What is critical read in g Essays - Learning, Philosophy, Argument

What is critical read in g Study guide Critical reading is an important precursor to critical writing. This Study Guide explains why critical reading is important, and gives some ideas about how you might become a more critical reader. Other Study Guides you may find useful are What is critical writing? Using paragraphs and The art of editing. What is critical read in g? The most characteristic features of critical reading are that you will: exam in e the evidence or arguments presented; check out any in fluences on the evidence or arguments; check out the limitations of study design or focus; exam in e the in terpretations made; and decide to what extent you are prepared to accept the authors' arguments, op in ions, or conclusions. Why do we need to take a critical approach to read in g? Regardless of how objective, technical, or scientific the subject matter, the author(s) will have made many decisions during the research and writing process, and each of these decisions is a potential topic for examination and debate, rather than for blind acceptance. You need to be prepared to step into the academic debate and to make your own evaluation of how much you are willing to accept what you read. A practical starting point therefore, is to consider anything you read not as fact, but as the argument of the writer. Taking this starting point you will be ready to engage in critical reading. Critical read in g do es not have to be all negative The aim of critical reading is not to find fault, but to assess the strength of the evidence and the argument. It is just as useful to conclude that a study, or an article, presents very strong evidence and a well-reasoned argument, as it is to identify the studies or articles that are weak. Evidence Depending on the kind of writing it is, and the discipline in which it sits, different kinds of evidence will be presented for you to examine. At the technical and scientific end of the spectrum, relevant evidence may include information on: measurements, timing, equipment, control of extraneous factors, and careful following of standard procedures. Specific guidance will be available within specialties on what to look for. At the other end of the spectrum is writing where there is clearer scope for personal interpretation, for example: analysis of in dividuals' experiences of healthcare; the translation of a text from a foreign language; or the identification and analysis of a range of themes in a novel. In these cases the evidence may include items such as quotes from interviews, extracts of text, and diagrams showing how themes might connect. The nature of the evidence presented at these two extremes is different, but in both cases you need to look for the rationale for the selection and interpretation of the evidence presented, and the rationale for the construction of the argument. Broaden in g the def in ition of evidence This Study Guide takes a broad view of evidence: it maintains that all that you read can be considered as evidence, not purely the actual data collected/presented. This encompasses: the report of the context with in which the data we re collected or created; the choice of the method for data collection or selection; the audit trail for the analysis of the data i.e.: the decisions made and the steps in the analysis process; the rationale for the in terpretations made and the conclusions drawn; the relevance of, and the use made of the theoretical perspective, ideology, or philosophy that is underp in n in g the argument. L in k in g evidence to argument On its own, evidence cannot contribute to academic debate. The interpretation and presentation of that evidence within an argument allows the evidence to make a contribution. The term argument' in this context means the carefully constructed rationale for the enquiry, and for the place of its results within the academic arena. It will explain for example: why the authors considered that what they did was worth doin g; why it was worth doin g in that particular way; why the data collected, or the material selected, we re the most appropriate; how the conclusions drawn l in k to the wider context

Impact of the Constitution essays

Impact of the Constitution essays The Federal Convention convened in the State House in Philadelphia on May 14, 1787, to revise the Articles of Confederation (Burns 19). This was the beginning of one of the most impressive, adaptable, and symbolic document ever written in human history. Before this, Thomas Jefferson drafted The Declaration of Independence. This happened between June 11 and June 28, 1776 (Mount 3). It was and still is the nation's most cherished symbol of liberty. Both of these documents were written to serve different purposes in the 18th century and yet, their meanings have adapted over time. They continue to be very relevant documents that we live by even today. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are important to us now, but they served an even greater purpose in the beginning. The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson as a means of expressing exactly what was in the hearts and minds of the colonists at the time. In essence, it was a list of grievances written to the world to give reason as to why the colonists of the New England territories were going to revolt against their King in England. The intention of the document was to gain support; not only the support of the people in the thirteen colonies, but also the support of other nations around the world (About 1). Not only did it serve this purpose, it gave the people of the United States a tangible written object that laid down exactly what rights the people had. This gave them a sense of unity and pride in themselves and each other. The Constitution, on the other hand, was a bit different. The Constitution was written to replace the Artic les of Confederation. That documents purpose was to provide the structure for the Union and give the people the law during the time of the Revolutionary War (Henick 2). After the war, the Continental Congress knew that the Articles would not be sufficient enough to provide the framework for a new go...

