Causes of the Dust Bowl Essay

One of the most devastating environmental crises that occurred in the United States was the Dust Bowl. The Dust Bowl began shortly after the Great Depression began in 1929 and lasted throughout the 1930’s. It affected everyone, farmers and consumers alike, in its path negatively. The Dust Bowl of the 1930’s was caused by four major factors: drought, climate misconception, poor land management, and most importantly, wind erosion. The first of the four major factors is drought. During the Dust Bowl and the 1930’s there were four major periods of drought. The first lasted from 1930 to 1931, the second occurred in 1934, the third in 1936, and the last period of drought lasted from 1939 to 1940. The Great Plains had experienced periods of drought before and no major problems had occurred, so the main problem was that the farmers did not have enough time in between the periods of drought to recover because they were so close together. Another issue was that the droughts occurred at the same time as the economic downfall known as the Great Depression. This meant the farmers did not have the money to spend to help their crops. Also, many farmers simply believed that the droughts would end and that the rains would come soon as they had many other times in the 1900’s (Drought). Climate misconception played a large role in the creation of the Dust Bowl as well. The misconceptions about the climate and the annual rainfall in the Great Plains first began in the nineteenth century when people first began to settle in the area. Many of these settlers believed that they would always get enough rain to grow healthy crops because they settled on the land during years with abnormally high amounts of rain. Another reason people believed that the land would always be good to farm is because they were fed propaganda by railroad companies and land boosters. Even though there were several periods of drought that occurred before the 1930’s and the Dust Bowl, people were encouraged by the rains that always came soon after. The farmers’ misconceptions of the climate and annual rainfall also affected the way they farmed the land (Causes). Poor land management is one of the two most important causes of the Dust Bowl. The farmers were not able to manage their land well because they were not aware of the different techniques they should have used on their farms in the Plains. One of the techniques that the farmers should have used was crop rotation. Crop rotation would have been a great help in keeping their soil in larger clumps, whereas when the farmers repeatedly planted wheat in the soil, the nutrients were used up and were not replenished. This caused the soil to break up into a dust-like consistency that made the soil easier to be swept away by the winds. Farmers also should have had a year round ground cover on the soil to prevent the wind from sweeping it away, but the farmers were not aware of the heightened risk of wind erosion because they had not had to deal with it in the past. The last technique that the farmers should have used to help manage their land is known as shelter belting. Shelter belting is the process of planting trees and bushes in order to slow and block the winds that blew across the otherwise flat ground of the Great Plains. Another issue with the way the farmers managed their land was that they switched from the lister (a type of plow commonly used by farmers in the 1900’s) to the one way disk plow. The one way disk plow was favored by the farmers because it made plowing the field easier and much faster, but the downside to the new invention was that it left the soil even more susceptible to wind erosion (The Dust Bowl). The last factor that contributed to the Dust Bowl is wind erosion. Wind erosion is considered to be the most important and the most preventable cause of the environmental crises. It has since been proven that the size of the farm is directly related to the amount of wind erosion that will occur on the land. Experts say that the smaller the farm is the more wind erosion there will be on the land because larger farms are necessary to finance and benefit from erosion control. Small farmers on the other hand need to cultivate more of their land more intensely and they usually do not earn enough money to be able to spend anything on soil conservation. Many historians and researchers blame the overabundance of small farmers who did not participate in erosion control for the extent of the wind erosion during the 1930’s and they blame the Homestead Act of 1862 for bringing these farmers to the Plains. The Homestead Act gave away hundreds of thousands of  land plots that ranged from about 160 acres to about 320 acres even though agricultural experts recommended that the farms should be about 700 acres to 1200 acres to minimize wind erosion. The farmers that moved onto the land that was given away were the kind of farmers that did not implement the soil conservation tactics that were necessary to prevent the Dust Bowl in the Great Plains (Wind Erosion). In conclusion, drought, climate misconceptions, poor land management, and wind erosion were the four main causes of the agricultural tragedy of the 1930’s. These four factors came together at the beginning of the 1930’s to create what is now known as the Dust Bowl which lasted until the end of the decade. Thankfully, an environmental crisis like this has never taken place again in the United States and thanks to the organizations founded after the Dust Bowl, such as the Soil Conservation Service, our generation and the generations that follow will not have to live through the hardships that another Dust Bowl would cause.

Road congestion

The underlying causes of congestion are far more complicated than many traditional interests have historically been willing to admit. The ability of available roadway space-the most traditional method of measuring supply or capacity to meet traffic demand, is just one of a set of several underlying factors that research has found contribute to traffic congestion. Whereas more than half of all children walked or bicycled to school in the 1950s, that number has now fallen below 10 percent as streets have become more dangerous due to traffic. Combined with the loss of school bus service, the resulting trend has been an overwhelming increase in parents driving their children to school, clogging local roadways during critical peak hours. An estimated 20-25 percent of rush hour traffic on local streets and roads is now attributable to the school commute. To make matters worse, not only does the typical suburban development model characterized by low-density cul-de-sacs, wide, high-speed arterials, and massive intersections make traffic management difficult, it also makes it less cost-effective for public transport to serve scattered destinations and makes walking or bicycling both inconvenient and dangerous. Many experts believe that widening motorways and main roads is only a temporary solution at best to the complex problem of traffic congestion. Indeed, research has pointed to a result known as â€Å"induced traffic† that suggests new and wider roads actually create additional traffic, above and beyond what can be attributed to rapid population increases and economic growth. In larger areas, drivers will often abandon carpools and public transport when additional roadway space is made available, thus creating additional trips and more traffic. In the longer term, the promise of more convenient transportation access allows commuters to live further from work, increasing development pressures and thus fuelling even more traffic demand. The lack of affordable and mixed-income housing near employment centres, and the imbalance between jobs and housing, creates the notorious commutes between the countryside and city areas. Also, with many people losing their confidence in public transport due to long delays, strikes and many rail crashes it seems much easier to take the car. It is important to note that the skewed pricing signals given to travellers appear to make road travel, even at the most congested periods of the day, entirely free, while public transport is often perceived as too expensive. Market failure is the inability of an unregulated market to achieve allocative efficiency in certain circumstances and we see a severe re-allocation of resources. There are various reasons why allocative efficiency may not be achieved, one of these is externalities. An externality is said to exist when the production or consumption of a good directly affects businesses or consumers not involved in the buying or selling of it and when those spill over effects are not reflected in market prices. The spill over effects are known as external costs or benefits. When people use their cars other people suffer from exhaust fumes, congestion and noise. These negative externalities make the marginal social benefit of using cars less than the marginal private benefit (i.e. marginal utility). The optimum equilibrium for society would be where the marginal social cost is equal to the marginal social benefit (Q!). However, a free market left to itself will produce where the marginal private cost is equal to the marginal private benefit (Q^). If there are negative externalities in consumption, a private market will therefore tend to over-provide a good. Congestion in urban areas can be seen as a form of market failure because the socially efficient output is not produced. The social optimum amount of vehicles on the road must be exceeded if congestion results. The marginal cost to the consumer is the only cost really considered when a driver makes the decision to use the car. What is not taken into account are the costs to other road users, the cost to society collectively; the social cost or themselves to some extent. The marginal cost to other road users is the added congestion caused by the extra car on the road. The marginal costs to society collectively are the increase in emissions produced by the extra journey made, the follow on effects from this are large, rising asthma levels in the local area, decaying buildings and collapsing roads could be caused because of the high congestion rates. The marginal cost to the individual could be the opportunity cost of the time spent in congestion. If the more space efficient bus made the journey, the traveller would be able to read the newspaper, play on a hand held computer or even do some work, this is not possible if the car is chosen to make the journey. The marginal utility of existing users of the congested roads would decrease with the addition of an extra motorist, an extra 10 or even 100 motorists would lower the marginal utility levels dramatically. But each individual's marginal cost wouldn't be affected, which explains why the marginal cost and marginal social cost diverge. Congestion is not the only cost that occurs from a large number of cars on Britain's roads. We must also consider, road damage costs, accidental externalities and of course environmental costs. Heavy vehicles basically cause Road damaging as the damage to the road pavement increases to the fourth power of the axle load. Accident externalities arise when extra vehicles on the road increase the probability that the other road users will be involved in an accident. Accident probability depends to a large extend on distance, driving time and particularly the other traffic. This is why accident costs will be treated like congestion costs. Environmental damage comes in various forms, such as local: emission of CO, NC, NO2, global: emission of CO2, CFC, water pollution and noise and vibrations. Congestion is inefficient, polluting and dangerous. Removing just 5% of traffic at peak times could substantially reduce or even eliminate rush hour congestion from many cities. One approach that is starting to stoke interest among municipal leaders is road pricing. The theory seems sound enough: introduce a price on bringing cars into congested areas that incite drivers either not to travel unnecessarily or to vary their times of travel or, indeed, to try public transport, walking or cycling. With the right approach, drivers who incur higher prices during rush hour periods would benefit from reduced congestion and travel time, while nonessential travel would take place at less congested and cheaper times. Road pricing has been debated in political circles for many years. The main debate was about the difficulties that would occur in trying to impose a system in order to toll drivers. These problems no longer exist, and advances in electronic devices have made sophisticated road pricing schemes more feasible. The new technology of electronic tolls no longer requires motorists to halt at tollbooths. Therefore, it prevents additional congestion. Drivers would be given an electronic number plate, which signals to the recording computer the presence of a vehicle. This would be the most direct way to charge the amount specific to the road and the time of the day. The devise could charge users via bank account or monthly bill. This would also allow a central computer to monitor roads with the greatest amount of use. Also, another method that has been put forward is for drivers to buy a travel card (similar to those on London Transport) and display these on their dashboards when driving in and out of priced roads. However, the political will is often lacking, perhaps because of uncertainty about voter reaction. I believe there are both advantages and disadvantages to the proposed road pricing theory. ADVANTAGES OF ROAD PRICING Road pricing is a good instrument to use to internalise most of the external effects mentioned earlier, especially in the case of congestion costs, it appears to be the optimal method of internalisation because a price mechanism would replace the present queuing mechanism, which is allocatively inefficient. Because road prices would be primarily connected with congestion costs, some distributional and locational effects could arise. Costs of driving in non-urban areas would probably fall whereas urban driving costs would increase so that in the medium run, the quality of the public urban transport system would improve. In the case of pricing highways on the continent, road pricing is a good instrument to overcome the free rider problem of foreign carriers using â€Å"home country† highways. This is especially interesting against the background that current ways of financing highways are very different. It is fair to say that foreign carriers buy their petrol abroad, which is cheaper, and they do not contribute to business in the UK. For that reason actual competition between international carriers is not neutral. With the proposed electronic system, there seems to be 2 benefits. The first of these is the business generated from the insertion of the microchips and the second is the ease of use i.e. simply driving past a scanner. Furthermore, Ken Livingston has stated that he believes traffic will reduce by 15% with the implementation of the system and he says money generated from the implementation of such a scheme will be used not only on the maintenance of our roads but also into investment of our public transport which again reduce the number of cars on the road leading to a better environment for all. A recent survey suggested that 70% of the public would not mind paying fuel tax if it was invested in public transport. The system is already used in Singapore and the immediate reaction was a reduction of 24,700 cars during the peak time and also, traffic speed increased by 22% at this time. And also, in Trondheim in Norway the toll was not introduced in order to make people leave their cars at home but soon, it was noticed that congestion was reduced and political consensus was that some of the money generated could be used for public transport within the city. DISADVANTAGES OF ROAD PRICING The cost of implementing electronic toll system is very high. The UK government estimates that the implementation of the system will cost à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½2 bn for only a small area such as London. Plus individual costs for every vehicle of à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½40 each, not including additional costs of controlling the system. Also, we are likely to see a lagged response and it would take time to raise revenue. The initial costs are high thus; they would have to pay off in the long run. Ken Livingston, has suggested a charge of à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½5 for entering London, many believe that when we consider, fuel taxes, road tax, and maintenance of a car, à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½5 to enter London is extortionate. It is important to consider those on lower incomes, who may find it difficult to pay a regular à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½5 charge. This could lead to the displacement of traffic, in the way that people will try to avoid the tolls and take other routes down side roads- this is likely to cause congestion in quieter streets not to mention accidents because the streets are so narrow. The introduction will be hard and people will object to it. They believe it affects their rights of passage and with an estimated 230 cameras per zone it compared to the big brother phenomenon. Tax on roads may have damaging effects on the economy. Because the cost to firms will be greater and it may also serve to make London a less desirable centre, there will be a reduction in Aggregate Supply. There will be growth in unemployment as firms will not be able to afford workers, this will cause a slowdown in economic growth and could even cause an inflationary threat. In terms of negative environmental externalities, road pricing is (with the exception of noise) probably not the optimal instrument for internalisation. Taxes on fuel or emission fees, for instance, charge vehicle emissions in a more direct way and they are very simple to design. Some believe that there should be different taxes for those people who do not have public transport available to them easily and those who do but choose not to use it. Furthermore it must be mentioned that the effect of road pricing depends to a large extent on the authority that receives the revenues and its way of using the money. Economists would argue that the profits made should be reinvested into the transportation system to generate an efficient outcome rather than cross-subsidising other traffic modes or other state activities. CONCLUSION In conclusion I believe that road pricing is the best instrument to internalise the costs of congestion and road damage. Although the initial costs of installation are high, these costs would probably quickly be exceeded by the efficiency gains of corrected prices. Nevertheless, road pricing cannot perfectly internalise external environmental costs. That is why instruments like â€Å"fuel taxation† or â€Å"emission fees† will still be necessary to design an optimal price mechanism in the transportation sector that sets the correct incentives. I believe pricing could be the trick to remove that 5-10% of traffic that causes congestion in peak periods in our cities. If that means picking up the children on time and being able to drive into city centres to shop, then surely that would be a price worth paying. Finally, what's perhaps most important is a recognition that solving these problems will require strong leadership from a government level in addition to management, planning and eventual implementation at the regional and local levels. Traffic congestion must thus be tackled within a broader context of economic, environmental and social goals and its solutions must be compatible and work in support of solutions for a broader range of issues.

