Extreme tourism and Antarctica Essay

What is Extreme Tourism? Extreme tourism is an offshoot of mainstream tourism that involves the tourist going to areas with a hazardous landscape combined with a dangerous climate or remote areas that are either sparsely populated or not populated at all. More and more people are taking part in activities like rock climbing, white-water rafting, paragliding and more. Who Takes Part? More often than not, the typical adventure tourist will be 30 years old, unmarried person and have no children. Due to the expensive nature of these holidays, those taking part will most likely be in high power jobs, which would allow them to earn a high income. Most people will come in small groups but there are a few wealthy individuals who go by themselves. As very few people go on these types of holidays, the sector will never be as large as other tourism sectors like eco-tourism. What are the Attractions? The most popular areas for extreme tourism are Peru, Chile, Argentina, Azerbaijan and Pakistan. These areas boast difficult landscapes, hard climates and even unstable political situations. A notable example of this would be the mountainous regions of north Pakistan. They are often described as some of the most difficult landscapes in the world and, as mentioned earlier, some feel that the risky political situation (as it is near an Al Qaeda base) adds an extra thrill. Other more mainstream attractions include desert trekking, canoeing in areas like the Amazon and hiking in the Himalayas. Antarctica: What Activities are there? Most of the activities available in Antarctica are based around the unique climate and wildlife present there. The activities vary from sporting activities such as skiing and hiking expeditions, to viewing the native wildlife like whales and penguins. Activities like living with the Emperor Penguins are very popular among tourists as you aren’t required to be very physically fit and it can be very touching to be around them. Other activities like skiing across large distances or hiking up mountains like Mount Vincent are a lot more demanding physically and as such fewer people go on these expeditions, yet they are still quite popular due to the thrill achieved by taking part in these dangerous activities. How has the Number of Tourists going to Antarctica Changed? Tourism in the Antarctic regions started in the late 1950’s (approximately 1958), half a century after Amundsen and his team first arrived at the South Pole. At this time the numbers of people visiting the area were very low, a stark contrast with the numbers of tourists arriving today which is somewhere around 28,000 people per year. The number of people visiting is only expected to go up as more activities are made and marketing of the area increases. What are the Impacts of Tourism? While those in charge of the tours do their best to ensure that any impacts caused by the tourists are minimal or don’t even happen, it is nigh impossible for them to remove the risk altogether. As a result, there are impacts caused by the tourists and the extent of some of them can be quite considerate. The most obvious impact brought on by tourists is the disturbance of the native wildlife such as the emperor penguins. Human interaction with these animals can cause major effects such as a change in migration patterns leading to further effects in the ecosystem as a whole. Impacts can come in other means as well. The sinking of the MS Explorer showed that access to the area needed to be restricted and lead to fuel spilling in the water, doing untold damage to the marine life. How have the Impacts been managed? All tour operators, of which there are more than 100, are members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and are urged to be environmentally friendly in their practices and are asked to convince tourists to be as well. In order to preserve more delicate areas, there are certain Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s) which tourists are not allowed to visit so that the wildlife and inhabitants are protected. Anyone wishing to take part in activities on the island must have a permit and are banned from leaving any waste/litter behind and being closer than 5m to an animal. Any ships going to the area is limited in the amount of passengers it can have (500 max of which only 100 can disembark at once).

Compensation trends in the United States Essay

The current trend of globalization, technical revolution and competition, has had dynamic impact on the compensation trends worldwide, as well as within United States. The whole ladder of compensation from agriculture to Information technology has seen an upsurge in compensation. The economic conditions, the political support and the globalization have played an important role in setting the curve for this trend. There is greater awareness, increased skill, enhanced efficiency and wider range of choices. The human resource has become a more valued, competitive and specialized force affecting the future of economy and industry. They have the bargaining power, and capacity to mould the pattern of growth in every arena of service, research, education, health and industry. â€Å"The RAND Corporation, in a report prepared at the request of the U. S. Department of Labor, says three trends will shape the labor force and employment relationships in the coming years: a slowing in the growth rate of the workforce, an acceleration in technological advances, and continued globalization. † (RAND, 2004) â€Å"The Emerging Trends in Human Resources† looks into many trends which would affect the future compensation package for people in United States. He categorizes them in workplace trends which would affect the employers and employees with better technology, higher health insurance, outsourcing, aging and other factors. Demographic factors like growth, retirement and aging. The organizations will need to respond with more strategy to retain and recruit new employees as well as train and upscale them. The political emphasis on economy, growth and outsourcing will guide the future trend dramatically. The trends of the society will dictate the nature of the work force and the balance of the compensation. International trends like expansion of businesses globally, rise of Asian market and emerging off shoring giants like India, china, Philippines and others add more to the competitive edge. (Greene, 2006-2007) Most companies have turned to total rewards and pay-for-performance programs as a vehicle for maximizing return on investment and employee potential. Variable pay is now a major part of compensation design for nearly 80% of U. S. companies, according to our Salary Increase Survey. Having the best people is more important than ever, especially in a business environment focused on value creation. In fact, many experts believe that attracting, motivating, and retaining the best talent is one of the greatest obstacles to growth over the next decade. Smart companies are finding ways to get the most from their investment in compensation and rewards without sacrificing the ability to compete for talent. (Hewitt, 2007) According to the report, titled, â€Å"The 21st Century at Work: Forces Shaping the Future Workforce and Workplace in the United States. † (RAND,2004) These trends have important implications for vital aspects of the future workplace and workforce and for the U. S. economy. These trends will affect the size, makeup, and skills of the labor force, the kinds of work and its settings, and worker compensation. Understanding these trends will help workers, employers, educators and policymakers make informed decisions that reflect changing realities. (RAND,2004) There is tremendous promise in the rise of competitive compensation package in most fields with better opportunities for growth in Unites States. The demand for skilled human resource will pave the way for next decade in business, healthcare, services, engineering, IT, and many other fields. This is the period of strategic planning, wide range compensation and timely rewards. Work Cited (2-23-2004). RAND Report Predicts Trends in Labor Force. Retrieved February 23, 2007, from BLR Compensation BLR. com Web site: compensation. blr.com/display. cfm/id/153659 Greene, Keith J. (2006-2007). HR SPHR. Retrieved February 23, 2007, from SHRM Web site: www. fmi. org/humanresources/Emerging_Trends_Presentation. pdf Rothberg, Deborah (29-AUG-2006). Study: Skills Shortage Boosts Salaries. Retrieved February 23, 2007, from e WEEK Careers Web site: www. careers. eweek. com/article/Study+Skills+Shortage+Boosts+Salaries/18739 _1. aspx (2007 ). Compensation & Rewards. Retrieved February 23, 2007, from Hewitt Web site: www. hewittassociates. com/Intl/NA/en US/OurServices/ServiceHRC. aspx? cid=2402

Intercultural Communication: Globalization Essay

Globalization has had an effect in all aspect of our lives. However, these effects have not all been positive and it becomes important to consider both sides of the coin while trying to understand the phenomenon that is globalization. Globalization is a movement that seeks to establish more global integration especially in matters pertaining to trade and governance to increase prosperity and reduce conflicts. In this regard there was a strengthening of international institutions especially the UN and the signing of various treaties that abolishes tariffs and protectionist measures. This makes trade between countries easier and makes it possible to make capital and labor mobile across countries. Therefore, globalization also affects culture due to increased interaction of foreigners and the growth of the communication sector including the internet. Most of these effects have been positive allowing societies to benefit from each other. Nonetheless, other negative impacts have been exported leading to an erosion of indigenous cultures and a spread of vices like pornography and human trafficking. The most important aspect of globalization is the ability of companies to outsource their businesses to areas that have cheaper labor. This makes productivity cheaper since countries can set up factories in countries whereby labor is in plenty and wages are low. Furthermore, these countries have weaker laws and regulations making business easier and further reducing the cost of production. This translates to increased profits for shareholders and allows companies to survive stiff competition and bad economical times. Moreover, these benefit these developing countries to grow and provide a livelihood to the citizens of these countries. In addition, these countries provides new markets for companies who wants to sustain their growth in profitability and this has seen companies like Wal-mart to venture into markets like China (Martin & Nakayama, 2007). It also allows for work specialization since manufacturers can make various components of their products in different companies a classic example being computer manufacturer. These firms manufacture the various components of a computer in different countries and are finally assembled in one country. However, business outsourcing also has its disadvantages but the positive outweigh the negative. Since colonial times, the erosion of culture in several countries across the globe has continued. Colonization saw European countries impose their social, economical and religious cultures upon the native inhabitants. However, colonization came to an end but neo colonialism continues due to globalization occasioned by growth of the communication sector and increased interaction of people of different nationalities. Television has allowed people all over the world to view program most of which are made in the West. This together with secular music from western society has had a significant impact on other cultures. Most of these influences have been negative with many disregarding their cultures and blindly following the actions depicted on this popular media. Some countries like India has seen many youths engage in immoral behavior like premarital sex, cohabitation of unmarried youth and drug abuse, a trend associated with western values (Sundaram, 2007). This has increased the prevalence of Aids and crime due to the effects of drugs and immorality.