Casino Plan Essay Sample

1. Business Owner ( s ) A ; Product/Service i. Joker Africa operates and owns great figure of casinos through the Dar Es Salaam. at the minute operates 16 casinos around all countries of the Dar Es Salaam. In countries such as: Africa Sana. Buguruni. Mbagala. Banana. Madukani. Kumikucha. Magomeni. Manzese. Tip Top. Ilala. Namanga. Mnananyamala. Tandale. Kariakoo. Tameke. Kinondoni. In Joker Africa company today operates about 170 employees and about 40 to the full qualified and trained employees pending until gap of large casinos. 2. Mission Statement †¢ Chain of the Joker Africa casinos within 6 month of the operation already proved to our customers’ exceeding service and high quality Slot Machines. Our mission to place clients need and wants this is precisely what will assist our company to turn and widen. but non merely in Dar Es Salaam. besides in Mwanza and Arusha. †¢ Our mission to open in Dar Es Salaam 1 casinos and 8 gambling halls. in Mwanza 1 casinos and 2 gambling halls and in Arusha 1 casinos and 1 bet oning hall. 3. Company Structure †¢ Joker Africa will be operated by â€Å"Lotus Valley Tanzania† This company has already been incorporated by our attorney Melchisedeck S. Lutema. Pull offing Partner. Asyla Attorneys †¢ Chain of the Joker Africa casinos in Dar Es Salaam. Arusha. Mwanza will be supervised and controlled by executive direction squad with experience non less than 10 old ages in bet oning industry. 4. Current Opportunity I. Earlier this twelvemonth some of Joker Africa executive direction squad visited Mwanza and Arusha. After elaborate research our direction have identified high degree of net income can be gained from those metropoliss: Those metropoliss were chosen for several grounds: I. Cardinal location of our casinos II. Large population with high income ( possible clients ) III. Low degree of offense ( people feel safe on streets even at dark clip ) IV. A batch of excavation companies V. Great strength of tourers VI. Location of our casinos surrounded by hotels. nines and eating houses VII. Merely 1 casino in each City ( low degree of rivals ) 5. Target Markets †¢ Chain of Joker Africa casinos a portion from pulling some regular casino visitants from other casinos will chiefly be interested in developing new clients with alone selling and promotional attack. †¢ Joker Africa will be looking to pull all visitors’ tour tourers and business communities ( local and international ) with their casino and amusement bundle. 6. Financial Summary †¢ Total sum of estimation start up costs for Mwanza. . †¢ Total sum of estimation start up costs for Arusha. . †¢ Total sum of estimation uninterrupted growing in Dar Es Salaam. . †¢ Total sum of projected mean monthly disbursals †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ . . †¢ Total sum of projected mean monthly Gross †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ . . II. Market Analysis 1. Present Operators: At this minute there are 6 casino location in the capital metropolis of Dar es salaam and the last to get was over six old ages ago. Four of the casinos are operated by one group and the other two are independent. 2. Future Undertaking Chain Joker Africa being the latest to get on the market and ready to offer our clients – new and improved client service. and besides new coevals of the Slot Machines and electronic Roulettes. Location ( possible topographic points for casino ) †¢ Joker Africa Mwanza: Capri point. Nyakato Stand Buzuruga. Stand Nyegezi. Kirumba †¢ Joker Africa Arusha: NSSF Building. MT Meru Hotel. Naura Spring Hotel. Olduvia Inn Hotel. Shoprite Mall or TFA †¢ Joker Africa Dar Es Salaam: Kariakoo. Oyster bay. Kinondoni. Posta. Mbagala. Banana. Tegeta. Msasani. Tandika 3. Competition: †¢ The bing casinos are good established with their ain faithful clients and have non had the demand to do alterations to their operations. The present operations are really professional operations but Joker Africa can offer a competition that can merely profit the client and the concern. Rivals ; †¢ Safari Casino ( Arusha ) †¢ Kings Casino ( Mwanza ) †¢ Le Grand Casino ( Dar Es Salaam ) †¢ New Africa Casino ( Dar Es Salaam ) †¢ Kempinski Casino ( Dar Es Salaam ) †¢ Las Vegas Casino ( Dar Es Salaam ) †¢ Palm Beach Casino ( Dar Es Salaam ) †¢ Sea Cliff Casino ( Dar Es Salaam ) 4. Target Profile. The princess casino Tanzania will be looking to pull the client who fits the following profile. I. Male and Female two. 25 old ages old and above three. Middle category and above four. Tourist v. Business work forces III. Marketing Strategy and advertizement To reinsure good name and success of our concern in Mwanza. Dar Es Salaam and Arusha it is of import to announce/advertise it strategically in all locations of the metropolis. by utilizing beginnings such as: †¢ Street promotion †¢ News documents †¢ Tourist and concern magazines †¢ Hotel Circulars †¢ Radio †¢ Television †¢ Car advertizement III. Operationss Plan 1. Location Location for Joker Africa casinos was chosen strategically around the metropolis. In most crowded topographic point particularly at dark clip: Night Clubs. Pubs. Restaurants. Offices. Shoping promenades. Markets. Bus Stationss. 2. Operation I. Location ( possible topographic points for casino ) Joker Africa Mwanza: Capri point. Nyakato Stand Buzuruga. Stand Nyegezi. Kirumba. Joker Africa Arusha: NSSF Building. MT Meru Hotel. Naura Spring Hotel. Olduvia Inn Hotel. Shoprite Mall or TFA. Joker Africa Dar Es Salaam: Kariakoo. Oyster bay. Kinondoni. Posta. Mbagala. Banana. Tegeta. Msasani. and Tandika. The operational hours of the casino will be 24 hours. 7 yearss a hebdomad including Public Holidays and any possible non-hotel premises. 3. Organization Structure i. Joker Africa Casino Will be operated by Lotus Tanzania Limited 4. Employees The casino will hold about 250 employees which will include 10 exiles at direction degree to implement the Joker Africa processs. Chain of the casinos in Dar Es Salaam will hold about 250 employees 6 decision makers and 2 experient Operational Managers to take the squad. Operation in Mwanza will be supervised by 1 Operational Manager. 1 decision maker and 20 employees. Operation in Arusha will be supervised by 1 Operational Manager. 1 decision maker and 16 employees I. The direction construction will be: †¢ General Manager †¢ Assistant Manager †¢ Shift Manager †¢ Finance Manager †¢ Slot Manager †¢ Surveillance Manager †¢ F A ; B Manager †¢ Joker Africa will enroll locally to make full other employment places but will develop themselves the bulk of the dealers’ machine attenders. tellers and waitresses. cleaners. security guards. waitresses. bartenders will be recruited and trained locally by our experient direction squad. 5. Casino Area Location for Joker Africa casinos was chosen strategically around the metropolis. In most crowded topographic point particularly at dark clip: Night Clubs. Pubs. Restaurants. Offices. Shoping promenades. Markets. Bus Stationss. 6. Bet oning offered: I. Our company chiefly operates with electronic gambling: Slot Machines and Electronic Roulettes: †¢ Igrosoft †¢ Master game †¢ IGT †¢ EGT †¢ Novomatic 7. Cashless system At the minute Joker Africa casinos utilizing electronic key system. but to better casinos operation and to go more efficient – card system needs to be implemented. Cashless system tracks all employee activities. Each employee is required to hold a username and watchword to run the station. and all minutess performed by the employee are documented through studies. You retain entire hard currency control and have the ability to entree real-time history history 24/7 and full coverage capablenesss. 8. Financial and Legal Service For the company to run lawfully – bet oning licences must be obtained. cost of the licences depends on size of the casino. †¢ Twenty Machine License ( Dar Es Salaam/Mwanza/Arusha ) Cost of the application fees: $ 32 Cost of the Licenses per casino: $ 313 Cost for Tax per Slot: $ 27 †¢ Forty Machine License or Mini casino ( Dar Es Salaam/Mwanza/Arusha ) Cost of the application fees: $ 63 Cost of the Licenses per casino: $ 626 Cost for Tax: 15 % of income generated in the concern per month †¢ Big Casino ( Dar Es Salaam ) Cost of the application fees: $ 625 Cost of the Licenses per casino: $ 40 000 Cost for Tax: 15 % of income generated in the concern per month †¢ Big Casino ( Mwanza/Arusha ) Cost of the application fees: $ 316 Cost of the Licenses per casino: $ 15 000 Cost for Tax: 15 % of income generated in the concern per month 9. Casino Management System Casino Management System provides solutions equip our operation for casino accounting. fiscal audits. recognition lines/markers. rapprochement. regulative coverage. and conformity ; direction of participant evaluations for slots. tabular arraies and other games ; marketing functionality including frequenter trueness plans. multi-property support. individual participant cards. participant infusions. direct mail. group and publicity trailing. and concern betterment.

Oceans and climate change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Oceans and climate change - Essay Example However, these changes are not taking place uniformly. In fact, the poles have already experienced the greatest warming, and are expected to continue to warm more intensely as compared to other areas. This has resulted to loss of ice in the arctic regions. Consequently, this has resulted to increase of ocean volume and thus affecting the entire planet. The ocean has experienced an increase in temperatures due to climate change and this has affected the already existing conditions of the living things negatively. On the other hand, El Nià ±o and La Nina have contributed to changes in the oceans. The ocean is an essential aspect of understanding how climate change is affecting the planet. This is due to frequent fluctuation of the climate from cold to warm weather. This paper seeks to focus on the effects of climate changes and how this will affects or has affected the oceans and the people. Firstly, it is essential to note that about 71% of the land surface is covered with the oceans (New England Aquarium 1). These include Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic and Southern oceans. An ocean acts as the planet largest heat absorber (New England Aquarium 1). This means that as the ocean absorb, store and deliver large quantities of heat, the ocean buffer the climate of the planet (New England Aquarium 1). This means the change in the ocean has irreversible outcomes in future. The first impact of climate change on the ocean is the increase in the oceans levels. This is due to warming of water that in turn results to increased water volume. This is commonly known as thermal expansion. This expansion and warm temperature have resulted to sea rise due to extra water generated from the melting glaciers. Moreover, increased melting has been reported at the ice caps in Greenland and west Antarctica (New England Aquarium 1). This is projected to change one to two feet by 2100 (New England Aquarium 1). The

Geckos as Pets Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Geckos as Pets - Assignment Example In making the decision to purchase any kind of pet, whether it be a mammal or reptile, the main considerations are personal lifestyle options, purpose for getting the pet, time that must be spent on care, money for care, habitat requirements, and longevity of the pet (Humane Society, 1-3). For active individuals or those with extended work hours, finding the time to properly care for and train a puppy would be extremely trying, for instance. Both cats and dogs require a minimum of an annual visit to the vet along with vaccinations and preventive maintenance, all of which take time and money. In planning for the purchase of a dog, availability of an area to play and take care of bodily functions is a necessary consideration - a large breed of dog such as a Labrador Retriever cannot be kept confined in a small apartment without it being considered cruel. Longevity of the chosen pet is also a factor in choosing a pet; some birds can live up to one hundred years old! All of these aspects of pet ownership must be considered before making a decision that will be life-impacting. Geckos, conversely, require a minimal amount of care. Leopard geckos, or Eublepharis macularius, in particular, are one of the most popular reptiles kept as pets. ... The Crested gecko, or Rhacodactylus ciliatus, hails from New Caledonia. The Crested gecko was previously thought to be extinct but a number of them were found on the island in the 1980s. Today they are raised in captivity for the purpose of selling as pets. The Crested gecko comes in a variety of beautiful and extreme color combinations. They are a bit smaller and just a few years shorter-lived than their Leopard variety cousins as well being omnivorous as opposed to insectivorous. The Crested gecko is arboreal and enjoys being housed in a tall cage with plants, real or artificial. Crested males must be kept separate from each other as their natural instinct is to fight each other to the death (LaFerriere). Proper care for geckos includes providing the right habitat and environment. A 15 - 20 gallon glass tank is large for several geckos, but males should be kept separate from females unless the owner is prepared to deal with offspring. Some sort of soft substrate, such as paper or a piece of outdoor carpet, is sufficient while providing a hiding place, such as a half piece of bark, will allow them a place for privacy. Unlike other reptiles, geckos do not require a UV light but a small, dim bulb above the tank can be installed for the purpose of basking. A shallow dish of water and a diet of insects will keep the gecko happy and healthy (McLeod). Crickets or mealworms can be given once a day for young geckos and once every other day for adults. These foods are easily and inexpensively purchased at most pet supply stores. Owning a gecko can be a very positive and rewarding experience for a young child. The housing tank can easily be kept in a child's bedroom, where they can