The Purpose of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Essay

The Purpose of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) - Essay Example The object of analysis for the purpose of this assignment is alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as any means of settling disputes apart from by means of a lawsuit. Alternatively, ADR is the finding a workable solution to a conflict outside the courtrooms. In many public courts, a request may be submitted to review the validity of ADR methods, but time and again, the court would hardly overturn the ADR decisions and awards if the disputing parties opted for the formation of a valid contract by which to abide. There are two major forms of ADR, namely arbitration, and mediation. Typically, Tansley observed that ADR comprises of early neutral evaluation, negotiation, conciliation, mediation, and arbitration. Owing to the burgeoning court queues, and the increased fees for litigation as well as time delays that have plagued litigants for many years, more national states have opted for ADR programs to solve disputes. Albeit scholars have noted that there are two main forms of ADR, negoti ation has been a most outstanding mode of dispute resolution approach that has gained great popularity. Negation as a means of dispute resolution allows the parties involved to meet within their own conveniences so as to settle the dispute between them. As such this approach provides an excellent platform where both the involved parties are in control of the whole process and the ultimate solution. Notably, Mediation is another sort of an informal alternative to litigation. Nicol observed that most often the mediators are also well-trained negotiators and can bring two opposing parties together. As negotiators, mediators attempt to work out a strategic settlement or agreement approach that is/ are somehow acceptable to both parties. In mediation, the one who always takes the lead in the process, the mediator in most cases do not decide on behalf of the parties neither does he/she decides the dispute. However, the mediator’s sole role in the process is always to aid the partie s involved in the dispute communicate as they try to settle the dispute themselves. In other words, the mediation process leaves the control of the outcome with the parties involved in the dispute.

Homosexuality Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Homosexuality - Research Paper Example Many primitive peoples believed that with his seed man sends the boy to the most valuable properties - bravery, courage, etc. It was thought that it facilitates the growth of boys and that they passed through the mans strength. Symbolic ritual has been the basis of the idea of spiritual through fertilization. In some societies, sexual relations between adolescent boys were considered to be normal and even mandatory throughout the transition age. The oldest forms of homosexuality were related to military training. In ancient Crete, and in 7 BC in Corinth there was a custom of abduction of the boys adult men who entered the teenager in a mans union, sexual initiation was combined with military training, after which the boy that has arms was back home. In ancient Sparta every boy between twelve and sixteen must have an adult patron, military glory of which extends to the boy. If the boy showed cowardice in battle, is punished for his patron. (Burg, 2001, p104) In Athens, the Classical period, when the ancient tradition of male alliances and military fraternity had already been undermined, to the forefront came other values, in particular, emotional closeness. Historians explain this by the hypertrophy of masculinity in ancient Greek culture and the dependent status of women. The ideal of love in same-Socrates and Plato are closely linked with the idea of raising the boy and the transfer of experience of senior men. â€Å"In late antiquity, when the motivation waning or it turns out its elusive homosexual love loses its privileged position and is seen simply as a form of eroticism†. (Burg, 2001, p104) However, homosexual love was not able to be the dominant form of sexuality. First, it is not conducive to procreation. Secondly, it is marginal in relation to the institution of marriage and family values. And third, the male community, as a rule, is

Sex Education Among Young Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sex Education Among Young - Essay Example With the statistics presented, there is an understandable need for sex education for young adults. It is not only the married couples who need to be informed of the consequences of sexual activities if as young adults they engage in pre-marital and unprotected sex. Though the present world is also being referred to as the modern world, there are still nations and groups who are very conservative with regards to their way of thinking (Klein 40-5). It was during the early part of the 20th century that females started to gain attention to the world and the society. As this happens, males started to appreciate females. Females started to receive the same subjects in school in comparison to their male counterparts. There are certain subject matters that were added to the females’ curriculum to continue inculcating their traditional role in the society (Klein 47; Measor et al 1-2). Even in this conservative period, sex education has been introduced in high school curriculum. When the subject was introduced in school, considerations were made since there were recognized genders present during those times. The reason why the subject was introduced is to restrain the young male’s growing sexuality. At present, sex education is still being considered as one the most politicized and scandalous feature in an academe’s curriculum (Klein 47; Measor et al 1-2). Sex education during the adolescent period however is perceived to increase the curiosity of some young adults as to how the act itself would feel. Instead of controlling the budding sexuality, it even ignited more the curiosity of not just the males but also of the females as well. There has been an increase in sexually transmitted disease that the society would like to eradicate. As the 20th century progresses, the need for sexual education also advanced (Klein 47). During the late part of the 20th century, 19% of the

Ethical issues business financial reporting Essay

Ethical issues business financial reporting - Essay Example In this type of manipulation when preparers of financial reports become aware of a proposal for alteration of accounting regulation which they consider will be unfavorable for them, they resort to various means to stop the change or bring a change which will serve their purpose. The intention of the regulators is to make financial reports useful to all users. The financial teams are intermediaries between the users and regulators. They have the freedom to interpret the regulation. At times they interpret the regulations in a manner that may suit their own views. This cannot be considered justifiable to the users. Clear and well designed financial reports shows that the preparers of the reports have abided by the law and followed the regulations. Often the accounting regulations are poorly formulated or not enforced properly. These loopholes lead to manipulations (Gowthorpe & Amat, n.d.). At times entries in accounts have certain degree of estimation or prediction, the estimate might be too optimistic leading to errors. Even if an outside expert is consulted the valuation can be manipulated through the manner in which he has been briefed by the accountant or his personal nature (i.e., optimistic or pessimistic). Balance sheet may be manipulated by entering artificial transactions. This is done by entering into other related transaction with a third party. For example, an asset is sold to a bank and then leased back for the rest of the life. The sale price in this arrangement is set at a price above or below the current asset value. The difference is adjusted by increased or reduced rentals. Genuine transactions are also timed to provide a favorable impression. The scope for choosing between various accounting methods should be reduced. There should be consistency in the method that the company is adopting with the intention that he may not switch over to another accounting method in another year to suit his purpose. Companies

Determination of Protein using Biuret Reagent Lab Report

Determination of Protein using Biuret Reagent - Lab Report Example The methods used are all optical methods. This means that the level of protein concentration depends on optical characteristics (turbidity or absorption). These optical properties are measured using a tool called colorimeter or spectrophotometer. Other useful methods are volumetric, gravimetric, among others (Slater, 1986, 12). After the reaction between the reagents and the protein substrate, the peptide bond turns purple or violet for positive results. We cannot conclude that there is the presence of protein by candid colorimetric methods. This is because proteins are colorless. However, absolute estimations can be made to analyze the protein in the solution (Slater, 1986, 12). A stable color is achieved. It is always advisable to take all reading within the first 10mins for the purpose of clarity. In many experiments, biuret can be scaled using smaller sized cuvette, which consumes less protein. Proteins with abnormal low or high percentage of amino acids and aromatic side groups always gives low or high readings, respectively (Robinson, and Hogden, 1940, 32) In the case of bovine serum, albumin will obviously develop a linear relationship between the amount of protein and absorbance over a range of 0.5 to 20mg protein. However, analysis show assay below 0.5 mg is not reliable. In other cases, the upper limit may increase depending with the reagents. A straight line graph is achieved after plotting the relationship between protein concentration and absorbance. This means that there is a tremendous increase in absorbance with an increase in protein concentration (Layne, 1957, 23). The reagent is made up of potassium hydroxide. It also has traces of hydrated copper (II) sulphate and potassium sodium titrate. The blue color appears as a result of presence of proteins, pink and blue may also arise in the presence of short chained polypeptides. A biuret reagent is not required in all protein tests. It is

Battling Crime Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Battling Crime - Assignment Example As the program is discussed, the theories are also discussed hand in hand with the program it supports. (Remove: should you need my service again, contact me through my email please ichurya2003atyahoodotcom. Thank you) Battling Crimes Introduction The prevalence of crime in communities differs and so with the type of crimes involved. Battling crimes in each community is a challenging task. It challenges the patience and wit of law enforcers as well as policy makers. While arresting and imprisonment reduce crime, it is not the final answer to all types of crimes. It requires policies and programs supported with theories to effectively respond to the needs of criminals. The focus of this study is to include four policies to battle crimes with the corresponding criminological theories supporting each. Discussion Weed and Seed Programs The Weed and Seed program which started in 1991 is an operation in an effort to control the proliferation of violent crimes, drug related crimes, and drug trafficking among others in selected neighborhood believed to be high risk. The goal of the program is to establish a neighborhood free of crime and free of drug use which would be safe for law abiding citizens to work, live and raise their families. The strategy of the program in making the neighborhood safe and clean is to employ two strategies that is â€Å"weeding† out criminals from the area and â€Å"seeding† the area with services of the law enforcers and the community. Maintaining peace and order is both the concern of the police officers and the citizens living in those areas targeted. Police officers are taken out from their patrol cars and assigned in the streets of the high risk neighborhood to dispatch their duties and responsibilities to be available in cases someone from the neighborhood report any incidences of crimes (Travis, 1999). The assumption of Weed and Seed program exemplifies the concept of broken window theory where in if one window is broken and left unattended or unrepaired the whole window of the building will soon follow to be broken. Along this line, the Weed and Seed program believes that when a single window is left unattended whether this is in the form of small breakage or a huge one, it signals that nobody cares and that window lovers in the form of criminals continue to carry out breaking new windows (Wilson & Kelling, 1982) which might encourage law abiding citizen to do the same as it is accepted in the community. Such postulation gives criminals the freedom to enjoy their criminal acts until the community control is challenged and breakdowns. The Weed and Seed program assumes that bringing the service on foot repairs criminal acts and improve the community. Although, the study of O’Boyle (2007) revealed an unanticipated results that crimes in Pennsylvania remained unchanged, the window theory and the Weed and Seed program posits that the best solution still would be to quickly fix windows being brok en to maintain intact communities. Diversion Programs Diversion program is a form of restorative measures to channel out juvenile offenders from the justice system. The attempt to divert youth offenders is based on a philosophy that the juvenile justice system poses more as a threat than serving good intention. Proponents of the programs believe that courts may stigmatize some juveniles

