Brief Literature Review

Pelvic examination is an important component of the primary care of women especially by internists. This study conducted an internist-run education program that consisted of 4 weekly patient-care sessions with 2-3 patients under a resident internist. They supervised each pelvic examination and gave real-time feedback and used a skills-assessment checklist during the first and last exam of the program to yield a comprehensive and formative feedback.Number of questions used in the questionnaire was not distinctively discussed, though it was stated the questionnaire was administered twice, first prior to the program, then the second questionnaire was administered after 3 months. With regards to the questionnaire, a 5-point Likert Scale was used in this study to asses results. Based from the results, the patient’s self-assessed competencies have improved and it may help increase the likelihood of residents performing pelvic examination in primary care.(Goldstein C. E. , 2005) The second study evaluated the effects of an in-service program on the perceptions, knowledge and concerns of nursing faculty members about students with disability. 112 faculty members were trained in 8 nursing programs. The number of questions utilized in the study was not specifically stated, though it a definite Likert Scale of 6-point was used.The areas aspects which the Likert Scale dealt with were legal issues, classroom strategies, clinical teaching strategies and accommodations Likert Scale was administered to the faculty members to rate their awareness of whether people with disabilities could succeed as nursing students or professionals. The results of the questionnaire were reported in terms of an average value or the mean ratings, which was defined or found out to be approximately 4.From this result, it was concluded that there was a big significance on the faculty members’ perception before and after the training. The results of this study suggest that faculty membe rs’ perceptions, knowledge and concern can be positively affected through training. (Sowers J. A. , 2004) The third study utilized a modified Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) to assess the teaching of medical communication skills. First year college students completed a CEQ that would be potentially useful in evaluating innovative programmes and securing support for their development.In this study, a course experience questionnaire (CEQ30) having 30 questions was used, which was an innovation of the course experience questionnaire (CEQ25) (Broomfield & Bligh, 1998) having 25 questions only. In this questionnaire, five items were devoted specifically to on medical communication skills teaching. The questionnaire which was administered used a Likert Scale of 5-points. The developed questionnaire was employed to test whether it’s applicable or not in evaluating the medical communication skills teaching Measures: In 1997 to 1998.Results were reported using average val ues, stating the number of principal components factor analysis of responses equal to 165. From the results, it was found out that the CEQ30 was a reliable instrument to evaluate a course design. (Steele G. , 2003) The fourth study is about the perceived efficiency of teaching methods used for health services management education. The study was conducted to bring into consideration the challenges of establishing an experimental link between teaching methods and the outcome of education in a classroom.Program directors from the AUPHA graduate programs were surveyed in 1998 regarding the supposed success of a wide range of teaching methods employed. No definite number of questions or items in the questionnaire was mentioned, and it the Likert Scale used was not specifically mentioned, only that its range varies from very effective to not very effective. The results were not reported quantitatively, but rather qualitatively, whereas the highest and the lowest ranked teaching method was elaborated.Based from the results, the authors they suggested a research agenda for measuring the education outcomes in a classroom. (Hilberman D. W. , 2000) The fifth study is about the participation in continuing nursing education programs by staff development specialists. Staff development specialists were surveyed regarding their reasons for their participation in continuing nursing education programs. Hospital-based staff development specialists from the American Hospital Association member facilities responded to the Participation Reasons Scale (PRS).No definite number of questions was mentioned in the study, though it was mentioned that a Likert Scale with a rating of 1 to 7 was used. The Likert Scale was used to determine if it was effective or not, where results were presented in terms of mean scores. It was found out that the average scores of the Hospital-based staff development specialists in the Likert Scale was 3. 52 to 6. 40. Results were also reported that there wer e significant differences in the responses. Furthermore, the results showed a statistically significant difference in the responses of certified and noncertified staff development specialists.It was stated that the result scans help continuing education professionals make decisions and programming, though further studies were still recommended. (Aucoin, J. W. , 1998) The last study investigated whether physiotheraphy students’ attitudes towards physiotheraphy changes during training in what way. Literature and studies on this topic is limited and there is controversy about the process of professional socialisation and attitude changes that occur during the training in health care professions. In the study, no exact number of questions used in the questionnaire was stated.Though in it was mentioned that there were 52 respondents, wherein a Likert Scale, of no definite scale mentioned, was used. The results were presented using frequencies of respondents on a particular aspect or subject which the questions tackled. The result showed no significant difference in the attitudes of the first, second and third year students. This study provides useful information which could be used to help in the selection of students and in the planning of the future courses. Also, recommendations for further studies are made.(Wadsworth, S. J. , 1991) References Goldstein C. E. , H. I. , Foldes C. , et al. . (2005). Internists training medical residents in pelvic examination: impact of an educational program. (Publication. Retrieved August 22, 2007, from The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Library and Information Services: http://www. csp. org. uk/director/libraryandpublications/libraryandinformationservices. cfm Hilberman D. W. , D. P. L. , Andersen R. M. , et al. . (2000). Perceived effectiveness of teaching methods for heath services administration education.(Publication. Retrieved August 22, 2007, from The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Library and Information Se rvices: http://www. csp. org. uk/director/libraryandpublications/libraryandinformationservices. cfm J. W. , A. (1998). Participation in continuing nursing education programs by staff development specialists. (Publication. Retrieved August 22, 2007, from The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Library and Information Services http://www. csp. org. uk/director/libraryandpublications/libraryandinformationservices. cfm S. J. , W. (1991).A study to show changes in physiotherapy students' attitude to physiotherapy during training Addenbrookes Hospital Cambridge School of Physiotherapy. (Publication. Retrieved August 22, 2007, from The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Library and Information Services: http://www. csp. org. uk/director/libraryandpublications/libraryandinformationservices. cfm Sowers J. A. , S. M. R. (2004). Evaluation of the effects of an inservice training program on nursing faculty members' perceptions, knowledge, and concerns about students with disabilities. (Publicati on.Retrieved August 22, 2007, from The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Library and Information Services: http://www. csp. org. uk/director/libraryandpublications/libraryandinformationservices. cfm Steele G. , W. S. , Simeon D. . (2003). Using a modified course experience questionnaire (CEQ) to evaluate the innovative teaching of medical communication skills. (Publication. Retrieved August 22, 2007, from The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Library and Information Services: http://www. csp. org. uk/director/libraryandpublications/libraryandinformationservices. cfm

Frankenstein- a Victim of Society

â€Å"If you judge people, you have no time to love them. † -Mother Teresa In the novel, Frankenstein, the monster does not belong in society because of many factors, but if the monster was created in present time, he would still be criticized by society. Today, people are judged by humanity the same way they were in the past. Even as the world is drastically changing, society remains the same. The monster in Frankenstein does not suit society primarily because of his appearance, but also because he has no friends or family to guide him into becoming accepted.Victor Frankenstein unintentionally creates a monster while trying to establish an elixir of life. When the monster is brought to life, Victor initially sees him as beautiful, but then the sight of him became sickening and repulsive. Victor says, â€Å"His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected his features as beautiful†¦ the beauty of the dream vanished, and the breathless horror and disgust filled my heartâ €  (56). Victor is the only family the monster has. He is the father and creator of this being but cannot fathom the idea of his creation.Victor has nightmares about the monster and becomes extremely ill over his invention. Victor rejects the monster, leaving him to go out and discover the world on his own. â€Å"I sought to avoid the wretch whom I feared every turning of the street would present to my view†¦ My heart palpitated with the sickness of fear. †(58) This is the first indication of how the rest of society will treat the monster. The monster’s appearance is the main reason he is not approved by society. I had hardly placed my foot within the door before the children shrieked, and one woman fainted†¦ some fled, some attacked me†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (101). The monster has no inclination as to why the village reacts this way until he sees a reflection of himself. He even describes himself as repulsive in appearance. The monster began to observe the De Lace y family. They have exactly what he wants: relationships full of love and kindness which symbolize acceptance. He longs for a companion to talk to and enjoy life with. After a couple of months, he realizes the family is poor.He begins to help by cutting and collecting wood for them, but he stays out of sight. He does this so they will realize that he is a good person and not just a horrifying monster. After discovering that the father is blind, he prepares a plan to gain himself a place in society. One day, when the rest of the family is gone, the monster goes into the De Lacey home to socialize with the father. He succeeds in developing a short relationship, but as soon as the family returns they are frightened and attack him, without allowing the monster to explain anything about his existence.Even the loving and caring family that he has done so much for does not accept him, solely because of his appearance. â€Å"He [Felix] dashed me to the ground and struck me violently with a stick† (129). Society today is much the same as it was in the past. People have trouble finding acceptance because of the color of their skin, the clothes they wear, or the language they speak. If the monster was created today, he would have the same amount of difficulties finding acceptance as he did during the time period of Frankenstein.In the article, â€Å"Political and Cultural Cross-Dressingâ€Å", Flavio Risech talks about how different countries each demand a different way of presenting oneself. Risech is a Cuban that crossed the border to live in the United States. The cultures are extremely different between the two. He has to change his appearance to try to fit in because the Cubans do not believe he is Cuban based on his skin color, apparel, and behavior. â€Å"It is the combination of the complexion, the clothing, and the foreigner’s demeanor which triggers the Cubans’ perception of me as other† (432).In Cuba, accents assist in characteriz ing a person as Cuban, but Risech is also told that he does not speak with a Cuban accent. â€Å"Then an acquaintance in Havana tells me I speak Spanish with a Puerto Rican accent† (432). Risech is incapable of finding acceptance in his native land, even though he knows he belongs. In the article, â€Å"From Outside, Inâ€Å", Barbara Mellix explains how language in African American culture helps define a person. When she is with her kinfolk she must use improper English so the rest of her family can understand.With friends or relatives, that are less close, she speaks a mixture of proper and improper English. In public and among strangers, proper English is the requirement. â€Å"There were implicit and explicit principles that guided our way of life and shaped our relationships with one another and the people outside† (390). Both of these articles are perfect representations of how the monster would fit into society today. The monster struggles with acceptance beca use of his appearance and inability to explain himself.Risech has trouble fitting in because of his disposition and accent, and Mellix has to be conscious about the way she speaks around certain people to be sure she is welcome in each group. Frankenstein, â€Å"Political and Cultural Cross-Dressingâ€Å", and â€Å"From Outside, In† represent how society â€Å"judges a book by its cover†, both today and in the past. The monster is inadequate for humankind because of his looks, which causes him to have no companions to cure his inexplicable pain of loneliness. â€Å"In the end, people should be judged by their actions, since in the end, it was actions that defined everyone. † -Nicholas Sparks

