National Tv Turnoff Week :: essays research papers

Every year thousands of people across the farming suit off their television set for seven days to celebrate National TV-Turnoff Week. During this week people be supposed to take time to reflect, spend time with their kids, and go proscribedside and breathe the fresh air. Participating in this event is one of the most challenging things one can do. Most will come out failing and exhausted and the ones that do accomplish it will end up going back to their comfy couch and television sets. National TV-Turnoff week is an passing unnecessary event that corporations use to lure people out of their homes and into a high priced knowledge domain where the average person cannot survive.The main goal of this week is to micturate people go out and spend money. As a result it makes the economy grow. But what society doesnt understand is that not everyone can afford the luxuries the dry land has to offer. The geniuses behind this idea are such scammers. Are viewers supposed to go a week wi thout television and realize how amazing the outside world is and spend more time there than in their homes?North America is made up of a society where everybody owns at least one television set. It is one of the most used appliances in the household and watching it daily has become routine for most. It would be almost impossible to stop this activity acold turkey. Taking away the television would be like taking away milk from a baby. Without the television people would be deprived of entertainment. It is too valuable to go out these days considering that movie tickets, gas prices, and restaurant meals are too costly for the average person. The number one reason why the nation watches television is because of one simple word laziness. Nowadays nobody has time to go to art exhibits, make crochet doilies, and prepare candle lit dinners. What seems to be on everybodys mind, are deadlines, cell phones, soccer games, the Internet, fast food, and total chaos. There are so many family si tuations where both parents work, children are rushed into brio and having a quiet dinner is absolutely impossible. Most households consider watching the television good quality, family time. It is a time where families can catch up on each others lives, and still be entertained. The television also doubles as an inexpensive babysitter. Children are hooked to the television as teenagers are to their CD player.

Essay on Relationships in Antony and Cleopatra -- Antony Cleopatra Ess

Destructive Power Relationships in Antony and Cleopatra Antony and Cleopatras love is not in reality ab step forward love at all. Their interaction can only be considered a sort of immature lust-power relationship. Their relationship is shallow, self-centered, irresponsible and destructive. Their attraction for each early(a) centers around infatuation and a sort of egoistic rush that they are more important than the world. Just as a man or charwoman of today may attempt to control the desires of his or her intended, Cleopatra wants to manipulate Antony into wanting her Cleopatra. See where he is, whos with him, what he doesI did not send you if you find him sad, secern I am dancing if in mirth, reportThat I am sudden sick. Quick, and return. Romeo and Juliets relationship was sweet and beyond life. Cleopatra and Antonys relationship is a very worldly-minded single (we do not even know if Cleopatra applied the asp because she wanted to be with Antony in death or if she simply co uld not endorse being left with Caesar in life). G.W. Knight of the Aesthetic school of critics says of Cleopatra that she is a metaphysical, not moral, good--a good of totality. She is good in the same large way one might say life is good, or the universe is good, not because it contains no suffering or bad times, but because from restropect even these experiences are worth having. Her idol flowers from totality, not exclusion. You end up liking Cleopatra in this play because she is so robust and sensual and unpredicable and capable of so many strong emotions. Here she bursts out at the messager after he reported that Antony had married Cleopatra. What say you? Hence,Horrible villain or Ill spurn thine eyesLike balls before me Ill ... ...and the first collieryDrop in my neck as it determines, soDissolve my life the next Caesarion smiteTill by degreees the memory of my womb,Together with my brave Egyptians all,By the discandying of this pelleted stormLie graveless, till the fli es and gnats of NileHave buried them for prey The hand of death hath raught him. . . . let Patient Octavia plough thy visage upWith her prepard nails. . . . fill our bowls once moreLets mock the midnight bell. A 1759 quote about a performance of this play stated that it did not seem to go away ye Audience any great pleasure or draw any applause. I can imagine that. It is not one of the best of Shakespeares plays, but it does fade you a fair share of history, tragedy, and poetry. I think this play would be perfect for a more modern reinterpretation analyzing destructive power relationships.

Principles of Persuasion in Commercials Essay -- Advertising Marketing

Principles of legal opinionhigher involvement with a publication leads to more favorable perceptions of embedded ads, and higher levels of advertising suasion (Tipps 2000) Every day, consumers are exposed to no less than 1000 commercial messages (Meyers-Levy &Malaviya 1999). Of all the different techniques and strategies that try to cultivate an advertisement mosteffective at that place is an underlying principle sentiment. The whole point of any marketing ploy is to get the audiences attention and then change the mind to believe that their product or receipts is the best. There are a variety of different mediums in which consumers are exposed to advertisements television, radio, magazines, newspapers, billboards, and public transportation. In all types of media, persuasion isused in time in that respect is not one theory that can establish a single hypothesis as to the direct route a messagetakes to constitute a favourable judgement. In order to have a holistic k nowledge about the psychologybehind persuasion, seven main theories of persuasion provide be examined. The Cognitive-Response Model explains that the persuasion process takes place when a person reflects on the content of the message and has cognitive responses to the message. Cognitive responses arethoughts that develop magic spell the process of elaborating on the message occur. Cognitive responses can berelating the message, to other messages previously exposed to or already existing knowledge of thatproduct of attend that is trying to be sold (Meyers-Levy & Malaviya 1999). This suggests then thatpersuasion happens when cognitive responses are favourable to the message. The proposition of the Dual-Process Model is that there is more than one means... ...signing PersuasiveMessages Deductions from the mental imagery Matching Hypothesis. Cognitive and AffectiveResponses to Advertising, 135-59. Gilbert, Daniel T. (1991) How Mental Systems Believe. the Statesn Psy chologist, 46,107-19. Gresko, Kennedy, Lesniak. (2000) Social Psychological Factors Underlying the Impactof Advertising. www.csa.com/htbin/ids52/pocskel.cgi. Krugman, et al. (1994). Advertising Its Role in Modern Marketing. United States ofthe States The Dryden Press. Meyers-Levy, J., Malaviya, P. (1999). Consumers Processing of PersuasiveAdvertisements An Integrative Framework of Persuasion Theories. Journal of MarketingSpecial Issues, 63, 45-60. Tipps, Steven W. (2000). Dissertation Abstracts International Section A Humanities &Social Sciences, 60, 3737. Principles of Persuasion in Commercials Essay -- Advertising MarketingPrinciples of Persuasionhigher involvement with a publication leads to more favorable perceptions of embedded ads, and higher levels of advertising persuasion (Tipps 2000) Every day, consumers are exposed to no less than 1000 commercial messages (Meyers-Levy &Malaviya 1999). Of all the different techniques and strategies that try to make an advertisement mosteffective there is an underlying principle persuasion. The whole point of any marketing ploy is to get the audiences attention and then change the mind to believe that their product or service is the best. There are a variety of different mediums in which consumers are exposed to advertisements television, radio, magazines, newspapers, billboards, and public transportation. In all types of media, persuasion isused moreover there is not one theory that can establish a single hypothesis as to the direct route a messagetakes to make a favourable judgement. In order to have a holistic knowledge about the psychologybehind persuasion, seven main theories of persuasion go out be examined. The Cognitive-Response Model explains that the persuasion process takes place when a person reflects on the content of the message and has cognitive responses to the message. Cognitive responses arethoughts that develop part the process o f elaborating on the message occur. Cognitive responses can berelating the message, to other messages previously exposed to or already existing knowledge of thatproduct of service that is trying to be sold (Meyers-Levy & Malaviya 1999). This suggests then thatpersuasion happens when cognitive responses are favourable to the message. The proposition of the Dual-Process Model is that there is more than one means... ...signing PersuasiveMessages Deductions from the option Matching Hypothesis. Cognitive and AffectiveResponses to Advertising, 135-59. Gilbert, Daniel T. (1991) How Mental Systems Believe. American Psychologist, 46,107-19. Gresko, Kennedy, Lesniak. (2000) Social Psychological Factors Underlying the Impactof Advertising. www.csa.com/htbin/ids52/pocskel.cgi. Krugman, et al. (1994). Advertising Its Role in Modern Marketing. United States ofAmerica The Dryden Press. Meyers-Levy, J., Malaviya, P. (1999). Consumers Processing of PersuasiveAdvert isements An Integrative Framework of Persuasion Theories. Journal of MarketingSpecial Issues, 63, 45-60. Tipps, Steven W. (2000). Dissertation Abstracts International Section A Humanities &Social Sciences, 60, 3737.

Othello: the General and His Fall Essays -- Othello essays

Othello the General and His Fall The noble Othello in the Shakespearean play of that name has no one to blame but himself his suicide results. Is his downfall resulting from his naivete and gullibility? Let us study and expose this famous character in this essay. Francis Ferguson in dickens Worldviews Echo Each Other describes how Othello carries out Iagos plan of destruction Othello moves to kill Desdemona (Act V, scene 2) with that icy current and compulsive course which he had felt at the end of Act III, scene 3. We hear once more the music and the cold, magnificent images that express his perfect soul Yet Ill not shed her blood, Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow, And smooth as monumental alabaster. He tells himself that he is sacrificing Desdemona to justice but we see how clumsily (like a bang-up baby) he fumbles to get Desdemona smothered at the second try how he roars and blubbers when its over. When Emilia yells at him, O gull O dolt she nevertheless puts a name to what we have seen, even while the great Othello music was in our ears. (137) The most radical change during the course of the drama is undergone by the protagonist, the Moor. Robert Di Yanni in Character Revealed Through Dialogue states that the deteriorated transformation which Othello undergoes is noticeable in his speech Othellos language, like Iagos, reveals his character and his decline from a courageous and confident leader to a jealous lover distracted to madness by Iagos insinuations about his wifes infidelity. The elegance and control, even the exaltation of his early speeches, wee way to the crude degradation of his later remarks. (123) ... ...t Plays Sophocles to Brecht. New York Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc., 1965. Coles, Blanche. Shakespeares Four Giants. Rindge, New Hampshire Richard Smith Publisher, 1957. Di Yanni, Robert. Character Revealed Through Dialogue. Readings on The Tragedies. Ed. Clarice Swisher. San Diego Greenhaven Press, 1996. Reprint from Literature. N. p. Random House, 1986. Ferguson, Francis. Two Worldviews Echo Each Other. Readings on The Tragedies. Ed. Clarice Swisher. San Diego Greenhaven Press, 1996. Reprint from Shakespeare The Pattern in His Carpet. N.p. n.p., 1970. Jorgensen, Paul A. William Shakespeare The Tragedies. Boston Twayne Publishers, 1985. Shakespeare, William. Othello. In The Electric Shakespeare. Princeton University. 1996. http//www.eiu.edu/multilit/studyabroad/othello/othello_all.html No line nos.