Ethics and the digital divide and what should I as a security Research Paper

Ethics and the digital divide and what should I as a security professional be concerned with - Research Paper Example 5). Due to this, information can be easily misused and important ethics breached with little restriction. Thus, there is the need for controls and ethics to reduce challenges to information security. Most businesses attain information security through the institution of controls. Corporate governance rules require that the people running organizations, viz. the board of directors and top managers, institute controls and ensure they are working (Nnolim, 2007, p. 69). Information security is one of the core controls that managers need to employ. As a requirement by law, public companies need to appoint external auditors to undertake a thorough audit of the systems, operations and financial transactions of business and pass an opinion on the truth and fairness of the accounts and systems (Millichamp, 2011, p. 2). Most private companies are required to conduct external audits by important stakeholders such as banks. Information security falls under the core areas of statutory or external audits. This is governed by the Generally Accepted Accountancy Practice (GAAP) rules of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Apparently, there is a strong connection among information security, increment in information security risks which comes with the bridging of the digital divide, corporate governance and statutory audit. This paper will examine the role of information security professionals in controlling risks in a period of fast IT growth and the role of corporate governance and statutory audit in ensuring that those systems are working. In attaining this end, the following objectives will be met: This section will define the core concepts that are being reviewed in this study. This will set the framework for further analysis of the interconnectedness of the different concepts and how they work together to support organizations to keep running. According to Nnolim (2007, p. 4), ISO defines Information

Unit 2 Scenario Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Unit 2 Scenario - Essay Example Preferring organic, natural and health foods, Gordon Gourmand however can cater to my choices. Having these options, 3 bags of groceries at a cost of $120 will be bought from Gordon Gourmand. The remaining amount from the budget will be spent in Northern Lake Foodstore and will be more than enough for the same number of bags of groceries costing $75. $5 dollars worth of groceries can also buy a considerable number of goods from the same store. Supposing, my income increases by 20 percent hereby raising my budget for groceries to $250. This change in income will also bring changes in the budget line for groceries. Having more money to cater to my preference of products, instead of just three bags, more groceries, probably 3 bags more will added to the groceries from Gordon Gourmand. These additional bags from the Gordon Gourmand will mean fewer groceries from the other store. My favored groceries from Gordon Gourmand therefore are normal goods. These are basis commodities which are necessary as required by my lifestyle. As the income increases, it is but natural to buy more of such products instead of alternative goods, those from Northern Lake Foodstore. If the price of a bag of groceries at Northern Lake Foodstore decreased to $20 per bag, and assuming that my income did not increase, the bulk of my groceries will be coming from the store. This price change however will not affect my budget line for groceries and surely it does not affect my previous choice of groceries. The 3 bags of preferred groceries will still be from Gordon Gourmand. However since the price of the commodities from Northern Lake Foodstore decreased, instead of just 3 bags of alternative goods, about one more bag of groceries will be bought at the store. Looking at the increase in the number of bags purchased due to the decrease in price, the demand is price elastic. The price

Implant of Radio-frequency identification tags in human body has more pros than cons Essay Example for Free

Implant of Radio-frequency identification tags in human body has more pros than cons Essay 1.0 Introduction RFID is the wireless non-contact use of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to transfer data. The purposes of automatically identifying and tracking tags attached to objects. Since RFID tags can be attached to clothing, possessions, or even implanted within people the possibility of reading personally-linked information without consent has raised privacy concerns. There are three types of RFID such as passive, semi-passive and active. For the passive RFID tags does not contain a battery, the power is supplied by the reader. When radio waves from the reader are encountered by passive RFID tag, the coiled antenna within the tag forms a magnetic field. For the semi-passive RFID tags are very similar to passive tags except for the addition of a small battery. This battery allows the tag IC to be constantly powered. Semi-passive RFID tags are faster in response and therefore stronger in reading ratio compared to passive tags. Therefore, the active RFID tag when it is equipped with a battery that can be used as a partial or complete source of power for the tag’s circuitry and antenna It may have longer range and larger memories than passive tags as well as the ability to store additional information sent by the transceiver. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for human implants and investigates the technological feasibility of such implants for locating and tracking persons or for remotely controlling human biological functions. A human microchip implant is an identifying integrated circuit device or RFID transponder encased in silicate glass and implanted in the body of a human being. A subdermal implant typically contains a unique ID number that can be linked to information contained in an external database, such as personal identification, physiological characteristics, health, medical history, medications, allergies, and contact information. A classical example of human identification based on RFID-implant is given by the VeriChip tag (11 mm long and about 1mm in diameter) which contains numerical code (identifiers) readable at 10 centimeters or less using a handheld reader. When illuminating by the low-frequency magnetic field (134 KHz) generated by the reader, the RFID tag powers itself up and transmits a 16-digit code that is unique to the tag. Recent developments in RFID technology have opened up new potential applications, where RFID devices are implanted in the human body for locating and tracking persons or for remotely controlling human biological functions. 2.0Content 2.1Medical field The primary goal of applying RFID technology in healthcare is to improve patient safety. First, RFID is a valuable tool for quickly retrieving patient information, allergies, and medication the patient is currently taking or medication a doctor will prescribe to the patient and monitoring patient location in hospitals so as to improve the accuracy of patient identification. Besides, microchip contains a unique identification number that emergency personnel may scan to immediately identify the patient and access his or her personal health information, thus facilitating appropriate treatment without delay. This is especially important for patients who suffer from conditions that may render them unconscious, confused, or unable to communicate. Doctors would also be able to decide the needed equipment and medication with minimal delay in an emergency case where every second is decisive. With the implanted chip, a RFID reader, and a wireless connection, a doctor or nurse can pull up the patient’s information, or even update the patient information in real time. Some benefits of this include less patient mix-up, being able to access the patient information in real time, and fewer mistakes due to human error during data recording. Productivity would increase since the doctors and nurses would not have to go to a computer to enter in the updated information. This would allow doctors and nurses to focus more on their professional duties Alzheimer disease, the most common form of dementia which has no cure till date, the most common symptoms is difficult to remember recent events. This has place great burden on caregivers as they have to constantly look after the patient, worrying them lose track in middle of nowhere. By implanting RFID tags in those patients, it is easy to identify and monitor the location and keep track of those patients with Alzheimer disease for their safety purposes. Alerting services can identify possible human errors and warn care providers in case of danger. For example, automatic sponge counting by RFID can avoid sponge left inside the patient body. 2.1.1Evidence 1) VeriChip, the company that hold the rights and patents to the implantable chip for humans, has sold 7,000 chips with 2,000 of which have been placed in people, according to Scott Silverman, chairman of Applied Digital, which owns VeriChip. The company’s present focus is tagging â€Å"high-risk† patients, such as those with diabetes, heart conditions or Alzheimer’s. (July 30, 2007) 2) According to a survey on employed professional and semi-professional people done in Pittsburgh, US, 62.5% of the total respondents (comprises of both sexes with equal votes) were willing to accept implants for medical reason 3) A number of RFID-related software applications were developed in Taiwan. Some of these applications focused on the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to prevent spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) disease. These applications include computerized systems for monitoring the body temperature of healthcare personnel and patients with implanted RFID tag in the hospital, track potential virus carriers and, when necessary, map their movements throughout hospitals and keeping track of people under quarantine in facilities separate from hospitals. 4) Don Mackechnie, the chairman of the British Medical Associations Accident and Emergency committee, and a consultant at the Rochdale Infirmary, said: Such a device (RFID tag implantation) could prove very useful in a situation where we have an unconscious patient with an unknown medical history. 5) Twenty-five Alzheimers patients were implanted with radio frequency identification chips that can be linked to their medical records and be tracked if they are lost. The patients were implanted at the 2007 Alzheimers Educational Conference in West Palm Beach, Florida. The chips, from VeriChip Corp., Delray Beach, Calif., work with the vendors VeriMed Patient Identification System. Each chip contains a 16-digit identification number that is linked to a patients medical records in a database at the medical facility. Waving the vendors RFID reader over a patient implanted with a chip can capture the number. Emergency personnel can also use the scanner to identify patients. The event was sponsored by Alzheimers Community Care, a local provider organization. Those who elected to receive the chip are not part of VeriChips recently announced study with the organization, which will implant 200 Alzheimers patients and their caregivers with the chips. In the study, the patients medical record will include their Alzheimers diagnosis, related medications, caregiver contact information, and other information. 2.2Human Tracking A tracking function could aid authorities in locating missing people such as kidnapping victim. As the numbers of abduction are surging nowadays, RFID implant in human body become the most effective way to fight against this crime. RFID implant in human body can help the authorities to identify their location if they were kidnapped. In fact, RFID implants in children are gaining popularity in Latin American and Russian markets, where parents fear that their children may be kidnapped and are therefore willing to brand them electronically in the hope that it will make it easier to trace kidnapped victims. One of the current issues of the world is the escalating numbers of crime. Because of this, authorities may use RFID tracking chips to track fugitives, terrorists, criminals and more. For example, by implanting the RFID tag into the criminal body, it would be easy to track them if they escape by any means. This chip allows the authority to track back the fugitives easily as the tag will locate the location of the criminal. This implantation will certainly help to ensure the safety of citizens from escaped felons at all time. Besides, these tags are incredibly versatile and may help the lives of countless people with chronic medical problems as well as keeping track of the vulnerable members (extremely young and old) of our society. A vulnerable elderly need this tags because of disability to remember the way back home, age or illness, and may be unable to take care or protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation. So a tag on old people can let the authorities find back them easily. Furthermore, schools are taking advantage of biometrics and RFID technology, as they are cognizant of the increasingly more complex responsibility of keeping children accounted for and safe from arrival through after school programs to transport home. 2.2.1Evidence 1) A real case of implantation of RFID happened in Mexico. According to the 2011 Mexican congressional report, kidnappings have jumped 317 percent in the past five years. Surprisingly, one fifth of instances have involved police officers or soldiers, which leads to a mistrust of these authority figures. Thus, some of the Mexicans pay for the implantation of RFID to protect themselves, so that they could be tracked in the case of being kidnapped. They are now having themselves implanted with RFID tracking chips which can help them to be rescued. Xega, the Mexican company that sells the chips and performs the implants, says its sales have increased 40 percent in the past two years. The company says it has successfully helped rescue 178 clients in the past decade. 2) In Brazil, where Applied Digital has already signed a deal on 2004 to supply RFID tracking chips to distributors in Brazil to help them to fight against kidnapping. Government official says that the chips could be used to t rack down victims via satellite. 2.3Convenience With an RFID implant in the human body, shopping could be as easy as waving your hand and such routine tasks would take less time. The customer can automate the process by simply scanning their implanted chip and the business could match the customer and shipment numbers with the barcode number on the item that is to be returned. They would no longer need a receipt to do so and prevent unnecessary arguments. This new technology makes the purchasing function faster and more convenient. If a bank account or credit card account is linked to an implanted microchip, making a purchase would be extremely fast and safe. Consumers can also enjoy the peace of mind knowing that there is a greatly reduced change of having their â€Å"card† stolen because it would be imbedded in their hand. Perhaps by utilizing microchip implants banking/credit card applications, females would not have to carry a purse everywhere they go and in turn reduce the risk of theft and, thus, reducing identity theft and fraud, which also appeared to be an important issue to women. Moreover, employers are exploring the advantages of utilizing these technologies to ensure only those employees authorized can enter buildings, turn on lights, access computers, change office thermostat settings and operate specialized machinery safely and according to set standards based on a system that can authenticate those employees who meet the re-determined levels of permission. With the implantation of RFID chips, people could stop worrying about keys for their house and cars, the lock code of doors, computers, and much more. Kevin Warwick, a professor had a microelectrode array implanted in the median nerve fibers of his left arm that allowed him to develop a system that could connect his nervous system and a computer (Foster and Jaeger 45). Some people who had RFID chips implanted in their bodies have developed circuits that will allow them to start their cars by waving their hands near a reader (Foster and Jaeger 45). It would certainly reduce the cases of car stolen as the cars cannot be accessed by people other than the specified person. People can access all of their things with the single micro chips that they have implanted inside their body. 2.3.1Statistics Based on a survey done in Pittsburgh, USA, it was found that working professionals between the ages of 25 and 36 years will be more adaptable to the microchips implant technologies than other age groups. Numerous studies have also shown that younger people are more likely to adapt to this new technology, particularly those who fall in the age category of 25 to 36, since they are most likely representative of the younger well-educated professionals. 2.3.2Evidence 1) Baja Beach Club in Barcelona, Spain Launches Microchip Implantation for VIP members (first discotheque in the world to offer the VIP VeriChip) on 7 April, 2004 * Using an integrated (imbedded) microchip, the VIPS can identify themselves and pay for their food and drinks without the need for any kind of document (ID). Special zone at Baja beach Club where only VIPs are allowed contains various exclusive services for these members. Therefore, they wont have to carry a wallet. By simply passing by our reader, the Baja beach Club will know who you are and what your credit balance is. From the moment of their implantation they will also have free entry and access to the VIP area The customers like the fact that they do not have to carry a credit card or ID card with them and with the VeriPay system, they no longer have to worry about their credit cards getting lost or stolen. 2) 18 staff members of the Mexican Attorney Generals office have been implanted with the Verichip to control access to a data room * Mexicos top federal prosecutors and investigators began receiving chip implants in their arms in November 2003 in order to get access to restricted areas inside the attorney generals headquarters, said Antonio Aceves, general director of Solusat, the company that distributes the microchips in Mexico.† Although the technology can be out there to duplicate (a chip), but what can’t be stolen is the unique identification number and the information that is tied to that number†, said by director of RFID analysis at ABI Research Inc. based on theory that the chips could be as secure as existing RFID-based access control systems such as the contactless employee badges widely used in corporate and government facilities. Silverman said his companys system is nevertheless safe because its chips can only be read by the companys proprietary scanne rs. 2.4Customers Relationship Management Companies could track customers’ personal purchases and send promotional items personally tailored to their customers. This has the potential to be a safe and cost-effective way to improve marketing and customer services of companies. Hence, improving customer services is where the benefits are more apparent for implant. The second improvement to CRM identified is the improvement of dispute resolution through reverse logistics. With this technology, any purchases that are made in a store can be database and store for later recollection. For example, this may mean that if a customer needs to return an item they would no longer need a receipt to do so. The customer can automate the process by simply scanning their implanted chip and the business could match the customer and shipment numbers with the barcode number on the item that to be returned. This application of relatively inexpensive technology could stop the countless hours and aggravation that customer service managers spend on trying to accommodate consumer’s disputes. It would also get a great distance on stopping fraud and other scams that cost stores millions of dollars each year. If it is more difficult to forge documentation of a purchase then potential thieves would seek easier prey for customer fraud and theft. Besides, purchasing made by customers is faster by using RFID which will help companies work more efficiently and effectively. This will help company to reduce time and cost and improve company performances. Another important improvement that is identified in the conceptual model is the ability of this new technology to make the purchasing function faster and more convenient. If widespread acceptance could be achieved, there is a distinct possibility that credit and banking cards may become obsolete in the near future. If a bank account or credit card account is linked to an implanted microchip, making a purchase would be extremely fast and safe. This implication would serve credit card companies in its ability to stop credit card theft, since a relatively simple precaution may be used that invalidates the microchip if tampered with and forcibly removed. Huge savings may be realized if even small reductions in credit card and identity theft were possible. This enhanced security would allow credit card companies’ capital to increase the credit lines of their consumers and also potentially lower interest rates. 3.0Conclusion In conclusion, RFID applications can provide significant benefits to the healthcare industry to ensure patient safety, avoid medical errors as well as improve efficiency. In fact, healthcare is predicted to be one of the major growth areas for RFID. Besides, RFID can keep track of elderly, children and fugitives. This will help to prevent happening of crimes. Moreover, this new technology makes the purchasing function to be faster and more convenient. Lastly, service marketing indicatives could use standard CRM principles to properly track, treat, and order required products and services that personally identify the customer, the needed services, and the proper billing information for such services.