Ethics in Sport

As George Orwell said, â€Å"Serious sport has nothing to do with fair play. It is bound up with hatred, jealousy, boastfulness, disregard of all rules and sadistic pleasure in witnessing violence. † In other words, sport isn’t just about game play anymore. The athletes we see in serious sport, the people who have acclaimed money and fame, usually expect better treatment from everyone else, they’re spoiled and therefore behave poorly on the basis they believe they can get away with it.This is why it is not only appropriate, but essential for sporting clubs to punish athletes for off field indiscretions, that is, behaviour that displays a lack of good judgement. Sporting clubs should show no lenience towards athletes who choose to put their sporting careers at risk by behaving in childish ways. Their contracts should result in termination, suspension or they should be fined, depending on the circumstance. Athletes who display idiotic behaviour create a financial l oss for their club as well as creating a negative image for them too.And, by being in the public eye, they are setting a bad example for their fans, especially the children who look up to them. Media coverage of off field indiscretions can create a negative image of the club that has employed the athlete involved. The Rugby league’s image problem is at a very bad state and is known to have so many scandals that even a Wikipedia page has been made for their record of off field indiscretions. On Sunday 17th April, 2011 there was a 60 Minutes report that highlighted the battle between AFL and Rugby league for junior participation.The parents that were interviewed admitted that the relatively clean-cut image of the AFL held greater appeal for them, and normally led to them persuading their kids not to choose Rugby league. Rugby players are continuously stained with a poor reputation because of the reckless actions of a very small minority. An athlete represents the club they belo ng to. So, when one member of the team is involved with off field indiscretions they are ruining it for the respectable players, in ways such as losing hard earned sponsorships.When an athlete displays poor behaviour they are initiating a loss of millions of dollars. Now, more than ever, sporting clubs are pressured by their athlete’s sponsors to take appropriate action for off field indiscretions . This is because when an athlete is involved with off field indiscretions their sponsors will dissociate themselves from the club. Tiger Wood’s disgusting adulterous indiscretions in 2010 received worldwide media attention, and the outcome of this negative coverage caused the loss of millions of dollars in sponsorship deals.On another note, long-standing Sydney Roosters sponsor, Samsung, dumped their club in 2009 after a series of off-field indiscretions left them no choice but to detach their brand with rugby league before it tarnished their own reputation. This indicates t hat such contracts should be terminated on the basis that the athlete’s behaviour had a drastic financial effect on the game. In a competitive sporting landscape, no club is in a position to be losing sponsors, nor are they in a position to be losing fans. Athletes are role models to our children.Unfortunately, it is almost unavoidable that children will observe athletes acting aggressively, as the media are irresponsible in over-covering and sensationalizing violent incidents in sport. Sociology professor at Oregon State and author of several published studies’ on athlete’s behaviour, Steven Ortiz, says: â€Å"Spoiled-athlete syndrome begins early in sports socialization. From the time they could be picked out of a lineup because of their exceptional athletic ability, they've been pampered and catered to by coaches, classmates, teammates, family members and partners. As they get older, this becomes a pattern.Because they're spoiled, they feel they aren't accou ntable for their behaviors off the field. They're so used to people looking the other way. † The athlete’s shouldn’t be used to people looking the way, and they simply can’t afford to while they are in the public eye, as role models. In psychology, I’ve learnt about ‘model behavior’ that is, that from a young age we imitate behavior we observe from our role models. In more detail, if they’re behavior is followed by a positive outcome we are more likely to imitate this behavior then if it were followed by a negative consequence.Therefore, if we expose our children to inappropriate athletes that aren’t punished for their off field-discretions – and these athletes happen to be perceived as role models, are we promoting our children to develop an aggressive repertoire of behavior? Many would argue that an off field indiscretion has no impact on the game play of the athlete, and therefore they should not be terminated as punishment from the game because they are a valuable team member.However, the decision by the AFL club, the Brisbane Lions to terminate the contract of star full-forward, Brendon Fevola demonstrates the fact that a player’s off field behaviour can be as much as a consideration as their on-field performance in regards to their employment. Brendon’s controversial antics included embarrassing drunken performances and in The Sunday Telegraph in June 2012 he was quoted saying â€Å"I grabbed a bottle of wine from her fridge and within 15 minutes it was empty.I opened another bottle, drank it, then went for another one. † The fact that the majority of athlete’s sign a code of conduct at the beginning of their careers which outlines what behaviour is expected from player, demonstrates that there are no exceptions and there should be no room for behaviour that doesn’t meet that expectation. It is essential for sporting clubs to punish athletes for their o ff field indiscretions. Any athlete who does not meet the expectation of the club should be terminated as a result.Although it may seem harsh, this is necessary as any idiotic behavior may have a great financial loss as a consequence, and also result in tarnishing their club’s reputation. Also, these athletes are role models to the general public, particularly young children. According to online website, Ranker, the Top 10 Most Popular Athletes published in February 2010, include adulterer Tiger Woods and drug-cheat Lance Armstrong – great role models, right?

Write an essay about the following questions Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Write an about the following questions - Essay Example According to naturalists, the world exists naturally. However, this school of thought assumes that the existence of reality is independent of the observers; thus, the observers should categorize and record these observations (Algra 251). Therefore, a well-developed philosophical accounts leading to any reality must be analyzed against the effects to humanity and world’s naturalist. Moreover, the activities of this reasoning must follow well-organized logical standards. The Aristotle’s ethical views may appeal to a rational reality determination of matters of existence of the universe, but acceptable behavior development and attitude confirmation is needed for proper reasoning towards assessing the reality in the world. Thus, only right characters can properly develop assessment of the world and react to such developments in line with creating values and virtues of these characters within the society (Algra 264). Despite of the contribution of philosophers like Aristotle , it is vital to note that reality often exist regardless of human reason and human activities. Regarding these assumptions, Hedonist and Stoic philosophers derived different social and ethical theories that can be used to examine and explain any intended changes in the nature. Hedonism is a philosophical argument that defines happiness as pleasure created by avoidance of pain. However, in the contemporary world, the hedonist views can be understood as allowing an individual to peruse pleasure without analyzing the other effects on such actions (Algra 622). In fact, Epicurus was opposed to the quest of the bacchanalian pleasures especially regarding extreme sensuality. Epicurus argued that such physical pleasures are usually short-lived and follows an equally extreme pain (Algra 634). In this context, one may consider pleasure as pursue of life and avoidance of pain

Diversity in the Work Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Diversity in the Work Environment - Essay Example Diversity is the guide for innovative thinking, entrepreneurial spirit and new methods of building the communities. According to Abbasi, & Hollman (1991) that Diversity as a concept is one that welcomes numerous ways of thinking and expression as important business resources for the reason that those differences can create new and innovative product and service ideas and methods of problem solving. Carr-Ruffino, (1996) said that managing diversity is considered as planning and implementing business systems and practices to direct people so that the probable advantages of diversity are maximized while its probable disadvantages are minimized. Managing diversity well presents a unique advantage in a time when flexibility and creativity are keys to competitiveness. A business needs to be flexible and adjustable to attain new customer desires. We live in time where understanding diversity is becoming more vital than ever. The word diversity has assumed new significance all throughout the past few years. Diversity has turn out to be related with positive action programs and cultural or gender-based sensitivity training. Yet diverse does exactly explain these days a usual firm's workers, independent contractors and customers. In this situation, it merely describes reality. The diversity issues are now considered important and are projected to turn into even more essential in the future due to growing differences in the population. Businesses' need to focus on diversity and look for ways to develop into totally inclusive organizations for the reason that diversity has the potential of yielding greater productivity and competitive advantages. Diversity is an important competitive asset that cannot afford to overlook. Managing and valuing diversity is a key component of effective people management, which can develop workplace productivity. Demographic changes will necessitate organizations to review the management practices and extend new and creative approaches to mana ging people. Changes will enhance work performance and customer service. Operating in a global economy presents vital challenges to businesses. On the human resources side of the equation, assembling a diverse workforce can be component of an effective overall strategy to stay competitive and create more employee and customer loyalty. The diversity of workforce is a through reflection of the organization and the appreciation of the benefits a diverse workforce has to offer. Diversity recruiting is becoming more and more significant as the world turned into more global. At first, legal compliance was the main driver behind most diversity recruiting. It's essential to recruit diverse individuals not merely for the reason that numerous corporations must operate facilities at multiple locations around the globe, but also for the reason that they need diverse-thinking individuals to design products that will be in high demand in every major country. In a global economy, having a diverse workforce is no longer an alternative. It has developed into an absolute r equirement for victory in a global economy. Various organizations have established processes and procedures for

Organisational Politics Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 10750 words

Organisational Politics - Dissertation Example In the highly competitive environment, where every individual is concerned about job security, pursuance of self-interest has taken dominance. Managers engage in enhancing their abilities and capabilities to use power, and participate in political activities. In the process, they attempt to exercise coercion and control over their subordinates. This naturally gives rise to resistance which takes the shape of conflicts. However, according to Max Weber, organizations can achieve the coordination necessary for rational, logical and calculable action only through impersonal coercion and discipline of subordinates and clients (McNeill, 1978, p65). Pfeffer (1992, p10) contends that power and influence are social realities and in trying to ignore them, organizations lose a chance to understand these critical social processes and to train managers to cope with them. However, power has been associated with such a negative interpretation that people keep away from it for fear of getting a bad name. Politics in general is also related to negative outcomes; politics is considered to be inherently non-rational and subject to power interactions between diverse interests (Kinicki, 2008) but Vigoda (2000, p1) found weak negative relationship between perception of organizational politics and employees’ performance. ... Allen et al (1978, p78) emphasize that managers must know of the political processes and elaborate on the proactive and reactive behavior of the managers. Lee (1987, p316) identifies sources of power as coalition, expertise, information, rewards, emotional ties, authority and coercion while Varman and Bhatnagar add formal authority, rules and regulations, knowledge and information, counter organizations and informal organizations. However, a person’s actual power is a function of the sources, importance and scarcity of the power available to them (Lee, 1987, p317). Farrell and Peterson (1982, p403) examine individual political behavior within an organization, which they feel has been neglected. Fleming and Spicer (2008, p302) propose that power and resistance in an organization are intertwined. Bureaucratic power is used to exercise control and this gives rise to conflicts in the organization. Thompson (1960, p390) discusses the different forms and sources of organizational co nflicts while Rubenstein (1996) differentiates between conflict management, conflict resolution and conflict settlement. To resolve conflicts power and politics are the facilitators. Most of the literature reviewed here suggests that people are rational and active in pursuit of their goals. They need to influence, they need to manipulate to accomplish goals. This would imply that using tact and manipulation is acceptable as it helps further the interest of the individual as well as of the organization. However, they are seldom conscious of the repercussions of their actions. Imbalance of power can lead to several undesirable consequences such as workplace bullying, harassment and victimization. Several authors such as

Beauty and the Beast Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Beauty and the Beast - Essay Example Although there are many versions, this paper will compare and contrast Villeneuve version with that of Disney because of the characters used, setting and plotting. The versions are different in some aspects and at the same time similar. For instance, similarities and differences arises by focusing on the main characters in the story. In the Disney version, the Beast is selfish and whiny who revenged actions of others, such as the woman who refused sheltering . This is contrary to the Villeneuve version where the Beast is unselfish and the only wrong portrayed is refusing to marry his governess. For this reason, I see that the characters in the two versions are different in that one is punished for wrongdoing while the other falls victim of injustices. Similarly, I feel the two versions are different in the way they portray the main character, Belle. In the Disney version, she is the only child of the inventor and lives in France. People love her, and they always bust into songs in her praise. She was the beautiful girl in the village, but unaware of her beauty, making her develop an interest in books and adventuring rather than a housewife.Far rell (315) also supports this observation Contrarily, the Villeneuve versions portray Belle as the youngest daughter of the merchant who lives a luxurious life in the city.Okapina (10) also shares the same sentiments. From all these, one character has different meanings hence confusing the reader as portrayed in the two versions. Secondly, I feel the two versions are different on their expositions. For instance, Disney version names Belle’s father as Maurice and he successfully managed the wood chopping invention making him move to different towns with the hope of winning a prize in fair. However, he got lost on his way back in the woods before coming across the Beast’s castle. In Villeneuve version, the father was referred as the merchant who lost all his wealth because of fire and others taken to pay

SPSS Statistics Project Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

SPSS - Statistics Project Example The students could ONLY study in the environment to which they were assigned during the research period. At the end of the 7-week research period, mid-term GPA was computed for each student. A change score was computed for each student: each students spring midterm GPA was subtracted from his or her GPA for the preceding fall semester. The difference was each students GPA Improvement score. The GPA improvement score was used to measure academic performance. Using the SPSS 2 Ãâ€" 3 ANOVA data file for Module 4 (located in Topic Materials), answer the following questions. NOTE: Helpful hints are provided here for you to use while answering these questions. There is no separate answer sheet/guide to use while doing this assignment. Then two†way between subjects ANOVA is used to analyze the results of a between subjects factorial design with two independent variables (factors). The two†way ANOVA tests three hypotheses: the main effects for each of the two factors and the interaction effect b. What do the results of the Tests of Between-Subjects Effects tell you? Was there a significant main effect of Environment on GPA improvement? Was there a significant main effect of Sex on GPA improvement? Was there a significant interaction effect of Environment X Sex on GPA improvement? Report the results for each of these questions providing the actual F-value and p value using the following format: F(df1, df2) = 0.785____, p = .__000_ or if the p is shown as .000, write it as p c. Use eta squared to provide effect size/proportion of variance accounted associated with each F-value. If the F-value for a main effect and/or for an interaction effect is statistically significant, what is the eta squared (ï  ¨2) value associated with that outcome? Report eta squared, ï  ¨2; ignore partial eta squared that SPSS can provide. You have

