W5Security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

W5Security - Essay Example Modern technology poses a threat in terms of ease of access to data and information which is exchanged over the Internet, which can compromise the privacy of both individuals as well as confidential information pertaining to business activities (Laudon & Laudon, 1999). Privacy is the freedom individuals have to be left alone both at home and at work, free from observation or intrusion by other individuals or the State, or in the case of organizations, from the State and unauthorized sources. Information technology and systems threaten individual rights to privacy by making the intrusion into privacy inexpensive, cost-effective, and efficient (Laudon & Laudon, 1999). Organizational information security strategies, measures, and standards are entirely significant reflections. An organization must take care to devise and put into practice a successful information safety plan, that can cover every phase of available information. Each category of such information safety serves a diverse function. The W5-Data Security Policy incorporates the following main points regarding the organizational data (W5-data security Policy, 2009) Security risk: Consumer based applications such as Internet sales and call center programs pose a security risk to data at its collection point, because they can be tapped by unauthorized sources.(www.protegrity.com). The data and information security risk can be illustrated as the intensity of its effect on organization activities (including operational jobs, illustrations, or status), organization assets, or on individual and/or financial information collected during the process of entering into business information arrangements. The security of data may also be compromised during the process of its use, such as for example through actual theft or hacking into data as well as insider theft, all of which pose a hazard (Rebecca, 2007). The above section has presented the possible hazards in a business situation. Such

Cuneiform And Hieroglyphics Essay Example for Free

Cuneiform And Hieroglyphics Essay The invention of writing was an important part of the development of Sumer and Egypt. There are many similarities and differences to the writings of each of these civilizations. The Sumerians developed a writing called cuneiform. Cuneiform is the oldest written language in existence. Each picture represents a living or nonliving thing. Cuneiform was written on clay tablets with a wedge-shaped instrument called a stylus. Henry Creswicke Rawlinson was the first person to decipher the meanings of cuneiform. He did so in 1846. Cuneiform eventually spread throughout the region and was adopted by many other early civilizations. The Egyptians developed a writing that they named hieroglyphics. The word hieroglyphic means ?sacred inscriptions? because they were often written on the walls of temples. Hieroglyphics were created about 5000 years ago. There are not any vowels, only consonants. There is also no punctuation. In 1799, the Rosetta Stone was discovered. The Rosetta Stone was the secret to discovering the meanings of hieroglyphics. On the Rosetta Stone there were three sections of print, each saying the same thing but in different languages. At the top, the paragraph was written in hieroglyphics. Second, it was written in Demotic. Lastly the paragraph was written in Ancient Greek. By reading the ancient Greek word and names, the other paragraphs could be deciphered. Twenty-three years after it?s discovery, Jean-FranVois Champollion figured out what the hieroglyphics meant. Hieroglyphics are pictures that represent a letter. In both civilizations, mostly only scribes knew how to read and write. Being a scribe was a very honorable profession. People who were to become scribes went to school for many years starting at a young age. The profession of being a scribe was passed down through families; if a boy?s father was a scribe, he would become one also. Because children needed to be taught to read and write when they were to  become scribes, schools were created. Eventually, these schools became more than centers of just learning the art of reading and writing, but they also became centers of learning of botany, astronomy, medicine, and mathematics. People becoming more literate and more knowledgeable helped greatly in the development of the civilizations. Both writings, cuneiform and hieroglyphics, were invented to improve the record keeping of the civilization. By having a written language, Egypt and Sumer could kept records, draw up contracts and official documents, record laws and legal judgments, and record sales. As time went on, being able to write also enabled people to write down formulas, procedures, legends, prayers, and hymns. Even though there were many differences between cuneiform and hieroglyphics, there were many similarities. These similarities caused writing to be important in the growth of Sumer and Egypt.

Sir. Baldric and The Evil Threshmit :: essays research papers

Sir. Baldric and The Evil Threshmit   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It was a frigid night at Rockland Palace. The wind blew hard, and howled out of the night, as the rain beat down on Sir. Morgan as he stood outside the castle walls. He had just returned with the news from King Crenshaw. Suddenly from the dark of the night came Threshmite, the great enemy of man. The description of the beast given by the churl , who stood witness to Sir Morgan's dismemberment, was that of a giant, man eating firs snorting, three headed savage warthog gargoyle. As the lightening flashed, and the thunder clapped, the it reared it's center head up, and gave a fell glare into the eyes of the helpless peasant, who was frozen in a horrified Position.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It took nearly five hours, and the help of the resident magician to get that out of him. He is as skittish as a hind , afraid to venture out of the castle walls, or even let down the drawbridge, for fear of becoming Threashmis' next meal. King Lenson grieved deeply over his departed friend. He then asked for volunteers to hunt down the scatheful beast. The reaction to his request was pathetic, not a man stood. It seemed as though King Lenson's valiant knights were nothing more than a flock of recreants. At last Sir. Baldric stepped forward, he had risen to the occasion, proving true to his troth. He was truly a stalwart knight.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Early the next morning Baldric awakened, in preparation for his endeavor. He dressed himself with care, methodically arranging his raiment. As he pulled his hauberk over his head, and sweeping shoulders the lady of the castle mad her way gently into the room. She helped him finish dressing, and when he went to leave the room she made a tryst between herself and Sir Baldric. They would meet in the church before he left. She softly kissed his cheek, and departed. He went to the arms room, and took down his sword from it's place on the wall. It shone bright in the morning bask. It was whet after every use and now ready for action. He saddled his horse, and went to go meet with lady Lenson in the church. He found her in the last pew, dolorous and weeping. She begged him not to go, so he pledged his mission in her honor. He was bound by heart, and soul to seek and destroy Threshmiter. The king sent him out on his way, and told Sir Baldric he would return victorious.

Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher Essay examples -- Negotiation Getting Y

Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher Whether or not we are aware of it, each of us is faced with an abundance of conflict each and every day. From the division of chores within a household, to asking one’s boss for a raise, we’ve all learned the basic skills of negotiation. A national bestseller, Getting to Yes, introduces the method of principled negotiation, a form of alternative dispute resolutions as opposed to the common method of positional bargaining. Within the book, four basic elements of principled negotiation are stressed; separate the people from the problem, focus on interests instead of positions, invest options for mutual gain, and insist on using objective criteria. Following this section of the book are suggestions for problems that may occur and finally a conclusion. In this journal entry I will be taking a closer look at each of the elements, and critically analyse the content; ultimately, I aim to briefly bring forth the pros and cons of Getting to Yes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Principled negotiation allows disputants to obtain what they are entitled to, while enabling them to be fair, at the same time protecting against those who would take advantage of their fairness . Although the points made are logical and indeed a great approach to certain types of conflict, I found that in some cases the method did not completely come together. More than anything, I found the method altogether was simplistic and for an ideal situation. While going through the four elements, I shall illustrate these points.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first method of principled negotiation is to separate the people from the problem. Although it seems to be quite a simple process, I found a major question came to mind: â€Å"What if the people are the problem?†. Being a teenager, I know that sometimes the only reason for conflict is emotions and feelings. A person feels they have been wronged, the other disagrees, and separating the people from the problem becomes virtually impossible. Getting to Yes briefly proposes some solutions to emotion, such as recognizing both side’s emotions, making emotions explicit and acknowledging them as legitimate, allowing the other side to let off steam, not reacting to emotional outbursts, and using symbolic gestures . Again, I found these guidelines to be oversimplified and completely void of the fact that human’s are inapt to simply putting their feelings aside. Also... ...Although this theory is very rational and scholarly it again asks for a very ideal situation of fairness where the chances of both disputants coming to these terms seems unattainable. Also, it is quite obvious that what one sees as fair, another may not. All the same, the theory by itself provides great principles for negotiation that if followed honestly by both parties would most likely lead to a satisfactory agreement.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In conclusion, the theory of principled negotiation is very impressive, although it at times seems to be simplistic and meant for an ideal world. Nevertheless, it allows all sides of the conflict to be examined through the broadening of options. It allows disputants to maintain any relationship that they had before the conflict and negotiation. Overall, principled negotiation is meant to lead to satisfactory results for both sides, creating a win-win situation for all. Works Cited Colti, Laurie S. Conflict Diagnosis and Alternative Dispute Resolution. New Jersey,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  USA.: Pearson Education, 2004. Fisher, Roger, William Ury, and Bruce Patton. Getting to Yes: Negotiation Agreement   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Without Giving In. New York, USA.: Penguin Books, 1991.

Use of Computer Systems

INTRODUCTION Computer systems are a very important part of our world today and are seen almost anywhere. It has got to that stage where computer systems are a part of pretty much all we do. In this same sense, anybody who has no computer knowledge whatsoever would be regarded as an illiterate in full years to come and with this regard; we can say that not having any knowledge of computers is like not attending a school at all. This article explains how and where computer systems are important to our lives and different sectors or environments.THE EFFECTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS ON DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS Computer systems are being used nowadays in different and dynamic areas which include Banking, industry, Education, Business, Home, Networking, games etc. Banking: Computer systems play a major role in banking systems because even without being a computer literate or genius, a person can easily spot that computers are important in this sector because once a person steps into a banking env ironment, computers are seen everywhere.But to be specific, computers are used for various tasks in the banking sector. a. The transaction task: personal computers are the best for these kinds of job because they are used to record simple transactions that involve sending out and receiving money. These tasks don’t require any big or super computers because even a little calculator can calculate. Personal desktop computers are mostly preferred and required because they are used to record these transactions as well as storing them on an online server database. b.Administrative tasks: the computer plays a major role here by being used to manage offline databases that contain human resource information that include number of staff, health benefits, salary, age, and sometimes being used to generate salary pay cheques unlike the old ways which included filing paper documents which is harder and slower to locate when needed. c. Authentication purposes: computers are used to instantl y connect with other branches of the same banks every time information is needed. This makes it easier for customers to walk into any bank (asides their headquarters or where their account was opened) to make transactions