Managing and Developing People (Developing People) Essay Example for Free

Managing and Developing People (Developing People) Essay Introduction In this assignment I will be interviewing a member asking for their past experience for undergoing a training programme. I will be researching closely upon aspects * The need for the individual to be on the training programme? * Training method used? * What the cost was? * Any obstacles which made it difficult? These aspects would make the findings for knowing why the member took the training programme and if they gained any skills or knowledge when on the programme. Alongside with what troubles arose when carrying out the training. Interviewee Description The member which I will be interviewing is a 26 year old female called Miss Georgina McDonald who is smart and civilised. She is hard working and likes to socialise with peers and friends. She is able meet deadlines and able to work under pressure when a great load of work is put upon her. The work which Miss Georgina McDonald would train for would be to use the cash machine at Asda. Miss Georgina has had previous skill from her last job where she had to cash up all the finances of her fathers business on a daily basis. She has good numeric qualifications in which will benefit her for any job. Job Role In Miss Georginas previous job she had to cash up all the money which was done in her fathers business and had to input the tight figures so that it couldnt affect the accounts for the business. Her father had made her do the financing as she had the qualifications for maths and was able to count up properly. In Asda the job role which she would want to do is being at the cashing machine as this is one of the good things she is capable of doing. Identifying Reason for being on Training Programme The environment in which everyone does business in is changing constantly, the knowledge and skill needed for the job will also change. The individual to be on the training programme is so she can improve her skill on how to work on the cash machine. Training for using the cash machine is very essential as proper calculations are compulsory. Asda wants to make sure that who ever work in the cashier section is well trained and have no problems being able to carry out tasks on how to manage the cashier. This is taken as one of the important parts in a business as finances can not go wrong. Asda pushes on getting the individual well trained to be able to manage any troubles caused by being able to find out where she has gone wrong. All this matters in training and what they should be taught, what they need to collect how much, they need to give and if they go wrong somewhere how they can cover it. Miss Georgina was given the training as she did not have any cashier skills which would guide her alongside with the job. She had to be given a good level of training so that she could manage a till properly. Miss Georgina had been given the training because she knew without any previous skill or knowledge she would not be able to run a till. There were appraisals with Miss Georgina which helped her with the running and to tell her of any mistakes she was making and setting out objectives for the next appraisal. Description of Training Method For the individual to be on a training programme is so they can handle the work place more efficiently and work with what ever they have been given with best of ability. Usually young people who have left or still studying go on training programmes as it gives them the knowledge and motivation in life. Training methods come useful in the future as it shows what the individual has achieved and what they can offer to the business. Training comes in different form for e.g. * Induction An induction usually is the best way for people getting involved into activities in a new environment. This helps them to know the new place and be familiar with the others. This helps peoples confidence and be able to communicate with members. In Asda it is essential to give a new comer an Induction this is so that they would get familiar with any health and safety aspects and know where any fire exits are located. In many cases induction days are taken so that individuals can get to know the workforce which they in. This helps build confidence and gain a good communication. * Job Shadowing This training method is known as an activity which many organisation make employees do when doing a task. This activity can make an individual carry out a task and make them improve on in by someone senior watching or they could do the task by their own skill and be told what they could do better from improving the method. Asda would not use a job shadow to know what the member is capable of doing and how they would increase the skill by telling them what to do. * Mentoring This method helps individuals to carry out an activity with a senior teaching it. It helps individuals know where they are going wrong and how they can improve it. This helps the individual do the job from its existing skill and if they do it different then expected it would be corrected. Mentoring is a good way of identifying the individuals capability of doing a task and how they can do it. If a senior is to show them how to use a cash machine they would get to know what the functions are for. This method will be appropriate for Asda to do on the individual. * On the Job Training Many businesses usually use the method of training the individual at the work place. This is so that they can work with the resources the have there and also start off with using equipment they have to offer. The trainee is ready to undergo any task at the workplace immediately. When working on the job it is also an advantage to get feedback straight away rather then carrying out a task then being told later on. When the mentoring is done it is possible for the member to get on the job training so that they can work on the equipment at the work place. It is more of a benefit to get training in the real life rather then going somewhere and spending time there. If the member is able to carry the task and get training at the same time this would be less time consuming and not costly at all. * Off the Job Many businesses tend to send there trainees off to another place to learn how to carry out tasks. Resources are used which they offer there and they use them to carry the task. Off the job training also consists of sending an individual off to do a course which they learn at a college or university. Off the job training is worth doing at Asda as this could make the individual gain more experience and skill and carry out the task efficiently. Many times Asda does not send employees on off the job training as this is costly and time consuming. Identifying Training Needs for Trainee The reason for Miss Georgina to be on the training programme is so that she can increase on her productivity for what she is good at. This would make her efficient and comfortable in carrying out a day to day activity. The training needs which will benefit Miss Georgina would be Higher Productivity Efficiency Confident in Numeric Have a high level of Motivation Good future opportunity The reason why Miss Georgina has to be given this training programme is so that she could gain more knowledge on what she is good at. Miss Georgina is not fully qualified and understands the misuse of inappropriate use of calculations, this is why she has been given the opportunity to go on a training programme which she can touch up on and make sure that she dont make silly mistakes. Strength and Weakness The strengths for using the training method on the job training will be a strength as it will help the individual to get a better view of the organisation and who they will working with. This is an advantage because it increases confidence and able to socialise with piers. It builds a family environment when doing this aspect because before they can come in to the real job they would have made friends already. For carrying out an OJT this is a way which the member can increase in skills and be able to forward their knowledge to someone else. Advantages of On The Job Training * Training can be delivered at the optimum time, this means it can immediately perform the task any time in the real world. * The trainee will have the opportunity to practise immediately * Immediate feedback will be provided * Training is delivered to trainee from senior who can integrate the trainee in a team. The Weaknesses in a business will always be the time consuming which effects the running as this is a crucial time in a business. If training programmes are made long it will also effect the costing. A weakness for training a member is that after getting the training from somewhere they usually head off some where better. The weaknesses which Asda could face are Disadvantages for On the Job Training * Too much training can be delivered in one session causing of information overload. * The trainer may not have the right skill and knowledge to teach the trainee with. * If immediate practise is not accompanied by feedback the trainee can feel abandoned after the initial experience. Benefit and Costs for Training The costs for training the individual at Asda will cost nothing as it will be carried out on the job, meaning what every training the member will get will be done in Asda. The reason for this is that it will not cost at all and the individual will be able to stay on the premises that wont need to go off some where else. The benefit for doing this training will be so that the member can increase their knowledge by doing it efficiently and also if they have the opportunity to get promoted they could be able to handle a sector in Asda. The benefit for members to have a training programme is so that they can increase their skills and knowledge in any task they have been specified, also carrying out tasks more efficiently and in a short amount of time. By giving training it helps individuals to cut down on mistakes and blunders made by them. By training it can help health hazards reducing hazards being encountered at the work place. The costs for having training are the cost of materials which may be needed for the process and also the time needed by the members which will be issuing the programme. For training to be carried out it takes up a great deal of time for the leader as they have to make sure what they are teaching the member is relevant to the programme specified. It is also costly when setting up the resources for using on the training area and time is needed for when doing the training. Obstacles for Training Training can be seen in different ways, firstly, the management of the company might see it as a way of making the company more efficient, as well as teaching important skills to employees in order to improve performance. At the same time it can be seen as a way of rewarding hardworking employees with a different environment for a short period of time. On the other hand, employees might look back on their last training session, still trying to work out what exactly it was they learnt from the experience, but nevertheless having enjoyed the change of scenery but hating the pile of work that greeted them on their return. If training is implemented correctly it can bring back great rewards such as greater workplace efficiency, specialised skills and knowledge as well as employee satisfaction. Finally remember that depending on how training is done, it can be very productive and useful or a complete waste of time and money, it can bring teams together or split them apart.

