Haiti: Development

Why is Haiti underdeveloped? (15) Haiti is a Caribbean country located on the island of Hispaniola. It is the poorest country in the western hemisphere with its GDP at just $1, 200. The country has suffered through political violence throughout its history and was struck by an earthquake with a magnitude of 7. 0 in 2010. These two major events during Haiti’s history left the country in ruins and since Haiti has not seemed to recover. Throughout the course of this essay I will go into further detail as to why Haiti is extremely underdeveloped.Haiti has a very low life expectancy at 62 years in comparison to the UK which is 80 years. This shows that between these two countries there are major differences between factors that influence life expectancy. In comparison to the UK, in Haiti poorer medical care is received by the population and this also shows how bad the standard of living is in Haiti. In Haiti, the total fertility rate is 3. 07 babied per woman whereas in the UK its 1. 91. This shows that in Haiti the emancipation of women is lower which means the country cannot develop.Another major social fact is that 52. 9% of Haiti’s population is literate. Half the population are unable to read or write and this means that they cannot get good jobs or look after their families better and move them out of poverty because they lack a huge skill. These social factors stop Haiti from developing. Haiti has suffered mass political instability over the years. The brutal dictatorships of the physician Francois and his son left tens of thousands of people killed during their 29-year rule.Since then the US intervened and forced Haiti to return to a constitutional government in 1994. However there were allegations of electoral irregularities, ongoing extra-judicial killings, torture and brutality. A bloody rebellion plus pressure from US and France forced the President Mr. Aristicide out of the country. In the present day Haiti is still plagued by violent conf rontations between rival gangs and political groups. The UN has described the human rights situation as â€Å"catastrophic†.This political instability over the years is a massive obstacle to Haiti developing. However the biggest factor as to why Haiti is so underdeveloped is the environmental factors. Haiti lies in a region prone to earthquakes and because of its tropical climate it suffers many tropical storms. This leaves areas with severe deforestation and vulnerable to flooding. Haiti is not equipped to deal with these natural disasters. In January 2010 Haiti was struck by an earthquake, 7. 0 on the Richter scale, this was the country’s worst earthquake in over 200 years.Tens of thousands of people were killed and this led to mass international aid being received by Haiti. A year later and Haiti is still struggling to recover from this earthquake. This shows exactly how underdeveloped Haiti is because they are constantly being hit with natural disasters but they ar e ill-equipped at dealing with them. This is a huge obstacle to development because it means that money cannot be spent on things that make a country more developed such as education or business. Also, following the earthquake, the economy is still recovering.The damage to Port-au-Prince caused the country’s GDP to decrease by an estimated 8%. Haiti was ranked 145 of 182 countries in the 2010 United Nations human development index with 57. 3% of the population being deprived of at least 3 of the HDI poverty measures. Most Haitians live on less than $2 a day. This fact is crucial as to why Haiti is underdeveloped. This shows that as Haitians don’t have that much money they cannot afford for their children to go to school so more and more children are being born into poverty.Therefore these children can never leave poverty so the country cannot develop as the majority of the population is in poverty. In conclusion, Haiti is underdeveloped because of many social, politica l, economic and environmental reasons. However I think the most important factor as to why Haiti is so underdeveloped in the environmental factors. Haiti must spend money on taking care of natural disasters instead of factors that help a country to develop. So in my opinion the fact that Haiti receives a lot of natural disasters is stopping them from developing.