Haym Salomon, American Revolution Spy and Financier

Haym Salomon, American Revolution Spy and Financier Born to a Sephardic Jewish family in Poland, Haym Salomon emigrated to New York during the American Revolution. His work in support of the American Revolution- first as a spy, and later brokering loans- helped the patriots win the war. Fast Facts: Haym Salomon Also Known As: Chaim SalomonKnown For: Former spy and financial broker who worked in support of the American Revolution. Born: April 7, 1740 in Leszno, PolandDied: January 6, 1785 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Early Years Haym Salomon (born Chaim Salomon) was born on April 7, 1740 in Leszno, Poland. His family was part of a group of Sephardic Jews descended from Spanish and Portuguese immigrants. As a young man, Haym traveled all over Europe; like many Europeans, he spoke several languages. In 1772, Salomon left Poland, following the country’s partitioning that essentially removed its status as a sovereign nation. He decided to try his luck in the British colonies, and he emigrated to New York City. War and Espionage By the time the American Revolution broke out, Salomon had already established himself as a businessman and financial broker in New York City. At some point in the 1770s, he became involved in the patriot movement and joined the Sons of Liberty, a secret organization that fought against British taxation policies. Salomon had a supply contract with the patriot army, and at some point in 1776, he was arrested in New York by the British for espionage. Although it is not known for certain that Salomon was a spy, the British authorities seem to have thought so. However, they decided to spare him from the traditional death sentence for spies. Instead, they offered him a pardon in exchange for his linguistic services. The British officers needed translators to communicate with their Hessian soldiers, most of whom spoke no English at all. Salomon was fluent in German, so he served as an interpreter. This didn’t exactly work the way the British wanted it to, as Salomon used his translating as an opportunity to encourage as many as five hundred German soldiers to desert the British ranks. He also spent a lot of time helping patriot captives escape from British prisons. He was arrested for espionage again in 1778, and sentenced to death once more. This time, there was no offer of pardon. Salomon managed to escape, fleeing to Philadelphia with his wife and children. Although he was virtually penniless when he arrived at the rebel capital, within a short amount of time he re-established himself as a merchant and financial broker. Financing the Revolution Once he had settled comfortably in Philadelphia and his brokerage business was up and running, Salomon was appointed to the role of paymaster general for French troops fighting on behalf of the colonists. He was also engaged in selling securities that supported Dutch and French loans to the Continental Congress. In addition, he advanced funds personally to members of the Continental Congress, offering financial services below market rates. Over a three year period, Salomon’s financial contributions to George Washington and the war effort totaled well over $650,000, which translates to upwards of $18M in today’s currency. Much of this money was funneled into Washington’s accounts in the latter part of 1781. In August of 1781, British general Charles Cornwallis and his troops were penned in near Yorktown. Washington’s army had Cornwallis surrounded, but because Congress was essentially out of money, the continental troops hadn’t been paid in some time. They were also low on rations and crucial uniform components. In fact, Washington’s soldiers were close to staging a coup, and many were considering desertion as a better option than staying in Yorktown. According to legend, Washington wrote to Morris, and asked him to send Haym Salomon. Bruce Leighty / Getty Images Salomon managed to secure the $20,000 in finances that Washington needed to keep his men fighting, and ultimately, the British were defeated at Yorktown, in what would be the final major battle of the American Revolution. After the war ended, Salomon brokered numerous loans between other nations and the newly formed United States government. Final Years Sadly, Haym Salomons financial efforts during the war led to his downfall. He had loaned out hundreds of thousands of dollars during the Revolution, and because of the unstable economy in the colonies, most private borrowers (and even government entities) were unable to repay their loans. In 1784, his family was nearly penniless. Salomon died on January 8, 1785 at the age of 44 from complications from tuberculosis, which he had contracted while in prison. He was buried at his synagogue, Mikveh Israel, in Philadelphia. In the 1800s, his descendants unsuccessfully petitioned Congress for compensation. However, in 1893, Congress decreed that a gold medal be struck in Salomons honor. In 1941, the City of Chicago erected a statue featuring George Washington flanked by Morris and Salomon. Sources Blythe, Bob. â€Å"The American Revolution: Haym Salomon.†Ã‚  National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.nps.gov/revwar/about_the_revolution/haym_salomom.html.Feldberg, Michael. â€Å"Haym Salomon: Revolutionary Broker.†Ã‚  My Jewish Learning, My Jewish Learning, www.myjewishlearning.com/article/haym-salomon-revolutionary-broker/.Percoco, James. â€Å"Haym Salomon.†Ã‚  American Battlefield Trust, 7 Aug. 2018, www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/haym-salomon.Terry, Erica. â€Å"Haym Solomon: The Man Behind the Myth of the Dollars Star of David.†Ã‚  Jspace News, 12 Dec. 2016, jspacenews.com/haym-solomon-man-behind-myth-dollars-star-david/.

n.as essays

n.as essays in a story "to set our house in order",Margaret Laurence delicately portrays a few characters in order to indicate the theme that not everything caan be controlled as accidents might easily happen. the character of grandermother macleod provides the main focus for this theme.she is a rigid, unpleasent woman, who has many troubles in her life.she believes that everything should be in order and tries to set her house in order. she also wants to be a lady.however real life destroys her dream. the great depression makes her unable to afford a housekeeper. the accident of her younger son almost kill her. she wants vannessa to become a lady like her.however,doesn't agree with her. as a result,grandermother macleod can't control her destiny. in addition, this theme is demonstrated through other characters-uncle roderick,granderfather macleod and ewen. uncle roderick loses one of his eyes because of ewen's mistake. then without proper sight,he is killed in the war.this tragedy is the result of an accident. on the other hand , ewen's fate is changed by this tragedy when he decides to study medicine and give up his interest of being a sailor. also, granderfather chooses to be a doctor only because his father is a doctor.these characters destinies are determined by accidents. this story is narrated through the eyes of vanessa.at the end of this story,having seen what happens to her family,vanessa gets the feeling that not everything is in order and things can be changed by accident. thus through her growing up awareness, the author points out the theme. final story To Set Our House in Order by Margaret Laurence was a story that showed different kinds of relationships between a grandparent and a family. Unlike The other stories, Grandma Maclaod tended to have a negative influence on the rest of the family, in her own mind she thought she was doing the right thing. In actuality she was way too ...

ESPOSITO Surname Meaning and Origin

ESPOSITO Surname Meaning and Origin The common Italian surname Esposito was a last name commonly given to children in Italy (prior to its unification in 1861) who were abandoned or given up for adoption by their parents. The name derives from the Latin  expositus, the past participle of the Latin verb  exponere, which means to place outside. The Esposito surname is especially prevalent in the Naples region of Italy. Alternate Surname Spellings:  ESPOSTI, ESPOSTO, ESPOSTI, DEGLI ESPOSTI, SPOSITO Surname Origin:  Italian Famous People Raffaele Esposito is baker attributed with first creating the modern pizza. Genealogy Resources Contrary to what you may hear, there is no such thing as an Esposito  family crest or coat of arms for the Esposito surname.  Coats of arms are granted to individuals, not families, and may rightfully be used only by the uninterrupted male line descendants of the person to whom the coat of arms was originally granted. If youre interested in connecting with others who share the Esposito surname, the following resources can help: ESPOSITO Family Genealogy Forum: Free message board is focused on descendants of Esposito ancestors around the world.FamilySearch - ESPOSITO Genealogy and Family History: Explore over 350,000 digitized and transcribed historical  records, as well as lineage-linked family trees for the Esposito surname.ESPOSITO Surname Mailing List: Free mailing list for researchers of the Esposito surname and its variations includes subscription details and a searchable archives of past messages.GeneaNet - Esposito  Records: GeneaNet includes archival records, family trees, and other resources for individuals with the Esposito  surname, with a concentration on records and families from France and other European countries.The Esposito  Genealogy and Family Tree Page: Browse family trees and links to genealogical and historical records for individuals with the last name Esposito  from the website of Genealogy Today. Sources: Cottle, Basil.  Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Baltimore, MD: Penguin Books, 1967.Dorward, David.  Scottish Surnames. Collins Celtic (Pocket edition), 1998.Fucilla, Joseph.  Our Italian Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 2003.Hanks, Patrick and Flavia Hodges.  A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1989.Hanks, Patrick.  Dictionary of American Family Names. Oxford University Press, 2003.Reaney, P.H.  A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1997.Smith, Elsdon C.  American Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997.

Project and marking Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Project and marking - Research Paper Example It will be crucial to mention that decision making process is one of the major parts of Human Resource Management (HRM) in any organization. As often explained theoretically and witnessed in real life cases, HRM is a multifaceted doctrine, which is responsible for many functions performed within any organization being subjected to proper decision making that can ensure maximum success. Some of those functions commonly include recruitment and selection, training and development and employee motivation among others. The aspect of decision making is often regarded as one of the most frequently executed tasks in every section of the HRM functions. Correspondingly, HR managers have the need to decide for themselves as well as superiors with regard to the development of HRM functions within the organization on a regular basis (Armstrong 3-28). All these aspects together ensure success for the overall business, which again differ from one organization to another in accordance with their ind ustrial structure and business performance needs. THESIS STATEMENT This report will primarily present a detailed comparison on the decision making process of recruitment and selection HRM functions of two separate organizations operating in similar industry sector, i.e. Qatar Airways and US Airways will be considered in this report. Contextually, the report will present a comparison between the recruitment and selection

The Role of the YOT Social Worker Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Role of the YOT Social Worker - Essay Example As the paper outlines the majority of young offenders commit crimes not because of their cruelty or genetics, but rather because they do not see another option to survive or feel societal pressure from peers and family. This paper examines the legal rights of young people, analyze the differences between police and social services functions and discuss the possible balance between the two institutions on the example of Jordan family. As it clear from the situation in Jordan family, the mother is not capable to satisfy the basic needs of her children who are left on their own and can decide what to do without asking the permission. Taking into account that the daughters are old enough to understand that their actions are wrong, the social worker’s help and assistance is vital – social worker should find the method to explain girls the wrongness of their actions . The son aged 8 is not capable to understand the seriousness of his participation in thefts and his physical, emotional and educational needs are not met. He is at risk of suffering harm and the intrusion of social worker might have effect on the child of any change in circumstances.   As it is clear from the study, all of the three children have not attended the school, at least at the day they were caught stealing at the mall. Most likely, it is not the first time they do not go to school. Under section 36 of the Children Act 1989, every child of compulsory school age should be properly educated. Joanne, Claire and Sammy are neglecting this right and their parents are not controlling the attendance to school.  

