The Crucible By Arther Miller - 847 Words

Rationale-Word Count-222 The Crucible is a play written by Arther Miller in 1953. The play revolves around the witch hunt that occurred in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692. The trial at the end of Act III is the climax of the play and determines the fate of the major protagonists. My Written Assignment is an alternative scene at the end of Act III at the Salem meeting house when Proctor is being trailed. The aim of this task is to show that even if Elizabeth admits to Proctor’s act of committing adultery, the outcome of Proctors death would not change. This is to demonstrate the inevitability of tragedy due to the arbitrary nature of the theocratic court and the cunningness of Abigail. In order to adhere to the style of a pastiche, Arthur Miller’s literary style will be employed. I will adopt simple vernacular and old-fashioned grammar and vocabulary appropriate to its time period(1692). Moreover, I will adhere to the personalities and state of mind of the characters through the use of dialogues and stage directions. For example, Abigail’s state of mind changes significantly throughout the task. Her desperation is portrayed through the use of hyphens to indicate stuttering. Similarly, Proctor’s hopelessness is shown through the use of a long monologue with a series of questions and exclamations to show his utter disappointment. Written Assignment The vestry room of the Salem meeting house, now serving as the anteroom of the General Court DANFORTH: reaches out and holdsShow MoreRelatedMcCarthyism and Documents of History1422 Words   |  6 Pagestactics. Lastly, well be giving a comparison of three documents, one being Lillian Millers letter, deriving what the words and statements signify and how they characterize the times of McCarthyism. At the outset, well be exploring a segment of Arther Millers reflection of McCarthyism times, who himself was called before HUAC in 1956, from document 24.10 and converses as follows,â€Å"... Part of the surreality of the anti-left sweep was that it picked up people for disgrace who had already turnedRead MoreCost Accounting134556 Words   |  539 Pagesadministration. Management should look at these areas carefully and decide whether this unused capacity is necessary.  © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1997 278 Cost Accounting, 5/e 9–28. (30 min.) Resources used vs. resources supplied: Arther Consultants Resources Used Energy ........................... Human resources .......... Customer service .......... Long-term labor............. Administrative................ $ 32,520 ($6 Ãâ€" 5,420) $ 30,000 ($1,000 Ãâ€" 30) $ 5,500 ($20 Ãâ€" 275) $450

Denying Global Warming - 1265 Words

Brian Sussman and Mark Hendrickson both deny global warming is due to the fact that human are polluting the earth with emissions and other waste products. They both agree that the climate around the globe is changing, but they both say that it is a natural occurrence. Mark Hendrickson and Brian Sussman both made great arguments against manmade global warming, but I am still a little undecided as to which side of the fence I am standing on. Beginning with Mark Hendrickson’s argument, he recognizes that the climate is changing. He wrote in his article â€Å"Climate Change-Hoax or Crime of the Century† that the Earth has emerged from a Little Ice Age not that long ago, and it would be worrisome if the climate around the globe was not warming†¦show more content†¦Other alternatives need to be developed, it would just be another obstacle we are going to have to figure out. In Brian Sussman’s argument against man made global warming, he says that CO2 is not as dangerous to our atmosphere as scientists say. I agree, we need CO2 to live, which is fact. However, at the rate humans are pumping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere it is offsetting the balance. The plants, trees, and oceans cannot keep up, and cannot absorb the amount of CO2 we releasing into the atmosphere. This disrupted balance in the environment makes the CO2 dangerous. Going back to the Vostok (Antarctica) Ice Core Record, as CO2 levels rose, so did the global temperature. Another point Brian Sussman made was, since the little Ice Age global temperatures have risen only one degree and most of that occurred before 1940. According to data from NASA’s temperature record, the surface temperature on earth has increased since 1880 and leveled off between the 1940s and the 1970s. That would make sense, because the industrial revolution began around the 1880s. Also, in the last decade, our global temperatures have risen to the highest levels ever recorded. This information makes me lean toward the man-made side of the global warming argument. Sussman’s next point stated that we would be headed into another ice age in another 10,000 years because of the earth’sShow MoreRelatedThe Effects Of Global Warming On The Environment1453 Words   |  6 PagesHuman impact such as industrialization, livestock farming and the increase in recent population have all caused serious environmental impacts that have let to dramatic global climate change. â€Å"Scientists generally agree that the globe has warmed over the past 40 years, due largely to human activities that raise carbon-dioxide levels in the atmosphere† (Clemet). Greenhouse gasses have always existed, but not to the extent that they do in today’s world; they are causing a dramatic change in climateRead MoreUnity And Low Lying Regions1412 Words   |  6 Pages Genesis Miranda English 3A Per 2 Junior Position Research Paper Ms.Johnson December 22, 2016 Unity to End Global Warming Islands and low-lying regions are being flooded and masses of native people have to migrate into higher areas. The natives from low lying impoverished equatorial areas are being faced with unwanted migration. The sea-levels are rising due to global warming, thus causing a chain reaction. The kiribati people who live in a low lying developing country have to deal with thisRead MoreGlobal Warming : Physics And Its Outcome On The World1528 Words   |  7 PagesGlobal Warming: Physics and Its Outcome on the World People complain about hot summers, and to cold of winters, why it would still be snowing during May in North East, Ohio. These temperature changes could all be a result of one thing, global warming. Global warming is a change in temperature due to gases and solutions humans put into the environment. The gases and solutions effect the natural gases in the environment that maintain the temperatures around the world. Although that is how global warmingRead MoreGlobal Warming: The Release of Greenhouse Gases986 Words   |  4 PagesThe United States government has been denying the truth about global warming. It seems that everyone else has been tagging along as well. It has become a great concern that people aren’t aware of what global warming actually is, and citizens leave it up to politics to decide for them. So, What is Global Warming? There is a process that occurs in our atmosphere called the Greenhouse Effect. The natural release of greenhouse gasses from our planet is d one to keep our planet warm. What occurs is theseRead MoreThe Warming And Global Warming1442 Words   |  6 PagesThe Warming World Around Us The world is warming and we cannot deny it, the longer we deny the larger the problem it will become. Global warming is affecting the world economy, the overall health of the population, and most importantly the environment that surrounds us. Ignoring this problem will not just make it suddenly disappear; the world has to make an effort to stop it while it can still be maintained. Accepting the fact that it is happening is just the first step, the next step is takingRead MoreGlobal Climate Change Essay1129 Words   |  5 Pages The believed outcome of Global Climate Change(GCC) by many people is not a good one. However it will not be as bad as 40 foot swell in the sea level, huge thunder storms, or satanic hurricanes. Yes, the world is changing, and changing in ways that we have yet to fully understand. Many people do believe that the current trend of our planets climate will inevitably end in the destruction of the earth as we know it and out of those people most believe it is entirely humans’ fault. The human notRead MoreGlobal Warming And Its Impact On The Environment952 Words   |  4 Pagesexpectancy becomes longer, the global environment is being negatively impacted by various human and natural activities that are detrimental to the environment. Unfortunately there are many global environmental issues that need the attention of world leaders today, and have become undisputed environmental issues in today’s society. However, the most important public health, environmental issue I would like to address in my discussion is global warming. Furthermore, global warming influences a great amountRead MoreGlobal Warming Is A Problem1654 Words   |  7 Pagesthis reason is global warming. Global warming is a problem that some people choose to ignore. They claim it does not exist. Global warming is real. It is time for people to stop ignoring it and start searching for a solution. Although many people do not believe in global warming, blaming the climate change on the sun, global warming is a serious danger to the Earth because it could have serious effects on the plant and animal populations. To fully grasp the effects of global warming, one must firstRead MoreGlobal Warming Is Just A Natural Cycle?962 Words   |  4 PagesWhat if global warming is just a natural cycle? This argument is, perhaps, one of the most common raised by the average person, rather than someone who makes a career out of denying climate change. Cyclical variations in climate are well-known to the public; we all studied the ice ages in school. However, climate isn t inherently cyclical. A common misunderstanding of the climate system characterizes it like a pendulum. The planet will warm up to cancel out a previous period of cooling, spurredRead MoreThe Effect Of Temperature Increases Due On Anthropogenic Warming Change The Probability Of Precipitation Deficits That Cause Severe Drought Conditions? Essay1724 Words   |  7 PagesAbstract The purpose of this article by Diffenbaugh et.al. is to determine how temperature increases due to anthropogenic warming change the probability of precipitation deficits that cause severe drought conditions, and determine what the conditions will look like in the future. They used historical precipitation and temperature data with Palmer Drought Metrics and global climate models to attempt to answer this question. It was found that in the past twenty years, the frequency of drought years