Major Systems used in an Organization Essay

Organizations utilize different types of information systems to take their business decisions for their operations. The hierarchy levels of the organizations in general are operational, knowledge, management, and strategic. Accordingly, three main categories of information systems serve at different organizational levels on hierarchy are: I. Operational-level systems II. Management-level systems III. Strategic-level systems 1. Operational-level systems: Information systems that monitors and support operational managers, keeping track of the elementary activities and business transactions of the organization. E.g.Sales,receipts,cashdeposits, pay roll, credit decisions and flow of materials in a factory. 2. Management-level systems: Information systems that serves the monitoring, controlling, decision-making, and administrative activities of middle managers of the business organization 3. Strategic-level systems: Information systems that support the long-range planning activities of senior management and help senior management tackle and address strategic issues to keep the strategic growth of the business firm. Major type’s information systems in organizations include 1. Transaction Processing Systems (TPS) 2. Management Information Systems (MIS) 3. Decision-Support Systems (DSS) 4. Executive Support Systems (ESS) Transaction processing systems function at the operational level of organization. Knowledge work systems help create and integrate new knowledge within the organization. Management information systems provide managers with reports based primarily on data pulled from transaction processing systems, have an internal orientation, and have limited flexibility. . Decision-support systems function at the management level and provide analytical models and data analysis tools to provide support for semi  structured and unstructured decision-making activities. Executive support systems function at the strategic level, support unstructured decision making, and use advanced graphics and communications. Major type’s information system in a typical organization is shown in below figure along with strategic levels and functional areas. Transaction processing was one of the first business processes to be computerized and without information systems, recording and processing business transactions would consume huge amounts of an organizations resources. Transactions are events that occur as part of doing business, such as sales, purchases, deposits, withdrawals, refunds, and payments. TPS serve the operational level. The transaction processing systems (TPS) is a computerized system that performs and records the daily routine transactions necessary to the conduct of the business. TPS also involve employees in business processes. Transaction Processing Systems are information systems that process data resulting from the occurrence of business transaction. Every organization has manual and automated transacting processing systems (TPSs), which process the detailed data necessary to update records about the fundamental business operations of the organization. These systems include order entry, inventory control, payrolls, accounts payable, accounts’ receivable, and general ledgers to name a few. The input to these systems includes basic business transactions such as customer orders, purchase orders, receipts, time records, invoices and customer payments. The result of processing business transactions is that the organizations records are updated to reflect the status of the operation at the time of the last process transaction. Automated TPSs consist of all the components of Computer Based Information, including databases, telecommunications, people, procedure, software and hardware devices used to process transactions. The processing activities include data collection, data edit, data correction, data manipulation, data storage and document production. The transaction processing systems (TPS) is a computerized system that performs and records the daily routine transactions necessary to the  conduct of the business. TPS also involve employees in business processes. Transaction Processing Systems are information systems that process data resulting from the occurrence of business transaction. Every organization has manual and automated transacting processing systems (TPSs), which process the detailed data necessary to update records about the fundamental business operations of the organization. These systems include order entry, inventory control, payrolls, accounts payable, accounts’ receivable, and general ledgers to name a few. The input to these systems includes basic business transactions such as customer orders, purchase orders, receipts, time records, invoices and customer payments. The result of processing business transactions is that the organizations records are updated to reflect the status of the operation at the time of the last process transaction. Automated TPSs consist of all the components of Computer Based Information, including databases, telecommunications, people, procedure, software and hardware devices used to process transactions. The processing activities include data collection, data edit, data correction, data manipulation, data storage and document production. Management Information Systems (MIS) BASIC CONCEPTS: Five resources are 1. Men 2. Machine 3.Materials 4. Money 5.Methods. Information is considered as sixth resources Management information system (MIS) is an organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases and devices used to provide routine information to the managers and decision makers. The focus of an MIS is primarily an operational efficiency, marketing, production, finance and other functional areas are supported by MIS and linked through a common data base. Management is a process consisting of planning, organizing, to achieve organizational objectives. MIS is â€Å"vital† in any organization for two reasons: 1. It emphasizes the management orientation of IT in business (not merely the processing of data). 2. It emphasizes that a systems framework should be used for information systems applications. Various functions of management are briefly defined as follows: 1. Planning – process of deciding in advance the cause of action 2. Organizing – forming formal group of people and activities to facilitate achieving its objectives 3. Controlling – checking the progress of plans and correcting any deviations 4. Directing – processing of activating the plans, structure and group efforts in the desired direction. MIS supports the management level by providing routine summary reports and exception reports for various purposes of management control process, including planning, controlling, and decision making. Examples are sales and profit per customer and per region, relocation summary and analysis, inventory control, capital investment analysis, and even a report on students who were here in the autumn but did not to return in the spring. 2.6 Decision Support System Decision-support systems provide material for analysis for the solution of semi-structured problems, which often are unique or rapidly changing. Typically, they provide the ability to do â€Å"what if† analysis. DSS will often use data from external sources, as well as data from TPS and MIS. DSS supports â€Å"right now† analysis rather than the long-term structured analysis of MIS. DSS are designed for analytical purposes and are flexible in nature. DSS provide sophisticated analytical models and data analysis tools to support semi-structured and unstructured decision-making activities. DSS use data from TPS, MIS, and external sources, provide more analytical power than other systems and interactive. The impact is on decisions in which there is sufficient structure for computer and analytic aids to be of value but where manager’s judgment is essential. A DSS is an organized collection of people, procedures, software databases and devices, used to support problem /specific decision making and lead to problem solving. The focus of a DSS is on decision making effectiveness when faced with unstructured or semi  structured business problems. 2.61 Characteristics of decision support system The main characteristics of DSS are 1. DSS help managers make decisions that are semi-structured, unique, or rapidly changing, and not easily specified in advance. 2. DSS are responsive enough to run several times a day in order to correspond to changing conditions. 3 DSS make use of both internal information (from TPS and MIS) and also from external sources, such as current stock prices or product prices of competitors. 4 DSS offer users flexibility, adaptability, and a quick response. 5 DSS allow users to initiate and control the input and output. 6 DSS operate with little or no assistance from professional programmers. 7 DSS provide support for decisions and problems whose solutions cannot be specified in advance. 8 DSS use sophisticated analysis and modelling tools. 9 DSS shall support the manager but not replace his/her judgment. It should therefore neither try to provide the answers nor impose a predetermined or predefined sequence of analysis. 10 DSS requires the decision maker’s insight and judgment to control the process and solution. 2.63 Examples of DSS Systems Airlines Price and route selection, flight scheduling Investment Companies Investment evaluation Railways Train Dispatching and Routing Frito-Lay, Inc. Price, ad and promotional section Manufacturing Production optimisation Oil Companies Evaluation of potential drilling sites Executive support systems (ESS)/ Executive Information System (EIS) Senior managers use ESS to make decisions, ESS serve the strategic level of organization. They address non-routine decisions requiring judgment, evaluation and insight because there is no agreed on procedure for arriving at a solution. Executive support systems function at the strategic level, support unstructured decision making, and use advanced graphics and communications. Examples of executive support systems include sales trend forecasting, budget forecasting, and personnel planning. ESS is designed to incorporate data about external events such as new tax laws or competitors, but they also draw summarized information from internal MIS and DSS. They filter, compress and track critical data, emphasizing he reduction of time and effort required to obtain information useful to executives. ESS employ most advanced graphics S/W and can deliver graphs and data from many sources immediately to a senior executive office. ESS combines many features of MIS and DSS and Provide top executives with immediate and easy access to information. ESS help to Identify factors that are critical to accomplishing strategic objectives (critical success factors) and hence provide a generalized computing and communications environment that help senior managers address strategic issues and identify long-term trends in the firm and its environment. ESS addresses non-routine decisions requiring judgment, evaluation, and insight because there is no agreed-on procedure for arriving at a solution. ESS present graphs and data from many internal and external sources through an interface that is easy for senior managers to use. Information presented in forms tailored to the preferences of the executives using the system. ESS provides out put as desired by the end-user in the forms like Customizable g raphical user interfaces, Exception reports, Trend analysis etc., 2.74 Features of ESS 1. Contemporary ESS bring together data from all parts of the firm and enable managers to select, access, and tailor them as needed using easy-to-use desktop analytical tools and online data displays. 2. Through their ESS, many managers have access to public data, such as news services,  financial market databases, and economic information. 3. ESS has the ability to drill down, moving from a piece of summary data to lower and lower levels of detail. 4. Contemporary ESS includes tools for modeling and analysis. 5. Whereas DSS use such tools primarily for modeling and analysis in a fairly narrow range of decision situations, ESS use them primarily to provide status information about organizational performance. 6. Well-designed ESS also have some facility for environmental scanning. 7. A key information requirement of managers at the strategic level is the ability to detect signals of problems in the organizational environment that indicate strategic threats and opportunities. 8. Abil ity to analyze, compares, and highlight trends. 9. The easy use of graphics enables the user to look at more data in less time with greater clarity and insight than paper-based systems provide. 10. The timeliness and availability of the data result in needed actions being identified and carried out earlier than previously could have been done 11. Problems are handled before they become too damaging; opportunities are also identified earlier. 12. Immediate access to so much data also enables executives to better monitor activities of lower units reporting to them. That very monitoring ability enables decision making to be decentralized and to take place at lower operating levels. 2.76 Interrelationships among systems In contemporary digital firms, the different types of systems are closely linked to one another. This is the ideal. In traditional firms these systems tend to be isolated from one another, and information does not flow seamlessly from one end of the organization to the other. Efficiency and business value tend to suffer greatly in these traditional firms. The interrelation ship between major kinds of system in an organization is depicted in below figure . The various types of systems in the organization exchange data with one another. TPS are a major source of data for other systems, especially MIS and DSS. TPS are operational-level systems that collect transaction data. Examples of these are payroll or order processing that track the flow of the  daily routine transactions that are necessary to conduct business. TPS provide data that are required by office systems, KWS, MIS and DSS, although these systems may also use other data. KWS and office systems not only use data from TPS but also from MIS. DSS not only use data from TPS but also from KWS, office systems, and MIS. MIS rely heavily on data from TPS but also use data from KWS and office systems. ESS obtains most of their internal data from MIS and DSS.