Liberty of Thought and Discussion Essay Example for Free

Liberty of Thought and Discussion Essay John Stuart Mill: John Stuart Mill (1806-1873), British philosopher, economist, great liberal (or libertarian), moral and political theorist, and administrator, was the most influential English-speaking philosopher of the nineteenth century. His views are of continuing significance, and are generally recognized to be among the deepest and certainly the most effective defenses of empiricism and of a liberal political view of society and culture. The overall aim of his philosophy is to develop a positive view of the universe and the place of humans in it, one which contributes to the progress of human knowledge, individual freedom and human well-being. His views are not entirely original, having their roots in the British empiricism of John Locke, George Berkeley and David Hume, and in the utilitarianism of Jeremy Bentham. But he gave them a new depth, and his formulations were sufficiently articulate to gain for them a continuing influence among a broad public. Mills most famous work in social and political philosophy, and still one of the most influential works on human rights and freedom, is his book-length essay entitled On Liberty, which we will now summarize, using Mills own section headings. Introduction of the essay: The main point of this essay is to argue that the only justification for society limiting the liberty of an individual, whether by the government or the force of public opinion, is to prevent harm to others. If the purpose instead is his own good, or some other goal, then only persuasion and non-coercive means can be justified. Mill believed that an individual had two aspects to his life 1) The individual had two aspects which concerned him alone 2) The social because every individual was also an integral part of society. The actions of the individual may similarly be divided into two categories 1)self-regarding and2)other regarding with regard to actions in which he alone is concerned, his liberty of action is complete and should not be regulated by the state and society, his actions can justifiably be regulated by the state or society.. The essay also reflects Mills passionate belief that individuality is something that should be protected and nurtured. As such, the essay illustrates his disgust at how he believed society squelches nonconformity. On Liberty is just one example of the social and political writings of Mill other works of his include, Considerations on Representative Government Major Themes: The Struggle between Liberty and Authority Individuals have often felt as though their rights were being infringed upon by an overzealous government and have fought for the ability to have their government act they wish. Individual liberties have been trampled on by various governments and this fear of authority has resulted in democracies, where the majority of the people get to decide what actions are best for the state. Tyranny of the Majority With democracies, it is supposed that the will of the people is the impetus for the governments actions and that people are participating in a type of self-governing state. However, says Mill, this is not true, democracies enable a tyranny of the majority where public opinion stomps out the voices of the minority groups and pays their needs and opinions no mind. Mill thinks that this tyranny is the gravest sort, and seeks to find the maximum amount that society can impose itself on an individual while still maintaining personal liberty. Self-Regarding Actions and Autonomy A person whose actions only affect himself is not eligible to be coerced or punished for his deeds. According to Mill, it is not societys duty or even its right to protect a person from him or her. The only punishment that can result from a self-regarding action is the weight of individual public opinion and the consequence of the actual action itself. The Veracity of Public Opinion There is no guarantee, and even a strong possibility that what the majority deems to be best indeed is not. The majority’s opinion is tainted with motives and biases that shouldnt come into play when deciding what is best for society as a whole. An analysis of past events, wars, and discriminations can show us that sometimes the majoritys opinion is not rooted in good faith. Allowing the minoritys opinion to be involved in debates and decisions can only be a good thing, no matter what the opinion is. Religion and Liberty Supporters of religion tend to view those who are less religious as less credible in their ideas for society. Mill refutes this theory and says that religious affiliation should play no role in the ability of a person to make an informed opinion about what is best for all society the truth of matters. Mill points to nonreligious men with impeccable morals as proof that religious affiliation does not indicate trustworthiness. Coercion Mill is against societal or individual coercion in all cases, except when a persons actions are harming others. He thinks it a clear abuse of liberty when coercion is used to persuade a person to stop an action that only affects himself. When a person is injuring other members of society, however, Mill thinks it fine that he be coerced to stop his actions and punished in a court of law if applicable. Mill also believes that the public has the duty to warn each other about a dangerous person and coerce one another to stay avoid him/her. Societys Obligation Society has an obligation to throw its influence towards those who are unable to process information and exercise their own liberty in a rational way. Examples of these individuals are children and undeveloped minds. Society has an obligation to children to try their best to make them rational, reasonable adults who want to follow their passions and be dynamic personalities. Part of this obligation, one that is shared by parents, is providing a strong education Mill suggests that there be universal educational standards for all children so none fall behind. Danger in the Government: Mill is very fearful of the power of the government and all his theories are molded not to give the government any more power of persuasion or procedure. Mill thinks that governments should not be allowed to make the final decisions regarding its constituency, that rather local officials should be appointed and with the central government advice, but most importantly with the input of all citizens, make the decisions. The Liberty of Thought and Discussion: If people are oppressed for holding or expressing an unpopular opinion, there are three possibilities. In all three cases, the coercion is unjustified. One, the suppressed opinion might be true. Thats the most obvious case where suppressing it is unjustified. Two, the suppressed opinion might be false. Even here, though, there are advantages to letting it be aired as long and as fully as anyone wishes to air it. Even when the prevailing opinion it counters is true, it should never fear the challenge of a devils advocate. Such a challenge can only be healthy for it. Three, most likely of all, the suppressed opinion is neither wholly true nor wholly false. Only by airing all sidesboth the prevailing opinion and any views challenging it Of Individuality, As One of the Elements of Well-Being To hold an opinion never constitutes a harm to others, and so should never be suppressed. To express an opinion almost never constitutes a harm to others, and so should only be suppressed in rare, extreme circumstances. Behavior is clearly different and can often constitute harm to others, thus it is not entitled to the same near-absolute liberty. However, even with behavior there should be a strong presumption in favor of liberty. Any alleged harm to others has to be clear and provable. When theres doubt, the behavior should not be suppressed. Many of the reasons for this parallel the reasons for freedom of expression. Just as expression might be true, false, or partly true and partly false, so might ones actions be right, wrong, or partly right and partly wrong. When theyre right they should be allowed, and when theyre wrong or partly right and partly wrong, its often best to allow them to stand as a challenge to the prevailing approved behavior, so people can best judge all the possible behaviors. There will be no positive change for society as a whole if people are not allowed to experiment with behavior that is contrary to custom and the opinion of the majority. Every progressive, positive change in history that has added to human happiness was at one time contrary to custom. To develop ones individuality, ones capacity for autonomously choosing ones own path in life, fosters happiness in and of itself, aside from the consequences of the specific behavior chosen thereby. Even if superficially it is the case that other choices coercively imposed would have been better, this benefit of being an autonomous person is lost. Unfortunately, in the modern era people seem all too blind to the value of liberty and individuality. Little is shunned or looked down upon more than eccentricity or acting contrary to custom. Of the Limits to the Authority of Society Over the Individual Every member of a society is obligated to refrain from harming others, and to provide his share of the labor and sacrifices necessary to safeguard and maintain that society. Society has the right to compel people to fulfill such obligations. If the harm rises to the level of violating the rights of others, then the law may be used against such harmful behavior. If the harm is of a lower level, then only the force of public opinion may be used against such harmful behavior. If the behavior is not harmful to others, then no coerciongovernmental or otherwisemay be used against it, and people may only seek to influence it by persuasion. It can be argued that harm to self can then harm others and so should be included in what can be suppressed, but this harm to others is too indirect and speculative. Plus, the individual is generally in the best position to know what constitutes harm to self, and so is the one who should make the decisions. Applications Not even all instances where behavior in some sense harms others should be suppressed. Sometimes people will be disadvantaged or have their liberty limited by the way other people exercise their liberty (e. g. , one person is prevented from getting a certain job because the employer hired someone else), but this is unavoidable and is normally not proper to categorize as a coercive infringement on liberty. Should people be free to obtain and possess weapons and such that are used to harm others? Mostly yes, because the potential to harm is not to be treated as the equivalent of harm. In some cases, an acceptable middle ground should be sought, for instance allowing people to own such things, but keeping strict records of their name and address, what they purchased, their stated reason for purchasing it, etc. There can be rare cases of justified paternalism where a person is coerced to prevent harm to self. An example would be physically blocking a person from crossing a bridge until it can be explained to him that it is unsafe. Because here youre not really thwarting the persons will, which is to get to the other side of the bridge, not to plunge to his death trying to cross it. There can be rare cases where a persons track record justifies intervention before the actual harm to others. If a person has an established history of violence when drunk, it may be justified to forcibly prevent him from getting drunk. There can be instances of offense that are so severe as to rise to the level of harm, and thus justify disallowing certain behaviors in public, where it would not be justified to prohibit those behaviors behind closed doors. Generally if it is wrong to use full coercion against a behavior, then it would be wrong to use partial coercion. For instance, if it would be wrong to make a certain thing illegal because its not directly harming others, it would also be wrong to tax it so heavily as to discourage it without banning it outright. Should a person be free to limit his own future self by entering into binding contracts? This will depend on the specifics. To not allow and enforce contracts would itself be a limitation on liberty, as would enforcing all contracts (e. . , slavery contracts). The law should seek a middle ground that maximizes freedom by enforcing contracts, but only with numerous safeguards, limitations, and exclusions. One area where some people are allowed far too much freedom in ways that harm others is in the family. Men are wrongly regarded as having sole authority in their home to deal with their wives and children as they see fit. The law should step in, even coercively where necessary, to ensure that women have the same rights, the same liberties as men. A question that is only indirectly related to the primary concerns of this essay is the proper size and role of government, beyond the matter of its placing direct limitations on the liberty of the individual. As a rule of thumb, smaller government is better, because individuals are in a better position to make decisions about their own lives and resources than is local government, and local government is in a better position than the national government.

