Succubus on Top CHAPTER 3

â€Å"You're such a dork, Doug!† â€Å"Fuck, that hurt!† Doug Sato, the other dysfunctional assistant manager here and one of the most entertaining mortals I knew, pulled off the rubber mask he'd been wearing, revealing the beautiful features he'd inherited from his Japanese ancestors. He rubbed his forehead, giving me a wounded scowl. Upon closer inspection, I saw that the mask was not that of a demon but rather Darth Maul from The Phantom Menace. I should have known. No self-respecting demon would have had that many horns. â€Å"What are you doing?† I leaned down to pick up my scattered belongings. â€Å"Halloween was, like, a week ago.† â€Å"Yeah, I know. Everything's on sale. I got this for three dollars.† â€Å"You got ripped off.† â€Å"Boy, you're one to nag, Miss I-Show-Up-When-I-Feel-Like-It. You're lucky it's just me here.† â€Å"Why are you here?† Doug and I held the same position. On days when we overlapped, we usually worked different shifts, not identical ones. It was for the best. We usually distracted each other enough to accomplish the work of one person. Sometimes less. He grabbed the back of the rolling desk chair and impressively flipped his body into it, the impact of which caused the chair to roll half-way across the office. â€Å"Paige called me in. She's sick.† Paige, our manager, was about six months pregnant. â€Å"Is she okay?† â€Å"Dunno. If she gets better, she'll come in later.† He spun around the room a few times, then rolled up to the desk and beat out a fast rhythm on it with his hands. I presumed the cadence was from one of his band's songs. â€Å"Jesus, you're wound up today. You get lucky last night?† â€Å"I get lucky every night, Kincaid.† â€Å"Whatever. Your demon mask was more believable than that.† â€Å"Okay, maybe I'm not getting lucky every night right now, but that's going to change. The group's getting fucking amazing.† â€Å"I've always thought you guys were fucking amazing,† I stated loyally. Doug shook his head, dark eyes almost feverishly bright. â€Å"Oh no. You can't even believe it now. We got this new drummer, and suddenly†¦it's just like, I don't know†¦we're doing things we've never done before.† I frowned. â€Å"Because of one drummer?† â€Å"No, I mean, it's all of us. He's just one of the good things that's happened. It's like†¦everything's just clicking into place. You ever have days like that? When everything is perfect? Well, we're having weeks like that. Songs. Gigs. Style.† His enthusiasm was palpable, and it made me smile. â€Å"We're even playing the Verona.† â€Å"Seriously?† â€Å"Yup.† â€Å"That's a major venue. I mean, it's not like the Tacoma Dome or anything, but then, they wouldn't let you play there anyway if you didn't have a monster truck worked into the act.† He spun the chair around again. â€Å"You should come see it. A bunch of the other staff is. It'll be the greatest night of your life.† â€Å"I don't know. I've had a lot of great nights.† â€Å"Second best then. Unless you're thinking of joining my groupies. I'd let you be their leader, you know. You could always have first dibs on me.† I rolled my eyes, then turned pensive as the sex jokes reminded me of my recent Seth issues. â€Å"Hey Doug, do you think men and women can date without having sex?† He had been tipping way back in the chair and suddenly snapped forward. â€Å"Oh my God. You are thinking of joining the groupies.† â€Å"I'm serious. Two people dating without sex. Fact or fantasy?† â€Å"Okay, okay. For how long? A week?† â€Å"No. Like, months.† â€Å"Are they Amish?† â€Å"No.† â€Å"Are they ugly?† â€Å"Er, no.† â€Å"No.† â€Å"No what?† â€Å"No, they can't do it. Not in this day and age. Why do you want to know?† â€Å"No reason.† He cut me an arch look. â€Å"Of course not.† He didn't know about Seth and me, but he did know me. Our phone's intercom came to life just then, asking for backup on the registers. â€Å"Paper rock scissors?† Doug asked, spinning the chair around again. â€Å"Nah, I'll go. I should make up for my tardiness. Besides, I think you need to come down from your caffeine high. Or your megalomania high. Not sure which.† He flashed me a grin and turned to the paused game of Tetris on our shared computer. Truthfully, I didn't mind going out anyway. I worked for the fun of it, not the money. Immortality was long, and vocation and daily work sort of regulated human existence, even if I wasn't technically human anymore. It just felt right to be doing something, and unlike so many other unfortunate souls in this world, I actually liked what I did for a living. I checked in on Seth a few times as I worked throughout the day, drank a lot of white-chocolate mochas, and dealt with what was becoming a heavy flow of business as the holiday season grew ever closer. At one point, I finally did have to pull Doug out with me. I found him in our office, still playingTetris. I opened my mouth to make a joke about his work ethic and then caught sight of the computer screen. He played Tetris on a regular basis, so I was familiar with the game and his prowess, but what I saw now blew my mind. His score was the highest I'd ever seen, and he was at such an advanced level now that the pieces zoomed down the screen. I couldn't follow them. Yet, he caught and placed them all, never missing a beat. â€Å"My God,† I muttered. There was no way his hands and reflexes could be responding like that. The computer would probably implode at any moment. â€Å"I guess everything really is clicking into place for you lately. â€Å" He laughed, either at my pun or my astonishment. â€Å"Need me out there?† â€Å"Yeah†¦though it seems so wasteful now compared to this†¦mastery. Like interrupting Michelangelo.† Doug shrugged obligingly, shut down the game, and followed me out. I think the computer was relieved. He and I worked together cheerfully for the rest of my shift. His good mood over the band's success kept him chipper and lively, making the day fly by. When it was time for me to go, I offered to close for him since he'd had to come in unexpectedly early. He waved me off. â€Å"Forget about it. Go do something fun tonight.† As I was leaving the store, I passed a rack of magazines and saw a copy of the latest issue of American Mystery. In big letters, one of the headlines read: Cady and O'Neill Return! Seth Mortensen gives us an exclusive novella. Eek. What a bad girlfriend I was. Seth had told me about this story's upcoming appearance, and I'd completely forgotten about it. It had just come out yesterday. Apparently being with him regularly was distracting me from his art. Before the publication of his last novel, I'd literally marked off days on my calendar until its release. Longing washed over me, but I knew I couldn't read this story tonight. Bastien had left me a cell phone message saying he'd stop by my place later, and I had a feeling he'd distract me for most of the evening. Tomorrow, I promised myself. I'd read the story tomorrow. I'd just settled in back home when Bastien showed up bearing Thai food. â€Å"How was the literary world today?† he asked as we had a picnic on my living room floor. Aubrey watched sharply from a discreet distance, her eyes fixed covetously on a container of green curry. Pad Thai did nothing for her. â€Å"Weird,† I reflected, recalling sleeping in late, Doug's behavior, and the frenetic pace of early holiday shopping. â€Å"Yours?† It was clear from his expression he'd been dying to tell me this from the moment he'd cleared my door. â€Å"Fantastic. I moved into the house today. You should see the neighborhood. It's the American Dream and then some. Big appliances. Manicured lawns. Three-car garages.† â€Å"Three cars? Do you even have a car?† â€Å"Sure do. Company car.† â€Å"Hmphf. No one ever gave me a company car.† â€Å"That's because you aren't on the verge of the Seduction of the Century. I even met her already.† â€Å"Dana?† â€Å"First day, and she comes to me! Can you believe it? It's like I don't even have to do anything. This operation just runs itself. I am its tool. Its plaything even – or rather, Dana's plaything.† â€Å"I don't know about that,† I noted dryly, â€Å"unless you're going to add that she jumped on you and ripped your clothes off today too.† â€Å"Well, no. She actually just came by to welcome me to the neighborhood. But, she did also invite me to a party she's hosting. ‘A Barbecue in November.' Charming, huh?† â€Å"Adorable. Nothing I love better than eating hot dogs in the cold.† He elbowed me. â€Å"It's a theme, Fleur . It's fun. And it's all indoors. You know, you're turning into a regular cynic lately.† â€Å"Not cynical. Just still skeptical of this whole thing. It seems overly elaborate for what it is. A lot of work for one lay.† â€Å"One lay?† He tsked me and shook his head. â€Å"Let me see your laptop.† I retrieved it from my bedroom and returned to find Aubrey licking the edges of my plate. I shooed her away and handed Bastien the computer. A few quick clicks, and he soon had the Committee for the Preservation of Family Values' website open. Dana's organization. Most of her radio broadcasts were archived and available for download. He picked one, and we finished the rest of our meal to the sound of her rich, melodic voice. The first broadcast concerned homosexuality. The CPFV maintained an appearance of sugarcoated goodness, a desire to help people and improve American life. Consequently, because being openly racist or sexist was not good for one's image anymore, the organization only espoused views slanted in those directions in subtle ways. Blatantly condemning homosexuality, however, was not entirely taboo yet – unfortunately – and the bulk of this broadcast involved Dana oozing on about the importance of â€Å"helping† those people to understand the true way both nature and God intended love to be. Toleration of such misguided lifestyles, she claimed, would lead to a breakdown in our families. The children. For God's sake, think of the children. Her next broadcast damned the abominable state of today's clothing. School uniforms and fashion censoring were the only ways to go. How could we expect young girls to grow up with any self-respect when they walked around dressed like sluts? It led to sexual acts they weren't ready for, not to mention instilling in them the idea that their value came from appearance, not character. I thought of the lacy purple thong I wore under my jeans just then. What was wrong with character and sex appeal? The third one we listened to concerned the futility of teaching teenagers about safe sex and contraception. Abstinence training was the way to go. Keep them in pure ignorance. End of story. â€Å"Enough,† I said at that point. Her shallow, prejudiced values cloaked in so-called love and kindness unsettled the food in my stomach. Bastien grinned. â€Å"Still think it's just one lay?† I stretched back on my carpet, resting my feet on his lap. He massaged them for me. â€Å"I hate hypocrites, good or evil. Doesn't matter what they're touting.† â€Å"You should hear some of her background, some of the past issues she's advocated for with her group. Lovely stuff there – I researched her all day. I can pull it up for you. â€Å" I held up a hand. â€Å"No, please. I believe you. The bitch must fall, okay? If I had a sword, I'd tap your shoulders and send you off with my blessings.† He lay down beside me. â€Å"Well, why don't you take a front-row seat then? Come to the party with me. I'm sure no one would mind if Mitch brought his sister.† â€Å"Party on the Eastside? My blessing only goes so far.† â€Å"Oh, come on. Admit it. You have a perverse desire to meet her in the flesh. Besides, it's been a while since you've seen me in action. You might pick up on a few things. Get some pointers.† Laughing, I rolled over on my side to better study him. â€Å"Like I need pointers from you.† He rolled to his side as well, smirking. â€Å"Yeah? Then prove it. Let's go out tonight. Let's go hunting.† My smile diminished. â€Å"What?† â€Å"Just like the old days. We'll find some club, work up a sweat, then tag respective fixes for the night.† Bittersweet memories flashed into my brain, recalling the French cabarets of the nineteenth century. Bastien and I would go out in fine form, separate, and meet back in the morning to laugh and brag about our conquests. The game no longer held much appeal. â€Å"I don't do that anymore. I told you that.† â€Å"Yeah, but you've still got to survive.† â€Å"I am surviving. I got a fix just a couple days ago. I'm set for a while. â€Å" Bastien scowled. â€Å"A few days ago? Bleh. This writer guy's making you boring. â€Å" â€Å"Hey, it has nothing to do with him. It's my choice.† â€Å"Sure.† â€Å"What's with the tone?† â€Å"Not sure. I mean, I thought the whole writer-dating thing was amusing at first – even if he seems kind of dull and will probably only end up causing you pain. But now I'm starting to think it's indicative of a larger issue with you. I mean, there's the whole nice guy hang-up to begin with. Then you're, what? An assistant manager at a bookstore? Not to mention the fact that you have a cat.† Aubrey glared, and so did I. â€Å"There's nothing wrong with having a cat. And Seth isn't dull.† â€Å"I suppose you'd know better. He just didn't really strike me as much, that's all. If you wanted to obsess about a mortal, I could find you a better one.† â€Å"I don't want a better one. I mean, there is no better one. I want him.† â€Å"Suit yourself. You're just becoming ordinary, that's all. You used to be extraordinary.† â€Å"Ouch. All this because I won't go out with you tonight?† Bastien shrugged. â€Å"Okay then. We'll go. But no victim for me.† â€Å"Fair enough.