The Economic Value of Sports on National Development Research Paper

The Economic Value of Sports on National Development - Research Paper Example The chapter provides a brief scrutiny of various researches done by many researchers regarding the positive economic impact of different types of sports in the USA. Then the chapter illustrates the associated economic development of the places influenced by this major sporting event. Findings propounded that there was an accelerated growth encountered in the regional private sector, sports development, and tourism sector and so on. They also saw the establishment of several craft villages and small businesses which enriched the cultural development of the places. Apart from that, great prospects for future development were also chalked out as a spillover effect of this mega sporting event (Jordan et al, 2011, pp. 25-41). Journal article summary - The Economics of Sports Facilities and Their Communities From the period of 1950s, the main sources of stadium building for the privately owned professional teams have been the taxpayers. The team owners, as well as the associated technical personnel, have claimed that the effects of these professional games are the major enhancer of the local economic activities. But the scenario which is revealed in this paper through diverse economic logic, as well as evidences, show opposite consequences with respect to the above stated concept. It has been found that with respect to professional games, there has been a neutral effect towards the local economic development. Various reasons like substitution effects, multiplier effect and so on has been conjectured for explaining the notion. The support of public for the stadia is carried on by the demand driven by the image of the community. But the owners of the team apply a scarce supply to the improvement of the image. With this type of behavior, they fetch a significant amount of monopoly rents from the taxpayers. The paper directs towards the implementation of reforms which will be able to disperse the monopoly operations of the sports leagues when they enter into negotiation with the host communities for their teams (Siegfried & Zimbalist, 2000). Synthesis The book chapter and the journal article can be synthesized to form some concrete ideas about the economic value of the sports which leads to the national development. Both pieces of literature deal with the economic value creation in a nation. Both studies concentrate on the development of regional as well as local areas with the incorporation of the sports infrastructure development. A very general concept is that today huge money flows with sports which is one of the prime sources of entertainment and includes a strong sense of nationalism and incorporates hardcore business perspectives. The main area of deviance between the two works is that they try to reach the same point but by applying different research outlook. The research elements of the journal article pose a much stronger logical base structure by applying a complimentary theory to reach the aim that sport really adds to the economic dev elopment of the nation. Various economic factors come into the forefront while discussing the impact of sports on development which needs to be thoroughly testified with suitable data. The findings of the paper incorporate economic theories and show that the investments get attracted as well as implemented. But they also point out that it is an internal process of the sports management of the

Communication in Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Communication in Economics - Essay Example And in the case of county, residents will only pay fund if they are, loyal to, or satisfied with the performance of county administration. In the case of small number of county’s residents, the county administration can have close contact with them. It can address to there problems carefully and can redress them if it thinks them legal. Due to better understanding between a resident and administration the chance of resident’s disloyalty and disappointment are reduced. Another advantage is that county administration can more easily deal with a problem than in the case of a large sized county. For example if a problem of water occurs in county, a small sized county can better deal with this problem due to its small size than a large county. Secondly, as the county’s population increases another question about providing amenities like water, security, gas etc. is also raised that is, will the county administration be able to provide these services to the residents in return of taxes e.g. property tax, paid by the residents. In this case if the size of county increases it will be very difficult for county administration to fairly administrate the system of taxation. 2. If the proposal is accepted then how county board will provide necessary services e.g. water etc., in return of taxes and funds paid by residents. As county already lacks sufficient water to support such a population increase. In this situation, how it would be possible for county board to raise sufficient funds for wanted projects. So according to my opinion it will not be adequate to permit the investors unless the county board becomes able to manage such a population change in a well-organized manner. Or on the other hand if county board still wants to permit investor for fund raising for their planned projects, then, at the least, board should permit investors to build only one housing development so that the county’s

Engineering and Construction. Four Categories of Construction Research Paper

Engineering and Construction. Four Categories of Construction - Research Paper Example Therefore, construction would encompass activities such as site clearance and preparation, excavation, and landscaping that are related to the construction work. Among the structures that are often constructed are buildings, walls, masts, towers, structural cable, bridges, highways, and telecommunication structures (Hornbostel, 1991). Moreover, public facilities, infrastructures, and underground works such as tunnels and pipelines are also some of the structures that are constructed. Depending on the activities and processes involved and the type of structure developed, construction is categorized into residential, industrial, engineering, and building construction (Auer et al., 2007). For instance, the industrial category of construction entails the installation of industrial plants and facilities such as oil refineries and sugar factories. On the other hand, the residential category of construction refers to the construction of family homes and other family projects. However, there are other minor categories of construction such as infrastructure, institutional, and pre-engineered categories of construction. A vital point to note is that each category of construction has specific requirements in terms of plans, designs, materials, and funding. This paper explores the four main categories of construction, which are residential, industrial, engineering, and building construction. ... Nevertheless, in situations where property owners are experienced and conversant with building construction, careful and detailed planning has always ensured positive outcome of building construction projects. In the building construction of commercial buildings, private or public procurement methodologies such as cost estimation, price negotiation, management contracting and design-build bridging are applied (Hornbostel, 1991). An important characteristic of building construction is that it entails the assembly of structures for the provision of shelters. The construction of building is in fact, an ancient activity that man has undertaken since time immemorial. The adverse effects of harsh climates on man are perhaps the origin of building construction since man had to moderate or eliminate these effects of climate. Building construction is thus a means by which man seeks to adapt to the environment. The different climatic zones that people inhabit on earth have led to the designing of different buildings by man. In addition, there are the economic aspects of building construction and design that have greatly influenced the building construction industry in the world. Just like any other economic products, building construction materials and products command certain ranges of prices/costs and values to customers or clients. The other economic or cost-related elements of building construction are the security systems and protection requirements. Most important in this regard is the physical security of a property. In recent times, it has become a necessity, due to the increased security technologies, for property owners and

Public health research paper outline Essay Example for Free

Public health research paper outline Essay I. Evidence of spanking as corporal punishment. a.Population: Children at school age (Forehand McMahon, 1981). The book successfully outlines the theoretical foundations of middle childhood and adolescence, in particular, the developmental tasks children are supposed to accomplish at certain age stage. The scholar also describes the distinctive features of boys’ and girls’ behavior and both implicitly and implicitly argues that mistakes and rule-breaking are critical in the process of obtaining autonomy in the middle childhood and early adolescence. b.Prevalence: About 55% adults reported they were physically punished in the childhood and teen years (Hyman, 1995). The article provides a detailed description of incidence and prevalence of spanking: for instance, it is stated that boys are punished more frequently than girls, parents with higher education and higher social class are less likely to spank; female parents use this disciplinary method more often than male. Moreover, the paper addresses the most common reasons minors are slapped for and the most widespread threats, associated with spanking (parental aggression, transition from punishment to revenge) . c. Significance: This is a debate that has been going on for decades. Some people believe it helps, others think it hinders a child’s social and behavioral development (Strauss and Donnelly, 2002). The writing is instrumental in its clear description of both parties of the spanking confrontation; importantly, the emphasis is placed upon the disputes between health care specialists and psychologists. The book also draws a distinction between spanking and physical abuse. II. Behavioral Dimensions. a. The impact of spanking on school behavior: Corporal punishment of children actually interferes with the process of learning and with their optimal development as socially responsible adults (Larzelere, 2005). The author provides a detailed review of existing studies, dedicated to the relationship between spanking and challenges in cognitive and emotional development. The article also illustrates the closed circle of physical punishment, which causes the fear of making a mistake and depresses concentration, critical thinking and initiative in behavior. b. Spanking and aggressive or violent behavior: Researchers have also found that children who are spanked show higher rates of aggression and delinquency in childhood than those who were not spanked (Polaha, Larzelere, Shapiro Pettit, 2004). The article points out the distinctive features and effects of spanking depending on ethnic group and shows that child maltreatment, or excessive use of physical measures, is an artificial means of disciplining minors, which does not allow them to develop self-discipline. In fact, when a child is battered at early age, they develop the convictions in the permissibility of misbehavior if it is not noticed by adults. Similarly, at older age, the person begins to believe that punishment will not follow a crime if the transgression is not revealed. III. Psycho-Social Dimensions. a. Impact of physical punishment on family atmosphere: When trust between children and their closest caretakers is damaged, the minor’s ability to form trusting relationships with others is also damaged, and the effect may be lifelong (Benjet Kazdin, 2003). The article addresses the numerous long-term intrafamilial difficulties, resulting from spanking adolescents, including the disappearance of respect and trust. b. Corporal punishment and antisocial behavior. Children show antisocial behaviors when corporal punishment is enforced: the probability of school dropout and minor crime increases.   (Grogan-Kaylor, 2005). The   research involved almost 2000 participants and was aimed at investigating the ways spanking impairs social life of male and female adolescents, their motivation to participate in community activities and social position in general. V. Prevention of Spanking. a. Strategies for strengthening mutual understanding between caregiver and minor: it is highly important that caregiver be aware of the causes of the child’s undesirable actions and the balancing options available (Strauss and Donnelly, 2002). The book also analyzes the relationship between parenting styles, family conflicts, socioeconomic background, parental values and child behavior, habits and conviction. b. Discipline strategies, involving no use of physical power. There are compliance-gaining strategies that work with children most of the time: harmless and non-stopping dialogue, interest in teenager’s life and emotional support by necessity (Larzelere Kuhn, 2005). The paper provides a very specific comparison of spanking and its â€Å"non-violence† alternatives and suggests that frequent spanking is much less helpful in the process of upbringing, except for the finding that it diminishes alcohol and substance abuse. VI. Legal Frameworks and Policy Interventions. a. Legal and policy aspects of spanking: there are no state laws against spanking, although 27 states have policies against the practice and this year Pennsylvania is debating becoming the 28th. Spanking in schools is currently allowed in 23 states although in many districts parents who object can withhold permission for school personnel to spank their kids (Durrant, 2004). The article draws parallels between children rights, declared in national and global legislation, and the state legal and policy foundations, regulating the treatment of minors. b. Health care and policy efforts: traditionally, moderate spanking is non-injurious, so health care associations and factions are neutrally disposed to such disciplinary measure, as opposed to civil society groups and religious organizations which seek to cultivate new upbringing patterns and incorporate them into public policies (Larzelere, 2005). The book contains useful information about the undertakings of child protection groups and agencies of the similar profile as well as community efforts, directed to parenting skills training and parent education in general.