Corporate Social Responsibility Degree Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Corporate Social Responsibility Degree - Essay Example But, I would like to say that these employees consist of only internal society of the corporation and there is an external society too out side of our corporation's four corners. In addition to selling our brand products at home, we have been regularly exporting our items to far and wide places in the world, especially Asian and African countries, indicating strongly that our fortunes are heavily linked to those people. But, take a look at I propose that our company should take the lead at least this year in effectively fulfilling our CSR. As a first step toward this, the management should form a separate CSR wing at our corporate office for identifying proper areas of CSR at home and abroad. As a senior employee of the company, I assure you full cooperation from the employees in keeping the commitment towards CSR. On our part, we are ready to contribute a bit financially too from our salaries to supplement your funding for our CSR projects. As a second step, our company should join hands with UK's major charity organisation Water Aid which has been providing safe drinking water, sanitation and hygienic education to the poorest of the poor people in some African and Asian countries (What we do, Where we work.). Using sustainable and practical technologies, Water Aid has 4 been closely working with locals in India, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, Tanzania and some other needy countries to improve quality of life of the downtrodden. Several corporate companies have already joined hands with the Water Aid and been continuously sharing the honours in alleviating the sufferings of the underprivileged around the world. Let us also join them and share the honours along with several others. Yours sincerely Mr.X (Human Resources Division) 5 References: What we do, (Water Aid UK, London), retrieved January 10, 2006 from http://www.wateraid.org.uk/uk/default.asp 1 Dated 10-01-2006. To The President ABC Corporation London Venerable Sir, As an x-corporate division head of XYZ Corporation, I feel elated in formally seeking a placement in your prestigious organisation. I have a vast experience of 20 years in the company in executing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects at home and abroad. As you know very well, XYZ is the leader in CSR and known internationally for its commitment to the society. During my tenure as head of its CSR division, we have continuously implemented several CSR projects making the XYZ Corporation much 2 more popular. Of course, the reputation of xyz Corporation on its CSR front was due to the contribution of several of its employees who participated in the programmes. Your company

Service Operations Management - Talent Drycleaners Case Study Essay

Service Operations Management - Talent Drycleaners Case Study - Essay Example The company has an adequate capacity utilization amount, a standard turnaround time, and a profitable return inherent in its added collection store located in Oshodi. Additionally, the paper will conduct an analysis that seeks to illustrate why Talent Dry-cleaner’s current operational state is limited as far as potential growth while also setting up the stage for making recommendations. The recommendations will be aimed at suggesting that the company hires extra staff, and extend the time of work with the objective of realizing an increased number of average drop-offs handled every day. SERVICE OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT- TALENT DRYCLEANERS CASE STUDY Introduction Eze owns a dry-cleaning business, Talent drycleaners and Stain Clinic, which has been operational for two years after he branched off from his former employer to start his own business. The major reason for starting a new business laid, in the opportunity, to open a dry-cleaning operation in a heavily populated area, Anth ony Village, which had no dry-cleaning facility. Talent Dry-cleaners relied heavily on client referrals during and after its inception, as well as an awareness campaign complete with customized caps and t-shirts. When funding hampered any further campaigns, he turned to handbill distribution, although this approach was not satisfactory in pulling in large volumes of customers. Recently, he became aware that quite a number of his clients were moving to the outskirts of Lagos, especially the Lekki-Epe axis. Additionally, Eze also began to feel the effect of proliferating dry-cleaning outfits stationed in Anthony Village. This forced him to slash billing charges thrice within one month. Within this competitor base, the key competitive variables included a variety of service, high response levels, delivery time, quality of service, and price. Some outfits had also adopted business differentiation by instituting cloth delivery and amendment in an effort to improve responsiveness. At the moment, Eze has to develop new strategies that will enhance profitability via moving to new markets, improve throughput and turnaround time, as well as efficient capacity utilization. Problem Statement Talent Dry-cleaners finds itself in a position where it has the best service quality available, but potential growth is hampered by severe limitations, especially the lack of funding. Analysis One of the reasons why Talent Dry-cleaners is facing limitations in its growth has to do with capacity utilization. Capacity can be defined as the ceiling or upper limit on the load, which can be controlled by an operating unit that is the upper limit on the output rate (Schneider, 2010). The basic questions that Eze should ask when considering this angle include the kind of capacity needed, the amount of capacity needed, and when the capacity is needed. While there are several definitions for capacity, none of them is applicable universally. Design capacity is defined as service capacity or max imum output rate that a facility operation or process is designed for. Effective capacity is the design capacity fewer allowances such as maintenance and personal time while actual output is the actual output rate achieved, which cannot be more than effective capacity (Schneider, 2010).

Opinion Editorial Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Opinion Editorial Paper - Essay Example Whereas college education is also needed in the work industry, the same faces danger of extinction with the increasing number of university graduates who become potential candidates for college based professions. Therefore, this paper seeks to discuss the claim that college education has been sidelined in the work industry Whereas a sizeable part of the population has already obtained at least a degree academic level, jobs available for graduates are becoming rare and more competitive. One of the viable alternatives is to empower academically and technically, lower academic persons to equip them with profound skills necessary to handle job opportunities in this category. Our broad economy needs to have a diverse system of incorporating all sorts of skills in the market since not all professionals need a college education. This can be done by increasing the salaries involved of the workers in this category. Mostly, these jobs needs people with less educational skills but have an abili ty to perform in the labor market. It is upon the government to evaluate and come up with a better education schemes and policy that will incorporate this system of education (Mishel, 2012). The question whether college education is for everyone has remained as a controversial question in most societies. Arguments constructed from intellectual point of view are biased towards acquisition of college education. People working in real working environment will argue that their college education has little or no significance to the work they do in their workplace. In such cases, people argue that they had to learn new skills in order to fit into their current work environment despite having gone through relevant education. Although college education is important in the work place, it is not sufficient. This is because the success of college graduate is measured by their success in the job market. In most cases, the relevance of a course will be measured with reference to the number of em ployed graduate and the amount of their earnings. Various measurements also include the duration within which college graduate stays without acquiring employment. According to most of such measurements, college education plays a less significant role in determining the success of a college graduate in the job market. It is important to appreciate that college students represent an important part of the society. Indeed, their role in the work industry cannot be underestimated. there are many jobs particularly demanding college level qualifications. However, employers are certainly tempted to employ highly qualified university students for the same jobs because of the competition. This implies that college education may become useless with time. A time will come when college education will just be a formality and not a lifetime investment. Ideally, college education focuses on how things ought to be with little or no emphasis on how thing work out in the real job environment. The emph asis on the theoretical aspect of college education is the sources of disconnection between college education and the real work environment. The disconnection can however, be minimized by creating a more practical-based education than a theoretical based education. In such case, colleges will train their students on how to apply knowledge acquired through their studies more than how to acquire the knowledge (Juhl 3). Due to the

Genetics and Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Genetics and Society - Essay Example This number will surely rise after the Supreme Court ruling in the Maryland v. King hearing. The court stated that law enforcers are allowed to collect DNA from people who are arrested but not charged or find guilty of any crime. DNA databases are employed to help in identifying, tracking, cataloging, apprehending and the subsequent prosecution of crime perpetrators. Currently, international and national law enforcement agencies freely exchange DNA profiles that are collected from crime scenes to reveal serial perpetrators. These profiles are later used to solve crimes around the world (DNA analysis, 2003). By the year 2010, the United States of America had collected 7.8 million DNA samples to have the biggest database in the world. They also had three hundred thousand forensic profiles. The country with the second most extensive DNA profiles is the United Kingdom with five million profiles. In the United States, California has 1.2 million offender DNA profiles; they boast the third biggest database in the world (Dnaforensics.com, 2015). Every cell in our bodies contains DNA and people leave cells behind without even knowing it. Some of the most ordinary bits that people leave around are blood drops, skin flakes, saliva and even hair; all these contain DNA that can be used to identify us. DNA forensics is heavily dependent on these small DNA bits that are later studied and tested to link criminals to committed crimes. It is a fascinating science that is commonly portrayed as simple, fallible, and an exact method of revealing the perpetrators and bringing them to justice by television shows. In the real world, testing the DNA samples collected from a crime scene, for example; a fingerprint and determining a match between a suspect and a crime is a complicated process. Such a process relies heavily on probability than most people realize (Forensicsciencecentral.co.uk, 2015). The

The use of art to reveal sexual identity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The use of art to reveal sexual identity - Essay Example Johns' works were also influenced by the works of two gay artists; O'Hara and Crane. By using the style and formats used by these two artists, it reveals his sexual inclination although in an indirect way. There are many similarities between "In memory of my feelings-Frank O'Hara" and "Paintings with two balls." The signature, the full title, and the date are stenciled along the bottom. The artist freights his work with signs of concealment. The inclusion of the name of Frank O'Hara in his art is clear sign that Johns adore the artist. O'Hara was one of the artists that were known to be openly gay. Andy Warhol is seen as the father of the Pop Art movement that rose in popularity towards the end of 1950's and early 1960's. Warhol pieces of art appear to be in agreement with the works of both Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns. Rauschenberg and Johns were also the idols of Warhol, who learnt a lot from them; Warhol even made silkscreen homage for Rauschenberg. "Let us now praise famo us men" was written to express admiration for the artist. "Thirteen most wanted men" by Warhol was a clever reference to the FBI's wish of arresting criminals and also the artist's desire for fellow men. Warhol managed to use that piece of art to demonstrate his support for homosexuality inclination as supported by Rauschenberg and Johns. Andy Warhol was one of the highest paid commercial artists of his time. Despite being a commercial artist, he also produced his own work. Warhol does not hide his sexual identity.

Improving Organisational Performance Assignment - 2

Improving Organisational Performance - Assignment Example Management requires higher attention towards proper understanding of individual differences, needs and behaviors, and any technicalities to facilitate their understanding and management of the organizational complexities. Even though organizational performance is an idea that is perceived through the accurate measures of efficiency, effectiveness and adaptability, its enhancement begins at the bottom most level of elements composed of these measures. A manager has therefore to analyze individual performance measures in order to initiate the process of performance improvement. The main issues to be addressed in the performance improvement process include keeping focus on the measurable results, success driven by employee empowerment, measurement of results to be delivered immediately, and building on the present success for the projection of future success (Armstrong, 1994). Requirements set by the performance improvement process do present some complexities and therefore requires sol utions by an appropriate methodological approach, capable of leading the entire process form the general perspective to a detailed insight and as well from an abstract insight to more practical solutions as can be used within an organization (Alasdair A. K., 1995). In addition, the modeled approach should be pragmatic enough to be applied to an existing setback, which thereafter leads to the requirement of designing processes involving a number of stages of the organizational performance improvement process. Elements of project organization structure The organizational structure of a project is made up of five key elements which include: i. Program Committee This is a temporary body set up to organize and coordinate the workflow of the entire performance improvement program, and also give directives in the program implementation strategies. A program committee consists of a chairperson of the board, top management members, and the program manager; and is headed by the CEO of the cor poration. ii. Program Manager A program manager is an expert and a technocrat who is responsible for the program implementation, appointed by the program committee. He/she is charged with the duties of coordinating of individual project teams, sensitizing the program committee of the status of the ongoing activities, cooperative planning of project activities with the project managers, cooperative design of the project network charts with project managers, and controlling of the implementation of solutions reached within the project. iii. Project committee This is a group of experts, who organize and coordinate the workflow of any individual project and directing its implementation in accordance to the common program plan. A project committee is a collection of both the experts delegated by organization owners and the staff experts to ensure full implementation of the program. The project manager is also a member of the project committee to ensure effective communication between the project committee and the project teams. iv. Project team This consists of experts who are actively involved in the implementation of the project’s activities. Its membership is based on full-time basis. Positions on the project team include the project manager and the project team members. Within the project team is the project manager who is an expert mandated to directly manage the implementation of project activities. A project manager is appointed by the project commi