The Supernatural in Shakespeares Macbeth :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

The Supernatural in Macbeth Displays of supernatural activities were used throughout Macbeth, and evidence of this was brought out in the appearances of the three Witches. In Shakespeare's day, special effects were not used in his plays. Therefore, the dramatic performances and the suspenseful scenes were the fundamental qualities to making a great play. Shakespeare used the element of the unknown to evoke fear in the minds of his audience. By allowing the Witches to see into the future, it made Macbeth more suspenseful. With their prophecies about Macbeth?s future, they intrigue the audience to see if they are correct. The Witches were a symbol of evil, and Shakespeare uses this fear of the devil to give his plays an additional eerie and haunting effect. Shakespeare also used an evil character that can easily influence the main character in his stories, in this case, it was Lady Macbeth. It is essential that   Lady Macbeth and the three Witches create the plot of Macbeth. Without the Witches powers of forete lling the future and the evil persuasions of his wife, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth would have never become king.   Ã‚  Ã‚   The expression "weird sisters", used from the 1400's, means "Fatal sisters". The word "weird" or in Old English Wyrd was a noun meaning Fate. In Act 1, Scene 3, The three Witches describe themselves as fore-tellers of   destiny, and they all introduce themselves to Macbeth and Banquo as "The weird sisters, hand in hand". The appearance that the three Witches possess is that of pure evil. In the starting of the scene, each of the three Witches describe their wickedness with a proud manner. For example, when they asked the Second Witch where she had been, she replied, "Killing swine". This statement shows how the Witches enjoyed being devilish. The impression that the audience gets of Witches is that they are hideously evil. In Shakespeare's time, witches were believed to have supernatural powers, they could transform themselves into other shapes, usually animals. When the First Witch describes where she had been, she referred to sailing across the sea in a sieve and tra nsforming into a rat without a tail, But in a sieve I'll thither sail, and like a rat without a tail, I'll do, I'll do, and I'll do?. Witches were also believed to   fortunetellers. The three Witches prophecies in Macbeth, foreshadow later events in the play.