Ghadafi and Libya essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ghadafi and Libya - Essay Example The Egyptian conflict was the first example where the protestors of the country fought for justice and freedom and forced their leader, Hosni Mubarak to resign. These protests were followed in other countries where the citizens wished to revolutionize their countries and attain liberal governments that would fulfill their demands and recognize the importance of... the citizens of the country. The most prominent amongst these is the Libyan Conflict which began in the month of February in the year 2011. The conflict is still in progress and rebels have taken to the streets to force the step down of their leader Colonel Muammar el-Qaddafi who has been in power since almost 42 years. Qaddafi has not given up and does not intend to give in to the demands of the people and has resorted to severe measures which include oppression and killings of the masses. The conflict has met with criticism from international countries and allies of Libya have also requested Qaddafi to step down and abide by the wants and wishes of the people (Libya — Protests and Revolt 2011). Libya is an Arab nation which is located on the map in North Africa. The country like many other Arab countries contains very high reservoirs of oil. The country has been under the rule of Colonel Muammar el-Qaddafi from the year 1969 who has proved to be a very strict and harsh ruler for the country. Qaddafi has always been a ruler who has followed the policy of dictatorship and has tried to keep all the powers of authority in his hands. Qaddafi is an intelligent man who has used all his powers to keep the country divided so that there could be no united strong appraisal against his oppressions. He did not create any strong national organizations and at the same time, he also did not form a nationalized army so that no revolt to overthrow him could be very strong. He has been criticized on the international level owing to his oppressive acts which have resulted in the expulsion of Libya as a member fr om the United Nations Security Council. There was an internal unrest in the country but the actual conflict resulted due to the wave of revolution that started in the neighboring countries of Egypt and Tunisia and led to the freedom of these countries. It was followed by the Libyans who started their revolt against the government and initiated a mass protest demanding the resignation of their leader (Fahim et al 2011; Libya — Protests and Revolt 2011). The revolt against the government started in the city of Benghazi and spread across the country and rebels were seen to be operating in different cities of Libya against the four decade old rule. It was expected by many that Qaddafi would opt for resignation but these hopes vanished when he chose for fighting against the people of his own country. He used threatening and derogatory remarks against the rebels terming them as â€Å"cockroaches† in his speech and threatened to kill all of them. It seemed that the revolt wou ld not last long and the protesters would be crushed but international intervention and military assistance and strikes from the United States and United Kingdom in the month of March served to increase the revolt and the side of the rebels became stronger again. The NATO forces also came to the assistance of the rebels and assisted them to fight back the forces of Colonel

Government response to terrorism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Government response to terrorism - Essay Example There have been numerous controversies surrounding legal definition of terrorism. Left-wing critics claim that use of a nation’s armed forces in crushing an opponent’s political progress amounts to terrorism. In this context, a ruling government which uses indiscriminate violence to destroy an opponent’s progress engages in terrorism. Apart from a ruling government, terrorism comprise of violent activities used by nationalists fighting an oppressive regime. In fact the late Nelson Mandela was once branded as a terrorist by the white government in South Africa. This means that these controversies undermine existence of a definite boundary between justifiable uses of violence for political progress. Fraser and Staniforth (2012) says that from a legal perspective, UK law defines terrorism as any act of violence that causes or threatens to cause indiscriminate loss of lives, property damage and create a serious risk to health and safety of the public. The UK governme nt takes any such form of violence which seeks to influence governmental institutions or the public as acts of terror. Terrorism is not new in Britain. In the last decade, British security forces arrested approximately 1800 people in connection to terror related cases. Most of these individuals arrested are British citizens involved or associated with accomplishing assistance roles in extremist activities. Demographics show that a substantial portion of those arrested are radical youth lured by perpetrators towards a path of violent extremism.

The Godfather Movie Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Godfather Movie - Research Paper Example The plot of the story portrays an Italian American empire that is beginning to fall based on tragic situations in criminal exploits. The opening scene of a wedding pose an appeal to the viewers as family induces a feeling of belonging such that those who lack belief in it are draw in to the depths of such remarkable occasions. That in the making is one significant way to draw the attention of the viewers. This depicts the Corleone family business affairs bringing the viewers to the act, to its world and into the narrative. The epic is actually ruthless in implications as it unfolds and various styles have been used. Suspense is created effectively, and the actors seek to turn off the viewers and pull them in at the same time. Skill and craft is executed bravely with the length and the pacing of the movie aiming to show how themes of betrayal, greed and loyalty shine in life in ways that are both profound and surprising (Puzo 208). It offers a brutal depiction of events and lifestyle such as one of pirates. The story begins plotwise on an attempt to assassinate Don Vito by a rival from a different family due to his refusal to join an illegal business in narcotics trade. With his absence and temporary unavailability as he seeks medical attention, it becomes the role of his sons to run the entire empire. These include a hot tempered Sonny, mildly meek Fredo, an adopted son of Irish ancestry Tom Hagen and a fiercely independent Michael who happens to be the only fortunate son to obtain a college education (Zapala-Kraj 47). Michael is initially uninterested in the family business and lacks the desire to take part in the future take over. However, with continuous deceit and betrayal, it is Michael who comes through as a successor to his... This research paper focuses on the movie The Godfather, that is one of the many action series that provides a captivating entertainment especially for those who love to watch drama and crime. The movie was produced in 1972 and based on the novel by Mario Puzo, The Godfather. The movie provides a captivating scene and popular moving chronicles of American life that are brutal in their nature and the way they are depicted. Within the context of all popular entertainment, this movie provided a higher rating in the mode of the filming. The screen player Francis Ford Coppola brings forth a gangster melodrama that is truly sorrowful but also extremely exciting that lacks the unbelievable piety of the previous productions in the movie industry that strike fear but caution that the crime is not paying. The movie is an illustration of daily life events. Let us face it, to be rich, powerful, feared and influential is a way of life achieved by some people and we cannot deny is one that most wou ld desire and find somewhat compelling. Based on that, drama epics like The Godfather gives the viewer the chance to explore this dark possibility and emotion as well as live through the actors and traits as depicted in the film. There is much people who can borrow from a story that shows how a person can move from normal life of casting out roles to one of taking duty and responsibility towards a fulfilled life. Michael can be used as a turning point to people who lack a sense of direction, and the movies is highly recommended.

Government response to terrorism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Government response to terrorism - Essay Example There have been numerous controversies surrounding legal definition of terrorism. Left-wing critics claim that use of a nation’s armed forces in crushing an opponent’s political progress amounts to terrorism. In this context, a ruling government which uses indiscriminate violence to destroy an opponent’s progress engages in terrorism. Apart from a ruling government, terrorism comprise of violent activities used by nationalists fighting an oppressive regime. In fact the late Nelson Mandela was once branded as a terrorist by the white government in South Africa. This means that these controversies undermine existence of a definite boundary between justifiable uses of violence for political progress. Fraser and Staniforth (2012) says that from a legal perspective, UK law defines terrorism as any act of violence that causes or threatens to cause indiscriminate loss of lives, property damage and create a serious risk to health and safety of the public. The UK governme nt takes any such form of violence which seeks to influence governmental institutions or the public as acts of terror. Terrorism is not new in Britain. In the last decade, British security forces arrested approximately 1800 people in connection to terror related cases. Most of these individuals arrested are British citizens involved or associated with accomplishing assistance roles in extremist activities. Demographics show that a substantial portion of those arrested are radical youth lured by perpetrators towards a path of violent extremism.

Touching The Heart of Buddhas Teachings Term Paper

Touching The Heart of Buddhas Teachings - Term Paper Example Perhaps the best way to approach the core of Buddhism is to ask, first of all, what the word Buddhism means. Buddhism comes from the word Buddha, whose root word, budh simply means awake. The Buddha, whose root word, budh simply means awake. The Buddha, therefore, is simply one who is awake. In the Anguttara Nikaya, one of the major collections of Buddhist texts, we are told that a Brahmin (a Hindu priest) once encountered the Buddha and asked him a series of questions: â€Å"The Brahmin Dona saw the Buddha sitting under a tree and was impressed by his peaceful air of alertness and his good looks. He asked the Buddha: Are you a God? No, Brahmin, I am not a God. Then an angel? No, indeed, Brahmin. A spirit, then? No, I am not a spirit. Then what are you? I am awake.† (Bancroft 8). When the Buddha said that he was awake, what he implied was that he was once, like most of us, asleep. To be asleep is to be ignorant of our true nature. It means that there is so much about ourselves and the world that we do not understand. If we could only open our eyes and be awake, then we, too, can be Buddhas. This, in fact, is one of the central teachings of Buddhism: that each of us is a potential Buddha, that each of us has the seed of enlightenment. All we need to do is to work at it. All we need to do is to nurture the seed of enlightenment. This brings us to the life story of Buddha. What are the key elements of Buddha’s life story? Why are they so important? What do these teachings tell us? These are among the questions that I shall address in this paper. The Buddha was born around 560 B.C. in what is now Southern Nepal (Zukeran 1). He was Indian, and was born a prince. His name was Siddhartha. The story of his life starts right after he was born, when an astrologer came to the kingdom and predicted that Siddhartha would either become a great king or a great spiritual leader. When Siddhartha’s father heard this, the king made sure that Siddhartha would not be exposed to the difficulties of life. So the king surrounded Prince Siddhartha with all the possible pleasures one could possibly imagine, and he was not exposed to any difficulties or suffering whatsoever. However, the prince developed a great curiosity about the world outside the palace walls. When Siddhartha left the palace walls with this charioteer named Chandaka, he first noticed a bent, wrinkled old man. This was something he had never seen before. On another trip outside the palace walls, Siddhartha saw a man suffering from some kind of disease. On a third occasion , Siddhartha encountered a funeral procession and saw a dead body inside a box followed by crying relatives. He was horrified. On a fourth occasion, Siddhartha encountered a wandering mock who seemed very happy, serene, and contented. When he asked Chandaka who this person was, Chandaka said: â€Å"this is a holy man who has renounced worldly life and entered upon a life of homelessness† (Kohn 11). These key events are what led Siddhartha to a deep realization: that everything is ravaged by time; that we don’t live forever; and that life, at its very root, is filled with suffering. These facts motivated Siddhartha to look for a cure for suffering. In doing so, he vowed to continue sitting in meditation until he found the solution to the problem of suffering. One day, Siddhartha attained enlightenment. During this enlightenment, he was finally able to discover the cure that he was seeking. At first, he thought that he could not teach what he had discovered, since what h e had discovered seemed so profound. But he got up from under the tree, and met a few friends who had deserted him. It is to these friends that he gave his first sermon – the four noble truths. This is where Buddha’s life story becomes significant. The four noble truths are the foundational teachings of Buddhism. These teachings tell us that first, human existence is characterized by suffering. Second, that there

