in policing is defined as, â€Å"The inverse of law enforcement. In law enforcement, a crime is discovered and the police then look for a suspect who might possibly have committed it. Profiling means that a suspect is discovered and the police then look for a crime for the person to have possibly committed† (Tator & Henry, 2003, p3). The act of racial profiling is found in many different insti... ...sx> Comack, E. (2012). Racialized policing: Aboriginal people's encounters with the police. Black Point, Nova Scotia: Fernwood Publishing. Holbert, S., & Rose, L. (2006). It is difficult to establish whether racial profiling is occurring, In D. E. Nelson, Racial Profiling. Farmington Hills: Greenhaven Press. Hulbert, M. A. (2011). Pursuing justice: An introduction to justice studies. Black Point, Nova Scotia: Fernwood Publishing. Satzewich, V., & Shaffir, W. (2009). Racism versus professionalism: Claims and counter-claims about racial profiling. Project Muse, 51(2), p199-226. doi: 10.3138/cjccj.51.2.199 Tanovich, D. M. (2006). The colour of justice: Policing race in Canada. Toronto, Ontario: Irwin Law. Tator, H., & Henry, F. (2006). Racial profiling in Canada: Challenging the myth of 'a few bad apples'. Toronto, Ontario: University of Toronto Press Incorporated.

Political Party Essay

1. Political Party: group of individuals who seek to control government through winning elections. 2. Plurality: the largest number of votes cast for the office 3. Incumbent: current officeholder 4. Splinter Parties: those individuals who have split away from one of the major parties 5. Major Parties: American Politics, Republican and Democratic parties 6. Bipartisan: two major parties find common ground, in this endeavor. 7. Electorate: the people eligible to vote. 8. Precinct: smallest unit of election administration; the voters in each precinct report to one polling area. 9. Partisanship: secure commitment to a political party is the source for government action. 10. Pluralistic Society: contains of several diverse cultures and groups. 11. Ideological Parties: those based on particular sets of beliefs. 12. Two-Party System: in an election, only Republican or Democratic Party’s candidates have a realistic chance of winning public office. 13. Consensus: a general agreement among various groups- on fundamental matters. 14. Single-issue parties: concentrate on only one public-policy matter. Questions 15. What is the major function of a political party? – Political parties serve four essential functions; and in serving these functions, the parties allow the United States to more closely approach the ideal of democracy. The first and most important function of an American party is to organize elections by nominating candidates and seeking office. 17. Briefly explain two ways in which American Government is government by party? – One reason for the two party systems is that the Electoral College is winner-takes-all, preventing 3rd parties from gaining power. Another one is to ensure the voters that they can take action towards the government through their selected party. 20. How is the ideological consensus of the American electorate reflected in the membership of the major parties? – Since the beginning of the USA there has been a general consensus on many of the major issues. This is not to say that Americans have always agreed on every matter. The nation has been deeply divided for many years at a time. 21. (a) Which political party was the first to appear in the new United States? (b) Who was its leader and what type of government did it favor? -Hamilton and other leaders who wanted a strong central government banded together to put over their policies. In 1787 they began calling themselves the Federalists. This was the first United States political party. 24. What unusual feature characterizes the present era of political party dominance? – The Democratic Party hired organizers chosen by the state parties in every state, so democrats could win the elections. 25. Briefly describe the four types of minor parties. – The four types of minor parties consist of the ideological parties, the single-issue parties, the economic protest parties and the splinter parties. 26. Historically, what have been the most important roles of minor parties? Briefly explain one of these roles. -To give more freedom of expression and to make sure that there is not one party stronger than another. The Election of 1912 Roosevelt created The Progressive Party a.k.a. the Bull Moose Party. 27. Why is the party in power more cohesive than the opposition party? -Republicans all believe the exact same thing word for word, making them far more cohesive, and brainwashed, then the democrats who have their own individual opinions and beliefs. 29. List and explain four factors that have contributed to the present weakened state of the major parties. – A sharp drop in the number of voters willing to identify themselves as republicans or democrats, and a growing number who regard themselves as independents. – A big increase in split ticket voting-voting for candidates of different parties for different offices at the same election. – Various structural changes and reforms that have made the parties more â€Å"open,† but have also led to greater internal conflict and disorganization. These changes range from the introduction of the direct primary in the early 1900s to the more recent and far-reaching changes in campaign finance laws. – Changes in the technology of campaigning for office-especially the heavy use of television and of the Internet, professional campaign managers, and direct-mail advertising Ch.7 15. Nomination: the naming of those who will seek office 16. Closed Primary: party nominating where declared party members can vote 17. Precinct: a voting district 18. Soft Money: used for party building activities given by the local state. 19. General Election: regularly scheduled elections at which voters make the selection of officeholders 20. Open Primary: any qualified voter can take part in this nomination 21. Ballot: a device were voter registers a choice in a election 22. Hard Money: campaign money that is subject to regulation by the FEC 23. Caucus: is a group of like-minded people who meet to select the candidates they will support in an upcoming election. 24. Absentee Voting: voting by those unable to attend the polling place 25. Political Action Committee: political groups which have a major take on public policy 26. Direct Primary: is an intra-party election 27. Coattail Effect: when a strong candidate helps other candidates in the election by parties ticket. 28. Subsidy: grant of money from the government Questions 12. What are the five broad categories that describe the way most nominations are made? – Self-announcement – Caucus – Convention – Direct primary – Petition 15. Explain the arguments for and against the closed primary. -The arguments for a closed primary believe that the votes will be fairer and against the closed primary believe it violates the Constitution, which I personally believe it does. 16. What is the overall purpose and importance of election law in the American political process? -The overall purpose is that all people have an equal chance to participate in the political process equally. 20. Describe recent technological advances and changes that make it easier for Americans to vote. – Major technological advancements that have affected musical performances include the Compact Disc, the television, and most of  all, the radio. 21. Briefly describe the role and importance of money in the election process. -Financial donations to a candidate’s campaign allow the campaign to purchase advertising, signs, and to travel for campaigning. 