Improving Oral Healthcare In Hospitals Health And Social Care Essay

The initial inspiration for this proposal was a conversation with co-workers which so progressed into an experimental study over a period of eight hours. Ten staff nurses and one sister so took portion in replying a questionnaire. ( See appendix 1 for consequences ) The infirmary where I work does hold a attention program for unwritten hygiene ( see appendix 2 ) but it was designed for ‘general usage ‘ instead than to run into the specific demands of automatically ventilated patients ( MVP ) . It shortly became evident from the consequences and the conversations that there was a demand for an assessment tool and guidelines as to what was considered to be best pattern to run into the single demands of MVP. This is when and why my undertaking began.4.2 ImportantDeoxyribonucleic acid surveies have confirmed that up to 90 % of Ventilated Associated Pneumonia ( VAP ) is caused by pathogens colonizing the oral cavity. Within hours of admittance into the Intensive Care Unit ( IC U ) , the unwritten physiology of the patient begins altering. ( Nieuw Amerongen 2007 ) A Survey by Schleder & A ; Lloyd ( 2002 ) has associated chest infection and pneumonia with hapless unwritten hygiene. Ventilator associated pneumonia ( VAP ) is the taking cause of decease among hospital-acquired infections. ( Bercault and Boulain, 2001 ) . ( Claridge, Edwards, Swanson, Fabian, EL at 2007 ) ( Kollef 2004 ) . After several yearss in the ICU, the intubated patient ‘s unwritten pathogen population rises to a higher per centum of beings increasing the hazard of VAP, their length of stay and mortality. VAP costs by and large range from $ 12,000 to $ 40,000 per patient. Crude mortality rates range from 27 % -76 % . ( Jones, Newton, and Bower 2004 )4.3 Policy DriversThe triggers for improved oral cavity attention have come from Department of Health ( DoH ) brochure entitled ‘Delivering Better Oral Health ‘ . An evidence-based toolkit for bar was published in September 2007. Older people are at considerable hazard of unwritten infection, with infection identified in 80 % of one survey population ( DoH, 2007 ) , There are indicants that 69 % of grownups may hold periodontic disease. With current regional alveolar consonant attending runing from 40 % in southern countries to 60 % in the North East ( DoH, 2007 ) , it is sensible to presume that many patients might hold preexistent hapless unwritten wellness before contact with national wellness services ( NHS ) ( Nicol et al, 2005 ) . ( Xavier, 2000 ) . For the ICU the High Impact Intervention No 5 Care package for ventilated patients ( DoH 2006 ) merely advises ‘that everyday unwritten hygiene as per local policy ‘ is recommended. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence ( NICE ) in their booklet on proficient patient safety solutions for ventilator-associated pneumonia in grownups recommends Chlorhexidine oral cavity rinse or gel to be used on MVP.4.3 Evidence to back up proposal.The revised Kernel of Care ( DoH, 2010 ) has proved to be an of import starting point for supplying grounds for the demand to develop an unwritten hygiene bundle for MVPs. The brochure sets out the criterion by which best pattern and attention is presently assessed or measured in order to help practicians to develop a patient-focused and structured attack to sharing and comparing pattern. It has enabled wellness attention forces to work with patients, or in some instances their relations, to place best pattern and to develop actio n programs to better attention. The Kernel of Care has twelve benchmarks, one being personal hygiene which consists of six factors. ( See appendix 3 for a elaborate list. ) This benchmark highlights mouth hygiene as a precedence. Therefore an appraisal must be done, the staff must be capable of executing the undertakings, their cognition must be appropriate, functional written records must be kept for scrutinizing and single unwritten pit cleaning equipment should be provided for each patient. The Centres for Disease Control ( CDC ) specifically advises that each ICU patient should be portion of an unwritten hygiene plan with frequent soft brushing of the dentitions and gum, oral cavity swobing with an antiseptic agent, and in the endotracheally intubated and automatically ventilated ( EIMV ) patient, frequent suctioning of the oral cavity and subglottic countries. A comprehensive reappraisal is to be found in Appendix 6 and is besides farther considered in the subdivision Literature Review ( 5.4 )5.1 AimThe purpose of this undertaking is to present an unwritten appraisal tool and a mouth hygiene cleaning protocol for ICU. It will be specifically used with patients who are automatically ventilated and will be supplemented with an educational bundle.5.2 Purpose of ProjectThe overall intent of my undertaking is to maintain patients safe and cut down the hazard of VAP. The unwritten pit has been identified as a possible menace. Nurses Code Number 35 *** mention states we must present attention based on the best available grounds or best pattern To make this a systematic procedure is required. Current pattern has excessively many failings. The current pattern is a simple tick box on the ICU chart simply entering that oral cavity attention has been performed. At present, mouth attention in many instances, merely consists of a pink sponge and unfertile H2O to wash the oral cavity, crude oil lip balm to halt the lips from checking and if the anesthesiologists remember, chlorhexidine gel prescribed four times a twenty-four hours. From my treatment with co-workers, evidenced by the questionnaire in Appendix 1, an unwritten appraisal is seldom done on patients with EIMV. Using a toothbrush, with fluoride toothpaste, is merely normally performed on patients who are non sedated, which could be 40 eight hours or longer after they were foremost intubated. Within 40 eight hours, the bacteriums in the oral cavity displacements from the normal dwellers to those that are the usual suspects for doing pneumonia: Staphylococcus aureus, Strep tococcus pneumonia, Pseudomonas. These pathogens exude substances in order to organize a biofilm matrix, or plaque. Within these protective shelters, bacteriums quickly multiply and spread throughout the unwritten pit. ICU nurses play a critical function in supplying effectual unwritten attention and advancing unwritten hygiene. However, unwritten hygiene by wellness attention workers has frequently been overlooked or performed on an ad hoc footing. In some cases, it has become a ritualistic and commonplace activity. The research is sporadic ensuing in conflicting advice to practicians. An illustration of this fickle advice is the debut of H peroxide and Na hydrogen carbonate being recommended as a gargle which if non diluted carefully will do superficial Burnss. It is still presently in usage in some ICUs. ( **Reference* ) This undertaking aims to rectify this incompatibility and give counsel and the tool for best patterns.5.3 Accomplish and Achieve.Ongoing unwritten appraisal should be performed day-to-day to forestall unwritten complications such as VAP and to guarantee optimum unwritten wellness ( Kollef 2004 ) . The assessment tool that I want to present on my ICU is based on the ‘BRUSHE D ‘ appraisal tool developed by Hayes and Jones. ( See appendix 5 ) It has antecedently been adapted to be used by ICU nurses to measure the grade of badness of the jobs happening in the patient ‘s unwritten pit. Abidia ( 2007 ) , Hayes & A ; Jones ( 1995 ) Using this tool, the ICU nurse could measure the gum for marks of disease. This review should include coloring materials, size, form, consistence and surface texture. Other marks to look for would be ulcerations or sores on the unwritten mucous membrane. After the appraisal the nurse will enter in item, in the patient notes, their observations. Any other appropriate action can so be taken before administrating unwritten hygiene. This tool was made to motivate nurses to look into for peculiar clinical marks during unwritten appraisal. Oral hygiene in the ICU is a normally performed nursing process in which the purpose is to guarantee that patients ‘ oral cavities are cared for ( Kite, Pearson1995. ) Pritchard and David ( 1988 ) indicate that oral cavity attention is required to: Achieve and keep unwritten cleanliness Prevent infection/stomatitis Keep the unwritten mucous membrane moist Promote patient comfort5.4 Literature ReviewTo place potentially relevant grounds, I searched The Cochrane Library, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health ( CINAHL ) , and Medline ( restricted to 1990-2009, English linguistic communication, and human research ) , including the related links option and diary cross citing for documents non antecedently identified. The hunt produced a figure of articles on unwritten hygiene and VAP in grownup ICU. The Iowa Model encourages the usage of instance studies, adept sentiment, and theories to inform pattern when research findings are non available ( Titler et al. , 2001 ) , leting protocols to be developed based on â€Å" best available grounds. † The Iowa Model begins by promoting staff nurses to place pattern inquiries, triggered either through designation of a job or through new cognition. The pattern inquiry aligned with organisational precedences is best positioned for allotment of back uping resources. Fourteen articles were identified as relevant to adult unwritten attention in the ICU scene and were later appraised ( See appendix 6 ) . They included two systematic reappraisals, two randomized controlled tests ( with equal sample size ) , four non-randomized tests ( or randomized with little sample sizes ) , one comparative test and five adept sentiments. Merely 10 of the 14 articles were specific to the grownup population. Using definitions developed by Stetler, Brunell, Giuliano et Al ( 1998 ) , degrees were assigned that rated the quality or strength of grounds of the 14 surveies. Degrees ranged from Level I ( meta-analysis of multiple controlled surveies ) to Level VI ( sentiments of well-thought-of governments, or the sentiments of an adept commission, including their reading of non-research-based information ) ( Stetler et al. , 1998 ) . The more strict degree of grounds, Level I reports, evaluated the effectivity of pharmacological intercessions included in unwritten rinses and toothpastes in cut downing unwritten bacterial vegetation, dental plaque, and dental cavities. The deficiency of robust research grounds related to direct nursing pattern of unwritten attention in the ICU scene is important for future research. Across the â€Å" best available grounds, † three nursing intercessions were identified for unwritten hygiene attention in the Intensive care unit: 1 ) unwritten appraisal, 2 ) mechanical intercessions, 3 ) pharmacological intercessions. A figure of articles highlighted