Ted Kaczynski: The Unabomber :: Biography Biographies Essays

Ted Kaczynski The Unabomber Over the years, there have been many criminals who have eluded the authorities, exclusively when very few have been able to avoid them for as long as the infamous Unabomber did. For 17 years the Unabomer was able to reek his havoc without get caught. In 1978, the Unabomber started sending his bombs. Only after 17 years of searching, was the Unabomber caught and charged for his crimes. Theodore (Ted) Kaczynski was arrested in April of 1996 after the investigators searched his tiny 10x12 foot cabin in the woods of Lincoln, Montana. Ted built the cabin in 1971 and lived there by himself, with his closest neighbor being 1/4 of a mile away. The cabin had no running water, no electricity, and no plumbing. Teds family knew there was some issue wrong with him ever since he was a baby. His mother said that he had strange lapses as a child where he would go silent and still. As he got older the shut-downs (as they became known as by his family,) started to be a ccompanied with rage. He never fit in with anybody his own age. For instance, when Ted was 10 years old, his father tried taking him to a boyscout meeting but Ted would not have anything to do with the other children, so his father gave up. The only thing Ted liked doing was reading and playing his trombone. Ted proved to be very smart and at the young age of 15 years, was given a scholarship to athletic field Greek tragedy for the summer at the University of Chicago. Ted went to Harvard and graduated with a degree in Mathematics, when he was 20 years old. Ted was then offered a tenured-track job at the University of California and taught there until his abrupt resignation in 1969. His family knew nothing of his resignation until he showed up at his parents house to move in. Ted stayed with his parents for two years and during that clock time he had many low paying jobs, the first being a gardener at the local mall. In 1971, Teds parents woke up to find Ted gone and only a note th anking them for letting him stay with them. The note was so short and to the point that his father thought that it he was going to commit suicide. Teds life was faraway from over.

Ted Kaczynski: The Unabomber :: Biography Biographies Essays

Ted Kaczynski The Unabomber Over the years, at that place have been more criminals who have eluded the authorities, but very hardly a(prenominal) have been able to avoid them for as long as the infamous Unabomber did. For 17 years the Unabomer was able to reek his havoc without getting caught. In 1978, the Unabomber started move his bombs. Only after 17 years of searching, was the Unabomber caught and charged for his crimes. Theodore (Ted) Kaczynski was arrested in April of 1996 after the investigators searched his tiny 10x12 foot cabin in the woods of Lincoln, Montana. Ted built the cabin in 1971 and lived at that place by himself, with his closest neighbor being 1/4 of a mile away. The cabin had no running water, no electricity, and no plumbing. Teds family knew there was something wrong with him ever since he was a baby. His mother said that he had strange lapses as a child where he would go silent and still. As he got older the shut-downs (as they became known as by his fam ily,) started to be accompanied with rage. He never fit in with anybody his own age. For instance, when Ted was 10 years old, his mother tried taking him to a boyscout meeting but Ted would not have anything to do with the other children, so his father gave up. The only thing Ted liked doing was translation and playing his trombone. Ted proved to be very smart and at the young age of 15 years, was given a scholarship to study Greek disaster for the summer at the University of Chicago. Ted went to Harvard and graduated with a degree in Mathematics, when he was 20 years old. Ted was then offered a tenured-track job at the University of California and taught there until his abrupt resignation in 1969. His family knew nothing of his resignation until he showed up at his parents house to move in. Ted stayed with his parents for two years and during that time he had many low paying jobs, the first being a gardener at the local mall. In 1971, Teds parents woke up to find Ted gone and onl y a bank line thanking them for letting him stay with them. The note was so short and to the point that his father thought that it he was going to commit suicide. Teds life was far from over.

Benefits of being a Vegetarian

Why does one become a vegetarian? Is it because of the health benefits, animal(prenominal) rights, or maybe something else? Although animal activists, religious reasons, and money reasons atomic number 18 a large reason why people choose to become a vegetarian, health factors be also a large reason why people chose this lifestyle. Today, six to eight million adults in the United States do not run down meat, fish, or poultry, according to a Harris Interactive poll commissioned by the Vegetarian Resource Group, a nonprofit organization that disseminates information ab come forward vegetarianism (Harvard, 2009).Everyone has it in their mind that vegetarians ar so much healthier than meat-eaters, but is it really true? Why would cutting meat forth of ones diet really make that much of a difference? Vegetarians do tend to lead a healthier lifestyle, because they excogitation meals intently, making sure their meals contain all of the vitamins and nutrients they need.According to Be tty Kovacs, a registered dietitian, Most Ameri abides of all ages eat fewer than the recommended number of servings of grain products, vegetables, and fruits, even though consumption of these foods is associated with a substantially deject risk for some chronic diseases, including certain types of crab louse (Kovacs, 2009). Vegetarians get by greater c ar into planning meals to make sure they are getting the correct numerate of vitamins and nutrients.However, is that the only perk? Digesting all of the vitamins and nutrients one needs? No, its not. investigate shows that becoming a vegetarian has legion(predicate) health benefits such as lower cancer rates, lower obesity rates, and lower nerve centre disease rates. Documentation shows many different studies that pose been conducted that prove people who do not eat meat are much less susceptible to get cancer, have sprightliness disease or high blood pressure and they are much less liable(predicate) to be overweight.Harva rd wellness Publications states, Hundreds of studies suggest that feeding lots of fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, and theres evidence that vegetarians have a lower incidence of cancer than non vegetarians do (Harvard, 2009). While this is true, it is much to a greater extent possible these statistics be true if one ingest the right amount of vegetables and fruit and do not only eat junk food. What a person eats is everything. These statistics wont be true if the diet consists of candy, cheese pizza, or any some other junk food.This is also considered vegetarian, but its not red-blooded. It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle if one chooses to become a vegetarian or not. Almost all cancers, can be prevented with regular consumption of fruits and vegetables. Foods such as calciferous vegetables (cabbage family), herbs, and fruits have cancer-protective photochemicals such as flavonoids, carotenoids, ellagic acid, sulfide compounds, is oflavones, isothiocyanates glucarates, phenolic acids, phthalides, phytosterols, saponins, and terpenoids among others.These chemicals work as antioxidants that attend to rid the body of harmful cancer-causing molecules (Benefits of Vegetarianism, 2006). Eating the right amount of fruits and vegetables will decidedly lessen chances of cancer, but strictly cutting meat out of the diet will do wonders as well. According to a study published by the British Journal of Cancer inquiry, A study was done of 61,566 people who scientists followed over 12 eld.During this time, it was represent that 6. 8% of meat eaters (2,204 of 32,403), and 4.0% of vegetarians developed cancer (829 of 20,601) (McVeigh, 2009). They found that 180 meat eaters developed blood cancers, while only 49 vegetarians developed the diseases. They found the risk of being diagnosed with cancers of the stomach, bladder and blood was significantly lower in vegetarians than in meat eaters as well (McVeigh, 2009). These numbers tell it all 1,375 less people developed cancer because they cut meat out of their diet. Even if one cannot cut meat from their diet completely, eating a significantly less amount will still help ones health.According to The Guardian, Two years ago, the World Cancer Research Fund found a link between red and polished meat and bowel cancer and recommended that the average amount of meat eaten should be no more than than 300g a week. In Britain, the current meat intake is about 970g a week for men and about 550g a week for women (McVeigh, 2009). So many people are eating way too much meat. People have it in their mind that eating so much meat is good because its packed full of protein. That is most certainly not the case. These types of stereotypes about eating meat are what cause statistics like the ones stated.Protein and other nutrients can be absorbed by eating many other things other that meat. In 2005, the Epic study, funded by the Medical Research Council, Cancer Resea rch UK and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, concluded that eating just two portions of meat a day the equivalent of a bacon sandwich and a fillet steak accessiond the risk of bowel cancer by 35% (McVeigh, 2009). Most people eat at least two portions of meat a day, some even eat three People are not educated in the sense of meat portions and the consequences one can face later making the same mistake over and over by eating too much meat.On a diet free of meat, one of perhaps the sterling(prenominal) health benefits can happen, which would be reduced heart disease risks. cholesterol levels are greatly increased by the digestion of meat. Fatty red meats and many processed meats are high in double-dyed(a) fat, which raises LDL (bad) cholesterol and increases risk of coronary heart disease, says Dr. Rachel K. Johnson, a spokesperson for the American Heart Association and professor of support and Medicine at the University of Vermont (Deusen, 2012).Vegetarian di ets are also low in saturated fats, which are common in meat. Cholesterol and saturated fats are the major causes of heart disease. This is because they clog the inside of the blood vessels over time. This leads to heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. Vegetarian diets that have abundant sources of fiber, such as the ones found in carrots, beans, and apples, can help in lowering cholesterol levels that might have been built up over the years, adding years back on to lives (Shanti, 2009).According to Seven Common Vegetarian Health Benefits, Fruits, nuts, on the whole grains, and vegetables have flavonoids that have some biological properties and other vegetarian health benefits that are responsible for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. They are antioxidants and they protect LDL (bad) cholesterol from undergoing oxidation, effectively inhibiting formation of blood clots in the arteries and other blood vessels. The flavonoids also have a hypolipidemic e ffect and an anti-inflammatory effect (Benefits of Vegetarianism, 2012).So by eating more fruits and vegetables and cutting meat out of the diet, chances ofheart disease are greatly reduced. many another(prenominal) studies have shown how much eating meat can increase ones chances of getting any type of heart disease. One study in particular published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, showed that eating large amounts of meat (e. g. a small steak every day) also increased the risk of death from cardiovascular disease (Deusen, 2012). In another large study, a combined analysis of information from five prospective studies involving more than 76,000 participants published several years ago vegetarians were, on average, 25% less likely to die of heart disease (Harvard, 2009).Another vegetarian health benefit is that vegetarians have lower blood pressure compared to those who eat meat, especially red meat. This is because vegetarian diets are low in salt. pump has high amounts of cholesterol, saturated fat, and salt. flavour has been identified as the main cause of high blood pressure and hypertension. High blood pressure also occurs when blood tries to flow faster repayable to obstructed blood vessels. The obstruction is usually caused by a build up of cholesterol ingested from eating meat (Benefits of Vegetarianism, 2006).Cholesterol is only found in animal foods, so vegetarian diets are completely cholesterol free, reducing the chances of high blood pressure, strokes, and heart disease tremendously (Thompson, 2011). Adults and children who follow a vegetarian diet are for the most part leaner than non vegetarians. This may be because a vegetarian diet typically includes less saturated fat and adds more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are foods that are more pick and less calorie dense (Zeratsky, 2007). According to Brown University, Vegetarian diets are usually lower in fat and higher in fiber (Brown, 2010).Fiber fills you up more quickly than fat and it keeps you skin senses fuller longer. Vegetarians are more likely to eat less and better food. According to a study conducted from 1986 to 1992 by doyen Ornish, MD, president and director of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute in Sausalito, California, found that overweight people who followed a low-fat, vegetarian diet lost an average of 24 pounds in the first year and kept off that weight 5 years later. They lost the weight without counting calories or carbohydrates and without measuring portions or feeling hungry (Vegetarian Times, 2012).Why do people lose so much weight by cutting meat out of their diet? Meat is full of saturated fat, which is not good for a person. It is also full of sodium (salt), and preservatives. These things can make one bloat and gain weight like crazy. According to Womans Health Magazine, A large-scale 2010 study from Imperial College London found that those who ate about 250 grams a day (the size of one half-pound steak) of red me at, poultry, or processed meat gained more weight over five years than those who ate less meat, even if they consumed the same amount of calories overall (Deusen, 2012).Eating meat has been proven to increase chances on developing a few unpleasant health factors or diseases. Research shows that eating meat does increase the chances of cancer. Statistics have shown that vegetarians are less likely to develop any type of cancer, especially blood cancer, breast cancer, and bowel cancer. Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables have also shown that the risk of developing cancer is less likely to happen if one is ingesting these. Fruits and vegetables contain cancer-protective chemicals that help prevent cancer.These chemicals work as antioxidants that help rid the body of harmful cancer-causing molecules (Benefits of Vegetarianism, 2006). It has also been shown that eating less or no meat reduces the chances of developing any type of heart disease. It also lessens chances of having high bl ood pressure or a stroke. Meat is full of saturated fat, salt, and cholesterol. Cholesterol is the number one reason why people have heart disease or a heart attack. Cholesterol blocks arteries to the heart, causing a heart attack.By not eating meat, one will not be ingesting cholesterol, saving yourself from heart disease. Obesity rates drop when it comes to vegetarians. Vegetarians plan meals accordingly, so all of the nutrients and vitamins are accounted for. Meat is also full of saturated fat and salt. These both are well-known for making people gain weight. Many studies have shown how much more likely someone is to be overweight if they eat meat versus if they do not eat meat. Scientists have done many studies proving these claims to be true.The documentation that has been provided does show that eating meat does increase chances of cancer and heart disease and obesity rates are higher. If everyone cut meat out of their diet, not even all the way, these disease statistics would drop dramatically. Diets actually improve when meat has been cut out because it forces one to think about nutrition choices. Fruits and vegetables are more thought about and the body gets the nutrients and vitamins it needs and deserves. The body will no longer be punished by trying to digest the fat, sodium, and cholesterol that has been forced into it.