† We went down to a club in Pioneer Square, both of us groomed to the kind of sexy, beautiful perfection that only an incubus and a succubus could achieve. I had pulled my hair up in messy, sex-kitten glory and wore a baby blue tank top with a V-neck that almost went to my belly button. The opening was covered in very sheer lace and made wearing a bra utterly pointless. So I didn't. The tension between us evaporated as we hit the dance floor. The rhythm pulsed through me, the movement and sweat intoxicating. Bastien and I danced together for a while, both of us aware of the admirers we drew, even in a packed room like this. Physical attraction was about so much more than just superficial appearance. It was about eye contact, outgoingness, and movement too. Incubi and succubi learn this early on, and the good ones move with a grace few mortals can match. I, who had danced well before becoming a succubus, knew I was among the best when it came to body language. Watching us was irresistible. A turn-on in itself. After a while, we split up. The results of the succubus game distressed me sometimes, but the game itself was fun. Very fun. I moved from partner to partner, thriving on the effect I created, on the desire I could see mounting in those whose bodies mine toyed with. It was why, despite my frequent bitching, I had given up my mortal soul for this vocation. I confess, that the thought of going home with someone grew tantalizing, my body warming to the idea of someone's hands upon me, but then I thought about Seth and his determined adherence to the arrangement we'd entered into. No. No superfluous victims for me tonight. I could be good. I wanted to be good. I'd wait until I actually needed a recharge. From across the room, Bastien inclined his head to me when he left the club, his arm around a small, entranced blonde. When he turned, I noticed a brunette in his other arm. Overachiever. It was two in the morning when I finally made it home. I woke aching and tired the next day, the weather making me feel worse. Rain formed a steady gray curtain as I walked to work. Everything seemed colder. I had been raised in a warm Mediterranean climate; I could never quite accept these kinds of temperatures. When I showed up at the bookstore, it had once again opened without me. Oddly, though, despite exactly the same staff working today, I didn't get the same boisterous greetings as yesterday. Casey and Janice, on the registers, paused in their work to watch me walk in, their expressions enigmatic. Janice leaned over, murmuring something in the other woman's ear. When they noticed my curious look, they both forced smiles. â€Å"Hey, Georgina.† â€Å"Hey,† I responded, puzzled and slightly uncomfortable. Passing by the information desk a moment later, I found Beth regarding me with an equally peculiar look. â€Å"How's it going?† I asked when she didn't say anything. â€Å"Fine.† She hastily turned to the computer screen in front of her. Now, I'd been subjected to my share of strange looks upon coming into work before, but this was weird even for me. Sometimes, after being with a lover, their absorbed life energy gave me a glamour that unconsciously attracted mortals. It was the same glow that Hugh had teased me about during poker. That was not to blame now, however. My last fix, as I'd told Bastien, had occurred a few days ago. The glow would have weakened by now. Besides, I know entranced looks when I saw them. These were not it. These were curious, what-is-she-doing looks. The kind of looks you get when you have food on your face or a missing button. The likelihood of either of those seemed low, but I ducked into the restroom anyway, just to check. Nope. Flawless. A long denim skirt and a navy, off-the-shoulder sweater. Both smooth and perfect. Makeup in place. Unbound hair hanging to the bottom of my shoulder blades. A typical look for me. Nothing to warrant this attention. Assuming I was reading too much into things, I continued on to thecafe,getting a friendly nod from Seth as he worked in his corner. At least he was behaving normally. A new barista bustled at the espresso bar, and she nearly dropped the cups she held upon seeing me. â€Å"H-hi,† she stammered out, wide-eyed, looking me over from head-to-toe. â€Å"Hi,† I returned. This woman didn't even know me. Why was she acting weirdly too? â€Å"Medium white-chocolate mocha.† It took her a moment to churn into action, writing my order on a cup. As she rang it up at the register, she asked curiously, â€Å"You're Georgina, right?† â€Å"Um, yeah. Why?† â€Å"Just heard of you, that's all.† She looked back down. She said no more to me after that, simply making and handing me the mocha. Taking it, I walked over to Seth and sat across from him. The barista continued watching us with interest, though she immediately turned away upon catching my eye. â€Å"Hey,† Seth greeted me, eyes and fingers busy. â€Å"Hey,† I returned. â€Å"Everyone's acting really weird today.† He glanced up. â€Å"Are they?† I immediately recognized the thrall he fell into when his writing seized him. He became even more distracted and scattered than usual under such conditions. A succubus should be so lucky to have that kind of effect on a man. â€Å"Yeah. Have you noticed anything? I feel like people are staring at me.† He shook his head, stifling a yawn before returning to typing. â€Å"Things seem the same to me. I like your sweater. Maybe it's that.† â€Å"Maybe,† I conceded, slightly mollified by the compliment, even if I didn't believe it. Not wanting to distract him further, I stood up and stretched. â€Å"I should get back to work.† Glancing over at the espresso bar, I noticed Andy, one of the cashiers, buying coffee. â€Å"There!† I hissed to Seth. â€Å"Did you see that?† â€Å"See what?† â€Å"Andy just smirked.† â€Å"No he didn't.† â€Å"He did. I swear it.† When I went downstairs, back to the main part of the store, I passed Warren. Mid-fifties and strikingly handsome, the store's morally questionable owner had once been a regular for me before I'd promised Jerome I'd go back to seducing good men. Warren and I had not had sex in some time. Considering my current regiment of decent souls, I kind of missed having an occasional guilt-free one. â€Å"Hello, Georgina.† I was relieved to see he at least didn't give me any of those gaping looks. â€Å"Been up talking to Mortensen, I presume?† â€Å"Yes,† I agreed, wondering if I was going to be chastised for not getting to work right away. â€Å"Pity you had to take the stairs. We do have an elevator, you know. â€Å" Now I stared open-mouthed. Of course we had an elevator. It was key operated, there for handicapped customers and shipment transport, and was almost never used otherwise. â€Å"Yes. I know that.† Warren winked at me and continued on his way upstairs. â€Å"Just making sure.† Shaking my head, I went back to the main floor and took over a register, giving Andy his lunch break. Janice and Casey remained stiff with me at first, eventually warming somewhat as time progressed. Other staff, moving in and out around me, continued to give me wondering looks, occasionally whispering to each other when they thought I wouldn't notice. When Seth passed by at one point to tell me he had to run errands but would see me later, I thought Beth – dropping off a book – might pass out. â€Å"All right,† I exclaimed once Seth was gone, â€Å"what's going on here?† Casey, Beth, and Janice all turned sheepish. â€Å"Nothing, Georgina, honest.† Beth gave me what was apparently supposed to be a winning smile. The others remained silent, faces perfectly innocent, nigh angelic. I didn't believe any of it, of course. Something weird was going on. Weirder than usual. I needed answers, and there was only one person in the store candid enough to give them to me. Shutting down my register, I stormed back to my office where Doug sat occupied by the computer. Bursting in, I opened my mouth, ready to rant and rave. He jumped about two feet in the air at my sudden arrival, reflexes kicking in with astonishing speed so as not to slosh coffee from the cup he had just raised to his lips. There was a funny look on his face, almost like guilt. No doubt another Tetris game was in progress. But it wasn't that that delayed my tirade. A strange feeling was creeping along my flesh – a feeling that brushed my immortal senses, rather than the usual five that accompanied a human body. It felt weird, almost uncomfortable. Like nails raking down a chalkboard. Nothing I could identify or had even ever felt before. I looked around the room, half-expecting to find another immortal lurking, even though that strange sensation didn't quite touch me like the signature I'd usually feel off of an individual. Doug drank from the cup and then set it down, watching me with bemused calmness. â€Å"Something I can help you with, Kincaid?† Blinking, I gave the office another once-over and then shook my head. The feeling disappeared. What the hell? I could have blamed it on stress-induced imagination, but after over a millennium of succubus life, I doubted my immortal senses would start falling prey to hallucinations now. And yet the only thing in here that could possibly be construed as supernatural or divine was Doug's Tetris mastery. That, I thought wryly, had more to do with hours of skirting work than any sort of magic. Remembering my righteous fury, I pushed aside that momentary weirdness and ratcheted my anger back up to the other weirdness in my life. â€Å"What the fuck is going on?† I exclaimed, slamming the door. â€Å"My sweet Tetriss kills?† â€Å"No! With everyone! Why is everyone treating me so strangely today? They keep staring at me like I'm a freak or something.† Doug's expression stayed baffled, and then I saw understanding flood his face. â€Å"Ah. That. You really don't know?† I could have grabbed his neck and shook him. â€Å"Of course I don't know! What's going on?† Casually, he moved some papers around on the desk and lifted up a copy of American Mystery. â€Å"You read Seth's story yet?† â€Å"I haven't had time.† He tossed me the magazine. â€Å"Do it. Go take your dinner break somewhere – not here – and read. I won't leave until you get back.† Looking at the time, I realized his shift was nearly over. â€Å"But what's that got to do with – â€Å" He held up a hand to silence me. â€Å"Just read it. Now.† Scowling, I took the magazine and left the store, settling myself at one of my favoritecafesdown the street. With clam chowder secured, I turned to the first page, wondering what in the world Doug expected me to find. As Seth had explained a few weeks ago, the story was more of a self-contained mystery, dealing little with the overarching psychology and development of his characters. Cady and O'Neill worked for a fictitious institute based out of Washington, D.C., one that researched and secured archaeological and artistic relics. Thus, the two often found themselves liberating art from international thieves or uncovering mysterious code on a piece of pottery. In traditionally gendered styles, Bryant O'Neill worked as a sort of field agent, doing most of the physical work, getting into a lot of fist-fights and whatnot. Demure Nina Cady focused on the research, often staying up late to unravel some key piece of evidence in an ancient text. This particular story contained a lot of those same elements, but like always, Seth's beautiful writing and quick, witty dialogue kept the material captivating. In another trend consistent with his characters' behavior, O'Neill almost always got involved with some beautiful woman, though Seth's last book had turned this pattern on its head, letting Cady finally see some action. The story I read today fell into old ways, and O'Neill, in his ever suave manner, made the moves on a stunning museum curator: Genevieve sauntered through the halls, a queen among subjects, surveying people and displays with both calculation and command. With those green-flecked hazel eyes, she put him in mind of a cat sizing up its next meal. He felt exactly like prey as she paused in front of him, favoring him with a languid look that oozed over his body, her tongue lightly moistening bee-stung lips. Oh God, to be a mouse, he thought. â€Å"Mr. O'Neill,† she purred, brushing a lock of that shining hair away from her face. Faint streaks of honey laced those pale brown strands, like gold veins in ore. He wanted to bury his face in it. He wanted to taste it. â€Å"You're late.† Despite nearly a foot separating their heights, he felt like the underling here, like he should do penance for his tardiness and kneel in her presence. Not that he would mind that so much, he decided, trying not to stare at the way her dress's thin material molded itself to her hips and full breasts. Those breasts, he decided, were perfect. Definitely impressive in size, but not grotesquely out of control. And their shape†¦ah, even a master sculptor could never have duplicated those exquisite curves†¦ Realizing she expected a response, he filed his base thoughts away under L for Later and gave her an unruffled smile. â€Å"My apologies.† Now probably wasn't the time to mention the attack back at his hotel. â€Å"But I never rush anything. At least not when a woman's involved. â€Å" With that being only the mildest of the suggestive dialogue, I wasn't surprised when things escalated between them near the end of the story. After all, I thought dryly, it wouldn't be a true Cady and O'Neill experience if someone didn't score. And man, did he score. The feline comparisons were right on because Genevieve was a cat in heat. She ended up tying O'Neill up in an elevator, performing an array of kinky acts on him that made even me raise an eyebrow. I was surprised American Mystery hadn't edited them out, though I'd be lying if I said it wasn't sort of a turn-on to realize such sordidness had come from mild, complacent – Elevator? We do have an elevator, you know, Warren had told me. Light brown hair. Hazel-green eyes. Petite. Nice breasts. â€Å"Ahh!† I cried, dropping the magazine as if it might bite me. It landed next to my now-empty bowl, and a passing waitress gave me a startled look. Hastily leaving a wad of cash on the table, I grabbed my coat and purse and sprinted back to the bookstore. Doug was still playing Tetris in our office, but I was too upset to speculate much on what was again an amazing performance. All those looks. The whispers and smirks. It all made sense now. â€Å"They think it's me!† I told him, making him jump for the second time that day.† Genevieve. They all think I'm some sort of horny, rope-wielding, elevator-fetish dominatrix!† Doug raised an eyebrow. â€Å"You mean you aren't?†