Body Of Evolution Of Musical Film Genres Film Essay

Body Of Evolution Of Musical Film Genres Film Essay On the primitive period, musical generates as an hybrid from European operetta and American vaudeville and music hall. A director that represents this period is Busby Berkeley. His films pay not attention to the plot, are vehicle for song and dance. It is pure spectacle and sensuality. Sex is offered through the gaze (Hayward, 2000). On the mature period, from the 30s to the 50s, songs and dance move with the narrative and are introduced on a natural way. Fred Astaire develops an elegant, stylised style and Gene Kelly develops a more energetic one (Hayward, 2000). From the 50s to the 70s, musicals are more realistic, subjects as racism, delinquency are treated. Examples are West side story, whose narrative is based on Romeo and Juliet, Saturday Night Fever and Grease. Some other films go back to the traditional narrative structure, as Barbra Streisand and The sound of Music(1965) (Hayward, 2000). Cabaret(1972) Bob Fosse has influences of art cinema and the camera work is different than usual, it goes from fluid to vertiginous (Hayward, 2000). Formal conventions, stereotypes and narrative (Hayward, 2000) (Cohan, 2010) For Altman (1989) musicals on the mature period are an ode to marriage. The narrative is based on the principle of pairing and mirroring. Male and female are paired, maturity is paired to immaturity. The main characters are mirrored in other couples, settings are mirrored in others (Hayward, 2000). Camera work, editing compared to dominant codes of continuity. Use of diegesis. The genre can not be as used to be on the past, these times are far too cynical for it, it would not be taken seriously. The way to do it would be making singing an dancing naturalised within a fictive world or being represented as fantasies occurring within a characters mind (Cohan, 2010). Conventions in HSM follow the traditional ones . It follows the principle of duality (the two main characters). What it adds is a contrast between authenticity, represented by the main couple, and manipulated artistry, represented by another couple formed by Sharpay and Ryan. (Cohan, 2010). theories of spectatorship and scopophilia (Richardson, 2008), (Hayward, 2000) and (Sturken Cartwright, 2009) It is interesting to analyse what appeals the viewer. We can go from psychoanalytical theories, to cognitive theories, to theories that distinguish the spectator for gender, to later theories that consider that the spectator the pleasure that the spectator feel at looking at others. Some musical genre detractors consider that the character breaking suddenly out into singing and dancing creates a sense of alienation as spectator(Cohan, 2010). Reasons that can help to revive the genre. Cohan mentions David Rooney and Jonathan Bing describing which can be the factors to bring back musicals. They mention the development of new technology to help with the task of shooting and editing and to reduce costs. Also the after-market of the fans of musical can be financially interesting, as they are repeat viewers, so DVDs and soundtracks would sell, as well as merchandising would do. Another interesting factor is that youth audience has been raised on music videos. This could help to explain the success of High School Musical or Glee (Cohan, 2010).There are also negative factors, as that cinema industry is offering young male audience other products that get their attention (Cohan, 2010). Intertextuality. Viewers have a wider visual knowledge that make them able to understand messages transmitted on ambiguous ways. This mechanism is known as intertextuality. Chandler (2003) quotes Leiss (1990): The growing preponderance of visuals in ads has enhanced the ambiguity of meaning embedded in message structures. Earlier advertising usually states its message quite explicitly through the medium of written text, but starting in the mid-1920s visual representation became more common, and the relationship between text and visual image became complementary that is, the text explained the visual. In the postwar period, and especially since the early 1960s, the function of text moved away from explaining the visual and towards a more cryptic form, in which text appeared as a kind of key to the visual. In all, the effect was to make the commercial message more ambiguous; a reading of it depended on relating elements in the ads internal structure to each other, as well as drawing in references from the external world. HSM and authorship. HSM in schools. Postmodernism in last musicals productions for TV Cohan (2010) quotes Edwards: The charm and artistic merit of the original HSM movie lies in its ability to consider a sophisticated theatrical and musical heritage and consequently revise it for a modern audience à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ it simultaneously conforms to genre expectations and pays homage to its textual influences while taking a postmodern delight in exposing its own limitations and playing with some gentle pastiche of literary and cinematic predecessors.

What Constitutes a Healthy Person?

What Constitutes a Healthy Person? This chapter focuses on the features of a healthy physical constitution of a person, definitions of sleep, as well as key concepts associated with disease management such as etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, prognosis, and management of atisthula. Some key etiological factors of atisthula include dietary lifestyle indicators (e.g., sedentary habit and high-calorie diet), and genetic and hereditary factors. This chapter also describes the pathogenesis of atisthula in detail, involving rasa (plasma) and meda (adipose tissue) as important dushyas (affected tissues). The significance of meda (adipose tissue) as the principal dushya has been recently confirmed in modern medicine where the central obesity and dyslipidemia are being considered as the main components of the basic matrix of this disease and its related disorders. [1,2,3] The recent concept of metabolic syndrome was already recognized in Ayurveda. Biomedical science points that overweight individuals experience greatly elevated morbidity and mortality from various ailments including cardiovascular diseases. 4,5 Obesity research is focused on preventive measures and management of complications like prediabetes, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, stroke, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmia/sudden death. [6] In the modern world, obesity has emerged as a serious health issue in both developed and developing nations and is recognized as one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century. In 2008 the WHO estimated that globally, at least 500 million adults (or approximately 1 in 10 adults) are obese, with higher rates among women than men. Obesity is the reason for about 80% of type 2 diabetes, about 70% of cardiovascular diseases, and 42% of breast and colon cancers today. In the past two decades, the number of overweight children and adolescents has doubled. [7] The rate of obesity also increases with age at least up to 50 or 60 years old. Once considered a problem specific to only high-income countries, obesity has acquired pandemic proportions and is affecting people globally [8,9] Most researchers agree that once it is established in the body, obesity mostly takes an incurable course and continues to develop many progressive complications a fact that was already acknowledged in Ayurveda. [10] Any course of treatment for obesity suggested by modern medical practitioners primarily includes dietary changes and physical exercise followed by anti-obesity drugs that help reduce appetite or inhibit fat absorption. In severe cases, various invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures could be prescribed such as partial gastrectomy, gastric bypass, banding, gastric balloons, etc.[11]   However, Ayurvedas approach to weight management is very different in that it does not recommend pills or surgeries for inducing drastic weight-loss. Instead, Ayurveda advocates dietary restrictions according to the Prakriti (predisposition or temperament of the patient), moderate exercise, practice of yogÄ sanas and pranayama, besides certain ayurvedic medications and b io-purificatory measures for its management [12] The etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features and consequences of extreme leanness (atikrisha), as an outcome of rasakshaya (decrease of rasa), medokshaya (decrease of meda) and mamsakshaya (decrease of mamsa) have also been described in this chapter. The two basic approaches for management of atikrisha and atisthula are augmentation (brimhana) and depletion (karshana) of body tissues respectively. Various drug and non-drug modalities have been suggested for the replenishment of dhatus and their nourishment to attain good health.   In this regard, Rasayana drugs of Ayurveda help balance hormones, promote essential nutrition and enhance immunity to atisthula and atikrisha respectively. As mentioned earlier, this chapter also emphasizes the role of good Nidra (sleep) in maintaining a healthy life. In fact, as per Ayurveda, after Ahara (diet), Nidra is one of the three sub-pillars of life (trayopastambha) and has a significant place in preventive medicine because normal sleep hel ps prevent diseases and unwholesome sleep may lead to fatal diseases. In Ayurveda, Nidra is considered a brimhana (nourishing) agent that promotes physical mental health and enhances immunity.

Gender Politics in the Criminal Justice System Essay -- Women Governme

The United States criminal justice system, an outwardly fair organization of integrity and justice, is a perfect example of a seemingly equal situation, which turns out to be anything but for women. The policies imposed in the criminal justice system affect men and women in extremely dissimilar manners. I plan to examine how gender intersects with the understanding of crime and the criminal justice system. Gender plays a significant role in understanding who commits what types of crimes, why they do so, who is most often victimized, and how the criminal justice system responds to these victims and offenders. In order to understand the current state of women and the way in which gender relates to crime and criminal justice, it is first necessary to provide a comprehensive analysis of the historical evolution of women in the criminal justice system and the affect that the different waves of feminism have had on policies and practices towards women in this system. I plan to argue that t he criminal justice system is another form of patriarchal control, a sexist organization which creates conflict between the private sphere of a woman's life and the public. This control extends far beyond the just incarcerated women, it affects all women. Despite the fact that there have been changes to certain policies and prison regulations, though made with resistance, none of the changes have been for the better. By looking at past and present situations as well as the differing feminist perspectives on the justice system, I hope to offer ways and opinions on how to improve this system and allow women to equally balance their life in the public sphere as well as their life in the private sphere. Before I begin, however, I would like to explain ... ...in the United States, 1800-1900"; Feminist Studies Heidensohn, Frances. 1986. Women and Crime: The Life of the Female Offender. New York: New York University Press Woolf, Virginia. Three Guineas, 1968 Harvest/HBJ Book Freedman, Estelle. 1974. "Their Sisters' keepers: A Historical Perspective on the Female Correctional Institutions in the United States, 1800-1900"; Feminist Studies Cynthia Enloe. Making Sense of the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq in an American Election Year "What Does a Feminist Curiosity Have to Offer?" (2004) Belknap, Joanne. 2001"Gender, Crime and Justice"; The Invisible Woman, Canada: Wadsworh Group Rebecca Walker, 2002. "Ms." Magazine "I Am The Third Wave," Van Voorhis, Patricia. 1991. "The Impact of Race and Gender on Correctional Officers' Orientation to the Integrated Environment." Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency

The Duchess and the Jeweller :: Literary Analysis, Virginia Woolf

â€Å"The Duchess and the Jeweller† by Virginia Woolf is a short story about Oliver, a poor man who has become a successful jeweler, and his interaction with a Duchess. In the story, Oliver struggles with the Duchess over social power, where she has the ability to cheat him by selling him fake pearls in exchange for a weekend spent with her daughter whom he is in love with – a classic battle of the sexes. While the conflict between man and woman is evident, Virginia Woolf uses flashback, point of view and imagery to also convey the dispute between the rich and the poor. Oliver is first introduced as a man who lives very well â€Å"with the right brandies, whiskeys and liqueurs† (Woolf 90), in a house where â€Å"a more central position could not be imagined† (90). He is a man of power who has â€Å"his breakfast brought in on a try by a manservant† (90) and receives invitations from â€Å"duchesses, countesses, viscountesses and Honourable Ladies† (90). When the Duchess first arrives to see him, he has her wait for ten minutes, displaying that he, a jeweller, has the authority to make her wait. However, Woolf uses flashback to display the underlying battle of the rich and the poor. The reader sees that Oliver came from less fortunate roots where he sold stolen dogs and cheap watches. While superficially it may seem that he has the â€Å"Duchess of Lambourne, daughter of a hundred Earls† ( 93) wait because he has the masculine power to have her wait to see him, Woolf introduces the idea that Oliver, the impecun ious boy who earned his wealth, has the Duchess, a woman whose wealth was inherited, wait for his pleasure. While we see the struggle of control between Oliver and the Duchess, the reader also observes Oliver’s mother’s dominance over him. Using flashback, Woolf shows that as a child when he was swindled while selling stolen dogs, his mother disapprovingly wails, â€Å"Oh, Oliver! When will you have sense, my son?† (90). Later, Oliver talks to a picture of his mother saying, â€Å"I have won my bet† (91) while reminiscing about his past as a indigent boy â€Å"in a filthy little alley† (90) and reflecting on his success. This shows that he has something to prove to his mother, that he is still constrained by her and her thoughts of him.