Case Study on Childrens Families Intervention

Introduction The social work process has changed dramatically within the intervention of child protection. The following paper will discuss the process over the last three decades. Also it discusses the important changes including some methods and skills which have developed. In addition a background of the crisis intervention is discussed. The legal discourse has also been very influential within changing the process especially the Children’s Act 1989. This is clearly discussed within this paper. A critical analysis of the process is included, with paying particular attention to ethics and values. The early childhood protection intervention has been transferred from a child-oriented approach, whereby intervention was mainly focused directly towards the child. This process is now one of a modest collection of pilot projects to one compromising of a multidimensional domain of theory. While in the 1970s childhood protection was changing to a new era, which consisted of significant social changes. Society began to introduce a new system of developing preventative work to support children and families. This created a much needed support for families, consisting of play groups and youth clubs. The early methods used within the childhood intervention was extremely weak whereby assessments were not always undertaken or completed with no emphasis on time limits to complete assessments. The analysis perspective was weak and little planning was provided. There was little emphasis on social workers reflectively making notes, with no clear reasons or expectations for the basis of intervention. These methods then highlighted certain issues which consisted of duplication and repetition of information. Furthermore information was not shared freely to incorporate a multiagency perspective. The intervening process has been changed to one of a huge economic, social and technological change to compromise a holistic approach. Currently intervention focuses on the service user being the centre of the work with a personalised process. One process frequently used within child protection is the crisis intervention. Its theoretical origins have risen from varied sources and comprised one of a psychoanalytic thinking perspective. Crisis intervention was highlighted by Lindemann (1944) study of grief with the reactions of survivors and relatives after a night club fire. He concluded that they all shared five similar reactions of guilt, hostility, pre occupation with the image of the deceased, somatic distress and loss of pattern of conduct. Lindemann also found that people needed encouragement to morn. Caplin (1964) goes on to explain that the problem in which an individual faces â€Å"stimuli which signals danger to a fundamental need satisfaction and the circumstances are such that habitual problem solving methods are unsuccessful within the time span of past expectations of success†(Caplin 1964). Rapoport (1967) conceptualised the intervention process particular within the initial stage, referred to now as assessment. In which clients should have immediate access to workers in a crisis situation. The crisis intervention has now moved on to influence coping capabilities within the immediate crisis and not focus on long term therapies such at C. B. T, which can be followed up later when the service user has emerged from the initial crisis. Roberts (1991) designed a seven stage model of crisis intervention, which is to be used as a guide for assessing. He also believed solution- focused therapy should be incorporated at the same time as the crisis intervention. Roberts also states that crisis intervention should culminate with a restoration of cognitive functioning, crisis resolution and cognitive mastery (Roberts 2000) However a critic perspective is that if such intervention is not handled correctly it may cause distort reality, maladaptive coping strategies, O’Hagan (1991) believes it is time limited, within a constructive period. Parker (1992) designed a crisis intervention flow diagram which is used to assess a referral to crisis intervention. The crisis theory is used to optimise social functioning therefore enabling choices and maximising respect, so the service user can empower themselves and live an independent life. Although the crisis intervention process has moved forward, it may fail in some aspects of diversity to take into account of different cultures, societies because it was generally developed in a western framework therefore it consists some western cultural assumptions . Middleton (1970) locates the process of assessment firmly in the context of social work values and states â€Å" respect for individual difference is central if the rocess is not going to dis empower the individual but enhance their strengths and coping abilities. The current assessment process is now seen as an art and science and in context is much more dedicated towards social workers involving wisdom, skills, to appreciate diversity and equality. With using a human diversity framework process. Clifford (1998) describes the inter connec ted elements in assessment. As â€Å"assessment has to partake of scientific, theoretical, artistic, ethical and practical elements† (Clifford 1998). Assessments are now seen as an ongoing fluid and dynamic process and social workers are using this framework. It helps to positively acknowledge that development and changes in people’s lives is a continuous process. (Hepworth, Rooney and Larsen 1997) suggested a second way to categorise assessment in social work is within a time specific formulation. The processes of assessments include the notion of Fooks (2002) joint construction of a narrative exchange model, by making the service user the expert. Coulshed and Orme (2006) describe how assessments may be understood by its core processes, its purpose of theoretical base. The theoretical base may also influence the process of assessment and could be related to that similar of personal values and beliefs. The assessment process has changed from one of service led process, which just focused on pathology and appeared to ignore service user’s strengths to change. To a personalised process whereby placing the focus on service user involvement at the centre of intervention. By using this in assessment it can positively build on service users strengths to help ensure anti oppressive practice, with an emphasis on self responsibility. Saleeby states â€Å" the strengths perspectives focuses on positives with the intention of increasing motivation, capacity and potential for making real and informed life choice† (Saleeby, D. 2006). With an emphasis on using the C. P. R model. Assessments undertaken now are to consider a wide variety of factors; for example the environment, living system, culture and diversity which can impact on the service user. Social workers are now adopting new approaches in assessment for example â€Å"to think out of the box† . Therefore insuring a multi disciplinary approach and holistic overview to take into consideration all aspects of the service user’s life. The principles of intervention and assessment are to insure it is child-centred; using informed child development theory’s within the framework to promote equality. With involving interagency services to build strengths, with the understanding that it will be a continuous process to adopt change and empower service users. The Department of Health (2000) published its own framework for assessment to ensure assessments secure the well being of children and provides a systematic way of analysing children within their family and wider community. This framework pays attention to the legislation of the Children’s Act 1989. The legal discourse is a contested domain it has influenced the process of child intervention in many ways. As defined by Ball (1996) â€Å"the body of rules whereby a civilized society maintains order and regulates its internal affairs as between one individual and another, and between individuals and the state† (Ball 1996). Legal discourse is divided into two areas, the statutory law which is the current legislation. The children’s Act (1989) was implemented to change the process of intervention to ensure all children are protected not just vulnerable children, which was the main focus of previous intervention. This changed the assessment process to include many children from different backgrounds and cultures, making this law highlighted the importance that a child from any background and culture is protected. Earlier intervention seemed to focus on the lower, working class or families in poverty. The act sets out guidelines to promote and ensure wellbeing and equality for all children. The act promotes that children should be best kept within the family home unless the case is in extreme circumstances of abuse or neglect. Bowlby highlights that children need secure attachment, therefore promoting the well being of all children within their family unit. Children were no longer removed as quickly from their family surrounds and placed into institutions and care for the fear of maternal depravation. Bowlby’s theory highlighted, if a child does not form a secure attachment it could significantly impair their future mental health. Another aspect of legal discourse is the case law which was established by previous case reasoning’s and case findings. It can be referred to, to help change legislation and to avoid unnecessary mistakes within the intervention process; the laming report (2003) was used in this way to help to ensure no further such cases as the tragic death of Victoria Climbie would occur again. The legal discourse is used to promote social work values and ethics, thus ensuring social justice to protect and ensure the wellbeing of all children. However a critic can be taken from (Dung 1984) he is concerned that despite a veneer of objectivity and neutrality. Statutory law can be used as a vehicle to improve Eurocentric and middle-class norms on working class and non- European families. Conclusion In conclusion to this paper it can be clearly seen that assessment and intervention has moved forward in the last three decades to place the service user at the centre of involvement, to empower and enhance their quality of life. It now promotes the wellbeing of all children not just the vulnerable. Bowlby’s attachment theory is very much used within social work and has influenced the legal discourse and practice of social work . As we can see the crisis intervention as positively moved forward by the influence of various theorists. Legal discourse is important to ensure we can learn by our practice by case laws and the statutory law insurers’ equality and protection. References Coulshed V & Orme, J. (2006) Social Work Practice: An introduction (4th Edition). Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan. Clifford, D (1998). Social Assessment Theory and Practice a Multi-disciplinary Framework. Aldershot: Ashgate. Howe, D (1992). An Introduction to Social Work Theory. Aldershot: Arena Fook, J (2002) Social Work Critical Theory and Practice: London. Sage Fowler J (2003) A Practitioners Tool for Child Protection and the Assessment of Parents. London: Jessica Kingsley. Healy, K. (2005). Social Work Theories in Context. Basingstoke. Palgrave Macmillan Hepworth, D. Rooney, R & Larsen, JA (1997). Direct Social Work Practice: Theory and Skills (5th Edition). London: Brooks Cole Publishing. Laming H (2003). Victoria Climbie Inquiry Report: C. M 5730: London: The Stationary Office Middleton, L (1997) The Art of Assessment: Birmingham Venture Press O’Hagan, K (1986) Crisis Intervention in Social Work: Basingstoke MacMillan Parker, J. (2007b). The Process of Social Work: Assessment, Planning, Intervention and review in M Lymbery & K. Postle (Eds) Social Work. A Companion for learning: London. Sage. Payne, M (2005) Modern Social Work Theory (3rd Edition), Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan Roberts A, (2000) Crisis Intervention Handbook. Oxford University Press Saleeby, D. (2006). The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice (4th Ed. ). New York: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon

Human Resource Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Human Resource - Coursework Example The world has become a social platform, everyone is communicating with everyone on the ground of internet and mobile phones, the entire world is not connected at all times. Humans go out and they socialize with people on different occasions. This interaction with people then further develop into relationships, they find some to be beneficial and other to be not. During our interaction with other we find certain similarities and certain difference, and finally, we develop our relationship with those we feel comfortable. This all starts with communication at personal and professional level. At home, school, offices, social gathering and other related platforms. In our paper, we would look how the theories have been applied by us on our daily basis and how they have affected and impacted us. Theories The two theories under review are the symbolic interaction theory and social penetration theory. The two theory are the different perspective of how the societies interact with each other and how they make sense of the world around. The first of the two theories Symbolic Interaction Theory takes society as a product of the everyday social interaction of individuals. It also studies how people use symbols to create deeper meanings. The theory was formulated by Blumer in 1969 and the inspiration of the theory was further developed in 1981 by Dewey, this scientist believed that human beings are best understood if studied practically in an interactive environment (Sparknotes, 2014).