Grand Strategy of Popular Holding Free Essays

Grand Strategy of Popular Holding POPULAR use growth strategy that involves expansion in sales revenues, number of customers, number of employees to accomplish the holding’s mission. POPULAR is making fast and extensive inroads into the Greater China market, especially in China and Taiwan. Their business activities cover many major cities and provinces in China such as Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Taipei. We will write a custom essay sample on Grand Strategy of Popular Holding or any similar topic only for you Order Now POPULAR also grow their business in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Canada. POPULAR has the network, content and the platform to grow their business and expand into new products, markets and businesses. The three main core businesses which are retail distribution, publishing, and e-learning enable popular has become an established household name in book and stationary retailing. Publishing is a complementary business that acquired by POPULAR which is one of the growth strategies. POPULAR is gradually being recognized as an essential element in the book and publishing world in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. In publishing, POPULAR publish text book, supplementary book or general book. In year 2006, POPULAR introduced HARRIS Bookstore which is a new brand that focus on English books. POPULAR are planning and introducing a new series of English children readers, titled ROBIN with i-pen readability and published by POPULAR UK Pte Limited. POPULAR also strive to transform themselves from a regional publisher to an international publishing group. Through POPULAR Canada, its Math Smart series has introduced into the United States. At the same time, they are looking closely at the UK market for potential business opportunities. In Hong Kong, most of the syllabuses for primary school are changed, except for the subject Putonghua. To consolidate leadership of position in the pre-primary textbook market, POPULAR adopt two sets of textbooks in September 2007 school year. Pan Llotds Publisher Limited specializing in supplementary books in Hong Kong. Since Hong Kong students have to prepare for two assessment tests, Pan Lloyds respond to this market need by launching two assessment series, namely HKAT Mock Intensive Practices Series and TSA Mock Assorted Practice Series. In Singapore, Educational Publishing House Pte Ltd is the top assessment publisher with emphasis on primary school titles. They are beginning to publish more secondary titles. In Malaysia, EPH Publishing (M) Sdn. Bhd. , is gearing up to double the supplementary titles to be published for year 2008. To strengthen the publishing and retail distribution divisions, POPULAR plan to publish more visually attractive full-color books, such as picture dictionaries, for toddlers and pre-primary school market. In expanding publishing activities, POPULAR synergize it with e-leaning business and retail distribution business. Armed with their vast content library and publishing resources, publishing support the retail distribution, as well as the e-learning business by providing them with relevant, unique and excellent contents with highly scalable contents. POPULAR aim to be the most innovative publisher of bilingual books. In retail distribution, POPULAR introduce POPULAR membership card and give a lot of promotion to attract more buyers so that the sales revenue and number of customers can be expanded. Members can enjoy 20%* discount on POPULAR Choice POPULAR Recommendation titles; 10% discount on all regular-priced merchandise at all POPULAR bookstore in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore, and HARRIS Bookstores as well as CD-RAMA Department in Malaysia only; and 5% discount off of school and tertiary textbooks. Members can get discount at POPULAR connection as well. POPULAR connection is a reward program designed for members to enjoy discount and privileges at participating merchants’ stores such as Bossini (apparel), Icekimo (food), Norman (IT), Sunway Hotel (leisure), Optic Point (optical) and so forth. POP CLUB Magazine launched in year 2003. POPULAR will give POP CLUB magazine to for POPULAR Card Members and walk-in customers. With outlets peppered throughout Malaysia, vouchers can be redeem. POPULAR Gift Voucher is available in denomination of RM5, RM10 and RM50. To increase more sales revenue and number of customers, POPULAR also always organize many activities such as book fair, talk session, sharing session and so on. In june 2007, POPULAR opened POPULAR@MegaBox, the largest single floor bookstore in Hong Kong to propel the awareness of POPULAR in Hong Kong’s retail book scene. Besides that, Popular also co-operate with Sin Chew Media Corporation and MCA Life Long Learning Secretariat to organize BookFest@Malaysia. BookFest@Malaysia is an annual mega event that has grown to be one of the region’s largest international book fairs, since its inception in 2006. The inaugural BookFest @ Malaysia which commenced in 2006 witnessed 320,000 visitors. It welcomed an overwhelming crowd which passed that benchmark and exceeded 400,000 visitors in the following year. In 2008, the annual event had proven to be yet another successful exposition with figures close to half a million. In Kuala Lumpur, POPULAR successfully staged BookFest@Malaysia 2007, in May 2007. In year 2008, there are more activities are carried out in the BookFest. Some of the special highlights for last year BookFest were: Olympics Exhibition, 11 overseas authors’ appearance, music performances by Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Readers’ Choice Award Presentation Ceremony, Book Recycling Campaign, Calligraphy Competition and many more. In Singapore, popular staged BookFest@Singapore 2007 in December 2007. They are looking at opportunities to introduce popular’s version of BookFest to other cities in East Asia, particularly in Taiwan, which is second to mainland China in Chinese book publishing and sale. The e-learning business and prospect have gradually changed. Education is relying more and more on the use of IT for teaching and learning. Nowadays, users are more focused on how the evolving technology can improve their learning and education. POPULAR take this advantage to expand its operation. The Group’s e-learning business has grasped this opportunity to work closely with our retail distribution and publishing, to provide direct value-add services to its products, like the i-pen function in our successful in-house brand, ROBIN Readers. The e-learning division continues to play an important strategic role in the Group by providing our publishing business with the advanced digital publishing technologies. POPULAR expand its business by establishing CD-RAMA and One-2-Buy. CD-RAMA retail various type of music, movie, drama in form of CD, VCD and DVD. One-2-Buy retail daily essentials ranging from personal care products, toiletries to light food stuff. POPULAR no longer a mere bookshop but a multi-purpose shop whereby customers can now shop for daily essentials and entertainment products. To expand the number of employees, POPULAR provide many benefits to the employees. Employees only have to work five days per week. Training and career advancement opportunities are given to the employees. Transport, laundry, attendance allowances and uniforms will be provided. Employees can enjoy 15% discount with any purchase in POPULAR. POPULAR is entering into a new business segment through a new subsidiary; POPULAR Land Pte Ltd. POPULAR Land Pte Ltd has purchased two residential properties which are 1 Robin Road and 18 Shelford Road for development of up-market residential units. They are also looking into commercial property business opportunities as well as for the potential future self-use. With using the strategies that mentioned above, POPULAR has ranked fifth in the Fastest Growing Singapore Brands’ category of The Singapore Brand Award 2006 organized by International Enterprise Singapore. POPULAR also has some 200 strategic alliance bookshops in the region. It is recognized and listed by the Malaysian Book of Records, as the largest bookstore chain in Malaysia. During the 9 months ended 31 January 2009, the Group turnover grew from $341. 8m for the same period of last year to $349. 4m representing an increase of 2. 3% whilst the Group profit before tax (â€Å"PBT†) decreased by 20. 0% from $24. 1m for the same period of last year to $19. 3m for the current financial period ended 31 January 2009. The Group has generated positive cash flow of $10. 8m from its operating activities and a net increase of $26. 2m, which includes gross proceeds of $19. m recently raised from the Rights Issue. POPULAR’s turnover increased 9. 2% from S$398. 2 million to S$435. 0 million because of the opening of new retail outlets. Operating profits of the publishing and e-learning segments were the key contributors to an increase in Group profit – boosted largely by higher margins of the reprinted titles and the growth in supplementary book sales – the Group’s profit after tax rose 18. 3% from S$11. 3 million to S$13. 4 million. Based on the latest Financial Year results, POPULAR’s earnings per share increased from 2. 58 Singapore cents to 2. 99 Singapore cents. How to cite Grand Strategy of Popular Holding, Papers

Relationship Marketing and Customer Loyalty-Samples for Students

Question: Discuss about the Relationship Marketing and Customer Loyalty. Do Customer Satisfaction and Customer Trust Really Serve as Intervening Variables? Answer: The purpose of the paper is to reflect the study of the article related to the Relationship Marketing. Relationship marketing is a approach that is intended to raise the customer loyalty, contact and long-term engagement. It is intended in such a way to develop sturdy connections with the clients by offering them the data directly that suits to the requirements and interest by promoting the open communication system (Zhang, Watson IV, Palmatier Dant, 2016). The article that has been selected reflects the description related to the relationship marketing and customer loyalty in retail banks. The study shows that the customer trust and loyalty get affected due to the customer-relationship-centered marketing tactics. This is the fact that the customer trust and loyalty is the most important element of the retail banking and these retail banks make use of the relationship marketing to form the good customer loyalty that leads to the growth of the business. The article shows the significance of the marketing client retention, loyalty, market economies and the client relationship financial prudence for the banking sector after the globalization. This issue affects the company and the conditions of the banks forced them to bring the changes in their way of doing the marketing and they shift from managing the big pool to specific clients. This helps in creating the strong relationship with the customers (Mulyaningsih and Daly, 2011). The journal article related to the relationship marketing shows the importance of the relationship marketing for Indonesia banking sector to strive gaining a competitive benefit to enhance the quality of services and improvement in the system. The bank of Indonesia has the largest asset base with the domestic economy due to which they need to be focused towards the customer expectations related to the services. As per the report of the client loyalty in retail banking the customers of Indonesian banking consumers are second top switchers due to its relationship with the banks (Bain, 2013). This shows that their loyalty varies according to the services offered by the company. Report of banking competition recommends to the banks in Indonesia to change the way they attract their customers in the year 2013. Along with this, with the emergence of the competition in the industry banks have considered the association as the support of their business activities and marketing (MarkPlus Insight, 2013). Relationship marketing creates the impact on the profitability of the banks. Moreover, the concept of relationship marketing and customer loyalty is described in the article as both the terms are interconnected to each other and also plays a vital role for the companies who want to survive in the competitive world. Therefore, the banks make use of the marketing strategies to retain the customers who can provide them a high amount of profit. In the banking sector, the key responsibility of the managers is to generate and improve the client loyalty if they are willing to maintain customer loyalty with profit. The article reflects the hypothesize association among the relationship marketing and the client loyalty such as Hypothesis 1- Relationship Marketing and Customer Satisfaction, Hypothesis 2- Relationship Marketing and Customer Trust, Hypothesis 3- Customer Satisfaction, Customer Trust and Customer Loyalty, Hypothesis 4- Customer satisfaction influences customer loyalty and Hypothesis 5- Customer trust affects customer loyalty. Hypothesis 1- The author presented this opinion that there are three keystones of relationship marketing include planning and regulatory of client satisfaction, management of customer value and maintaining and building stable relationships. The satisfaction of the customer is totally dependent on the value that is expected by the customer and value that is offered to the customer (Bagherzad, Chavosh and Hosseinikhah, 2011). Due to this, the bank makes use of the related programs that helps the company in enhancing the flow of statistics among the service provider and clients as this is the only way to make the relationship strong. Hypothesis 2- In the banking sector trust of the company is well-defined as the consumer confidence in the reliability and quality of services presented by the company. To form the effective and strong relationship there is need of trust. The article shows that the banks make use of the relationship marketing but in that also the customer need to trust on the words of the managers. Hypothesis 3- Customer satisfaction is essential to retain the customer and to make that customer a loyal customer. Along with this, the customers who trust banks will not likely to switch to competitors. Relationship management is an effective way, through which the company will be able to form customer satisfaction, trust, and loyalty (Rizan, Warokka and Listyawati, 2014). Hypothesis 4- According to the study of the author given in the article, a maximum number of customers of banks has faith in their financial institution which is essential for getting the worth for money. This shows that when the customer gets satisfied then they trust the company which shows their loyalty towards the company. Hypothesis 5- All the hypothesis aspects are interrelated to each other which shows that it is essential for banks to make use of the relationship marketing strategies because this is the way through which they can attain the maximum profit for their company. (Research Model of Relationship Marketing and Customer Loyalty) The article also describes the methodology and the Research model for the relationship management and client loyalty. The three dimensions are adapted to measure the marketing relationship tactics which are preferential treatment, tangible rewards, and interpersonal communication. Along with this, to measure the customer loyalty there is the use of the four dimensions which include product quality, service quality, price and situational factors (Yen, Liu and Chao, 2009). Moreover, the article also reflects the different dimensions that are used to analyze the customer trust and satisfaction. All these measures are essential to be conducted by the bank for the further changes in the relationship marketing. The article shows the use of the SEM (Structural Equation Model) for the examining the hypotheses. Considering the examining hypotheses there is a discussion of research results and discussions as this is the effective way through which the banks can easily understand the relational marketing tactics that might affect the customer trust and satisfaction. The result shows that the bank is able to increase the customer trust. Through, this customer trust the bank will be able to face a strong competition. The article reflects the argument on banks profitability, growth and market share. Along with this, to increase a strategic advantage and live in todays increasingly competitive environment the banks should bring new innovation in relational marketing strategies to get belief from its customers (Rizan, Warokka and Listyawati, 2014). Overall, the article inspects the relationship of relational marketing strategies along with the consumer loyalty in retail banks. Nowadays, it is vital for the banks to make use of the effective and appropriate technology to analyze the customer data and to communicate them effective details. Along with this, the implementation of the smart system will help the banks in generating marketplace news on the client monetary performance and the new ventures that help the banks in generating the new solutions which result in profit for the banks. The articles also reflect the recommendation for the retail banks as the banks should root the customer relationship which is the only way to generate the competitive advantage in this competitive market. There are many banks who work systematically with the help of which they are able to convert customers into advocates. The growth strategies of these banks are the customer loyalty. The banks should build the employee engagement in the workplace which makes the positive changes in the environment of the bank and this will also improve the communication channel for the customers which enhance customer satisfaction. The bank needs to motivate their employees towards the employee engagement and to bring improvement in their performance (Ndubisi, Chan and Gibson, 2007). The article reflects that the retail banks should always take the feedback from the customers and should make the changes in the service according to their feedback. Moreover, positive customer feedback for the bank will inspire the bank and motivate them to introduce new services to their customers References Bagherzad, A, Chavosh, A. Hosseinikhah, S. (2011). The Influence of Relationship Marketing Tactics on Customers Loyalty in B2C Relationship The Role of Communication and Personalization. European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences, 5(31), 49-56. Bain Co. Inc. (2013). Customer Loyalty in Retail Banking: Global Edition. Boston: Bain Co. Inc. MarkPlus Insight. (2013). Banking Competition in 2013: In the time of Regulatory Transition. Jakarta: MarkPlus Consulting. Mulyaningsih, T. Daly, A. (2011). Competitive Conditions in Banking Industry: An Empirical Analysis of the Consolidation, Competition and Concentration in the Indonesia Banking Industry between 2001 and 2009. Bulletin of Monetary Economics and Banking, 14(2), 141-176. Ndubisi, NO., Chan, KW. Gibson, CN. (2007). Supplier-Customer Relationship Management and Customer Loyalty: The Banking Industry Perspective. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 20(2):222-236 Rizan, M., Warokka, A. Listyawati, D. (2014). Relationship Marketing and Customer Loyalty: Do Customer Satisfaction and Customer Trust Really Serve as Intervening Variables? ", Journal of Marketing Research and Case Studies, 2014(2014), Article ID 724178, 12. Yen, TF., Liu, HJ., Chao, LT. (2009). Managing Relationship Efforts to Influence Staff Relationships in Services. Journal of Marketing Research, 45 (6), 741- 756. Zhang, J. Z., Watson IV, G. F., Palmatier, R. W., Dant, R. P. (2016). Dynamic relationship marketing.Journal of Marketing,80(5), 53-75.