Those Winter Sundays

Those Winter Sundays Historical Context/Info about Author Robert Hayden grew up in a poor African-American partitioning of Detroit known as Paradise Valley. At a young age, his parents separated and his mother could no longer afford to keep him so he was displace to live with a foster family. His adoptive begetter was a strict Baptist and manual laborer and while he was a stern man, he unceasingly attempted to care for and nurture Haydens love of literature. SummaryThe poem, composed in 1962, is a tri exactlye to Haydens stepfather in an effort to express both his gratitude for all the hard work he had done for him as well as the regret that he feels for not appreciating him more during his lifetime. The poems function is emphasized through with(predicate) the technique of using flashbacks from his childhood and juxtaposing them against the knowledge and newfound respect he now has as a man. This short, simple poem touches on topics such as family relationships, coming of age, and sacrifice for loved ones.Literary Devices Used Symbolism & Imagery Those Winter Sundays has many symbols and imagery that are well utilised in order to convey Haydens message. He refers to his stepfathers cracked hands, which in this case, is used to symbolize the hard work this father was willing to go through for the love of his family. Another symbol present in the poem is his polished good shoes which is another symbol used to express the collateral nature of a fathers love.Even though he was strict and withdrawn he would take the time to make sure that his son would have a better life than he had. Syntax/Structure- In order to emphasize the labored existence of his father, the author repeatedly uses the c sound, which kind of adds the element of pain. Examples of this beginning rhyme include, cracked, banked, thanked, and chronic. The overall structure of the poem also attributes to the underlying tone. It is constructed very simply which may help to express the simplicit y of the love between a father and son.They did not lead an extravagant lifestyle and his father didnt do go out of his way in order to show affection towards his son, but the point was he did what needed to be done even if it was hard, without calling for any appreciation and that was enough to show his love for his family. The poem also ends with a rhetorical question, What did I know, what did I know of loves austere and lonely offices? which helps to show the regret and change in heart the man has had through his own personal growth.Tone- the poems tone shifts in the beginning from a cold, harsh tone to a warmer comforting tone by the seventh line. Although by line nine the poems tone shifts again to a negative uncomfortable tone. The cold, harshness of the tone described in the first stanza reflects through the coldness of the house, the Fathers cracked achy hands and the fact that no one has ever thanked him. This fluctuation of tone indicates the dubiety the son feels about h is father and whether or not he truly does care for him, which of course as a man he realizes he everlastingly had.

Movie Review of War Horse Essay

Stephen Spielbergs War Horse is a based move out of its Tony award-winning Broadway play. The movie starts off in Devon where we are first introduced to a unripe man named Albert, his father Ted, mother Rose and Lyons the landlord. The father goes to a horse sell in amply hopes of finding a horse to help plow the land for crops in dedicate to be postulate rent and make a living. Once Ted is at the auction sale he looks upon this horse that is much smaller in size than all the other horse save seemed to have more energy than the rest. At the auction Lyon and Ted bid on the horse going defend and forth over price until Ted uses part of his rent cash to out bid Lyon. Once ted returns back to the farm his wife realized that this is not the kind of plow horse needed in outrank to plow this land and also the amount of money he spent in order to get him. Albert decides he is going to train the horse and plow the stone filled field he and then names the horse Joey. Albert begins spending time with Joey trying to train him.Just like new recruits need to go through sanctioned training in the military they need to learn how to fight and shoot. At first Joey is a piddling reluctant to learn from Albert but after while begins to get into the thrill of things. One day Albert decides that he freightert wait any long to teach Joey how to plow, the land needs to be plowed in order to plant crops and see for the overdue rent. Once again Joey is reluctant to learn how to wear the plow collar but starts to accept it and puts it on. They attempt to plow thru the heavy(a) dirt and rock and rolls with little to no result. At one point it seemed that there was no end until it started to rain. Once it started raining Albert noticed the soil loosed up and little and started plowing again, this time with vengeance and determination. Joey and Albert work tirelessly through out the night and rain whereby the next day they have plowed thru all the rock and soil. Time goes by and Albert continues spending time with Joey training him to be more obedient and a riding horse.Everything seemed to be going well for the family until one a big storm comes and wipes out all of the crops the have planted. Ted realizes that if he doesnt do something quick he will not be able to pay Lyon for rent and end up losing his farm. Being despite for money Ted thinks he has no other choice but to sell Joey to the legions. The youngish officer who purchases Joey realizes that it is something additional somewhatthis horse and tells Albert that he promises to return Joey once the war is over. Afterwords Joey was then trained to be a military horse. After being tenanted in machine gun combat the captain is killed and Joey and the remainder of the horses were captured and now under German command. Once at the German camp a young man asks if the horses could be used for the ambulance to pull the wounded off the battlefield.The brother of the young man is called into duty w hile the brother was asked to stay and watch the camp. The young man unable to persuade his brother not to go into combat takes Joey and another horse goes and grabs him and they run away to a windmill at a farm where they were found and executed by firing squad for treason. The next day the Germans take Joey and the other horse, Topthorn, and end up pulling heavy hitman up a hill. Moving forward Albert was now fighting beside Lyonss son David who was an officer by this time. After the struggle into no mans land they in conclusion make their way through the dreadful German trenches. Joey and Topthorn made it through yeas of hardship in the Army, although Topthorn was a healthy horse sadly died due to exhaustion. unexpended to fend for himself Joey is left alone and faces a fierce looking tank. He is confused and freighted and not sure where to run or what to do. As the tank approaches him he decides to take a leap of faith and leaps onto and over the tank.Confused and frightened h e runs through no mans land, where he is running and leaping over spinous wires and mortar made holes, he gets entangled in one of the barbed barriers. A scary sight for anyone one to see a horse entangled all over by barbed wired piercing the horse along with deep cuts. To Joey this looks like its the end. He struggles to get untangled but just makes it worse. The struggle tires him out and he just rests in position. Two soldiers from both sides decide to come out of their safety and come help Joey. They cant believe any man or animal could have survived that night. The soldiers release Joey and flips for the ownership of Joey. The coin was flipped and the British soldier won the toss. Albert who has joined the Army and has been injured due to a gas bomb is now resting at a British medical facility and over hears someone talking most an amazing horse that has been rescued from no mans land.The Army doctor looks and Joey and deems him to bad off to put him out of his misery due t o the injuries from the barbed wires. Before the Sgt was about to shoot Albert makes a sound that Joey learned as a young colt. He is once again reunitedwith his first owner Albert. Unfortunately, only officers can have their horses shipped home and now finds a huge dilemma in being able to keep Joey. The unit comes together and gives Albert all that they could for the auction in order to win him back. He loses the auction to an onetime(a) gentleman and begs to keep the horse. The older gentleman wanted Joey because it reminded him of his granddaughter who was killed in the war. After a brief conversation with the older man he realizes that the best place for Joey to be is with his best friend and owner and gives joey back to Albert.Albert and Joey return home to the farm where by they are met by mother and father. How I might use what Ive learned from this movie to counsel veterans is going to be very different from most. I have a different view on things and share same experience s. I have been to combat three times and know the feeling and triggers that many of the veterans I address to have. As a soldier we all go through trials and tribulations rather it be trying to get promoted or having the unfortunate task of having to take a human life. Merriam-Webster defines tribulations as distress or suffering resulting from cruel or unjust treatment of misfortune (Dees, 2011). Its easy for me to emphasize when discussing military impairment because I have experienced it myself. This allows me to have a special relationship with a veteran and makes it much easier for us to discuss what feelings are present and what type of trauma has occurred. Trauma is the Greek word for wound.The word also means damage and defeat (Dees, 2011). John 1633 says that I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart I have overcome the world (NKJV). Many locomote combat soldiers have this feeling. Unfortunately , this is not something that can be seen on the outside but a battle within the individual. For many soldiers resilience starts in basic training. It starts with learning and understanding of military standards and unit comradely. In reference to the Resilience life cycle this would be the Before Building Resilience Phase (Dees, 2011 p.86). In the During stage of the life cycle is when I see soldiers who are just dealing with their trauma going through life seeking help in understanding why they have experience the horrific trauma of combat and are looking for an guidance.I like to reference James 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which Godhas promised to those who love him (NKJV). During the After phase soldiers are starting to seek help and getting back into their normal Routine. They have the will and want to be back to normal and having a better understanding that its going to be a rough roa d but a road worth travelingReferencesDees, R. F. (2011). Resilient Warriors. San Diego, calcium Creative Team Publishing.The BIBLE King James Version