Understanding and Remembering Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Understanding and Remembering - Essay Example Nonetheless, it is worth noting that there are some cultures that are considered humanistic that are usually characterized as the study of man. Therefore, music may not define man and his daily habits; thus, it may be difficult to study it as a culture that defines a people or society. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that music and musical study requires a double specialization that is including anthropology and musical studies, a combinational that is usually never found. Nearly 85 percent of the Americans know that music has four fundamental categories or the academic music that is usually discussed under misleading terms namely the classical that includes folk music that is manly associated with the white community, the popular music that is usually differentiated from the jazz music in aspects including hit tunes, and the Negro music. The other 15 percent do not know the distinction of music other than the hip-hop, jazz, classical, and blues, among other peripheral classifications. To my understanding from numerous research works on the music and its consideration in cultural classification, there are needs to conduct more research to determine what levels and entry point should music to be taught elaborately in schools among other learning institutions. To certain degree those who study music never get into the history of music and distribution of music has a culture but they are only concern with ways music can be perfected along the direction or genre they are interested (Merrian 1173). Therefore, there are needs to address music along anthropologic line. This will help in understanding music and its different application along different cultures and types. In other words, understanding music as a culture in America among other nations, people, and continents will only be achieved when a specific interest through study incorporated in the study curriculum. Additionally, there is the concept of the double

Law of Tort College Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Law of Tort College - Essay Example The production process is interrupted and all the materials in process are damaged beyond repair. In addition, because there is no water supply for 24 hours Brian loses the opportunity to carry out several more processes and loses the profits that these would have generated. An analysis of the facts of the case presents certain ambiguous legal issues within the premise of both common law as well as the law of torts. In the first situation, the issue is whether Derek's statement to Alan about the efficacy of the van, and the consequent economic loss to Brian, imposes a liability in tort on Derek and/or Alan. In the second situation, the issue is whether Brian can claim economic damages for the losses he has suffered in terms of equipment and material damage and by way of profit loss due to operations shut down resulting from Donald's negligent action. The first situation --Brian v. Derek/Alan - relating to Brian's purchase of van prima facie pertains to area of 'pure' economic loss due to negligent misstatement, resulting in tortious liability under common law.1 The second situation --Brian v. ... A. Brian v. Derek/Alan - Negligent Misstatement Resulting in Economic Loss The common law imposes liability in tort upon persons who make misstatements to others; however, only if the misstatement is made fraudulently or negligently, when there is a duty to take care. Also, the claimant/the person to whom the misstatement has been made must have sustained a loss (which may be physical or financial or both) as a result of reliance upon the misstatement. Thus, liability in the tort of negligent misstatement is generally defined in terms of the common law premises of duty, breach and damage,3 however, a "special treatment" is usually given considering the complexity and since tortious liability in this area is a relatively recent development.4 The case in question presents considerable issues in facts and in law, an analysis of which in relation may be vital in advising Brian. The primary issues for consideration include: Whether mistakes were fraudulent or arising out of negligence Whether Derek owes a duty of care to Brian for a report he made to Alan Whether the plaintiff sustained loss, economic or physical Whether Alan has a vicarious or personal liability in relation to Derek's misstatement and/or in passing the report to Brian Any defence, legal or factual, which may be claimed by Derek/Alan against Brian As the facts of the case reveal, there is no apparent evidence of fraud -- Derek cannot be said to have any interest in Alan or Brian purchasing a van that has been advertised in the local newspaper. The mistakes in the report are mainly due to negligence; however, relying on that Brian, a third party had sustained financial loss,

Results section Statistics Project Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Results section - Statistics Project Example Table 1 presents the descriptive statistics obtained for the guilty rating and prescribed punishment as chosen by witnesses and non-witnesses. As can be seen from table 1 and figure 1, the mean value for the guilt rating for witnesses was 5.1825 with a standard deviation of 1.54058 and a standard error for the mean for of 0.19410. For non-witnesses, the mean guilt rating was 4.0317 with a standard deviation of 1.76862 and a standard error for the mean for of 0.22282. The mean value for the punishment for witnesses was 3.2581with a standard deviation of 1.43647 and a standard error for the mean for of 0.18243 as can be seen from table 1 and figure 2. Non-witnesses had a mean of 2.1452 with a standard deviation of 1.34099 and standard error of the mean of 0.17031 in regard to the punishment to be ascribed to the defendant. Based on the crosstabulation of results regarding whether or not the defendant was guilty, 42 witnesses believed that the defendant was guilty against 16 who believed that he was not guilty. Thirty one non-witnesses believed that the defendant was not guilty while 27 of them believed that he was guilty. Of the 116 respondents that presented their views regarding whether or not the defendant was guilty, 69 stated that they believed that he was guilty. Results indicate a significant difference between the views of witnesses (M = 5.1825, SD= 1.54058) and non-witnesses (M= 4.0317, SD = 1.76862) in regard to the guilt rating of the defendant, t(124) = 7.788, p= 0.05. Since the calculated the calculated value of t is greater than 1.9793, we reject the null hypothesis. Results further indicate a significant difference between the views of witnesses (M= 3.2581, SD= 1.43647) and non-witnesses (M= 2.1452, SD=

Theory Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Theory - Research Paper Example Over the years, the model has been adopted to examine a wide range of long-and-short-term health behaviours among people of all ages and nationalities such as the spread of cancer due to the failure by people to go for free cancer screening clinics (Rejeski, Brawley, McAuley, & Rapp, 2006). The Health Belief Model was developed out of the realization that humans possess positive, negative and neutral values and their response to various issues is based on these three regions. The Health Belief Model often has two dimensions namely the threats and net threats. These two areas are categorized into susceptibility, severity, benefits and barriers and it is believed that these four constructs explain people’s willingness to react to situations. While these four concepts are usually constant, an addition of cues to action usually triggers the willingness and motivates clear behaviour. In recent days, there has been an addition of self-efficacy, which is the focus on one’s self-belief in the capacity to successfully complete an action (Rejeski, Brawley, McAuley & Rapp, 2006). Ideally, the Health Belief Model is founded on the hypothesis that if the end result is desirable, there is a higher likelihood for individuals to be more motivated to alter their behaviour. For this model to work, psychologists believe that certain behaviours are pointers to certain results. The self-efficacy expectancy concept posits that individuals have within them what it takes to bring about certain results. If a particular incentive is added to the environment within which an individual lives, then the chances of getting a certain outcome is amplified (Rejeski, Brawley, McAuley, & Rapp, 2006). Perceived Susceptibility; this is usually defined as an individual’s opinion of the probabilities of acquiring a certain condition. In the Health Belief Model, this is often used to define the threatened people as well as in defining the risk levels. This concept

Journal 4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Journal 4 - Essay Example Their experience showed that contrary to common sense, aggression, accidents and the stress of enforcing rules are all reduced and transformed when rules were discarded by the staff in a collaborative process. There were three non-profit site centers (63 students in a university campus, 42 children in a workplace setting, and 32 children in high school). All are in inclusive settings with resource teacher consultants for children with special needs. There was a lot of diversity in the three centers including speakers of English as a second language, newly arrived immigrants, children from a single parent family, etc. All centers were practicing the conventional way, which was rule-based. There was an abundance of Do’s and Don’ts, in other words, over-regulation, which was suffocating the children. They also found out that it was draining the teachers just policing and redirecting the children. Finally, they found out that there was a better way of doing these things. With the influence of the Reggio Emilia Approach in their series of workshops, they were able to question old concepts and approaches. They initiated new and innovative ways to make learning more meaningful and stress-free. The operative word was â€Å"collaboration†. With brilliant results emanating from the reduction of rules in a setting, it also led to explorations with the physical environment, such as redesigning the layout of the cots at naptime, enlarging the block area from 4 ft by 6 ft to 10 ft by 20 ft, thereby giving ample space to chidren with better results. They also started redecorating their environs with Monet prints, flowers and even the bathrooms to make for a calmer effect on the children. As a result, the rule-driven, clock-driven practice was changed into values-based, responsive pedagogy. Of course, there were some who were resistant to change. Eventually, they had to embrace the new innovation because it lessened