22. (a) Identify five types of private donors to political campaigns. (b) Why might these individuals and groups wish to contribute money to political candidates? -Donors to political campaigns are PACs, 527’s, parties, interest groups, and private citizens. ACs work by raising money from people employed by a corporation or in a trade union. These are called â€Å"connected PACs† and they rarely ask for donations from the general public although legally they are free to do so. 23. Outline the limitation placed on individual and PAC contributions to the federal candidate and political parties. -No person can give more than $2,100 to any federal candidate in a primary election, and no more than $2,100 to and federal candidate’s general election campaign. Also, no person can give more than $5,000 in any year to a political action committee, or %26,700 to a national party committee. The total of any person’s contributions to federal candidates and committees now must be limited to no more than $101,400 in an election cycle. 24. (a) How does a candidate for President qualify for public funding? (b) What rules must candidates follow if they accept public funds? – To qualify for public funding, Presidential candidates and party convention committees must first meet various eligibility requirements, such as agreeing to limit campaign spending to a specified amount 25. Identify and explain the three major loopholes in today’s federal election-money statues. -Campaign finance loopholes include â€Å"soft money† contributions to parties by unions and corporations, independent expenditure is spending by someone outside a campaign that is not coordinated with the campaign and volunteer activity. Ch. 8 29. Public Affairs: politics, public issues, and making of public policies 30. Public Opinion Poll: devices that attempt to collect information by asking questions 31. Sound Bite: snappy reports that can be aired in 30 or 45 seconds or so 32. Public Opinion: those attitudes help by a significant number of people on matters of government 33. Sample: a representative slice of the total universe 34. Mass Media: communication that reaches large widely spread audiences simultaneously 35. Random Sample: probability slice of the total universe 36. Interest Group: private organizations whose members share certain views and work to shape public policy 37. Quota Sample: sample deliberately constructed to reflect several of the major characteristics of a given universe Questions 11. Why is it incorrect to say that public opinion represents the single, undivided view of the American people? – Public opinion is a complex collection of the opinions of many different people. It is the sum of all of their views. It is not the single and undivided view of some mass mind. 12. Why are the influences of education and family so powerful in development of political attitudes? – The influence of education and family is so powerful because these are our most basic and strong concerns in this type of society. 13. Besides education and family, what other forces help influence public opinion in American society? – There are many other forces, including mass media†¦ especially internet and cable T.V. They have a great influence currently. I find that particularly interesting that these influences have co-opted some more traditional elements of the culture, especially books, newspapers, and face-to-face interactions within primary groups. 14. Name at least three ways in which public opinion can be expressed. -Radio, newspaper, television 17. What is the most reliable means of measuring public opinion? – The Sample Survey is regarded as the best way to measure public opinion today, although it has its faults and detractors. Most people today use the internet to give their opinion so no one can really measure the exact number. 20. What factors can make a public opinion poll less than completely accurate? – Polls get less accurate if there are lots of possible answers to a question instead of a simple yes/no. A good example of this is asking people which one of the dozen or so presidential candidates in each party they support. The error margin will be a higher for this question than for the Bush question above. 21. (a) What are the four major sources of political information in the United States? (b) List at least one advantage of each source. -Television: broadcasts nation-wide to the American people -Newspaper: generally carry political news, and news of independence -Radio: exposed the American people to national and international politics as never before. -Magazines: generally devoted to literature and the social graces 23. Explain the impact of the mass media on the public agenda. – The mass media can impact public agenda by selectively reporting news and covering only one side of a story. 24. What is the impact of the mass media on electoral politics? -Most of the media wish to get rid of the Electoral College due to the idea that we no longer need someone else to vote for us. Thus, deciding the president of the United States. 25. What factors limit the impact of the mass media on American politics? -Language may be seen as a political factor in mass media, particularly in instances where a society is characterized by a large number of languages spoken by its populace. The choice of language of mass media may represent a bias towards the group most likely to speak that language, and can limit the public participation by those who do not speak the language. Ch. 9 38. Public Policy: goals for the government and pursues at it attempts to realize these goals 39. Propaganda: a technique of persuasion aimed at influencing individual or group behaviors 40. Trade Association: segments of the business community also have their own interest groups 41. Lobbying: usually defined as those activities by which group pressures are brought to bear on legislators 42. Labor Union: an organization of workers who share the same type of job or who work in the industry 43. Public-Interest group: a group that seeks to institute certain public policies Questions 12. Why are interest groups sometimes called â€Å"pressure groups† or â€Å"special interests†? – Generally, because they represent a specific segment of the overall population. Not everyone is handicapped, so an interest group representing them would be a â€Å"special† interest group because bills/policies affecting them would not affect the general population 16. How do interest groups add an element to the checks-and-balances feature of the political process? – They keep close tabs on the work of various public agencies and  officials and thus help to make sure that they perform their tasks in responsible and effective ways. 18. Into what category do most interest groups fall? – Interest groups use advocacy and lobbying to influence public policy without seeking election to office. This puts them under the category of lobbyist. 19. What is the difference between private and public –interest groups? -Public interest groups are those whose membership and, in some cases, investments are open to the general public. Private are essentially clubs with closed memberships and whose transactions are shielded from both public and government scrutiny. 20. (a) On what kinds of issues do labor groups generally agree? (b) On what kinds of issues might labor interests have different points of view? -Wages, Health Insurance, Family Leave, etc. Most labor groups may want to have certain rights of their unions before they work for a higher salary, while other groups may value a raise in salary more. 23. What are the goals of a propagandist? – Propagandists (i.e. advertisers, persuaders and even brainwashers) are interested in influencing others to agree with their point of views. 25. At what stages of policymaking must lobbyists be involved? -Lobbying is done at later stages of policy making. The lobbyist imparts her information with the help of graphs, charts, polls, and reports that she has hunted up or created.