Current and Future Market Trends Essay

When thinking of wireless phone or internet service, the first company that probably comes to mind is Verizon Wireless. Verizon officially became a force to be reckoned with in the wireless market in 2000 when Verizon communications and Vodafone merged. Verizon states, â€Å"Verizon Communications Inc., headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wire line communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.† Since entering the market in 2000, Verizon has made itself popular by offering service in more areas than any other wireless network. Market Structure Within economics, four types of market structures exist. The four types are: monopoly, monopolistic competition, perfect competition, and oligopoly. Colander (2008) describes market structure as, â€Å"the physical characteristics of the market within which firms interact.† Verizon Wireless’ market structure can be defined by a combination of monopolistic competition and oligopoly. Colander (2008) defines monopolistic competition and oligopoly as, â€Å"a market structure in which there are many firms selling differentiated products and few barriers to entry—and oligopoly — a market structure in which there are only a few firms and firms explicitly take other firms’ likely response into account. The wireless industry is smaller that people think and not much competiton exists. For example: Cingular and AT&T are both wireless carriers, but Cingular is a part of AT&T. Essentially, when a consumer spends money with Cingular, it still goes to AT&T. Using an oligopoly structure has worked well for Verizon in the past and currently. Current and future market trends should not have any affect on the market structure of Verizon. New Companies Competition in the wireless industry has always been tough. It seems as though every month or few weeks, a new phone or new service is being unveiled by a well-know company or a company trying to get started. Besides  Alltell, Verizon is usually the company the competition seeks to compete with. To compete with Verizon most companies offer a service similar to Verizon for a cheaper price, or they offer a similar phone for a cheaper price. Verizon would not be affected heavily by any new companies entering the market, because Verizon is already established and consumers are already familiar with the brand. Aside from that, Verizon offers a number of services and slogans to keep their consumers interested. Some of the slogans used are: America’s largest and most reliable network, #1 in customer loyalty, and the worry free guarantee. Verizon does not have to worry about the competition, the competition should worry about Verizon. Prices One of the downsides to having wireless services and phones is the price. Since the introduction of cell phones, the price of phones and the price of service have risen significantly. On average, a contract for cell phone service with two lines would cost anywhere from $160 – $250, depending on the services the customer chooses. That price does not include the price of the phone which could be anywhere from $50 – $900. The prices to maintain the convenience of a cell phone are ridiculous, but it is a necessity that most individuals find it hard to live without. The current and future trend of the wireless industry shows the price of services and phones increasing. With that being said, despite the prices of phones and service, consumers will continue to pay the prices set by Verizon and other wireless companies. Technology Cell phones and services have definitely evolved over the years. Technology is one of the leading factors when consumers consider purchasing a phone or selecting a company as their wireless provider. Most cell phone users use text messaging, check email, and log onto social networking sites like facebook and myspace from their mobile phones. Like any other invention cell phones have evolved and become an important part of our lives. Televisions went from just being in homes to our cars. Computers were usually found in places such as: homes, offices, and libraries. Now cell phones are the more modern version of computers. Verizon has always made note of the changing trends when it comes to technology and the company has always delivered excellent products the consumer wants or needs. Productivity To maintain the position as the largest and most reliable wireless carrier, Verizon Wireless must spend money. The costs range from building the network, to maintaining the network. Costs include employees, equipment and technology needed to keep the company on top. The company makes decisions based on what the benefit will be in the long run. These decisions are made by researching trends and technology in the wireless market and changing tastes of the consumer. The company knows the catalyst of success is a strong network. The law of diminishing marginal productivity states as more of a variable input is added to an existing fixed input, eventually the additional output one gets from that additional input is going to fall (Colander 2008). I was not able to get information specific from Verizon Wireless that would help me graph out this law. The company has over 86,000 employees and made 56.8 billion dollars in profit for 2008 (about us 2009). Each year bonuses are given to employees based on individual performance and company performance. Last year the bonuses were based on the fact that the company made 12% in profits. In today’s economic times, the e profit achieved was outstanding and was above any other profits made in the wireless industry for 2008. Cost Structure Wages and Benefits Employees of Verizon Wireless are compensated well. The employees salary along with the benefits provided are above others employed in the wireless industry, according to David Brown an analyst at Verizon Wireless human resources. At Verizon Wireless a broad-banded structure is used to organize jobs and manage pay. There are six bands that range from A to F. Depending on the skills of the individual, he or she is usually hired in on the F band, which is a customer service representative, or assistant. The duties are usually task oriented. The next band is E, which is a coordinator or analyst, who are proven to work independently, usually on projects and technical functions. D band consists of level one managers, supervisors etcetera. C through A bands are the higher levels of management and CEO. Jobs are assigned to bands based on similar roles and levels of responsibility. The jobs themselves can be quite different in terms of what people do. Jobs in the same band are similar in terms of their impact on our business results, the decision-making authority of the employees who hold them, and the knowledge and skills required. VZW classifies a job as either salaried exempt or salaried non-exempt. Verizon Wireless provides medical, dental and vision benefits to employees at a reduced cost, but also provides at no cost an education benefit up to 8,000 per year, 401k contribution matching up to 6% and yearly performance bonuses as well as profit sharing if enrolled in 401k and a long term incentive program that is also based on company performance. Employees are a vital asset to Verizon Wireless and the salaries along with the benefits are designed to maximize performance. Cost Structure Fixed and Variable Costs Fixed costs are defined as costs that are spent and cannot be changed in the period under consideration (2008). Fixed costs for Verizon Wireless include buildings, warehouses used, and upkeep of cellular sites. Variable costs, or costs that change, include workers employed, contracts for equipment production, new technology etcetera. Verizon Wireless is a firm that sells produced goods to individuals, businesses and government (2008). The company’s main output is technology. The fixed costs dived by the variable costs equal the average costs of the company. As was stated earlier, last year Verizon Wireless made a 12% increase in profits from the year before. Most of the revenue occurred in the 4th quarter of the year with the release of the BlackBerry Storm touch screen device. The device was the answer to the I phone distributed by AT&T. Over 100,000 devices were sold on the first day of release alone. The cost of the device was 199.99, which is around 2 million dollars made in one day. The demand for the devices increased, and the company met the demand with more phones. According to the March 2009 newsletter given to the company for 4th quarter earnings, the CEO Lowell McAdam advised that Storm sales were the factor that  significantly raised the company’s profits and set the bar for future ventures. Price Elasticity of Demand The relation between the shift in quantity and shift in price of a product is known as price elasticity. â€Å"Price elasticity of demand is the calculation of the percentage change in quantity demanded divided by the percentage change in price† (Colander, 2008). Verizon Wireless has to make an effort to stay in synch with the pricing and offerings by their competition. Verizon Wireless must implement services and products that incorporate modern technology and are ground-breaking to compete in the wireless market and affordable in today’s economy. Impact of Government Regulations Verizon Wireless realizes the importance in ensuring that all regulations that are established by the Federal Communications Commission. Abiding by these regulations will guarantee that Verizon Wireless will keep providing long-standing benefits for the taxpayer and customers. Verizon Wireless trusts that the present structure â€Å"of auctioning spectrum licenses, with clearly defined, exclusive-use and flexible rights, is the right approach to spectrum policy† (Verizon Wireless, 2009). Although clear benefits towards allowing unlicensed use of spectrum is visible, that advance will not create the revenue for the United States Treasury or the best value for American economy. Broadband is one of the services provided by Verizon Wireless. Over the past ten years Broadband services have been used commercially. During that time the government has acknowledged the significance of implementing market-based motivations to persuade broadband usage and investment. â€Å"Rather than applying more-stringent regulations to telecommunications services and infrastructure, the FCC generally has applied an old wires, old rules; new wires, new rules philosophy towards broadband services and networks† (Verizon Wireless, 2009) By doing this, customers will reap in the benefits form the government’s decision to enhance incentives for broadband service providers to invest in better and superior broadband networks and services. â€Å"Investment and deployment in next-generation broadband networks – such as Verizon’s FiOS network – is happening at a remarkable pace, and consumers  now have more choices than ever before† (Verizon Wireless, 2009). Competitors Verizon Wireless has a substantial amount of competition in the wireless industry. Verizon competes with wireless companies such as T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T. Verizon Wireless became the largest wireless service provider by beating out AT&T. Nonetheless, Verizon’s landline industry is affected by the large opposition of modern technology and tends to confront challenges from various other competitors with high speed internet and cable companies such as Time Warner Cable. Verizon Wireless has to make an effort to stay in synch with the pricing and offerings of its competitors. The Wireless industry is so competitive, equipment can outdate within a few months. Companies must develop wireless devices that are affordable as well as reliable. Supply and Demand Analysis Even with today’s economic challenges, many opportunities to create innovative new products to meet customer demand still abound. In a bold new step the company introduced its line of netbooks, mini lightweight laptop computers that consumers can take with them anywhere. The netbooks have all the functionality of a laptop, with the convenience of a smaller wireless device. The smaller size and the low price the netbooks are offered, is what today’s consumers are demanding. Tapping into this market gives Verizon Wireless a piece of the notebook and laptop market that was only accessible in the past by offering mobile broadband cards. The added revenue from this market keeps Verizon Wireless ahead of the competition. Verizon Wireless also has the opportunity to expand its coverage globally with the 3G UMTS, Quad Band GSM networks. This means that business travelers as well as consumers will now have access to roam on more networks in over 250 countries across the globe. Verizon Wireless strives to produce the best most reliable wireless voice and data coverage in the industry. In order to obtain that goal the company will have to gain customers faster than the competition, widen the revenue lead and lead in profitability. As long as Verizon stays on the right track, the company should not have any issues presently and in the future. Reference Page Colander, D (2008).Economics, Fifth Edition. McGraw-Hill/Irwin, New York, New York, 10020 Verizon Wireless. (2009). Corporate History/investor relations. Retrieved June 26th, 2009 from www.verizon.com.