Alternatives of interest and usury Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Alternatives of interest and usury - Essay Example Sweden has given a thought to implement a variant of an interest free system. As mentioned in Islam (2008), 35000 members of JAK Bank have saved 97 million Euros, of which 86 million were given as loans. JAK does not charge or pay interest on its loans. Administrative and developmental costs are paid by membership and loan fees. JAK has a variety of banking products all of which come into action by balancing the individual's saving point system. Carrie (2004) researched the work of JAK and concludes that the bank provides affordable and responsible finance and enables its members to have a say in where and how their money is invested. This shows that the outcome of interest free banking does not always relates to a dominantly Muslim country and can exist viably in a western capitalist state. Interest is generally thought as an extra amount charged over and above the principal amount which is accepted as unethical or unfair in Muslim world. A borrower is a person who is needy and a le nder exploits them by charging them with interest so a simple question of justifying the ethical basis of interest arises? This question may be answered by another question, is it alright that an already needy person is being oppressed? Our banking systems ultimately covert into an ugly vicious cycle consisting of a borrower and lender thus there exists a genuine need to find alternatives where interest speculation and gambling can be avoided with debt-like financing, futures and option like contracts and insurance/assurance-like products. Now coming over to debt financing, it is a kind of transaction that is solely dependent on interest! for example a person A needs to raise working capital for their company so they only way they have is to issue notes or bonds of, say $1000 to everyone now that investor will receive an interest of 10% of 10000 after four months. In simpler terms you can say that debt is borrowing money from an outside source with the promise to return the principa l, in addition to a agreed upon level of interest. Debt financing is one of the most used methods of financing. The reason why debt financing is so commonly used is that it helps maintain ownership because when you borrow from banks then you have to return the agreed amount on time however here you can choose the time of repayment for yourself without anybody else's interference. Moreover the most attractive factor is that you can decide the amount of interest rate yourself, it is an open option for you according to your budget, but we do need to find ways of excluding interest on it. Here the question is that is this possible? The best alternative is interest free equity financing. Equity financing is an act of raising money for company activities by selling common or preferred stock to individual or institutional investors. In return for the money paid, shareholders receive ownership rights in the corporation. In most cases equity financing is preferred over debt financing especia lly where the company wants to move on an interest free basis. Here there is no interest cost, the company does not has to pay any interest to the amount provided by the owners ( the stockholders) in fact the cost of production remains low as there is no burden of interes

Answers to Prompt Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Answers to Prompt Questions - Essay Example However, the idea of Plato that knowledge is inclined more on the non-sensible Forms contradicts his own metaphysical claim that Forms would depend upon the interpretation of the philosopher’s works. According to Irwin (154), Plato’s epistemological claim states that â€Å"these Forms are inaccessible to the senses.† While Plato expressed that his metaphysical claim is â€Å"the Form of F has properties that no sensible F can have.† However, according to Silverman, epistemology is about the acquisition of knowledge and what knowledge is (Silverman). On the other hand, metaphysics is anything which can be thought and said to be. One cannot fully endorse Plato’s theory of Forms as there are difference in interpretations and opinions of the said work. Not all knowledge is being considered as knowledge by the philosopher. It is only those people who have philosophical thoughts or the non-sensible ideas which are being considered as knowledgeable. This p roposition does not apply to those who are exerting more on their physical capabilities. Acquiring skills can still be considered as knowledgeable by other people or group of thinkers, but not Plato. The idea quite discriminate skill workers which are very much part of the society especially with regards to the economic and workforce aspect. Though what the skilled are doing is sensible, their actions are still knowledge because they are thinking what to do next on a systematic manner. In this aspect, the famous line â€Å"I think, therefore I am† by Rene Descartes can come into context (Irwin, 148-55; Silverman; Russell, 516). Plato makes people seem that knowledge is unachievable which is contradicted by Descartes. According to the latter, there is no perfect knowledge. If the idea proposed by Descartes would be considered, one can be considered knowledgeable without the need to measure up to forms or criterions. Descartes may not have proven to everyone the existence of Go d; however, he had proclaimed its existence in his works. The author stated that the knowledge which a person acquires is from a supreme being, which is God. This is supported by the statement: But after I have discovered that God exists, seeing I also at the same time observed that all things depend on him, that he is no deceiver, and thence inferred that all which I clearly and distinctly perceive is of necessity true: although I no longer attend to the grounds of a judgment, no opposite reason can be alleged sufficient to lead me to doubt of its truth, provided only I remember that I once possessed a clear and distinct comprehension of it. (Descartes & Veitch, 109) There might be no concrete evidence to prove the existence of God. Nevertheless, knowing within the self that a supreme being exists is enough to convince the self and preach about its existence or truthfulness to others. Though there is neither a concrete fact nor a distinct indication of God’s existence, Desca rtes proposed his readers to meditate and reach within the self to be freed from the doubt that is covering them from recognizing the presence of a higher power. In most if not all of the writings attributed to Descartes, there is always an indication towards the existence and acknowledgement to the things created and attributed to the power and creation of God as the Supreme Being and higher power (Russell, 515-20; Descartes & Veitch, 103-10). There will always be people who would be skeptic upon the idea of God’

Jungle Fever Essay Example for Free

Jungle Fever Essay Jungle Fever is a motion picture that is centered on two people who hail from two different races. Flipper Purify, a highly educated, successful architect of African-American descent, and Angie Tucci, an Italian American who is recently hired as a secretary in the architectural firm where Angie is in a relationship with a man named Paulie Carbone who manages a local candy shop. One mere glance at each other and their hearts were already beating in a manner like never before. Flipper, denied of partnership rights by two of his Caucasian superiors, is the firms most promising talent. As for Angie, Flipper is a furnished man with additional decorations, an educated man with a sense of decency and dignity. The tension begins when the two realized that there is a mutual romantic attraction between them. Unfortunately, they have huge issues as the consequences of their interracial affair are tragic. Flipper was casted out of their home, while Angie is barbarically manhandled by her father. The two move out of their homes and lived together in their own abode. Implications interracial sexuality The logic of the film is mainly about issues that are encountered in life but not formally settled. Though the film depicts brutal honesty about life and the prejudiced mindset of people, the fidelity of the scenes to actual situations are pulled off without flaw. The primary mutual attraction between the two evidently shows the films message. The difference on the lives between Flipper and Angie are broadly depicted yet the feel is still present. The film gives out anxious interracial sexual concerns as marked on the instances wherein the lovers families violently reacted to their infatuation-fed affair. The reactions of opposing partys focused on the characteristics of the lovers racial deficiencies, rather than the given fact that they both have relationships. Furthermore the movie depicts the blatant path of devastation of interracial relationships, be it sexual or romantic, brought about by sexual delusions and cultural differences