Calamansi Face Care Research free essay sample

Introduction Many teenagers nowadays often fuss and whines about their face. They are more conscious when it comes to their appearance. As teenagers, many adolescent boys and girls suffer from pimples and acne. Seeing the unwanted pimple, they buy many kinds of beauty and face care treatment which costs a lot of money. Furthermore, these commercial chemicals are often irritating to the skin and cause even worse effects to the skin. Seeing this problem, the researcher immediately thought about a skin care remedy that not only is cheap, but less irritating and most of all, effective. The researcher was trying to make use of cheap and easy to find ingredients for his ultimate elixir. As he was trying different concoctions and mixing loads of mixtures, he was most amazed in the effectivity of Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) and egg white mixture. He also found out that not only these kitchen regulars make useful ingredients for delicious food, but also an effective component in skin care treatments. We will write a custom essay sample on Calamansi Face Care Research or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Now, these delectable food ingredients will be tested as a breakthrough face treatment components and might change the face of skin treatment products everywhere. Background of the Study As the researcher sees that pimples and acne are common face problems, he immediately thought of a cheap but effective elixir that is safe to use and not skin-irritating. He discovered the potential of Calamansi and Egg whites. Therefore, the study, Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) Fruit and Egg Whites as Face Treatment was at hand. Statement of the Problem This study was sought to answer these questions: 1. Are calamansi fruit and egg whites effective against pimples and acne? 2. Is it better than the commercial brand? Hypothesis These hypotheses were formulated in the study: Null Hypothesis 1. Calamansi fruits and egg whites are not effective for face treaments. 2. Commercial brands are better than the Calamansi and egg white mixture. Alternative Hypothesis 1. Calamansi fruits and egg whites are effective for face treatment. 2. The Calamansi and egg white mixture is better than commercial brands. Significance of the Study This study will help adolescents to cope up with their face problems. Since this study will be centered to treating pimples and acne, many teenagers can benefit in this project for they will be successful in treating common face problems. Scope and Limitations This study was conducted the 1st and 2nd of March, 2014. It was conducted in Dili, Gasan, Marinduque. This study only is about treating face problems like pimples and acne. It is not applicable for some skin problems. Also, this only uses common and easy to find ingredients. Since some people can have allergic reactions to this, the researcher suggests to use it at your discretions. Chapter II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) Calamansi, Philippine lime – this versatile citrus fruit is the secret ingredient to many mouthwatering Filipino delicacies such as pancit palabok, Leyte kinilaw, beefsteak Tagalog, and arroz caldo. One of the most basic Filipino dipping sauces is made with soy sauce and calamansi juice, called toyomansi; and a simple, yet flavorful marinade is a blend of soy sauce, calamansi juice, vinegar, pepper, and garlic. While many growers see the calamansi as tiny decorative oranges and mostly ornamental, they are finding that the trees are problem free and easy to cultivate both indoors and out. They thrive inside the house in containers, as well as planted in the ground in tropical areas and zones with only occasional mild frosts. Calamansi is the result of a rare natural cross between two closely related genera, the Citrus and the Fortunella, and carries the characteristics of both the parents. The Fortunella parent, Kumquat, lends a dense shrubby habitat, small leaves and a hardy constitution, whereas the Citrus reticulata, Mandarin Orange, lends thorns, tasty fruit and ease of peeling. So the Calamansi has small, easy to peel fruit with the sour acid flavor. In Central Florida, calamansi trees yield abundant fruit throughout the year. When the trees are covered in blossoms, they emit an intoxicatingly sweet beautiful fragrance that carries with the breeze. Many of my neighbors and co-workers have been introduced with baskets of this sour, thin skinned citrus, learning how to make a refreshing drink that tastes much like lemonade: squeeze and strain the juice of several calamansi, add cold water, and sugar or honey to taste. It’s a superb source of vitamin C and has a light, yet unique flavor equivalent to freshly made lemonade with a tangerine essence. The fruits can be used just like you would limes, key limes, or lemons. So even if you don’t know how to cook any Filipino dishes, you can use to marinade and baste grilled chicken, pork, and seafood, or squeeze into your iced tea, cola, or rum. The calamansi fruit also has several medicinal uses. It can be a good treatment to itchy scalp, to heal insect bites, remove freckles, clear up acne and pimples, and to deodorize underarms. It is also a popular home remedy for cough. In addition to these, homemakers are awed by its power to remove heavy stains on fabrics, and as a subsitute for any of the ways a lemon can clean the home. Benefits of Calamansi Warm lemon (local-calamansi) water serves as the perfect good morning drink, as it aids the digestive system and makes the process of eliminating the waste products from the body easier. It prevents the problem of constipation and diarrhea from taking place, by ensuring smooth bowel functions. Read further to explore information about hot lemon water benefits†¦ Calamansi is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit that enhances your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within and thus bringing a glow on your face. One of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy. Lemon water flushes out body toxins and thus is extremely beneficial for the body. Calamansi, a fruit popular for its therapeutic properties, helps promote your immune system and thus, protects you from the clutches of most types of infections. It also plays the role of blood purifier. Lemon is a fabulous antiseptic bestowed on us by Mother Nature. Limewater juice works wonders for people having heart problem, owing to its high potassium content. So, make it a part of your daily routine to drink a glass of warm lemon water in the morning and then open your gateway to enjoy its health benefits. Egg whites Egg white is the common name for the clear liquid (also called the albumen or the glair/glaire) contained within an egg. In chickens it is formed from the layers of secretions of the anterior section of the hens oviduct during the passage of the egg. It forms around either fertilized or unfertilized egg yolks. The primary natural purpose of egg white is to protect the yolk and provide additional nutrition for the growth of the embryo (when fertilized). Egg white consists primarily of about 90% water into which is dissolved 10% proteins (including albumins, mucoproteins, and globulins). Unlike the yolk, which is high in lipids (fats), egg white contains almost no fat, and carbohydrate content is less than 1%. Egg whites contain just over 50% of the protein in the egg. Egg white has many uses in food (e. g. mousse) and also many other uses (e. g. in the preparation of vaccines such as those for influenza). Benefits of egg whites Egg whites have become very popular due to their high protein and low cholesterol content. Once a popular breakfast staple, the whole egg was shown to be high in cholesterol which made it a food to be avoided. It was for this reason that egg sales began to plummet. However, egg whites, once separated from the yolk, have very little cholesterol and one cup has twenty-six grams of protein. Since egg whites are so versatile, theyre used in all kinds of food dishes such as egg white omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and salads. By itself, the egg white has a very bland flavor which allows it to easily pick up the flavors of other foods such as peppers and onions. They also blend well and cook quickly. Once the health benefits of egg whites were discovered, egg sales returned to normal. Most consumers were unaware of the health benefits of egg whites until it was learned that it was the yolk that contained the cholesterol. Studies developed and other than being a good source of protein, egg whites were shown to also contain essential minerals including Potassium, Magnesium,Calcium, Phosphorus,Copper, Zinc and Iron. However, egg whites are a bit high in sodium (403 mg) so anyone with special sodium dietary restrictions should consult a physician before adding egg whites to their diet. The egg white is also a good source of riboflavin and selenium along with essential vitamins such as folate, B12, niacin betaine and choline. Considering the nutritional value of egg whites, especially their high protein content, egg whites are a healthy addition to your daily diet. Theyre easy to cook, versatile and are relatively inexpensive. Egg white is great as for tightening and toning skin. It works wonders for greasy skin as it helps shrink large pores on the skin surface thereby reducing excess sebum. Large pores are potential breeding grounds for bacteria that cause bulbous zits and cysts. Egg white also contains an ingredient known as lysozyme, an enzyme which is potent in eradicating acne-causing bacteria by digesting their cell walls. Egg white has been used in facemask recipes since ancient times, especially in Asia, to achieve beautiful radiant skin. You can use egg white alone in your mask or add in other powerful ingredients to provide more nourishing benefits to your skin. Pimples A pimple is a small pustule or papule. Pimples are small skin lesions or inflammations of the skin they are sebaceous glands (oil glands) which are infected with bacteria, swell up, and then fill up with pus. Inside the pore are sebaceous glands which produce sebum. When the outer layers of skin shed (as they do continuously), the dead skin cells left behind may become glued together by the sebum. This causes the blockage in the pore, especially when the skin becomes thicker at puberty. The sebaceous glands produce more sebum which builds up behind the blockage, and this sebum harbours various bacteria including the species Propionibacterium acnes, causing infection and inflammation. Acne Acne vulgaris (or simply acne) is a common human skin disease, characterized by areas of skin with seborrhea (scaly red skin), comedones(blackheads and whiteheads), papules (pinheads), nodules (large papules), pimples, and possibly scarring. Acne affects mostly skin with the densest population of sebaceous follicles; these areas include the face, the upper part of the chest, and the back. Severe acne is inflammatory, but acne can also manifest in noninflammatory forms. The lesions are caused by changes in pilosebaceous units, skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland, changes that require androgen stimulation. Acne occurs most commonly during adolescence, affecting an estimated 80-90% of teenagers in the Western world. Lower rates are reported in some rural societies. In adolescence, acne is usually caused by an increase in androgens such as testosterone, which occurs during puberty, regardless of sex. For most people, acne diminishes over time and tends to disappear — or at the very least decreases — by age 25. There is, however, no way to predict how long it will take to disappear entirely, and some individuals will carry this condition well into their thirties, forties, and beyond. Some of the large nodules were previously called cysts and the term nodulocystic has been used to describe severe cases of inflammatory acne. The cysts, or boils that accompany cystic acne, can appear on the buttocks, groin, and armpit area, and anywhere else where sweat collects in hair follicles and perspiration ducts. Cystic acne affects deeper skin tissue than does common acne. Aside from scarring, its main effects are psychological, such as reduced self-esteem and in very extreme cases, depression or suicide. One study has estimated the incidence of suicidal ideation in patients with acne as 7. 1%. Acne usually appears during adolescence, when people already tend to be most socially insecure. Early and aggressive treatment is therefore advocated by some to lessen the overall long-term impact to individuals. Chapter III METHODOLOGY Materials Used In this study, you will use Calamansi Fruit, the whites of one egg, a bowl, a teaspoon, soap, water and a dry face towel. Procedure First, prepare one teaspoon of calamansi extract and one teaspoon of egg whites. Next, wash the face with soap and water then pat dry. Apply the calamansi extract and leave it on for a good five (5) minutes. Rinse the calamansi off and pat dry. After it, Apply the egg whites for ten (10) minutes or until it hardens. Finally, rinse the egg whites and pat the face dry. Repeat this regime thrice a week. Chapter IV RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS Results After applying the egg whites and calamansi three times in a week, it was seen that within a week, the pimples and acne were starting to diminish. It was also seen that the mixure improved the user’s skin tone. It was proved that Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) and egg whites can be a useful tool in face treatment. Discussions Using these materials for a face mask is very effective because the Calamansi is very rich in Vitamin C and act with antioxidant properties that promote skin whitening, face treatment and anti-aging purposes. Furthermore, it has been widely used in many skin treatment regimes. It seems to have the ability to rinse off dead skin cells and give the skin a healthy glow. On the other hand, the protein content of the egg white is very effective in treating skin because its proteins have the ability to tighten pores and remove dead skin cells once rinsed. Chapter V SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Summary It was studied that the Calamansi and egg white has skin care properties and can promote healthy, young skin. A teaspoon of both ingredients was applied to the face as a mask and was rinsed off. After a week of repeating the regime, it was seen that the ingredients have potential in skin care and face treatment. Conclusions After the study was done, it was found out and concluded that the Alternative Hypothesis, Calamansi fruits and egg whites are effective for face treatment, is correct and the null hypothesis wrong. Reccomendations For future improvements of this study, the researcher recommends to compare this regime to other commercial skin care procedures and products.