Midsummer Night’s Dream Essay

Referring to at least two extracts in detail, explain why A Midsummer Night’s Dream is still popular, 400 years after it was written. Comment on a production you have seen, or consider how you would like to produce the play. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is set in Athens in Greece. It is a journey into a mid-night forest, where fairies put spells on people. The story begins with Hippolyta and Theseus (Duke of Athens), getting married and the events that surround it. There are a group of workers who have decided to put on a play for the wedding. â€Å"Here is a scroll of every man’s name wish, is thought fit, through all Athens, to play in our interlude before the Duke and the Duchess on his wedding-day at night. † In the play, a carpenter, called Peter Quince, gives this speech. He is informing the workers about the play, they will be putting on. â€Å"The most lamentable comedy and most cruel death of Pyramus and Thisbe. † Bottom agrees with Peter Quince, that Pyramus and Thisbe is a great play to be putting on. Another main part of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is the quarrelling that has been going on between Oberon and Titania, King and Queen of the fairies. They are arguing about a little Indian boy, who Titania has looked after, since he was a baby. Oberon wants the boy to be his henchman, but Titania totally disagrees. â€Å"Give me that boy and I will go with thee,† says Oberon. â€Å"Not for thy fairy kingdom. Fairies, away! We shall chide downright, if I longer stay. † By this comment, Titania has made it clear, that, there is no chance of her giving the boy to Oberon. Titania also says, she is going to go, otherwise things will become violent and out of control. In Athens there was a law, that stated daughters had to, marry, whoever their father wanted. Otherwise there were serious consequences, if the daughter refused. The father could have his daughter put to death. This was the exact situation for a young lady named Hermia. Hermia was in love with a young Athenian called Lysander, he was also besotted with her. But her father Egeus had chosen another young Athenian called Demetrius, (who was from a very noble family) to marry his daughter, Hermia. Hermia’s best friend, Helena was frantically in love with Demetrius, however, he did not have a care in the world for her. Egeus had gone to the Athenian court, to plead with Theseus (the Duke of Athens) to do something about Hermia. Theseus could only give Hermia, four days to agree to marry Demetrius; otherwise she would be put to death. â€Å"For you, fair Hermia, look you arm yourself, to fit your father’s will; or else the law of Athens yields you up to death, or to a vow of single life. † Hermia was in a huge dilemma, what was she going to do? Oberon decides to take the Indian boy off Titania. He told Puck, his attendant, to put a love juice on Titania’s eyes, while she was asleep. So that when Titania woke up, she would fall deeply in love with, the first thing that she sees, whether it is an animal or human. Oberon has seen Helena and Demetrius arguing in the forest. Oberon informs Puck to put, the love juice on Demetrius’ eyes, so he falls in love with Helena. But Puck accidentally, puts the love juice on Lysander’s eyes, so Lysander ends up falling out of love with Hermia and in love with Helena. â€Å"What has thou done? Thou hast mistaken quite and laid the love-juice on some true-love’s sight. † Puck had put the love juice in Lysander’s eyes but he was already in love with Hermia. The language and poetry used, is so effective, you can easily picture it in your mind. English has changed in the last four hundred years, so some little grammatical words are no longer used and there are also words for things, which are not used anymore. ‘Girdle means belt, vestal is a girl who is a virgin and a votaress means to a worshiper. ‘ These words no longer exist. ‘Ere meaning before and hither meaning here,’ are both little grammatical words, which are not used anymore. The second person singular, ‘thou, thee, thy, thyself,’ are not used in English. Although used in modern French and German. Pronunciation has also changed a great deal, instead of taking the first letter of a word and replacing it with an apostrophe. The third letter is taken out instead. ‘It is – tis’ – nowadays ‘it is – becomes it’s. ‘ Shakespeare’s language has a big impact, on his plays because the English now is very different. These are words in his plays, which mean something, totally different in modern English. ‘Civil – smooth, rude – rough, bolt – arrow, maiden – virginal. ‘ These words are called ‘false friends’, because we think we know them, but we do not. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the poetry is immense; you are able to imagine things, which cannot be seen. Oberon and Bottom’s poetry sticks out, because it is of high quality. In Shakespeare’s plays, there are many complex lines. The poetry’s quality has strength, to entertain and engage the audience. ‘The raging rocks, and shivering shocks, shall break the locks, of prison gates; and Phibbus’ car, shall shine from far, and make and mar, the foolish fates. ‘ This bit of the play was spoken by Bottom, it is almost like a limerick but it is a bit longer. The rhythm makes it gripping, ‘rocks, shocks, locks, car, far, mar. ‘ Rhythmic poems are good to listen to, as they are fairly easy to understand. Oberon’s poetry is more descriptive and the poetry is rhythmic. ‘My gentle Puck, come hither. Thou rememberest since once I sat upon a promontory, and heard a mermaid on a dolphin’s back, uttering such dulcet and harmonious breath, that the rude sea grew civil at her song and certain scars shot madly from their spheres, to hear the sea-maid’s music,’ Oberon’s poem was relaxing, because you could just close your eyes and imagine it. He creates a picture that can only be seen in your mind. Oberon gets love across by pictures, ‘loosed his love-shaft, Cupid’s fiery shaft, now purple with love’s wound. ‘ Cupid has let his arrow go and it has hit them right in the heart. On stage, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is really effective, especially when there are squabbles between characters. When Bottom wanted to play everybody’s part, it was as if he was a little spoilt child, who wanted everything. Theatre can do things that a film cannot; a film cannot interact with you. The actors on stage can really express their feelings and emotions. Like love, anger or sorrow. ‘O spite! O hell! I see you are all bent, to set against me for your merriment. ‘ Helena is very furious because she feels that; Hermia, Lysander and Demetrius, are trying to make a fool of her, and laugh about her behind her back. When Helena says â€Å"O spite! O hell! † I think it is really effective because when you are reading the play, you can really feel her anger. It would be quite hard to make the fairies look small and real on stage. I saw a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on video. I did not enjoy watching it because the play was too modern. The fairies were just like other actors; they were life size and just acted normal. The actors and actresses wore modern day clothes, like plain dresses, casual trousers and plain T-shirts. The film is based on a little boy’s dream. To get into the play you have to realise that fairies only exist if you believe in them. In Shakespeare’s theatre four hundred years ago, there were not women performers. Young boys used to play women’s parts because their voices had not yet broken, which meant they were quite high pitched. The theatre was almost like an arena. Most people stood up and watched the play, but there were seats in the balcony, for the richer people. The audience’s were usually, socially mixed. This meant that, Shakespeare’s plays had to appeal to lots of different people, whether they were illiterate, poor, rich or literate. This helped Shakespeare’s plays, to still be famous today because they are multi-faceted. The play has many archaic words, because the English language has changed, a great deal in the last, four hundred years. ‘Dulcet-sweet, votaress-virgin, and sirran – to address a boy or man servant or child. ‘The theme of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a love story, with lots of comedy. After all the downsides, there is a happy ending. But life is not always like that. Hermia gets to marry Lysander and Demetrius marries Helena. In real life in Athens 400 years ago, I doubt it would be a happy ending for someone in Hermia’s situation. The fairies put a spell on the lovers and Titania to sort the misunderstandings out, which the love potion caused. Oberon and Titania have both made up with each other, and as king and queen of the fairies they bless the house together.