Case Study 1

Li-Hsien Chen 09/16/12 Case Study 1 The Springfield Nor’ easters : Maximizing Revenues in the Minor League 1. Critically analyze the research undertaken by Larry Buckingham, Nor’ easters Marketing Director. Discuss if you feel the objectives, questions asked, sample chosen, and method utilized were appropriated and why they were or were not. What type of questions would you have added to the survey and why? 2. ————————————————- What do you consider to be the key findings of both the League Sports Association Survey and the research survey conducted by the Nor’easters?Discuss any potential biases that might exist. Comment on what Buckingham learned about a prospective customer profile, pricing, and single ticket versus season-ticket packages from both. The sport marketing research plan that Buckingham tried to do is well organized especially in this shor t time stress. However, it may not fully accomplish and still need some more steps to achieve the goal. The purpose and problem of the research is simple and clear. Buckingham want to know how many people would come to see and how much to charge them.There are many of key findings that Buckingham can make a good use of it. According to the League Sports Association Survey, over 73% residences are willing to attend baseball game who having an income ranging from$22,500 to $75,000. Base on the statement, Buckingham used non-probability sampling method. Trying to focus on the most possible group that becoming the game attenders. I think the problem is only one existing finding and Buckingham just used it as model. It seems to me that he trying to prove the result from the previous found but there is no novel or creative finding appear.It's a pity that he couldn’t use this time to find something new and more inspiring result, Because of time stress and budget consideration, Bucki ngham chose postcard and internet survey to finish the research instead of mail survey. But in the end, approximately just 4% of postcards were return to the office and totally 625 responses (add to internet response) were tabulated is just not enough samples for me to make critical decision. According to statistic calculation, the confidence interval of survey is about 94~95% that still can make it more reliable and validity if Buckingham gathered moreinformation.Blesch noted that Minor League teams (unlike Major League Baseball) won-lost records appeared to have little to do with attendance; mediocre teams that provided a high entertainment value often had very high attendance. What Blesch’s note is so right to me because you have nothing to do with your roster and team’s competition. It’s all in charge of Major League. Sometimes, the most productive or talented player may get promote to higher level of minor league teams as soon as they have breakout performa nce. It’s graceful if your team has good prospect and future superstar.But you just cannot put all eggs on it. How to use advertisement, promotion to attract local residences attending games and make them believe it would be great experience no matter the host team win or lose. Another key finding is how much money residents are willing to pay for a ticket. Range from $10-$14. And no matter how cheap the tickets are, concession will make up for it. No less than 39% team’s profit make of concession sales. One MD who Buckingham has talked with said it even makes more than half team’s revenue.It seems that Buckingham should pay more attention on concession sales. On the questionnaire, Buckingham can put some questions, like what type of snack, beverage and food sports fans hope to have in the games; what kind of souvenir and team’s goods that fans are willing to buy it. It’s all about gaining the profits and fans’ attending. Asking one question that how much do fans expect to spend on concession is too general to me. The potential fan base which Buckingham described by himself is anybody who can enjoy a good ball game. To more specific, they need to be baseball fans at least.However, 60% of responses were not baseball fans, 72% of responses didn’t attend a professional baseball games in the past year which means most part of this survey result came out from people who really doesn’t care about tickets price or new professional baseball team coming to this city. The result may be misunderstanding and understated because people who are not baseball fan don’t want to spend even one dollar on attending the games. As a result, Buckingham better separate different type of responses. He can establish price policy based on the esponses which are baseball fans and trying to find another way to pursue the non-baseball fans, like promoting the feature and fun of game not related to baseball. To do with these â⠂¬Å"media consumers† and â€Å"indirect consumers† in sport marketing concept is do your best as you can but don’t expect to get too much return of it. 3. ————————————————- Based on your finding who would you recommend that the Nor’easters target and why? Base on the article, I would say that Family with children age from 5~16 and high school (College) students should be the target market.Without a doubt, the commitment sports fans should be count in too. But it’s easy to take care of those die-hard fans. It’s all about long-term service and other consideration. On the other hand, to create the new potential sports consumers related the article about pricing policy, previous two groups would be critical. According to the research, most part of ticket buyers are group consumers rather than individual consumer. For family, it’s good for parents to take their children seeing the professional performance and have good time in the weekend afternoon with relative low cost compared to other entertainment.For students, they can hang out with friend and classmates. Why they wouldn’t opt to attend games with reasonable cost and convenient transportation (especially important factor for students. ) Take my personal experience as example, I usually went to see my country professional baseball game not only I’m a big baseball fan but also there is special discount for students. Students can have half price, and take free shuttle bus from my college to the stadium. Because of it, we were glad to attend the games even there is not my supported team of the matchups.Just experience the games circumstance and atmosphere. So I would recommend the Nor’easters to pursue the more potential attenders as they can. 4. ———————————â €”————- What consideration should the Nor’easter take into account in establishing a pricing policy? The price is the factor that the most visible and flexible part of sport marketing. I think there are few considerations that need to be count in establishing a pricing policy. Offering more ticket packages for different type of consumers that can attract more people attending games.As I mentioned before, Nor’easter should try to know about and do survey on students, families and school groups’ preference of ticket price. Offering specific ticket package should be good way to focus on different distinct groups’ consumer behavior. Also, special date of calendar can let people willing to spend money on recreation. Minor League short A season starts from mid-June through the first week of September. There are some dates should be used to promote, such as â€Å"Father’s day† and â€Å"labor day†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦etc.No r’easters can give a special promotion for these days that let Springfield residences have more choice on their holiday for celebration. Not only setting reasonable price that can compete other sports, varies entertainment should also be counted, such as Movie, bowling and music concert. Knowing why people (as baseball fans) choose other activities over attending games is important for organization to decide the ticket price. I think that it’s opportunity for Nor’easter making more revenue if they take a look at these factors into their pricing policy. 