Quantum Physics Overview, Concepts, and History

Quantum Physics Overview, Concepts, and History Quantum physics is the study of the behavior of matter and energy at the molecular, atomic, nuclear, and even smaller microscopic levels. In the early 20th century, scientists discovered that the laws governing macroscopic objects do not function the same in such small realms. What Does Quantum Mean? Quantum comes from the Latin meaning how much. It refers to the discrete units of matter and energy that are predicted by and observed in quantum physics. Even space and time, which appear to be extremely continuous, have the smallest possible values. Who Developed Quantum Mechanics? As scientists gained the technology to measure with greater precision, strange phenomena was observed. The birth of quantum physics is attributed to Max Plancks 1900 paper on blackbody radiation. Development of the field was done by Max Planck, Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, Richard Feynman, Werner Heisenberg, Erwin Schroedinger, and other luminary figures in the field. Ironically, Albert Einstein had serious theoretical issues with quantum mechanics and tried for many years to disprove or modify it. Whats Special About Quantum Physics? In the realm of quantum physics, observing something actually influences the physical processes taking place. Light waves act like particles and particles act like waves (called wave particle duality). Matter can go from one spot to another without moving through the intervening space (called quantum tunnelling). Information moves instantly across vast distances. In fact, in quantum mechanics we discover that the entire universe is actually a series of probabilities. Fortunately, it breaks down when dealing with large objects, as demonstrated by the Schrodingers Cat thought experiment. What is Quantum Entanglement? One of the key concepts is quantum entanglement, which describes a situation where multiple particles are associated in such a way that measuring the quantum state of one particle also places constraints on the measurements of the other particles. This is best exemplified by the EPR Paradox. Though originally a thought experiment, this has now been confirmed experimentally through tests of something known as Bells Theorem. Quantum Optics Quantum optics is a branch of quantum physics that focuses primarily on the behavior of light, or photons. At the level of quantum optics, the behavior of individual photons has a bearing on the outcoming light, as opposed to classical optics, which was developed by Sir Isaac Newton. Lasers are one application that has come out of the study of quantum optics. Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) Quantum electrodynamics (QED) is the study of how electrons and photons interact. It was developed in the late 1940s by Richard Feynman, Julian Schwinger, Sinitro Tomonage, and others. The predictions of QED regarding the scattering of photons and electrons are accurate to eleven decimal places. Unified Field Theory Unified field theory is a collection of research paths that are trying to reconcile quantum physics with Einsteins theory of general relativity, often by trying to consolidate the fundamental forces of physics. Some types of unified theories include (with some overlap): Quantum GravityLoop Quantum GravityString Theory / Superstring Theory / M-TheoryGrand Unified TheorySupersymmetryTheory of Everything Other Names for Quantum Physics Quantum physics is sometimes called quantum mechanics or quantum field theory. It also has various subfields, as discussed above, which are sometimes used interchangeably with quantum physics, though quantum physics is actually the broader term for all of these disciplines. Major Findings, Experiments, and Basic Explanations Earliest Findings Black Body RadiationPhotoelectric Effect Wave-Particle Duality Youngs Double Slit ExperimentDe Broglie Hypothesis The Compton Effect Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle Causality in Quantum Physics - Thought Experiments and Interpretations The Copenhagen InterpretationSchrodingers CatEPR ParadoxThe Many Worlds Interpretation

Safety management assignment # 2 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Safety management # 2 - Assignment Example Falling down and experiencing an injury are a hazard that must be identified and a rough estimate given. Another expected probability is equipment failure. Chances that the ladder will be faulty must be kept in mind. The next essential step in a job safety analysis is determining the solution to the hazards identified. By this, the hazards can be controlled and safety effected. Hazards can be controlled through administrative controls and or engineering solutions. The recommended steps that will reduce hazard risks are identified, as well as the risks of the workplace injury or illness. The following are the appropriate job safety analysis steps to follow. First, job with the highest risk for a workplace injury or illness is selected. In this case, the task to be done is to fix a leaking roof. The highest risk is identified as well as the potential injuries and or illness. Next, the necessary steps for completion of the task are identified and recorded. All probable hazard risks are identified in accordance to each step done. The last step is the determination and record of the recommended procedures for performing each step. This will reduce the hazard risk. Managing the safety function entails planning, organizing, controlling, directing, and staffing. In regard to planning, the departmental needs, resources and mission must be kept into consideration. The records of various departmental needs must be updated so as to know the exact required needs. Planning aspect comprises of time, money, materials, and personnel needs. Planning is an essential aspect of management. The second management function is organizing. This means that the staff in the organization must be properly organized. The chain of command must be followed so as maintain the organization and efficient working conditions. The factor of the organization is present in successful companies; this keeps the motto of the organization intact.

Role of Ancient Greek women in society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Role of Ancient Greek women in society - Essay Example the household. They were not to be seen in public. The only time it was appropriate for a woman to leave the home was if she was visiting a female neighbor. If a divorce were to occur, it was by the man's choosing. He could select to divorce his wife by rejecting her in front of witnesses or by sending her back to her family home. If children were present, he would automatically receive custody and would return the dowry. However, if a woman committed adultery, he did not have to return the dowry. The only way a woman might seek a divorce would be to find an archon (an Athenian official) and provide excellent reasons for this request to be granted. Even then, it was not very common for them to be allowed to divorce. Not only did women have few rights, they certainly did not have any legal rights. They could not vote or have any say in the operation of the state. The participants who competed in the Olympic Games did not wear clothing so women were not allowed to watch. Women were allowed to participate in Chariot racing but only those who owned horses would be included in that group. The only activities they could participate in out in public were in weddings, funerals, and religious festivals. There were certain religious events that women were required to attend. At these events women prepared sacrifices and offerings to the goddesses. All women were expected to attend and to perform at these religious festivals. There has even been some archaeological proof that women had the most significant role over men as it pertained to religious life in ancient Greek society. Excavations at an ancient burial site in Athens have proven they also played very... The role of ancient Greek women in society was not a coveted one. Ancient Egypt saw very little distinction between men and women as far as free rights. Athens drew a sharp discernment between; citizen and alien, legitimate born and illegitimate born, and between a woman who was a wife and one who was not a wife. Men dictated the ins and outs of their daily life; fathers would control them before they were married and husbands controlled them once they were married. Women had no choice as to whom they would marry. The marriage was usually arranged at a young age by the girls father once the dowry (her portion of her father’s estate) was agreed upon. All archaeological evidence that has been found tells a story of women who were hidden away from the rest of society and treated unfairly. They were seen as nothing more than bearers of children but this could have been a feather in their cap as far as their lack of power was concerned. In Aristophanes’ â€Å"Lysistrataâ₠¬  the main power women had was from withholding their biological capabilities. If the husband did something the wife did not like she could retaliate using domestic retribution. Then there is the underlying question of how the goddesses - whom were strong female figures - were worshipped by men but ordinary women were treated as second-class citizens. Apparently men did not look down upon all women because they clearly celebrated the Greek goddesses that were fixtures in their society.