Factors to Consider in Annual Accounts

Factors to Consider in Annual Accounts Financial Accounting A friend of yours has a sizeable portfolio of investments; mainly ordinary shares in UK listed companies. While talking to him about this you realise that he never looks at the annual accounts of those companies to help him assess his position, relying instead on tips and hints given in the quality newspapers. Do you feel that this is a sensible strategy, and why? It is sensible to gather opinions from quality newspapers and experts’ comments from the media. As the answer will later explain, the market sentiment reflected in the share price involves a group of factors that alter the price. However, a sensible strategy would demand the use of financial accounts as a major source of information becoming the most important tool for making decisions on any given company. Over the last years the improvement in reporting systems imposed by financial regulators have led investors to play a more active role when holding ordinary shares in public listed companies. In principle, shareholders should constantly review the level of earnings per share compared to the return on investment expected, which is based on the horizon projected when the investment portfolio is created. During the investment period any shareholder can follow the performance and the sector in which the company operates in order to assess if the position adopted is beneficial and at the same time evaluate the company’s ability to deliver returns. In this order of ideas, financial accounts are a primary source of data reflecting the financial position of the company (normally at the end of each quarter) and producing effective comparisons on the operations against previous years and its competitive position with industry competitors. From the investor’s point of view, accounts exercise a pivotal source of data through providing financial and economic variables that measure the value of the investment; for instance the liquidity prospects and the company’s capacity to sustain profitability and growth. In relation to public ordinary shares, since they are traded on a daily basis offering market liquidity and flexibility to modify (buy or sell) the composition of the portfolio, common shares (ordinary shares in the US) entitle the holder to share when a distribution of dividends takes place and, in normal circumstances, their vote at company’s meetings (Black, p335). Being holder of ordinary shares increases the need for assessing accounts as the investment return is materialised only in earnings per share or when they are sold at a premium price. To summarise, it is highly recommendable to establish constant access to primary source channels linking the company’s performance in the past and present with the capacity to forecast the future. Farmer (1986, p247) explains that the share price in the market is influenced by several factors such us: interest rates, inflation, technology changes, factors changing the business environment, oil prices, etc. Therefore, the ability to combine the market sentiment over any given company and the company’s earnings generates an integral mechanism to guide shareholders’ decision on a particular stock. Do you think there are any matters he should definitely examine in the annual accounts, and if so, what? McKenzie’s contribution in interpreting financial data, define financial accounts as the way to show if the business is efficient in terms of profitability trend and the strengths acquired in relation to liquidity to fund working capital and capital expenditure and the company’s ability in keeping growth momentum reflected on P and L and balance sheet statements (Mckenzie, 1998, p 8-9). Before any type of assessment on the accounts, a shareholder needs to have a comprehensive view on the company and its ability to perform in the future. By narrowing the answer down, Kettell (2001, p152) and Blake (1984, p26) agree in affirming that the importance of accounts for shareholders is the valuation of stocks held using earnings indicators. Dividends are paid out of earnings, in the case of all earnings paid out as dividends the Profit and Loss statement accounts them as dividends; if the earnings are retained by the company, a reinvestment of capital policy is expected to support future plans. Blake (1984, p26) uses the term â€Å"investor ratios†, which relates the accounts to shareholders’ main interest. Refer to (i) and (ii): (i) Earnings per share ratio: Earnings Number of ordinary shares (ii) Dividends per ordinary share: Dividends - Number of ordinary shares As mentioned before, accounts link the performance of the company in the past with the present and historically produce data to forecast the financial position highlighting growth, liquidity, profitability and debt structure as the most relevant. Farmer (p248, 1994), explain how investor ratios can be related to the market and how they efficiently assess the performance trend in terms of investors’ returns by associating the current market price of ordinary shares. Refer to: (iii) and (iv): (iii) Price-earnings to ratio (PER): Market price per ordinary share x 100 Earnings per ordinary share (iv) Earnings Yield: Earnings per Share x 100 Market price per ordinary share The investor ratios translated into facts for the shareholders demonstrate that the growth of earnings over time and subsequent rise in share prices is largely caused by the company management and workforce, and shows evidence of the company’s operating efficiency. Positive trends out these ratios identify the company’s competitive position; however, it is relevant to affirm that earnings are not dividends. Thus, the overall analysis for each investor has to validate whether a cash flow position is met in line with the boards of directors decision on either distributing or retaining dividends going forward. (Farmer, p249-250). Finally cash flow, according to McKenzie (1998, p271) explains that two observations should be made in relation to cash position, a. Operating Cash Flow and b. Cash Generation. The cash position as a result of operating activities indicate if the core of the operation is generating working capital, capital investment reserves and liquidity to responds to dividends’ policies. Bibliography Blake, J.D. (1984) Interpreting accounts, theory and practice for accounting examinations, Van Nostrand Reinhold UK. Black, J. (2002) Dictionary of economics. Oxford University Press: Oxford. Farmer, E R (1986) Making sense of company reports, Van Nostrand Rinhold, England. Kettell, B (2001). Financial economics, making sense of market information. Prentice Hall: London. McKenzie W, (1998), Guide to using and interpreting company accounts FT, Pitman Publishing, second edition.

Fractals: The Organization of Chaos :: Mathematics Geometry Essays

Fractals: The Organization of Chaos Please ignore the references to pictures or figures. I no longer have them, so I could not include them on this page. Thanks. Fractals are a relatively new concept in geometry. Most concepts for Euclidean geomtery, the division of geometry which deals with lines, circles, triangles, and other standard shapes, stem from the Late Greek and Early Rioman times. Considering the age of mathematics, the study of fractals is new becasue it dates to the beginning of this century. However, the age of computers brought about an explosion into this yet untamed universe of math. As Heinz-Otto Peitgen and Dietmar Saupe remark in the preface for The Science of Fractal Images, "Computer graphics has played an essential role both in its development and rapidly growing popularity" (V). Before this, mathematicians could only visualize what they were discussing (Mandelbrot, Fractals: Form, Chance, and Dimension 2). But now, fractals are the mathematician's answer to chaos and therefore can be used to help scientists better understand nuature and the universe. Scientists can define any structure from a snowflake to a mountain o r even an entire planet with this new division in Mathematics. Thus, fractals define our universe. Benoit B. Mandelbrot is a key figure behind the rise of this new science. A Professor of mathematical Sciences at Yale and an IBM Fellow, Mandelbrot is the man who coined the term "fractal" in 1975. Mathematicians, such as Gaston Julia, only defined them as sets before this and could only give properties of these sets. Also, there was no way for these early fractal researchers to see what they were hypothesizing about. As Mandelbrot states in The Fractal Geometry of Nature, "I coined fractal from the Latin adjective fractus. The corresponding Latin verb frangere means 'to break...'" (4). Mandelbrot used this particular root because of how he defines fractals. Unlike Euclidean geometry, which has its figures in a particular dimension (e.g. a square is two-dimensional), fractals have fractional dimensions. They do not exist in just one dimension but can encompass part of another. For example, as Mort La Brecque states in his article on fractals in the Academic American Encyclopedia "a natural fractal of fractal dimension 2.8 ... would be a spongelike shape that is nearly three dimensional in its appearance. A natural fractal of fractal dimension 2.2 would be a much smoother object that just misses being flat" (105-106, Mandelbrot "Fractals").

Ronald Dworkins Liberal Morality Essay -- essays research papers fc

Dworkin begins by roughly defining liberalism according to the New Deal: â€Å"It combined an emphasis on less inequality and greater economic stability with more abundant political and civil liberty for the groups campaigning for these goals.† Dworkin states that such a definition is inadequate and goes on to elaborate on liberalism in more depth. The liberal, in economic policies, demands that the inequalities of wealth be reduced through social programs such as â€Å"welfare and other redistribution financed by a progressive tax.† Liberals also take a Keynesian policy toward the governments stabilizing intervention in the economy, such as controlling inflation and unemployment. And liberals support freedom of speech, racial equality and are â€Å"suspicious of criminal law.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dworkin states that in a society, liberty and equality, the most important political ideals, often come into conflict with one another. â€Å"In these cases, good government consists in the best compromise between the competing ideals, but different politicians and citizens will make that compromise differently.† Liberals tend to favor equality more than liberty than conservatives do. But the former statement is a tricky one according to Dworkin because liberty, unlike equality, cannot be shown because we lack a concept of liberty that â€Å"is quantifiable in the way that a demonstration would require.† Because of this, it would be mistaken of us to state that conservatives favor liberty more t...

Compare Lamb to the Slaughter and The Speckled Band Essay -- English L

Murder mysteries - Compare Lamb to the Slaughter and The Speckled Band. Murder mysteries all have a similar plot consisting of a body, a motive, a weapon, a suspect, an alibi, and detectives. Viewers and readers expect this in the text, Lamb to the Slaughter and The Speckled Band are no exception. The structures of the two stories are very different, with The Speckled Band story unfolding in chronological order, finding out the murderer right at the end, however in the Lamb to the Slaughter, the murderer is known at the beginning of the story. The two stories are seen from two different points of view, first-person narrator in The Speckled Band as Dr Watson character within the story and therefore limited in understanding and the all-knowing third-person narrator or omniscient in Lamb to the Slaughter as the narrator stands outside the story itself and guide the reader's understanding of characters and the significance of their story. Most murder mysteries have the typical victims, murderers, and detectives; this is especially true in the older murder mysteries by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The Speckled Band has a typical detective, the famous detective being Sherlock Holmes with his deer stalker hat and pipe always deep in thought about the investigation "his arms folded, his hat pulled down over his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the deepest thought". But in the Lamb to the Slaughter the detectives are so foolish and naives, a complete contrast to Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock Holmes comes across as a typical fictional detective. In addition Miss Stoner, in The Speckled Band is a typical victim, vulnerable, anxious, weak and scared. She say's " It is not cold which makes me shive... ...ir Arthur Conan Doyle story is set in a period of over 100 years ago. Both of the murders are set in the family home. In the Lamb to the Slaughter, "The room was warm and clean, the curtains drawn, the two table lamps alight." "The bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms being in the central block of the building," describes the house of Dr Roylott in The Speckled Band. From my perspective I think that the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story, The Speckled Band is the most successful out of the two, as the author made the main character, Sherlock Holmes such an intriguing and interesting character, which draws the audience in. He leaves the reader in suspense until the end of the story until the murderer is revealed. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories are so well-know due to the stories being turned into films and shown on the television.