5. ————————————————-Design a ticket pricing plan for the Nor’easters first season. Your plan should include specific pricing and package. Discuss how and why you decided on the prices and what package you are offering or not offering. Ticket Type| $ per ticket| Note| Regular| | | Single ticket| 12 | | 5-game ticket | 10| | 20-game ticket| X| Not offering| 38-game ticket| 6| With grandstand seat and one special team’s souvenir| Package| | | Family plan for single game| 10| $30 for three persons with tickets and hot dogs. Additional can be added on for $10 per person. | Family plan forWeekend| 8| Include two games on the weekend. 48 for three persons with tickets and hot dogs. Additional can be added on for $8 per person. | Students plan| 10| Only qualify with Students ID cards| Group Sales| 8| 25+ with adult group| | 6| 25+ little leaguer or elementary school| Special Promotion| | | Father’s Day| Free for father who take at least one children or wife with him| Ladies’ Night| Free for female who take at least one male with him| Children Day| Every attender person who age no more than 10 get extra hotdogs and beverage| Labor Day| Every attender get special meal for celebration|I design the ticket pricing plan based on the Buckingham’s survey. Even tho ugh there are still some problems and flaws in this survey (as mention before). But that’s all materials I have. Here are some strategies of my plan First, I choose not to offer 20-game ticket because it doesn’t have distinct difference from other types of ticket. Little series package like 5-game ticket are good enough for people who like to attend more than just one game but not every games of season. Furthermore, even though only 2% of responses likely subscribe 38-game full season ticket.In my opinion, it’s still necessary for Professional Baseball team to work on it. It’s kind of symbol. And teams should take good care of it. Giving them grandstand seat like VIP area and team’s special souvenir like hat or badge that only belong to whole season ticket holder. Make them feel worthy spending on large money supporting this team. I also delete grandstand seating service because 72% of responses will pay only 10% more than original ticket price. It doesn’t necessary for me to execute this policy.Second, 81% of responses are willing to spend from$6 to $15 on concessions. Concessions sales are somehow equally important as ticket sales. So I try to attract as more attending as I can by the reasonable low pricing policy and various special packages. For different target you will need different specific promotion. The most important thing for the new team of city is to make local residents familiar with and then support this team. I’m sure Nor’easters can provide great game experience and service, and hence my priority is to attract people attending and feeling it. Case Study 1 Week 1 Case Study Summary Joanne Zippittelli was a 63 year old woman who filed a claim of against J. C. Penney and her employer, James Johnson, in 2004. She decided to file a claim when she was not promoted to Shift Operations Manager. The reason she cited for the claim is that she was passed over for a promotion that she felt she was most qualified for because of her age which is a clear violation of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Age Discrimination Act in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967.The job was given to another female under the age of 40. Since the plaintiff could not provide sufficient evidence that Anita played a role in the decision-making process or that the defendant used discriminatory factors against her the case was awarded to the defendants. Questions 1.Given a conversation that an employee had with her supervisor about applying for a promotion, which resulted in a question about age and a response by the supervisor when she found out that the applican t was 63 that the applicant would â€Å"probably not† coupled with the fact that the applicant had better performance evaluations than the younger woman who was awarded the position, would not a reasonable layperson in the position of the applicant think that she had been discriminated against because of age?Yes, a reasonable layperson would agree with the 63 year old employee that age discrimination was a factor in the hiring process. One may think that the verbal response and previous job performance would have guaranteed him or her that position. However, there could have been additional selection criteria that the employer was looking for that would be a better fit for the organization. Unfortunately that is not case. If the person making the verbal response has no role or influence on who gets hired or promoted, there is not a case for age discrimination unless other factors are brought to the forefront. . Was the fact that the plaintiff had better performance evaluation s than the younger worker promoted to the job evidence of discriminatory intent because of age? Yes, with the plaintiff having better work performance evaluations supports her claim of age discrimination. Based on comments made by Anita Benko, the plaintiff received better performance evaluations and was still passed over for a younger candidate therefore provided substantial evidence for the plaintiff to pursue a claim of discriminatory intent because of age.Based on the evidence she has made a prima-facie case showing she’s in a protected class, she was qualified for the position, she was dismissed in spite of being qualified, and that she was replaced by a younger and less qualified person. Because of the plaintiff moving her case forward allowed J. C. Penney can review its hiring practices. 3. Was Benko’s remark that the plaintiff would â€Å"probably not get the job† when the plaintiff revealed her age sufficient evidence for a jury to find that the defenda nt’s stated reasons served as a pretext to hide a discriminatory practice?The remark made by Benko was not sufficient evidence in order for a jury to find the defendant’s reason a pretext to hide a discriminatory practice. Benko was not on the hiring committee nor was she consulted on the applicants. Her comment was solely based on her opinion and she clearly misspoke with such an offensive remark. Her comment could be perceived as a form of harassment. There may have additional factors in the hiring process which the plaintiff may not have been privy to when seeking the promotion.

Nhs Database Administrator Criteria and Job Description

? On of the tree jobs I chose to research is as an NHS Database Administration in this page I will explain some of the tasks that a Database Administrator will do and how many files need updating. And why the job role is available and what skills I would need to have to apply for this job. The role of a database administrator is to: Ensure patient medical records are correctly updated Make appointments Check in arriving patients using an internal database system Problem solving skillsTelephone work both internally and externally Administration Support In this job there are a large number of files that need to be updated because they have incorrect information included in them. This problem is solved by the database administrator who investigates the files and resolves any issues that crop up so that the information in these files is completely correct and filed correctly. Part of the reason this job is available is because clients have a back log to get through.Database Management Sy stem and DataI think this job would be good for me because it is a temporary ongoing position that requires the person that gets this job to be flexible in the tasks asked of them. The skills I would need for this job are as follows: Experience working within the NHS. Minimum of 1 year of administration experience. Good IT skills using Microsoft word and excel. I would need to be able to work towards meeting and meet the agreed deadlines. And I would need good communication skills.