Corruption in Judicial Systems Essay

Corruption in judicial systems is threatening the protection of human rights, a United Nations independent expert said, urging governments to implement policies to strengthen the rule of law to combat this practice. â€Å"The pervasiveness of corruption in the judiciary and the legal profession, whether one off or endemic, is very worrying because it directly undermines the rule of law and the ability of the judiciary to guarantee the protection of human rights,† the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Gabriela Knaul, told the General Assembly while presenting it with her latest annual report. â€Å"A judiciary that is not independent can easily be corrupted or co-opted by interests other than those of applying the law in a fair and impartial manner,† she said. â€Å"Strengthening the judiciary from within, as well as providing all the safeguards for its independence vis-à  -vis other public officials and private actors, is essential in combating and preventing instances of judicial corruption.† Ms. Knaul noted that corruption in the judiciary has the potential to victimize those that do not have the means to play by the informal rules set by a corrupt system. â€Å"Corruption in the judiciary discourages people from resorting to the formal justice system, thereby diverting dispute settlements towards informal systems that more than often do not abide by the basic principles of impartiality, fairness, non-discrimination and due process,† she said. Mechanisms of accountability, the Special Rapporteur underlined, should be put in place to investigate acts of corruption and they should be developed with the full participation of the actors concerned. â€Å"I strongly believe that the existing international principles and standards on human rights and corruption provide adequate guidance on how to tackle judicial corruption while respecting the independence of the justice system and human rights,† she said. Ms. Knaul also emphasized that judges, prosecutors and lawyers are in a unique position to tackle the wider phenomenon of corruption in other instances of the public and private sectors, and that â€Å"anti-corruption bodies should be established or developed to effectively assist judicial actors to combat corruption and to implement and strengthen transparency within the public sector.† Independent experts, or special rapporteurs, are appointed by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to examine and report back, in an unpaid capacity, on specific human rights themes.

A strong sense of class consciousness in “Emma”

There is a strong sense of class consciousness in â€Å"Emma†. What is Emma's attitude towards social position? How do the Martins and the Cole's reflect changes in the class structure of 19th century England? How willing is Emma to accept these changes? Compare and contrast Emma and Mr Knightley's attitudes towards Robert Martin. â€Å"Emma† was written at the beginning of the Nineteenth century when dramatic change was going on in social structures. Up until then society was governed by a rigid class system and mixing of classes was very rare, however the ‘middle class', the land owners and work-force owners were beginning to carve their own place in society. Increases in international trading and the start of the Industrial Revolution were key factors in the rise of the ‘middle class'. Emma as the daughter of a substantial landowner and at the top of society resists these changes with immense social snobbery although she is aware the change is imminent. â€Å"Emma conceives of her society in terms of rigid inequalities; Miss Woodhouse cannot visit Mrs Martin, the Coles will not presume to invite the Weston's, Mr. Elton may not aspire to the heiress of Hartfield† writes Helen Dry, â€Å"Syntax and the Point of View in Jane Austen's Emma†, (1977), 87-99. Emma clings to ancient established ideas of social hierarchy: but only when it suits her. She ignores Harriet's illegitimacy purely for her own fancy and sees no problem in a match between Harriet and Mr. Elton, or Harriet and Frank Churchill; however the idea of an unequal match between Harriet and Mr. Knightley shocks her, â€Å"Such an elevation on her side, such a debasement on his!† She is also feels extremely insulted when Mr. Elton proposes to her: Should suppose himself her equal in connection or in mind! Look down upon her friend, so well understanding the gradations of rank below him, and be blind to what rose above, as to fancy himself shewing no presumption in addressing her!-it was most provoking. Emma objects highly to Mrs Elton, partly due to her self-inflated ideas of social status: â€Å"She brought no name, no blood, no alliance. Miss Hawkins was the youngest of two daughters of a Bristol merchant†, â€Å"The idea of being indebted to Mrs. Elton†¦The dignity of Miss Woodhouse of Hartfield, was sunk indeed!† Mrs Elton shows a great deal of snobbery herself; she is harsh, brash and arrogant, she boasts on numerous occasions about â€Å"Maple Grove†, and the â€Å"barouche-landau† belonging to her brother-in-law. She constantly compares everything and everybody to his circle: the only good society she knows. Mr. Weston marries a â€Å"portionless governess†, yet Emma does not oppose this because Mrs Weston happens to have been her governess. And Emma angrily defends Mrs Weston when Mrs Elton expresses her surprise at her ladylikeness. â€Å"I was rather astonished to find her so very lady-like! But she really is quite the gentlewoman†. Emma's inherent snobbery is demonstrated when the Coles host a party in Highbury. â€Å"The Coles were very respectable in their way, but they ought to be taught that it was not for them to arrange the terms on which the superior families would visit them. This lesson, she very much feared, they would receive only from herself; she had little hope of Mr. Knightley, none of Mr. Weston†. Emma feels the Coles are attempting to rise above their station; however she recognizes that neither Mr. Knightley nor Mr. Weston will agree or support her here because as Robert Miles writes, â€Å"they have better judgement†¦Knightley's flexibility absorbs the threat, whereas Emma's stiffness augurs friction† (Jane Austen [Northcote House, 2003], p.105) Emma's dislike of the Coles stems from their recently acquired wealth: â€Å"They†¦by this time were, in fortune and style of living, second only to the family at Hartfield.† High rank in society was dictated more by family history than current wealth. Hereditary wealth was perceived as infinitely superior to recently earned ‘new money'. However, change was imminent with the increase in trade wealth and the upper class had to accept this, some even embraced it, Emma however refuses to accept these changes and adapt to this new way of thinking. The Martins are an honest, respectable family and Emma's attitude towards them shows the extent of her snobbery, conceit and class consciousness: â€Å"amused by such a picture of another set of beings and enjoying the youthful simplicity which could speak with so much exultation of Mrs Martin's having ‘two parlours†. Here Emma laughs at the idea of less fortunate people than herself and is exceedingly patronising towards Harriet; however Emma is not perceived as cruel because she doesn't know any different and has not experienced life outside of Highbury and the unchanged community she was born into. â€Å"A young farmer†¦is the very last sort of person to raise my curiosity† She discourages Harriet's attachment to the family and in particular Robert Martin, â€Å"I did not expect much; but I had no idea that he could be so very clownish, so totally without air. I had imagined him, I confess, a degree or two nearer gentility† Emma warns her that the accident of her birth obliges her to dissociate herself from any connections which would lower her social status further; Harriet is probably of the same class as the Martins, but Emma feels that the association with herself has raised Harriet far above an association with a farming family. This demonstrates the arrogant, hypocritical and interfering characteristics which flaw Emma's character. When Mr. Martin proposes to Harriet, Emma is surprised by the quality of his letter, â€Å"She read, and was surprised. The style of the letter was much above her expectation†, this reveals the extent of her superiority and condescension. â€Å"You banished to Abbey-Mill Farm!-You confined to the society of the illiterate and vulgar all your life! I wonder how the young man could have the assurance to ask it. He must have a pretty good opinion of himself.† This shows humour and irony because what Emma says is very spiteful and untrue (although she does not mean it to be so), but also hypocritical because she has an extremely high opinion of herself. Mr. Knightley, on the other hand, has a high regard for Mr. Martin and his family; â€Å"I never hear better sense from any one than Robert Martin. He is an excellent young man both as son and brother.† Mr. Knightley is outraged when he learns of Harriet's refusal. He is a realistic, sensible man and knows Martin is a good, respectable match for Miss Smith. â€Å"Robert Martin's manners have sense, sincerity and good-humour to recommend them; and his mind has more true gentility than Harriet Smith could understand.† Emma, although aware changes in social position are happening and being accepted, is reluctant to change, and as the first lady of Highbury does not welcome the break-down of the rigid class structure. The Martins and the Coles represent these changes and we see them accepted warmly by nearly everyone except Emma. Characters such as Mr. Knightley and Mr. Weston are much more realistic, with a wider understanding of social issues than Emma, who has never left Highbury.