Strategic Management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Strategic Management - Research Paper Example The eight main areas of distinction i.e. business cards, meetings, relationships, communications, gifts and meals, friendship, time consciousness, and business dress code. The main aim here is to gain some awareness and understanding of differences in culture across countries. Based on the table below, it can be concluded that each culture is very different and it is important to understand the basic etiquettes of each culture to avoid embarrassment or also offending the people. Indians pay a lot of importance to the business cards. It is important to read the business card before keeping it in. Also, it is important to give as well as receive the card in the right hand. Left hand is considered to be offensive for most. Japanese give a lot of importance to the business cards and the more visiting cards a person has during the trip the better it is. The business cards need to be specially printed on a double side. The card should be presented with the Japanese version facing upwards. While presenting the business cards to Japanese counter parts, it is essential to not that throwing, sliding, flicking, pushing or lobbing is not acceptable. French pay attention to business cards but are not very particular. Translating the business card to French is often appreciated and considered to be attention to detail. Academic qualifications are a must on the business cards. The business cards of the French tend to be a little larger than the other countries. Proper handshake is a must and in a lot of cases tends to give away the firm handshake, and should be standing while handshake. Americans are very particular of being ‘Politically correct’ at all times. Meetings in India are relatively simple. A major point to be remembered is to keep a respectable distance between men and women. Also, it is not well received by a majority