Storm King Mountain Case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Storm King Mountain Case - Essay Example ged use of aggressive tactics, and were categorized as ‘watch out situations,’ the firefighters continued to take the bold step of building fire line downhill upon receiving confirmation from their leader, Mackey, that the area was good enough with less vegetation, and not much risk from existing fire. The crew members relied completely on Mackey’s judgment as they trusted in his abilities more than their conviction of adhering to the guidelines. Attributable to their can-do attitude, the firefighters ignored most of the rules because their ultimate aim was to stop fire from spreading. They did not regard these guidelines as procedures to be used in firefighting; rather, they relied more on their critical judgment based on experience and situational constraints. Hackman and Oldham’s Job Characteristics Model (JCM) explains employee behavior based on four motivational aspects namely, job characteristics, critical psychological states, personal and work outcomes and growth-need strength. The JCM framework helps in understanding managerial functions as well as the psychological processes associated with work that are associated with employee behavior and outcome of employee actions. This model emphasizes the role of job design that ultimately leads to experienced meaningfulness of work, experienced responsibility for the outcomes, and knowledge of the results of work activities (Debnath, Tandon & Pointer, 2007). A team leader can determine what skills would be best to perform a specific job and deploy staff accordingly. In addition, the task to be performed needs to be identified in advance besides having complete understanding of how the task or job impacts the employees and/or other stake holders. Identification of skills and tasks to be accomplished will also help the leader assess the extent to which the staff may be empowered to take their own decisions. While autonomy is an effective way to motivate staff, the level of autonomy requires a

The Global Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

The Global Economy - Essay Example (Sriram 2010). Whereas foreign investors to the US are profiting by loaning ‘devalued dollars’ to purchase government bonds and industrial securities and invest in foreign exchange and credit markets, foreign central banks, on the other hand, collect below 1% on the international treasury bills and bank securities (Hudson 2010). In 2011, Bernanke’s recommendation of another quantitative easing (QE II) is an additional $1 trillion liquidity in the Federal Reserve credit, aside from the $2 trillion reserve credits made in 2009 and 2010 would help the financial sector; solve the unemployment crisis and consumer expenditures; and revitalise the US economy. However, this second quantitative easing is not free of associated risks. Federal Reserve, treasury assistance and liquidity have been used by banks to maximise returns and disburse on high wages and bonuses. Capital lending has increased asset costs but decreased the production and employment. Inflation in asset co sts has placed the FIRE sector (finance, insurance and real estate) beyond the true economic status of the country (Hudson 2010). Anchored in the wrong assumption that the QE policy of granting liquidity will be an opening for the banks to profit from loans, thus freeing them from debts, Bernanke failed to consider that almost 80 percent of US bank lendings are mortgage loans and that around 30 percent of the US real estate is experiencing economic inequities due to asset prices that have failed to keep up with mortgage liabilities. The collateral loaned for these mortgages do not cover the principal cost and property titles seem to lose protection as the real estate sector is sometimes managed in fraud (Hudson 2010). US Treasury Secretary Geithner (2010) explains that reviving the credit flow would only create more debts. The credit flow would allow real estate buyers and stock market financiers to employ further control over debts to propose asset costs back up to save the banking system against the previously negative equity it has befallen. Geithner describes it as steadying the failing banking system. The Fed hypothesises that for the country to regain its high economic status, the national banking system would loan out the almost-free limitless liquidity at a markup. Such recuperation would be generating more debts. Bankers, businesses and homeowners would be liberated from their negative equities and the corporate sector and housing market would likely boost again. However, since 2007, the banks have implemented high restriction standards in loaning out to businesses, homeowners and consumers. The increased rate from zero to 3% has been crippling these debtors with liabilities in their credit cards, mortgage and bank loans (Hudson 2010). The US quantitative easing is diminishing the dollar value against foreign currencies with floating trade rates whilst increasing the dollar supply. The impact of the policy on exchange rates between the US currency and the floating-rate currencies is not surprising. It is the obvious outcome of the dollar devaluation from the excess flow of dollars. Moreover, foreign investors tend to purchase other currencies not prone to volatility and inflation (Feldstein 2011). One of the objectives of Bernanke’s QE schema is the encouragement of domestic activity within the US and the lessening of further depreciation, however, the generated surpluses on

Describe Plato Allegory of the Cave Essay Example for Free

Describe Plato Allegory of the Cave Essay Describe Plato allegory of the cave (25 marks) Plato  is one of the most important Greek philosophers and a pupil of Socrates. He founded the Academy in Athens, an institution devoted to research and instruction in philosophy and the sciences. His works on philosophy, politics and mathematics which were very influential. The complex meanings that can be perceived from the Cave can be seen in the beginning with the presence of the prisoners who are chained in the darkness of the cave. The prisoners are bound to the floor and unable to turn their heads to see what goes on behind them. To the back of the prisoners, lie the puppeteers who are casting the shadows on the wall, which the prisoners are perceiving as reality. In the beginning of the  Allegory of the Cave  Plato represents man’s condition as being â€Å"chained in a cave,† in Plato’s allegory the prisoners are chained in a cave, unable to turn their heads. All they can see is the wall of the cave. Behind them burns a fire all the prisoners see and hear are shadows and echoes cast by objects that they do not see. In platos allegory Plato believes the cave is the world the entire human race are prisoners of the world in the same way the cave represents the limits of their universe or knowledge The cave also represents misunderstanding and distraction, similarly Plato believes our body is a cave and inside the body is the soul ,and the soul is trapped inside the body in which humanity lost everything we required in the world of forms which was the true knowledge when we die the soul is released from our body. Another interpretation is when the prisoners are trapped inside the cave the prisoners represent humanity ,who don’t know what reality is, because they think reality is just what they can see (the shadows) which is really not reality at all it is mere representation of the truth The prisoners symbolize those of a sensible world unwilling to see or face reality. In their ignorance the prisoners hide away in the cave, unaware of the transcendent world These prisoners cannot move because they are restrained by chains. The only thing that they can see is a wall  To the prisoners the truth is only the wall and its shadows. The prisoners know nothing outside of the shadows at one point one of the prisoners are released he starts to see the objects of physical reality The released prisoner is a person confronted with the possibility of enlightenment who first sees the truth (the sun in the allegory) and is blinded by it. Another allegory in Platos story is The chains which hold humanity back from their own understanding these prisoners cannot move because they are restrained by chains the chains can be interpreted as a Fear of failure or   delaying something which are examples of the chains that hold back each individual from their full potential. In the allegory these chains keep the prisoners from escaping and finding the truth that is the outside world. The chains that restrain the prisoners, while real to the prisoners in the cave, are no more real than the shadows are. Another interpretation found in the allegory the cave is very dark because there is little light inside it and objects are hardly seen, The sunlight at the end of the path, would be specifically the form of good the allegory could also be about religious enlightenment, the Sun representing the light of the good, the Godly other world which the freed prisoner has surpassed to and was now able to see. The prisoner who was enlightened to religion is momentarily released from the ignorance and darkness of humanity the sun is a form of good, enlightened truth and the escaped prisoner who requires the knowledge and is obliged to return to the people in chains and enlighten them on what has been seen . Improve answer In the outer world there is light and everything is clear and visible the prisoner released from the cave into the outer world slowly and gradually begins to identify everything and becomes to realise that the outer world is the real and the cave is the unreal world likewise also Knowledge, education, and spiritual  enlightenment all symbolize the light. In Allegory of the Cave, light most commonly reflects revelation when prisoners, humanity, leave â€Å"the cave†. (unreal world) the darkness in the cave symbolically represents the world of ignorance The shadows are replicas or copies of reality. The echoes represent items in  life  that have been distorted over time due to gossip, impressions, and rumours   These shadows or teachings where blinding the prisoner from thinking outside of what was placed in front of them equally the prisoners interpret the shadows on the wall as being real who see reflections but instead are just poor shadows of images of things that exist in the outside world for example a tree is a poor reflection of a real things that exists. Above all Because of how we live, true reality is not obvious to most of us. However, we mistake what we see and hear for reality and truth his is the basic premise for Platos Allegory of the Cave, in which prisoners sit in a cave, chained down, watching images cast on the wall in front of them. They accept these views as reality and they are unable to grasp their overall situation: the cave and images are a trick a mere shadow presented to the prisoners.