Prelude to Foundation Chapter 18 Overthrow

THALUS, EMMER-†¦ A sergeant in the armed security forces of the Wye Sector of ancient Trantor†¦ †¦ Aside from these totally unremarkable vital statistics, nothing is known of the man except that on one occasion he held the fate of the Galaxy in his fist. Encyclopedia Galactica 87. Breakfast the next morning was served in an alcove near the rooms of the captured three and it was luxurious indeed. There certainly was a considerable variety to the food and more than enough of everything. Seldon sat at the breakfast table with a mound of spicy sausages before him, totally ignoring Dors Venabili's gloomy predictions concerning stomachs and colic. Raych said, â€Å"The dame†¦ the Madam Mayor said when she came to see me last night-â€Å" â€Å"She came to see you?† said Seldon. â€Å"Yeah. She said she wanted to make sure I was comfortable. She said when she had a chance she would take me to a zoo.† â€Å"A zoo?† Seldon looked at Dors. â€Å"What kind of zoo can they have on Trantor? Cats and dogs?† â€Å"There are some aboriginal animals,† said Dors, â€Å"and I imagine they import some aboriginals from other worlds and there are also the shared animals that all the worlds have-other worlds having more than Trantor, of course. As a matter of fact, Wye has a famous zoo, probably the best on the planet after the Imperial Zoo itself.† Raych said, â€Å"She's a nice old lady.† â€Å"Not that old,† said Dors, â€Å"but she's certainly feeding us well.† â€Å"There's that,† admitted Seldon. When breakfast was over, Raych left to go exploring. Once they had retired to Dors's room, Seldon said with marked discontent, â€Å"I don't know how long we'll be left to ourselves. She's obviously plotted ways of preoccupying our time.† Dors said, â€Å"Actually, we have little to complain of at the moment. We're much more comfortable here than we were either in Mycogen or Dahl.† Seldon said, â€Å"Dors, you're not being won over by that woman, are you?† â€Å"Me? By Rashelle? Of course not. How can you possibly think so?† â€Å"Well, you're comfortable. You're well-fed. It would be natural to relax and accept what fortune brings.† â€Å"Yes, very natural. And why not do that?† â€Å"Look, you were telling me last night about what's going to happen if she wins out. I may not be much of a historian myself, but I am willing to take your word for it and, actually, it makes sense-even to a nonhistorian. The Empire will shatter and its shards will be fighting each other for†¦ for†¦ indefinitely. She must be stopped.† â€Å"I agree,† said Dors. â€Å"She must be. What I fail to see is how we can manage to do that little thing right at this moment.† She looked at Seldon narrowly. â€Å"Hari, you didn't sleep last night, did you?† â€Å"Did you?† It was apparent he had not. Dors stared at him, a troubled look clouding her face. â€Å"Have you lain awake thinking of Galactic destruction because of what I said?† â€Å"That and some other things. Is it possible to reach Chetter Hummin?† This last was said in a whisper. Dors said, â€Å"I tried to reach him when we first had to flee arrest in Dahl. He didn't come. I'm sure he received the message, but he didn't come. It may be that, for any of a number of reasons, he just couldn't come to us, but when he can he will.† â€Å"Do you suppose something has happened to him?† â€Å"No,† said Dors patiently. â€Å"I don't think so.† â€Å"How can you know?† â€Å"The word would somehow get to me. I'm sure of it. And the word hasn't gotten to me.† Seldon frowned and said, â€Å"I'm not as confident as you are about all this. In fact, I'm not confident at all. Even if Hummin came, what can he do in this case? He can't fight all of Wye. If they have, as Rashelle claims, the best-organized army on Trantor, what will he be able to do against it?† â€Å"There's no point in discussing that. Do you suppose you can convince Rashelle-bang it into her head somehow-that you don't have psychohistory?† â€Å"I'm sure she's aware that I don't have it and that I'm not going to get it for many years-if at all. But she'll say I have psychohistory and if she does that skillfully enough, people will believe her and eventually they will act on what she says my predictions and pronouncements are-even if I don't say a word.† â€Å"Surely, that will take time. She won't build you up overnight. Or in a week. To do it properly, it might take her a year.† Seldon was pacing the length of the room, turning sharply on his heel and striding back. â€Å"That might be so, but I don't know. There would be pressure on her to do things quickly. She doesn't strike me as the kind of woman who has cultivated the habit of patience. And her old father, Mannix IV, would be even more impatient. He must feel the nearness of death and if he's worked for this all his life, he would much prefer to see it done a week before his death rather than a week after. Besides-â€Å" Here he paused and looked around the empty room. â€Å"Besides what?† â€Å"Well, we must have our freedom. You see, I've solved the psychohistory problem.† Dors's eyes widened. â€Å"You have it! You've worked it out.† â€Å"Not worked it out in the full sense. That might take decades†¦ centuries, for all I know. But I now know it's practical, not just theoretical. I know it can be done so I must have the time, the peace, the facilities to work at it. The Empire must be held together till I-or possibly my successors-will learn how best to keep it so or how to minimize the disaster if it does split up despite us. It was the thought of having a beginning to my task and of not being able to work at it, that kept me up last night.† 88. It was their fifth day in Wye and in the morning Dors was helping Raych into a formal costume that neither was quite familiar with. Raych looked at himself dubiously in the holomirror and saw a reflected image that faced him with precision, imitating all his motions but without any inversion of left and right. Raych had never used a holomirror before and had been unable to keep from trying to feel it, then laughing, almost with embarrassment, when his hand passed through it while the image's hand poked ineffectually at his real body. He said at last, â€Å"I look funny.† He studied his tunic, which was made of a very pliant material, with a thin filigreed belt, then passed his hands up a stiff collar that rose like a cup past his ears on either side. â€Å"My head looks like a ball inside a bowl.† Dors said, â€Å"But this is the sort of thing rich children wear in Wye. Everyone who sees you will admire you and envy you.† â€Å"With my hair all stuck down?† â€Å"Certainly. You'll wear this round little hat.† â€Å"It'll make my head more like a ball.† â€Å"Then don't let anyone kick it. Now, remember what I told you. Keep your wits about you and don't act like a kid.† â€Å"But I am a kid,† he said, looking up at her with a wide-eyed innocent expression. â€Å"I'm surprised to hear you say that,† said Dors. â€Å"I'm sure you think of yourself as a twelve-year-old adult.† Raych grinned. â€Å"Okay. I'll be a good spy.† â€Å"That's not what I'm telling you to be. Don't take chances. Don't sneak behind doors to listen. If you get caught at it, you're no good to anyone-especially not to yourself.† â€Å"Aw, c'mon, Missus, what do ya think I am? A kid or somethin'?† â€Å"You just said you were, didn't you, Raych? You just listen to everything that's said without seeming to. And remember what you hear. And tell us. That's simple enough.† â€Å"Simple enough for you to say, Missus Venabili,† said Raych with a grin, â€Å"and simple enough for me to do.† â€Å"And be careful.† Raych winked. â€Å"You bet.† A flunky (as coolly impolite as only an arrogant flunky can be) came to take Raych to where Rashelle was awaiting him. Seldon looked after them and said thoughtfully, â€Å"He probably won't see the zoo, he'll be listening so carefully. I'm not sure it's right to thrust a boy into danger like that.† â€Å"Danger? I doubt it. Raych was brought up in the slums of Billibotton, remember. I suspect he has more alley smarts than you and I put together. Besides, Rashelle is fond of him and will interpret everything he does in his favor. Poor woman.† â€Å"Are you actually sorry for her, Dors?† â€Å"Do you mean that she's not worth sympathy because she's a Mayor's daughter and considers herself a Mayor in her own right-and because she's intent on destroying the Empire? Perhaps you're right, but even so there are some aspects of her for which one might show some sympathy. For instance, she's had an unhappy love affair. That's pretty evident. Undoubtedly, her heart was broken-for a time, at least.† Seldon said, â€Å"Have you ever had an unhappy love affair, Dors?† Dors considered for a moment or two, then said, â€Å"Not really. I'm too involved with my work to get a broken heart.† â€Å"I thought as much.† â€Å"Then why did you ask?† â€Å"I might have been wrong.† â€Å"How about you?† Seldon seemed uneasy. â€Å"As a matter of fact, yes. I have spared the time for a broken heart. Badly cracked, anyway.† â€Å"I thought as much.† â€Å"Then why did you ask?† â€Å"Not because I thought I might be wrong, I promise you. I just wanted to see if you would lie. You didn't and I'm glad.† There was a pause and then Seldon said, â€Å"Five days have passed and nothing has happened.† â€Å"Except that we are being treated well, Hari.† â€Å"If animals could think, they'd think they were being treated well when they were only being fattened for the slaughter.† â€Å"I admit she's fattening the Empire for the slaughter.† â€Å"But when?† â€Å"I presume when she's ready.† â€Å"She boasted she could complete the coup in a day and the impression I got was that she could do that on any day.† â€Å"Even if she could, she would want to make sure that she could cripple the Imperial reaction and that might take time.† â€Å"How much time? She plans to cripple the reaction by using me, but she is making no effort to do so. There is no sign that she's trying to build up my importance. Wherever I go in Wye I'm unrecognized. There are no Wyan crowds gathering to cheer me. There's nothing on the news holocasts.† Dors smiled. â€Å"One would almost suppose that your feelings are hurt at not being made famous. You're naive, Hari. Or not a historian, which is the same thing. I think you had better be more pleased that the study of psychohistory will be bound to make a historian of you than that it may save the Empire. If all human beings understood history, they might cease making the same stupid mistakes over and over.† â€Å"In what way am I naive?† asked Seldon lifting his head and staring down his nose at her. â€Å"Don't be offended, Hari. I think it's one of your attractive features, actually.† â€Å"I know. It arouses your maternal instincts and you have been asked to take care of me. But in what way am I naive?† â€Å"In thinking that Rashelle would try to propagandize the population of the Empire, generally, into accepting you as seer. She would accomplish nothing in that way. Quadrillions of people are hard to move quickly. There is social and psychological inertia, as well as physical inertia. And, by coming out into the open, she would simply alert Demerzel.† â€Å"Then what is she doing?† â€Å"My guess is that the information about you-suitably exaggerated and glorified-is going out to a crucial few. It is going to those Viceroys of sectors, those admirals of fleets, those people of influence she feels look kindly upon her-or grimly upon the Emperor. A hundred or so of those who might rally to her side will manage to confuse the Loyalists just long enough to allow Rashelle the First to set up her New Order firmly enough to beat off whatever resistance might develop. At least, I imagine that is how she reasons.† â€Å"And yet we haven't heard from Hummin.† â€Å"I'm sure he must be doing something just the same. This is too important to ignore.† â€Å"Has it occurred to you that he might be dead?† â€Å"That's a possibility, but I don't think so. If he was, the news would reach me.† â€Å"Here?† â€Å"Even here.† Seldon raised his eyebrows, but said nothing. Raych came back in the late afternoon, happy and excited, with descriptions of monkeys and of Bakarian demoires and he dominated the conversation during dinner. It was not until after dinner when they were in their own quarters that Dors said, â€Å"Now, tell me what happened with Madam Mayor, Raych. Tell me anything she did or said that you think we ought to know.† â€Å"One thing,† said Raych, his face lighting up. â€Å"That's why she didn't show at dinner, I bet.† â€Å"What was it?† â€Å"The zoo was closed except for us, you know. There were lots of us-Rashelle and me and all sorts of guys in uniforms and dames in fancy clothes and like that. Then this guy in a uniform-a different guy, who wasn't there to begin with-came in toward the end and he said something in a low voice and Rashelle turned to all the people and made with her hand like they shouldn't move and they didn't. And she went a little ways away with this new guy, so she could talk to him and no one could hear her. Except I kept paying no attention and kept looking at the different cages and sort of moved near to Rashelle so I could hear her. â€Å"She said, ‘How dare they?' like she was real mad. And the guy in the uniform, he looked nervous-I just got quick looks because I was trying to make out like I was watching the animals-so mostly I just heard the words. He said somebody-I don't remember the name, but he was a general or somethin'. He said this general said the officers had sworn rel igious to Rashelle's old man-â€Å" â€Å"Sworn allegiance,† said Dors. â€Å"Somethin' like that and they was nervous about havin' to do what a dame says. He said they wanted the old man or else, if he was kind of sick, he should pick some guy to be Mayor, not a dame.† â€Å"Not a dame? Are you sure?† â€Å"That's what he said. He like whispered it. He was so nervous and Rashelle was so mad she could hardly speak. She said, ‘I'll have his head. They will all swear allegiance to me tomorrow and whoever refuses will lave cause to regret it before an hour has passed.' That's exactly what she said. She broke up the whole party and we all came back and she didn't say one word to me all the time. Just sat there, looking kinda mean and angry.† Dors said, â€Å"Good. Don't you mention this to anyone, Raych.† â€Å"Course not. Is it what you wanted?† â€Å"Very much what I wanted. You did well, Raych. Now, go to your room and forget the whole thing. Don't even think about it.† Once he was gone, Dors turned to Seldon and said, â€Å"This is very interesting. Daughters have succeeded fathers-or mothers, for that matter-and held Mayoralties or other high offices on any number of occasions. There have even been reigning Empresses, as you undoubtedly know, and I can't recall that there was ever in Imperial history any serious question of serving under one. It makes one wonder why such a thing should now, arise in Wye.† Seldon said, â€Å"Why not? We've only recently been in Mycogen, where women are held in a total lack of esteem and couldn't possibly hold positions of power, however minor.† â€Å"Yes, of course, but that's an exception. There are other places where women dominate. For the most part, though, government and power have been more or less equisexual. If more men tend to hold high positions, it is usually because women tend to be more bound-biologically-to children.† â€Å"But what is the situation in Wye?† â€Å"Equisexual, as far as I know. Rashelle didn't hesitate to assume Mayoral power and I imagine old Mannix didn't hesitate to grant it to her. And she was surprised and furious at encountering male dissent. She can't have expected it.† Seldon said, â€Å"You're clearly pleased at this. Why?† â€Å"Simply because it's so unnatural that it must be contrived and I imagine Hummin is doing the contriving.† Seldon said thoughtfully, â€Å"You think so?† â€Å"I do,† said Dors. â€Å"You know,† said Seldon, â€Å"so do I.† 89. It was their tenth day in Wye and in the morning Hari Seldon's door signal sounded and Raych's high-pitched voice outside was crying out, â€Å"Mister! Mister Seldon! It's war!† Seldon took a moment to swap from sleep to wakefulness and scrambled out of bed. He was shivering slightly (the Wyans liked their domiciles on the chilly side, he had discovered quite early in his stay there) when he threw the door open. Raych bounced in, excited and wide-eyed. â€Å"Mister Seldon, they have Mannix, the old Mayor'. They have-â€Å" â€Å"Who have, Raych?† â€Å"The Imperials, Their jets came in last night all over. The news holocasts are telling all about it. It's on in Missus's room. She said to let ya sleep, but I figured ya would wanner know.† â€Å"And you were quite right.† Seldon pausing only tong enough to throw on a bathrobe, burst into Dors's room. She was fully dressed and was watching the holo-set in the alcove. Behind the clear, small image of a desk sat a man, with the Spaceship-and-Sun sharply defined on the left-front of his tunic. On either side, two soldiers, also wearing the Spaceship-and-Sun, stood armed. The officer at the desk was saying, â€Å"-is under the peaceful control of his Imperial Majesty. Mayor Mannix is safe and well and is in full possession of his Mayoral powers under the guidance of friendly Imperial troops. He will be before you soon to urge calm on all Wyans and to ask any Wyan soldiers still in arms to lay them down.