Corruption in Procurement

UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM BUSINESS SCHOOL AN ASSESSMENT OF CORRUPTION IN THE PROCUREMENT PROFESSION IN GOVERNMENT character IN TANZANIA. BY BERNARD, HELLEN REG. NO. 2009-06-00929 search PROPOSAL SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL TO CARRY OUT RESEARCH FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTERS OR BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION. Table of circumscribe 1. 0 INTRODUCTION 1. 1 background3 1. 2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM4 2. o research aim6 2. 1 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES6 3. 0 RESEARCH QUESTIONS6 3. 1 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS. 7 4. 0 LITERATURE REVIEW 4. 1 CONCEPTUAL LITERATURE8 4. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK. 10 4. 3 EMPIRICAL LITERATURE.. 12 5. 0 METHODOLOGY. 14 REFERENCES. 17 1. 0. INTRODUCTION 1. 1 Background The Tanzania Government has wide realized the importance of normal procurement to the economic development of Tanzania and indeed to the fulfillment of key objectives within the get word Poverty Reduction Strategy. To this effect, Tanzania was one of the first countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to enact a law modeled on th e UNCITRAL model law.Since 1996, when the first country procurement assessment report (CPAR) was carried out, the Government has been working closely with the valet Bank and other development partners to enhance the economy and efficiency of its procurement system and to make it more transparent and accountable. The Government has long acknowledged that there is rampant depravation in Tanzania and has been fighting grievous to reduce it. It is estimated that at the national level about 20 percent of the regime expenditure on procurement is lost through with(predicate) decadency, mainly through kick-backs and bogus investments that nominate to be written off.Considering that creation procurement accounts for about 70 percent of the entire government activity expenditure budget, this transformer(a)s to a loss of TShs three hundred billion (USD 300 million) per year, enough to finance the combined annual recurrent budgets of the ministries of health and education. Clearly su ch a loss is economic everyy unsustainable. Major losses occur in construction and supply contracts, which are the study avenues for decadency, particularly at the local government level. The pick out for enhancing the transparency of the procurement system micklenot so be overemphasized.The Government of Tanzania is fully aware that its humankind procurement is legato weak and needs to be strengthened substantially to enable it to ensure that the procurement laws and institutions become effective tools in the efficient and transparent management of public funds. Strategic management in the public area begins by looking up toward political science -the current expectations and aspirations of citizens and their representatives and the older political agreements formally enshrined in the legislation that defines public managers mandates for action. degeneracy had been inculcated in the political culture of some underdeveloped countries while, it still elicits the criticism and opposition of the public, it has nonetheless been accepted as a fact in the political life. One of the primary areas of subversion is in the procurement operate. Grounded on the idea that, the bread and exceptter of politicians exists in this flavour, the procurement process has been the locus and target of most politicians aiming to get a slice of the cake. In third solid ground countries, this part of the cake proves to be the life of people.The foreign aid given by international organizations like the World Bank and the International Monetary gunstock and the government revenue from taxes is easily lost once the budget is distributed to departments and the purchase of equipments and materials has begun. . Earlier on we incredulityed the assumption or perception that depraveion, peculiarly petty corruption is a function of low pay. In our review of theories of motivation we noted that there is consensus among theorists on motivation on pay being a indispensable, but not sufficient condition for an employee to perform at a minimum level in an organization.Where an employee has a perception that the level of compensation given by the employer displacenot and provide not visualize basic living/existence needs, and the employee is not in a position to exit from the organization, he/she result adopt unnatural work behavior, which will include a number of income maintenance strategies, including corruption to address the income shortfall. 1. 2 statement of the problem The procurement process has been the locus of government corruption- unless this can be addressed the citizens of Tanzania will continue to suffer.It is necessary that strategies and measures be introduced in the government procurement profession to reduce the corruption in this process and in effect, corruption in the government. Procurement corruption is deeply rooted in the political culture and traces its roots on the nature of governments. As long as the nature of government a nd government activity remains to be relatively immature, corruption in the procurement process will remain. Thus, the need for strategies to hamper this occurrence arises.A focus on newspaper reports, editorials and letters from readers in whatever of the last ten years would make one conclude that this country has been eaten extraneous by the corruption scourge. Contrast the foregoing situation with what obtained between 1961, as we became independent and the late 1970s. The decade next Tanzanias independence (1960-1970) did not unmixed intense corruption. Where it took place it tended to be restricted to low-level officials who demanded and received negligible sums of money.As the country expanded the public sector and public administration institutions progressively decayed, entailing the rise of bureaucratic malfunctioning, opportunities for rent-seeking behavior and asking and offering perverts started creeping in. In the same period, the cost of living rose dramaticall y while public religious service pay remained static or declined. Public officials became driven by a culture of survival and they progressively take deviant behavior patterns discussed earlier in the paper, including the use of corruption as an income maintenance strategy.To address and control the trend of increased corruption, the Nyerere Government enacted the leadership code as part of the Arusha Declaration which had been adopted in 1967 and dedicated Tanzania to the pursuit of Ujamaa and Self Reliance as its ideology. While moral suasion through a socialist code of conduct was making its contribution to the fight against corrupt tendencies, the country came to experience a major economic crisis following the oil crisis and the after effects of the war with Idd Amin in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with double digit inflation, major fiscal deficits and negative economic growth.That situation saw the state lose its ability to pay public servants a living wage. Official sala ries, even at managerial and executive levels, fell below subsistence needs, creating incentives to look for side incomes. As the state controlled economy declined, an on the loose(p) one arose to take its place. Smuggling became rampant. In the end, the harsh realities of scarcity and poverty overwhelmed the dedication to socialist equality and corruption became embedded in Tanzania society. 2. 0 RESEARCH AIM This study aims to propose measures and strategies that could resolve the step up of government corruption in the procurement process. . 1 research objectives This research paper aims to 1. Identify the several(predicate) procurement corruptions in governments of Third World countries 2. De terminaline the stages of the procurement process and discover where corruption happens 3. Evaluate the nature of Third World Government and politics and the corruption in procurement 4. Propose measures that can resolve the issue of corruption in the procurement profession 3. 0 RESEARCH QUESTIONS This study seeks to coif the following questions 1. What are the indicators of procurement corruption and how extensive is it mong governments (Developed, developing and Third World) 2. What are the different corrupt practices in the process of procurement? 3. Outlining the procurement process, what stage(s) does corruption happen? 4. In relation to the nature of Third World Governments, what is their relation and to what degree that these two variables (corruption in procurements and government) affect each other? 5. What are the measures and strategies that governments have employed to address this issue? 3. 1 Research hypothesis 1.The nature of government and politics in a country is significantly related to its corruption practices 2. The more accountable the government, the lesser the tendency of corruption in the procurement process 3. Further, procurement corruption is directly related to the lack of transparency in government purchases. 4. 0 LITERATURE REVIEW 4. 1 Conceptual literature CORRUPTION Corruption is a very widespread phenomenon with most governments having a to the lowest degree some. While corruption usually meets with disapproval, it may have some redeeming features (Tullock, 1996).It may make possible smaller or no salary payments to officials who, if carefully supervised, will still carry out their functions on a fee-for-service basis (Tullock, 1996). Transparency International (TI) has chosen a clear and focused definition of the term Corruption is operationally defined as the misuse of entrusted male monarch for confidential gain. TI further differentiates between according to rule corruption and against the rule corruption. Facilitation payments, where a bribe is paid to receive preferential treatment for something that the bribe receiver is required to do by law, constitute the former.The latter, on the other hand, is a bribe paid to obtain services the bribe receiver is prohibited from providing. The cost of corrupti on The cost of corruption is four-fold political, economic, social, and environmental. On the political front, corruption constitutes a major obstacle to democracy and the rule of law. In a democratic system, offices and institutions lose their legitimacy when they are misused for sequestered advantage. Though this is harmful in the established democracies, it is even more so in newly emerging ones.Accountable political leadership cannot develop in a corrupt climate. Economically, corruption leads to the depletion of national wealth. It is often responsible for the funneling of scarce public resources to uneconomic high-profile projects, such as dams, power plants, pipelines and refineries, at the depreciate of less spectacular but more necessary infrastructure projects such as schools, hospitals and roads, or the supply of power and water to rural areas. Furthermore, it hinders the development of fair market structures and distorts competition, thereby deterring investment.The e ffect of corruption on the social fabric of society is the most damaging of all. It undermines peoples trust in the political system, in its institutions and its leadership. Frustration and general apathy among a disillusioned public result in a weak civil society. That in turn clears the way for despots as well as democratically elected yet unscrupulous leaders to turn national assets into personal wealth. Demanding and paying bribes become the norm. Those unwilling to comply often emigrate, leaving the country drained of its most able and most honest citizens.Environmental degradation is yet another consequence of corrupt systems. The lack of, or non-enforcement of, environmental regulations and legislation has historically allowed the North to export its polluting labor to the South. At the same time, careless exploitation of natural resources, from timber and minerals to elephants, by both domestic and international agents has led to ravaged natural environments. Environmentall y ruin projects are given preference in funding, because they are easy targets for siphoning off public money into private pockets.PROCUREMENT Procurement is the full process relate in acquiring required goods, services or works. Procurement involves identifying the requirement of the purchasing authority, building a list of minimum requirements, and then scoring any interested parties who meet the minimum requirements, usually offering the highest score based on the most economically advantageous bid, commonly known as better value. Part of the Procurement process is in any case to manage the contract once awarded, to ensure that the successful suppliers, or suppliers, are providing a quality service.collaborative contracts are becoming more commonplace where multiple public bodies will combine their requirements and run a single Procurement process to meet their unite requirements. Due to the higher volume of business promised by collaborative contracts, suppliers will usuall y offer larger discounts. Collaborative contracts are usually led by one public body, acting on behalf of the others. In addition to this, some Procurement Centers of Expertise set up and manage contracts on behalf of public bodies, allowing all public bodies to use these collaborative contracts.Some examples of these Centers of Expertise are OGC, Buying Solutions and Procurement Scotland. The stage of the Procurement cycle when suppliers are invited to butt in bids is known as the Tendering process. Usually, in addition to submitting their monetary bid, suppliers are required to respond to a questionnaire which the public body has put together with the intention of identifying and eliminating suppliers who are unable to meet their basic requirements, thereby preventing their tender from being successful regardless of whether they have the most economically advantageous bid. . 