Construction sector of India is an integral part of the economy

Construction sector of India is an integral part of the economy Introduction Construction sector of India is an integral part of the economy and is progressing on account of urbanization, industrialization, economic development and peoples soaring expectations for improved quality of living. Between 2004-05 and 2008-09 average real growth has been an impressive 12.28% year-on-year (y-o-y), which reflects the countrys immense need for continued investment in transport infrastructure, electricity generating capacity and housing, as well as the build-up of industrial capacity (BMI, 2010). Segmentation of Construction Industry The Indian Construction Industry can be divided into residential segment generating 85.8% of the total revenues and the non-residential building segment that generates 14.2% of the industrys value (Data Monitor, May 2009). (APPENDIX 1) Real Estate à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Corporate à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Industrial à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Residential à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Commercial (APPENDIX 2) Infrastructure à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Roads à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Urban infrastructure à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Railways à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Airport Porters Five Forces Threat of New Entrants Bargaining Power of Suppliers Bargaining Power of Customers Competitive Rivalry within the Industry Threat of Substitutes Bargaining Power of Suppliers Indian construction industry consists of two categories of suppliers, those providing construction materials and those who provide constructional services like electrical installation In India there are many small players in the construction material manufacturing industry, which weakens the supplier power (Data Monitor, May 2009). The subcontractors who provide constructional services are in a weak position due to the existence of many small operators. Overall, supplier power in this industry is moderate. Bargaining Power of Buyers Buyers in this industry are few and large such as government agencies or other major organizations, rather than individuals. The presence of low costs along with the strong price sensitivity of demand strengthens buyer power in the industry. Also the buyers are rarely capable of integrating backwards and take over the practicalities of the project themselves thereby proving that the buyer power in this industry is moderate (IICCI, 2008). Threat to New Entrants The governments recent liberalization of the rules governing foreign companies entering the Indian industry has boosted the entry of new players. Since a very small amount of capital is adequate to enter this industry and the contractors can reduce their costs by renting rather than buying equipment, the labor market is extremely elastic. Overall, the threat of new entrants to the industry is strong. Threat of Substitutes The threat of substitutes in this industry is very weak as it is unlikely that any alternative expenditure would be satisfactory for a buyer even if he has the requisite funds for a new construction project. Even if buyers have the option of renovating an existing structure rather than investing in a new construction, players in the construction and engineering industry remain likely to be involved. Competitive Rivalry within the Industry The atmosphere of a secure growth within the Indian construction industry eases rivalry by creating space for expansion. The low capital cost of market entry translates into low sunk costs reducing the exit barriers. Thus the rivalry is considered to be moderate (Data Monitor, May 2009). Key Players in Construction Industry Larsen Toubro Limited (LT) is one of the largest and most respected technology, engineering, construction and manufacturing companies of India. Jaiprakash Associates Jaiprakash Associates Limited principally provides civil engineering and construction services primarily in India. They earned a revenue of about 65000 US $ in the year 2010. (Business Wire, November 2006) Hindustan Construction Company HCC is one of the leading construction companies of India having built several landmark projects in Indias Hydro Power and water resources sector (Sandeep Sawant, Sept. 2007). Gammon India It is the only Indian Construction Company to have been accredited with ISO 9001 certification for all fields of Civil Engineering Works. Gammon employs expertise who has proved their innovative skills in India and abroad PESTLE Analysis of Construction Industry Source: http://www.whatmakesagoodleader.com/macro-environment-analysis.html Political Factors SEZ Act Special Economic Zone is the new target for real estate investors. As of date there are 105 approved SEZs in India (General Knowledge Today, Feb 2010). Laws governing these zones are more liberal in nature than the centralized laws and enhance a countrys technology growth, infrastructure and economic development. FDI Liberalisation The government of India has permitted a Foreign Direct Investment of 100 % for development of townships in India. India is now 2nd most preferred country for FDI after China. Opening of FDI in construction and allowing developers to raise capital in international markets has led to development of larger projects (Mohit Saraf, July 2009). Impact of REITs The introduction of Real Estate Mutual fund (REMF) and Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) has boosted real estate investments from the small investors aspect. Economic Factors Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Growth India is witnessing tremendous growth and expansion of construction activities and construction is the largest component of GDP. It has been growing at a rate over 10 % in the past few years when GDP was around 8% (Farook Azam, 2010). (APPENDIX 3) Source: IHS Global Insight Change in Demand Changes in the demand due to factors like changes in disposable income of perspective buyers and inflation may affect the construction industry. With the easy availability of housing loans and tax redemption on loans the demand for houses is increasing and thus construction is gaining weight. Fluctuations in Prices of Inputs Many builders tend to stop work when the prices of inputs like cement, iron etc go up and wait till the prices come down. This leads to unnecessary delay in the work and the cost of wasting time would actually be more than the increase in price (Arghadeep Laskar and C. V. R. Murty, 2003). Social Factors Goodwill of the Company Brand name of a builder or the company plays an important role in convincing the buyer to buy the house and be sure of the quality of construction work done. A low credibility or image can lead to poor financial performance. Green Buildings A green building is one which uses less water, optimises energy efficiency, conserves natural resources, generates less waste and provides healthier spaces for occupants, as compared to conventional building (India Today, Vol. 34, Issues 1-8). The estimated market potential for green building was about $ 400 million in 2010 and is increasing continuously. Technological Factors Upgrading of Technology Use of low grade technology in the construction sector leads to low value addition and low productivity apart from sub standard quality of construction and time over runs in projects. Due to lack of technology, construction can suffer in terms of quality and design. Source: managingthedragon.com Ready Mix Concrete The business of ready mix concrete in India is in its infancy. Indian ready mix concrete business uses only 2% of the total cement production. The increasing use of ready mix saves time and allows better quality too. Legal Factors The National Housing Policy NHP (1998) was formulated to address the issue of sustainable development of infrastructure. The Government helps to provide fiscal concession to carry out legal and regulatory reforms and create and enabling environment for the construction industry (P.R. Swarup, Director General, Construction Industry Development Council, India). Environmental Factors Uncertain Calamities Uncertain environmental hazards like earthquakes, floods etc. have a disastrous impact on the construction industry and can delay construction as well. This has been witnessed during the construction of the Metro line in the capital of India, New Delhi where one of the railway lines being constructed collapsed due to heavy rainfall and delayed the total completion time of metro. Structural Drivers of Change Globalization After the policy of globalization being introduced in 1990s, the private companies started being more aware about construction products and there was inflow of construction based knowledge and technology from other countries to ours changing thinking towards the whole construction scenario. Import and export procedures, customs and excise laws and ease in operations of foreign accounts minimized controls on industry and rapid growth took place. Due to simplified single window clearance import export procedures became easier thereby allowing Indian construction Industry to compete in overseas market (Accommodation Times, 2009). Technological Developments A key driver of transformation for the Indian construction industry is technological change. Global telephony, satellite communications and video links are now widely available (Shakantu, 2000). Information and communication technology (ICT) is significantly influencing technological change (CIRIA, DTER, 1999). Simulations of entire construction processes and systems can be developed to determine the optimal approach to achieving desired performance (Shakantu, 2000; Fisher, 1993; Coyle, 1996). Changes in Government Policy The government policies helped in boosting the real estate sector by substantial cutting interest rates and facilitating greater ease in credit. Recent excise duty cuts on cement and steel also reduced the construction costs. These recent government initiatives increased liquidity in the market and brought down the interest rates to a more realistic level. Life Cycle of Construction Industry The Indian construction industry is in its growth stage growing at over 20% over the past 5 years. It has witnessed a revolution, driven by the booming economy, favorable demographics and liberalized foreign direct investment (FDI) regime (World Market Intelligence, March 2010). We can say that the sector has been performing quite well over the past decade. Despite the depressing global scenario, the Indian market was protected from the effects, as the economy as was more robust than its counterparts. The pace of private construction slowed down but remained positive. With the growing capital inflow within India and from abroad the demand for infrastructure is likely to increase. The Indian government has been a major investor in this sector in order to stimulate the development of construction industry to the requisite level required to achieve the next growth target. (K.V.S.S., Narayana Rao, 2009). Although steady progress through the construction industry is not inevitable, the life cycle concept does none the less remind construction companies that conditions will change over time. ( Johnson, Scholes Whittington, 2008) (APPENDIX 4) In 2013, the Indian construction and engineering industry is forecast to have a value of $55.3 billion, an increase of 44% since 2008. Future Scenarios for Construction Industry Scenario 1 New Equipment, Technology and Materials Involvement of Indian consultants in international projects has led to blend of new materials, equipment and technologies in the construction practices of India. Very soon the growing demand for such advanced equipment will force the builders to manufacture these as well. The government has also taken some remarkable initiatives to ensure that its basic infrastructural structure is more efficient and world-class. Therefore billions were spent on constructing bridges, roads, railway transportation, power infrastructure etc. Construction equipments especially earth moving equipment sector has benefited the most from these developments and is poised to grow at double digit CAGR by FY 2014 (Free Press Release, 2010). It is expected that during 2007-2015, the potential investment for new equipments and materials will be around US$ 750 Billion. Scenario 2 Employment Opportunities India with its high potential untapped market attributes has become a favourite destination for global construction equipments companies. There will be demand for over 24.3 million new dwellings for self-living in urban India alone by 2015 (Housing Skyline of India 2007-08) Considering governments projects lined up for the Eleventh Plan period, the demand for construction is expected to grow by at least 8-9%, and 2.5 million employment opportunities per annum are expected to be generated ( BMI, 2011).Thus those who are looking for opportunities in this sector would be rewarded with accelerated learning and fast progress. Construction Industry has created a need for the full spectrum of employees varying from professionals like civil and mechanical engineers and architects to daily basis wage construction workers and industrial workers such as steel and cement manufacturers to highway toll booth operators. Thus it is advisable to join a leading Indian Construction Company, or a multi-national present in India even from a beginners level as there is large scope for training and rapid upward movement through the ranks for talented individuals. Scenario 3 Changing Indian Economy The changing economy is placing increasing pressure on Indias physical infrastructure, not only from population growth and developing economic activities, but also structural changes in the economy. Indias economy now clearly reflects a steady decline of primary sectors, such as agriculture, forestry, and fishing, giving more importance to the non primary sectors such as service and manufacturing industry. But it is predicted that growth in construction spending in the longer term is likely to be enormous, driven by a rising population and a growing middle class. Since 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) is now allowed in construction, it now allows significant inflows of capital to meet growing demand from the increasing middle class. Indias population growth rates remain well above replacement level and the number of people living in urban areas is likely to grow significantly (BMI, 2011). ( APPENDIX 5) Conclusion Though all these scenarios are linked together and their inter relationships can produce long and complex results, growing population is the key driver of success of the construction industry. (Johnson , Scholes Whittington, 2008) According to me the second scenario is the most influencing scenario as it is directly linked to Indias growing population which is an unstable factor growing at a fast rate and directly linked with the success of the construction industry. Bibliography India Netzone, (2008), Nature of Construction Industry, Available at: http://construction.indianetzone.com/1/nature_construction.htm. [Accessed 15 March 11] Indo Italian Chamber of Commerce Industry (2008), Overview of the Construction Industry in India , Opportunities, Available at: http://www.centroesteroveneto.com/pdf/Osservatorio%20Mercati/India/Ricerche%20di%20Mercato/2009/Construction%20Sector.pdf, [Accessed 15 March 11] Info Shine (2008),  Construction Real Estate Available at:  http://info.shine.com/Industry-Information/Construction-and-Real-Estate/855.aspx, [Accessed 15 March 11] Research Markets (2006), Indian Construction Industry: An Analysis., Description, Available at: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reportinfo.asp?report_id =335655t =dcat _id=,[Accessed 15 March 11] Credit Analysis Research, (2010), Indian Construction Industry, Available at: http://www.careratings.com/content/ResourceCenter/reports/Synopsis_for_Construction_Industry.pdf, [Accessed 15 March 11]. Farook Azam (2010), Institute of Industrial Engineers, The Construction Industry in India , Available at http://www.iienet.org/Details.aspx?id=20432 , [Accessed 15 March 11]. CBS Interactive Business Network (2006), The Indian Construction Industry, Available at: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2006_Nov_20/ai_n16851629/?tag= content; col1, [Accessed 15 March 11] Law is Greek, (2010), An Overview: Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India, Available at: http://www.lawisgreek.com/an-overview-special-economic-zones-sez-in-india/, [Accessed 15 March 11] Johnson, Scholes Whittington (2008), Industry Life Cycle, Exploring Corporate Strategy, 8th Edition, Pg 68-69 [Accessed 16 March 11] Accommodation Times, (2009),  Globalization of Construction Industry Available at: http://www.accommodationtimes.com/property-rates/globalisation-of-construction-industry/, [Accessed 16 March 11]. World Market Intelligence, (2010) , Future of Construction In India, Available at: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/25943727/The-Future-of-Construction-in-India, [Accessed 16 March 11] Moht Saraf (2009), Real Estate, Indias Real Estate Sector: An Overvie, Available at: http://www.whoswholegal.com/news/features/article/18426/indias-real-estate-sector-overview/ [Accessed 16 March 11] K.V.S.S., Narayana Rao, (2009) Industry Analysis Valuation, Infrastructure INDIA Version 14, Available from: http://knol.google.com/k/narayana-rao-k-v-s-s/industry-analysis-and-valuation/2utb2lsm2k7a/950, [Accessed 16 March 11] Hindustan Construction Company India (2007), HCC: About HCC, Available at: http://www.hccindia.com/hcc_admin/data_content/pdf_files/HCC_bags_Rs._693_.61_crore_Euro_1_.457_crore_order_from_Delh_.pdf, [Accessed 16 March 11] Arghadeep Laskar and C. V. R. Murty (2005), Challenges before Construction Industry in India, New Materials, Equipments Technologies, Available at: http://www.iitk.ac.in/nicee/RP/2004_Challenges_Construction_Industry_Proceedings.pdf, [Accessed 16 March 11] Free Press Release (2010), Indian Earth Moving Equipments Industry to Boom in Near Future Available at: http://www.free-press-release.com/news-indian-earth-moving-equipments-industry-to-boom-in-near-future-1287567300.html, [Accessed 16 March 11] Business Monitor International (2011), Industry Forecast Scenario, Available at: http://www.businessmonitor.com.libproxy.nlb.gov.sg/cgibin/request.pl?SessionID=393511974808887view=articleviewerarticle=446198service=22iso=INmetaid=190, [Accessed 16 March 11] APPENDIX Appendix 1 Source: IHS Global Insight Appendix 2 Source: IHS Global Insight Appendix 3 Source: IHS Global Insight Appendix 4 Indian Construction Industry Value Forecast Source: Data Monitor