Terms Ap Us History Essay Example for Free

Terms Ap Us History Essay Sea Dogs-roving English ships that plundered Spanish treasure ships (1560s) St. Augustine–fort Spain created in Florida 1565 to protect the route of its treasure fleet against English ships, French settlers, hostile Indians (1st permanent Euro. settlement in US) Comprehensive Orders for New Discoveries-new policy Spanish leaders introduced after military setbacks to pacify Indians by Christianizing missionaries not conquistadores (1573) Ecomenderos-privelaged spanish landowners in NM, who were allowed by the Franciscans to utilize the goods and forced labor of Indians and their land Popà ©-an Indian shaman, who killed and drove away Spaniards (destroying Spanish churches etc) with his followers in 1680 Samuel de Champlain-founder of the fur-trading post Quebec (1608), first permanent French colony). Colony did badly until 1662 when it was turned to royal colony Robert de La Salle-fur trader who in 1681 traveled down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico to found Louisiana (and ultimately New Orleans). Traveled so far from Great Lakes/New France region to get rive by taking advantage of of remote Indians who did not know value of their furs Henry Hudson-An English mariner sent by Dutch merchants in 1609 to find a navigable route to East Indies/riches. Explored rivers of the NE (esp. Hudson River) and found plentiful furs Fort Orange-Dutch merchants founded this fur-trading post (now Albany) in 1614 after following H. Hudsons exploration to trade for furs with the Iroquois West India Company-chartered by Dutch government in 1621 and set up New Netherland colony and New Amsterdam (Manhattan) as capital, brining in farmers/artisans to make sustainable. Later acted independently, ignoring New Netherland to profit in other colonies Governor Peter Stuyvesant-governor of New Amsterdam who ruled in authoritarian way by alienating colonys diverse residents and ignoring representation demands. Anglo-Dutch War-series of wars fought between the Dutch and the English in the 1600s and 1700s over control of the seas and trade routes. Early wars confirmed the Dutch Republics position as the leading maritime country and its domination of world trade until the early 1700s. Virginia Company-London company of investors granted all land by King James I of England from NC to NY (1606). Directors named land Virginia and in 1607 group of male traders (no farming experience) settled area of Jamestown with intention of obtaining gold (there was no gold). More than half of first settlers died from voyage, disease, famine. Later encouraged migration by granting free settlers land. Powhatan-chief of local tribes who treated the English traders as potential (trade) allies, and essentially saved them from total famine when he gave them corn (in exchange got metal tools/guns). Saved life of Captain John Smith from his brother Opechancanough. John Rolfe-an English colonist that married Powhatans daughter Pocahontas under his arrangement (diplomatic effort by Powhatan). Rolfe imported tobacco seed from West Indies, producing a profitable and in-demand crop in Europe––spurred migration of thousands of English settlers establishing plantations, and consequently invading Indian land. House of Burgesses-system of representative government in VA issued as a charter from the Virginia Company (1619). Could make laws and levy taxes, but governor/company council in England could veto its acts. Opechancanough-Powhatans brother and successor who attacked the early English invaders (captured Capt. John Smith). Stayed distant from English and refused all treaties while Powhatan chief. Became chief 1621, wanted to wipe out all of Englishmen (land-hungry and conversion minded). Started Indian War of 1622 when killed 1/3 of white English in surprise attack, who then brutally punished Indians and declared perpetual war that lasted 10 years. Privy Council-a committee of political advisers to King James I, who made it a requirement that all legislation passed by the new VA governor and his advisory council of the House of Burgesses (formed in 1624 when King James I revoked VA Companys charter and made VA a royal colony b/c of Indian uprising) had to be ratified by them. Toleration Act of 1649-Lord Baltimore persuaded the assembly (of MD) to pass this act––which protected his fellow Catholics (who had become a minority to the surging Protestants in Marlyand) and granted all Christians the right to follow their beliefs and hold church services. Maryland was no a colony of Christian religious freedom. Freeholds-Small family-farmed (tobacco) plantations that were the main source of tobacco in the Chesapeake region in the early part of the tobacco boom (1620s). Indentured Servant-poor whites in England who were impoverished and abused in Englands city poorhouses who there were displaced to the cities after the go vernment enclosed their lands in the countryside. They wanted to settle in the colonies to obtain land and economic opportunity (social mobility), so to pay for their passage over they signed indentures from merchants (who would sell them to planters) that said they would work as a servant on a plantation for 4-5 years and then were free. Many died en route or were abused to death on plantations, and only 25% actually acquired land and success afterwards. Black Codes-laws enforced by Chesapeake planters to limit the freedom and severely restrict rights of African workers in the colonies (like owning guns, traveling). These codes made slavery legal, and encouraged racist ideas to differentiate poor whites from blacks, elevating them and make slaves inferior beings (all because slave importation skyrocketed when tobacco boom crashed). Navigation Acts-passed by English Parliament in early 1660s as the main device of mercantilist policy in England (wanted to exclusively capitalize on their American colonies raw materials and market for manufactured goods), they prevented colonists from selling tobacco to all countries besides the English (lost money from Dutch), and all tobacco went to England where there were higher import duties. Consequently tobacco prices fell and planters were forced to use the cheaper labor of black slaves, and political problems resulted in the Chesapeake colonies. Governor William Berkeley-royal Governor of Virginia (Jamestown) who was instructed to run the colony only for the benefit of England (1642-1652). He was part of, and favored the planter-merchant elite. Corrupt: to win support in House of Burgesses bribed officials with land grants and took vote away from landless freemen (50% of white pop.). Increased the already growing disparities in wealth and status among VA population. Nathaniel Bacon-a wealthy farmer (was on governors council), he was a leader of colonial frontiersmen in western deep Virginia (west). Like other poorer farming frontiersmen, was angered over Gov. Berkeleys inability to protect western VA frontier land (like his own) from Indian attacks; also angry at the rights and corruption of VAs wealthy inner circle. Bacon’s Rebellion-1676, Nathaniel Bacon led other fellow poor frontiersmen on Indian raids because they were being attacked by Indians. The poor frontiersmen were all angry at the tobacco monopoly that the elite eastern planters had, that they lost their voting rights, and that they were overtaxed. Gained popularity with his Indian raids. Seen as a Martyr when he was arrested by Berkeley and was freed by yeomen. He and forces burned Jamestown, but when he died Berkeley violently crushed rebellion with British military aid. Made colonies turn away from indentured servant labor and toward slave labor. Manifesto and Declaration of the People William Bradford-Puritan who led Puritans and migrants from England (102) to America in 1620 aboard the Mayflower and settled in Plymouth, in SE MA. While en route, he said they lacked a royal charter from England, and issued the Mayflower Compact. Mayflower Compact-issued by William Bradford aboard Mayflower to migrants/Puritans which coalesced the migrants (just wanting to go to VA for economic opportunity) with the Puritans (wanting to be independent and free of Protestant VA) by declaring they would live in a civil body politick using the Puritans self-governing congregation to shape their political structure. John Winthrop-Well-educated Puritan country squire who led the exodus of Puritans from England in 1630 (they were being persecuted against by Catholic King Charles I), to set up govern the Massachusetts Bay Colony (Boston). He declared to his people we shall be as a City upon a Hill. He meant that God had chosen them to be a shining example and hope for all (Christian) religions, like those in what he considered to be a morally corrupt England, wanted to inspire religious reform throughout the Christian world. Massachusetts Bay-Colony established and governed by John Winthrop 1630, who led exodus of Puritans from a morally corrupt England where his people were being persecuted, sought to create a New England that was a reformed Christian society. Colony was a representative political body with an assembly, and made Puritanism the sole state religion (no other religions allowed), only church members could vote/hold office. Used Bible as legal guide, and embraced simple Christian principles––churches were controlled by the people (congregationalist) with no hierarchy and were meetinghouses. These Puritans believed in predestination (John Calvin), a doctrine that God chose only a select few individuals for salvation before they were born. Many sought a born again experience. Because they thought they were chosen as a city upon a hill, they felt the right to seize Indian lands. Roger Williams-Roger Williams was a Puritan minister who opposed congregationalism, praised the separation of church and state, advocated religious tolerance (the government didnt have authority over spiritual lives), and didnt believe in Puritans seizure of Indian land. These were all opposite views than the status quo of Mass. Bay. In 1636, he was banished so he led his followers to settle the town of Providence (Rhode Island) the land he bought from Indians. Got a charter from Parliament in 1644 to establish the colony of Rhode Island (complete religious freedom). Anne Hutchinson-A Mass. Bay wife who held weekly prayer meetings for women, she preached controversial and differing views: she believed salvation could not be achieved through good deeds, people only bestowed by God through the covenant of grace. She said that God spoke his divine truth directly to individuals, not through the church. As a woman with considerable influence, she was banished in 1637, for her heretical views and as a threat to the superiority of men in the Puritan church. Joined Roger Williams in RI. Thomas Hooker-Puritan pastor who brought some Puritans to the Connecticut River Valley in 1636 and established the town of Hartford (left NE because of differing views and search for better farmland). Connecticut became royal colony in 1660 with charter from King Charles II. Had a legally established church but granted voting rights to all land-owning men. Cotton Mather-A popular Puritan theologian who believed in supernatural forces, that unusual events were the power displayed by God or Satan. Lead to the Salem Witch Trials. Spectral Evidence-The evidence allowed by judges at the accused witches trials (in the Salem Witch Trials), which was visions of evil beings and marks seen only by the girls (who suffered supernatural seizures). Praying Towns-Indian villages that Puritan ministers like John Eliot turned into intensely Christian communities by 1670 in efforts to convert Indians. The 1000 Indian residents lost their independence and culture, and new native form of Christianity were made by traditional spiritual beliefs incorporated into churches. Metacom-Chief of the Wampanoags who with two other tribes staged a rebellion in 1675-1676, attacking white settlements all over New England in hopes to finally expel the Europeans. He knew coexistence was unlikely and was angry that NE colonists restricted their trade and accused them of many violations. Had they not run out of gunpowder, the rebellion might have been a success. The NE colonies losses were significant, as some places lost 5% of their population; but Indians lost 25% of their population and the three tribes (Wampanoags, Narragansetts, and Nipmucks) displaced/retreated west to the backcountry.