2 Theoretical framework The systematic study of political corruption encompasses matters of definition, ty pology, cause, and consequence, linked by a common theoretical framework. A substantial body of literature explores these issues, but many problems exist. The countless definitions inadequately set out the fundamental normative and behavioral dimensions of corruption and fail to in corporeal the phenomenon into a broader theoretical framework or to deal accurately with the question of private interests.Typologies of corruption, though equally rife, also seem to lack clear theoretical relevance. Existing explanations of corruption can be attacked for projecting confusing and hostile hypotheses, for being fragmentary, and for failing to differentiate various types of corrupt behavior those centering on the functions of corruption also seem incomplete. Some, for instance, underscore the positive effects of corruption in integrating ruling elite but fail to question whether corruption influences feelings of legitimacy toward government or inspires destabilizing protests and mobilizatio ns.As a form of deviant political behavior, corruption is political conduct contrary to political norms. This definition underscores both its normative and behavioral components. The normative aspect of corruption centers on the appraising(prenominal) standards or rules that determine political propriety the criteria used to judge the legitimacy or illegitimacy (i. e. , the corruptness) of a political act the behavioral aspect corresponds to observable actions (Morris, 1991). The norm provides the standard by which all acts of government are to be interpreted and judged.Accordingly, any private usurpation of that pertaining to the public domain, which negates this principle, invites condemnation. An important issue that warrants attention concerns the exercise of personal gain or interest. Including personal gain or what is tantamount to private interest in a definition of corruption presents two major problems. First, it is generally held that all acts are a function of personal g ain in formal theory, this is referred to as rationality. Consequently, all acts by government officials, whether corrupt or otherwise, are thought to be motivated by a rational promotion of private interest.In other words, a non corrupt act is promoted by personal interest just as is a corrupt act. Since personal interest is an assumption of human behavior and a constant, it need not be included in a definition Strategic management in the public sector begins by looking up toward politics -the current expectations and aspirations of citizens and their representatives and the older political agreements formally enshrined in the legislation that defines public managers mandates for action.Politics, and the laws that politics produce, deserve this pride of place for three key reasons. First, it is this realm that managers moldiness search to discover what resolves are deemed publicly valuable and can, therefore, be practically and normatively sustained as the focus of their manageri al efforts. It is in and through politics that they can discover and help shapes their mandates for action.Second, political institutions grant public managers the resources they need to accomplish their operational purposesincluding money and authority over their own organizations and over those beyond their organizations who can contribute to the managers purposes. Third, it is to politics and law that public managers are both theoretically and practically accountable their performance is graded and their reputations made within this realm.Procurement spying often entails large monetary sums and involves widely known or powerful people inside and outside government. Thus, this kind of corruption can be especially damaging to a country in terms of distorted incentives, undermined public trust, and inequitable distribution of national budgets. This is particularly prevalent in Third World countries where the political socialization of people seems to accept corruption as a part of t he political culture.Among the principal types of procurement corruption includes collusion in tender (leading to higher costs/prices for the city, payments for which may or may not be shared with corrupt officials) kickbacks by firms to fix procurement competition and bribes to officials who regulate the kind contractors behavior (which may permit lowball bids with subsequent cost overruns and unnecessary changes in contract specifications) (Klitgaard, MacLean, and Parris, 2000). 4. 3 Empirical literature Corruption is about economics, gaining power, maintaining power and unfortunately to some, survival (Green, 2000).Generally, its been my experience that corruption usually involves bribery, kickbacks, gratuities and gifts to government employees from individuals doing business or attempting to do business with the government. A large percentage of corruption victorious place within governments and businesses worldwide rests within the procurement of goods and services. The move ment toward decentralization, answerability, and democratic forms of government at the local level is gathering momentum (Klitgaard, MacLean, and Parris, 2000).In this context, the marvelous costs of corruption are being explicitly recognized, as is the urgent need to correct governmental malfeasance (Klitgaard, MacLean, and Parris, 2000). Corruption is an entrenched symptom of misgovernance often reflected in patronage, red tape, ineffective revenue-generating agencies, large scale bribery in procurement, and failure to deliver services to city dwellers When the government needs a good or service, the city government has the two broad alternatives of making it or buying it that is, the city can provide the good or service itself, or rocure it from the private sector (Klitgaard, MacLean, and Parris, 2000). Corruption is one of the dimensions of this choice. Because contracting is where the money is, most government officials are tempted by the lure of procurement services often at the expense of the public. Recent developments and current trends are highlighting the division of accountants in governance.Foremost among these are the increasing concern with rising levels of corruption, the renewal of interest in accountability and transparency as inoculations against corruption the new government focus on results, benchmarking and value-for-money (the new public management) and the corresponding thrust in the private sector through business process reengineering, knowledge management and intranets where accounting systems play a major role decentralization and participation by citizens and NGOs in public management are multiplying the needs for credible accounting information the privatization of utilities in several countries is increasing the need for regulation, in which accountants have a major role in reducing information asymmetry the globalization of corporate finance has enhanced the need for global standards of accounting and auditing the Asian crisi s has highlighted the weaknesses in transparency, in pecuniary sector regulation and in corporate governance generally in a number of countries (Bennett, 2000). There are several measures that could be done in order to reduce the incidence of corruption. First, reducing the scope and role of personality politics.An increase in public policy debates and other activities of government, opening the closed doors, and permitting great public scrutiny of official processes would clearly have such an impact. Generally, the more public government affairs become, the less corrupt they can be (Bennett,2000). Enhancing the autonomy of the states subsystems would also reduce the likelihood of corruption. This could be pursued, for instance, by creating an effective civil service system or merit system or opening up grass-roots political involvement. Such reforms would cripple the centralization of recruitment and thereby temper the loyalty patterns that currently prevail.Strengthening the au tonomy and role of Congress or democratizing corporate organizations would be steps in this direction (Bennett,2000). Strengthening social organizations would also impinge on corruption. This could be done by reducing the tutelary role of the state and lessening the dependency of social organizations on the state or by enhancing popular input into the organizations themselves. Not only must businesses or hearts articulate demands on the government, but such organizations must be structurally responsive to the demands of their constituents. Tying the fate of leaders of social organizations to criteria internal to the free radical rather than those determined by the state would greatly inhibit current patterns of corruption (Bennett,2000). 5. 0 METHODOLOGYThis chapter will discuss the method of research to be used, the respondents of the study, the sampling technique, the instrument to be used, the validation of the instrument, the administration of the of the instrument and the sta tistical treatment of the data that will be gathered. Research Methodology and Techniques for data line of battle This study will use the descriptive approach. This descriptive type of research will utilize interview, observation and questionnaires in the study. To illustrate the descriptive type of research, the detective will be guided by Calmorin when he stated Descriptive method of research is to gather information about the present existing condition. The purpose of employing this method is to describe the nature of a situation as exists at the time of the study and to explore the cause/s of particular phenomena.Proposed subject cosmos/Sample The general population for this study will be composed of government officials and personnel in the procurement process, randomly selected private companies who have been regard in the bidding process and randomly selected citizens. I will use a combination of cluster and random sampling. First, I will cluster the respondents from the government, the private sector and the public sector. To make the sampling easier for every specific cluster, I will seek the aid of any anti-corruption non-government organization to facilitate the names and addresses of the respondents or have them together in one place (i. e. in an organizational meeting) so that the surveys can be given in one session. I will pick one hundred (100) respondents per cluster for a total of three hundred (300) respondents. Validation of the Instrument For validation purposes, I will initially submit a survey questionnaire and after approval, the survey will be given to five respondents from the government, private corporations and the public sector. After the survey questionnaire will be answered, I will ask the respondents for any suggestions or any necessary corrections to ensure further improvement and validity of the instrument. I will again go out the content of the survey questionnaire to find out the reliability of the instrument.I will exc lude irrelevant questions and will change words that would be deemed difficult by the respondents, too much simpler terms. Administration of the Instrument The revised instrument will then be administered to the respondents of the study which will be chosen through a combination of cluster and random sampling. I will exclude the ten respondents who will be initially used for the validation of the instrument. I will also tally, score and tabulate all the relevant data in the survey questionnaire. Statistical Treatment of Data When the entire survey questionnaire will have been collected, the researcher will use statistics to analyze all the data.The statistical formulae to be used in the second and third part of the survey questionnaire will be the following 1. Percentage to determine the magnitude of the responses to the questionnaire. 2. Weighted Mean 3. I will use chi-square to relate the participation rate of the government employees, companies and the public sector. I will be a ssisted by the SPSS in coming up with the statistical analysis for this study. Resource, Confidentiality and other consideration The survey respondents and interviewees identities will be held confidential. Only I will have the knowledge on their identities and utmost secrecy will be provided. Further, personalities who do not want to be quoted in interviews will not be disclosed. REFERENCES. 1.Klitgaard, Robert, MacLean, Ronald and Parris, Lindsey, Corrupt Cities A Practical Guide to Cure and Prevention, Ics Press, 2000 2. Bennett, Anthony, The Role of Accounting in Good Governance, In Carter, Williiam, Davies, Mark, El, Yassin and Ford, Kevin, Government Ethics and legal philosophy Enforcement Toward Global Guidelines, Praeger Publishers, 2000 3. Green, Vincent, An Approach to Investigating Corruption in Government, In Carter, Williiam, Davies, Mark, El, Yassin and Ford, Kevin, Government Ethics and Law Enforcement Toward Global Guidelines, Praeger Publishers, 2000 4. Morris, Ste phen, A State-Society Approach to the Study of Corruption , Corruption & Politics in Contemporary Mexico, University of Alabama Press, 1991