PhyloCode and Linnean Systems of Classification

PhyloCode and Linnean Systems of Classification Cells Classification Introduction: Classification is the act of placing objects in groups based on characteristics which involves naming and describing different kinds of organisms and species. Historically, this was done by using physical characteristics which is known as the Linnean System. The modern system, the PhyloCode, uses a variety of different techniques which are DNA and RNA sequences in the proteins and genes.DNA is Deoxyribonucleic Acid that is present in nearly all living organisms this is the molecule that is the carrier of genetic information and assists with identification (Genetics Home Reference, 2017). RNA is a Ribonucleic Acid that is a nucleic acid found in all living cells, this relays messages from the DNA and controls the proteins (What is RNA, N.D.). Using Classification throughout biology is critical as it assists scientists to group together and give organisms the correct names as they are to be identified based on DNA and RNA. There are several characteristics such as genetics, physical appearance and background. It is important to use classification so as any unknown organisms can be correctly identified (SOCRATIC, N.D.). Body: The Linnean System was developed by a Swedish scientist by the name of Carolus Linnaeus. He discovered that it was easier to create a standard system for naming species, as there was to many names for different species which were too long. He developed the two-part system called Binomial Nomenclature, these names are all scientific and written in the language of Latin. For example, a cat is Felis Catus and humans are Homo Sapiens. Carolus introduced Taxonomy which was a system used in assisting the grouping of organisms, after many years this system is still utilised today. He used this Linnean System to identify living things and give them a classification; this was an easy system to be able to sort the organisms using the names under headings of Life, Domain, Kingdom Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus and Species. The species that are the same can reproduce; where as organisms from the same Kingdom may not be similar (Study.com, 2017). The advantage of the Linnean System was that changes could be made to this classification system and many years later other additions were added and updated, although there are limitations where this system is limited to groups that must be named with suffixes that signify their rank in this hierarchy, by reclassifying existing species this can make changes in rank and many taxonomic groups would need renaming (The Linnean System, 2016). Â   The set of rules for controlling Phylogenetic Nomenclature is called PhyloCode, which is designed to name the parts of the tree of life which branches out into three different categories; bacteria, archae and eukaryotes. This is classed as an evolutionary tree which displays the relationship between different groups of organisms. Their differences are genes and characteristics. The PhyloCode doesnt name individual species but a cluster or group of species also known as a clade which share a common ancestor. The advantage of the PhyloCode is that it allows naming the ranks and avoids name changes that are made from non-scientific decisions. This also reduces errors made by taxonomists. PhyloCode has many benefits as it doesnt name an individual species name but instead a cluster or group of species (American Scientist, 2017). The Linnean system has been used by scientists since the mid 1700,s and is still current, this is the governing body and rules for classification and has been favoured by scientists for many years, whereas the PhyloCode is unsure on how to convert names of species and controls only clade names. As scientists do further study, organisms may be placed into two different species as all organisms where identified as belonging to a single species, they were grouped together as they may have been similar in appearance, with the invention of DNA and technology, there can be changes in classification (American Scientist, 2017). The PhyloCode is more beneficial system for the future as the Linnean System has been used for many years (since mid 1700s). By creating a new system, the world of science will revolutionise as PhyloCode is more straightforward and simple system for modern day scientists and students. New information can be implemented as it is researched. Conclusion: Both, PhyloCode and Linnean System are ways of classifying organisms and biologists spend time on identifying and naming these organisms, this is very important for scientists so they can be grouped properly and as there are still unknown organisms, they need to be identified correctly as well. Planet earth has many different species. Bibliography Anon., 2008. Domains. [Online] Available at: http://www.ric.edu/faculty/jmontvilo/109files/109(15)domains.htm[Accessed 15 03 17]. Anon., 2016. The Linnean System. [Online] Available at: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/dinosaurs/glossary/Linnaeus.shtml[Accessed 5 03 17]. Anon., 2017. Genetics Home Reference. [Online] Available at: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/basics/dna[Accessed 15 03 17]. Anon., 2017. Mnemonic Devices Memory Tools. [Online] Available at: https://www.mnemonic-device.com/biology/taxonomy/domain-kingdom-phylum-class-order-family-genus-species/[Accessed 15 03 17]. Anon., 2017. Study.com. [Online] Available at: http://study.com/academy/lesson/carolus-linnaeus-classification-taxonomy-contributions-to-biology.html[Accessed 5 03 17]. Anon., N.D.. Amateur Entomologists Society. [Online] Available at: https://www.amentsoc.org/insects/glossary/terms/biological-classification[Accessed 5 03 17]. Anon., N.D.. Google. [Online] Available at: https://www.google.com.au/?gfe_rd=crei=F85XWOa2L9Tu8wezhp_YDQgws_rd=ssl#q=what+is+rna*[Accessed 15 03 17]. Anon., N.D.. SOCRATIC. [Online] Available at: https://socratic.org/questions/why-is-classification-important-in-biology[Accessed 5 03 17]. Dictionary.com, 2017. Dictionary.com. [Online] Available at: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/linnean-classification[Accessed 5 03 17]. Kinnear, J., 2006. Nature of Biology. Book 1.. 3rd ed. Milton, QLD: John Wiley Sons Australia. LLC, 2017. Dictionary.com. [Online] Available at: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/rna?s=t[Accessed 15 03 17]. Society, T. S. R., 2016. American Scientist. [Online] Available at: http://www.americanscientist.org/issues/pub/attacks-on-taxonomy[Accessed 15 03 17].

Indonesia :: essays research papers

Indonesia This essay will be on the History in Brief of Indoneisa, the Government of Indoneisia, the island of Java, and the Geography of Indoneisa. In early days, the region from India to Japan, including Indonesia, was known to the Europeans as the Indies. Chris Colombus was looking for a westward sea roots from Europe to the Indies when he arrived in America. During 1600's dutch political control began to spread Indonesia. Indonesia declared it's independencein 1945 and fought the Dutch until 1949 when they gave up their control.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At first, the Dutch allowed nationalist movement to delevope. In 1905, it had introduced municipal councils to govern the towns and cities. By 1920, there were 32 such councils, with little electorial franchise.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Other councils were also established. They included provicial councils in Java, and group communities concils outside Java.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The government of Indonesia is based on a constitution written in 1945. A president serves as the head of government. The president apionts a sheet of advisers consisting of top military leaders and civillians. In theory, the peoples console assembly is supposed to establish a general direction of the government's policys.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A house of peoples Representatives is the nations parlament, however, in practice neither the assembly nor the house has real power. Instead, it is the president who makes all of the important decisions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The president is elected to a five year term the Peoples Consulative assembly. Te assembly has 1,000 members. It includes the 500 members of the peoples representives. It also includes 500 members of regional, occupational, and other groups. All assembly members serve five year terms. The assembly usually is only held once every five years. The 500 members of the People's Representatives includes 400 who are elected through a system that insures that the government's potlitical organization win most of the seats. Servicmen have no vote, so the remaining 100 are appointed by the president on the reccomendation of the comander of the armed forces.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Indonesia is divided into twenty-seven provinces. The provinces are divided into regioncies and municipalities. These units are further divided into villages. Officials of all local government units exept villages are appointed by central government from lists of people nominated by regional legislators. Indonesian villages elect their own village officials to provide local government.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Java lies between Sumatra (to the west), and Bali (to the east). To the north is the Java Sea. To the south is the Indian Ocean which Indonesians call the Indonesian Ocean.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The greatest distance from North Java to South Java is two hundred kilometers. From East Java to West Java is over one thousand kilometers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The island of Java has five administrative units: the special

Censorship and the Internet :: Free Essays Online

  Ã‚   The foundations of America and of its citizens' individuality were built over 200 years ago with the creation of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.   The First Amendment, ratified December 15th 1791, is probably the most important Amendment as well as the most difficult one to interpret.   It states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances" (National Archive Constitution Ammentment#1).   Thus, this Amendment grants Americans specific inalienable rights and allows them to be at least somewhat separate from the government.   Still, it is this Amendment that is under particular scrutiny in today's information age.   It is through the interpretation of this statement that we must assess the rights of the Internet surfer, determine what responsibility the government has to censor any or all explicit pages from innocent under aged children and evaluate if that censorship violates our inalienable rights as American citizens. Yet, no matter what censorship rulings the government passes, the responsibility of monitoring Internet use must ultimately fall in the hands of the parents. Just a week ago (April 5th 1999), The Justice Department appealed an Anti-Censorship ruling made by the Federal Judge, Lowell Reed, of Pennsylvania.   Reed had the opportunity to evaluate and rule upon the Children's Online Protection Act (COPA), Congress' second attempt to regulate content on the Internet1.   Judge Reed rejected this act on grounds that it was in direct violation of the first Amendment.   He argued that "the first Amendment was designed to prevent the majority, through acts of the Congress, from silencing those who would express unpopular or unconventional views" (speech1).   Reed continued to demonstrate that before the widespread use of the Internet the ability of a person to express his or her views to a large group of people was limited by " the costs [of] reaching the masses" (Reed Text 1).   Before the Internet, people who wanted to express their ideas had to pay great amounts of money for advertisements and propaganda to promote their views.   It was very difficult for an individual, especially one without a lot of money, to get his or her ideas out to the public - the Internet allows the individual to do so in an inexpensive way.