The Twilight Saga 5: Midnight Sun 21. Goodbye

There is no scent of a vampire anywhere near us, Emmett thought while looking around the darkened grounds. All clear here, Alice looked through the future. He'll show up, but he won't bother us†¦he wants her to himself. Looking out through the window of the Jeep I could see no sign of the tracker. I was secretly hoping that he wouldn't show up. Putting Bella in the line of danger was burning holes through me. â€Å"He's not here,† my voice was tense. â€Å"Let's go,† I firmly commanded. I gave Emmett a tight nod and he started unbuckling Bella's harness. I could hear her pulse start to race as her breathing became harsh and ragged. Her breath filled my lungs, reminding me forcibly of the precious creature I would be protecting this evening. She's worried†¦so human. â€Å"Don't worry, Bella,† Emmett said in an amused voice, â€Å"we'll take care of things here quickly.† Moisture was beginning to build up in Bella's eyes and in that most fleeting of seconds I wanted to take her and run ?C run thousands of miles ?C just me and her, together. That's not an option, Alice's vision swirled in her head before it went up in a wisp of smoke as I realized she was right. We should hurry, her thoughts were strained as the many smoky and shadowy figures shifted and disappeared with each decision that was being made. â€Å"Alice, Emmett,† I called. I hope he's here! This is going to be so much fun! Emmett ran away gleefully. Don't worry, Edward. We'll keep her safe. Alice slid silently into the trees. Bella was showing extraordinary strength for someone so human. I swept out of the Jeep and opened the back door to see Bella's face which was still full of sadness and my protective side took a different turn as I took her hand and brought her to my side to comfort and protect her. As the terror rose in my chest I was beginning to drag my feet reluctantly towards her door, where she would leave me to go inside. I knew the only safe place for her was in my arms. Our footsteps echoed in the silence but I was not oblivious to my surroundings as we walked; my eyes continually darting from every corner of the open space like we were in the middle of a war. I hear someone approaching, Emmett resisted the temptation to attack but his thoughts were always wildly enthusiastic about the prospect. â€Å"Fifteen minutes,† I reminded Bella while stealing a glance to look at her face, an icy surge of terror rising in the pit of my stomach. Tiny tears began seeping from beneath her eye lids as she looked up into my eyes. â€Å"I can do this,† she sniffed like she was trying to convince herself more than me. The lights on the porch were on, making her tears reflect the light as soon as we ascended the last step. She turned around to face me, bringing her warm hands to my face, sending a quivering feeling through my body in the most hostile of times. â€Å"I love you,† Bella said intensely. â€Å"I will always love you, no matter what happens now.† What did she think was going to happen to her? An odd chill ran up my spine. â€Å"Nothing is going to happen to you, Bella,† I replied fiercely. â€Å"Just follow the plan, okay? Keep Charlie safe for me. He's not going to like me very much after this, and I want to have the chance to apologize later,† she looked up at me with her tear stained face. I could feel my heart sinking as I took in her pitiful expression. Before I could show this emotion on my face I heard the thoughts of my family from the woods, distracting me again. They're here ?C only James and Victoria. Alice thought flatly. Laurent went to see Carlisle ?C or ?C to warn him. They are keeping their distance. They caught our scent. Emmett was still hoping for a fight. Well, well, well†¦ I heard James' thoughts. This is going to be a lot more fun than I realized, a laugh escaped his lips at the prospect of his new hunt. â€Å"Get inside, Bella. We have to hurry,† I said urgently while leaning over her protectively. â€Å"One more thing,† she whispered hastily. â€Å"Don't listen to another word I say tonight!† Instantly her lips were on mine, sending warmth and pleasant electric shocks through my body. I forgot where I was for a fraction of a second before she pulled away, tears still streaming down her face. Her expression changed to searing anger, she turned on her heal and kicked the front door open. â€Å"Go away, Edward!† her voice was a scream before she slammed the door in my face. I stood there looking at the door in stunned disbelief; my breath being temporarily robbed. The feelings pulsing through me were oddly disembodying. Shrugging off the sensation as best I could, I continued to look around the cool misty grounds, stealing glances through my siblings' minds along with Charlie's. James continued to keep his distance even though his thoughts were smug and optimistic to the point of foolishness. What is she doing? Emmett wondered. I underestimated her†¦ hilarious, this should be entertaining! â€Å"Bella?† Charlie called out anxiously at his daughter's angry words. â€Å"Move closer and see if you can get a better look at what's going on,† I heard James order Victoria. Better her neck than mine, James thought coldly. â€Å"Leave me alone!† Bella shouted back at Charlie. Charlie's thoughts were incoherent with panic at his daughter's obvious pain. He began pounding on her door while startling flashes of insight and thought filled my mind. â€Å"The human is fighting with her father,† Victoria told James after returning to him. This I have to see, James thought menacingly. He's on the move, Alice warned me. If he gets too close I'll take care of him, Emmett thought pleasantly. My eyes searched the forest for any sign of the tracker but came up empty. I continued to stand protectively below Bella's window. James moved in to hear the conversations going on inside the house but stayed clear of my vision. My concentration flew up fifteen feet to where Bella was. â€Å"Bella, are you okay? What's going on?† Charlie called out, frightened. â€Å"I'm going home,† she shouted angrily. It's almost believable ?C chuckle ?C this is getting good, Emmett's amusement was heightened at her acting. â€Å"Did he hurt you?† Charlie asked, disjointed anger rising in his thoughts. No†¦he protects her, James thought with great disgust. At their thoughts I snapped. I flew through the air swiftly entering her bedroom through the window, starting to grab anything and everything from her dresser in a fierce attempt to speed the process. â€Å"No!