Women in Business and Emloyment

Women in Business and Emloyment Presentation Women are turning into an unmistakable segment of the workforce. Women now make up 43 percent of the administrative, managerial, and official positions in the U.S. This may sound amazing, however tragically, a large portion of those occupations are just in lower level administration. Females  make up just three to seven percent of senior administration (VP and higher). There is still an incredible imbalance in corporate America. Antiquated perspectives are the primary concern keeping Women down. Numerous things originate from those antiquated perspectives including seeing Women as substandard, inappropriate behavior, and esteemed gentlemen issue. Women are battling these issues, be that as it may, and are increasing effective positions accordingly. This report will cover Women in administrative and official positions, what is keeping Women down, Women helping Women succeed, and Women who have become showbiz royalty.   In the past, females were just permitted to remain at home and deal with the children. It is not up to this point Women were permitted to enter the workforce, and considerably more as of late that they were permitted the opportunity to increase administrative or official positions. Albeit as indicated by U.S branch of Labor, Bureau of Statistics Women make up 43 percent of the administrative, managerial, and official positions in the U.S. The greater part of that rate, in any case, is comprised of lower level administration. Just three to five percent of official positions have a place with Women. That implies that 95 to 97 percent of every single senior supervisor (VP and higher) are men. For the most part white men to be exact. The numbers are even lower when you get the chance to significantly greater organizations. A 1990 investigation of the top Fortune 500 organizations by Mary Ann Von Glinow of the University of Southern California, demonstrated that Women were just 2.6% of th e corporate officers (the bad habit presidential level up) of those organizations. That is what is known as the unattainable rank. Women have an imperceptible obstruction that endeavors to keep them from ascending to an official level. Considerably more unfortunately, a great number of the official Women are there on the grounds that they began the organization, and substantially more since it is a lady claimed organization. There is still an esteemed gentleman state of mind that wins at the larger amounts of business. It is a state of mind that is far reaching in corporate America, which is that white folks are the best possibility for abnormal state occupations. There are numerous keen Women who are ignored, come up short on, and pushed aside for white men with less qualifications. Women get came up short on even at the official level, a May 1987 report by Nations Business demonstrated that Women at the bad habit presidential levels or more acquire 42 percent not as much as their male associates. That is a tremendous contrast in pay. An illustration could be that if a female made $300,000 a year, a male partne r doing the very same employment would make about $450,000. Women on Corporate Boards Corporate sheets are tragically comparable in their numbers. Just 4.5 percent of the Fortune 500 modern directorships are held by Women. On Fortune Service 500 organizations, just 5.6 percent of corporate executives are Women. Women are gaining more ground in this field than in the official officer field, be that as it may. Albeit not very many organizations have Women as a board executive, a recent report by the Glass Ceiling Commission demonstrates that 60 percent of Fortune 500 organizations had Women on their board. Women Owned Companies Many Women are beginning their own organizations. These arent infant organizations either. Extensive economy-shaking organizations such are E-cove are established by Women. This is one of the greatest figures changing the way Women are seen in the workforce. By and large, Women claimed organizations employ a significantly more proportionate number of Women and minorities than do their male partners (see figure 1). While Women tend to contract half guys and half females, men tend to procure just a third Women and the rest men. Men by and large lean toward a two to one proportion of men to Women. As mens organizations go up in esteem, they employ a littler and littler rate of Women. Figure 1] Whats Holding Women Back Old Fashioned Views against Women the primary things keeping Women down are out-dated perspectives about Women. Women have generally been maids and moms, remaining at home and taking requests from men. Women are raised to be small, easygoing, and never forceful. They are i nstructed not to raise their voices, be too immediate, too forward, or contend. They are particularly instructed not to act along these lines around guys. This thought remains imbued in the U.S. culture and makes it extremely hard to battle segregation. The court frameworks are still permitted to consider how a lady dresses in sexual separation cases, saying that on the off chance that they dress or act absolutely they are asking for licentious remarks and the culpable male was not out of line. With laws like that, it is no big surprise it is so difficult for Women to get equivalent treatment. Esteemed gentlemen This all ties into esteemed gentlemen thought that keeps Women down. Esteemed gentlemen are contained white male administrators who need to keep upper official America made up of just white guys. They consider Women who are solid to be feminazis or bitches. A solid man, then again, is thought to be resolved, persevering, and incredible upper administration material. These me n need to advance different guys which they have buddied up inside after-work exercises which Women are frequently prohibited from. Women officials are much of the time avoided from social exercises and frequently depict the clubbiness among the men that exists at the top. The corporate official suites are a definitive young mens clubs. Even on a more formal level, Women report there are certain sorts of gatherings they dont get welcomed to in light of the fact that they are not seen as approach creators. When looking at men and Women at a similar level, men by and large oversee more individuals, have more noteworthy flexibility to contract and fire individuals, and have more straightforward control over the organizations advantages. At the point when avoided from gatherings and not given as much power, it is much simpler to not recognize the ability and knowledge of these Women. Obviously, it as of now had been ignored or they would not be dealt with like that in any case. Women, Their Families, and the Real Problem Another view that keeps Women down is once they have youngsters they will turn out to be less dep endable and less committed to the organization. This thought is not valid and is yet another jerk see forced by men. In a Wall Street Journal/Gallup overview, Women administrators were requested that what they consider be the most genuine obstruction in their business professions. Just three percent said family duties, yet half named reasons identified with their sexual orientation, including male pettiness, dispositions toward a female supervisor, moderate headway for Women, and the basic truth of being a lady. In a review by Korn/Ferry International, official Women were made a request to name the best obstruction they needed to overcome to make progress; the most continuous reaction was basically being a lady (40 percent). More than 80 percent of the official Women in the Wall Street Journal/Gallup contemplate said they accept there are detriments to being a lady in the business world. They say that men dont consider them important. In a similar overview, 61 percent of the Women administrators revealed having been mixed up for a secretary at a conference and 25 percent said they had been disappoi nted on their way up the professional bureaucracy by male states of mind toward Women. Women Careers Women still have many generalizations to manage. They have employments that they are gathered to be in, for example, secretaries, medical attendants, and authoritative support. Ninety-nine percent of secretaries are Women, 93 percent of medical caretakers are Women, and 82 percent of regulatory/administrative bolster laborers are Women. Women are likewise the dominant part of material specialists (91 percent) and servants (82 percent). Women make up a greater part of these positions, however the quantities of official positions remain low. Women are likewise still paid not as much as men for a similar work. Full-time utilized Women still win impressively not as much as men. The normal man with a secondary school training working all day wins more than the normal lady all day laborer with a professional education. One reason Women experience serious difficulties to the top is the kind of occupations they are urged to go into. They are packed in regions that are generally staff and bol ster occupations, which dont have much chance to ascend to the top. Women are frequently excluded in the standard line employments. Notwithstanding when they get sufficiently fortunate to land a line position (which is the most well-known course to make it to a high official position) they are frequently the line employments which dont stamp them as pioneers or as profitable individuals from the organization. The most elevated positioning Women in many businesses are in non-working territories, for example, faculty, advertising, or, periodically, fund claims to fame that rarely prompt to the most intense top-administration positions. As specified some time recently, Women are significantly more liable to enlist an equivalent number of guys to females. Women business officials additionally overwhelmingly bolster womens activist positions. Women officials are giving a great deal of support to Women in lower positions. They are attempting to measure up to out the playing field. Sixty-three percent of the Women officials in the Korn/Ferry review trust that obstructions to Women have not fallen at the senior administration level, and 70 percent trust that Women dont get equivalent pay for tantamount occupations. In a Wall Street Journal/Gallup survey, more than four out of five Women administrators say there are weaknesses to being female in the business world. It is still an extremely out of line climate for Women. Women in high places, in any case, are attempting to roll out this improvement

The Real Macbeth :: essays research papers fc

Say â€Å"Macbeth† and the first thing that comes to mind is probably the play by the famous playwright, William Shakespeare. This classic story has become a mainstay of high school English literature classes around the world. However, few people realize that there was a real king Macbeth who lived long before the Shakespearean character evolved. In fact, the only verity of historical truth in the play is King Duncan’s death at the hand of Macbeth. The â€Å"real† Macbeth was not exactly as weak and unsuccessful as Shakespeare portrayed him. The â€Å"real† Macbeth had reasons for murdering Duncan, had a successful sovereignty, and had a very different defeat.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The real Macbeth was born a grandson of King Kenneth II who ruled from 971-995. His father was Finlay McRory who was a Mormaer (lord) of Moray. His mother’s name was Donada but it is unknown whether she was the daughter of King Kenneth II, Kenneth III, or Malcolm II. He married Grauch (â€Å"Lady Macbeth†), a descendant of King Kenneth III, who ruled from 997-1005. Lady Macbeth already had a son, Lulach, by a first marriage to another Mormaer of Moray.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Becoming king in eleventh century Scotland was not strictly hereditary. There was a practice called thanistry. This meant that nobleman chose kings from a large selection of possible kings called thanes. In theory, thanistry should have worked. But in practice, what often happened was that the strongest and most cunning of the thanists would rise to power. As a result, the best person did not necessarily become king because thanistry encourage open conflict as well as the assassination or reigning kings and other thanes (Scotland 4). But, the â€Å"real† Macbeth’s murder of King Duncan I in 1040 in a battle, was seen more as a good move than as a catastrophe. Duncan’s rule in Scotland was not the golden age as described in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. In truth, Duncan was described by Arthur M. Gunn as an â€Å"impetuous and spoiled young man whose six years of kingship brought glory neither to Scotland nor his family.† (Famous Scots 2) This differed from the public fury that was scene in Shakespeare’s Macbeth when innocent King Duncan was murdered in his sleep.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Unlike, the Shakespeare Macbeth, the real Macbeth was a powerful and successful king who ruled for seventeen years. He had enough power to leave on an expedition to Rome in 1050 and then return to reign seven more years. That was a remarkable achievement in those times. Contrasting, Shakespeare’s Macbeth had a very unsuccessful monarchy. He is so caught up in his guilt that he doesn’t have time