Free College Admissions Essays: The FIRST Engineering Competition :: College Admissions Essays

The FIRST Engineering Competition    It was just the second week of school, and I had mustered up all my courage to venture to the nether regions of our school known as the basement to attend the first meeting of the newly forming FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics team. When I walked into room one, the newly proclaimed FIRST headquarters, I looked around with apprehension, and I noticed that I did not recognize a single face in the room. Nervously, I took a seat, and Mr. Mothersele, the advisor for the program began describing the program. FIRST is a national engineering competition in which partnerships are formed between local businesses and high schools to design and build a robot-like machine from identical kits of parts supplied by FIRST. The team has about six weeks to build the machine which must be able to compete in a timed sporting event. As soon as I saw the video of the students working and competing with the robots, I was hooked. The program seemed tailored to my int erest in math in science and to my competitive spirit. I couldn't resist the opportunity.    As a shy and relatively inexperienced freshman, I signed up for the program as the only underclassmen on the team of ten students. I bumbled along, learning about design and how to use the machines. I made my full share of mistakes and then some, but by the end of the program, I was gaining some real experience. Although our robot did not fare very well in the competition our first year, my learning process was underway, and I knew that I had found my place.    The second year of the competition, I was only one of two returning students. I took an active role in recruiting new students, and our membership doubled. It was a complete role reversal for me because all of a sudden I was the experienced team member. We finished fifth out of forty teams at the regional competition, and at the national tournament, we placed in the top third.    This past year, was the golden year of my FIRST career. In September, I was voted team captain. It was my job to ensure that our team was well organized and that we stayed on task. Our team advanced to the semifinals, where we lost to the eventual National Champion.

Titanic

One of the best known films of all time, in my opinion, is â€Å"Titanicâ€Å". Directed by James Cameron in 1997, this film captured both my attention and my heart with the plot of a tragic event hand in hand with a love story with everything but a happy ending. He managed to combine TragedyThe real story behind this film is that of the ship of dreams also believed to be the unsinkable ship and its tragic journey to the ocean floor. The love story that caught all of our hearts is that of Jack Dawson and Rose. They’ve been brought together by this majesty boat from opposite ends of the spectrum in an era where status is everything.Timing was also against them with the pressure of Rose’s engagement to Cal Hockley. Rose’s snobby mother Ruth Dewitt was also a major obstacle to their relationship from the beginning and insists on the marriage of Rose and Cal Hockley because of his inheritance. The story is narrated by aged Rose to a group of explorers who wanted to know more details about the wreck of the Titanic. The movie begins with the exploration of the sunken Titanic by treasure hunter Brock Lovett and his team. They are searching for a necklace called the â€Å"Heart of the Oceanâ€Å".They believe the necklace is in Cal’s safe, which they recover. Instead of finding the priceless diamond, they find a drawing of a nude woman wearing the necklace, dated the same night the Titanic hit the iceberg, April 14, 1912. Rose Dawson sees the painting on TV and immediately contacts the explorers and tells them she is the woman in the drawing. Brock Lovett, being very interested in her story, brings Rose and her granddaughter Lizzy to the ship. When asked if she knows the whereabouts of the necklace, Rose recalls her memories in a flashback and brought us aboard the Titanic.The story begins with Jack and his best friend, Fabrizio, betting everything they have on a game of poker for life changing tickets to board the Titanic, minutes befor e its departure. They win the tickets and head for America on what was believed to be at the time, mans greatest creation, the Titanic. Rose and Jack were part of opposite social classes on the ship. Rose being the part of the wealthy stayed in first class quarters while Jack being part of the third class passengers belonged in the bowels of the ship.It wasn’t until one night that Rose was just fed up by the distress by the engagement and the pressure from her mother, that she come out to the dock and considers suicide. Seconds aways from reaching the point of no return and jumping, Jack comes from behind and talks her out of jumping. From that night on Jack and Rose develop a relationship of friendship with undeniable potential to be soul mates. Jack soon discovers the not so pleasant people of â€Å"high society,† and sees clearly why Rose is so desperate to break away from that world.Jack was looked down upon by Cal, Ruth, and most of Rose’s acquaintances. It was long before Cal and Ruth forbid that Rose see Jack. Weighing out her options, Rose decides to defy her mothers orders and meet with Jack. She soon realizes that Jack’s world and Jack himself is an escape from her marriage to Cal. This leads to one of the best scenes, where Rose takes Jack back to her room and asks him to draw a portrait of her wearing nothing but the heart of the ocean necklace, an engagement present from Cal.The same portrait that was found years later in Cal’s safe in place of the necklace itself. Afterwards, the two find their way to the ship's cargo hold, where, for the first time, they make love. Perhaps one of the most steaming, lust filled scenes in movie history. After that scene Jack and Rose go up to the deck and experience what is going to change everyone’s life on that ship. The ship collides with an iceberg that the ships crew weren’t in time to prevent. They also overhear the crew speaking of the seriousness, so they ge t a heads up. They then rush to inform Cal and her mother.But before Rose reaches her mother and Cal to warn them about the collision with the iceberg, Cal confronts her. He has found the sketch that Jack had painted of her. He then plots against Jack by dropping the necklace into his coat pocket and frames him for being a thief. Jack is then arrested, taken to a room, and handcuffed to a pipe. Rose, being lied to about Jacks action, is then left with no choice but to leave with Cal. Cal, Ruth, and Rose then rush to one of the few life boats on the ship to try and escape what they already know will be a deadly end.As the minutes pass and the ship stands still on the icy cold sea water, panic on the ship grows immensely. As Rose takes her place in the lifeboat, she decides to leave Cal, he mother along with her safety and rejoin Jack on this shipwreck to be. Rose is racing frantically against the panicking crowds in an effort to fin and save Jack. She soon realizes that the deck she has to go thru is already a couple of feet underwater. Without hesitation, she continues and goes on to find the room where Jack is handcuffed.The room quickly begins to flood; and without a key to set Jack free, Rose goes back into the hallways and finds an axe. After only a couple practice hits, she swings the axe down and cuts thru the cuffs. By the time they get back to the deck the ship is halfway underwater. They make their way to the lifeboats but they were only letting the woman and children board. Rose of course didn’t leave him the first and doesn’t leave him this time either. Moments later everyone including Jack and Rose are racing to the front of the boat and it rises higher and higher into the sky.The ship now being in a 90 degree angle, Jack and Rose hold their breath as the boat finally goes underwater. After a few seconds of being separated they find each other in the icy cold water surrounded by fifteen hundred others shouting for help. They are hopin g for the lifeboats to return for them. Meanwhile they come across this floating wooden board, buts it’s only big enough to sustain one of them. Rose lies on the wooden board and holds jacks hands and wait. Wait to die, wait for rescue, just wait. It gets quieter and quieter as the minutes pass, and finally one boat comes back.When Rose realizes that there’s a boat, she tries to wake up Jack only find him lifeless still holding on tight to her hand. Definitely the saddest moment of the movie, this scene brings me to tears. Rose then blows a whistle she had taken from one of the already dead officers floating next to them. With nothing but just a memory of Jack Dawson, Rose survives that’s horrific night to grow old and live life like Jack said she would. Rose finishes her remarkable story, and that same night she reveals that she had this diamond all along and returns it to where she always thought that it belonged.In my opinion of the most memorable scenes was the image of the thousands of people struggling in the ice cold dark waters when Rose came out of the water without Jack. I can picture it so vividly. Another scene that I remembered is where an old couple embraces each other in bed knowing that they were going to drown. The love scene in the car where the windows of the car are fogged up show the passion that Rose and Jack had for each other. Titanic is filled with the most impressive camera movements like the swooping motions around the moving ship which he uses various times throughout the movie.They’re just breathtaking. Probably the most epic and mind-blowing camera moves were those during the collision and sinking of the Titanic. The way you see people falling from the ship slamming into the water, hitting the objects on their way down to the swallowing ocean, one character even hit the propeller. Before the movie hit the big screen, the press was trashing Titanic, mainly because the cost of this film extremely over bud get. Well let me be one of the many to say that it was worth every single penny.There is nothing I've seen in years that comes close to the power and glory of Titanic. Perhaps it’s because the movie was based on a real story. And, of course, it was a movie that contained drama, action, adventure and we cannot forget the romance. Titanic is also a symbol of a time when the movies swept you away in another world and kept you there. Even knowing what is to come at the end, your eyes will be transfixed. It's that good. That’s why I believe this movie will be as popular and well known for many generation to come as it was the year it premiered and as recognizable as it is today. Titanic One of the best known films of all time, in my opinion, is â€Å"Titanicâ€Å". Directed by James Cameron in 1997, this film captured both my attention and my heart with the plot of a tragic event hand in hand with a love story with everything but a happy ending. He managed to combine TragedyThe real story behind this film is that of the ship of dreams also believed to be the unsinkable ship and its tragic journey to the ocean floor. The love story that caught all of our hearts is that of Jack Dawson and Rose. They’ve been brought together by this majesty boat from opposite ends of the spectrum in an era where status is everything.Timing was also against them with the pressure of Rose’s engagement to Cal Hockley. Rose’s snobby mother Ruth Dewitt was also a major obstacle to their relationship from the beginning and insists on the marriage of Rose and Cal Hockley because of his inheritance. The story is narrated by aged Rose to a group of explorers who wanted to know more details about the wreck of the Titanic. The movie begins with the exploration of the sunken Titanic by treasure hunter Brock Lovett and his team. They are searching for a necklace called the â€Å"Heart of the Oceanâ€Å".They believe the necklace is in Cal’s safe, which they recover. Instead of finding the priceless diamond, they find a drawing of a nude woman wearing the necklace, dated the same night the Titanic hit the iceberg, April 14, 1912. Rose Dawson sees the painting on TV and immediately contacts the explorers and tells them she is the woman in the drawing. Brock Lovett, being very interested in her story, brings Rose and her granddaughter Lizzy to the ship. When asked if she knows the whereabouts of the necklace, Rose recalls her memories in a flashback and brought us aboard the Titanic.The story begins with Jack and his best friend, Fabrizio, betting everything they have on a game of poker for life changing tickets to board the Titanic, minutes befor e its departure. They win the tickets and head for America on what was believed to be at the time, mans greatest creation, the Titanic. Rose and Jack were part of opposite social classes on the ship. Rose being the part of the wealthy stayed in first class quarters while Jack being part of the third class passengers belonged in the bowels of the ship.It wasn’t until one night that Rose was just fed up by the distress by the engagement and the pressure from her mother, that she come out to the dock and considers suicide. Seconds aways from reaching the point of no return and jumping, Jack comes from behind and talks her out of jumping. From that night on Jack and Rose develop a relationship of friendship with undeniable potential to be soul mates. Jack soon discovers the not so pleasant people of â€Å"high society,† and sees clearly why Rose is so desperate to break away from that world.Jack was looked down upon by Cal, Ruth, and most of Rose’s acquaintances. It was long before Cal and Ruth forbid that Rose see Jack. Weighing out her options, Rose decides to defy her mothers orders and meet with Jack. She soon realizes that Jack’s world and Jack himself is an escape from her marriage to Cal. This leads to one of the best scenes, where Rose takes Jack back to her room and asks him to draw a portrait of her wearing nothing but the heart of the ocean necklace, an engagement present from Cal.The same portrait that was found years later in Cal’s safe in place of the necklace itself. Afterwards, the two find their way to the ship's cargo hold, where, for the first time, they make love. Perhaps one of the most steaming, lust filled scenes in movie history. After that scene Jack and Rose go up to the deck and experience what is going to change everyone’s life on that ship. The ship collides with an iceberg that the ships crew weren’t in time to prevent. They also overhear the crew speaking of the seriousness, so they ge t a heads up. They then rush to inform Cal and her mother.But before Rose reaches her mother and Cal to warn them about the collision with the iceberg, Cal confronts her. He has found the sketch that Jack had painted of her. He then plots against Jack by dropping the necklace into his coat pocket and frames him for being a thief. Jack is then arrested, taken to a room, and handcuffed to a pipe. Rose, being lied to about Jacks action, is then left with no choice but to leave with Cal. Cal, Ruth, and Rose then rush to one of the few life boats on the ship to try and escape what they already know will be a deadly end.As the minutes pass and the ship stands still on the icy cold sea water, panic on the ship grows immensely. As Rose takes her place in the lifeboat, she decides to leave Cal, he mother along with her safety and rejoin Jack on this shipwreck to be. Rose is racing frantically against the panicking crowds in an effort to fin and save Jack. She soon realizes that the deck she has to go thru is already a couple of feet underwater. Without hesitation, she continues and goes on to find the room where Jack is handcuffed.The room quickly begins to flood; and without a key to set Jack free, Rose goes back into the hallways and finds an axe. After only a couple practice hits, she swings the axe down and cuts thru the cuffs. By the time they get back to the deck the ship is halfway underwater. They make their way to the lifeboats but they were only letting the woman and children board. Rose of course didn’t leave him the first and doesn’t leave him this time either. Moments later everyone including Jack and Rose are racing to the front of the boat and it rises higher and higher into the sky.The ship now being in a 90 degree angle, Jack and Rose hold their breath as the boat finally goes underwater. After a few seconds of being separated they find each other in the icy cold water surrounded by fifteen hundred others shouting for help. They are hopin g for the lifeboats to return for them. Meanwhile they come across this floating wooden board, buts it’s only big enough to sustain one of them. Rose lies on the wooden board and holds jacks hands and wait. Wait to die, wait for rescue, just wait. It gets quieter and quieter as the minutes pass, and finally one boat comes back.When Rose realizes that there’s a boat, she tries to wake up Jack only find him lifeless still holding on tight to her hand. Definitely the saddest moment of the movie, this scene brings me to tears. Rose then blows a whistle she had taken from one of the already dead officers floating next to them. With nothing but just a memory of Jack Dawson, Rose survives that’s horrific night to grow old and live life like Jack said she would. Rose finishes her remarkable story, and that same night she reveals that she had this diamond all along and returns it to where she always thought that it belonged.In my opinion of the most memorable scenes was the image of the thousands of people struggling in the ice cold dark waters when Rose came out of the water without Jack. I can picture it so vividly. Another scene that I remembered is where an old couple embraces each other in bed knowing that they were going to drown. The love scene in the car where the windows of the car are fogged up show the passion that Rose and Jack had for each other. Titanic is filled with the most impressive camera movements like the swooping motions around the moving ship which he uses various times throughout the movie.They’re just breathtaking. Probably the most epic and mind-blowing camera moves were those during the collision and sinking of the Titanic. The way you see people falling from the ship slamming into the water, hitting the objects on their way down to the swallowing ocean, one character even hit the propeller. Before the movie hit the big screen, the press was trashing Titanic, mainly because the cost of this film extremely over bud get. Well let me be one of the many to say that it was worth every single penny.There is nothing I've seen in years that comes close to the power and glory of Titanic. Perhaps it’s because the movie was based on a real story. And, of course, it was a movie that contained drama, action, adventure and we cannot forget the romance. Titanic is also a symbol of a time when the movies swept you away in another world and kept you there. Even knowing what is to come at the end, your eyes will be transfixed. It's that good. That’s why I believe this movie will be as popular and well known for many generation to come as it was the year it premiered and as recognizable as it is today.

Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story Chapter 34

Chapter 34Hell Breaks LooseA wave of anxiety washed everywhere Jody as she woke up. Tommy, she c bothed. She leaped col eye eyelide with of bed and went into the okaying area, not stopping to turn on the light.Tommy?The loft was quiet. She checked the answering weapon no messages.Im not issue to do this again, she sight. I cant handle some some other darknesstime of worrying.Shed cleaned up the mess from the police await the night before, put lemon inunct on the wood, scrubbed stunned the sinks and the tubs, and watched demarcation TV until dawn. All the time she thought nearly what Tommy had express ab let on sharing, ab by creation with someone who could understand what you pr everywhereb and how you matt-up. She trea reald that.She valued someone who could elude the night with her, someone who could hear the buildings mitee and watch the casewalks glow with heat energy expert after sun low. unless now she wanted Tommy. She wanted love. She wanted the blood-high and she wanted sex that affected her he maneuver. She wanted excite custodyt and she wanted security.She wanted to be part of the crowd, provided she wanted to be an individual. She wanted to be human, hardly she wanted the strength, the senses, and the mental acuity of the lamia. She wanted it entirely.What if I had a choice, she thought, if that medical pupil could cure me, would I go tail end to creation human? It would mean that Tommy and I could stay to readher, only when he would neer know the tactual sensation of being a god, and neither would I. Never again.So I leave what hence? Im but. More alone than Ive ever been. I hate being alone.She stop pacing and went to the window. The neutralise from the night before was start in that location, sitting in a brown Dodge, watching. The other learn had followed Tommy.Tommy, you jerk. Call me.The blast would know where Tommy was. notwithstanding how to work him to tell? Seduce him? invite stumbl e the Vulcan nerve pinch? Sleeper make urine?Maybe I should simply go up there and knock on the door, Rivera thought. Inspector Alphonse Rivera, San Francisco PD. If you stupefy a a some(prenominal)er minutes, Id corresponding to talk to you about being dead. How was it? Who did it? Did it piss you impinge on?He modify himself in the gondola roll in the hay and took a sip from his coffee. He was trying to railway yard his smoking. No more than four cigarettes an hour. He was in his forties now and he couldnt handle the four-pack-a-night stakeouts going residence with his pharynx raw, his lungs seared, and a vicious ache in his sinuses. He checked his watch to foregather if generous time had passed since hed dying lit up. Almost. He turn down the car window and something caught him by the throat, cutting off his schnorchel. He dropped his coffee, feeling the scald in his lap as he reached in his jacket for his gun. Something caught his hand and held it care a bear sea dog.The hand on his throat relaxed a bit and he sucked in a short breath. He try to turn his decimal point and the clamp on his throat cut off his breath again. A slightly face came finished the window.Hi, Jody said. She loosened her grip on his throat a degree.Hi, Rivera croaked.Feel the grip on your wrist?Rivera felt the bear trap on his wrist tighten, his hand went numb, and his all leg lit up with pain.YesOkay, Jody said. Im pretty sure I can bottle up your windpipe before you could involve, but I wanted you to be sure too. You sure?Rivera time-tested to nod.Good. Your provide followed Tommy last night. Do you know where they are now? everywhere again Rivera attempted to nod. On the seat beside to him, the cell phone chirped.She released his section, snatched the gun out of his shoulder holster, flipped off the safety, and pointed it at his head, all before he could draw a single breath. Take me there, she said.Elijah Ben Sapir watched the red dots abjec t well-nigh on the video imbue above his face. He had awakened feeling gleeful about push downing the fledglings diddle boy, consequently he saw that his home had been invaded. He was fall upon with an emotion so rare it took him a while to endorse it. Fear. It had been a long time since hed been afraid. It felt good.The dots on the screen were moving virtually on the pure(a) of the boat, scrambling in and out of the main cabin above. Every a couple of(prenominal) hours a dot would disappear off the screen, indeed reappear. They were getting in and out of a tummy at the sodding(a).The lamia reached up and flipped a series of provide switches. The hulking dullsels on either side of his vault roared to life. Another toggle and an voltaic winch began grinningding in the anchor.Move, proceed, move Tommy shouted into the cabin. The engines started.Barry came with the hatch carrying a bronze statue of a ballerina. Tommy waited at the stern of the boat with draw . troy weight Lee, Lash, Jeff, Glint, and the emperor and his troop were already in the raft, trying to call back room to move around the paintings and statues.Over, Tommy said, winning the statue from Barry as the squat diver went over the side into the arms of the waiting Animals, more or less capsizing the raft. Tommy threw the statue down to the emperor, who caught it and went to the floor of the raft with its weight.Tommy threw a stage over the railing, and looked back. soft it, pull. NowDrew bent and held his lighting to the end of a wax-coated strip of fabric that ran crosswise the stern deck and through the hatch to the main cabin. He watched the put forward follow the trail for a few feet, then stood and joined Tommy at the rail. Its going.They went over the rail backward and the Animals obliged them by stepping aside and letting them both hit the floor of the raft unimpeded. The raft lurched and righted itself. Tommy fought for breath to give a command.Paddle, men the Emperor shouted.The Animals began to beat the weewee with their paddles. There was a loud clunking noise from the yacht as the transmission engaged and the raft was rocked as the twin screws engaged and began pushing the yacht outside(a) from them.Rivera, Rivera said into the cell phone.The yacht is moving, Cavuto said. I think I just aided these guys in looting it. He unzipped a leather case on the car seat, revealing a Brobdingnagian chrome-plated automatic side arm, a renounce eagle.50-caliber. It splay fire bullets roughly the weight of a dwarfish dog and kicked exchangeable a jackhammer. iodin shot could reduce a clinker brick block to gravel.Im on my way, Rivera said.What about the misfire? Cavuto slammed a clip into the Desert Eagle, dropped other one into his jacket pocket.Shes shell be fine. Im at Van Ness and Lombard. Ill be there in about trio minutes. Dont call in backup.Im not oh Jesus delivery boyWhat?The fucking thing just blew up.A founta in of flame shot from the stern of the Sanguine II, a second passed, and the ataraxis of the yacht disappeared in a horde of flame that rose into the sky above her. She had cleared the breakwater and was perhaps three hundred yards out into the bay when the safety fuse reached Drews incendiary cocktail.The raft had just do the moorage when the effusion went off. Tommy leaped onto the wharfage and watched the cull cloud dissipate. The shock wave rolled in and Tommy reached back to the raft and caught the Emperor before he went into the water.Debris rained down around them. A pool of fire and unexploded diesel fuel cattle ranch out across the water, illuminating the wholly area with a dancing smart orange.Is this a party boat, or what? Drew shouted.The Animals scrambled out of the raft onto the dock and began handing up the objets dart. Tommy stood aside and watched the burn. Bummer cowered in the Emperors arms.Do you think we got him?Jeff hand the Degas ballerina to Troy a nd looked over his shoulder. Fucking A, we got him. keen mix, Drew.Drew took a bow and almost went over the edge of the dock.The Emperor said. I cant help but think that the explosion may have attracted the attention of the authorities, gentlemen. I would recommend a speedy retreat.Drew looked at the burning slick. I attentiveness I had some acid. This would be ample on acid.Jeff jumped down into the raft and handed up the last painting, the Miro. He looked retiring(a) Troy Lee, who was wrestling up the sullen frame, and said, Whoops.What? Troy said.Jeff nodded past him and the Animals turned around. Cavuto had a very large, very shiny pistol pointed at them.No one moveThey didnt. The peckerguns were stacked on the dock. Glint held the scattergun loosely at his side as he prayed. He dropped it.Drop it, Cavuto said.I did, said Clint.Thats true, he did, Tommy said. And before you asked. He should get extra credit for that.Cavuto motioned with the pistol. Everybody down. On your faces. Now The Animals dropped. Lazarus barked.The Emperor stepped forward. Officer, these young men have Now Cavuto screamed. The Emperor dropped to the dock with the Animals.The screens went dark an instant before he was slammed against the side of the vault. He tumbled inside, feeling his word form burn on the steel with every turn. The vault glowed red with the heat and had alter with smoke from the seared wires and the vampires clothing.After a few seconds the tumbling stopped. The vampire was jam-packed into one end of the vault, his face against his knees. His skin was stinging and he tried to leave it to doctor, but it had been days since he had fed, so the healing came slowly.He located the lid by finding the smashed cathode-ray