† There were other news holocasts by various newsmen with unemotional voices, all wearing Imperial armbands. The news was all the same: surrender by this or that unit of the Wyan security forces after firing a few shots for the record-and sometimes after no resistance at all. This town center and that town center were occupied-and there were repeated views of Wyan crowds somberly watching Imperial forces marching down the streets. Dors said, â€Å"It was perfectly executed, Hari. Surprise was complete. There was no chance of resistance and none of consequence was offered.† Then Mayor Mannix IV appeared, as had been promised. He was standing upright and, perhaps for the sake of appearances, there were no Imperials in sight, though Seldon was reasonably certain that an adequate number were present just out of camera range. Mannix was old, but his strength, though worn, was still apparent. His eyes did not meet the holo-camera and his words were spoken as though forced upon him-but, as had been promised, they counseled Wyans to remain calm, to offer no resistance, to keep Wye from harm, and to cooperate with the Emperor who, it was hoped, would survive long on the throne. â€Å"No mention of Rashelle,† said Seldon. â€Å"It's as though his daughter doesn't exist.† â€Å"No one has mentioned her,† said Dors, â€Å"and this place, which is, after all, her residence-or one of them-hasn't been attacked. Even if she manages to slip away and take refuge in some neighboring sector, I doubt she will be safe anywhere on Trantor for long.† â€Å"Perhaps not,† came a voice; â€Å"but I'll be safe here for a little while.† Rashelle entered. She was properly dressed, properly calm. She was even smiling, but it was no smile of joy; it was, rather, a cold baring of teeth. The three stared at her in surprise for a moment and Seldon wondered if she had any of her servants with her or if they had promptly deserted her at the first sign of adversity. Dors said a little coldly, â€Å"I see, Madam Mayor, that your hopes for a coup can not be maintained. Apparently, you have been forestalled.† â€Å"I have not been forestalled. I have been betrayed. My officers have been tampered with and-against all history and rationality-they have refused to fight for a woman but only for their old master. And, traitors that they are, they then let their old master be seized so that he cannot lead them in resistance.† She looked about for a chair and sat down. â€Å"And now the Empire must continue to decay and die when I was prepared to offer it new life.† â€Å"I think,† said Dors, â€Å"the Empire has avoided an indefinite period of useless fighting and destruction. Console yourself with that, Madam Mayor.† It was as though Rashelle did not hear her. â€Å"So many years of preparation destroyed in a night.† She sat there beaten, defeated, and seemed to have aged twenty years. Dors said, â€Å"It could scarcely have been done in a night. The suborning of your officers-if that took place-must have taken time.† â€Å"At that, Demerzel is a master and quite obviously I underestimated him. How he did it, I don't know-threats, bribes, smooth and specious argument. He is a master at the art of stealth and betrayal-I should have known.† She went on after a pause. â€Å"If this was outright force on his part, I would have had no trouble destroying anything he sent against us. Who would think that Wye would be betrayed, that an oath of allegiance would be so lightly thrown aside?† Seldon said with automatic rationality, â€Å"But I imagine the oath was made not to you, but to your father.† â€Å"Nonsense,† said Rashelle vigorously. â€Å"When my father gave me the Mayoral office, as he was legally entitled to do, he automatically passed on to me any oaths of allegiance made to him. There is ample precedence for this. It is customary to have the oath repeated to the new ruler, but that is a ceremony only and not a legal requirement. My officers know that, though they choose to forget. They use my womanhood as an excuse because they quake in fear of Imperial vengeance that would never have come had they been staunch or tremble with greed for promised rewards they will surely never get-if I know Demerzel.† She turned sharply toward Seldon. â€Å"He wants you, you know. Demerzel struck at us for you.† Seldon started. â€Å"Why me?† â€Å"Don't be a fool. For the same reason I wanted you†¦ to use you as a tool, of course.† She sighed. â€Å"At least I am not utterly betrayed. There are still loyal soldiers to be found.-Sergeant!† Sergeant Emmer Thalus entered with a soft cautious step that seemed incongruous, considering his size. His uniform was spruce, his long blond mustache fiercely curled. â€Å"Madam Mayor,† he said, drawing himself to attention with a snap. He was still, in appearance, the side of beef that Hari had named him-a man still following orders blindly, totally oblivious to the new and changed state of affairs. Rashelle smiled sadly at Raych. â€Å"And how are you, little Raych? I had meant to make something of you. It seems now I won't be able to.† â€Å"Hello, Missus†¦ Madam,† said Raych awkwardly. â€Å"And to have made something of you too, Dr. Seldon,† said Rashelle, â€Å"and there also I must crave pardon. I cannot.† â€Å"For me, Madam, you need have no regrets.† â€Å"But I do. I cannot very well let Demerzel have you. That would be one victory too many for him and at least I can stop that.† â€Å"I would not work for him, Madam, I assure you, any more than I would have worked for you.† â€Å"It is not a matter of work. It is a matter of being used. Farewell, Dr. Seldon. Sergeant, blast him.† The sergeant drew his blaster at once and Dors, with a loud cry, lunged forward-but Seldon reached out for her and caught her by the elbow. He hung on desperately. â€Å"Stay back, Dors,† he shouted, â€Å"or he'll kill you. He won't kill me. You too, Raych. Stand back. Don't move.† Seldon faced the sergeant. â€Å"You hesitate, Sergeant, because you know you cannot shoot. I might have killed you ten days ago, but I did not. And you gave me your word of honor at that time that you would protect me.† â€Å"What are you waiting for?† snapped Rashelle. â€Å"I said shoot him down, Sergeant.† Seldon said nothing more. He stood there while the sergeant, eyes bulging, held his blaster steady and pointed at Seldon's head. â€Å"You have your order!† shrieked Rashelle. â€Å"I have your word,† said Seldon quietly. And Sergeant Thalus said in a choked tone, â€Å"Dishonored either way.† His hand fell and his blaster clanged to the floor. Rashelle cried out, â€Å"Then you too betray me.† Before Seldon could move or Dors free herself from his grip, Rashelle seized the blaster, turned it on the sergeant, and closed contact. Seldon had never seen anyone blasted before. Somehow, from the name of the weapon perhaps, he had expected a loud noise, an explosion of flesh and blood. This Wyan blaster, at least, did nothing of the sort. What mangling it did to the organs inside the sergeant's chest Seldon could not tell but, without a change in expression, without a wince of pain, the sergeant crumbled and fell, dead beyond any doubt or any hope. And Rashelle turned the blaster on Seldon with a firmness that put to rest any hope for his own life beyond the next second. It was Raych, however, who jumped into action the moment the sergeant fell. Racing between Seldon and Rashelle, he waved his hands wildly. â€Å"Missus, Missus,† he called. â€Å"Don't shoot.† For a moment, Rashelle looked confused. â€Å"Out of the way, Raych. I don't want to hurt you.† That moment of hesitation was all Dors needed. Breaking loose violently, she plunged toward Rashelle with a long low dive. Rashelle went down with a cry and the blaster hit the ground a second time. Raych retrieved it. Seldon, with a deep and shuddering breath, said, â€Å"Raych, give that to me.† But Raych backed away. â€Å"Ya ain't gonna kill her, are ya, Mister Seldon? She was nice to me.† â€Å"I won't kill anyone, Raych,† said Seldon. â€Å"She killed the sergeant and would have killed me, but she didn't shoot rather than hurt you and we'll let her live for that.† It was Seldon, who now sat down, the blaster held loosely in his hand, while Dors removed the neuronic whip from the dead sergeant's other holster. A new voice rang out. â€Å"I'll take care of her now, Seldon.† Seldon looked up and in sudden joy said, â€Å"Hummin! Finally!† â€Å"I'm sorry it took so long, Seldon. I had a lot to do. How are you, Dr. Venabili? I take it this is Mannix's daughter, Rashelle. But who is the boy?† â€Å"Raych is a young Dahlite friend of ours,† said Seldon. Soldiers were entering and, at a small gesture from Hummin, they lifted Rashelle respectfully. Dors, able to suspend her intent surveillance of the other woman, brushed at her clothes with her hands and smoothed her blouse. Seldon suddenly realized that he was still in his bathrobe. Rashelle, shaking herself loose from the soldiers with contempt, pointed to Hummin and said to Seldon, â€Å"Who is this?† Seldon said, â€Å"It is Chetter Hummin, a friend of mine and my protector on this planet.† â€Å"Your protector.† Rashelle laughed madly. â€Å"You fool! You idiot! That man is Demerzel and if you look at your Venabili woman, you will see from her face that she is perfectly aware of that. You have been trapped all along, far worse than ever you were with me!† 90. Hummin and Seldon sat at lunch that day, quite alone, a pall of quiet between them for the most part. It was toward the end of the meal that Seldon stirred and said in a lively voice, â€Å"Well, sir, how do I address you? I think of you as ‘Chester Hummin' still, but even if I accept you in your other persona, I surely cannot address you as ‘Eto Demerzel.' In that capacity, you have a title and I don't know the proper usage. Instruct me.† The other said gravely, â€Å"Call me ‘Hummin'-if you don't mind. Or ‘Chetter.' Yes, I am Eto Demerzel, but with respect to you I am Hummin. As a matter of fact, the two are not distinct. I told you that the Empire is decaying and failing. I believe that to be true in both my capacities. I told you that I wanted psychohistory as a way of preventing that decay and failure or of bringing about a renewal and reinvigoration if the decay and failure must run its course. I believe that in both my capacities too.† â€Å"But you had me in your grip-I presume you were in the vicinity when I had my meeting with His Imperial Majesty.† â€Å"With Cleon. Yes, of course.† â€Å"And you might have spoken to me, then, exactly as you later did as Hummin.† â€Å"And accomplished what? As Demerzel, I have enormous tasks. I have to handle Cleon, a well-meaning but not very capable ruler, and prevent him, insofar as I can, from making mistakes. I have to do my bit in governing Trantor and the Empire too. And, as you see, I had to spend a great deal of time in preventing Wye from doing harm.† â€Å"Yes, I know,† murmured Seldon. â€Å"It wasn't easy and I nearly lost out. I have spent years sparring carefully with Mannix, learning to understand his thinking and planning a countermove to his every move. I did not think, at any time, that while he was still alive he would pass on his powers to his daughter. I had not studied her and I was not prepared for her utter lack of caution. Unlike her father, she has been brought up to take power for granted and had no clear idea of its limitations. So she got you and forced me to act before I was quite ready.† â€Å"You almost lost me as a result. I faced the muzzle of a blaster twice.† â€Å"I know,† said Hummin, nodding. â€Å"And we might have lost you Upperside too-another accident I could not foresee.† â€Å"But you haven't really answered my question. Why did you send me chasing all over the face of Trantor to escape from Demerzel when you yourself were Demerzel?† â€Å"You told Cleon that psychohistory was a purely theoretical concept, a kind of mathematical game that made no practical sense. That might indeed have been so, but if I approached you officially, I was sure you would merely have maintained your belief. Yet I was attracted to the notion of psychohistory. I wondered whether it might not be, after all, just a game. You must understand that I didn't want merely to use you, I wanted a real and practical psychohistory. â€Å"So I sent you, as you put it, chasing all over the face of Trantor with the dreaded Demerzel close on your heels at all times. That, I felt, would concentrate your mind powerfully. It would make psychohistory something exciting and much more than a mathematical game. You would try to work it out for the sincere idealist Hummin, where you would not for the Imperial flunky Demerzel. Also, you would get a glimpse of various sides of Trantor and that too would be helpful-certainly more helpful than living in an ivory tower on a far-off planet, surrounded entirely by fellow mathematicians. Was I right? Have you made progress?† Seldon said, â€Å"In psychohistory? Yes, I did, Hummin. I thought you knew.† â€Å"How should I know?† â€Å"I told Dors.† â€Å"But you hadn't told me. Nevertheless, you tell me so now. That is good news.† â€Å"Not entirely,† said Seldon. â€Å"I have made only the barest beginning. But it is a beginning.† â€Å"Is it the kind of beginning that can be explained to a nonmathematician?† â€Å"I think so. You see, Hummin, from the start I have seen psychohistory as a science that depends on the interaction of twenty-five million worlds, each with an average population of four thousand million. It's too much. There's no way of handling something that complex. If I was to succeed at all, if there was to be any way of finding a useful psychohistory, I would first have to find a simpler system. â€Å"So I thought I would go back in time and deal with a single world, a world that was the only one occupied by humanity in the dim age before the colonization of the Galaxy. In Mycogen they spoke of an original world of Aurora and in Dahl I heard word of an original world of Earth. I thought they might be the same world under different names, but they were sufficiently different in one key point, at least, to make that impossible. And it didn't matter. So little was known of either one, and that little so obscured by myth and legend, that there was no hope of making use of psychohistory in connection with them.† He paused to sip at his cold juice, keeping his eyes firmly on Hummin's face. Hummin said, â€Å"Well? What then?† â€Å"Meanwhile, Dors had told me something I call the hand-on-thigh story. It was of no innate significance, merely a humorous and entirely trivial tale. As a result, though, Dors mentioned the different sex mores on various worlds and in various sectors of Trantor. It occurred to me that she treated the different Trantorian sectors as though they were separate worlds. I thought, idly, that instead of twenty-five million different worlds, I had twenty-five million plus eight hundred to deal with. It seemed a trivial difference, so I forgot it and thought no more about it. â€Å"But as I traveled from the Imperial Sector to Streeling to Mycogen to Dahl to Wye, I observed for myself how different each was. The thought of Trantor-not as a world but as a complex of worlds-grew stronger, but still I didn't see the crucial point. â€Å"It was only when I listened to Rashelle-you see, it was good that I was finally captured by Wye and it was good that Rashelle's rashness drove her into the grandiose schemes that she imparted to me-When I listened to Rashelle, as I said, she told me that all she wanted was Trantor and some immediately adjacent worlds. It was an Empire in itself, she said, and dismissed the outer worlds as ‘distant nothings.' â€Å"It was then that, in a moment, I saw what I must have been harboring in my hidden thoughts for a considerable time. On the one hand, Trantor possessed an extraordinarily complex social system, being a populous world made up of eight hundred smaller worlds. It was in itself a system complex enough to make psychohistory meaningful and yet it was simple enough, compared to the Empire as a whole, to make psychohistory perhaps practical. â€Å"And the Outer Worlds, the twenty-five million of them? They were ‘distant nothings.' Of course, they affected Trantor and were affected by Trantor, but these were second-order effects. If I could make psychohistory work as a first approximation for Trantor alone, then the minor effects of the Outer Worlds could be added as later modifications. Do you see what I mean? I was searching for a single world on which to establish a practical science of psychohistory and I was searching for it in the far past, when all the time the single world I wanted was under my feet now.† Hummin said with obvious relief and pleasure, â€Å"Wonderful!† â€Å"But it's all left to do, Hummin. I must study Trantor in sufficient detail. I must devise the necessary mathematics to deal with it. If I am lucky and live out a full lifetime, I may have the answers before I die. If not, my successors will have to follow me. Conceivably, the Empire may have fallen and splintered before psychohistory becomes a useful technique.† â€Å"I will do everything I can to help you.† â€Å"I know it,† said Seldon. â€Å"You trust me, then, despite the fact I am Demerzel?† â€Å"Entirely. Absolutely. But I do so because you are not Demerzel.† â€Å"But I am,† insisted Hummin. â€Å"But you are not. Your persona as Demerzel is as far removed from the truth as is your persona as Hummin.† â€Å"What do you mean?† Hummin's eyes grew wide and he backed away slightly from Seldon. â€Å"I mean that you probably chose the name ‘Hummin' out of a wry sense of what was fitting. ‘Hummin' is a mispronunciation of ‘human,' isn't it?† Hummin made no response. He continued to stare at Seldon. And finally Seldon said, â€Å"Because you're not human, are you, ‘Hummin/Demerzel'? You're a robot.†