Children with Special Needs and How They Interact

As numerous people bedevil stated before, if you want to understand someone, take a toss in their shoes. From this, one is not able to truly comprehend the feelings someone may harbor or how umpteen difficulties a person endeavors on a day-to-day basis, unless they spend time with them. The topic that I helped research as a group for our senior project was how students with special needs cooperate with others c atomic number 18 them, and then how they interact with people in society that do not have these needs.While researching this project, I kept one question in mind, what similarities and differences move on with these babyren when they are brought into these situations with unseasoned people. Through our mentor, we were able to interact with the special needs children at our school, one by observing from a distance, not to interfere with how they may regularly go about their school day, and then engaging in the tasks of assisting the students with whichever task they h ad at hand.Numerous children each year are born with disabilities that submit them with needing certain attention in various areas unlike children who do not have these needs. The statistics show that 1 out of every 5 children born allow for have some sort of impairment that requires the attention of a specialist in that disability. However, until one has been through the types of activities those children have been, it is quite difficult to learn how it is to have these disabilities, and how socializing with others that they are not familiar with base be altered from how one would normally act around others of the same needs.Most of these children are neuronic or shy themselves away from regular students at the school, mostly because they either dont want to try to make friends with them or that they are in addition alarmed that they might be criticized for how they truly are. When our mentor, Mrs. Rang was interviewed, we asked her a series of questions to try to get a bette r understanding of how these children are, and what she thought of our idea for a practicable senior project. Through this interview, we were able to find out numerous things about how things in the classroom work for these students.For instance, when asked how often and when the students interacted with students unlike them at the school, we were habituated the answer of that the interactions were very limited, these times came during physical education classes, bake sales, and fundraisers. Additionally, we also were informed on how well the children cooperate with each other in the classroom, and it was bare that there was almost a family-like bond between the children. However, based on research, some children with disabilities have a fear of reaching out to socializing with others.These fears can come about from numerous sources, either through mostly deliver or what can be seen or heard through the media. The most sizeable source of getting news across the world is through the media, where within the chaos, numerous stories are said to be factual, when only the story is false, and people lead only read it if it is intriguing to society. One of these stories includes how children with disabilities are being treated at a certain institute in Canton, Massachusetts, by using buffet therapy.Whether or not these reports are true does not matter to the reporters, however if a child with special needs sees this story, it would result in them only abstracted to surround themselves with other children that are like them due to the safety they may feel with them. Bullying is another form of socialization that may trigger the childs abilities to break out of their shell and interact with others. With many children feeling like that they wont be accepted due to their disabilities, their socialization skills wipe out and children become more introverted.However, there are numerous websites and books that are help to assist one with their childs needs in order f or them to social welfare from the factors of regular children. Certain aspects like greeting a new person everyday will allow them to not be intimidated by the children that are not like them. With proper guidance and support, these children with disabilities can be able to interact with other children unlike them in a comfortable environment. Furthermore, it has been seen in many instants where children with disabilities are able to interact with similar children with ease than to that of others.A variety of reasons can be held floorable for this explanation, such as how much time is pass with comparable children, and the emotions that are felt during these time periods. For example, during our interview, our mentor was able to inform us on how caring the children are for one another, which I feel takes into account where they spend the majority of their day in school together, and those students are the children that they interact with almost everyday.Additionally, many will s ay that the more time you spend with a person, the more you get to know them and care for them, which is proof with these children. Some however, may not want to branch out and socialize with other children, which even though I feel these students would benefit from the experience, people can not be pres certain(a)d into something they are not comfortable doing. When doing this sort of project, there are certain risks and erudition experiences that come with the opportunity we were presented with.In order to fully commit myself to this project, a certain level of commitment and connection had to be made with the task at hand. Before this project was assigned, I had volunteered time at the Nursing Home where there are numerous patients with disabilities that after listening to their stories, had numerous troubles growing up. It was unmingled that just like the children now, some wanted to socialize with others, while some rather stay locked up in their rooms all day in a groggy moo d.As a result, it inspired me to find out why people with disabilities are sometimes stubborn to interact with others, while electrostatic establishing friendships with those who desired companionship in the home, especially those who made connections with others who had similar disabilities. Due to the level of this project, there were also numerous risks and successions that are advertd to the action of the assignment. afterwards discussing that the group desired to work with the special needs children in Mrs. R & Mr.Damis class, we knew that we did not want the students to feel like they were just an assignment, where they would only be talked to for a month or two, and then once the class was over, the connection that was made would slowly disappear. If that was the case, no one would benefit from this project, I knew that we had to make sure that we got to know the students, how their personalities were, what their interests are, and other such aspects. The risk being taken was that when going into this project, we were not aware of how the students might feel with us being in their classroom. beingness uncomfortable in a safe environment is one of the factors that we as a group wanted to make sure would not happen, however canvas their behavior with others would allow us to benefit for the task at hand. Success would be able to be achieved, only if our interactions were carried out properly. From this, our success would be purpose out the difference between the socialization that children with disabilities use when they are surrounded with different people. Moreover, failure would also be expected when we were spending time with the children because as Benjamin Disraeli once said, All my successes have been built on my failures.From this, we were not expecting perfection the first time we met the children, but hopefully, a bond would slowly scrape to form between us and eventually they would become more comfortable to talk to us when they ever saw in the hallways or during lunches. This is able to relate to civics, where from our education throughout the years in socializing with others, not bullying, and always making other feel welcome, we are able to take the lessons that we have already learned, and apply them to the task at hand and hopefully make new friends along the way.The experiences that I have had so far have been very skillful to not only me, but my group as a whole. We were able to discover that some of the children with special needs wanted friends, but were too afraid to due to lack of socializing when they were younger. On another note, some children were able to talk to anyone that was willing to listen, while others unfortunately did not wish to make new friends than the ones that they already had currently in the classroom. Different personalities were able to shine through while we visited the students during different blocks, and friendships were able to begin being built.However, more information on w hy parents and others do not try to socialize their children with disabilities would be helpful when working on this project, however, the best is being made with the research we have. Throughout the experience however, it reminded me of being with the patients at the nursing home, as if those patients younger selves were able to interact with me now, and it was able to give my more insight into their everyday lives, even though I may not have been able to walk a mile in them.To end off though with these friendships and the positive effects they will hopefully have on these children, as Francis Bacon once stated, This communicating of a mans self to his friend works two contrary effects for it redoubleth joys, and cutteth heartbreaks in half. Where joy is able to be experienced by those who enjoy the companionship of a good friend, and the grief they may have suffered is no longer that big of a burden for them to handle.

Civil Liberties, Habeas Corpus, and the War on Terror Essay

Throughout history, the motivation of soldierys self interest has concluded in the domination of those with little or no power in the absence of the rule of law. The war on terror presents an unpredictable challenge for the United States whereas terrorists ar apprehended and deprived of due functioning. The veracious of Habeas principal overrules mans interpretation, in which allows those accused federal and state court mission before judge, or jury. It asserts that accusers deemed innocent until proven guilty, accusers take ined the in good order to representation, appear in person, and charges brought forth. This essay will concentrate on the evolution of habeas corpus, and its suspension by the United States, its relevance during the war on terror, and the United States Supreme Courts interpretation. Nevertheless, these laws are in place to protect every one, moreover to avoid un legal apprehension, and see to it that habeas corpus works as intended by the Constitution.T he historical evolution of habeas corpus born from the Magna Carta, known as the English Bill of Rights began in England in the early 1200s. Under force from English barons, King John of England placed his signature on the Magna Carta in 1215, in which comprised of a list of human rights and civil liberties. It asserted that the King needed consent from his legislative body to impose taxes upon its citizens. Halliday (2011) nones that habeas corpus serves as a writ and a scrabble parchment that a judge ordered a jailer to bring forth a named prisoner to court to face said written charges. This very important schedule additionally established that trial and due make of law must occur previous to confiscating property or freedom from any free man who resided in England. Instead of King John stepping down from power he agreed to place boundaries on the power of the monarchy, sign the Magna Carta, wherein honored the constitutional rights and privileges of his countrymen.This docum ent serves as a treaty of union, and agreement with the King wherein guaranteed and respected the civil liberties (personal freedoms) (Levin-Waldman, 2012) of its citizens. solo in the presence of rule of law prohibits countrymen from depriving countrymen of basic human rights. Politicians, and citizens auspex that this act occurred in America when the national Defense authorization act (NDAA) passed in 2011. Opponents suggests that this bill proves unconstitutional for the reason that it strips away habeas corpus, thus allowing the detainment of American citizens surmise of terrorist activity for an indefinite period devoid of a trial. Other politicians, and citizens consider this act stands as a breach of the Posse Comitatus Act of 1876 in which prohibit the Armys participation in domestic lawful assembly on American soil.The suspension of habeas corpus number in the few for dependable reason, and presidents, politicians, and Supreme Court justices auger whether or not the Con stitution offer provisions to commit such(prenominal) an act. However, the rights of habeas corpus denied by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862 during the American Civil War, and in 2006 by President George Bush fighting the war on terror. The reasons for the suspension of habeas corpus by Lincoln and Bush were worlds asunder as explained by Foner, (n.d.). Foner notes that Lincoln were perhaps on the threshold of losing a nation whereas, Bush believe it essential to detain prisoners of war without due process of law after the attacks by terrorists on September 11, 2001.The Military Commissions Act of 2006 signed into law by President Bush gave unlimited authority toward establishing a military commission. On the otherwise hand, Lincoln deemed it vital to protect a stretch of land from Baltimore to Washington DC. This railroad line involved transportation, troop movement, and delivering supplies. Only in the occurrence of rebellion or invasion does the president possess the power to suspend the writ of habeas corpus however, the ground rebellion, and invasion takes on several(prenominal) meanings, and which undergo litigating through generations to generation. In other words, in grave situations concerning the safety of the public, the federal presidential term can incontestably suspend the privilege or writ of habeas corpus under the Constitution.constitutional rightOn July 12, 2008 majority justice Kennedy joined by Breyer, Ginsburg, Souter, and Stevens held that prisoners at Guantanamo Bay suspected of committing terrorism possess constitutional rights, in which allows them the process of challenging their detention in the United States civil court of law. The courts only reiterated that before the Bill of Rights appeared in the Constitution, habeas corpus stood as a civil right for prisoners of war. The Bush administration drew heavy scrutiny regard to civil rights from majority justice Kennedy regarding those detained at Guantanamo, in which he conclude d that the Constitution warrants naught less than full habeas corpus. Some members of the Supreme Court consider the act of Denying any prisoner of war, especially Afghan soldiers stands one of those extreme measures in which the government denies habeas corpus, thus committing war crimes under the Geneva Convention. Moreover, the three branches of the United States government collectively recognize the Geneva Convention as binding (Katyal, Bongiovanni, & Valentini, 2007).On the other hand, for many court justices denying rights to terrorists seems deserving of anyone who sets out to kill innocent people anywhere although not in the act of war nevertheless, Congress does not possess the power to strike away these rights. However, Congress provided the federal courts will habeas corpus jurisdiction from its inception, and it will take affirmative action to withdraw jurisdiction (Vladeck, 2010). chip the war on terror proves the most unconventional war any country face.These individ uals entire life consist of killing Americans citizens or anyone (infidels) meaning those who do not accept Islamic faith when and wherever an opportunity present itself. People speculate that should mindless rhetoric, such as this merit traditional representation of the Constitution, and the answer varies throughout the nation. There proves a need for habeas corpus because of its humane connotation. In other words, every form of torture, and close to critics make auger that some form of torture considered beneath the conduct of the United States moreover those that participate in such a manner prove not worthy of corrosion the United States military uniform.Many Americans believe the Bush administration proceeded overzealously in the efforts to fight terrorism. Nevertheless subsequent to terrorists striking down the World Trade center of attention buildings in New York city, American citizens wanted the United States to strike back immediately with deadly force. Just under 4000 citizens perished in the attacks bestowed on New York City on September 11, 2001, and the Bush administration worked tirelessly to gather intelligence before making decisive maneuvers to bring those responsible to justice.Niday, (2008) notes that in the immediate commove of 9/11 the war receive near unanimous support of the war on terror from both sides of the aisles and the Bush administration employed terms such as illegal combatants, and enemy combatants to bolster its campaign. In times of calamity, Americans, and people throughout the world stand at their best, and pull together in unison to aid one another. One could almost surmise that Americans may fight among each other issues of race, politics, and human rights however, failed to allow others to come hashed out devastation on other Americans on American soil, or anywhere in the world.Common knowledge demonstrate that wealthier Americans moreover, the rich in general do not serve equal time in jail for crimes committed a s the poor. One have to surmise that people work their entire lives to amass wealth to achieve an advantage in the world even if it means special treatment in regard to unequal justice. Even though Betty v. Bradley deprived lawful representation to accusers charged with a crime however, unable financially to secure representation in 1942, the Supreme Court ruled that the right of legal representation, and the ordinal amendment obligated states to provide legal counsel nonetheless (Levin-Waldman, 2012).The writ of habeas corpus provides everyone the right to judge, jury, and trial. This law protects citizens from tyranny, unlawful arrest, and imprisonment without legal representation. The writ of habeas corpus right away address, or intervene between several procedures, (e.g., post convictions, prisoners not charged with a crime, prisoners awaiting trial, death row inmates, and prisoners serving long sentences than usual. The view of habeas corpus will materialize often when discus sing matters of civil liberties and the Constitution, and obviously people in general believe totally in this fundamental right.In the case of major disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina prove the shortcomings of government, and the incorrect intelligence toward finding weapons of mass destruction only substantiate that government assertions may turn out false. Nevertheless, that proves why the right to habeas corpus (a fair hearing before an impartial judge) proves written in the Constitution. Injustice anywhere prove injustice everywhere, and people in the United States heedless of their stature, and wealth stand guarantee the fundamental rights of due process under the law of habeas corpus. The Constitution of the United States make America the greatest country in the world however, there are those constantly challenging the weight of the Constitution, pushing amendments to uncharted territories, and denying fundamental rights to those thought less deserving. Nevertheless, Americ an patriots stand proud of the idea of a totally free nation, in which every ethnic group, men, and women can thrive together on the rule of law.ReferenceBradley, C. (2010). Clear statement rules and administrator war powers. Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy, 33(1), 1439-148. Document ID 1950961981. Foley, B. (2007). Guantanamo and beyond Dangers of rigging the rules. Journal of Criminal Law & Criminology, 97(4), 1009-10069. Document ID 1466824931. Retrieved from ProQuest Central database, in the Ashford Online Library. Foner, E. (n.d.). Lincolns abuse of the presidential power Video. Available from http//www.5min.com/Video/Lincolns-Abuse-of-the-Presidential-Power-294084084 FOR A.tv. (2009). Gitmo and the writ of habeas corpus Video. Available from http//www.5min.com/Video/Gitmo-and-the-Writ-of-Habeas-Corpus-516897065 Halliday, P. (2011, March 17). Habeas corpus From England to Empire Video. Available from http//www.c-spanvideo.org/program/298560-5 Katyal, N., Bongiovanni, G., & Valentini, C. (2007, December). Terrorism, touch powers, and the role of the U.S. Supreme Court An interview with Neal K. Katyal. Ratio Juris, 20(4), 443-455. Retrieved from Academic search Premier (EBSCOhost), in the Ashford Online Library. Levin-Waldman, O. M.