Proposal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Proposal - Assignment Example IT has changed the outlook on music genres such as pop as artists can use different interesting sounds to compose their music. The industry has also created jobs for music producers and sound engineers due to the use of IT (Wiechmann 7-9). Websites create easy access to music from artists all over the world. The artists use the websites to interact with the consumers. Websites also impact the industry by allowing the community to download music from the site either at a fee or free. Two decades ago, one would have to visit and purchase a CD of newly released music from a well music store. With the advent of IT, people can now access the music by downloading it from various websites. People access the music in their PC’s and phones which contributes to the growth of the industry. Examples of such websites include mp3 skull, Myspace and YouTube (Wiechmann 8-9). Using technology, it has created a simple and democratic platform for sharing music. Due to its popularity, it has embraced almost everyone including 50 cent and Madonna. More than 10 million people use the company services due to its massive online presence. SoundCloud labs are creating more than 10000 applications for music production and consumer’s use (Viet

Stakeholder analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Stakeholder analysis - Essay Example 4. Government –the organizations works with the local government of North Carolina. The identification of the stakeholders has been carried out based on what they do in the organization (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006, p. 9). This information was analyzed in the following ways: collected using observation method, then sampled using systematic method and then reported utilizing the tabular form below. B). The stakeholders have been classified depending on what they bring to the table and their contribution to the whole organization. This is not more of an assumption on the first two classifications; that is the members and the management. The assessment here is that; for the management they make the decisions that involve the everyday activities of the company. For the members, these are the women who benefit from what the organization is doing at the given time (Jigna 2011, p. 12). Looking at what the organization does, one learns that the projects that they do are; physical activity buddy programs, cooking club education, fruit and vegetable purchases at a discount, increased access to produce vendors and increase access to places for physical activity. This means that the organization needs other stakeholders, such as gym owners and vendors, these are the stakeholders that are identified for the last classification of stakeholders above. Jigna D. (2011): Development of the Oxford Hills Healthy Moms Project using a social marketing process: a community-based physical activity and nutrition intervention for low-socioeconomic-status mothers in a rural area in Maine. Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina in Greensboro, Greensboro, USA retrieved on May 17, 2015. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2006). Healthy People 2010 midcourse review. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention

Strategic Corporate Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Strategic Corporate Finance - Essay Example An investor must be paid some price for this sacrifice (Brigham & Weston, 2009). So the future value of the dollar-assuming a positive rate of interest-will always be higher than its present value. Another reason for interest being charged on capital is that capital is one of the factors of production that can give access to men, materials and machinery, help automate and speed up processes and productivity in a short time and this is why the demand for capital attracts a price called the interest rate (Rao, 2011). Why is it Important for Financial Managers to Understand the Concept of Time Value of Money? Finance is the lifeblood of business and industry. Everything from running the day to day operations of an enterprise to meeting financial needs for future plans requires money. In fact investing surplus funds to get the best possible returns as well as keeping sufficient liquidity in the asset and liability mix is a key function of financial managers. They look at both present and future plans of the business and consider how to achieve these in the light of financial requirements (Crosson & Needles, 2008). This is why an understanding of the time value of money is of key importance to financial managers. They can match the funding and investment portfolios of the enterprise to get the best returns (Mathur, 1979). Calculations of the Future Value: a. $54,298 if invested for five years at a 7% interest rate FV= PV (1 + r)t FV= 52948(1 + 0.07)5 FV= 52948(1.07)5 FV= 52948 x 1.225 FV = $ 64,861. b. $99,112 if invested for three years at a 4% interest rate FV= PV (1 + r)t FV= 99112(1 + 0.04)3 FV= 99112(1.04)3 FV= 99112 x 1.125 FV = $ 111,501. c. $121,124 if invested for seven years at an 2% interest rate FV= PV (1 + r)t FV= 121124(1 + 0.02)7 FV= 112124(1.02)7 FV= 112124 x 1.149 FV = $128,830. d. $929,129 if invested for ten years with a 0.9% interest rate FV= PV (1 + r)t FV= 929129(1 + 0.009)10 FV= 929129(1.009)10 FV= 929129 x 1.09373 FV = $1,016,216. Calculation s of the Present Value: a. $455,126 to be received three years from now with a 4% Interest rate PV= FV/(1 + r)t PV= 455126/(1 + 0.04)3 PV= 455126/(1.04)3 PV= 455126 x 0.889 PV = $404,607. b. $289,231 to be received five years from now with a 5% interest rate PV= FV/(1 + r)t PV= 289231/(1 + 0.05)5 PV= 289231/(1.05)5 PV= 289231 x 0.864 PV = $249,896. c. $921,000 to received two years from now with a 12% interest rate PV= FV/(1 + r)t PV= 921000/(1 + 0.12)2 PV= 921000/(1.12)2 PV= 921000 x 0.797 PV = $734,037. d. $278,111 to be received eight years from now with a 1% interest rate. PV= FV/(1 + r)t PV= 278111/(1 + 0.01)8 PV= 278111/(1.01)8 PV= 278111 x 0.923 PV = $256,696. Suppose you are to receive a stream of annual payments (also called an "annuity") of $309,723 every year for three years starting this year. The interest rate is 4%. What is the present value of these three payments? PV of Annuity= PVA= A(PVFA)i,n PVA=309723(PVFA).04,3 PVA=309723 x 2.775 PVA=$859,481.32 Suppose you are to receive a payment of $239,201 every year for three years. You are depositing these payments in a bank account that pays 2% interest. Given these three payments and this interest rate, how much will be in your bank account in three years? FV of Annuity= FVAn=A(FVFA)i,n FVA=239201(FVFA).02,3 FVA=239201 x 3.060 FVA=$731,955. Evaluation of Module 2 Case Assignment The Module 2 case assignment gave me an opportunity to learn about the time value of

The Importance Of Proper Healthcare Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Importance Of Proper Healthcare - Essay Example With a grade point average of 96 percent, I can say that I am a highly viable and excellent candidate for your scholarship. I have managed to keep one of the highest grade point averages at my school even though I have to work to pay for my tuition fees, pay for my daily sustenance, and care for my parents and their own personal needs as well. Although my finances are quite tight. I have never lost sight of the fact that I cannot let my college education fall to the wayside. There are simply too many things and people at the stake for me to lose heart now. By completing a degree in radiologic technology, I hope to be able to train myself for a job opportunity that is in high demand within the medical field. The field of radiologic technology is one of the fastest growing fields of medical science due to the number of medical tests that are emerging which relies on the images of a person's internal structure to diagnose. It is my hope that I will be able to help assist those who requi re such assistance. Having grown up with only my parent's meager income to support our family, I have always strived to get ahead in life with as little to no help from them. That is why I have become an independent thinker and individual who values the importance and results of hard work. I apply all of my efforts in any activity towards completing it with a sense of personal satisfaction that comes from knowing that I owe the success I have achieved to my hard work and the assistance of those who believed in me.

Fujitsu Siemens Computers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Fujitsu Siemens Computers - Essay Example This essay stresses that large market and increased production scale is favorable for attaining the targeted market growth. The joint venture of technological firms makes possible to share the ideas and knowledge relating to competing and emerging technologies between firms. The research and development process becomes advanced through combination different useful ideas and knowledge. External participation in research and development process is helpful for diversifying the research process. Firms can concentrate on major research process through sharing the development cost. Organizational efficiency improvement is the main tool for competing in the industry. The organizational efficiency will be much improved by changing the organizational strategy by business combination. Fujitsu is a leading firm in the field of internet focused IT solutions, on a global basis. This paper makes a conclusion that in case of Fujitsu and Siemens, the equity joint venture strategy is suitable to each other for exchanging the technical know-how and manufacturing capabilities. Their stable and reliable partnership provides suitable environment for attaining business growth and profitability in the competitive industrial conditions. Through the joint venture they attained world’s most complete product and solution portfolios with world class computer technology and innovative IT infrastructure capabilities.