The Careers of Diplomat versus Attache in Victorian Times :: Victorian Era

Diplomat or Attachà ©: Which was the better job? How to become a Diplomat To become a diplomat, one must possess the art of diplomacy. They have to handle know how to negotiate, be well tempered and genteel. In order to become a diplomat Mr. Pitt Crawley must have had to earn and been awarded the position. In addition, he had to possess an art for politics and Etiquette. While in college Crawley mastered these diplomatic skills. He became the Private Secretary to Lord Binkie. He also became the Attachà © to the Legation at Pumpernickel. However, after ten years into this position he â€Å"gave up the diplomatic career and began to turn country gentleman† (Vanity Fair). Crawley prided himself on having manners. Thackeray even mentioned in Vanity Fair that Crawley would have been a great diplomat if not for early neglect. Crawley and the Victorians both had the ability to use deceptive tactics to accomplish certain goals. Modern Diplomacy Modern Diplomacy started in Eastern Europe and Russia during the 18th century. Diplomats were also called statesman. Diplomats were the eyes/ears/and mouth to the outside. They were the ambassadors, the dignitaries who work with the others to maintain civility and peace. They were usually members of the aristocracy (nobility). There were two types of diplomats: public and private. Private diplomats were accountants and investigators that complied information. Marcus Garvey described diplomacy as â€Å"the artful deception of opponents.† While in Parliament a Victorian would have had to deceive his opponents in order to win. The diplomats resolved conflict, restored peace, and respect. The Victorian Age was seen as a time of moral standards that were applied hypocritically. Diplomacy was described as artful deception, but the Victorians were supposed to have moral characters. It was easy to notice that the Victorian’s idea of morality was to give a superficial appearance of dignity and restraint. Today diplomats are referred to as Foreign Service officers. What was an Attachà © An attachà © was a technical expert on the diplomatic staff of his country at a foreign capital ("Attache"). The word attachà © comes from the French word â€Å"attacher.† The attachà © was like a secretary in that they both gathered information for their legation (a legation was an embassy). The job was usually appointed to a former Private Secretary of a Lord. One can either be a cultural attachà © or military attachà ©. An attachà © was also a specialist and they knew everything about what they were an attachà © for; whether it be a culture or a person.

Can Telemedicine Reduce Health Costs Health And Social Care Essay

Telemedicine utilizes assorted information and telecommunication engineerings to supply medical services remotely. Besides specific medical processs, nosologies and electronic records, it besides provides supervising systems between healthcare suppliers and patients to advance home-health direction, instruction, clinical position and wellness result followup ( National Association for Home Care And Hospice, 2008 ) . It is frequently seen as a possible scheme to cut down wellness disparities created by geographic or temporal barriers, homebound position, and cultural stigma. It can buoy up the job of disproportionality in the geographic allotments of healthcare resources and work forces, and increase the entree of health care system among the underserved communities and populations ( Cousineau, 2010b ) . It has besides shown an ability to better wellness communicating by exceeding the temporal boundaries and diminishing the waiting clip in the diagnostic procedure. The expeditious ent ree to telemedicine non merely saves clip but besides reduces cost by using the resources more expeditiously and extinguishing unneeded travelling clip for both doctors and patients, courier services, excess staffing, and excess infirmary stay ( Matusitz & A ; Breen, 2007 ) . Therefore it is really likely to be an alternate and economical option to relieve the load of the limited wellness work force and resources in our health care bringing systems. The Healthy People 2010 includes ends of eliminate wellness disparities among sections of different populations ( U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2005 ) . Surveies have shown that rural countries experience more wellness disparities such as both morbidity, mortality, and with insurance coverage ( Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2009 ) . Age is besides an of import factor that contributes to healthcare barriers such as homebound position and transit affairs. The aged have systematically accounted for about 50 % of all health care expenditures in the United States ( Cousineau, 2010a ) . As the demand for the wellness attention additions, there will be fewer health care workers for attention bringing. If the current tendencies continue, the spread between supply and demand of rural doctor and nurses will be even larger than in urban countries ( Cousineau, 2010b ) . Given the continued growing of chronic unwellne ss in our society and the detonation of new health-related engineerings, surgical techniques and drugs ( Cousineau, 2010c ) , inquiries of how, or if telemedicine can cut down costs or better entree must be address in order to see it as a feasible solution for the drawn-out health care bringing in the United State.IssuesIn malice of the progresss of medical engineering and wellness information sciences that have improved the ability for telemedicine to supply entree to a spectrum of attention, insurance companies and funders continue to eschew the issue of reimbursement for telemedicine services. Indeed, though there has been great promise of telemedicine development really small advancement has really been achieved. The primary challenges continue to be limited reimbursement, licensure, and patient privateness ( Matusitz & A ; Breen, 2007 ) . Since Senate Bill 1665 enacted the â€Å" Telemedicine Delivery Act of 1996 † which imposed legion demand regulating the bringing of h ealth care via telemedicine, several related policies such as HR3030 and HR3200 have besides been introduced to Congress to supply low-cost telemedicine services with ordinances. However, they are all still pending and have been unable to continue. Since there is no direct opposition disputing telemedicine-related policies, this paper will concentrate on discoursing the regulative barriers and legislative actions forestalling them from come oning. With respect to the limited research grounds and expertness in telemedicine, this paper will besides analyse the recent Congressional proposal HR 1601 by sing the quality and wellness results of telemedicine system. Last, it will discourse the impact of Healthcare Reform on telemedicine and my recommendation for future waies.Regulative Barriers and Legislative ActionsLicensurePresently each province regulates its ain pattern of medical specialty. This is a jurisdictional right that is recognized by the Supreme Court. For this ground, most healthcare professionals are licensed on a state-by-state footing. Telemedicine hence is besides geographically regulated by single provinces. Many legal issues originate when a â€Å" pattern † is done via a telecommunication nexus across different province lines. Each province they cross into can enforce a demand on the supplier to keep a full medical licence before seeing their out-of-state patients via telemedicine engineerings. It is hard and dearly-won for healthcare practicians to keep and keeping multiple licences, particularly those in the rural countries where the healthcare demand is non stable ( Cousineau, 2010b ) . For this ground, many merely choose to restrict their pattern to a individual province. In 1996, the Federation of State Medical BoardsA developed theoretical account statute law which allows a province to supply and administrate a limited telemedicine licence. This limited licence permits wellness practicians to pattern in different provinces via telemedicine engineerings, but non physically. Conversely, the American Medical Association decided to follow a policy that requires a full and unrestricted licence in order for a doctor to pattern telemedicine across province lines ( Nickelson, 1998 ) . Beyond licensure issues, while interstate telemedicine patterns could better entree to our current health care systems, it besides raises inquiries about malpractice and struggle of jurisprudence. Presently each province develops its ain malpractice insurance evaluation and most malpractice insurance does non use in instances outside of the province. On the other manus the suppliers of each province are besides concerned about how to exercise legal power over such malpractice claim against other suppliers from out of province who may non be capable to the legal power of the administrative regulative organic structures. Although a national licensure theoretical account for telemedicine seems like a logical solution, it is improbable to get the better of the political and constitutional issues in one measure. A regional geographic attack affecting province medical insurance companies to clear up coverage bounds and develop new policies might be more executable. For illustration, based on telemedicine activities from the Governor ‘s Associations and Councils in the yesteryear, Cwiek et Al found that the Southern Governors ‘ Association and the Western Governors ‘ Association demonstrated a important degree of leading in the country of telemedicine. They have proven to better entree to healthcare and medical specializers and cut down medical costs by traveling information alternatively of people ( Cwiek, Rafiq, Qamar, Tobey, & A ; Merrell, 2007 ) .ReimbursementIn 1997, both the House and the Senate passed HR2015 – Balanced Budget Act. It enabled partial Medicare reimbursement f or Telemedicine services. However, professional audience was the lone service allowed by the measure and the payment had to be shared among assorted parties with really rigorous ordinances. In 2000, Congress passed appropriations measure HR 5661, the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act, which significantly revised Medicare ordinances for reimbursement for Telemedicine services ( The American Telemedicine Association, 2010 ) . The Healthcare Financing Administration extended Medicare coverage to medical visits, audiences, mental wellness services, and pharmacologic monitoring of patients populating in the rural country. Further, it extended payment rates to suppliers which were similar to that paid without the usage of telemedicine. Medicare besides pays a installation fee for per telemedicine session. However, obstructions remain because the reimbursement is normally allowed for directed physical communicating merely, such as face-to-face audiences. Besides, the opposition of reimbursement from the private insurance companies continues with non-feasible ordinances ( Matusitz & A ; Breen, 2007 ) .Limited research grounds on Telemedicine and HR1601HR1601 was introduced to the Congress by Jefferson in 2007 and it was referred to Committee for consideration of telemedicine service facilitation ( Thomas Library of Congress, 2007 ) . The end of this measure is to bespeak grants to put up telemedicine services in a spectrum of assorted healthcare systems including nursing place and public clinics. Rather than proposing the solution or overall support mechanism in the long term the purpose of this measure is to bespeak support for telemedicine pilot undertakings and bring forth research grounds. HR1601 would guarantee that the Office for the Advancement of Telemedicine in the Health Resources and Services Administration ( HRSA ) would supervise and organize pilot surveies with related federal bureaus of medical underserved populations in both urban and rural country, with the assistance of grants. HRSA would do recommendation harmonizing to their rating of whether these undertakings consequences in addition of entree and quality of attention, publicity of patient independency, lessening wellness disparities, and betterment of cost effectivity ( Prinz, Cramer, & A ; Englund, 2008 ) .QualityThe quality of telemedicine services has the most direct impact on the likeliness of go throughing policies of support. In order to present the optimum telemedicine service the quality of the telemedicine system needs to be reliable, user friendly and cosmopolitan in order to incorporate into assorted computerized system. Standardized counsel should be implemented so the telemedicine system can efficaciously and accurately pass on with bing computerized system in the infirmary and place wellness bureaus. The challenge lays in the complexness of telemedicine engineering, including hardware and package mutual exclusiveness, syste m integrating complexness, and communicating troubles due to low velocity digital lines ( Prinz, et al. , 2008 ) . Information could be lost while meeting communicating troubles and equipment failures which would earnestly impact the dependability of telemedicine service suppliers, particularly private place wellness bureaus in the rural country.Health resultUse of Telemedicine engineering ( such as picture cameras and supervising devices ) in the Home Care puting additions entree to healthcare bringing by leting direct communicating between patients and wellness practicians beyond geographic and temporal boundaries. There is increasing grounds demoing that that telemedicine is associated with the positive result of self-management and conformity in chronic unwellness such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes ( Artinian, 2007 ; Chumbler, et al. , 2005 ) . On the other manus, some argue that this grounds is non quantifiable because of the use of assorted telemedicine engineerings in different disease countries. The deficiency of thorough clinical tests might be the ground that holds back reimbursement organisation and promotion of telemedicine uses ( Prinz, et al. , 2008 ) . Some grounds even shows that using telemedicine services contributes no difference in patients ‘ wellness result but a greater cost comparison to other healthcare bringing methods ( Bowles & A ; Baugh, 2007 ) , therefore corrupting the necessity to reimburse a more dearly-won healthcare bringing method.The Impact of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act & A ; Patient Protection and Affordable Care ActBased on the belief that wellness information engineering and electronic medical records are indispensable for the transmutation of telemedicine health care bringing, the federal authorities utilized the commissariats of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ( ARRA ) to authorise about $ 38 billion in funding for wellness information engineering substructure over the foll owing 6 old ages. The inside informations about how this support will be utilized are written in the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health ( HITECH ) subdivision in the ARRA. The largest part of this support is targeted at incentive payments by Medicare and Medicaid to eligible suppliers for the execution of wellness information engineerings. Specifically, in order to be qualified for these inducements the health care suppliers must follow a certification for the electronic medical record system and exhibit the practical usage ( Cline, 2010 ) . In March 2009 President Obama signed HR 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ( PPACA ) into jurisprudence. ThisA important wellness attention reform jurisprudence allows advanced payment and service bringing theoretical account to better entree, quality of health care, and cut down plan cost to persons, written specifically in Section 3021 ( Government Relations Staff, 2010 ) . A New Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation will back up primary attention practicians on flying telemedicine application in chronic attention direction. It will implement telemedicine plan in infirmaries, accountable attention organisations, and independency at place for distant patient monitoring. This jurisprudence encourages wellness information engineering and electronic medical records acceptance to ease attention coordination. It besides allows each province to utilize the new Medicaid â€Å" Health Home † plan to progress chronic attention.RecommendationsOverall, I believe that the Telemedicine can increase entree and cut down cost in the long tally with the support of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act & A ; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. There is no uncertainty that the Telemedicine is capable of transforming our health care bringing system in both positive and negative waies, nevertheless, I believe that the pros outweigh the cons. It is notable that most of the up to day of the month pilot research surveies mentioned supra have made positive impacts on the entree of healthcare bringing. Inadequate and unequal coverage for telemedicine service earnestly delayed the execution of cost-saving and quality-improvement solutions, and constrained the entree and picks in assorted forte services in rural countries. Current expanded Medicare coverage for Telemedicine is in procedure of work outing this issue, but specifically I think Congress should besides widen Medicare coverage to medical services using â€Å" store-and-forward † t elemedicine ( for illustration direction and showing for diabetic related retinopathy ) , and to suppliers whose services are otherwise covered for Medicare. I besides recommend a more aggressive plan for pull offing the demands and costs of chronic patients who are presently homebound or are potentially at hazard to be administered into a infirmary or nursing place. Thousands of veteran patients are profiting from place wellness telemedicine plan to organize their attention. The US Veteran Affairs have found that their patients follow the usage of these devices easy and are really satisfied with their attention coordination service ( US Department of Veterans Affairs, 2009 ) . Therefore, Congress should advance Home Telemedicine and include it in the reimbursement component to cover the costs of related devices and engineering. Most provinces ‘ Medicaid already covered some telemedicine services. It can be optimize by back uping primary attention doctors to suit telemedicine services, maximise the usage of picture and telecommunication to cut down patients ‘ travelling, and increase â€Å" store-and-forward † engineering uses such as sharing medical images for diagnosing. The current rural wellness plan should prolong the operation of high-velocity cyberspace entree and wireless connexion within all eligible wellness installations to accomplish efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Congress should besides set up a licensing board to promote interstate medical licensure cooperation by geographic zone. Finally, I believe that with effectual execution, wellness practicians and patients can get the better of the challenges limited the development and success of telemedicine.