† Bella shouted back at her dad while she ran around her room, packing her belongings. She hadn't noticed my presence until she turned to her dresser. Her eyes found mine and they were full of sadness and guilt. Before I could pull her into my embrace we were interrupted. â€Å"Did he break up with you?† Charlie asked, perplexed by her sudden angst. â€Å"No!† Bella shrieked at Charlie again while shoving handfuls of clothes into her bag. Victoria is heading to our house because she knows that we plan to bring Bella there. Alice informed me. Charlie began beating on Bella's door, panic rushing his mind. â€Å"What happened, Bella?† Charlie shouted through the door. â€Å"I broke up with him!† she shouted back. She was jerking her hand on the zipper of the bag so I caught her hand gently with mine and zipped it for her. I picked up the bag and gently placed it on her shoulder. â€Å"I'll be in the truck ?C go!† I whispered and lightly pushed her towards her door, trying to press the fact that we needed to get far away from James. I jumped out of the window. â€Å"What happened?† Charlie asked when she opened her door, following her downstairs. â€Å"I thought you liked him?† â€Å"I do like him ?C that's the problem. I can't do this anymore! I can't put down anymore roots here! I don't want to end up trapped in this stupid, boring town like Mom! I'm not going to make the same dumb mistake she did. I hate it ?C I can't stay here another minute!† Bella yelled in a desperate attempt to convince Charlie to let her go. She's good, Emmett thought. She is setting up an escape†¦clever, but not clever enough. James thought. Things are about to get real interesting, James sneered in his head. â€Å"Bells, you can't leave now. It's nighttime,† Charlie whispered to her with pure sadness in his voice. Charlie's shocked thoughts were over powering as each word lashed at him, causing him pain. Oh yes she can. Come on little girl, come out to play. James snarled with great smugness. I resisted the temptation to whip around and attack him. That is not a good idea, Alice thought in hollow tones. Flashes of the future floated into her mind but disintegrated when I decided not to follow through with my plan. â€Å"I'll sleep in the truck if I get tired,† Bella responded to Charlie, her voice emotionless. â€Å"Just wait another week,† Charlie begged. â€Å"Rene will be back by then.† â€Å"What?† Bella stuttered. We need to get her out of there, Alice pushed. â€Å"She called while you were out.† Charlie knew he had caught her off guard. â€Å"Things aren't going so well in Florida, and if Phil doesn't get signed by the end of the week, they're going back to Arizona. The assistant coach of the Sidewinders said they might have a spot for another shortstop.† Arizona is it? Surely she wouldn't actually go there. Hum†¦ James' thoughts trailed off. â€Å"I have a key,† Bella retorted to Charlie's pitiful attempt at keeping her there. That's right. Just come outside. James was wistful. If it weren't for our presence James would have already attacked. I was instantly becoming nervous at our plan. Is this plan going to back fire? I wondered gravely. We would shortly be in her very slow truck driving several miles towards my house before she would be in the protective custody of seven vampires. â€Å"Just let me go, Charlie.† Bella said softly. â€Å"It didn't work out, okay? I really, really hate Forks!† This is really going to hurt Charlie, Alice thought sadly. Bella walked out of the house. â€Å"I'll call you tomorrow!† she yelled back to Charlie. She jumped into her truck and the engine roared to life. She backed out and squealed her tires on the asphalt as she sped away. I was running next to her truck and jumped in. She was trembling and tears were leaking out of her eye lashes in massive amounts. â€Å"Pull over,† I said softly. â€Å"I can drive,† she barely sputtered a sobbing protest. Now the fun begins! James thought while running behind us. I'm right behind you, Edward. Don't worry, he won't try anything, Alice reassured me. I looked at Bella's face and pain knotted my stomach at the thought of her grief in this moment. I wanted to do something but I couldn't think of how to comfort her. She was barely staying in between the lines on the road, probably because her vision was blinded by more tears. I grabbed her waist and put my foot on the gas pedal, moving her warm body over mine until I was the one driving. â€Å"You wouldn't be able to find the house,† I tried to explain to her in a way that wouldn't upset her anymore than she already was. The lights of the Jeep flashed across the truck and she turned to look out of the window, horror displayed in her eyes. â€Å"It's just Alice,† I immediately tried to soothe her by cradling her hand in mine. At my touch she sighed and began to relax, though her face showed a great sadness. â€Å"The tracker?† Bella whispered. †¦is running behind us. Emmett's a few steps ahead of him, Alice informed me of the situation outside the truck but I was too intent on continued to leak from her eyes as she looked up at me. â€Å"He heard the end of your performance,† I said with the deepest of loathing while remembering his thoughts. â€Å"Charlie?† she looked like she was going to choke from the word. Alice quickly began scanning for Charlie's future – which was solidly there. His future looks bright, she added. â€Å"The tracker followed us. He's running behind us now.† I continued to try and calm her nerves. â€Å"Can we outrun him?† she asked anxious and curious. In that truck? Funny, Emmett mused. â€Å"No,† I pressed the gas pedal down to the floor, emphasizing Emmett's thoughts. The truck groaned, sputtered and continued to move at its regular fifty-five. Nice try, but that truck isn't going any faster. Emmett thought before jumping in the back, highly amused by the whole situation. A high pitched scream exited Bella's parted lips and I reached up, clamping my hand across her mouth to quiet her. â€Å"It's Emmett,† I explained while removing my hand from her face. Her face was screwed up in anguish and terror so I wound my arm around her waist and brought her into my side. I felt better immediately at her closeness because this was the safest place for her to be. â€Å"It's okay Bella,† I promised, though I wasn't sure if my promise was empty. â€Å"You're going to be safe.† Her face still showed a twist of emotions: terror, panic, and sadness. Expelling all thoughts that were around me I concentrated every last particle of my mind on the one person who needed me most ?C Bella. I needed to distract her and to distract myself. I knew the best way to get her talking was to make an assumption, which she would undoubtedly correct for me – usually with a lengthy explanation. â€Å"I didn't realize you were still so bored with small-town life,† I began, looking sideways at her face. â€Å"It seemed like you were adjusting fairly well ?C especially recently. Maybe I was just flattering myself that I was making life more interesting for you.