Social entrepreneurship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Social entrepreneurship - Essay Example From the period, the concept of fifteen began taking shape in his mind. His vision is using the magic of food to provide a chance of employment to the young youths who had dropped out of school. However, the realization of his dream took him 10 years to bring to fruition (Slocum et al. 2011, 189). He was more excited with the social enterprise model whereby an enterprise was driven by social ambitions rather than financial gain that brought motivation to him to start his enterprise. The enterprise is referred to as Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen in London also referred to as Naked Chef star restaurant in US has a unique way of going about its business. The enterprise is known for its charity acts as it employs ex-convicts that lack any experience in the restoration enterprise with little or no social skills some with criminal records and turns them to productive members of the society. Jamie believes that by equipping a sense of responsibility and routine to the young people, they will develop the notion of order resulting in a steady rhythm that is ideal for social integration (Warin 2011, 34) (Illustrated in appendix 3 and 4). Jamie Oliver is a son of a pub owner in  England, and  he is a  dropout  of high school, thus never completed school  who parlayed is a strong personality in entrepreneurial skills. His dream is to have a strong, suitable movement of educating children on food. Jamie intention was to create a fine restaurant in London and on the other  side he  utilized the magic of cooking to provide opportunities for the young people who were not privileged and were facing enormous challenges in their lives (Flego et al. 2013, 411). These are the ex-con youths as well as those who lacked education. Thus, his goal was to provide an opportunity to these individuals giving them a chance of unlocking their true talent through training and mentoring. According to Jamie, training those

Historical Analysis paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Historical Analysis paper - Essay Example This has led to different people entering the country in an effort to find a means of livelihood. One of the greatest jobs that arises from the men and women of the United States getting employment in major companies is that of a househelp to take care of the house when the owners are absent. Many of the nannies in the United States come from Southern Asia in search of employment opportunities, and it is important to go through the various different cases of abuse that nannies go through specifically in California as compared to nannies in other parts of the United States. One of the areas with the highest number of abuse cases for nannies is California. The reason for this is that the local state authorities through the various institutions are yet to come up with a well-set system that advocates for the freedoms and rights of these immigrant nannies. In the United States, New York has the least amount of nanny abuse cases (Ann 104). The reason for this is that the local government in collaboration with national human rights groups has joined hands and instituted laws that ensure that the nannies receive quality treatment. One of the issues of abuse that nannies in California encounter as opposed to nannies in New York for example is working hours. Initially, many local nannies in the United States used to work for around sixty hours a week without any extra salary for the overtime hours. Just like California, New York has a very large population working in large corporations, and these people are often so busy that they forget the responsibilities that they have in ensuring that these Southeast Asian nannies receive the right amount of treatment. Around 10 years ago, New York did not have any instituted laws to govern the rights of these nannies and many times they were neglected and overworked. In late 2010, however, the New York Nanny Law came into action. Since then over 80 serious cases of househelp abuse have received a hearing from the responsible court s and have led to the payment of around 250000 dollars of unpaid wages for the workers (Watson & Virtamen). California is completely different from New York in terms of the advocacy of nanny rights. After the working of the law for two straight years in New York, activists sought to introduce the law in California that had shown a large increase in nanny abuse cases. This has, however, proved difficult with many excuses coming from local authorities. One of the most expansive excuses provided is the issues of funds. According to the California local authorities, the state does not have enough funds to go through the legal process of enacting this law stating that it requires a lot of labor and resources in order to get the message across to all households despite the presence of social and print media that are most effective in delivering the information. The authorities further claim that the process would appear slow as opposed to New York that has many of the households as apartm ents. Another challenge posed by the authorities is the fact that the labor industry is decentralized and fragmented, and the issue of nannies is personal. Being a private issue, engaging in discussions or rather activities that seem to violate this is a crime against the law. The New York Nanny Law has also made great strides regarding the health treatment of these nannies. At the beginning of the 21st century, the state of New York had a very large number of immigrant deaths. This raised an alarm and people

An analysis for Lewis'relection following the death of his wife Assignment

An analysis for Lewis'relection following the death of his wife - Assignment Example Events involving loss or separation may occur throughout our lives (Lendrum & Syme 2004) but death is a particular form of loss that is very different from the loss of innocence or control, such as in sexual abuse or rape; or loss of status and income such as in retrenchment or unemployment. It is also vastly different from the loss of dreams or ambition such as in the birth of a disabled child. Death is not only devastating, it is final, (Lendrum & Syme 2004) and any counselling that occurs must take into consideration that bereaved persons understand this in different ways. Different individuals have varying concepts on what death brings, not only to them as the bereaved, but to the person who has died (Walton 1996). Not everyone believes in the hereafter, and that souls are reunited after death. Not all believers share the same concepts about death and resurrection (Duffey 2007). There are many variations on both philosophies. C S Lewis is well known for his Christian outlook, with an understanding that eternal life lies ahead for all souls, but a variety of these concepts exist in the community (Blank 2009). In addition, the shock of bereavement can give any person a new insight into their long-held beliefs. So allowances must be made; and jumping to conclusions, or making presumptions, must be avoided if possible (Kubler-Ross & Kessler 2007) . Just as C S Lewis had to redress his faith when his beloved wife died (Lewis 2001), many of those recently bereaved experience a shift in attitude - no matter how long they were held - that comes through shock and disbelief. Initial distress can often register as physical pain (Malkinson 2007). Lewis suffered from osteoporosis, so he was no stranger to pain, but the loss of ‘H’ struck him like an ache from which there was no relief (Lewis 2001). Reaction to the death of someone

Extending Hospitality to Travelers with Disabilities Essay Example for Free

Extending Hospitality to Travelers with Disabilities Essay â€Å"In terms of sampling, ODO narrowed its definition of an adult with a disability. â€Å"We wanted the disability to be permanent, and we wanted to cover the full range of physically limiting disabilities,† shares Turk. â€Å"But we didn’t want to include those with mental or emotional disorders. † Harris Interactive identified an ‘adult with a disability’ participant by using a variation of the 2000 U. S. Census questions. In the U. S. Census, a disability was defined as ‘blindness, deafness, or a condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, reaching, lifting, or carrying. ’† (Cooper, Schindler 2004) For purposes of the study conducted by Harris Interactive and Open Door Organization, the definition is sufficient. However, the inclusiveness or narrowness of the definition of disability must be pertinently elucidated during application of the result of the case study. 2. Analyze the research design’s various components. Identify any potential problems and explain the ramifications of these design issues. Identify potential strengths of the design. (a) Focus Groups – 13 participants for 2 session in ODO offices. An interim, preliminary step to â€Å"flesh out critical issues†¦. [to understand] the right language to clarify†¦. Issues† that is useful, efficient and effective. The participants are â€Å"in-house†, there is greater, maximum â€Å"control† of the group as they are very much accessible. The problem is that the â€Å"randomness† of the disabilities of the participants does not cover the entirety of the disability characteristics that will have to be studied. (b) Questonnaire Design by Various Participants From All Stakeholders (the hospitality industry, the other organizations interacting with disability issues) – this is a very good strategy, inspite of the trials and errors encountered in the question designing stages. The inputs of the widest range of stakeholders in disability issues will represent the best and the most profound aspect of the case being studied (c) Combination of Interactive Online and Telephone Interviews – this is also an efficient process because it can honestly and concretely reach out to the variable disabled person who might have limitations in one way or the other on either communication method. 3. What is a hybrid (dual-modality) methodology? What are the pros and cons of the hybrid methodology used in this study? The dual modality methodology utilizes two types of venue or means or tools to achieve results. In this study of ODO in analyzing the needs of persons with disability in their tour, travel and leisure, studying the respondent participants both via the internet and via the telephone is a comprehensive process. â€Å"It was important to use both to achieve a representative sample,† shares Laura Light, research director at Harris Interactive on the ODO study. 11 During analysis, Harris Interactive addresses the dual methodologies by weighting the data using a proprietary weighting process. â€Å"All Harris Interactive polls are weighted by demographics to ensure the sample is representative. But with online studies, we use propensity weighting as well,† explains Light. Online participants tend to be better-informed, so Harris Interactive uses responses to attitudinal and behavioral questions to weight online participants’ responses compared to those of persons they speak with by phone. Propensity weighting12 adjusts responses of an individual online participant based on national data about that individual’s likelihood to be online. † Generally, either way the proponent of the survey does not see the respondent. The interaction is conclusive only on the basis of what is typed online or verbally relayed on the telephone. So, there is still the possibility of limitation as to the astuteness of response maybe due to the attitude of â€Å"just getting over it†. Surveys are helped both by the concrete verbal or written response and the body language. The advantage though of utilizing the technical communication medium (internet and telephone) is that the survey is conducted expeditiously, in a wider scale. 4. Francie Turk had no prior experience with researching Americans with disabilities. Assume you have similar background; what would you have done in the exploratory phase of this project to become familiar with the frustrations and hurdles that adults with disabilities face when traveling? Compare your research process with what ODO did. What could ODO have gained from incorporating your methods? I will first conducted background research on disabilities and persons with disabilities. I will take one sample situation that persons with disabilities are involved with for background study. For example, grocery or supermarket activities that PWD’s are involved with. Then, I will utilize focus groups – at least within my state. Tedious it may be and a longer period will be required, focus group discussions would still be a more effective coverage of the objectives of the study. ODO will gather more comprehensive responses and results from personal discussions. 5. Brainstorm lists of potential hotel, restaurant, and rental car accommodations to be evaluated for adults with disabilities and create your own paired-comparison question. During a phone interview, how quickly could you cover this question? What are the advantages and disadvantages to using this measurement scale in the phone survey in comparison to using it in the online survey? The questions will have to further dwell on their experiences on space allocated and passage ways for PWD’s in hotel and restaurants. Also, the distinctive menu tools that they have been presented in choosing their meals. As far as hotel rooms are concerned, the participants will be made to deliberate on the added technology that rooms are accentuated with (like remote controls for lighting and air conditioning or heating) The survey will be conducted within 20 minutes maximum via telephone. Between the internet and telephone venues, the telephone will better serve the purpose because it is more live and more interactive. Reference: Cooper, Schindler Pamela S. â€Å"Open Doors: Extending Hospitality to Travelers with Disabilities†. Business Research Methods, 10/e