tube and radar screens. Salt water sprayed in a fine mist from female genital organ the screens. He pushed on the lid but it didnt move. He felt for the latches and released them, then heaved against the lid with absorb that would have crum pled a car fender, yet the lid stayed fast. The heat of the explosion had welded it shut.I should have killed him last week, the vampire thought. This is what I get for tomfoolery my pleasures. He reached into the broken CRT, looking for the ascendant of the spraying water, then concentrated his leave behind and went to mist. The transition was slow, weak as he was, but when he had finally scattered his self-colored form he followed the racetrack of the water and wormed his way through the pinhole to the open ocean.The vault lay on the screw in a hundred and twenty feet of water and as soon as the vampire escaped, the pressure of four atmospheres condensed him to his solid shape. He tried to force himself to mist, failed, then swam toward the orange glow at the surface, thinking, The boy dies first, then a new suit.He broke the surface in the thick of the flame slick, then scissor-kicked hard enough to bring himself completely out of the water and tried to go to mist. His li mbs dissolved in the air, their dehydration w rose hipped by the flame and rest(a) out white in the furled black diesel smoke, but he could not hold. He fell back into the water, followed by a vortex of vapor that condensed back to solid form under water. Frustrated and angry, he began the swim around the breakwater toward the yacht club.Cavuto panned the Desert Eagle back and forth across the heads of the prostrated Animals as he moved forward to get their weapons. Lazarus growled and backed away as the big cop approached. Sirens sounded in the distance. Crew members and yacht owners were popping out of the hatches of nearby yachts like curious prairie dogs.Inside Cavuto shouted, and the yachters ducked for cover.Cavuto hear footsteps on the dock behind him and swung quickly around. The access caution, looking down the cavelike barrel of the Eagle, stopped as if hed hit a force field. Cavuto swung back to cover the Animals.Over his shoulder Cavuto said, Go back to the gate and call nine-one-one. grade them to send me some backup.Right, the guard said.All right, scumbags, youre under arrest. And if any of you take down twitches, Ill turn you into a red stain. You have the rightThe vampire came out of the water like a wet comet and arrive on the dock behind the Animals. He was burned black and his clothes hung in sooty shreds. Cavuto fired without thinking and missed. The vampire looked up long enough to grin at him, then reached down and snatched Tommy by the back of his shirt and yanked him up like a rag doll.Cavuto aimed and fired again. The second shot hit the vampire in the thigh, taking out a three-inch chuck out of flesh. The vampire dropped Tommy, turned on Cavuto, and leaped. The trinity bullet caught the vampire in the abdomen, the adjoin spraying flesh and spinning him in the air like a football. He landed in a portion at Cavutos feet. The big cop tried to back away to get another shot off, but before he could aim, the vampire snatched the gun out of his hand, taking most of the skin off his sparkle finger. He leaped backward, clawing inside his jacket for his scout special as the vampire tossed the Desert Eagle over his shoulder and climbed to his feet. You are a dead man, he growled.Cavuto watched the goggle wounds in the vampires leg and stomach pulsing, bubbling, and cream with smoke. He caught the butt of his revolver just as the vampire leaped, his fingers outstretched to force back into Cavutos chest.Cavuto ducked, heard a hiss and a loud thunk, and looked up, amazed that he was button up alive. The vampire had stopped an inch from him. A gleaming lance through his leg had pinned him to the dock. The black kid stood a few yards away, a gas-powered speargun in hand.The vampire wrenched himself around and clawed at the spear. Cavuto yanked out his gun, but with his molestd finger he terminate up flinging it off the dock. He heard the sound of tires behind him, then a car approach path down the dock. A second spear thunked through the vampires shoulder.Tommy threw the speargun aside. The Animals were all on their feet. Troy, throw me the brandTroy Lee picked up the contend steel from the deck and threw it at Tommy. Tommy sidestepped the sword whizzed by him and clattered on the dock near Cavuto, who was standing motionless, stunned at almost perceive his own death.Handle first, you doofus, Tommy said as he ran after the sword.The vampire yanked the spear out of his shoulder and reached for the one in his leg.The Emperor picked up his wooden sword from the deck and charged the vampire. Lash caught him by the collar, yanking him aside as Barry fired a third spear, hitting the vampire in the hip. Jeff let go with a floor from the shotgun.The vampire jerked with the impact of the shot and screamed.Tommy dived for the fighting sword at Cavutos feet. The big cop lifted him to his feet.Thanks, Tommy said.Youre welcome, Cavuto said.I didnt kill those people.Im numeration that out , Cavuto said.A brown car skidded to a stop on the dock. Tommy looked up for an instant, then turned and headed toward the vampire, who was clawing at the spear in his leg. His wounds bubbled and seethed with vapor his body was trying to heal even as new damage was inflicted on it.Tommy raised the sword over the vampires head and closed his eyes.No It was Jodys voice.Tommy undefendable his eyes. Jody was on her knees, shielding the vampire, who had given up the struggle and was waiting for the final blow. No, Jody said. Dont kill him.Tommy lowered the sword. Jody looked at Jeff, who unruffled held the shotgun. No, she said. Jeff looked at Tommy, who nodded. Jeff lowered the shotgun.Kill the fiend, now cried the Emperor, still struggling against Lashs hold on his coat.No, Jody said. She pulled the spear out of the vampires leg and he screamed. She patted his head. ace more, she said quietly. She yanked the spear out of his hip and he gasped.Jody propped the vampire up on her lap. The Animals and Cavuto stood watching, not sure what to do. Clint prayed quietly, barely sonic over the approaching siren.Blood, the vampire said. He looked into Jodys eyes. Yours. ca-ca me that sword, Tommy. Jody said.He hesitated and raised the sword to strike.No She covered the vampire with her body.But Jody, hes killed people.You dont know anything, Tommy. They were all going to die anyway.Get out of the way.Jody turned to Cavuto. Tell him. All the victims were terminally ill, werent they?Cavuto nodded. The coroner said that none of them had more than a few months.Tommy was almost in tears. He killed Simon.Simon had AIDS, Tommy.No way. Not Simon. Simon was the animal of the Animals.He was concealing it from you guys. He was scared to death. Now, please, give me the sword.No, get out of the way.Tommy reared back for the killing blow. He felt a hand on his shoulder, then another one entrance his sword arm and pull it down. He looked around to see the Emperor.Let him go, son. Th e valuate of a mans power is the depth of his mercy. Give me the sword. The killing is over.The Emperor worked the sword out of Tommys grip and handed it to Jody. She took it, ran the blade across her wrist, then held the wound to the vampires mouth. He took her arm in his hands and drank.Jody looked at Cavuto. Your partner is whomped to the wheel of the car. Get him and walk away before anyone else gets here. I need the car. I dont want to be followed either.Cavuto dropped back into cop mode. Bullshit.Go get your partner and go. Do you want to explain this?What?All this. Jody pulled her arm out of the vampires mouth and gestured around the dock. Look, the murders entrust stop. I promise. Were leaving and were never coming back. So let it drop. And leave Tommy and these guys alone.Or what? Cavuto said.Jody cradled the old vampire and lifted him as she stood up. Or well come back. She carried the vampire to the police cruiser and put him in the back seat and crawled in with him. Rivera was sitting in the precedent seat. Cavuto came to the side of the car and handed his handcuff key through the window to Rivera.I told you, Rivera said.Cavuto nodded. Were fucked, you know? We have to let them go.Rivera unguaranteed the handcuffs and got out of the car. He stood following to Cavuto, not sure what to do next.Jody stuck her head out the back window of the cruiser. eff on, Tommy, you drive.Tommy turned to the Emperor, who nodded for him to go, then to the Animals. You guys, get that immobilize off the dock. In Troys car. Get out of here. Ill call you at the store tomorrow.Tommy shrugged, got in the car, and started it. What now?To the loft, Tommy. He needs a dark place to heal.Im not convenient with this, Jody. I want you to know that. Id like to know what your relationship is to this guy.The vampire moaned.Drive, she said.They pulled off the dock, leaving the Animals scrambling around collecting the art and the two policemen staring at them in amazement.She said, I love you, Tommy, but I need someone whos like me. soulfulness who understands. You know how that is, right?So you thread off with the first rich elderly guy that comes along?Hes the only one, Tommy. She stroked the vampires burned hair. I dont have any choice. I hate being alone. And if he died, then Id never know about what I am.So you two are going away? Youre leaving me?I heed I could think of some other way. Im sorry.I knew youd break my heart.