the importance of regular unwritten appraisal to steer good unwritten attention ( Hayes & A ; Jones, 1995 ; McNeill, 2000 ; O'Reilly, 2002 ) . A meta-analysis performed by Chan and co-workers showed a important decrease in VAP with the usage of anti-septic gargle. The survey, nevertheless, was unable to show any differences in other end points such as mortality, continuance of mechanical airing and length of ICU stay. ( Chan, Ruest, Meade & A ; Cook 2007 ) . The published NICE guidelines, as discussed earlier in subdivision 4.2, recommend chlorhexidine on all MVP5.5 MethodThe appraisal tool that I want introduce to my ICU, is based on the BRUSHED appraisal tool developed by Hayes and Jones ( 1995 ) which been adapted by Abidia ( 2007 ) ( with permission ) to be used by ICU nurses to measure the grade of badness of the jobs in the patient ‘s unwritten pit. ( See appendix 5 )5.6.1 Invention: How it would be implemented. Education and TrainingThis assessment tool should be used as outlined in 5.3 above. It is to be supplemented with a elaborate instruction bundle to ease preparation. ( See appendix 6 ) It is presently de signated as a ‘draft ‘ as it has yet to be ratified and approved. This facet of the proposal would be coordinated with the unit ‘s pedagogue. It is proposed that ab initio, a power point presentation, with some clip for inquiries, enduring about 30 proceedingss, would be used. This would be accompanied by a written booklet to enable staff to reflect upon the process and besides be the first point of mention should any trouble occur. A ‘link nurse ‘ would be allocated to take the lead with the pedagogue. Link nurses are described as â€Å" Identified nurses within a squad who have expressed involvement in a specialist country and go a formal nexus for the squad. † McKeeney ( 2003 ) . Nurses frequently take upon themselves these functions as portion of their Knowledge and Skills Framework as it provides grounds of their continued professional development. Ideally the power point presentation would be attended by staff at the start or coating of a displacement as there is a A? of an hr convergence that has antecedently been used for preparation intents. It is envisaged that all staff will hold completed their initial preparation within two months. The pedagogue would maintain a signed registry of attendants as portion of the unit auditing. After this initial developing a questionnaire would be used to determine the effectivity of the preparation, to arouse any farther or future jobs and to measure the quality of the processs that are now in topographic point. The consequences of the questionnaire would besides find such issues as to whether the hazard factor has been hazard assessed right, whether farther education/training is necessary or whether any alterations to the new process are needed. It could besides organize portion of scrutinizing the unit which is needed as portion of Clinical Governance.5.6.2 Invention: How it would be im plemented. Administratively and ProcedurallyOral appraisal and attention ( OAC ) are indispensable for the betterment of overall wellness and for the patterned advance towards recovery and well-being of the ICU patients. Without OAC the patient could see serious infections which would take to protraction of ICU stay, increased morbidity, significantly increased costs of attention, and possible mortality. ( Jones Newton Bower 2004. Abidia 2007 Gillam & A ; Gillam 2006.Koeman, van der Ven, Hak 2006 ) the unwritten guidelines ( bill of exchange transcript **** cheque right appendix see appendix 7 ) are based upon a thorough literature hunt. The bill of exchange new guidelines are in conformity with the trust format, which is found in policy Corp 60. The process to follow in order to guarantee smooth execution of the proposed new process is foremost to set up a meeting with my equals and the clinical lead for countenance of the proposal. It would so be forwarded to the Policy Coordinator for look intoing and understanding prior to presentation to the Evidence Based Practice Committee. The commission are responsible for the concluding blessing. When this has been achieved, the guidelines will be forwarded to the Business Unit Lead for printing on the trusts intranet. All trust employees would so hold entree to the bill of exchange guidelines. The clip frame for the execution is hard to accurately buttockss but a period three months before initial instruction commences would be a sensible estimation. The paper work would be checked by the new matrons as portion of their function in our trust is to look into certification5.6.3 Invention: How it would be implemented. Costings.In order to implement this new process in its entireness, from academic exercising into pattern, it is non expected that a heavy fiscal load to the trust will happen. The logistics for implementing alteration are already in topographic point so no new degrees of bureaucratism are envisaged. The costings would be every bit simple as copying paper at ?2.00 per ream. The clip allotment for the pedagogue needed for planning and implementing preparation for about 90 five staff who work in ICU, High Dependence and Coronary Care Units, observing that the demands of the dark displacement may ask some out of normal contacted hours, are the lone other disbursal. Once adopted the process would be a upper limit of ?5.00 per patient per hebdomad. Of class the current costs for unwritten hygiene should be deducted from this amount as they become excess. New equipment as listed in item in Appendix 7 has besides to been taken into history.5.7 What are the sensed /anticipated barriers to alter?Experience dictates that during the busy day-to-day activities of patient attention in the ICU it can be improbably hard to systematically execute such a simple undertaking as everyday unwritten hygiene. There are so many pressing, dangerous events, which take precedence over everything else. Guaranting that oral cavity cleansing is completed sunglassess into insignificance, even looking to be regarded as an optional undertaking. This is farther downgraded as it is recorded simply by a tick in a box that can be unthinkingly given. Hence, in pattern the predominating attitude, the ward civilization that now exists is that ; ‘It ca n't be that of import! ‘ What was one time good pattern has over the old ages become corrupted. This is in kernel why my proposal to present a new process for the unwritten attention of ventilated patients is of import. It is critical that in order to accomplish optimal public presentation such professional patterns are reviewed and revised. The barriers to be overcome are apathy and complacence! The unwritten pit is known to be a reservoir for pathogens to turn and boom. Poor unwritten hygiene can take to complications such as gingivitis, halitosis, dry mouth, plaque formation, dental pits and others that have been antecedently mentioned. There are many factors that may prevent the ICU nurse from executing necessary OAC ( see appendix 8 ) ( Jones, Newton & A ; Bower 2004. Gillam & A ; Gillam 2006. Koeman Ven & A ; Hak 2006. Furr, Binkley & A ; McCurren 2004 )5.8 What schemes will be usage to get the better of these barriers?Roberts ( 2001 ) reported that the bringing of unwritten attention within institutional scenes is fragmented. A reappraisal by Chan ( 2005 ) states nurse ‘s descriptions of their unwritten attention patterns covered unwritten wellness appraisal, cleansing the unwritten pit and attention of the environing countries. Chan ( 2005 ) findings revealed the undermentioned important factors that influenced ICU nurses in supplying unwritten attention: Their perceptual experiences of the intent of unwritten attention. Their frights about supplying it. The precedence of unwritten attention. Inadequate support for unwritten attention. Rello, Koulenti Blot et Al ( 2007 ) and Chan ( 2005 ) ) besides concluded that their findings indicated that nurses unwritten attention patterns were non grounds based. Munro & A ; Grap ( 2004 ) besides indicated that present unwritten attention preparation should be revised. Their findings besides highlighted the influence of ward civilization on nurses ‘ precedences in supplying unwritten attention. Appropriate stuffs, equal staffing degrees and the constitution of an evidence-based unwritten attention protocol may in future facilitate the proviso of unwritten attention in the intensive attention unit. ( Chan 2005 Munro & A ; Grap 2004 Rello, Koulenti Blot et Al 2007 ) Oral appraisal is an built-in portion of unwritten attention and should take topographic point upon admittance. Evidence has suggested that early appraisal can cut down both the incidence and badness of unwritten complications. ( ****** ) Once an unwritten appraisal has been carried out it is of import to give appropriate unwritten attention intercessions based upon the single patient ‘s demands.6.0 EvaluationWhen reflecting upon the literature and the proposal it is of import that the undermentioned standards are considered: ICU patient ‘s single demands for unwritten attention should be portion of the admittance appraisal. Education of nurses to supply accomplishments in unwritten appraisal and unwritten attention is indispensable. The unit pedagogue can develop nurses to better the unwritten appraisal and sweetening of unwritten attention for ICU patients. The usage of an assessment theoretical account such as the â€Å" BRUSHED † Assessment tool is recommended for the immediate designation of unwritten jobs for every patient and should be carried out daily. The usage of a comprehensive protocol such as the Mouth Care Protocol presented in Table 1 a bill of exchange that will hold to travel to the grounds based commission be for recommended. The frequence of unwritten attention is an country of contention and may depend more on the patient ‘s status. However, brushing every 12 hours and unwritten dampening at least every two hours while the patient remains intubated is recommended until farther research is done in this country. Some solutions and types of equipment used by nurses for unwritten attention are non optimum and, hence, cautiousness must be applied if they are used. Examples include H peroxide and Na hydrogen carbonate, if non diluted carefully, may do superficial Burnss. Lemons Glycerine Swabs can do annoyance and decalcification of dentitions. Alternatively, chlorhexidine is recommended. Foam swabs are uneffective in taking plaque, whereas the usage of a soft little caput toothbrush is recommended alternatively. Further research is needed to find the most effectual manner to execute unwritten hygiene attention in critically sick patients every bit good as make up one's minding on the most appropriate frequence of unwritten attention. Research is besides needed to find the impact of unwritten wellness and improved unwritten wellness position on patients ‘ result