Christianity and islam

Christianity and islam Reflection Paper: Both Christianity and Islam are very wide spread religions in the world which have a great impact on the lives of their believers especially spiritually. Their common originality, values and some believes has enabled most of their believers to respect and try to understand each others faith. In most nations of the world these two religions have formed the bases of the countries laws and are highly recognized by the governments. Though Christianity is widely spread compared to Islam, they impose the same challenge to each other Considering the similarities and the differences between Islam and Christianity, the two can be said to be very different since the main prophets and the holy books which form the basis and guidance of the respective religions are not acceptable to the other. Christian faith is based on birth, crucification, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who is the messiah which is contrary to the Muslims view of Christ being just a prophet among the many. Comparison between the two religions was much easier because theres a clear difference between the beliefs of the religions as well as practices in time of worship. This is because in day today life of the respective believers their religious views are aired. Getting the historic origin of the two religions was much easier especially that of Christianity which begun as a Jewish sect in the Mediterranean and Islam in the 7th century after the death of Prophet Muhammad. Getting the differences between the two both being Abrahamic religions and the holy books the Quran and the Bible referring to similar ancient people like Isaac and Ishmael in a related context. Introduction Christianity is a religious belief which begun as a Jewish belief and is seen as Abrahamic religion. Its followers are referred to as Christians. They believe in Jesus Christ the messiah as the prophet send by God to save mankind and the holy bible as the guide of their faith. They also believe that the messiah who came in the form of mankind suffered, died and resurrected to remiss them of their sins. It is also believed that he would return to reward those who have lived according to the doctrines taught by the holy bible.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Islam is an Arabic word meaning submission and therefore Islam religion is believed to be an Abrahamic religion which believes in submission to the almighty God Allah and Muhammad as the prophet. Quran is the holy book believed to be the guideline of the Muslims who are the of the Islamic religion. It is believed that Allah repeatedly revealed it to Muhammad verbally through angel Jibril and the original Arabic version is the final revelation from God which is verbal. Historic background According to Stern(11-15) Christianity originates from the word kristos which is a Greek word meaning the anointed one and it is a monotheistic religion. It guided by the life and teachings of Christ Jesus as shown in the holy bible. It begun as a Jewish sect from the eastern Mediterranean in the first century and by the 4th century was already dominant in the Roman Empire. Most of Europe was Christianized by the Middle Ages but Middle East, North Africa and some regions in India remained with minority Christians. It spread to America, Australasia and all over the world through colonization, discovery work and missionary work hence became a major influence in Western civilization shaping. Thrower argued that It is the words largest religion and represents about a quarter of the entire population, also considered as a state religion in several countries (21-25) It is categorized into three groups: Catholics, Protestants and orthodox.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Islam began developing as from the 7th century with the reconstruction of Prophet Muhammads life after his death. It started spreading in Atlantic Ocean to Central Asia after Prophet Muhammads first recitation of the Quran. According to Williams (1994) The Great Mosque of Kairouan is considered as origin of the western Islamic world mosques and is preserved up to now. Reference to Abdul-Rahman Islamic dynasties like Ottomans and Mughals collapsed under the European imperial sway during 18th and 19th centuries (141-160). Muhammad started conveying Islam at Mecca and later moved to Medina where the tribes of Arabia were united to a polity of Arab Muslim religion.Umar succeeded him in 634 following his death. The other successors were Uthman ibn al-Affan and Ali ibn Talib; the four are referred to as al-khulafa ar-rashidun. Several conflicts followed over political and religious leadership which led to the rise of schism amongst the Muslims. Basically the origin of I slam is tied to the economic, political and military. Similarities between Islam and Christianity   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  According to Strachey (62-69) both Islam and Christianity are Abrahamic religions or in other words believe in the existence of one supreme God. They both share common values and origin which is found in Judaism when the people of Israel were given Torah. Islam was founded by Muhammad referring to the Quran while Christianity was started by the followers of Jesus of Nazareth but they both acknowledge a spiritual tradition related to Abraham. For the two religions, God rules, judges, forgives and hes the creator of the universe. Jerusalem is also of major importance to both religions. It was the city where Christ was brought up, crucified, buried as well as resurrected. He also healed, preached and cleansed the temple so its considered as a holy place. The Al-Aqsa mosque in Sura Al-Isra also called the ‘furthest mosque is located in Jerusalem the holy land. Abdul-Rahman (55-64) the first Muslims also prayed towards Jerusalem not Mecca and it was also the plac e where Muhammad ascended to heaven. The two religions also affirm that God sends angels and prophets to convey messages to his people and through inspired scriptures reveals his divine will. They also believe in the judgement day when God will intervene in the history of mankind and determine their eternal lives depending on personal beliefs and actions. Both religions believe in the power of prayer and fasting as taught by their earlier prophets. Differences between Islam and Christianity Thrower(30-58) argues that Islam disagrees with some of the Christian beliefs about Jesus Christ like him being the son of God and savior of mankind, also the holy trinity of there being God the father, the son and the Holy Spirit. Christians reject Islams prophet and Quran while the Muslims support that God guides Christians but they perceive scriptures in their own interest. It is also different the way Muslims perceive the birth of Jesus compared to Christians. They believe that Jesus was created like Abraham while Christians believe that he was conceived by Virgin Mary through the Holy Spirit. They also believe that Jesus was to be crucified but was miraculously saved while Christians believe he was crucified but resurrected. Christians believe that the bible is Gods holy book which was written by people inspired by God and it teaches the will of God on mankind while the Muslims accept but believe that it has been corrupted to fit peoples interests over the years. Conclusion Christianity and Islam are major worlds religions with the latter having a greater number of followers. They share common origin, values and some believes like God being supreme, prophets being Gods messengers and judgement of humanity based on personal actions and faith while on earth. The Quran and the Bible are considered as the two holy books written through Gods inspiration though the Quran is believed was verbally revealed to prophet. Muhammad through angel Jibril. The two religions have some major differences like the birth, crucification, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They also differ in the originality of the holy bible as compared to that of the holy Quran as well as its interpretation by the Christians. The similarities between the two outweigh the differences. Works Cited Abdul-Rahman, Muhammad, Saed. Islam questions and answers. Volume 22, MSA Publication Limited. Saudi Arabia. 1972 Lewis, Bernard Churchill, Buntzie, Ellis. In the religion and the people. Illustrated. Wharton School Publishing, U.S.A, 2008 Stern, Bernard, Joseph. Science society, Volume 12, 1-3, Concept Publishing Company, 1948. Strachey, Lytton Holroyd Michael. Eminent Victorians, Nile Penguin Classics, 1986. Thrower, James. Marxist-Leninist â€Å"scientific atheism† and the study of religion and atheism in the USSR. Volume 25. Vienna ; Walter de Gruyter, 1983. Willliams, John, Adel. The Word of Islam. University of Texas. Qayrawan. 1994