† â€Å"I wasn't being nice,† she thwarted my attempts at a diversion while gazing down. â€Å"That was the same thing my mom said when she left him. You could say I was hitting below the belt.† â€Å"Don't worry. He'll forgive you,† my lips turned up in an attempt to ease her pain. She returned her gaze to mine and her eyes were still wide with panic. â€Å"Bella, it's going to be all right.† â€Å"But it won't be all right when I'm not with you,† her lips barely let the whisper escape. â€Å"We'll be together again in a few days,† I tightened my grip on her, realizing that I didn't ever want her to leave my protective custody. â€Å"Don't forget that this was your idea.† â€Å"It was the best idea ?C of course it was mine,† she replied smugly and a smile crept up my face at the sign of a new emotion, but it was fleeting at best. â€Å"Why did this happen?† she choked. â€Å"Why me?† I stared out into the darkness realizing that it was my error. You idiot, moron! I knew that there were others in the vicinity and in a moment of happiness I forgot the dangers that could befall a human, especially one that smelled as tempting as she did. â€Å"It's my fault ?C I was a fool to expose you like that.† I replied with rage present in my voice. â€Å"That's not what I meant,† she said exasperated. â€Å"I was there, big deal. It didn't bother the other two. Why did this James decide to kill me? There're people all over the place, why me?† In my attempt to block out all thoughts one still protruded into my mind, answering the question for me. Because you are protected by seven vampires ?C something I have never come across. This is the best challenge, yet. I couldn't have asked for anything better than this! James thought hungrily for the hunt. I hesitated before answering Bella's question, trying to word it in a way that wouldn't scare her beyond her current state of terror though the cold fury that was in every line of my face was obvious to her. â€Å"I got a good look at his mind tonight,† I began in a low voice. â€Å"I'm not sure if there's anything I could have done to avoid this, once he saw you. It is partially your fault.† I looked at her reflection in the glass. â€Å"If you didn't smell so appallingly luscious, he might not have bothered. But when I defended you†¦well, that made it a lot worse. He's not used to being thwarted, no matter how insignificant the object. He thinks of himself as a hunter and nothing else. His existence is consumed with tracking, and a challenge is all he asks of life. Suddenly we've presented him with a beautiful challenge ?C a large clan of strong fighters all bent on protecting the one vulnerable element. You wouldn't believe how euphoric he is now. It's his favorite game, and we've just made it his most exciting game ever,† I said in disgust. I will win, James's thoughts were rapt and exultant. I hesitated, trying to control the sensation that was building in my chest to pull over and attack. I controlled my urge and continued. â€Å"But if I had stood by, he would have killed you right then,† I said, frustrated. â€Å"I thought†¦I didn't smell the same to the others†¦as I do to you,† she said hesitantly. â€Å"You don't. But that doesn't mean that you aren't still a temptation to every one of them. If you had appealed to the tracker ?C or any of them ?C the same way you appeal to me, it would have meant a fight right there.† I felt her quiver. â€Å"I don't think I have any choice but to kill him now,† I muttered. â€Å"Carlisle won't like it.† â€Å"How can you kill a vampire?† she asked through her petrified sobs. Glad I'm not the one to tell her this one, Emmett chuckled and I ignored him. My focus was solely on Bella. Her gaze met mine and I could see the darkness of my face and eyes as I spoke. â€Å"The only way to be sure is to tear him to shreds, and then burn the pieces.† â€Å"And the other two will fight with him?† Always so full of questions, isn't she? Alice mused. â€Å"The woman will. I'm not sure about Laurent. They don't have a very strong bond ?C he's only with them for convenience. He was embarrassed by James in the meadow†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"But James and the woman ?C they'll try to kill you?† she choked. You silly girl! You are the fragile one, the breakable one ?C the one that is being hunted, I internally replied. â€Å"Bella, don't you dare waste time worrying about me. Your only concern is keeping yourself safe and ?C please, please ?C trying not to be reckless.† I pleaded. â€Å"Is he still following?† she asked. Yes, he's keeping his distance; he's pretty keen not to be seen. He won't come after Bella tonight, Alice informed me. â€Å"Yes. He won't attack the house, though. Not tonight.† I replied while turning onto my driveway. After the several mile drive to the house we could finally see the distant lights of the house becoming larger and clearer. I could immediately hear the thoughts of Laurent. I can't believe they live like this ?C Amazing! I can't understand why they are planning on ruining all of this for a human. Laurent thought in astonishment. He's at the forest edge, I'll grab Bella. Emmett thought while jumping out of the truck and running alongside it. When we were coming to a stop he opened the door and pulled Bella under his coat and ran her towards the house and through the front door, Alice and I at their side. Relief flowed through my veins now that she was inside, protected. Everyone stood at our arrival. I can't believe this crap, Rosalie was muttering. Oh thank heavens they are all right, Esme and Carlisle both thought, relieved. Laurent stood in the mist of my family members, his eyes a gleaming ominous red, making the difference between us and them stand out. What the hell is he doing in our house? I might get that fight after all, a feral snarl ripped up Emmett's throat, low and vibrating. He sat Bella down next to him, preparing to pounce. â€Å"He's tracking us,† I stared coldly at Laurent. â€Å"I was afraid of that,† Laurent frowned. I could hear James as he began thinking strategy in his mind, he was going to meet up with Victoria who was already waiting for him a short distance from the house. â€Å"What will he do?† Carlisle asked Laurent in chilling tones. â€Å"I'm sorry,† Laurent began. â€Å"I was afraid, when your boy there defended her, that it would set him off.† Same old games, Laurent thought angrily in his head. â€Å"Can you stop him?