Overview Of Wilhelm II Foreign Policy

Overview Of Wilhelm II Foreign Policy Historiographical Debate: War Guilt Clause of Treaty of Versailles created popular perception that Germany was to blame for WWI. [You should beware such a determinist stance!: you must remember that Wilhelm II presided over 24 years of peace before war broke out in 1914.] In the 1920s and early 1930s, the general appeasement and conciliatory policies of the western powers modified this perception somewhat. Germany was seen, in this period, as having stumbled into war. However, by the late 1930s Hitlers aggression was making people re-think, again, the nature of German foreign policy, and the extent to which it was inherently expansionist and aggressive. In 1961 Fritz Fischer published his famous book (Germanys Aims in the First World War), which once again suggested that Germany bore prime responsibility for the outbreak of WWI, and that this had been systematically planned for since 1911. You must make some decision on this, after studying the evidence, as you will be expected to know about, and comment on, the Fischer debate. Wilhelms foreign policy can be subdivided/periodised into: End of the Bismarckian system 1890-1897 Emergence of Weltpolitik 1897-1907 Descent into war 1907-1914 End of the Bismarckian system: Lapse of reinsurance treaty with Russia Resulted in dual alliance between France and Russia 1894. This alliance between Russia and France was perhaps unavoidable. Caprivi had to make a strategic decision between Germanys alliance with Austria-Hungary and the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia. He therefore allowed the Reinsurance Treaty to lapse, which pushed France towards Russia anyway, resulting in the Franco Russian alliance of 1894. Attempts to foster a British alliance failed: first Navy law emerged 1897 antagonistic competition with British fleet 1897 Italy joined Austro-German alliance Concluding remarks: in 1897 Germany fairly safe. Alliances existed which excluded her and there was the potential risk of encirclement, but neither France nor Russia really wanted conflict with a formidable military power such as Germany: Russia couldnt afford it (pre-industrial) and France had imperial interests to protect. However, H Holger pointed out that where foreign policy lies in the hands of an individual there is always a risk that their personality will influence affairsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Bismarck had played chess, Wilhelm II played poker 2. Emergence of Weltpolitik 1897-1907 Fritz Fischer saw 1897 as a turning point in Germany foreign policy. This was mainly because of the increased role of the Kaisers men in politics: Tirpitz, Posadowsky, Bulow you have already met, plus Holstein at the Foreign Office and von Miquel, the Prussian Finance Minister. Term used by Bulow, Wilhelm II and Hollweg Not an easy term! Basically 2 forms: Economic imperialism. This was informal and was based on the expansion of trading markets rather than political control. Political expansion / lebensraum, either overseas or in Europe. Economic imperialism was favoured by industry, who wanted new markets for goods. Economic expansion had been pursued earlier in Wilhelms reign, for example, into the near East, which threatened Russian grain trading interests there, and prompted a Russian move towards France. There were some industrialists who favoured political expansion, because it would give them direct access to raw materials. However, most industrialists preferred mere access to markets which economic imperialism would generate. Political expansion was favoured by the Kaiser, certainly, then mainly by the mittelstand (lower middle class) and agricultural workers, who saw their decreasing economic status in Germany and wanted opportunity for emigration and new start. This sentiment was partly reflected in internal migration and was such internal colonization (mainly of eastern territories) was facilitated by the Settlement Commission and Expropriation Law of 1908 (this can be seen as extension of Bismarcks policies!), but greater horizons were desired. In fact, G Geiss has argued that weltopolitikà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦came into existence as a red herring of the ruling classes to distract the middle ruling classes from social and political problems at home. Obviously, the army also favoured political expansion, as this would in turn increase their role, status and influence on government. Germany had entered the Empire Race late. She had acquired overseas colonies in Africa by 1890 (Togoland, the Cameroons, East Africa). By 1899 she acquired Pacific islands of Samoa, the Carolines and Marianas, and a strip of the French Congo in 1911 as part of the Moroccan Crisis deal. However, none of these colonies were profitable. For example, South-West Africa didnt cover the costs of administration, even once diamonds were found in 1908. Informal empire was much more lucrative, e.g Latin America and south east Europe. Government, banks and businesses cooperated well, for example, in providing financial backing for the completion of a Baghdad to Berlin railway, which would open up access to the oil reserves of the Ottoman Empire. This cooperation of multiple interest groups is Fischers hallmark of Weltopolitik in action. Impact of imperialism: Required an increase in military strength to pursue. The role of the army in foreign policy has been much debated. Porter and Armour argue that it would not be too much of an exaggeration to say that the army in Wilhelmine Germany was a state within a state G Craig also shares this view. Must remember that there was no German Army, except in war time. There existed four armies of Prussia, Bavaria, Saxony and Wurttemberg, Prussian was the biggest. However, since 1874 the Army budget only reviewed by Reichstag every 7 years Septennat. After 1893, increased to once every 5 years. Army therefore financially independent. Plus, since 1883, the Army had direct access to Emperor. The Kaiser was personally very militaristic and had natural sympathy for the armys aims. The international situation was increasingly tense: ancient hostility of France exacerbated by imperial competition, the growing threat of Russia, brought about by economic competition. This gave the army an additional reason to push for expansion. In addition, the army chiefs sold the army to Wilhelm as the last stronghold against socialism and revolution. The status of the army as above the law was proven by the Zabern incident. Although Hollweg received rough treatment from the Reichstag over the incident, no action was taken against the army officers involved. In fact, there was widespread sympathy for the army! M Kitchen goes so far as to argue that the army was one of the most popular institutions in the Second Reich. This is possibly linked to the fact that the unification of Germany was largely owed to the Army, who had created the state without defeat and was seen to be able to defend it in similar fashion. Nevertheless, Germanys army not significantly increased until army laws 1912-13 This was because: -army officers mainly Junker aristocrats didnt want increased middle-class element in officer class which would have been inevitable result of expansion in armed forces -the army didnt have the ability to train a larger army effectively. Descent into war 1907-1914 You could be forgiven for thinking that was must have been inevitable, if strategies to cope with a two front war had been developing since the late 1890s (even though Schleiffens plan wasnt made public till 1905). However, the situation in 1900 was not entirely unstable. Yes, Russia was growing in strength and in hostility to Germany, as a result of economic competition in the near east. Certainly, Britain and France were becoming concerned about Germanys Imperial ambitions. Yet, in 1900, even though Russia and France were allies since 1894, this threat was balanced by the counterweight of British neutrality. In addition, none of these powers were interested in war if it could be avoided Russia didnt have the might, and Britain and France had priorities elsewhere. So, why did war break out in 1914 and why has Germany often been held responsible? It could be argued that the biggest miscalculation in German policy was Tirpitz risk theory. He thought that if Germany built a navy to rival Britain, Britain would be intimidated and would seek an alliance with Germany. Bulows views compounded this miscalculation. He believed that a conflict between Britain and Russia was inevitable (?!). He preferred to side with the Russians, but only once he was sure they would win. So, for Bulow, building a navy to rival Britains would help Germany maintain a free hand where they could preserve good relations with both nations and await the outcome, which would be Britains defeat, at which point having a powerful navy would enable Germany to supplant Britain as the major world power! The reality of Britains reaction was the opposite to what Tirpitz and Bulow anticipated. The Navy Laws of 1898 and 1900 made Britain nervous and hostile. As a result, she sought alliance with France and Russia instead. In 1904 the Entente Cordiale was signed by Britain and France. In 1905 the German attempt to undermine Anglo-French relations by provoking the first Moroccan crisis backfired. Spain had granted France a virtual protectorate in Morocco. In direct challenge, the Kaiser landed in Morocco in 1905. It seems likely that the Kaiser wanted to test the Entente, to see if Britain, in particular, would support Frances claim. She did. The attempt to divide France and Britain had failed spectacularly. The resulting Algericas conference, called to resolve the crisis, was a diplomatic failure for Germany in 1906; Germany was forced to accept a French protectorate in Morroco. In addition, Bulows attempt to divide Britain and Russia also failed. Bulow attempted to stir up trouble between Britain (Japans ally since 1902) and Russia during the Russo-Japanese war of 1904-5. Both parties were annoyed. By 1907 Russia and Britain had joined a Triple Entente with their mutual ally, France. Moreover, Britain made it clear that she was not prepared to allow Germany to dominate the seas, and entered a naval race. Even Bulow, in 1908, voiced his reservations with existing policy and suggested that Britain may be able to blockade the German navy in her harbours, should conflict arise. This would render Germanys expensive navy useless. Bulow further suggested to Tirpitz that it may be worth investing rather in improving coastal fortifications and creating a strong submarine fleet. Tirpitz disagreed. It is interesting to speculate on how differently the first world war would have turned out had investment been made along the lines Bulow suggested! Yet, even at this point, Europe was still about 7 years away from war! Germany could have neutralized Britain had she removed the threat of a naval race and limited her Imperial ambitions. Yet Bulow persisted in his policy. The naval laws of 1906 and 1908 prompted Britain to build the Dreadnought a battleship more powerful than anything the Germans held! Germany then supported the Austrian annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1908, which only served to anger Russia, to de-stabilise the Balkans and, at the least, to irritate Britain and France on Russias behalf. The appointment of Hollweg in 1909 was a possibility for rapprochement. He actively sought an Anglo-German alliance. However, the Kaiser, Tirpitz and the army continually thwarted him. In addition, Tirpitzs propaganda techniques had created such popular support for naval expansion that it became impossible for Hollweg to back down from this policy without losing public support, particularly given the stalemate that existed in the Reichstag. In 1911 France contravened the Algeciras agreement and Germany was awarded a strip of the French Congo in compensation. But this further damaged Anglo-German relations, as Britain came to the support of France against what she saw as German bullying. The alliances were crystallizing into military camps. The Balkan wars of 1912-13 were a further de-stabilising influence, as the crumbling Ottoman Empire created a power vacuum in the region, which brought Austrian and Russian interests (and, therefore, those of their allies) into direct conflict. The Kaiser called a war council in 1912, resulting in an increase in the size of the army in a law of 1913. However, no real war planning was in evidence. In addition, Edward Grey, the British Foreign Secretary, was still pushing peace talks as late as 1914 (although this doesnt necessarily imply similar German desire for rapprochement!). Was Germany foreign policy the result of domestic policy? This is sometimes called social imperialism where expansion is the result of an attempt to distract people from problems at home. VR Berghahn argues that Germanys foreign policy was dictated by rapid industrialisation If one considers sammlungspolitik the alliance of steel and rye (industry and agriculture) from 1897 in their joint bid to crush socialism, one can perhaps see that domestic issues were perhaps pressing enough to warrant distraction! However, this is a somewhat simplistic argument and you should offer a variety of alternative causes for Germanys foreign policy such as -the power of the army -Wilhelms personality -industrial interests (in their own right, rather than as a challenge to socialism) -competitive imperial climate of the time -recent unification set militaristic tone for nation and also encouraged expansion as means of further consolidating status of nation in Europe -anything else you can think of! So, was Germany set on war in 1914? 