Colour Blind Kant The Racist Eurocentric Politics Essay

Colour Blind Kant The Racist Eurocentric Politics Essay A contribution the critique of Kants Perpetual Peace Kants writings including Perpetual Peace has justified the White intervention in non-European states because Kant and other philosophers of the West thought that there is only one civilization with capital C is European and the rest of the world are to be civilized and made to be like Europeans. Though, Kant wrote this peace some two centuries ago but the resonance of his writings can be seen even today in the USA intervention in Afghanistan and Iraq where the USA is importing democracy. The imperialism functions not only through economic exploitation and political dominance but also imposition of universalism which is always secretly coded. In the following sections, I will discuss first (1) the summary of Kants Perpetual Peace, (2) then I would also bring to light the works of Kant as an anthropologist through the works E C Eze and Tsenay Sereqeuberhan and Uday Singh Mehta. After that I will take up (3) Sudipta Kavirajs critique of Sequential Theory of Modernity to argue that there is multiple modernities which will be a reply to all those Euro-centric philosophers including Kant who thought there is just one civilization-European and the rest of the world have to imitate it. From this I will move to (4) debate regarding democratic peace theorists who argue that democracies do not fight with each other and I will also try to provide my critique to this formulation. Finally I will (5) conclude that Kants writing was Eurocentric and somehow this moral philosopher could not rise above prejudice against non-Whites by justifying intervention whose direction implication resulted in tragedy after tragedy. Unfortunately, the c ivilizing mission of the West is not over, decades after the period of decolonization. I thank my teacher Professor Jyati Srivastava for her encouragement and guidance to choose this topic. I am indebted to Professor Nivedita Menon with whom I discussed this issue. She gave me such a critical insight that my earlier draft was thoroughly revised. *The author is student of M A Politics (International Relations), Jawaharlal Nehru University. He can be contacted at [emailprotected] Perpetual Peace Kant begins his Perpetual Peace essay by saying that (1) No Treaty of Peace shall be Held Valid in Which There is Tacitly Reserved Matter for a Future. [Kant, 1795]. Here Kant says that peace can not be achieved even though there is a peace agreement. Kant said that lasting peace cannot be achieved when two parties have reached any truce because they were exhausted to fight war any longer. Although they are carrying hostilities for the future. Kant said such kind of agreement can only bring about peace for short duration. In the words of Kant; When one or both parties to a treaty of peace, being too exhausted to continue warring with each other, make a tacit reservation (reservatio mentalis) in regard to old claims to be elaborated only at some more favorable opportunity in the future, the treaty is made in bad faith, and we have an artifice worthy of the casuistry of a Jesuit. [Emphasize mine, Kant, ibid] I thinks here Kant says that there should not a truce because the warring parties have reached the state of exhaustion at the same time they are keeping old claims (old disputes) in the heart which will be taken up when the situation will be favorable. Such kind of attitude by states will fuel hostilities for ever and any kind of peace agreement will be short-lived. In the second article of section one, Kant says, No Independent States, Large or Small Come Under the Dominion of Another State by Inheritance, Exchange, Purchase, or Donation. [Kant, ibid]. Kant says that the states is not like a property which could be inherited or grafted somewhere else. However, it is to be noted that Kant is using adjective Independent before states and only independent states are not to be inherited. Those who are not independent are not protected by Kant. It means many of non-Europe states were allowed to be intervened! Apart from that who has power and authority to decide which country is independent of not? Of course, Kant has given the reasonable, enlightened White to decide which country is independent and which not. In the third article, Kant says, Standing Armies (miles perpetuus) Shall in Time Be Totally Abolished .[Kant, ibid] It is great to say such thing that there should not be army because arms race does not provide security. This has been liberals lip service for centuries but in reality the most deadly armed states are those whose foundation is also based on liberal democracy. How could then it be justified? Here Kant is providing moral commentary which has a very few takers and the process of arms race and militarization has not stopped since the rise of nation-states and days of colonialism. One of the pillars of the colonialism is based on military expansions . In the fourth article, Kant deals with credit systems and debts and how it could create problem for states. National Debts Shall Not Be Contracted with a view to the External Frictions of States. [Kant, ibid]. Here Kant says that to forbid this credit system must be a preliminary article of perpetual peace all the more because it must eventually entangle many innocent states in the inevitable bankruptcy and openly harm them. They are therefore justified in allying themselves against such a state and its measures. [ibid] In the fifth article, Kant talks about interference. No State Shall by Force Interfere with the Constitution or Government of Another State. [Kant, ibid]. Here Kant says that there should not be a forceful intervention at the same time he also provides an exception to his own law. Notice this Kants line: But it would be quite different if a state, by internal rebellion, should fall into two parts, each of which pretended to be a separate state making claim to the whole. To lend assistance to one of these cannot be considered an interference in the constitution of the other state (for it is then in a state of anarchy) . But so long as the internal dissension has not come to this critical point, such interference by foreign powers would infringe on the rights of an independent people struggling with its internal disease; hence it would itself be an offense and would render the autonomy of all states insecure. [Emphasize mine, Kant, ibid] It should be worth noticing that one the one hand Kant has prohibited interference in the internal mater of another state but at the same time he has also exempted colonial masters for their civilizing mission in non-European states, saying that if their internal rebellion, to lend assistance would be justified. Today the USA is doing the same thing in Afghanistan and Iraq and it has justified its action by citing volatile condition in other states. We should not forget that the British colonial masters in India has also created such kind of stereotypes by saying that Indian womens were living in abysmal conditions and Indians were effeminate to rule over. [Mill, 1975] In the six article of section, Kant discusses that even during the war there should not be such violation of laws that peace becomes impossible in the future. No State Shall, during War, Permit Such Acts of Hostility Which Would Make Mutual Confidence in the Subsequent Peace Impossible: Such Are the Employment of Assassins (percussores), Poisoners (venefici), Breach of Capitulation, and Incitement to Treason (perduellio) in the Opposing State. [Kant, ibid]. Here Kant makes a strong case that parties in war should desist from using destructive means and methods. After discussing section I, let me briefly discuss section II of Perpetual Peace in which Kant talks about republican constitution and league of nations. Let me begin with Kants notion of republican constitution. Kant says, The Civil Constitution of Every State Should Be Republican. [Kant, ibid]. Kant here prefers republican constitution and links it to peace. According to Kant, the republican constitution is based on the principles of freedom and in such a constitution there is possibility of peace because the rulers need to get the consent of the citizens before a war is declared. If the consent of the citizens is required in order to decide that war should be declared (and in this constitution it cannot be the case), nothing is more natural than that they would be very cautious in commencing such a poor game, decreeing for themselves all the calamities of war. Here he makes a clear statement that a republican form of government is accountable to citizen and the it cannot take a decision on its own. That is why a republican form of government would not easily go for war because the public opinion of the people would be against the war. This is the very basis of democratic peace theorists w ho argue that democracies have never warred on each other. But I do not think that when Kant is taking about perpetual peace he is in anyway thinking on the line of democratic peace theorists. For me the librals are misreading Kant because Kant does not only make distinction between republican form of government and democratic one. Kant is even critical of the democratic form of government. Kant says: Of the three forms of the state, that of democracy is, properly speaking, necessarily a despotism, because it establishes an executive power in which all decide for or even against one who does not agree: that is, all, who are not quite all, decide, and this is a contradiction of the general will with itself and with freedom. [Kant, ibid] In the second definitive article of Perpetual Peace, Kant says, .The Law of Nations Shall be Founded on a Federation of Free States. [Kant, ibid]. Here Kant is concerned about overcoming war and conflict at international level. He says that states would enter into a league of nations based on rights to secure their security and the states are distinct states and are not amalgamated into one as happened within a state. But see in the following line how Kant is so prejudiced against the non-White. When we see the attachment of savages to their lawless freedom, preferring ceaseless combat to subjection to a lawful constraint which they might establish, and thus preferring senseless freedom to rational freedom, we regard it with deep contempt as barbarity, rudeness, and a brutish degradation of humanity. Accordingly, one would think that civilized people (each united in a state) would hasten all the more to escape, the sooner the better, from such a depraved condition. But, instead, each state places its majesty (for it is absurd to speak of the majesty of the people) in being subject to no external juridical restraint, and the splendor of its sovereign consists in the fact that many thousands stand at his command to sacrifice themselves for something that does not concern them and without his needing to place himself in the least danger. The chief difference between European and American savages lies in the fact that many tribes of the latter have been eaten by their enemies, w hile the former know how to make better use of their conquered enemies than to dine off them; they know better how to use them to increase the number of their subjects and thus the quantity of instruments for even more extensive wars.[Kant, ibid] Notice how great moral philosopher Kant uses the terms for non-white and justifies intervention. Savages in their lawless freedom are thus preferring senseless freedom to rational freedom. This is that the Western philosophers have thought abut the non-White people and they never treated them equals. Edward Said has vividly described creation of Orientalism and treating the non-White what the white are not like savage, emotional, not enlightened etc. [Said, 1971]. In the following section, I will be dealing with this issue once in some detail when I would look at Kant as anthropologist and his works. Let me touch that last article of Perpetual Peace. The Law of World Citizenship Shall Be Limited to Conditions of Universal Hospitality [Kant, ibid]. Kant as Anthropologist/Racist Kant is widely known as a liberal philosopher who treats individual as an end. Apart from that Kant that human are moral beings because they could self-reflect, use power of reason and they may not be perfect but they can strive towards perfectibility. However, Kant also thought anthropology in Germany as a teacher of geography and anthropology for as long as forty years. Nigerian born American philosopher Emmanuel Chukwudi Eze said that how Kant is generally known in mainstream that he was a pure philosopher whose philosophy was colour blind but it is overlooked that he has also given racial theories. This scholarly forgetfulness of Kants racial theories, or his raciology, I is attributable to the overwhelming desire to see Kant only as a pure philosopher, preoccupied pure culture and color-blind philosophical themes in the sanctum sactorum of the traditions of Western philosophy. Otherwise, how does one explain the many surprised expressions I received while researching this work: Kant? Anthropology? Race? The Kant most remembered in North American academic communities is the Kant of the Critiques. It is forgotten that the philosopher developed courses in anthropology and/ or geography and taught them regularly for forty years form 11756 until th year before his retirement in 1792. [Eze, 1997] What is worse, the great moral philosopher did characterize people on the basis on colour. He said hat the Europeans are white, the Asians are yellow, the Africans, black and North Americans, red. [Eze, 1997]. He even says that American Indian , Hindu, African lack talent. Even he said that the non-Europeans lack characters. Taking skin color as evidence of a racial class, Kant classified humans into: white (Europeans), yellow (Asians), black (Africans) and red (American Indians). Moral geography (which might as well be called cultural geography) studies the customs and the mores held collectively by each of these races, classes, or groups. For example, some elements in the the moral geography taught by Kant included expositions on culture, such as the knowledge that is customary to permit theft in Africa, or to desert children in China or to bury them alive in Brazil or for Eskimos to straggle them. [Eze, 1997:115] Apart from that he also believes that only the white-Europeans are capable of profess in arts and science and others are not fit for these. He also calls the white superior and the black inferior. After briefly discussed Kant, the philosopher who advocated federation of states, world citizenship and the anthropologist who gave prejudiced and raciological theory of race that paves the way for intervention in non-European societies by the colonial masters in the garb of spreading enlightenment. I would argue that the Kants writings are full of racists remarks and a sense of superiority over non-White. This is the very ideology behind the colonialism and its root can be traced to Kants writings including Perpetual Peace. The first problem with Kant is his forming an opinion about the non-white world by blindly believing travelers accounts and considering them as a piece of reality. Much of the orientalists notion of Asian histories and culture are distorted because they all drew on travelers accounts. That is why great minds like Hegel, Kant, Weber and even Marx could not distanced themselves from their prejudices about non-White societies. Uday Singh Mehta, in his seminal work, has shown that how the project of empire is concealed in the language of liberalism and enlightenment. Now I will deal with Kavirajs work very breifly which can help us understand the issue of civilization and modernity in order to have better grip over Kants writings. Sudita Kaviraj has critiqued, in his seminal essay An Outline of Revisionist Theory of Modernity the with the transformation of modern Europe there was also growing superiority of the newly emergent European civilization. According to Kaviraj, earlier European Christian civilizations was one of many civilizations like Hindu or Chinese but after the change European self-definition altered this usage crucially and, contrasted the civilised society of Europe with other societies which were rude..[Kaviraj, 1990 503]. And thus European modernity came be be regarded as universal and the rest of the world has to follow them blindly because they are backward and rude. This has been the recurrent theme of Enlightenment philosophy in Europe. And Kaviraj further augues that there is a logic of self-differentiation in modernity. He says the more modernity expands and spreads to different part of the world the more it becomes differentiated and plural. After discussing Kants Perpetual Peace and Eorocenricism, let me briefly touch upon liberal democratic peace theories debate before I conclude this paper. Because, liberal scholars are rooting their philosophy in Kants Perpetual Peace. I would argue that democratic peace theory is nothing but a sham. Democratic Peace Theory In this section, I will give positions of John Owen and and Christopher Layne. While Omen defends democratic peace theory that two liberal democracies do not fight drawing their inspiration from Kants work, Layne criticizes peace theory from realist perspective. But my criticism of Owen should not be misunderstood as being realist. I am also a severe critique of realism which believes in the myth of the threat being external and there is cohesion from internal angle. The biggest failure of realism is that today the most casualties are not done by forces outside but due to issues like poverty, illness, ecological degradation etc. Now let me begin with liberal peace theorists main arguments. According to Owen, democracies dont attack each other. In other words, democratic theorists believe in the proposition that democracies dont fight with other. That is why the supporters of this peace theory believe that the best way to ensure security and peace is to support the advancement of democracy elsewhere. This has been the hallmark of USA foreign policy, particularly after the end of the Cold War when it was claimed that there is an end of history and liberal democracy with capitalist market have triumphed over all other systems. Further, the democratic peace theory says while liberal states do not fight with another liberal states on the other hand liberal ideas prod liberal states into war with illiberal states. In the words of Owen [2000: 926] When liberals run the government, relations with fellow democracies are harmonious. Librals believe that democracies seek their citizens true interests and that thus by definition they are pacific and trustworthy. Non-democracies may be dangerous because they seek other ends, such as conquest and plunder. Libras thus hold that the national interests calls for accommodation of fellow democracies, but sometimes calls for war with non-democracies . The philosophical grounding of democratic peace theory is that since there is free speech guaranteed to citizens in a democracy so citizens would not allow war to take place because in war it is the citizens who would have to bear the costs. According to the supporters of democratic peace theory, liberalism is universalistic, tolerant, cosmopolitan philosophy. Liberalisms ends are life and property and toleration and it believes that all nations and people are free. It is also conducive for peace because liberal democracies are believed to be reasonable, predictable and trustworthy because the citizens of the state govern them. Owen on the other hand also characterize illiberal states which are threat to peace and they must be made to be liberal because these states are unreasonable, unpredictable, potentially dangerous, ruled by despots with ends as conquest, intolerance, and impoverishment. Owen in his article also provides some of hypothesis about democratic peace theory. (1) Liberal democracy will only avoid war with state that if believes to be liberal. (2) Liberals will trust states they consider liberal and mistrust those they consider illiberal. (3) When liberals observe a foreign state becoming liberal by their own standards, they will expect pacific relations with it. Liberals will not change their assessments of foreign states during crises with those states unless those states change their institutions. (4) Liberals elites will agitate for their policies during war-threatening crises. After discussing democratic peace theory, let me briefly touch upon what are major criticisms of it from realist perspectives. Realists believe that democratic peace theory is fantasy, permanent peace between liberal democracy is not possible, foreign policy must be based on imperatives of power politics not on morality and ethnics, even the liberal democratic states could not desist themselves from getting involved in power-struggle and balancing each other. Layne Christopher [2000] has said that democratic peace theory is a myth and said realism is superior to democratic peace theory. Conclusion After giving both the arguments in favour and against of democratic peace theory, I would like to day that democratic peace theory is another face of dominance by the West, particularly the USA in non-White world. The problem with democratic peace theory is that if evidence is given that two democratic states fought, they would argue at least one of them was not liberal that time. That is why I would not go into that trap that whether a state was liberal or illiberal at one point of time. My arguments are that most of violence in modern period particularly in 20th century has its root in the West who are also champion of democracy. Is it not that the same Enlightened people from the white world created mess everywhere from the Africa, America to Asia. These are same colonial masters who Kants perpetual peace has inspired them to civilize the rest of the world but in this process their came under economic, political and cultural dominance. Today all the regime change, arms race, bombi ngs, killings are somehow result of policies of these enlightened people who swear by democracy but they dont have any problem if there is friendly authoritarian regime elsewhere. While I am critique the West I should not be misunderstood that I am siding with post-colonial elites. Today, they are not far behind imitating their colonial masters as a result colonialism has gone but colonial policies and apparatus continue to hunt post-colonial society. Let me state my position once again neither Kant nor todays champions of democracy are at concerned with peace and democracy in true sense. They are all using it as pretext to arm-twist elites in post-colonial societies and install favorable governments. This centuries are full of examples which say that hostilities between liberal states are not over and the theorists of democratic peace by harping on exporting democracy are hiding contradiction and crisis in their own society. Hunger, poverty, racial discrimination, concentration of wealth, ecological damages are problems which has also gripped liberal western states but they are more concerned about problem outsides. This should also not be misunderstood that I am implying that non-Western society are better. But all the change should evolve and come through its own struggle and churning. Imposition and export will never do. I reject democratic peace theory because the theorists whom they are banking on (Kant) was himself racist, Eurocentric and anti-democratic because of his prejudices against non-White and women.

IQ and Success :: Sociology Racism Prejudice Essays

IQ and Success   Ã‚  Ã‚   Using data from a long-term survey, The Bell Curve purports to show that IQ is a far better predictor of adult success than childhood socioeconomic status. But the authors used an extremely limited number of social factors as the basis for their calculations. By taking into consideration a greater number of social factors (to make the study resemble a more complete picture of real life), sociologists have been able to show that social factors, not IQ, are a much better predictor of future success. In The Bell Curve, authors Herrnstein and Murray claim that a child's IQ is a far better predictor of future success than a child's initial socioeconomic status (or SES). For example, a white child raised in the bottom 5 percent of SES is eight times more likely to become poor than a child from the top 5 percent. But a white child whose IQ is in the bottom 5 percent is fifteen times more likely to become poor than a child whose IQ is in the top 5 percent. (1) Is this true? (Well, no -- but more on this below.) It does seems obvious that intelligence is important to succeed in life, but it also seems obvious that social factors play a large, if not larger, role. For example, the crushing economic disparity between North and South Korea has nothing to do with IQ differences, and everything to do with different social and economic policies. Even on a personal level, intelligence is only one of countless factors that contribute to success. Others include: Access to education Training opportunities Personality type Physical attractiveness Athletic ability Inheritance Nepotism Prejudice Social and business connections Knowing someone who is successful Lobbying Congress Business cycle trends Fads Inventions Discoveries Wars Speculation Gambling Miserliness Insider trading Unfair market practices And, last but not least, dumb luck -- being at the right place at the right time And these are just the adult factors -- there's a whole host of childhood factors as well, which follow below. How the rules of the game are constructed determines which of these factors becomes most important for winning and losing, and therefore which individuals have the most "merit." For example, we might think that those who play professional baseball have the most merit -- that is, they are the best players in the game.