Iron Crowned Chapter 2

I retreated to my bedroom as soon as etiquette allowed, collapsing onto the bed the moment I entered. Dorian had followed me in, and I tossed an arm over my eyes, groaning. â€Å"Do you think that display helped win us over with Ranelle or scared her off?† I felt Dorian sit on the bed beside me. â€Å"Hard to say. At the very least, I don't think it'll turn her king against us. We're too terrifying and unstable.† I smiled and uncovered my face, looking into those green and gold eyes. â€Å"If only that reputation would spread to everyone else. I heard a rumor the Honeysuckle Land might join with Katrice. Honestly, how anyone could call their kingdom that and keep a straight face is beyond me.† Dorian leaned over me, lightly brushing hair from my face and trailing his fingers along my cheekbone. â€Å"It's quite lovely, actually. Almost tropical. I mean, it's no barren wasteland of a desert kingdom, but it's not half bad.† I was so used to his jibes about my kingdom that there was almost something comforting about them. His fingers ran down to my neck and were soon replaced by his lips. â€Å"Honestly, I'm not worried about this Honeysuckle place. It's other potential allies worrying me. Hey, stop.† His lips had moved down to my collarbone, and his hand was starting to lift my shirt. I wriggled away. â€Å"I don't have time.† He lifted his head, arching an eyebrow in surprise. â€Å"You have some place to be?† â€Å"Yeah, actually.† I sighed. â€Å"I have a job back in Tucson. Besides, I'm filthy.† Dorian was undeterred and returned to trying to get my shirt off. â€Å"I'll help bathe you.† I swatted his hand away but then pulled him over so that I could put my arms around him and hold him against me. I knew he wanted more than cuddling, but I didn't have the energy. Considering his fastidious nature, I was surprised he consented to resting his head on my chest, seeing as how dirty and ragged the shirt was. â€Å"No offense, but I'll take human showers any day over some servant lugging water up to a tub.† â€Å"You can't leave without talking to Ranelle,† he pointed out. â€Å"And you can't see her like this.† I grimaced and ran my hand over his brilliant hair. â€Å"Damn it.† He was right. I was still bad at this queen thing, but I knew enough about gentry customs to know that if I really did want the Linden King's help, I would need to look and sound good. So much to do. Never enough time. All so wearying. Dorian lifted his head and looked back down at me. â€Å"Was it bad?† He was referring to last night's battle. â€Å"It's always bad. I'm still not okay with people fighting and dying for me. Especially over one insult.† The living suffered from this war too. I often had refugees coming to me for food and shelter. â€Å"Their kingdom's at stake,† he said. â€Å"Their homes. And that was more than an insult. Letting it pass would make the Thorn Land look weak – like prey. It would make you open to invasion, which is the same as surrendering to Katrice. Your people don't want that. They have to fight.† â€Å"But why do yours fight?† Dorian looked at me like that was a crazy question. â€Å"Because I tell them to.† I left the conversation at that and called for a servant to fill the bathtub in the chamber adjacent to my bedroom. It was a tedious task I hated making them do, though Dorian would no doubt argue it was their duty to. The magic I'd inherited from my tyrant father gave me control over storm elements, so I could have summoned water straight to the tub, rather than making my servants haul it up one bucket at a time. The Thorn Land was so dry, however, that pulling that much water magically would both dry out the castle's air even more and possibly kill surrounding vegetation. The servants had their own entrance to the bath chamber, and as soon as we heard them hauling and pouring water, Dorian grinned and pulled me back to the bed. â€Å"See?† he said. â€Å"Now we have time.† I stopped protesting. And as our clothes came off and I felt the heat of his lips, I had to admit to myself that I wasn't averse to sex, not really. This war really did put our lives constantly at risk, and he had worried about me. Having me here, merging physically, seemed to reassure him that I truly was all right. And I took comfort in it too, being with this man I'd fallen in love with against all reason. I'd once feared and hated the gentry – and it had taken me a long time to trust Dorian. Sex was surprisingly tame for us this time. Usually, we found ourselves caught up in bad, kinky sex, sex that was a game of power and control I both loved and felt dirty about. Now, I sat on top of him, wrapping my legs around his hips as I drew him inside me. A sigh of bliss escaped his lips, his eyes closing as I began to slowly move my body and ride him. A moment later, his eyes opened and held mine with an expression of such affection and lust that a chill ran through me. It always amazed me that he found me so desirable. I'd seen his past lovers – sexy, voluptuous women with curves and cleavage reminiscent of classic Hollywood starlets. My body's build was lean and athletic from all the activity I did, my breasts pretty nicely shaped – though hardly porn star quality. Yet, since we'd officially become a couple these last few months, he had never looked at another woman. It was me he watched, his gaze hungry even at the most unromantic times. I increased my pace, tilting forward and rocking us so that more of my body rubbed against his, bringing me closer to orgasm. I came shortly thereafter, my lips parting without a sound as a sweet ecstasy wracked my body, and every nerve in my skin seemed to ignite. I leaned forward, kissing him, letting his tongue explore my mouth as his fingers stroked my nipples. The door to the bath chamber suddenly opened, and I jerked my head up as a servant peered in. â€Å"Your Majesty? The bath is ready.† Her words were bland, and she disappeared as quickly as she'd come. My being naked on top of Dorian hadn't seemed like any big deal to her – and probably, it wasn't. The gentry had much looser sexual mores than humans, public displays being very common. It probably would have been weirder for her if she hadn't found her monarchs immediately going at it upon my return. This sexual ease wasn't something I'd picked up, and Dorian knew it. â€Å"No, no,† he said, feeling me slow down in my shock. The hands cupping my breasts moved down to my hips. â€Å"Let's finish this.† Dragging my eyes from the door, I turned my attention back to him and found my arousal returning. He rolled me over, not holding anything back now that I'd come. He pushed his body into mine, thrusting as hard and fast as he could. Moments later, his body shuddered, his fingers digging in where he gripped my arms. I loved watching it happen, loved watching this smug, confident king lose his control between my thighs. When he finished, I gave him another long, lingering kiss and then slid over to lie beside him. He exhaled in contentment, regarding me again with that mix of hunger and love. He wouldn't say it, but I knew he always secretly hoped that somehow, some way, our lovemaking would result in me getting pregnant. I had explained to him a hundred times how birth control pills worked, but the gentry had difficulty with conception, making them obsessed with having children. Dorian claimed he wanted a child just for the sake of having one with me, but the prophecy about my firstborn son conquering humanity had always been alluring. Obviously, I wasn't in favor of that idea – hence my emphasis on contraceptives. Dorian had ostensibly let go of that dream for my sake, but there were days I suspected he wouldn't mind fathering such a conqueror. As it was, our alliance already made us dangerous. He loved me, I was certain, but he also craved power. Our united kingdoms put us in a good position to conquer others, if we chose. It was difficult leaving him, but there was too much to be done. I retreated to the bath, washing both sex and battle off of me. Life and death. The tub was only big enough for one, but Dorian seemed perfectly happy watching me and lounging in the afterglow. He was less excited about my wardrobe choice. As queen, I had a closet filled with elaborate dresses, dresses he loved seeing me in. As a human shaman, I'd also made sure it was stocked with human clothes. He looked at my jeans and tank top with dismay. â€Å"Ranelle would be more impressed with a dress,† he said. â€Å"Especially one that showed your lovely cleavage.† I rolled my eyes. We were back in my bedroom, and I was loading myself up with weapons: charmed jewelry and an iron athame, along with a satchel containing a gun, a wand, and a silver athame. â€Å"You'd be more impressed with that. And anyway, it'd be a waste now.† â€Å"Not true.† He got up from the bed, still naked, and gently pushed me against the wall, cautious of the athame's sharp blade. â€Å"I'm ready again.† I could see that he was, and honestly, I probably could have gone back to bed too. Whether that was from lust or a reluctance to fulfill my impending tasks, it was hard to say. â€Å"Later,† I told him, brushing a kiss against his lips. He regarded me suspiciously. â€Å"Later means a lot of things with you. An hour. A day.† I smiled and kissed him again. â€Å"Not more than a day.† I reconsidered. â€Å"Maybe two.† I laughed at the face this earned me. â€Å"I'll see what I can do. Now get some clothes on before the women around here are driven into a frenzy.† He gave me a mournful look. â€Å"I'm afraid that'll happen with or without clothes, my dear.† When we finally managed to part, I headed off toward Ranelle's room, my post-sex good humor fading. A little air magic left me with only semi-wet hair by the time I reached her. Once admitted, I found her writing a letter at her room's desk. Seeing me, she leapt up and curtsied. â€Å"Your Majesty.