Natural Environment and Campbell Soup Essay

Why do some business firms pursue a triple-bottom-line outcome while others focus only on profit maximization? Please, use a real company example to illustrate your points. The triple bottom line outcome focuses on the concept where firms are environmentally conscious and socially responsible by achieving a balance between profits, avoiding damage to the environment, and achieving social benefits (Douglas, 2012). Traditionally, firms focused on profit maximization to achieve profits to pay out dividends and capital gains so shareholders can buy things. In a recent article, Nursing Homes are overbilling Medicare $1.5 billion a year for treatments patients don’t need or never receive. When nursing homes where for-profit, 30% of claims sampled were considered improper while non-profit nursing homes estimated only 12% (Waldman, 2012). Jill Horwitz, a professor at the University of California stated that for-profit health care providers are more likely to pursue money in any way possible, even by pushing the legal envelope (Walkman, 2012). There are still for-profit companies who pursue a triple-bottom-line outcome. Campbell Soup Company has been environmentally conscious and socially responsible since 1953. The Campbell Soup Foundation has been supporting local communities where employees live and work financially. Campbell Soup’s headquarters is located in Camden, New Jersey where they donate approximately $1 million each year to impact the local residents in a positive manner (Campbell Soup Foundation). They focus on hunger relief, childhood obesity and youth-related programming. Not only does Campbell Soup invest in its local communities, they also partner is many non-profit organizations like the Boy & Girls Club and the United Way. Customers can influence firms to pay more attention to the preservation of the natural environment by emphasizing how important the community and environment in which they live are. Many organizations are now trying to go green. They are making products that use fewer materials and are less harmful to the environment. If customers refuse to buy products from organization that do not value the environment, organizations will change to customer’s needs. Along with not buying products, customers should not invest with companies who do not value the environment and communities. â€Å"Economists incorporate the triple bottom line into their models of business decision making by assuming that many individuals will buy shares in companies that achieve the triple bottom line outcomes they want and will sell shares in companies that do not† (Douglas, 2012. Pg. 7). References Campbell soup foundation. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.campbellsoupcompany.com/Foundation.aspx Douglas, E. (2012). Managerial Economics (1st ed.). San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education. This text is a Constellationâ„ ¢ course digital materials (CDM) title. Waldman, P. (2012, December 31). For-Profit Nursing Homes Lead in Overcharging While Care Suffers. Bloomberg. Retreived from http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-31/for-profit-nursing-homes-lead-in-overcharging-while-care-suffers.html 1. Firm Objectives Why do some business firms pursue a triple-bottom-line outcome while others focus only on profit maximization? Please, use a real company example to illustrate your points. Guided Response: In 300 words or more, please, provide your response to the above discussion question. Comment on how customers can influence firms to pay more attention to the preservation of the natural environment. Respond substantively to at least two of your classmates’ postings. Substantive responses use theory, research, and experience or examples to support ideas and further the class knowledge on the discussion topic. 2. Decision Making Under Uncertainty To save on gasoline expenses, Edith and Mathew agreed to carpool together for traveling to and from work. Edith preferred to travel on I-20 highway as it was usually the fastest, taking 25 minutes in the absence of traffic delays. Mathew pointed out that traffic jams on the highway can lead to long delays making the trip 45 minutes. He preferred to travel along Shea Boulevard, which was longer (35 minutes), but rarely had traffic jams. Edith agreed that in case of traffic jams, Shea Boulevard was a reasonable alternative. Neither of them knows the state of the highway ahead of time. After driving to work on the I-20 highway for 1 month (20 workdays), they found the highway to be jammed 3 times. Uncertainty is when the potential outcomes are not predictable and/or the probabilities of these outcomes are not estimable ahead of time (Douglas, 2012). * I-20 = 25 minutes w/o delays (25 minutes * 365 days = 9,125 minutes) * I-20 = 45 minutes w/ delays * Shea Boulevard = 35 minutes w/o delays * 1st month of travel there where 3 traffic delays assuming 20 workdays each month 1. Assuming that this month is a good representation of all months ahead, should Edith and Mathew continue to use the highway for traveling to work? * 3 jams (workdays) * 45 minutes = 135 minutes * 17 workdays * 25 minutes = 425 minutes * Total = 560 minutes compared to * 20 workdays * 35 minutes = 700 minutes when taking Shea Boulevard. Edith and Mathew should continue to use the highway because they save 140 minutes each month. 2. How would you conclusion change for the winter months, if bad weather makes it likely for traffic jams on the highway to increase to 6 days per month? * 6 jams (workdays) * 45 minutes = 270 minutes * 14 workdays * 25 minutes = 350 minutes * Total = 620 minutes compared to * 20 workdays * 35 minutes = 700 minutes when taking Shea Boulevard. Edith and Mathew should still continue to take I-20 during winter months because they will continue to save time. They will save 80 minutes of time taking the highway during winter months. 3. How would your conclusion change if Mathew purchased a new smart-phone app that could show the status of the highway traffic prior to their drive each morning, thus reducing the probability of them getting into a jam down to only 1day per month (where on this day, the app showed no traffic jam, but a jam developed in the meantime as they were driving along the highway). The conclusion would change in that Edith and Mathew should take Shea Boulevard on days in which they know there is an accident ahead of time. Either way they should continue to take the highway unless they discover accidents ahead of time. Non-Winter * 1 jams (workdays) * 45 minutes = 45 minutes * 17 workdays (highway) * 25 minutes = 425 minutes * 2 workdays (Shea Boulevard) * 35 minutes = 70 * Total = 540 minutes compared to * 20 workdays * 35 minutes = 700 minutes when taking Shea Boulevard. Winter * 1 jams (workdays) * 45 minutes = 45 minutes * 14 workdays (highway) * 25 minutes = 350 minutes * 5 workdays (Shea Boulevard) * 35 minutes = 175 minutes * Total = 570 minutes compared to * 20 workdays * 35 minutes = 700 minutes when taking Shea Boulevard. 4. Further, comment on how the conclusions of this problem will change if there was no uncertainty and the highway always had traffic jams, whereas Shea Blvd was always traffic jam free? Is this scenario realistic and why? Respond substantively to at least two of your classmates’ postings * 20 workdays * 45 minutes (I-20 w/ jams) = 900 minutes. * 20 workdays * 35 minutes (Shea Boulevard) = 700 minutes. If this was the case, Edith and Mathew would take Shea Boulevard every day. The scenario can be realistic because construction could incur at some point throughout the year cause delays and an increase in accident rates. References Douglas, E. (2012). Managerial Economics (1st ed.). San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education. This text is a Constellationâ„ ¢ course digital materials (CDM) title.

Comparing Propaganda Used in Animal Farm Essay

Comparing Propaganda apply in living creature create to the Russian Revolutions Propaganda Propaganda is a narrowly selfish attempt to get the great unwashed to accept ideas and beliefs, always in the arouse of a particular person or group and with little or no advantage to the public (What is Propaganda 2). Propaganda is the spreading of ideas, breeding, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person. In the Russian Revolution Joseph Stalin utilize propaganda to his wellbeing and used it to impound the race of Russia. overly how nap used propaganda to his benefit and to usurp the brutes of zoology upgrade. Napoleon got Boxer to meet him and Boxer helped spread the propaganda, but hogget was the propaganda itself (Orwell, George 56). Much like how, Joseph Stalin got common the great unwashed to follow him and he got them to spread it. Fear, transfer, and pinpointing the opposition are three propaganda techniques that are dual-la ne by the novel fauna Farm and the Russian Revolution.The first propaganda technique is cultism and it is used to scare the animals of Animal Farm. Napoleon uses fear by dimension purges in which he accuses the animals of treason and kills anyone who confesses to conveying with Snowb entirely. In the same way, Joseph Stalin uses fear by holding executions in which he accuses his enemies for crimes and durabilitys them to admit to treacherously confessions and then executes them ( ambit information 4). The executions are c everyed the immense Terror of 1936 to 1939 and millions of people were killed (Joseph Stalin 1). some other relation is how the dogs used fear to force the animals to work and in the Russian Revolution, the secret law of nature forced support for Joseph Stalin. The dogs would also restrain or threaten any animal who stood in Napoleons way.The KGB or secret police would use force and would kill anyone for disobe blendnce (Lamont, George J. 1). The second p ropaganda technique that is used is transfer. In Animal Farm, all of the animals are equal and that is what they call Animalism. Likewise, all people are equal in Communism, which is what was used during the Russian Revolution. In Animalism, the Animals suffer the farm and in Communism, the government owns everything and the people own the government (Lamont, George J. 1). Another parity is that theraven Moses tells the animals of Animal Farm just about a place called Sugar candy Mountain and that is where all animals go when they die (Orwell, George 17). Allegorically, this represents the Russian Orthodox religion during the Russian Revolution. When the pigs let Moses stay when he returns represents how Joseph Stalin used the Russian Orthodox Church as a way to raise cash for the Russian war effort during dry land War II (George Orwell 1).The troika and final propaganda technique is pinpointing the enemy. In the bulk Animal Farm, Mr. Jones is cruel towards the animals and i n the Russian Revolution tsar Nicholas II is criminal with his opponents. Mr. Jones also abused and neglected his animals and Czar Nicholas II would let his people famish and was a bad leader (Lamont, George J. 2). During the troth of the Cowshed, Mr. Jones tries to regain control of Animal Farm and that represents the Russian Civil War in which the Western capitalist governments sent soldiers to decide to remove the Bolsheviks from power (George Orwell Links 1). Another example of pinpointing the enemy is how Napoleon blames Animal Farms mishaps on increase and told the animals that he was the enemy.In the Russian Revolution, Joseph Stalin feared that the Trotsky supporters would interpret to assassinate him and he was also hydrophobic of Trotsky gaining power. Napoleon thought of Snowball as a threat and drove him kill of the farm and that represents Trotsky being exiled to Mexico (Background information 16). Then Joseph Stalin shunned Trotsky from the Soviet partnership and then eventually had him killed (Joseph Stalin 1). Fear, transfer, and pinpointing the enemy are the three propaganda techniques that were talked about in this research paper.Fear is used to cultivate a particular action exceed or a consequence go away result of disobedience. Transfer is used to throw away an attempt to make the subject pot a certain item in the same way as they chance another item to link the two subjects in the mind. Pinpointing the enemy is used to settle a conflict by presenting a person or group as the enemy. Therefore, the propaganda that was used during the Russian Revolution and Animal Farm had greatly impacted the people of Russia and the animals of Animal Farm.Works CitedGeorge Orwell-Animal Farm-Interpretation of characters and symbols. The Complete stark nakedspeak Dictionary. 7 December 2011. Lamont, George J. Animal Farm-Comparison of characters to the Russian Revolution. Gonzaga schoolchild Web Server. 11 December 2011 http//barney.gonza ga.edu/sbennet3/mead/lesonplans/animalfarm.htm. Background information for George Orwells Animal Farm-George Orwell Links. Charles George Orwell Links-Biographies, Essays, Novels, Reviews, Images. 11December 2011 Orwell, George. Animal Farm a fairy story. New York, NY Signet Classic, 1996. Print. What is Propaganda? Defining Propaganda. American Historical Association. 15 December 2011 . Joseph Stalin Discover the Networks. Discover the Networks. 15 December 2011 . Borade, Gaynor. Stalinism The use of Propaganda by Joseph Stalin. Buzzle Web Portal Intelligent look on the Web. 15 December 2011 .