Influences of Colour on Perception

Influences of Colour on Perception Introduction The great mystery of colour has mesmerised humanity since time immemorial. For every second of the day we are enveloped by a seemingly infinite range of hues which oscillate through morning, noon and night. This incessant interaction with colour has manifested itself in some of the finest examples of artistic expression, such as Wordsworth’s ‘Daffodils’ and Van Gough’s ‘Sunflowers.’ From the cave paintings of pre-history to the conspicuous advertising hoardings of the modern era; all of the great civilisations have been infatuated by colour. In recent years both academics and functionaries within the commercial domain have become increasingly interested in how human beings are influenced by colours. Much advancement has been made in the fields of colour psychology and colour marketing. It would certainly appear that colour has a profound effect upon the human psyche. As Diane Ackerman has noted ‘Colour doesn’t occur in the world but in the mind.’[1] Colour and Perception According to the Oxford Dictionary colour is defined as ‘the sensation produced on the eye by rays of light when resolved as by a prism, selective reflection, etc., into different wavelengths.’[2] It was Sir Isaac Newton who discovered this phenomenon by focusing a ray of white light upon a prism and creating a spectrum. His findings are illustrated in his 1704 work entitled ‘The Opticks.’ Each colour has a unique frequency and wavelength, and all comprise the segment of the electromagnetic spectrum which is visible to the human eye. Specific objects both reflect and absorb particular wavelengths of radiation. The reason that plants appear to be ‘green’ is because they absorb all colours in the electromagnetic spectrum with the exception of green.[3] The green light is reflected by the plant and can consequently be detected by the human eye. All ‘coloured’ objects surrounding us are in fact reflecting ‘their’ colour towards us. The complex process of colour identification and differentiation is initiated by the ‘cone’ cells of the retina which can detect blue, red and green light.[4] This information is then transmitted to the optic nerve and onwards to the brain. Some scientists insist that blue, red and green are the true primary colours and that all colours are merely combinations of the three. However, many dispute this and argue that yellow is a primary colour. Aristotle and Goethe classified yellow as a primary colour and noted how it is the first to materialise from white light.[5] The ‘pure’ quality of yellow is evident and it exhibits the highest reflectivity of all the colours.[6] Yellow is also a ‘warm’ colour of long wavelength and the retina must enlarge convexly in order to focus objects of this hue. A bright yellow banana will seem larger and closer to the spectator than an object reflecting a cool shade of blue or green from equal distance.[6] Yellow is truly a highly prominent component of the electromagnetic spectrum. The puissance of this colour is evident in its outstanding ability to attract the eye and it is commonly deployed for promotional purposes in the commercial sector. As E P Danger has stated it is an ‘excellent attention getter.’[7] Yellow is synonymous with the warmth, energy and vitality of the sun, and the theme of ‘hope’ is evoked as it represented the first light of dawn to peoples of pre-history.[8] It is the hue of science, expansion, alacrity and swift decision making.[9] The emotional impact of yellow was observed by Diane Ackerman whilst observing a brilliant piece of yellow sulphur. She described an overwhelming ‘rush’ of pleasure and excitement.1[0] June McLeod noticed that ‘we can sometimes lose our identity and focus with too much yellow.1[1] Students of colour psychology are familiar with the link between this colour and the emotional chakrah of the solar plexus.1[2] Particular shades of yellow can have a detrimental impact upon the viewer. Negative concepts of disease, jaundice and decay have so often been associated with it. The notorious ‘yellow-press’ and yellow of the coward conjure up less palatable images.1[3] These factors, which have been ingrained into the collective consciousness of the human race, must be carefully considered and borne in mind by those wishing to utilise the colour yellow for academic and commercial purposes. The Use of Yellow Paper for Academic Purposes The increased use of dyes in the paper production process of the late eighteenth century, and subsequent developments in the industry, have provided the medium of coloured paper.1[4] On a rudimentary level, coloured paper may be deployed by academic institutions for classification purposes. The Scottish Examination Board issue a different colour of exam paper for each respective subject. E P Danger has stated that yellow is ‘one of the best of all colours for paper because of its high visibility.’1[5] He also notes how ‘it is said to stimulate the intellect and for that reason is often used in libraries.’1[6] Librarians often choose to index by affixing yellow tags on the spine of books. This allows prompt recognition for those searching for a specific text. Card index files and ‘post-it notes’ are also frequently provided in this colour. Strong shades of yellow can prove effective for presentational purposes in both the lecture theatre and the classroom. The subliminal effects of yellow paper can clearly have a positive effect on those engaged within the realms of academia. June McLeod recognises yellow as the colour of ‘mental energy’ and highlights how typing or writing on to yellow paper will keep you alert and focused on the job at hand.’1[7] Dee and Taylor have decreed that yellow is the colour of ‘those who must concentrate.’1[8] Yellow paper is also less stark than white paper and thus more conducive to study. Much research has been conducted using ‘colour cards.’ It has been discovered that humans ‘sense’ colour through the skin. Suzy Chiazzari has explained how ‘many blind people can differentiate colours by passing their fingers or hands over an object.’1[9] Yellow paper can be readily deployed by academics and colour therapists alike in order to harness the properties of this specific colour. Yellow Paper and Advertising The vibrant world of advertising and marketing draws considerably upon the profound qualities of the colour yellow. The prominent hue of the ‘Yellow Pages’ directory is instantly discernable, internationally recognised, and affords prompt access to a vast array of service providers. The presentation of black type upon yellow pages focuses the mind excellently and provides high visibility.2[0] The reader may deploy ‘skimming’ skills and be less likely to overlook the desired information. Many phone directories and publications have now emulated the success of the ‘Yellow Pages’ when exhibiting classfied sections. Yellow paper is commonly the medium of flyers, which are distributed freely in urban areas, and for posters in public places. It can swiftly transmit a specific message to the target audience. The importance of colour in advertising is of paramount importance and can transmit powerful messages via company logo, stationery, packaging and design.2[1] Yellow is favoured by the travel and leisure industries with its promise of sunshine. The cover of the current Tropical Locations travel brochure is a dazzling shade of rich yellow. Low budget travel operators and airlines make liberal use of yellow in their advertising campaigns as they strive to coax potential clients with notions of instant Mediterranean climes. The ‘holiday’ concept has been masterfully exploited by the Kodak photographic company for many years now and ‘Kodak yellow’ has become almost synonymous with sun, sea and sand. Food promotion shares a close relationship with yellow in most cultures2[2] as the colour has an appetising effect upon consumers.2[3] Products such as cheese and butter are usually marketed and packaged in this hue. The recent Cadbury’s Twirl product was successfully promoted with yellow lettering emblazoned upon a violet background. This is interesting as violet is the complimentary colour to yellow on the Colour Wheel.2[4] Products which are promoted using yellow frequently utilise shades of blue and violet to harmonise visual appeal. A rich yellow implies a strong taste and more golden shades represent quality. The world famous MacDonald’s logo with its large yellow ‘arches’ embodies the concept of ‘fast food.’ Yellow paper is used for the labelling and promotion of soft drinks. A paler shade signifies a lemon or milder taste.2[5] However, the use of a stronger yellow to promote Lucozade epitomises the concept of ‘energy’ excellently. Alcoholic beverages such as Tennents Lager and Boddington’s Ale utilise yellow for marketing purposes. This is extremely effective as it symbolises the very appearance of the product. Cardboard packaging and place mats may be eye-catching, but also serve to kindle images of the drink in the mind, as well as whet consumer appetite. Products targeted at younger people are generally advertised using yellow. It has been discovered that children like yellow and teenagers respond positively to the colour.2[6] Children’s wear and cosmetics are often advertised using yellow. This colour is associated with newness, youth and optimism.2[6] This may be why the ‘Job Centre’ in the United Kingdom has recently been conducting its employment campaign in the colours of yellow and green, which combined, are symbolic of spring-time and new beginnings. Conclusion Danger has emphasised that colour ‘motivates people in a way that is largely subconscious’ and that it is extremely difficult to discern ‘where physical, visual processes end and mental processes begin.’2[7] Ackerman has also commented that ‘scientists have known for many years that certain colours trigger an emotional response in people.’[28] The development of the ‘Colour Effects System’ since the 1970s highlights that there is a definite correlation between colour and human response to colour. It is generally accepted that yellow provides the most powerful psychological stimulus. It is for this reason that it has been utilised by academics and advertisers for a wide variety of purposes. When one considers the high incidence of yellow paper within academic institutions and the commercial sector it clearly has a profound influence. The overwhelming amount of logos, promotional literature and products which have harnessed the colour is truly astounding. It is even more intriguing that we are often not even consciously aware of its potent subliminal messages. The mysterious appeal of the colour yellow ensures that yellow paper shall continue to be produced and utilised for academic and promotional purposes for many years to come. Bibliography ACKERMAN, D. A Natural History of the Senses, Phoenix, 2000  Pages: 252-256 CHIAZZARI, S. The Complete Book of Colour, Element, 1998  Pages: 12-18 DANGER, E P. The Colour Handbook, How to use colour in commerce and industry, Gower Technical Press, 1987.  Pages: 54, 56, 60, 61, 329, 378, 572, 573, 575-577, 580, 582, 585, 586. DEE, J. TAYLOR, L. Colour Therapy, The symbolism, use and healing effects of colour, Silverdale, 2002.  Pages: 8, 59 GREGORY, R L. Eye and Brain, The psychology of seeing, Oxford University Press, fifth edition, 1998.  Pages 124-126 JONES, M. JONES, G. MARCHINGTON, P. Physics, Cambridge University Press, Second Edition, 1997.  Pages: 138-140 MCLEOD, J. Colours of the Soul, Piatkus, 2000  Pages: 131, 132, 136, 145-158. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PAPER MERCHANTS. EDUCATION COMMITTEE, Paper, its making, merchanting and usage, Longman, third edition, 1974.  Pages 5, 7. WRIGHT, A. The Beginners Guide to Colour Psychology, Kyle Cathie Limited, 1998.  Pages: 17, 21, 27, 81, 149, 150, 154. The Concise Oxford Dictionary, Oxford University Press, 1990.  Page: 223 Footnotes [1] D Ackerman, A Natural History of the Senses, Phoenix, 2000) 254 [2] The Concise Oxford Dictionary, Oxford University Press, 1990) 223 [3] M Jones, G Jones, P Marchington, Physics, Cambridge University Press, 1997) 139 [4] M Jones, G Jones, P Marchington) 140 [5] A Wright, The Beginner’s Guide to colour Psychology, Kyle Cathie, 1998) 17 [6] J Dee, L Taylor , Colour Therapy: The Symbolism, Use and Healing Effects of colour, Silverdale) 2002 [6] EP Danger, The Colour Handbook: How to Use Colour in Commerce and Industry, Gower, 1987) 56 [7] EP Danger) 573 [8] EP Danger) 586 [9] J Dee, L Taylor) 59 [0] 10 D Ackerman) 254 [1] 1 J McLeod, Colours of the Soul, Piatkus, 2000) 136 [2] 12 A Wright) 27 [3] 13 E P Danger) 585 [4] 14 National Association of Paper Merchants, Paper, its making, merchanting and usage, Longman, 1974) 5 [5] 15 E P Danger) 585 [6] 16 E P Danger) 572 [7] 17 J McLeod) 136 [8] 18 J Dee, L Taylor) 59 [9] 19 S Chiazzari, The Complete Book of Colour, Element books Limited, 1998) 15 [0] 20 E P Danger) 582 [1] 21 J McLeod) 131 [2] 2 E P Danger) 575 [3] 23 E P Danger) 329 [4] 24 A Wright) 149 [5] 25 E P Danger) 576 [6] 26 E P Danger) 573 [6] 26 A Wright) 150 [7] 27 E P Danger) 56 [28] D Ackerman) 254

Is the Shroud of Turin Authentic? Essay -- Religion, Jesus, Resurrecti

The Shroud of Turin is probably one of the most unusual, profound, studied artifacts in the world. The Shroud is a linen cloth that contains the image of what appears to be a crucified man. Many people have speculated that it is the burial cloth of Jesus, while others speculate that it is an artistic painting. Over the years many test and studies have been conducted to prove once and for all if the Shroud of Turin is authentic or fake. Let’s look at different perspectives and outcomes of the testing and you decide for yourself what you think to be true. One study believes that the Shroud could be evidence of the resurrection of Jesus. It is believed that the linen cloth contains areas that coincide with the wounds Jesus is said to have incurred according to the Bible during his crucifixion. The patterns have a distinctive resemblance to where each cut, bruise, and punishment inflicted upon Jesus would have left on his body. (Thomsen, Science News) Some scientists are even saying that the image on the cloth is from a scorch or possible burn of some kind. However, they seem to think it is from a form of projection, because no contact was actually made to the cloth. (Thomsen, Science News) How can that even be possible? Scientist can’t explain that reasoning, so if it can’t be explained does that mean it didn’t happen? To those who feel everything needs proof or reasoning, yes, but to those who trust in faith and certain religious belief, anything is possible. The earliest documentation we have tells us that the mystery began in 1389. A Bishop by the name of Pierre d’ Areis wrote a letter to the pope of that era accusing a knight by the name of Geoffray II of placing a cloth in the church claiming it to be the original cloth us... ...hentic or not. I don’t believe that it’s a painting of any kind, but I’m still not convinced that it was the burial cloth of Christ. I do believe there was a resurrection and that Jesus suffered at the hands of those who set out to crucify him. I believe he was tortured, beaten, scourged, nailed, and speared through the side. However, even with my belief I’m not truly convinced that there’s enough factual evidence to say that the Shroud was that used to wrap Jesus. I’m no scientist by any means of the word. There is a lot of evidence that proves it could be authentic, but there’s not enough to prove without a shadow of doubt in my own eyes that is the case. To be completely honest we may never know if the Shroud of Turin is authentic, but we’ve made it this far without knowing. Does it really make a difference one way or the other to know? To me the answer is no.