Storm Born Chapter Two

Wil Delaney was in his early twenties, with straw-yellow hair in need of a haircut. He had pasty white skin and wore wire-rimmed glasses. When I showed up at his house the next morning, he had to undo about twenty locks before he could open the door, and even then, he would only peek out with the security chain in place. â€Å"Yes?† he asked suspiciously. I put on my business face. â€Å"I'm Odile. Lara set up our appointment?† He studied me. â€Å"You're younger than I thought you'd be.† A moment later, he closed the door and undid the chain. The door opened again, and he ushered me inside. I glanced around as I entered, taking in stacks and stacks of books and newspapers – and a definite lack of light. â€Å"Kind of dark in here.† â€Å"Can't open the blinds,† he explained. â€Å"You never know who'll be watching.† â€Å"Oh. Well. What about the lights?† He shook his head. â€Å"You'd be amazed how much radiation lights and other electrical devices emit. It's what's making cancer run rampant in our society.† â€Å"Oh.† We sat at his kitchen table, and he explained to me why he thought his sister had been abducted by the gentry. I had a hard time concealing my skepticism. It wasn't like this kind of thing was unheard of, but I was starting to pick up on Lara's â€Å"schizo† vibe. It was highly possible that the gentry could simply have been a figment of his imagination. â€Å"This is her.† He brought me a five-by-seven picture showing him and a pretty girl leaning into each other against a grassy backdrop. â€Å"Taken just before the abduction.† â€Å"She's cute. And young. Does she†¦did she†¦live with you?† He nodded. â€Å"Our parents died about five years ago. I got custody of her. Not much different than how it used to be.† â€Å"What do you mean?† Bitterness crossed that neurotic face, an odd juxtaposition. â€Å"Our dad was always off on some business trip, and our mom kept sleeping around on him. So it's always just sort of been Jasmine and me.† â€Å"And what makes you think she was taken by gen – fairies?† â€Å"The timing,† he explained. â€Å"It happened on Halloween. Samhain Eve. That's one of the biggest nights for abductions and hauntings, you know. Data supports it. The walls between the worlds open.† He sounded like he was reciting from a textbook. Or the Internet. Sometimes I thought Internet access was like putting guns in the hands of toddlers. I tried not to roll my eyes as he rambled. I didn't really need a layman explaining remedial information to me. â€Å"Yeah, I know all that. But a lot of scary people – humans – roam around on Halloween too. And lots of other times. I don't suppose you reported it to the police?† â€Å"I did. They weren't able to turn up anything, not that I really needed them. I knew what had happened because of the location. The place she disappeared. That was what made me know fairies did it.† â€Å"Where?† â€Å"This one park. She was at a party with some kids from school. They had a bonfire in the woods, and they saw her wander off. The police traced her tracks to this clearing, and then they just stopped. And you know what was there?† He gave me a dramatic look, evidently ready to impress me. I didn't give him the satisfaction of asking the obvious question, so he answered it for me. â€Å"A fairy ring. A perfect circle of flowers growing in the grass.† â€Å"It happens. Flowers do that.† He shot up from the table, incredulity all over his face. â€Å"You don't believe me!† I worked hard to keep my face as blank as a new canvas. You could have painted a picture on it. â€Å"It's not that I don't believe what you're describing, but there are a lot more mundane explanations. A girl alone in the woods could have been abducted by any number of things – or people.† â€Å"They said you were the best,† he told me, like it was some kind of argument. â€Å"They said you kick paranormal ass all the time. You're the real deal.† â€Å"What I can or can't do isn't relevant. I need to make sure we're on the right track. You're asking me to cross physically into the Otherworld. I almost never do that. It's dangerous.† Wil sat back down, face desperate. â€Å"Look, I'll do anything at all. I can't let her stay there with those – with those things. Name your price. I can pay anything you want.† I glanced around curiously, taking in the books on UFOs and Bigfoot. â€Å"Uh†¦what exactly do you do for a living?† â€Å"I run a blog.† I waited for more, but apparently that was it. Somehow I suspected that generated less money than even Tim made. Hmphf. Bloggers. I didn't get why everyone and their brother thought the world wanted to read their thoughts on†¦well, nothing. If I wanted to be subjected to meaningless blather, I'd watch reality television. He was still looking at me pleadingly, with big blue puppy dog eyes. I nearly groaned. When had I grown so soft? Didn't I want people to think of me as some cold and calculating shamanic mercenary? I'd vanquished a keres yesterday. Why was this sob story getting to me? It was actually because of the keres, I realized. That stupid sexual suggestion had been so revolting to me that I just couldn't erase the image of little Jasmine Delaney being some gentry's plaything. Because that's what she would be, though I'd never tell Wil that. The gentry liked human women. A lot. â€Å"Can you take me to the park she disappeared from?† I asked at last. â€Å"I'll get a better sense if fairies really were involved.† Of course, it actually turned out that I took him because I quickly decided I wasn't going to let him drive me anywhere. Having him as a passenger taxed me enough. He spent the first half of the ride slathering some really thick sunscreen all over him. I guess you had to take precautions when you lived in a cave and finally emerged into the light. â€Å"Skin cancer's on the rise,† he explained. â€Å"Especially with the depletion of the ozone layer. Tanning salons are killing people. No one should go outside without some kind of protection – especially here.† That I actually agreed with. â€Å"Yeah. I wear sunscreen too.† He eyed my light tan askance. â€Å"Are you sure?† â€Å"Well, hey, it's Arizona. Hard not to get some sun. I mean, sometimes I walk to the mailbox without sunscreen, but most of the time I try to put it on.† â€Å"‘Try,'† he scoffed. â€Å"Does it protect against UVB rays?† â€Å"Um, I don't know. I mean, I guess. I never burn. It smells pretty good too.† â€Å"Not good enough. Most sunscreens will protect from UVA rays only. But even if you don't burn, the UVB rays will still get through. Those are the real killers. Without adequate protection, you can probably expect an early death from melanoma or some other form of skin cancer.† â€Å"Oh.† I hoped we got to the park soon. When we'd almost reached it, a traffic light stopped us under an overpass. I didn't think anything of it, but Wil shifted nervously. â€Å"I always hate being stopped under these. You never know what could happen in an earthquake.† I again schooled myself to neutrality. â€Å"Well†¦it's been awhile since our last earthquake around here.† Yeah. Like, never. â€Å"You just never know,† he warned ominously. Our arrival couldn't have come a moment too soon. The park was green and woodsy, someone's idiotic attempt to defy the laws of southern Arizona's climate. It probably cost the city a fortune in water. He led me along the trail that went to Jasmine's abduction spot. As we approached it, I saw something that suddenly made me put more credence in his story. The trail intersected another one at a perfect cross. A crossroads, often a gate to the Otherworld. No circle of flowers grew here now, but as I approached that junction, I could feel a slight thinness between this world and the other one. â€Å"Who knew?† I murmured, mentally testing the walls. It wasn't a very strong spot, truthfully. I doubted much could pass here from either world right now. But on a sabbat like Samhain†¦well, this place could very well be an open doorway. I'd have to let Roland know so we could check it when the next sabbat rolled around. â€Å"Well?† Wil asked. â€Å"This is a hot spot,† I admitted, trying to figure out how to proceed. It appeared I was zero for two in gauging the credibility of these last two clients, but when 90 percent of my queries were false leads, I tended to keep a healthy dose of skepticism on hand. â€Å"Will you help me then?† â€Å"Like I said, this really isn't my thing. And even if we decide she was taken to the Otherworld, I have no idea where to look for her. It's as big as ours.† â€Å"She's being held by a king named Aeson.† I spun around from where I'd been staring at the crossroads. â€Å"How the hell do you know that?† â€Å"A sprite told me.† â€Å"A sprite.† â€Å"Yeah. He used to work for this guy Aeson. He ran away and wanted revenge. So he sold the information to me.† â€Å"Sold it?† â€Å"He needed money to put down a deposit on an apartment in Scottsdale.† It sounded ludicrous, but it wasn't the first time I'd heard of Otherworldly creatures trying to set up shop in the human world. Or of crazy people who wanted to live in Scottsdale. â€Å"When did this happen?† â€Å"Oh, a few days ago.† He made it sound like a visit from the UPS guy. â€Å"So. You were seriously approached by a sprite and only now thought to mention it?† Wil shrugged. Some of the sunscreen he'd missed rubbing in showed on his chin. It kind of reminded me of kindergarten paste. â€Å"Well, I'd already known she was taken by fairies. This just sort of confirmed it. He was actually the one who mentioned you. Said you killed one of his cousins. Then I found some locals that backed up the story.† I studied Wil. If he hadn't seemed so hapless, I almost wouldn't have believed any of this. But it smacked too much of truth for him to be making it up. â€Å"What did he call me?† â€Å"Huh?† â€Å"When he told you about me. What name did he give you?† â€Å"Well†¦your name. Odile. But there was something else too†¦Eunice?† â€Å"Eugenie?† â€Å"Yeah, that was it.† I paced irritably around the clearing. The second of two Otherworldly denizens to know my name in as many days. That was not good. Not good at all. And now one of them was trying to get Wil to lure me into the Otherworld. Or was it truly a lure? Sprites weren't really known for being criminal masterminds. If I'd killed his cousin, I suppose he might hope some other motivated creature would take me down. â€Å"So what? Are you going to help me now?† â€Å"I don't know. I've got to think on it, check up on some stuff.† â€Å"But – but I've shown you and told you everything! Don't you see how real this is? You have to help me! She's only fifteen, for God's sake.† â€Å"Wil,† I said calmly, â€Å"I believe you. But it's not that simple.† I meant it. It wasn't so simple, no matter how much I wanted it to be. I hated Otherworldly inference more than I hated anything else. Taking a teenage girl was the ultimate violation. I wanted to make the guilty party pay for this. I wanted to make them suffer. But I couldn't cross over with guns blazing. Getting myself killed would do none of us any good. I needed more information before I could proceed. â€Å"You have to – â€Å" â€Å"No,† I snapped, and this time my voice wasn't so neutral. â€Å"I do not have to do anything, do you understand? I make my own choices and take my own jobs. Now, I'm very sorry about your sister, but I'm not jumping into this just yet. As Lara told you, I don't generally do jobs that take me into the Otherworld. If I take this one, it'll be after careful deliberation and question-asking. And if I don't take it, then I don't take it. End of story. Got it?