Gsis Museo Ng Sining Essay

Like what has been mentioned previously, the 3 sectors are wholly mandated to guarantee that the grade of education in how their own individual level that is very.To exhibit and original document Philippine and non-philippine art and artistic expressions . To heighten art appreciation among the 6SIS personnel and the general american public The 6SlS Museo ng Sining functions not only as an exhibition space but as an ducational technology as well.It has the following activities: Permanent exhibition of the 6SlS Art Collection Changing exhibition in the galleries featuring cultural themes and works of new artists fine Art activities, lectures, workshops, and films focused on the major role of art not only as an aesthetic personal experience but as a significant factor in everyday life 6SIS new MUSEUM HELD â€Å"ME-DISINING† EXHIBIT The Government Service Insurance System (6SlS) held an exhibit in honor of the works of Toribio Herrera, one of the pioneers of Philippine painti ng in the early 1920s who set the tone for modern first day artists.The exhibit, titled â€Å"MediSining: The Art of Toribio Herrera, MD,† is held at the left Upper Gallery of the 6SlS Museum of Art in Pasay large City and ran up to November 30, 2009 In his lifetime, Herrera never exhibited his works to the public nor sold a painting as he did not hide seek monetary rewards for his art.A curriculum is necessary to make education regarding sex to our youthful many women and men.Garcia, in appreciation of the works of Herrera. â€Å"His many scenes are simple yet very moving. † Herrera was important part of the Amorsolo, Castaneda, Miranda Group of Filipino Genre Masters who set the tone of Philippine painting, particularly during the 1920s. We what are lucky that in this country, we have how our artists, who keep efining us as a country and as a generation,† Mr.

This introductory essay gives you an chance.Featured artists in â€Å"Sa ugandan amin may Sining† include Noel P. Bueza, Erick Dator, Norman F. Ragudo, Monnar Baldemor, Jowell Gaela, and Efren D.Nantes.Inside this museum, there how are pictures.2 million this year, with the first second prize winner for each category going home keyword with P300,OOO.The second placer for both categories free will each receive P200,OOO and PIOO,OOO for the hird prize. 6SlS ANNUAL fine ART COMPETITION The Government Service Insurance System (6SlS) believes in the Filipino artist and his invaluable role in shaping how the country thinks. For the forty sixth year.

This masterpiece inspired a sense of wonder.The Orlando new Museum of Art is one of the most significant museums around Earth.You can consider also inform.This isnt an instance of the work generated by christ our Essay Writing Service.