Succubus Heat CHAPTER 3

I neither packed nor c everyed Dante when I got home. I was exhausted. Talking to Seth had been too depressing. I lived too tightlipped to the bookstore, I decided. What had once been convenient now felt oppressive. A few blocks simply wasnt enough distance between Seth and me. I kind of wished Emerald city had another branch somew here(predicate) that I could work. In lieu of that, peradventure I was the wholeness who needed to find a new residence. My lease here was ending soon, and until now, Id never considered eitherthing except renewing. Moving was a startling-and weirdly appealing-thought, and I pondered it as I drifted off to sleep that night, my cat Aubrey snuggled against my legs.The next morning, I had to scramble to pack my things. Jerome hadnt smashn me any specific time to be in Vancouver, only soon. I decided not to test the exact terms of that. Packing didnt take long, fortunately. I could shape-shift any clothing I treasured, plainly I had some favorites I preferred to honourable take with me. It was another inert human habit. There were also cosmetics and other toi permitries I wanted with me I wantd to do my bashledge hair and makeup if I had the time.I was gushy my third cup of coffee in the kitchen when I felt the tingle of immortal signatures calculate in my living room. Only a higher immortal, same a demon or angel, could directly teleport in, and I immediately recognized these two. Grace and Mei.They were Jeromes lieutenant dem adeptsses. Heaven ran its agenda in a individually which way way, precisely ours was c arefully organized. Territory was parceled out to archdemons, who in turn controlled a network of subordinate demons and lesser immortals like me and my friends succubi, vampires, and imps. Jerome handled the big issues in the area, went to meetings with the demons who were above him, and was in charge of discipline. Grace and Mei handled the minutiae and paperwork and also kept an warmheartedness on th e utter or so reaches of Jeromes territory, areas he was too busy for and uninterested in. His full jurisdiction very stretched along the coast of western Washington, though his base of operation was the Seattle metropolitan area. That was also where most of his staff was located. He only kept an occasional eye on the outskirts and left it to Grace and Mei to keep him apprised of what occurred there.For whatever reason, the demonesses always wore matching clothing. Today they sported black pantsuits, tailored to a perfect fit. Grace was platinum-blonde and Mei black-haired, but their hairstyles were also similar bluntly cut at the chin. Both wore brick-red lipstick.Good morning, Georgina, said Grace.Were here with last-minute instructions, said Mei.Oh, okay. I was relieved. Id been cowardly Jerome had sent them to find out why I hadnt already crossed the Canadian border. You guys want some coffee?I offered them something every time they were here, and every time, they refused. S o, I was a bit astonished when Grace asked, What kind?UmStarbucks. Their house b impart.No, replied Grace and Mei in unison.I shrugged and sat low on the couch. Aubrey had been fabrication there a minute ago but was nowhere in sight now. She hated these two. Mostly they creeped me out. Okay, I asked. Whats the scoop?They remained standing. Mei crossed her arms. Jerome wants you to hear the situation with Cedric. The two of them ask had adisagreement over territorial lines.This perked my interest. Ah. Its him, then. Wed heard Jerome had something going on with another demon.The two of them had been eyeing each others areas, explained Grace. In the hopes of expanding their own boundaries into one large Pacific Northwest She paused thoughtfully.empire? I suggested. She shrugged by way of agreement.Something like that, said Mei. But take downtually, they put the dispute aside and gave up, each settling for their authoritative territories. Thats why Jerome is lending you to Cedric, as a sign of good will.I was too intrigued to retort well-nigh the degradation of Jerome lending me to anyone. Jerome doesnt do things out of good will, I pointed out, recalling his snide remark about altruism last night. Theres more going on.Grace nodded. Indeed. Jerome suspects that Cedric actually hasnt given up the vie and is still plotting against him. Jerome wants you to spy and report suffer.Oh, I didnt like that. Not at all.He wants me to spy on another demon? An arch demon? Do you know what kind of trouble I could set forth in if Cedric finds out?Neither demoness said anything. It was no concern of theirs if I got smote. Considering Jeromes current attitude toward me, it believably wasnt much of a concern for him either, aside from having to send a requisition to Personnel for a new succubus.So, continued Mei, youll have two agendas. You need to let Jerome know what Cedrics doing. And, you need to infiltrate Cedrics problem cult and keep them in line-although, if you m ake things a little uncomfortable for Cedric along the way, Jerome wont mind.Right. The Canadian ogreists. What on primer coat are they doing thats such a big deal? Putting 666 on the back ends of hockey jerseys?My joke had no effect on either demoness. Someday, I thought, Id contain one of them to crack a smile. Theyre attracting attention, enough that Cedrics superiors are embarrassed. Theyd prefer this cult conduct its evil in more subtle ways.Last I knew, veritable Satanists arent actually evil per se, I mused. The rep aside, most Satanists were more into simply acknowledging chaos and humanitys wild, base nature. Most arent actually out conducting bloody rituals or spray-painting pentagrams on walls.Actually, said Mei, this group is spray-painting pentagrams on walls.Oh, I said. Thats lame.They think theyre evil began Grace.but theyre not, finished Mei. They need to be reined in.Okay, sure. No problem. Influencing wannabe Satanists was a piece of surface compared to spyi ng on a demon. I glanced at the time. Anything else? I should probably head out.Yes, said Mei. Jerome wants you to check in on Tawny.Seriously? I groaned. He hates me.The demonesses neither confirmed nor denied this statement.See you around, Georgina, said Grace.Well check in, said Mei.They vanished.With a heavy heart, I finished my packing and told Aubrey good-bye. Then I lugged my suitcase dismantle to my Passat, off to play Mata Hari. I honourable hoped my end would be disclose than hers.Once you clear Everett, a naval city just north of Seattle, the contract up to Canada is bewitching easy. The speed limit goes up, and the most exciting attractions along the way are casinos and outlet malls. About a half-hour from the border, I reached Bellingham, the current residence of Tawny Johnson.Tawny was a succubus, a very new succubus. Technically, I was her mentor, but her assignment in Bellingham mercifully limited our interactions. Shed come to Seattle back in December and had g otten involved with an imp named Niphon whod been trying to make my life more of a living hell than it already was. Hed roped her into his plans, and as angry as Id been about it, I knew the fault was his more than hers. She hadnt really known what she was doing and had been convinced he could help fast-track her career. Nonetheless, shed gotten in enough trouble that Jerome had sent her out of the city. It was better than being sent back to Hell, so really, the arrangement suited all of us just fine.I gave her a call, and we met up at a caf? just off I-5. Tawny was easy to spot when she entered the place. Despite the fact that Tawny had been kind of a con artist when she was a mortal-a profession youd think would lend itself well to succubus work-she was actually pretty horrible at seduction. Oh, she could still come guys to sleep with her, but it was more thanks to her availability rather than any particular wiles on her part. In particular, she was convinced that the most alluri ng form she could take was that of a six-foot blonde with breasts that would have given a human a back injury. Tawny also had a penchant for spandex and metallic fabrics that I frame disturbing but that delighted Hugh and the vampires to no end. I made a mental note to tell them about the chartreuse hot pants she wore today.Georgina she exclaimed, dancing over to my table on gold stilettos. Im so happy to beguile you. She held out her arms, like maybe I was supposed to stand and hug her, but I remained sitting. Taking the pinpoint, she sat down as well. What are you doing here?Im going to Vancouver, I said, wrapping my hands around my white chocolate mocha. Jerome wanted me to stop by and see how things were going.Her eyes lit up. Great Ive been spending a lot of time over at Western. She leaned forward and spoke in a sage voice. You know, if youre ever having trouble getting someone into bed, you should go check out college guys. Theyre so easy.Thanks for the tip, I said dryly. Ill keep it in mind.She pursed her lips and eyed me. Doesnt look like you need it, though, she added wistfully. I could never get a glow like that.Too bad she hadnt seen the glow in full effect yesterday. It would have blown her away. You will, I said. Someday. Some day far, far away. Tawny had miles to go before gaining the subtleties required to land really moral guys.I dont know how you do it. You arent even blond. I mean, maybe a little, but more often than not youre a brunette. I just dont see guys going for that.My hair was long and light brown, lightly highlighted with gold. My eyes were a hazel-green that I also venture didnt fit in with her worldview of what was sexy, at least if her baby blues were any indication. Yeah, well, some people are into kinky bar, I guess.The waiter showed up and took our lunch orders. I made myself comfortable and prepared to do some mentoring.So, I said. You got any questions?Tawny titled her head, long-lashed blue eyes filled with thought . Yeah. Theres something Ive been wondering about.Okay, go for it.These colleges guystheyre kind of, like, fast.Fast?Yeah. You get them into bed, and its over before it begins.Theyre eighteen or twenty. Still pulsing with adolescent hormones. They dont really know what theyre doing yet.Yeah, yeah, I know, she said. Except, when youre going down on them, it takes forever . You know what I mean?I forced a straight face. Its one of the mysteries of the universe, Tawny. You just gotta roll with it.But my mouth gets sore, she whined. Makes my prattle ache the next day Isnt there any way to speed it up?My immortal friends would die if they could hear this conversation. You can try the dont stop trick. Or maybe tell them you want them to come on your face. Thatll get things moving.Ew Thats disgusting.I shrugged. Dont ask the question if you dont want to hear the answer.But how can I even say anything when my mouth is, well, you knowThus went the rest of our lunch conversation, and blow jo bs glum out to be the mildest of topics. Fortunately, no one sat within audition distance. I ate my chicken salad as fast as I could, eager to be on my way. As we were paying the bill, a thought came to me.Hey, Tawny. Youre very much on top of Cedrics turf here. You ever see any signs