† Carlisle questioned. I'll stop him, Emmett roared internally. â€Å"Nothing stops James when he gets started.† Laurent answered while shaking his head in frustration. â€Å"We'll stop him,† Emmett promised him. â€Å"You can't bring him down. I've never seen anything like him in my three hundred years. He's absolutely lethal. That's why I joined his coven.† Laurent said doubtfully. His head began to shake back and forth again, this time in confusion. Why her? What is so special about this human girl that would make them want to provoke such a vicious hunter? He stole a look at Bella, and then turned back to Carlisle, perplexed by the situation. â€Å"Are you sure it's worth it?† A growl formed in my stomach and ripped up my throat so loudly that it had him cringing away from me in fear. â€Å"I'm afraid you're going to have to make a choice.† Carlisle said gravely. This is one hell of a life style to live in. But James ?C I could never defeat James. They mentioned something about a settlement in Denali. â€Å"I'm intrigued by the life you've created here. But I won't get in the middle of this. I bear none of you any enmity, but I won't go up against James. I think I will head north ?C to that clan in Denali,† should I warn them? Oh, why not! â€Å"Don't underestimate James. He's got a brilliant mind and unparalleled senses. He's every bit as comfortable in the human world as you seem to be, and he won't come at you head on†¦I'm sorry for what's been unleashed here. Truly sorry.† â€Å"Go in peace,† Carlisle said quietly. Hum, I hope it is like this in Denali, Laurent wondered, looking around before sweeping out of the house, his thoughts fading with distance. Carlisle turned to meet my gaze. â€Å"How close?† I'm going to seal off all entrances to the house, Esme thought while walking over to the wall, pressing a key pad – making large metal walls creek and groan as they sealed up the glass wall. â€Å"About three miles out past the river; he's circling around to meet up with the female.† I explained. Just drop her off at the river's bank and get this over with, Rosalie sneered in her head. I ignored her thoughts. â€Å"What's the plan?† Carlisle asked. â€Å"We'll lead him off, and then Jasper and Alice will run her south.† I explained to him in a hurry. South? Interesting choice. â€Å"And then?† Carlisle asked. â€Å"As soon as Bella is clear, we hunt him.† I replied darkly. Well, we know we won't let them hurt Bella. â€Å"I guess there's no other choice,† Carlisle agreed but his lips were turned down into a frown. I turned to Rosalie. She needed to learn that Bella is now a part of our family. â€Å"Get her upstairs and trade clothes,† I commanded. Her thoughts sputtered incoherently for several seconds before anger surged through her mouth. â€Å"Why should I?† she said vehemently. â€Å"What is she to me? Except a menace ?C a danger you've chosen to inflict on all of us.† â€Å"Rose†¦,† Emmett put a hand on her shoulder but she shrugged it off. Please ignore her, she'll come around one of these days, please, Emmett begged for Rosalie. With everything that Emmett has been doing for me lately I decided that I would do something for him. I ignored Rosalie's jibe and changed tack in the speed of light. I'll do it, Edward. Esme suggested. I turned to her, â€Å"Esme?† â€Å"Of course,† she responded immediately. Esme flew to Bella's side and without flinching brought her into her grasp and raced upstairs. Once Bella was upstairs everyone was in a hurry, running around packing their belongings or preparing for their independent trips. I continued to ignore Rosalie's thoughts as they grew meaner and more visual. â€Å"Rosalie, you will take Bella's truck. Esme will go with you,† I commanded. â€Å"You want me to ride in that†¦that†¦thing?† she barked. â€Å"Please, Rose. Do it for me,† Emmett asked softly. â€Å"I won't!† she hissed loudly. â€Å"Rosalie, Bella is part of this family and you will treat her with respect, do you understand me?† Carlisle's voice became firm. â€Å"Fine,† Rose snapped at us and then stalked away. I could feel the angry satisfaction on my face. I'm coming with you to hunt James. Maybe we can talk him out of this nonsense and can spare his life, Carlisle thought wishfully. Esme and Bella appeared down the stairs only a few minutes after they went up, both of them changed. It was an odd sensation to smell Bella all over Esme but we were in a hurry so I informed Bella of our plan. â€Å"Esme and Rosalie will be taking your truck, Bella,† I said while passing her to grab a cell phone that Carlisle was giving to each family member. â€Å"Alice, Jasper ?C take the Mercedes. You'll need the dark tint in the south.† We'll keep her safe, Edward†¦promise. I'll miss you. Alice thought while Jasper silently nodded in approval of the plan. â€Å"We're taking the Jeep,† I told Bella. â€Å"Alice,† Carlisle asked, â€Å"will they take the bait?† Alice closed her eyes while swirls of colors flashed and danced around until she solidly saw their path. â€Å"He'll track you. The woman will follow the truck. We should be able to leave after that† â€Å"Let's go.† I'll give you a minute, Carlisle thought but there was still a bite of impatience in his thoughts ?C we had to hurry. I rushed over to Bella, not even hesitating while I brought her into my tight embrace, letting her body warm every inch of mine. The monster, desire, was still positively, solidly there. I placed my hand under her chin, bringing her lips to mine. Euphoria splashed through my hectic nerves – calming them, though the electricity reminded me that I was doing this for her, that I would die for her – to protect her. In seconds the kiss was over and I could feel the slight tearing of my body as I placed her back on the ground. I kept her face in my hands, communicating silently the love I had for her as tears strolled down her pink cheeks, her face eloquent with despair. It was time to go, so I wretched myself away from her and then I was gone, a chill filling my stomach. I ran to the jeep, hoping into the passenger's side. Carlisle was driving and Emmett was in the back, we took off, driving north. James caught my scent easily and began chasing after us in the Jeep. I picked up the phone to call Esme. It only rang once, â€Å"Go now,† I ordered. I could still here the thoughts of Victoria as we speed away. Rosalie and Esme fired up Bella's truck and drove east. Victoria caught the smell of Bella and took off after her truck. I called Alice, even though I was positive she already knew. She answered her phone before it even rang, â€Å"Victoria is on their trail,† I informed her. â€Å"It's time.†