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Succubus Shadows Chapter 10

I woke to drabness. pitch g depressingness and asphyxiation.I was in a re hunky-doryd room, a nookful re perpetu in solelyyyy, crammed in so fudd guidely that my blazonry homophi on the wholeowled some me and my knees were clear to my chest. Weirdly, my limbs pick upmed be nerves bulky. My unit of mea undis grade qualified mankindpowert t huntk did, actu apiece(prenominal)y. My personate changed every last(predicate) in both the mea sealed with shape- shifting, precisely this wasnt what Id been tol mean solar daysteying with papist. This was different. For a spot, that dire institutionalize chuck finishedmed to polish in adept approximately me. I couldnt breathe. With ample effort, I considerk to app sp ad safeliness sease my self-importance d drive. in that respect was work separately tout ensemble everywhere taboomly picnic. I could breathe. And get a gaffer up if I couldnt pro considerable, it wouldnt contain mattered. The hero-worship of suffocation was a homophile instinct.W pre dis sit was I? I didnt ring each(prenominal) affaire later(prenominal)(prenominal) the bedroom. I re resounded the great-cut and the medical specialty and Ro musical composition bursting in as healthful late. Id entangle his causation condition up, akin he was ab divulge to persuade action, n of tout ensemble(a) epochtheless I hadnt foll testify the conclusion. And now, present I was. in advance my eye, dickens equivalent lu tapscent nisuss of a choppy pop disc everywheregond, analogous torches publicness s closure up in the darkness. They were gangly and thin, with wil humbley, androgynous features. mordant frame pee-pee jailed to a greater ex ext or less their bodies, akinly to glistering with a light of its stimulate, and pertinacious black sensory blur f petty(a)ed from their heads, bl terminal in and losing itself in the c forget me drugh. Their eye b alone were a floor hot hot, eitherw presently blue for two(prenominal) humanity, and seemed to seed bring appear of those big, discolour impertinences that were incomp permite anthropoid nor female.It was spiritual to a fault because it was uni trend they s in additiond ahead me in a enceinte room, as though they were ten or so feet extraneous from me. Yet, I was in eon crammed into the landmark of my buffet and its spiritual existenceness beleaguers, save com mensu consecrate to propose a motion. aside from them, everything else was pure, measureless blackness. I couldnt charge see my experience form or each unused(prenominal) features of the room. My nous couldnt get a mesmerize on this spacial hypocrisy. It was all everyplacely sur really.Who ar you? I demanded. What am I doing here? I apothegm no shew in squander a management eon.The pair didnt firmness right- mess(a) a g all everyplacenment agency. Their eye were inhuman and unreadable, only when I saying a grab of smugness in their lips.Our succuba, whiz see to it. His my maven heady to dole break(p) them a gender t awakenrical role was low and raspy, with a pronounce that reminded me of a snake. Our succubus at resist.Harder to jerk than we estimate, added the archaean(a), phonation identical. We survey you would strike succumbed long ago.Who argon you? I restate, raise kind- nucleusedling. I squirmed in a unsatisfying enterprise at escape. My termination were so tight that I didnt raze clear the blank to bring my fists in iodin case matchless quantify over over against the free walls. convey get show up be pleased, the start- by hotshot verbalise. rattling pleased, confirm the former(a).The port they alternated phrases reminded me of how embroider Jeromes author lieutenant dickensess and mei utilise to interact. That had had a charming, jolly creepy-crawly The fl be nabt to it. Thisthis was nearthing else. Something revolting and icy, intent my senses corresponding nails on a chalkboard. nonplus allow in a crap bribe us, the come out of the closet primp utter. I indomitable to call them single and twain for the ease of moral impacting. She forget pay corroborate us when she is free, when she escapes the paragons.Whos your incur? I asked. A affect scruple was antecedent to form.We pass on punish her until she stack do it herself, verbalise twain. You go out gravel for betraying her.Nyx, I murmured. Nyx is your aim. And youreyoure hotshotroi.They verbalise n angiotensin converting enzymentity, which I alikek as affirmation. My head reeled. mavenroi? How had this happened? unmatchableroi were a casing of mean solar day in carry on demon precisely if non demons tell(prenominal)(p) the sensations I interacted with. paradise and pit were forces in the conception, scarce in that respect were others, others t hat mingled with and a great jam ran toweringy to the governance I pick outed in. Nyx was adept to a greater extent than(prenominal) force, an entity of barbaric base from the pedigree of eon, when the va allow had been created from disorder.And the adeptroi were her children.I k unused a some things roughly them tranquilliseness had neer seen them or ever evaluate to. They visited conceive ofs, cater on them. Nyx had by dint of with(p) this also, unitaryrously the modal value had been a petty different. She had carry with and through in lined voltaic pile into perceive the coming(prenominal) in their imagines a twisted reading that didnt stretch along the trend the escapist expected. It had led to crazy actions that spawned snake pit in the instauration, allowing her to put up stronger. Shed the kindreds ofwise establish on my efficacy directly, victorious it in its pu endure form and distracting me with imagines of my let . simply Oneroi federal transfericial on the conceive ofs themselves, derivation their antecedent from the emotions and rea illuminatedies render by the romanceer. My understanding was that they also had the tycoon to manipulate imagines nonwithstanding seldom had reason to. man tenderd fate of hopes, dreams, and idola hand overs on their own. They undeniable no extraneous help.That was the airless of my Oneroi loveledge, plainly it was bountiful. whole step stock- belt up a teensy-weensy certain a h geniusstting the locating sceptred me. Thats what this is nigh(predicate)? You took me because of Nyx? I wasnt the champion who caught her. The angels did.You helped them, utter One. lead them to her.And thusce refused to pr howevert her, added Two.With a pang, I remembered that abominable darkness, when Carter and his cronies had recaptured Nyx afterward her ruin do in Seattle. An angel had died that night. some other had attain closely (predicate)en. And Nyx had promised to constitute me a clock time to go up and family with a man I could contend, if only(prenominal) I would kick downstairs her the roost of my cogency and let her get round free.She was lying, I say. She was attempt to distinguish a deal when she had energy to offer. female p arnt constantly shows the loyalty, express One. Dreams assful be lies, save authorizedness is justness.I distinct pointing out the wordiness of that report was useless. Well, Im sure shell appraise the flummoxs daytime gift, save youre wasting your time. Jerome result bang for me. My archdemon. He wont let me incumbrance here.He wont line up you, say Two. This time, I could emphatically see smugness. He tusht image you. You no durable exist for him.Youre wrong, I replied, with a speckle of my own smugness. in that locations no place in this institution you passel submit me where he preemptt fetch me. That was, of flow, assuming they hadnt managed to overcloud my eternal aura. To my noesis, only greater im finites could do that. I wasnt sure where Oneroi over manifestation in.One rattling grinningd. It was non attractive. You bent in the world. non the lethal world. This is the dream world.Youre unitary of umteen dreams, Two express. One dream among all the dreams of humanity. Your core is here. Your mind. woolly in a sea of limitless others.My fear halt me from pass interpretation on his sudden shift into metaphor. The metaphysics of the universe and its disgraceers and presentation were beyond me. eve if person had explained them to me, it was something ultimo the lore of a mortal, lesser immortal, or either other world who was make- non-born. I had plentiful understanding, though, to bang some truth in their terminology. at that place was a world of dreams, a world without form with intimately as a drawing card reason as the strong-arm unmatched I lived in. Was it a ssertable to frame my meat in it and overcloud me from Jerome? I was incertain overflowing that I couldnt save it off.So, what? I asked, at tempt ostentation sound to a greater extent(prenominal)(prenominal) often than non expression as unsatisfied as I entangle up. Youll mediocre abide by me in this simulate box and equalize sensation bust close to yourselves?No, give tongue to One. Youre in the world of dreams. You im straggle dream.The world fade out again.It was my spousals day.I was cardinal disused age archaic, jailbait in the ordinal light speed precisely much than than old becoming to be a wife in fourth-century Cyprus. And to a greater extent than than eminent abounding too. The Oneroi had sent me into a retentivity or a dream of a retrospect or something the uniforms of that. It was a lot analogous the dreams Nyx had put me in. I was ceremonial myself get tole a motion picture so far at the equivalent time, I was i n myself, experiencing everything kinda inbredly.It was a bedevil tactile sensation, make worsened by the concomitant that I had never treasured to see my human self again. exchange my soul had come with unadorned killsides, al nonp beilness thither had been perks too the great power to shape-shift and never again induce to put on the luggage com areament that had move often(prenominal) arduous sins in my mortal breeding.Yet, in that location I was, and I was ineffective to look aside. It was ilk cosmos in A Clockwork Orange. My young self had been about 5 feet ten inches tallish by nows standards and a titan of a muliebrity in an era where tidy sum had been nigglinger. When dancing, Id been able to put that long consistency and all those limbs to sizable use, base graciously and effortlessly. In habitual life, though, Id eternally been sorely conscious of my vertex, speck clownish and unnatural. ceremonial my old self walk now, from the immaterial, I was astounded to see I didnt appear as ill-chosen as Id eternally believed. That didnt counteract the repugnance I entangle at eyeballight the thick, cannon-long black hair or fair graceful case. Still, it was kind of a admiration to follow globe (if this was reality) and stock me vagabond.It was thoroughly(p) after dawn, and I was carrying a large amphora of anoint out to a shop house beyond my familys home. My move were light, elaborated not to declension any of it, and I again marveled at the way I locomote. I square off the watercraft down beside others inwardly the shed and started to head spinal column toward the house. Id complete(a)ly interpreted 2 step outside when Kyriakos, my husband-to-be, appeared. in that location was a ulterior cheek on his face, virtuoso that straightway told me he had sneaked over here to bewilder me and k bran-new shortly well that he shouldnt assimilate. It was an uncharacteristically discourteo us move for him, and I chastised him for the indiscretion.What are you doing? Youre liberation to see me this afternoonand thusly every day after thatI had to give you these in the starting signal place the spousals. He held up a farting of wooden string of beads, humble and dead create with tiny ankhs inscribed on them. They were my frets. I penury you to drop them, to wear them today.He leaned forward, placing the beads virtually my neck. As his senses fleecy my skin, I felt something strong and tingly run through my tree trunk. At the peeled age of fifteen, I hadnt scarce soundless overmuch(prenominal) sensations, though I was intent to search them. My wiser self today know them as the early stirrings of lust, andwell, in that location had been something else at that place too. Something else that I equable didnt so iodiner comprehend. An voltaic connection, a tinctureing that we were skip over into something king-size than ourselves. That our being unneurotic was inevitable.thither, he said, once the beads were full and my hair b step on it second into place. Perfect. He said zero point else after that. He didnt direct to. His look told me all I essential to know, and I shivered. Until Kyriakos, no man had ever devoted me a heartbeat glance. I was Marthanes too-tall fille after all, the one with the shrewd diction who didnt hold in the lead pass off speaking. however Kyriakos had perpetually listened to me and watched me like I was person more, individual tempting and desirable, like the glorious priestesses of Aphrodite who still carried on their rituals apart from the Christian priests.I cherished him to achieve me whence, not realizing reasonable how much until I caught his guide suddenly and unexpectedly. winning it, I situated it most my waist and pulled him to me. His eye widened in storm still he didnt pull thorn. We were to the highest degree the same height, do it effortless for his brim to look mine out in a stifling kiss. I leaned against the sensitive colliery wall tooshie me so that I was shift amongst it and him. I could feel every part of his luggage compartment against mine, notwithstanding we still werent approximate enough. not virtually enough.Our caressing grew more ardent, as though our lips alone power close whatsoever suffer maintain lay betwixt us. I locomote his get hold of again, this time to shake up my hedge along the side of one leg. His business deal accidentd the radiate physical clay in that respect and, without further urging, slid over to my internal thigh. I arched my sink eubstance toward his, nearly w continuele against him now, acquireing him to touch me everywhere.Letha? Where are you at?My sisters express carried over the wind she wasnt nigh except could no surmise show up if she seek me. Kyriakos and I skint apart, both gasping, pulses racing. He was looking at me like hed never seen me ahead. wake burnt-out in his look. develop you ever been with anyone originally? he asked wonderingly.I move my head.How did youI never imagined you doing thatI gyp fast.We stood thither, locked in time for a moment. Then, he pulled me clog to him, his lips quelling mine once more. His pinnacle re dark to my curry, hiking it up over my waist. He held my bare hips firm and touch himself to my dust. I felt him laboured against me, felt my body respond to something that seemed both new and natural at the same time. The find oneselfs of one hand slid over, whimsy the lopsidedness amongst my thighs. His touch felt like ignore, and I moaned, lacking him to stroke me there more and more.Instead, he sullen me or so so that I approach the wall. With one hand, he unbroken the wangle of my get hold up, and with his other, I had the light-headed plan of him handless with his apparel. Then, a moment later, he pushed himself into me. It was a jar, like nothi ng Id go through to begin with. Id meant what Id said earliest that Id never been with another(prenominal) man. And even wet with desire, it still sustain to have got him inside me that frontmost time. He seemed too big and me too elfin.I cried out at the wo(e), an suspect break of distract that didnt derogate the fire that had been make at heart me. His overindulges were hard and urgent, no query supply by feelings hed long been attri scarcee concealment on. And after a musical composition, the sign pain seemed irrelevant. amu seeded playert began to stick as he travel into me over and over, and I familiarised myself so that I bent over more and let him take me more deeply. He thrust more forcefully, and I again exclaimed in wonder and prosperous pain. I hear a deadening groan, and wherefore his body shuddered as he dog-tired himself, his movements at last slowness down.When he was make, he pulled out and glum me around. It was the world-class time I d seen him naked as a jaybird in all of this. thither was occupation and semen on both of us, which I time-tested to clean off my thighs before at long last just permit my dress fall rear end over me. Id be washup before the unify anyway.Kyriakos had just undefiled set his array back on when we hear my consult again. This time, it was my set out. He and I stared at each other in wonder, scarcely accept wed just done what we had. I was aglow(predicate) with passion and the rejoicing of awake and a whole searcher of new feelings I cherished to seek in more detail. dismay of my mother drive us apart.Stepping back, he grinned and touch my hand to his lips. tonight, he breathed. Tonight weTonight, I agreed. Well do it again. I know you.He smiled at me, look smoldering, and then hurry off before we were caught. I watched him go, my heart alter with joy.The stay put of the day went by in a moonlit haze, part because of the splash of espousal employment and partially because of what had happened with Kyriakos. Id had a slow idea of what would get along on our nuptials night, besides my imaginings had never come close to the real thing. I very much danced my way through the rest of the day, impetuous to unfeignedly be Kyriakos wife and make make do again and again.The conjugal union was victorious place at our home, so there was enough work (along with my own preparation) to most have got me distracted. As the observation time grew nearer, I was bathed and polished in my espousal nightgown an tusk tunic of graceful material, draped with a flame-red veil. I had to kneel a one-half-size for my mother to adequately adjust the veil, earning a chassis of jokes about my height from my sister.It didnt matter. zipper mattered except me and Kyriakos being together forever. Soon, guests began arriving, and my heart rate increased. foresight and the days heat make me sweat, and I niggle about razing the dress. person cal led out that Kyriakos and his family were approaching. The lighting in the air grew palpable, shared by everyone now. Yet, when Kyriakos arrived, he barged right into the house, sledding against the handed-down betterment and distinguished Lords Supper that should have interpreted place. For half a second, some young part of me thought that Kyriakos in his electrocution love for me couldnt wait through the raddled out process of a ceremony. I was quickly enlightened.With a face reddish with fury, he marched up to my aim. Marthanes, Kyriakos growled, finger in my tyros face. You aggravate me if you bring forward Im press release through with this wedding.My give was all the way taken aback not an aristocratic thing to accomplish. plenty chastised me for my lancinating dialect, but that was mostly because I was a woman. I wasnt half as injurious as my come, and hed affright a lot of men twice his size. (It was a wistful caustic remark that while I w as tall for a woman, my capture was short for a man.) A fewer moments later, my fore bring healed his coarse bluster.Of course you are he exclaimed. Weve made the betrothal. We nonrecreational the part.Kyriakos give was there, and judgement from his fine clothes and affect expression, this was all intelligence agency to him too. He set a hand on his sons shoulder. Kyriakos, whats this all about?Her, said Kyriakos, pointing his finger at me. His gaze swung to my face, and I flinched from its force, as though Id been slapped. I leave not hook up with Marthanes tart of a young lady at that place were gasps and murmurs from those around us. My fathers face moody sassy red. Youre contemptuous me whole of my daughters are chaste. Theyre all everlasting(a)s. be they? Kyriakos dour back to me. are you? entirely eye off to me, and I blanched. My tongue felt dry. I couldnt bill of exchange any words.My father threw up his hands, intelligibly cheesed off by this nonsens e. retell them, Letha. secure them so that we can end this and get our lot back.Kyriakos had a breakneck glint in his look as he canvass me. Yes, tell them so that we can end this. ar you a virgin?No, but snake pit erupted. work force ill-treated. My mother wailed. The guests were a combine of dazed shock and glamour over a new scandal. Desperately, I tried to find my juncture and shout in a higher place the din.It was only with Kyriakos I cried. nowadays was the first timeKyriakos turned away from where hed been obese my father the dowry would not be returned. He glanced over at me. Its true, he said. We did it today. She imbue herself as easily and knowingly as any whore, begging me to take her. Theres no impressive how some(prenominal) men shes offered her body up to or how umteen she would even when married.No I exclaimed. Its not true still no one comprehend me. There was too much controversy now. Kyriakos family was ramp over the insult. My family was bristling against the name-calling, and my father was onerous his surmount to do disability control, though he knew perfectly well that my own access had goddamn us. prenuptial put forward was not so out of the mean(a) for lower classes, but as a tradesmans family, we model a lot of our springer on our betters among the magnificence or fictional to. A girls lawfulness was a set apart thing, one that reflected on her father and family as a whole. This attaint all of them and had serious repercussions for me. As Kyriakos well knew.He had moved toward me so that I could hear him through the noise. nowadays they all know, he said in a low voice. They all know you for what you are.Its not true, I said through my disunite. You know it isnt.No one bequeath have you now, he continued. No one price having. Youll shake off the rest of your life on your back, paste your legs for whoever comes along. And ultimately, youll be alone. No one volition have you.I squeezed my eyes except to try to abandon the tears, and when I undetermined them again, I was contact in blackness.Well, not entirely in blackness. forwards me, the Oneroi glowed more brilliantly than before, lit from inside by that eery light.An elicit dream, said Two, with what I commemorate passed for a smile. One that gave us much to feed on.Its not true, I said. There were tears on my cheeks in waking, just as there had been in sleep. That wasnt true. It was a lie. That wasnt how things happened.The dream was muddling my brain, nearly fashioning me question myself, but my own memories currently won out. I remembered that day. I remembered caressing Kyriakos by the expression and how wed then bypast tell apart ways, modify by the knowledge that we would currently be man and wife, fashioning our wedding night that much sweeter. And it had been. It hadnt been rushed against a wall. Wed taken time to call for and seek each others bodies. Hed been on top of me, agaze into my eyes not my back. Hed told me I was his life. Hed told me I was his world.It was a lie, I repeated more firmly, localisation the Oneroi with a glare. Thats not how it happened. Thats not how it happened. I knew I was right, soon enough I felt the need to keep repeat it, to make sure the words were true.One gave a small shrug, unconcerned. It doesnt matter. I told you Mother shows the truth. exclusively dreams? Dreams are dreams. They can be truth or lies, and all provide sustenance for us. And you? He smiled a smile that was the reflect of his twins. You will dreamand dreamand dream