Legal Development of Abortion Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive Topics

Legal Development of Abortion      Ã‚  Ã‚   This essay traces the development of abortion law in English and American society up to the time of Roe v. Wade in 1973. Beginning with Biblical citations, the essay researches the Early Church Fathers on the issue; the American colonies; developments of the 1800's which caused change, and so on.    Up to the time of the Protestant Reformation, the English society inherited its traditional anti-abortion law from the Church practice of 1500 years standing; which belief began even before Christianity as part of the Old Testament Jewish belief. The Old Testament tells us: "Death was not God's doing, he takes no pleasure in the extinction of the living" (Wis. 1:13). What is willed is life, and in the visible universe everything has been made for man, who is the image of God and the world's crowning glory (Gen. 1:26-28). In the Christian tradition, the Early Church Fathers taught in The Didache, perhaps the first Christian catechism from 70-90AD, the following in chapter 2, verses 1-2: "The second commandment of the teaching: You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not seduce boys. You shall not commit fornication. You shall not steal. You shall not practice magic. You shall not use potions. You shall not procure [an] abortion, nor destroy a newborn child." (Ju rgens vol.1,p.2)    The colonies inherited English Common Law and largely operated under it until well into the 19th century. English Common Law forbade abortion. Abortion prior to quickening was a misdemeanor. Abortion after quickening (feeling life) was a felony. This bifid punishment, inherited from earlier ecclesiastic law, stemmed from earlier "knowledge" regarding human reproduction.    In... ...ial state (pre-polled at 60% pro-abortion), voted 63% against abortion. It seemed obvious that most people did not want abortion. But, on January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, and abortion was imposed from the top down. (Roe)    WORKS CITED: Dellapenna,J. The History of Abortion: Technology, Morality, and Law, University of Pittsburgh Law Review, 1979 Quay, Justifiable Abortion-Medical and Legal Foundations, Georgetown Univ., Law Review, 1960-1961 Jurgens, William A. The Faith of the Early Fathers. N.p.: Liturgical Press, 1998. Roe vs. Wade, U.S. Supreme Court410 U.S. 113, 1973 Doe vs. Bolton, U.S. Supreme Court 410 U.S. 179, 1973 Washington Post April 27, 1981 Women and Abortion, Prospects of Criminal Charges Monograph, American Center for Bioethics, 422 C St., NE, Washington, DC 20002, Spring 1983 Legal Development of Abortion Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive Topics Legal Development of Abortion      Ã‚  Ã‚   This essay traces the development of abortion law in English and American society up to the time of Roe v. Wade in 1973. Beginning with Biblical citations, the essay researches the Early Church Fathers on the issue; the American colonies; developments of the 1800's which caused change, and so on.    Up to the time of the Protestant Reformation, the English society inherited its traditional anti-abortion law from the Church practice of 1500 years standing; which belief began even before Christianity as part of the Old Testament Jewish belief. The Old Testament tells us: "Death was not God's doing, he takes no pleasure in the extinction of the living" (Wis. 1:13). What is willed is life, and in the visible universe everything has been made for man, who is the image of God and the world's crowning glory (Gen. 1:26-28). In the Christian tradition, the Early Church Fathers taught in The Didache, perhaps the first Christian catechism from 70-90AD, the following in chapter 2, verses 1-2: "The second commandment of the teaching: You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not seduce boys. You shall not commit fornication. You shall not steal. You shall not practice magic. You shall not use potions. You shall not procure [an] abortion, nor destroy a newborn child." (Ju rgens vol.1,p.2)    The colonies inherited English Common Law and largely operated under it until well into the 19th century. English Common Law forbade abortion. Abortion prior to quickening was a misdemeanor. Abortion after quickening (feeling life) was a felony. This bifid punishment, inherited from earlier ecclesiastic law, stemmed from earlier "knowledge" regarding human reproduction.    In... ...ial state (pre-polled at 60% pro-abortion), voted 63% against abortion. It seemed obvious that most people did not want abortion. But, on January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, and abortion was imposed from the top down. (Roe)    WORKS CITED: Dellapenna,J. The History of Abortion: Technology, Morality, and Law, University of Pittsburgh Law Review, 1979 Quay, Justifiable Abortion-Medical and Legal Foundations, Georgetown Univ., Law Review, 1960-1961 Jurgens, William A. The Faith of the Early Fathers. N.p.: Liturgical Press, 1998. Roe vs. Wade, U.S. Supreme Court410 U.S. 113, 1973 Doe vs. Bolton, U.S. Supreme Court 410 U.S. 179, 1973 Washington Post April 27, 1981 Women and Abortion, Prospects of Criminal Charges Monograph, American Center for Bioethics, 422 C St., NE, Washington, DC 20002, Spring 1983

Racism in Schools Essay

Some people seem to think racism in schools died out a long time ago. This statement couldn’t be more wrong. Racism in the learning environment is more evident than ever, and it needs to be stopped because it affects the way students learn and their success. There are many stories and incidents where discrimination has occurred and the effects they have had on students. Take the art teacher from Chicago for example. During class one day, some students spilled paint on the teacher’s jacket. She became very angry and said,†? all Mexicans are criminals, and you were born to scrub floors† The teacher was rightfully fired from her job. It was decided by the Board of Education in Chicago that all the teachers will need to undergo â€Å"sensitivity training†. They don’t need to learn how to be sensitive, what teachers need to know is to accept everyone as equal. There can be no discrimination in schools because is disrupts the learning environment. There are many stories and accounts of racism in schools against African Americans. They range from the little things such as telling the black boy to throw out his gum but let the white boy chew it, to moving all the black kids to the back of the class. There is one story about a white male teacher who called a black student â€Å"nigger†. The boy was walking into the English class one day, and the teacher told him to â€Å"sit down nigga! † The teacher claims that because he hears the students calling each other that casually in the hallways all the time, it gives him a right to also use the word. He says he used the term â€Å"nigga† instead of â€Å"nigger† because they are two completely different words and he would never use â€Å"nigger† against someone. Consequently, the teacher was fired for racial discrimination. The racism that teachers put onto their students causes low expectations from black kids. Because they have had so many negative experiences in school, they lack the motivation and confidence to do well. It was found in a review of research about teacher expectations that teachers hold more negative attitudes about black students’ ability, language, behavior and potential, than they do of white students’. There are reports of black students scoring lower in reading assessments than white students. This could be the cause of black students not trying because they are not confident in themselves. It was also found that black kids receive more severe punishments than white kids for the same offense, and they are more likely to be suspended from schools. There are also accounts of minority parents feeling that they have had less positive experience while visiting their kids’ schools than white parents. There are reports from the minority parents about the discipline problems. Black students do not expect to succeed in the educational world because how can one enjoy it when their whole lives they have been identified as unworthy and incapable. Kids need to be taught about racism and how to avoid discrimination so they do not develop any bias thought about people as they grow up. Some schools are even trying to make racism and cultural diversity part of their curriculum. There is a lot of ignorance surrounding African Americans, Asians, and students of other nationalities and kids need to learn and accept all people. Introducing students to the different cultures that are out there can help them learn better and perform better in school. They would not worry about students getting hurt and would all have the same opportunities. Students would not be concerned with disappointing teachers or receiving punishments that are not appropriate. There are countless accounts of racism occurring in schools all around the country and the world against students and also against teachers. Alison Moore, a black teacher in London, was attacked and knocked unconscious by three white students while leaving her school last year. There is always going to prejudice people present in schools, but there are ways to work around it to help benefit the education of the students. Racism deeply affects the way students learn and how they will see themselves for the rest of their lives. A student’s teacher is one of the most important adult figures in one’s life, and if there are problems in that relationship then there will be problems forever, and no child needs that in their life.

Macbeth and Macduff Essay

Macbeth explains that Lady Macbeth hates her weak self. â€Å"Make thick me blood. † (1:5:44). Lady Macbeth wants to feel no emotion; she wants to stop being a woman and become a more dominant factor. In this case she wants to become a man. Shakespeare supports his explanation by asking Lady Macbeth ask the spirits to change her, â€Å"Come to my woman’s breast/ and take y milk for gall. (1:5:48-49), she doesn’t want what she has because it is of no longer use to her â€Å"gall†. The author’s purpose it to inform that Lady Macbeth is the true killer and is using Macbeth as a puppet. The author writes in a dominant tone to show Lady Macbeth’s feeling toward change. First, Shakespeare portrays an ominous image in Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy, â€Å"The raven himself is hoarse. †(1:5:37-38). She talks of the future death of the king. The Raven being the messenger who announces death. The cacophonous word â€Å"hoarse† portrays the raven’s speech and harsh tone of voice. Then, there is a tip in the balance of the hegemonic structure in the play. â€Å"That my keen knife see not the wound it makes. †(1:5:51). Lady Macbeth knows hat she is not supposed to have a â€Å"keen knife†, perhaps not a knife at all. A woman, in her right place, should not be keen. She must submit and let her husband have all the control. Where as Lady Macbeth wants to be the one with all the power. The cacophonous diction that Shakespeare uses for the Lady Macbeth. That tend on mortal Ruiz2 thoughts† (1:5:40). Lady Macbeths uses the harsh â€Å"t† expresses her self loathing toward her self and her weakness. â€Å"Nor keep peace between† (1:5:45). There is an eerie â€Å"e† sound portrayed in this line. Shakespeare’s Macbeth portrays the dominance women have. The dominance and the plan that Lady Macbeth has over her own husband. She uses this power to her advantage. Throughout the play Shakespeare reveals through more images of Lady Macbeth’s dominant power.