4 interpretations: Germany deliberately unleashed war for continental and even world hegemony Fischer (not born out by the evidence) Hollweg provoked a diplomatic crisis which he knew might lead to war, because he was more afraid of Germanys isolation than he was of war. (unlikely, not really much evidence that anyone was concerned about isolation, even after the Moroccan crises) All nations were equally responsible for the outbreak of war (wishy-washy, fence-sitting argument avoid) War wasnt planned or pre-determined, but was an acceptable option as the German government expected war to be both short-lived and winnable (very plausible the Kaiser was influenced by the armys advice, the army believed they could win as they had a great track record and a now expanded force, and the chaotic nature of the Wilhelmine government meant that Hollwegs moderating influence would not be heard)) Porter and Armour argue that the German government, by 1914, was looking for a chance to break out of encirclement, confident of its strength and determined to seize on the first suitable pretext for demonstrating this Hollweg continually maintained that German expansion required agreement with Britain and that, if he could pick on Russia over an issue which didnt involve British interests, he would be successful, and war would be avoided. The assassination of France Ferdinand provided just such an opportunity. Russia came to the aid of Serbia against an unjustifiable Austrian ultimatum. It is true that Germany was secretly complicit with Austria in drafting the terms of the ultimatum. This could be seen as deliberate provocation of war. The terms of the Triple Alliance allowed Germany to see Russian mobilization as a threat to Austria, and therefore an occasion to defend her. The Schlieffen Plan, with its necessary killer blow to France to be delivered first, required speed. Thus once Russian mobilization began, war in Europe was inevitable. On 1 August Germany declared war on Russia. On 3rd August Germany declared war on France. On 4 August Britain reacted to the violation of Belgian neutrality and declared war on Germany. So, it seems that war in 1914 was really little more than a ludicrous miscalculation on the part of Germany. Agree or disagree? The choice, as ever, is yours! Timeline of Foreign Policy, 1890-1914 1890 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Bismarck is dismissed. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Germany refuses to renew the Re-insurance Treaty with Russia, who therefore starts to look to France for friendship. 1891 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Franco-Russian Entente: Germany anticipates a war on two fronts and draws up the Schlieffen Plan. Looks to Britain for an alliance. 1894 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Franco-Russian Alliance confirms Germanys fears she now looks more to Britain. 1896 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Kruger Telegram: Germany tries to show Britain how isolated she is to frighten her into an alliance, but merely infuriates Britain. 1898 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ First Naval Law hopes to scare Britain into an alliance. Germany demands a high price for her friendship, reasoning that British alliances with France and Russia are unlikely due to their ancient enmity. Therefore Germany rejects Britains alliance propositions, thinking that they are too favourable to Britain. 1899 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The Fashoda incident aggravates Anglo-French Relations (or so Germany thinks). Encourages Germany to demand a still higher price. Britain feels isolated. 1900 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Second Naval Law attempts to frighten Britain and fails. 1901 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Anglo-German talks once again collapse. 1902 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Anglo-Japanese Treaty: France doesnt want to be drawn into a Russo-Japanese war (and therefore have to fight Britain) due to the Franco-Russian alliance, so she seeks agreement with Britain. Germany begins to feel uneasy. 1903 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Murzsteg Agreement: Austria-Hungary and Russia agree to maintain the status quo in the Balkans for 5 years. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Serbian pro-Habsburg monarchy overthrown in favour of a pro-Romanov one: signifies beginning of Austro-Hungarian enmity for Serbia. Austro-Russian relations remain tense. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Edward VII makes a triumphant visit to Paris. 1904 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Entente Cordiale: Alliance of friendship between France and Britain. Germany feels increasingly isolated and sees the chances of an Anglo-German alliance diminishing. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Dogger Bank incident after Russo-Japanese declared: Germany hopes it will aggravate Anglo-Russian relations, but France keeps them on good terms. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Defeat of Russia in the Russo-Japanese war. Russia turns back to the Balkans instead of the Far East for expansion and Britain no longer sees Russia as a threat and is therefore more willing to ally with her. 1905 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Germany sees this and arranges the Bjorko Treaty with Russia, but it is incompatible with Franco-Russian alliance and so is rejected. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Germany tries to split the Entente Cordiale in the Moroccan Crisis, but only succeeds in revealing the weaknesses of the Triple Alliance (as Italy deserts her), strengthening the Entente and bringing Britain and Russia closer as they are on the same side for once. Germany falls back even more on Austria-Hungary. 1907 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Anglo-Russian Entente confirms Germanys fears of being encircled and she relies even more on Austria-Hungary. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The Third Naval Law does little to worry Britain. 1908 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Daily Telegraph Article by Wilhelm fails to persuade Britain that Germany is friendly and that her naval building is purely defensive. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Young Turk Revolution makes Austria-Hungary eager to annex Bosnia before the Turks become too strong to resist. Henceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The Bosnian Crisis: Germanys virtual isolation forces her to support Austria-Hungary, which has the unpleasant side-effects of (a) making Austria-Hungary more aggressive (b) Increasing the Ententes enmity towards Germany. Russia is diplomatically defeated and is determined never to be again. Austria-Hungary becomes more cocky. Germanys support for Austria-Hungary now becomes certain. 1911 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Agadir Crisis: Shows how Germany was more eager to extend her influence than to improve her foreign relations. Once again her isolation and her unpopularity are brought home to her. 1912 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Balkan Wars make a strong Serbia: Austria-Hungary is determined to crush her before she gets too strong. 1913 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Britain, France, Russia and Germany all make military improvements. 1914 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Assassination of Franz Ferdinand gives Austria-Hungary an excuse to attack Serbia. Tasks: A. Research: If you are working as a group, divide the main events (highlighted in bold) between yourselves. Each person should research their event in more detail using any sources available to them, and then report back to the group with either a handout or a presentation. B. Analysis: (i) What was the main turning point in international relations between 1890-1914? Explain your answer. (i) To what extent can Wilhelm II be blamed for the outbreak of the First World War? F:AQA Germany Option GEra of Wilhelm IIRel between Wii Foreign and Domestic Policy SWK ex.pdf Discussion Identify When was Schlieffens war plan unveiled? 1905 Name the historian most associated with the theory that Germanys planned aggression was primarily responsible for the outbreak of WWI Fritz Fischer In what years did Germany pass Army Laws? 1912-13 In what years did Germany pass Navy Laws? 1898 1900 Describe How was the Schlieffen plan supposed to work? -as soon as Russia mobilised, Germany to attack France. This was because Russia would take 6 weeks to fully mobilize and, if G could defeat F in that 6 week period, she could avoid war on 2 fronts. Attack on F would be through Belgium, in violation of Belgian neutrality protected by GB. G didnt think GB would get involved despite treaty, as GB only had small army and didnt really want to involve herself in European affairs. If G could defeat F quickly, may be no point in GB mobilizing. Also G didnt really see GBs army as much of a threat, so was risk worth taking. G to march round the rear of Paris and seize capital before F troops could return from Maginot line forts. Once capital secured, country defeated. Holding force could then be left and main G army returned to east to fight Russia. What was Tirpitz risk theory? -if Germany built a navy to rival Britain, Britain would be intimidated and would seek an alliance with Germany What is H Holgers quote on the difference between the FP of Bismarck and Wilhelm? Bismarck had played chess, Wilhelm II played poker How have Porter and Armour described the army in Wilhelms Germany? -state within a state Explain Why was the army so powerful? -financially independent sinceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ -had ear of Kaiser since.. -Kaisers personal interest in militarism -public support -since unification and also because Tirpitz Navy League (1898) created a propaganda campaign to mobilize public support Why did the size of the army not really increase until 1912-13? -army elites didnt want increase in middle-class presence -no facilities for training Why did Britains hostility towards Germany grow? -Tirpitz risk theory Navy Laws of 1898, 1900 -imperial competition -irritation at Germanys meddling during the Russo-Japanese war -Germanys support for A-Hs annexation of Bosnia 1908 Why was Hollweg unable to achieve an Anglo-German alliance? -thwarted by military interests -public support for militarization Why did Russia feel threatened by Germany?  ­-economic competition for grain markets in near east -German support for Austrian destabilization of/expansion into the Balkans Why is Wilhelms foreign policy in the years preceeding WWI such a hot topic for debate amongst historians? -because of the later aggression displayed by Hitler.in trying to understand the nazi regime, historians try to decide whether Hitler was an aberration or whether aggressive expansionism of Hitler part of a wider trend in German history. Why does Fischer see 1897 as a turning point in Germanys Foreign Policy? -Kaisers men in key positions How could the Morocco crisis of 1905 be seen as an attempt to challenge the Entente? The Kaisers direct challenge to French interests there was a deliberate attempt to see if GB would support French claim Analyse Was Weltpolitik a genuine threat to peace? How serious a threat was encirclement to Germany in the period 1904-1914? Was Germany seeking war in 1914?