† He swallowed and nodded, cowed by the fierce tone in my voice. It was not unlike the one I used on spirits, but I felt only a little bit bad about scaring Wil with it. He had to prepare himself for the highly likely possibility that I would not do this for him, no matter how much we both wanted it. On the way home, I swung by my mom's place, wanting to talk to Roland. Sunset threw reddish-orange light onto their house, and the scent of her flower garden filled the air. It was the familiar smell of safety and childhood. When I walked into the kitchen, I didn't see her anywhere, which was probably just as well. She tended to get upset when Roland and I talked shop. He sat at the table working on a model airplane. I'd laughed when he picked up this hobby after retiring from shamanism, but it had recently occurred to me it wasn't so different from working puzzles. God only knew what stuff I'd find to keep me busy when I retired. I had the uneasy feeling I'd make a good candidate for cross-stitching. His face broke into a smile when he saw me, making laugh lines appear around the eyes of the weathered face I loved. His hair was a bright silver-white, and he'd managed to keep most of it. I was five-eight, and he was only a little taller than me. But despite that height, he was solidly built and hadn't lost muscle with age. He might be pushing sixty, but I had a feeling he could still do some serious damage. Roland took one look at my face and gestured me to a chair. â€Å"You're not here to ask about Idaho.† I hadn't really understood their recent vacation choice, but whatever. Giving him a quick kiss, I held my arms around him for a moment. I didn't love many people in this world – or any other – but him I would have died for. â€Å"No. I'm not. But how was it anyway?† â€Å"Fine. It's not important. What's wrong?† I smiled. That was Roland. Always ready for business. If my mom would have let him, I suspected he'd still be out there fighting, right by my side. â€Å"Just got a job offer. A weird one.† I proceeded to tell him all about Wil and Jasmine, about the evidence I'd found for her abduction. I also added in Wil's bit of information about this Aeson guy. â€Å"I've heard of him,† said Roland. â€Å"What do you know?† â€Å"Not a lot. Never met him, never fought him. But he's strong, I know that much.† â€Å"This gets better and better.† He eyed me carefully. â€Å"Are you thinking about doing it?† I eyed him back. â€Å"Maybe.† â€Å"That's a bad idea, Eugenie. A very bad idea.† There was a dark tone in his voice that surprised me. I'd never known him to back down from any danger, especially one where an innocent was involved. â€Å"She's just a kid, Roland.† â€Å"I know, and we both know that the gentry get away with taking women every year. Most don't ever get recovered. The danger's too high. That's the way it is.† I felt my ire rising. Funny how someone telling you not to do something can talk you into it. â€Å"Well, here's one we can get back. We know where she is.† He rubbed his eyes a little, flashing the tattoos that marked his arms. My tattoos depicted goddesses; his were of whirls, crosses, and fish. He had his own set of gods to appeal to – or in this case, God. We all invoked the divine differently. â€Å"This isn't a drop-in and drop-out thing,† he warned. â€Å"It'll take you right into the heart of their society. You've never been that deep. You don't know what it's like.† â€Å"And you do?† I asked sarcastically. When he didn't answer, I felt my eyes widen. â€Å"When?† He waved a hand of dismissal. â€Å"That doesn't matter. What matters is that if you go over in body, you'll get yourself killed or captured. I won't let you do that.† â€Å"You won't let me? Come on. You can't send me to my room anymore. Besides, I've gone over lots of times before.† â€Å"In spirit. Your total time over in body's probably been less than ten minutes.† He shook his head in a wise, condescending way. That irked me. â€Å"The young never realize how foolish something is.† â€Å"And the old never realize when they need to step aside and let the younger and stronger do their jobs.† The words came out before I could stop them, and I immediately felt mean. Roland merely regarded me with a level look. â€Å"You think you're stronger than me now?† I didn't even hesitate. â€Å"We both know I am.† â€Å"Yes,† he agreed. â€Å"But that doesn't give you the right to go get yourself killed over a girl you don't even know.† I stared at him in surprise. We weren't exactly fighting, but this attitude was weird for him. He'd married my mom when I was three and adopted me shortly thereafter. The father-daughter bond burned in both of us, obliterating any longing I might have had for the birth father I'd never known. My mom almost never spoke about him. They'd had some sort of whirlwind romance, I knew, but in the end, he didn't want to stick it out – not for her, not for me. Roland would have done anything for me, kept me away from any harm that he could – except when it came to my job. When he'd realized I could walk worlds and cast out spirits, he'd started training me, and my mother hated him for it. They were the most loving couple I'd ever met, but that choice had nearly broken them apart. They'd stayed together in the end, but she'd never been happy about what I did. Roland, however, saw it as a duty. Destiny, even. I wasn't like one of those silly people in the movies who could â€Å"see dead people† and go crazy from it. I easily could have ignored my abilities. But as far as Roland was concerned, that was a sin. To neglect one's calling was a waste, especially when it meant others would suffer. So he tried to treat me as objectively as he would any other apprentice, fighting his personal feelings. Yet, for some reason now, he wanted to hold me back. Weird. I'd come here for strategy and ended up on the defensive. I changed the subject abruptly, telling him about how the keres had known my name. He cut me a look, not wanting to drop the Jasmine topic. My mom's car pulled in just then, giving me a temporary victory. With a sigh and a look of warning, he told me not to worry about the name. It happened sometimes. His had eventually gotten out too, and little had come of it. My mom came into the kitchen, and shamanic business disappeared. Her face – so like mine, down to the shape and high cheekbones – put on a smile as warm as Roland's. Only hers was tinged with something a little different. She always carried a perpetual concern for me. Sometimes I thought it simply had to do with what I did for a living. Yet, she'd had that worry ever since I was little, like I might disappear on her at any moment. Maybe it was just a mom thing. She placed a paper bag on the counter and began putting away groceries. I knew she knew what I was doing there, but she chose to ignore it. â€Å"You going to stay for dinner?† she asked. â€Å"I think you've lost weight.† â€Å"She has not,† said Roland. â€Å"She's too skinny,† complained my mom. â€Å"Not that I'd mind a little of that.† I smiled. My mom looked amazing. â€Å"You need to eat more,† she continued. â€Å"I eat, like, three candy bars a day. I'm not depriving myself of calories.† I walked over and poked her in the arm. â€Å"Watch it, you're being all momlike. Smart, professional moms aren't supposed to be that way.† She cut me a look. â€Å"I'm a therapist. I have to be twice as momlike.† In the end, I stayed for dinner. Tim was a great cook, but nothing could ever really replace my mom's food. While we ate, we talked about their vacation in Idaho. Neither Jasmine nor the keres ever came up. When I finally got back home, I found Tim getting ready to go out with a gaggle of giggling girls. He was in full pseudo-Indian regalia, complete with a beaded head wrap and buckskin vest. â€Å"Greetings, Sister Eugenie,† he said, holding up a palm like he was in some sort of Old West movie. â€Å"Join us. We're going to a concert over in Davidson Park, so that we may commune with the Great Spirit's gift of springtime whilst letting the sacred beat of the music course through our souls.† â€Å"No thanks,† I said, brushing past him and going straight to my room. A moment later, he followed sans girls. â€Å"Oh, come on, Eug. It's gonna be a blast. We've got a cooler of beer and everything.† â€Å"Sorry, Tim. I don't really feel like being a squaw tonight.† â€Å"That's a derogatory term.† â€Å"I know it is. Very much so. But your bleach-blond posse out there doesn't deserve much better.† I eyed him askance. â€Å"Don't even think about bringing any of them back here tonight.† â€Å"Yeah, yeah, I know the rules.† He flounced into my wicker chair. â€Å"So what are you going to do instead? Shop on the Internet? Work puzzles?† I'd actually been thinking of doing both those things, but I wasn't about to tell him that. â€Å"Hey, I've got stuff to do.† â€Å"Fuck, Eugenie. You're becoming a hermit. I almost miss Dean. He was an asshole, but at least he got you out of the house.† I made a face. Dean was my last boyfriend; we'd broken up six months ago. The split had been kind of unexpected for both of us. I hadn't expected to find him screwing his real estate agent, and he hadn't expected to get caught. I knew now I was better off without him, but some niggling part always wondered what about me had made him lose interest. Not exciting enough? Pretty enough? Good enough in bed? â€Å"Some things are worse than staying home alone,† I muttered. â€Å"Dean is one of them.† â€Å"Timothy?† one of the girls called from the living room. â€Å"Are you coming?† â€Å"One moment, gentle flower,† he hollered back. To me he said, â€Å"You sure you wanna hole up here all night? It isn't really healthy to be away from people so much.† â€Å"I'm fine. Go enjoy your flowers.† He shrugged and left. Once by myself, I fixed a sandwich and shopped on the Internet, exactly as he'd predicted. It was followed by a puzzle depicting an M. C. Escher drawing. A bit harder than the kitten. Halfway through, I found myself staring at the puzzle pieces without seeing them. Roland's quiet, fierce words played over in my head. Let Jasmine Delaney go. Everything he'd told me had been true. Dropping this was the smart thing to do. The safe thing to do. I knew I should listen to him†¦yet some part of me kept thinking of the young, smiling face Wil had shown me. Angrily, I shoved some of the puzzle pieces aside. This job wasn't supposed to be about gray moral decisions. It was black and white. Find the bad guys. Kill or banish. Go home at the end of the day. I stood up, suddenly no longer wanting to be alone. I didn't want to be left with my own thoughts. I wanted to be out with people. Clarification: I didn't want to talk to people, I just wanted to be around them. Lost in the crowd. I needed to see my own kind – warm, living and breathing humans, not undead spirits or magic-infused gentry. I wanted to remember which side of the fence I was on. More important, I wanted to forget Jasmine Delaney. At least for tonight I threw on some jeans and the first bra and shirt I could find. My rings and bracelets always stayed on me, but I added a moonstone necklace that hung low in the shirt's V-neck. I brushed my long hair into a high ponytail, missing a few strands. A dab of lipstick, and I was ready to go. Ready to lose myself. Ready to forget.