Bite Me: A Love Story Chapter 22

22. Meeting at the Palace RIVERA They traded in the Ford at the city motor pool for one that had a Plexiglas divider between the front and rear seats. Cavuto's knees were pressed against the glove compartment, since the seat didn't adjust, but it was worth the trade-off. It turned out the organic dog biscuits that Rivera had bought gave Marvin gas. He now had his own little glass partition in which to exhaust, and the inspectors drank their coffee relatively free of doggy stench. â€Å"I don't sleep well during the day,† Cavuto said. â€Å"Roger that,† said Rivera. â€Å"I feel like I've been up for a week.† He dialed his messages, then looked at his partner. â€Å"Fifteen unplayed messages? Are we out of the service area or something?† â€Å"You turned it off when we were zeroing in on that litter of dangerous kittens.† Rivera tried to drink his coffee while handling the phone and ended up pulling the car over to the curb. â€Å"They're all from the Emperor. Something about a ship down at Pier Nine being full of old vampires.† â€Å"No,† said Cavuto. â€Å"There are no more vampires until I've had two full cups of coffee and a healthy piss. That's my personal rule.† Cavuto keyed the radio and checked into dispatch. They did most of their communications by cell phone these days, but there were still rules. If you were a rolling unit, dispatch needed to know where you were. â€Å"Rivera and Cavuto,† said the dispatcher. â€Å"I have you guys tagged to call if there are any cases of cats attacking humans, is that right?† â€Å"Roger, dispatch.† â€Å"Well, live the dream, Inspector, we have report of a giant cat attacking a man at Baker and Beach. We have a unit on the scene reporting nothing.† Cavuto looked at Rivera. â€Å"That's the Palace of Fine Arts. The Marina is new territory.† â€Å"There might not be anything now. The uniforms don't know to look for clothes with dust and I don't want them to. Tell them we're on the way.† â€Å"Dispatch, we are responding. Tell unit on scene that we'll take care of it. Part of an ongoing investigation of a 5150 making false reports.† Cavuto grinned and looked at his partner. â€Å"Nice improvisation.† â€Å"Yeah, but I think this cat might be out of the bag, Rivera.† â€Å"I hope not.† They rolled up to the great faux stone classical dome, the only building left from the World Exposition of 1911, when San Francisco was trying to show the world that it had recovered from the earthquake of '06. The uniform unit was on the far side of the reflection pool, standing by their squad car. Cavuto waved them on. â€Å"We got this, guys. Thanks.† What there wasn't, was a huge shaved vampire cat attacking a guy. â€Å"You think it's a hoax?† asked Cavuto. â€Å"Pretty outrageous coincidence if it is.† Cavuto got out of the car and let Marvin out, who waited for his leash to be attached, then dragged Cavuto over to a tree by the pond to have a wee. Swans who had settled under the trees for the night stirred and gave Marvin dirty looks. â€Å"Nothing here,† said Cavuto. â€Å"Marvin's not doing his signal thing.† Rivera's phone chirped and he looked at the screen. â€Å"It's Allison Green, the creepy little Goth girl.† â€Å"If she called this in I will put her in Juvi overnight.† â€Å"Rivera,† Rivera said into the phone. â€Å"Turn your sun jackets on right now,† she said. â€Å"Right fucking now, both of you.† Rivera looked at Cavuto. â€Å"Turn on the LEDs on your coat, Nick.† â€Å"What?† â€Å"Do it. She's not fucking with us.† Rivera hit the switch on the cuff of his sun jacket and the LEDs came on blindingly bright. A few blocks away they heard a man scream. Marvin barked. â€Å"Oh, trs bon, cop. Byez,† Abby said. The line went dead. â€Å"The fuck was that about?† said Cavuto. ROLF Rolf was actually looking forward to shooting someone. After hundreds of years, you get bored with killing, with hunting. The three of them had gone through cycles of stealthy killing of the unwanted, to outright slaughter of whole villages, to long periods where there was no killing at all. But it had been fifty years since he'd actually had to shoot someone. The change of pace was nice. Of course, it was messy, bodies, waste of good blood, but better that than having policemen running around telling people about them. No matter what kind of debaucheries they had indulged in over the years, and there had been many kinds-these too went in cycles-the one rule they held fast to was â€Å"stay hidden.† And to stay hidden, you couldn't permit yourself to get so bored that you didn't care about living. Well, surviving. Maybe it was just the two cops from last night. Elijah, in a rare moment of lucidity finally admitted that there were only two policemen that he knew of, and because they had taken money from the sale of the old vampire's art collection, they did not want the secret known. Clearly though, they were beyond their depth with the cats. He and Bella had made short work of the smaller cats. They used rapid-fire pellet guns, nearly silent, that fired pellets containing a liquid that destroyed vampire flesh on contact-a heinous, herbal mixture that someone in China had discovered hundreds of years ago. A weak UV light on the front of the weapons held the animals in solid form long enough for the pellets to impact. The pellets would injure a human vampire, but they were devastating to a feline. The Chinese had somehow tuned it to the cats. They had used the mixture to contain every outbreak since its discovery. Rolf remembered firing it from crossbows. Rolf keyed his cell phone, then called the emergency number and reported a man being attacked by a giant cat. Then he set up the bipod on his rifle, zeroed the twenty-power scope in on one of the swans under a eucalyptus tree, and lay down to wait. Seven minutes later the police cruiser arrived. They were both fresh-faced young men with bright pink life auras. From his rooftop, four blocks away, Rolf could just make out the squawking of their radios. They knew nothing. They panned their flashlights under the bushes surrounding the pond, and he watched them shake their heads to one another. Seventeen minutes after the call, the brown unmarked car pulled up and Rolf relaxed into his shooting posture. These were the two from the night before. The big red dog. The dog looked his way, briefly, then dragged the big cop down to a tree by the pond. He put the crosshairs on the thinner cop's face. But no, a headshot was arrogant. He had to make two shots, very quickly, so he would go for the center of their bodies. Shoot the thin cop first, then pan to the big one. A bigger target. Even if his first shot didn't kill him, it would drop him. He waited, waited for them to get clear of the car and the cover. The thin cop was walking toward the other one, then stopped to take a phone call. Rolf put the crosshairs over his heart and began to squeeze the trigger. Then the entire side of his head seemed to explode with pain and he screamed and grabbed at the flames that were shooting out of his empty eye socket. TOMMY â€Å"Are we doing this right?† Tommy asked. They were several blocks behind Rolf, who was moving so smoothly and easily through the Marina district that Tommy would have thought he lived there and was out for his evening jog. Except that no one in the Marina would be wearing a black duster. It would either be cashmere or Gore-Tex, business or fitness. The Marina was a rich, fit neighborhood. â€Å"We're following him,† said Abby. â€Å"How many ways can you do that?† Jody was leading them. She held up a hand for them to stop. The blond vampire had stopped at the corner of a four-story apartment building and was scaling it using just the space between the bricks as handholds. Tommy looked around and spotted a flat-roofed building down the alley. â€Å"That one has a fire escape. We'll be above him, we can watch him.† â€Å"I don't think watching is going to be enough,† Jody said. â€Å"He looks badass,† said Abby. â€Å"He's watching those cops over at the Palace.† â€Å"He won't just shoot a cop,† said Tommy. â€Å"Why would he shoot a cop?† â€Å"Plain clothes unit pulling in,† Jody said. â€Å"It's Rivera and Cavuto.† â€Å"And Marvin,† Abby said. â€Å"He knows they know,† said Tommy. â€Å"We need to go,† Jody said. â€Å"Abby, you have Rivera's number?† â€Å"Yeah.† â€Å"Call him. Give me that laser thing.† â€Å"The light from their jackets magnified through the scope will work,† Tommy said. â€Å"Let's go.† Jody ran to the edge of the roof and stopped. Abby hopped on her toes. â€Å"Spider-Man it, Countess.† â€Å"No fucking way,† Jody said, looking down just as Tommy ran by her and jumped across the alley to the next building. They were coming across the roof of a building a block away when they saw the side of the vampire's head ignite and heard him scream. He rolled away from the gun, clawing at his face. â€Å"Too far,† Jody said. The final gap between roofs was over a full street, not an alley, and they were a floor lower than the blond vampire. â€Å"Down.† Without thinking, Tommy jumped, then said, â€Å"What the fuck did I just do?† He landed on the balls of his feet and went down to crouch, catching himself just as he was about to drive his knee into the concrete. He looked up. Jody was still on the roof. â€Å"C'mon, Red, I'm not going up there alone.† â€Å"Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck,† she said, and then landed beside him and rolled. When he saw she wasn't hurt, he said, â€Å"Graceful.† â€Å"He's getting up,† she said, and she pointed at the next building. Tommy knew if he thought about it, he'd never do it, so he just started climbing up the corner of the building as fast as he could. He'd done this before. He didn't remember it, but his body did. Climbing the wall like a cat. Jody was right behind him. As he reached the top of the wall he stopped and looked back. â€Å"Sunglasses,† he whispered so faintly that only someone with vampire hearing would hear. He wedged his right hand between the bricks, then reached into his shirt pocket, flung open the sunglasses, and put them on. He couldn't climb with the laser in his hand. He'd have to clear the top, then grab the weapon out of his pants pocket. Jody had her glasses on, too. She nodded for him to go. He coiled, and sprang to catapult himself over the edge of the wall, but in midair a bright light went off in his head and he felt himself spinning, then a bone-crushing impact on the ground. Something had hit him, probably the rifle butt. He rolled over and looked up the wall. Jody was still clinging there, six feet below the edge, too far to be hit with the rifle. The blond vampire, his face charred, was turning the rifle, working the bolt. He was going to shoot her in the face. â€Å"Jody!† He saw her let go with one hand, reach for the small of her back, then there was another blinding light. He'd lost his sunglasses during the fall. Something splatted beside him on the pavement. He could smell burned flesh, and blood. â€Å"You okay?† she said. He felt a hand on his face. â€Å"I'm kinda blind. And I think I have a couple of broken ribs.† He blinked the blood tears out of his eyes, then saw something dark, circular on the pavement. â€Å"What's that?† â€Å"That's the top of his skull,† Jody said. Footsteps, then Abby was there. â€Å"That was awesome. Gruesome, but awesome. You were amazing, Countess.† â€Å"Not feeling all that amazing.† â€Å"You probably should drink some blood, Tommy. You're kind of fucked up.† He took the plastic blood pack from her and bit into it, draining almost the whole pint in seconds, feeling his bones and skin knitting together. Then Abby snatched it away from him and started drinking herself. â€Å"I feel like death on toast. I probably shouldn't have eaten that pigeon.† MARVIN Marvin ruffed three times fast, â€Å"Biscuit, biscuit, biscuit.† Then, as he pulled Cavuto around the corner and smelled the fourth dead one he ruffed again. â€Å"Another biscuit.† Then, mission accomplished. He sat. â€Å"Marvin!† Abby said. She dropped the empty blood bag and scratched between his ears, then fed him a Gummi bear. Rivera came around the corner with his Glock drawn. Jody stood, reached past the gun, and snagged the battery out of the cop's inside pocket. Abby did the same to Cavuto, who leveled a long orange Super Soaker at her. â€Å"Really, Ass Bear?† she said. â€Å"Really?† She snatched the squirt gun out of his hand and backhanded it a full block down the street where it shattered. â€Å"I have a gun on you, Missy,† said Rivera. â€Å"Biscuit,† Marvin ruffed. Clearly there are three dead people here and part of a fourth, and biscuits are in order. Jody snatched Rivera's Glock out of his hand so quickly he was still in aiming position when she popped the clip out of it. Cavuto started to draw the big Desert Eagle and Abby caught his arm and leaned in close. â€Å"Ninja, please, unless you're going to use that to take your own life out of humiliation for the squirt gun, just let it go.† She turned and looked at Tommy, who was sitting splayed-legged on the sidewalk, holding his ribs. â€Å"This fucking vampy power rocks my deepest dark.† Then back to Cavuto. â€Å"I'd slap you around a little, but I'm feeling kinda nauseous.† â€Å"Yeah,† said Cavuto. â€Å"I get that. That's how I know you're around.† â€Å"So you three are, all, uh, them,† said Rivera. â€Å"Not exactly them,† Tommy said. â€Å"Jody just took the top off the head of one of them.† He pointed at the charred brainpan. â€Å"He was about to take you out with a sniper rifle,† Abby said. â€Å"That's why I called. Thanks for just doing what I said and not being an assbag, by the way.† â€Å"You'll find the rest of him along with the rifle on the roof,† Jody said. â€Å"That's who called in the vampire cat attack?† Cavuto said. Tommy nodded. â€Å"There are at least three of them. Maybe two, now. Very old. They came in that black yacht that's down at Pier Nine. They are cleaning up the mess Elijah left. They must know you guys are hunting Chet and the vampire cats.† â€Å"He must have seen us last night, with the Animals. We thought the cats got Barry.† Tommy climbed to his feet. â€Å"Barry's dead?† â€Å"Sorry,† Rivera said. â€Å"So they know about the Animals, too?† Tommy said, â€Å"The Animals were the ones who took Elijah's art collection and blew up his yacht. Of course, they know about the Animals.† â€Å"We've got to get over there,† Rivera said. â€Å"They'll be hunting the Emperor, too. He's been calling all day about a black ship. I thought it was just more craziness. I don't even know where to start looking for him.† Jody handed Rivera back his gun and the battery to his jacket. â€Å"Wire those back up as soon as you get back in your car. They work.† Marvin let go with a barrage of barking, which translated, â€Å"I have found some dead people and I am going to make a fuss if I don't get a biscuit and the ear-scratch girl is dead and sick.† â€Å"Easy, Marvin,† Abby said. She steadied herself against the big dog and Cavuto caught her by the arm to keep her from falling. â€Å"I really don't feel good.† She crumpled to the sidewalk. Tommy caught her in time to keep her head from hitting the concrete. â€Å"My tail kind of hurts.† Jody snatched Rivera's gun out of his hand again. â€Å"Give Tommy your car keys.† â€Å"What! No!† Jody smacked Rivera's jacket, heard a jingle, then reached in his pocket and took the keys. Rivera stood there like he was five, being dressed by his mother. Jody threw the keys to Tommy. â€Å"Take her to the loft. Foo will still be there. Maybe he can change her back in time.† â€Å"Where are you going?† Tommy said. â€Å"I'm going to the ship. Maybe I can stop one of them there. They're going to come to the loft, so be ready.† â€Å"Not so fast, Red,† said Cavuto. â€Å"You will shut the fuck up!† Jody said. â€Å"You guys are six blocks from the Marina Safeway. The Animals should be at work, or will be there in a few minutes. That's where I went when I wanted to find them, that's where these vampires will go. So shag ass over there and warn them. Wire the batteries back into your jackets on the way there or they'll have you for lunch. Call for another car if you need to, but we just saved your lives and your car is ours.† Rivera smiled. â€Å"I'm okay with that.† Cavuto said, â€Å"You are?† Tommy picked Abby up and held her with one arm while he reached into her messenger bag, took out her phone, and handed it to Jody. â€Å"Call Foo, tell him we're coming.† â€Å"I will. Be careful.† She kissed him. â€Å"Save our minion.† â€Å"Got it,† Tommy said. Marvin whimpered at them as they went away, which translated to, â€Å"I'm worried about the ear-scratching dead girl with the Gummi bears.†