† I motioned her down and took a nearby chair. â€Å"No need. I just wanted to have a quick chat before I returned to the human world.† Her face twitched a little at this, but ambassador training quickly moved her past how strange she probably found that. The ease with which I jumped worlds wasn't normal for gentry. â€Å"I'm sorry for the grisly display this morning. And that I haven't been around much during your visit.† â€Å"You're at war, Your Majesty. These things happen. Besides, King Dorian has been quite hospitable in your absence.† I hid a smile. Ranelle was hardly in a frenzy, but it was clear Dorian had charmed her, as he did so many women. â€Å"I'm glad. Were you writing your king?† She nodded. â€Å"I wanted to send him my report right away, although I'll be leaving later today.† Magic filled the Otherworld and the gentry, and there were those among them with the power to expedite messages. A magical e-mail, of sorts. It allowed gossip to spread fast and meant her letter would get back to her homeland before she did. I eyed it on the desk. â€Å"What will you tell him?† She hesitated. â€Å"May I be blunt, Your Majesty?† â€Å"Of course,† I said, smiling. â€Å"I'm human. Er, half human.† â€Å"I empathize with you. I understand your grievance and know King Damos will too.† She was carefully skirting the explicit details of Leith raping me. â€Å"But tragic as your situation is †¦ well, it is your situation. I don't believe it's one we should risk the lives of our people for – begging your pardon, Your Majesty.† Delivering bad news obviously made her uneasy. My father, honorifically referred to as Storm King, had been known for his power and cruelty. I wasn't as ruthless, but I'd had my share of frightening shows of power as well. â€Å"No offense taken,† I assured her. â€Å"But †¦ if I may also be blunt, your king is in a precarious situation. He's growing old. His power will eventually fade. Your kingdom will be open for others to move in on.† Ranelle went perfectly still. The lands of the Otherworld bound themselves to those with enough power to claim them. â€Å"Are you threatening us, Your Majesty?† she asked quietly. â€Å"No. I have no interest in another kingdom – especially one so far away.† Distance was relative in the Otherworld, but the Linden Land did take a bit longer to get to compared to some of the kingdoms nearer to me, like the Rowan Land and Dorian's Oak Land. â€Å"Perhaps not,† she said uncertainly. â€Å"But it's no secret King Dorian has wanted to expand his territory. That's why he took you as a consort, right?† Now I stiffened. â€Å"No. That's not it at all. Neither of us have interest in your land. But your neighbors – or people within the land itself – probably do. From what I've heard, Damos would like his daughter to inherit.† Ranelle nodded slowly. Inheritance was by power here, not by blood – but most monarchs still longed for family succession, if they were lucky enough to have children at all. I gave Ranelle a knowing smile. â€Å"Her control of the land depends on her own power, of course. But if Damos helped us now, we could certainly help later against any †¦ usurpers hoping to claim the Linden Land.† Assassination, outright war. The methods were less important than my meaning. Ranelle stayed silent, no doubt turning this over in her mind. Was a promise like that worth committing their armies to? Unclear. But it was certainly worth bringing to her king. â€Å"And,† I added casually, shifting us from that dangerous topic, â€Å"I'd be happy to negotiate very favorable trade agreements with your king.† By which I meant my staff would negotiate it. I hated economics and the politics of trade. But, my kingdom had literally and figuratively become a hot commodity. My shaping it in Arizona's image had created harsh conditions – but also brought along tons of copper deposits. Copper was the chief metal in a world that couldn't work with iron. Ranelle nodded again. â€Å"I understand. I'll bring this to his attention.† â€Å"Good.† I rose from my chair. â€Å"I'm sorry I have to go now, but definitely let anyone here know if you need anything else. And send my greetings to Damos.† Ranelle told me she would, and I left her, feeling rather pleased with myself. I disliked these sort of diplomatic talks almost as much as economic ones, mostly because I didn't think I was very adept. But that one had gone well, and even if the Linden Land didn't join us, I felt certain Dorian had been right: they wouldn't fight against us either. I was walking toward the castle's exit, intending to go to the nearest gate back to the human world, when I passed a certain hallway. I hesitated, staring down it as I waged a mental war. Then, grimacing, I altered my destination and turned the corner. The room I sought was easy to find because two guards stood outside of it. Both were Dorian's soldiers, chosen because if anyone was going to father the heir to Storm King's legacy, they wanted it to be their own lord. And everyone knew I was the mother he wanted, not the room's occupant. One of the guards knocked and then opened the door slightly. â€Å"The queen is here.† I didn't need permission to enter any room in my own castle but still waited for a response. â€Å"Come in.† I entered and found Jasmine sitting cross-legged on her bed, attempting some kind of embroidery. Seeing me, she irritably tossed it aside. â€Å"This is the stupidest thing ever. I wish the shining ones had more fun things to do. I wish I could go horseback riding.† That last part was spoken with a knowing tone, and I ignored it. Jasmine was under house arrest, and I wasn't about to allow an activity that might let her slip her guards. I picked up the green velvet she'd been working on and studied her stitches. â€Å"Goldfish?† I asked. â€Å"Daffodils!† she exclaimed. I hastily set it down. Really, considering the loose iron chains she wore on her wrists to stunt magic use, it was impressive that she could sew at all. â€Å"I'm going back to Tucson,† I said. â€Å"I wanted to check on you.† She shrugged. â€Å"I'm fine.† Despite her young age, Jasmine had wanted – and still did want, I suspected – to be the mother of Storm King's heir. The prophecy hadn't been specific. It simply said his daughter's first son would be the conqueror. That made it a race between the two of us – except I wasn't playing. Her forced stay here ensured she wasn't either. She'd hated me for this initially but had grown more civil after the war started. She considered Leith's actions an insult to our family. It was bizarre logic, but seeing as it had stopped her temper tantrums, I welcomed it. â€Å"Do you †¦ need anything?† I asked. A stupid question to ask someone who wanted freedom. She pointed to the iPod lying beside her. â€Å"It needs charging again.† It always needed charging. Normal battery life aside, the Otherworld interfered with electronics. â€Å"Books or magazines or something. I'd kill for a TV.† I smiled. That one was out of my reach. â€Å"Sometimes I would too when I'm here.† â€Å"How'd it go with that Linden lady? Is she going to help us beat up Katrice?† Jasmine's moping face suddenly turned fierce. She had powers similar to mine, and while not as strong, they could still cause a lot of damage. If I'd let her loose, Jasmine would probably march right over to the Rowan Land and try to bring the castle down. â€Å"I don't know. I'm not getting my hopes up.† Jasmine's gray eyes turned calculating, making her seem wiser than her fifteen years should be capable of. â€Å"As long as you and Dorian stay together, you're the badasses around here – especially you.† Surprisingly, there was no sneer as she said this. â€Å"But you've gotta make sure Maiwenn doesn't join Katrice. You know she's thinking about it.† Yes, despite her often pouty and childish attitude, Jasmine was smart. â€Å"You're right,† I said. â€Å"But thinking and doing are two different things. You said it yourself: Dorian and I are badasses. I don't think she's going to want to mess with us.† There was something comfortable about being able to have a discussion with someone not using the gentry's formal language construction. â€Å"Probably not. But she's scared to death you're going to have our father's heir.† Jasmine eyed me carefully. â€Å"You haven't changed your mind, have you? You and Dorian certainly do it enough.† â€Å"That's none of your business,† I said, wondering if that servant had already talked about what she'd seen in bed. â€Å"Tell that to Dorian. He brags about it all the time.† I groaned, knowing it was true. â€Å"Well, regardless, I'm not having kids anytime soon.† â€Å"You should,† Jasmine said. â€Å"Or let me. Katrice would totally back off.† â€Å"And then Maiwenn really would come after us.† Maiwenn ruled the Willow Land and was very much against Storm King's prophecy coming true. She also had a few other reasons for not liking my alliance with Dorian – or rather, her associates did. â€Å"Yeah,† said Jasmine. â€Å"But you could still kick her ass.† I rose and scooped up the iPod, putting it in my satchel. â€Å"Let's stick to one ass-kicking at a time.† An awkward silence fell. How odd that we'd just had a civil conversation. I'd grown up an only child, sometimes wishing I had a sister. The one I'd ended up with was hardly what I'd expected, but maybe I should be grateful for even this. â€Å"Well,† I said at last. â€Å"I'll see you soon.† She nodded and picked up the velvet, scowling at it as though it had given her personal offense. I was almost at the door when she suddenly said, â€Å"Eugenie?† I glanced back. â€Å"Yeah?† â€Å"Will you bring me some Twinkies?† I smiled. â€Å"Sure.† She didn't look up from her embroidery, but I was almost certain she smiled too.