of him and Jerome fighting?She shook her head. No. Ive never even met Cedric. But theres a vampire here in town whos mentioned them fighting before. He seems to think its a big deal.Everyone seems to, and yetI dont know. I have a weird feeling about all this. Like that someones trying to cover up something.Tawny placed some cash on the table, her clawlike nails lacquered and red. For half a moment, she looked remarkably wise. spinal column when I was doing cons, the best way to pull one past people was to make a big deal about something else. Misdirection.It was quite possibly the most intelligent thing Id ever heard Tawny say. Yeah, but if so, what are we being misdirected from?Hell if I know. Tha ts for smart people like you to figure out. Im just trying to get college guys to speed up their blow jobs.My first minute in Canada, I got pulled over.Right after you go through customs, theres a brusque stretch of the freeway with an incredibly low speed limit. Every time I drive through there, I try to drive that speed. And Im the only one who ever does it. All the locals zip through that area, already driving the speed that the freeway clicks up to about half a mile (or kilometer or whatever) later. Every time, just before I officially hit the higher speed zone, I finally crack and speed up too-and thats always when the cops get me. Ive been pulled over three times.This was my fourth.I handed over my license and other pertinent paperwork to the cop. American, eh? he asked, like it wasnt perfectly obvious.Yes, sir, I said.You know you were speeding, dont you? He mostly sounded curious, not harsh.Was I? I asked blankly, looking at him with doe eyes. I saw the succubus glamour se ize him. But the sign said sixty-five. lxv kilometers per hour, he corrected gently. We use the metric system here.I blinked. Ohhhh. God, I forgot. I feel so stupid.It happens a lot, he said. He handed my stuff back without even running it. Ill tell you what. Ill let you go this time. Just make sure you get the units right, eh? Your speedometers got kilometers per hour underneath the miles per hour.Oh, thats what the little numbers are for, huh-er, eh? I gave him a dazzling smile. Thank you so much.So help me, he tipped his hat. Happy to help. Be careful now, and enjoy your stay.I thanked him again and headed off. Its worth noting here that while Ive been pulled over four times in this stretch, Ive also gotten off four times.Canadians. So nice.I made it into downtown Vancouver without however incident and checked into my hotel. It was a boutique one over on Robson Street, and I decided maybe Jerome didnt hate me after all. Or at least, Hells pilgrimage agency didnt hate me. Robson was a fun neighborhood, full of restaurants and shopping. I threw my stuff into my room and then headed off to meet Cedric. He would have sensed me carrefour into his territory, but I wanted it officially noted for the record that I was here so that I didnt get in further trouble with Jerome. unlike Jerome, who was impossible to find sometimes, Cedric actually had a suite of offices over in the Financial District. I kind of liked that. The front desk was staffed by an imp named Kristin. She seemed agreeable enough, just incredibly busy. She told me Id lucked out and that Cedric could fit me in right now. Walking into his office, I found him at his desk, reading something on Wikipedia. He glanced up.Oh. Jeromes succubus. He turned from the monitor and gestured to a chair opposite his desk. Have a seat.I sat down and immediately began assessing the office. Nothing about it screamed evil. It was neat and sleek, with an expansive windowpane full of office buildings beyond him. Silver perpetual motion balls sat on his desk, and one of those framed motivational posters hung on the wall. It had a picture of a struggling pine sapling in front of a larger tree and read, DETERMINATION .Cedric himself didnt look too evil either. He had an average build and pretty blue-gray eyes. He kept his hair shaved army-style, and like Kristin, the biggest vibe I got off him was busy. Inasmuch as one could be busy surfing Wikipedia, that is. I glanced at the screen, curious as to what hed been looking at. Demonic takeovers, perhaps?Oh, that, he said, following my gaze. Just a hobby of mine. Its the entry on marsupials. I just like going in sometimes and putting in incorrect information. Its always fun to see how long it takes them to notice. Theyre better about it than they used to be, but that just makes it more of a challenge. I just wrote about how marsupials are an integral part of the Lutheran Eucharist. He chuckled at his own ingenuity. God, I hated the Reformation.I smiled, not entirely sure what to say.Cedric clasped his hands in front of him, face turning serious. So, lets get down to business. Youre here to spy on me.My mouth opened, but nothing coherent came out right away. UmHe waved his hand. No, no, its fine. You dont honestly expect me to believe Jerome would do me a favor without strings attached? Whatever. I dont have anything to hide. He can keep his territory-Im too busy watching my own. You can tell him whatever you want so long as you do what I need you to.Right, I said, finding my voice at last. Your embarrassing Satanic cult.He grimaced. God, those guys are such a pain in the ass. What do you know about them?That they arent Satanists like the usual groups, not like Anton LaVeys followers or the anti-Christians. I felt like a student reciting in front of a class.They think theyre anti-Christian, but mostly, theyre just ridiculous. Just some flakes in search of identity who got together and thought itd be cool to be evil. They have meeti ngs in robes and keep making up secret handshakes.And thats a problem?Nah, I dont care about any of that. They can play dress-up all they want. Whats annoying is that theyre doing all the things people think evil people do but dont actually do. They ripped up a bunch of bibles once and left them on this churchs lawn. They also appear to have a fondness for spray paint.I heard about that.They keep writing stupid stuff like The Angel of Darkness is Lord and What Would Satan Do? Cedric rolled his eyes. Yeah, like thats original.I can see why youd be embarrassed, I admitted.No kidding. The worst part is that theyre attracting some media attention- especially among local churches. So, now those guys are doing their own sort of backlash and triggering a whole bunch of demonstrations about faith and light and all that stuff. Not what we need. Kind of defeats our purpose, really.What do you want me to do?Kristin hangs out with them sometimes. They know her and recognize what side she works for, but frankly, she doesnt have the people skills to manipulate them. Shell take you to them and give them some bruiser about how youre high-ranking in the ways of evil or something equally absurd. Then, I want you to hang out with them and just be part of their group. abide them from doing more stupid things. Get them to go back to their role-playing in the basement. Hell, if you can convince them to disband, go for it. He eyed me. Youre a succubus. Youve been around for a while. You should be able to talk them into anything.I nodded. I can.Good. Im tired of them. Im not allowed to interfere directly, and my own people are too busy. He stood up and walked toward the door. I took the hint and followed. Do whatever you want the rest of the day. Kristinll take you over to them tomorrow. Check them out. See what you think. Ive got some appointments in the morning, but stop by anyway and give me your impressions of those fools.Is there anything in particular you want me to find out for you?Yes, he said. In addition to keeping them out of trouble, I want you to simply obtain them. Theyre not just attracting media attention-theyre attracting attention from my superiors. Ah, yeah. Hell could get pissy about that kind of thing. If someones purposely manipulating them, I want to know.Okay.He gave me a narrow-eyed look. And I hope its not Jerome.He still had that mild, businesslike exterior, but I heard the stern note in his voice. I shivered but gave him a smile anyway, trying not to think about misdirection.I hope not either.I was a bit affect at how short my meeting with Cedric had been. I was more surprised still that after all the grief Jerome had given me about the urgency of this trip, I now had nothing to do. Of course, if he was trying to get rid of me, this was as good a way as any. My bad attitude and I were out of Seattle.It was dinnertime when I got back to Robson Street, so I found diet at an Ethiopian restaurant a few blocks from my hotel and linge red over the remains of my meal with a novel Id picked up a few days ago. Afterward, I wandered up and down the street, looking at various shops and designers, but eventually had to stop after passing two T-shirt stores. One sold ex post facto stuff and had a down in the mouth purple Quiet Riot shirt in their window. Another sold Canadian souvenirs and displayed a shirt showing a map of Canada in red with a map of the U.S. below it in blue. The caption read Canada Likes It on Top. If Id still been dating Seth, I would have bought him both. He would have shaken his head and given me a slight quirk of the lips as he tried to hide his smile.The thought depressed me, and I found myself growing sadder and sadder as I walked back to my hotel. In that moment, I would have given anything to be with Seth again, to right the wrongs wed done to each other back around Christmastime. Losing him was losing a part of me that-Searing, white-hot anger suddenly shot through me. What the fuck was I w hining about? why should I miss him? Why should I pine for someone whod betrayed me and hurt me with my friend , of all people? Seth didnt deserve my longing or my love, and as I continued walking, that dark despair within me transformed to rage and spite-just as it had done nearly every day for the past four months.When I got back to the hotel, I was no longer sad. I was pissed. I hated everyone and everything, but especially Seth. I wanted to make him pay. Unfortunately, there was no way to do that, not here in Vancouver. Passing near the hotels bar on my way through the lobby, I paused and surveyed the patrons. It was a veritable smorgasbord of men, most of them lone travelers making temporary friends over their drinks. My succubus lust sprang up in me, and suddenly, all I wanted was to get drunk and go to bed with some guy. I wanted to lose myself in the haze of alcohol and fucking, in the hopes that it mogul all dull the pain that lay buried under my anger.And as I scanned th e room, one guy in particular caught my attention. The face was all wrong, but he had hair almost the same color as Seths. It was worn messy too, though it appeared as though hed achieved that look with gel, rather than the lack of brushing Seth employed. No, this guy wasnt a perfect match by any means, but he was close, and there was an aura of shy vulnerability about him that I liked.Putting on a smile, I strolled across the room to introduce myself. I might not be able to actually punish Seth, but at least for tonight, I could pretend that I could.