history of the national anthem essays

history of the national anthem essays Today I am going to be talking to you about the history of the Star Spangled Banner, the national anthem of the United States. Im going to start off by telling you about how I first became interested in where the Star Spangled Banner originated. Then I am going to talk a little about the War of 1812 and how it led to a young Baltimore attorney to write a poem called The defense of Fort McHenry. And finally, Im going to talk about how that poem became the national anthem. Im going to start off now by talking about how I discovered the story behind the Star Spangled Banner. Raise your hand if you can tell me who wrote the Star Spangled Banner. Now, keep your hand up if you know the story behind how he came to write it. Most people know that Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner, but they probably couldnt tell you how he came to write it. A couple of months ago, I couldnt either. What changed this was a special I saw on the History Channel about the War of 1812. Prior to watching this special, I knew absolutely nothing about the War of 1812; I didnt even know what countries were involved in it. After watching the show, I became very interested in it and want to learn more about it. Over the next few months I did some reading and learned even more about the War of 1812. One of the things I found most interesting and ended up reading a lot more about was the story of the Star Spangled Banner and how it came to be. But before I get to that, I want to talk a little about the main events of the War of 1812 that led up to this. The impressment of Americans by the British was a major factor in the June 18th, 1812 decision of the United States to declare war on Britain. According to The War of 1812 by Reginald Horsman, just before the war started roughly 2,500 Americans had been removed from American ships by the British and were currently being forced to serve on t ...

Advantages and Disadvantages of Payback Assignment

Advantages and Disadvantages of Payback - Assignment Example Payback period is also an effective capital budgeting technique whereby the break-even point for an investment proposal is calculated. When investment is made in a project, there are no profits earned in the initial few years of operation. Profits are earned after the business achieves break even, where the level of investment made in the project becomes equal to the inflow of cash earned over the years. If the initial investment made in a project $150,000 and the cash flows each year is $50,000. Then the payback period as per the above formula is 3 years. At the end of the third year, the company will be able to recover the entire investment that it has made in the project. From the third year onwards the company would be earning profits upon the project. In case of two or more mutually exclusive projects, the management is seen to select the one which has a lower payback period (Baker and English, 2011). Payback period is one of the simplest capital budgeting techniques to appraise a given project. It is easy to use and simple to calculate. Payback period helps managers to understand the time period required to attain liquidity in a given investment proposal. It also helps the management to analyze the risk factor in a given investment proposal. The longer the duration of the project, the higher is the risk factor. Payback period does not take into consideration the time value of money. This is because the method does not take into consideration discounting of future cash inflows to arrive at the present value of net inflow. Payback period helps in understanding the liquidity factor associated with projects ignoring the profitability factor completely. The system takes into consideration only the inflow of cash prior to the payback period and does not consider the cash inflows after it (Bierman and Smidt, 2007).

How did Karl Marx view America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

How did Karl Marx view America - Essay Example The USA during the life of Karl Marx was a rapidly developing capitalist country, but social antagonisms were not as clear in the USA as they were in the UK during the life of Karl Marx. But in general the views of Marx about Great Britain and the USA are the same, as the last one turned into economical giant and the strongest economy of the world already at the beginning of the twentieth century. American society based on democratic values and free market relations is a classic capitalist society according to Karl Marx. America's one of the fundamental values is a property right, and protection of private property is one of the central goals of the USA system. Marx made an excellent job in studying the origins of the state, family, private property, the evolution of social relations and social formations. He brilliantly explained the nature and origins of economical relations from the point of view of political economy. Arguing that capitalist relations were unjust because the producers (workers) didn't have the means of production and had no property rights on the products they were producing because means of production were the property of capitalists and bourgeoisie, Marx made a prediction that capitalist formation will be changed by a new just and fair social formation with no private property- formation of communism. He characterized capitalist relations as follows: "Bourgeois productive relations... That's why bourgeois social formation ends the prehistory of human society."( Marx 1992:21) Marx considered the ruling class to be the class that had the means of production in his property. In his works talking about dominating class he mentioned bourgeoisie, but mainly bankers and industrial magnates. Small business, engineers, teachers, clerks considered to be the class of philistines and were the main support of big bourgeoisie. Oppression was characterized basically by the fact that bourgeoisie had all the essential means of production, capital, power, ideologists, police, judicial system and periodicals. The oppressed class by Karl Marx was proletariat. He didn't rely in the social revolution on peasants as they were considered to be property owners and were more attached to capitalist, market relations as workers, because they had private property. Peasants had some property rights and were defended by law, as they were among the main producers of agricultural goods. The working class got its democratic rights only nominally. In the 1850ies democracy was just developing and it was on the initial stage of the development and it had a form of formal democracy. People who were told that they've got something but in fact had nothing considered they to be out of share, its human psychology. The desire to have the promised rights stimulated unrest in the circles of workers. Liberty, equality and the demand for education rights were the basic demands of workers. Criticizing unjust and unequal conditions of living of workers and bourgeoisie Marx made an assumption that capitalist relations will be replaced once by another form of social and economical