The Micmac V.s. The Iroquois :: essays research papers

The Micmac V.S. The Iroquois   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although the Micmac and the Iroquois Confederacy are both Aboriginal groups, they have many differences as well as similarities. One area of such, is their traditional justice systems. Their governments and laws are in some ways similar, but in many ways different.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Micmac reside in what is now Nova Scotia, eastern New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and southern Gaspe. The territory was subdivided in to seven districts. Each of these districts contained family groupings in small settlements based on hunting and fishing. Those from P.E.I. held more territory in common than any other Micmac district. Their land was allotted by family.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Iroquois were a agricultural people. They lived in permanent villages in a domain now called southern Ontario, southern Quebec, and northeastern United States. Indian Nations living here formed a formal and lasting confederacy by 1450. Their members were called ‘Ho-De-No-Sau-Nee'. The league was called ‘Kanonsionni', meaning EXTENDED HOUSE. The first five nations to join the confederacy were Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca. Tuscaroras migrated from Carolina and joined the confederacy in 1722. The Iroquois are bound in a treaty of friendship with the Ojibway to the North.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Micmac government was three-tiered, with local, district, and national chiefs, or ‘Sagamores'. Each settlement's council of elders chose a local chief. The chief was the focus of power in the settlement. The local chief attained position through both hereditary right and meritorious behavior. The oldest son of a dead chief was usually given first consideration as a successor. If he was found unfit for office, despite special training, others in family and/or others in the community were considered. These chiefs usually had two assistants or captains. These were called second and third watchers. They would assume command from a sick or incompetent chief. The local chiefs would convene in a district council and select one of their numbers to preside over their meetings and represent the regions' interests. Councils usually met in the spring or fall, and all decisions were based on unanimity.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  District Sagamores made up the governing body of the Micmac nation. One district chief would act as Grand Chief. All three of these types of chieftainship followed bloodlines as a natural course of leadership ascendency. The people expected their chief to be a man of intelligence, knowledge, dignity, courage, generosity, an able hunter, and fearless warrior. Leaders ruled through impeccable example, not force.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Iroquois confederacy was formalized by a constitution, recorded on wampum belts to preserve the understanding for all generations to follow. Each nation retained its own council and managed its own local affairs. General control was to be lodged in a federal senate, composed of representatives

Apollo 13 (as-508): Houston, We Have A Problem. :: essays research papers

Apollo 13 (AS-508): Houston, we have a problem. The Apollo 13 mission was launched at 2:13 p.m. EST, April 11, 1970 from launch complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. The space vehicle crew consisted of James A. Lovell, Jr. commander, John L. Swigert, Jr., command module pilot and Fred W. Haise, Jr. lunar module pilot. The Apollo 13 Mission was planned as a lunar landing mission but was aborted en route to the moon after about 56 hours of flight due to loss of service module cryogenic oxygen and consequent loss of capability to generate electrical power, to provide oxygen and to produce water. Spacecraft systems performance was nominal until the fans in cryogenic oxygen tank 2 were turned on at 55:53:18 ground elapsed time (GET). About 2 seconds after energizing the fan circuit, a short was indicated in the current from fuel cell 3, which was supplying power to cryogenic oxygen tank 2 fans. Within several additional seconds, two other shorted conditions occurred. Electrical shorts in the fan circuit ignited the wire insulation, causing temperature and pressure to increase within cryogenic oxygen tank 2. When pressure reached the cryogenic oxygen tank 2 relief valve full-flow conditions of 1008 psi, the pressure began decreasing for about 9 seconds, at which time the relief valve probably reseated, causing the pressure to rise again momentarily. About a quarter of a second later, a vibration disturbance was noted on the command module accelerometers. The next series of events occurred within a fraction of a second between the accelerometer disturbances and the data loss. A tank line burst, because of heat, in the vacuum jacket pressurizing the annulus and, in turn, causing the blow-out plug on the vacuum jacket to rupture. Some mechanism in bay 4 combined with the oxygen buildup in that bay to cause a rapid pressure rise which resulted in separation of the outer panel. The panel struck one of the dishes of the high-gain antenna. The panel separation shock closed the fuel cell 1 and 3 oxygen reactant shut-off valves and several propellant and helium isolation valves in the reaction control system. Data were lost for about 1.8 seconds as the high-gain antenna switched from narrow beam to wide beam, because of the antenna being hit and damaged. As a result of these occurrences, the CM was powered down and the LM was configured to supply the necessary power and other consumables. The CSM was powered down at approximately 58:40 GET. The surge tank and repressurization package were isolated with approximately 860 psi residual pressure (approx. 6.5 lbs of oxygen total). The primary water glycol system was

Robert Johnson :: Biographies Musicians Blues Essays

Robert Johnson I went down to the crossroads fell down on my knees. Robert Johnson went to the crossroads and his life was never the same again. The purpose of this essay is to tell you about the life of Robert Johnson. He is the root of much of the music of today. If he didn't influence the musicians of today directly, he influenced the bands that influenced today's music. Robert Johnson is more than just another Blues man with a sad story. To sing the blues with as much soul as Robert Johnson did, you know his life was rough. The life of Robert Johnson was memorable but short. Robert Johnson was born on May 8, 1911. Robert was a product of an extramarital affair. He lived with many different father figures before moving 40 miles south of Memphis to Robinsonville, Mississippi, where he would live till his early adulthood. The first instrument Robert played was the harmonica. Robert quit school as a teen and started working in the cotton fields. Robert left that life to travel and play his music. He began to play the guitar around the age of fifteen. Famous blues men; Charlie Patton and Willie Brown influenced Johnson when he was young. At age 17, Robert married Virginia Travis. She and their first baby died during childbirth. Johnson then went on the road. Robert traveled all over the Midwest and all the way down to Mississippi and Arkansas. He married Calletta Craft during his travels. She died only a few years later while Robert was on the road. On November 23, 1936, Johnson recorded his music for the first time. The first song he recorded was "Terraplane Blues." It became a best-selling hit for Vocalon, a Columbia Records specialty label. In June of 1937, Johnson recorded for his fifth and final time. Johnson only recorded 29 songs during his lifetime. Johnson would have recorded many more songs and may have been an even bigger legend than he already is if his life was cut short. The death of Robert Johnson was tragic and the myths that surround him will last forever. In August 1938, Johnson played the last show of his life. The jealous husband of a woman that he began an affair with while in Greenwood, Mississippi poisoned Johnson. During the show the husband poisoned Johnson's whiskey. Johnson died on August 13th, 1938, three days after he was poisoned.

Bill Bryson †“Notes from a small Island” Essay

What features make it amusing? â€Å"Notes From A Small Island† is Bill Bryson’s accounts from travelling around Britain. He writes in a very distinctive style. He compared this journey to a similar one that he took in 1973. He begins the book by recalling his first sight of England â€Å"on a foggy March night in 1973.† This is in the prologue. He begins chapter one by comparing Britain in 1973 to the time when he revisited it. The humour in this passage is how he complains about England. Through out Bryson’s accounts of his trip he portrays a lot of Irony. The Irony is that it is over twenty years since his last visit Britain has actually changed surprisingly little. In his accounts of Dover he has noticed that there are a lot of similarities to Dover in 1973, â€Å"†¦found myself square in front of Mrs Smegma’s establishment. It was still a hotel and looked substantially unchanged, as far as I could remember†¦Ã¢â‚¬  It is the Ironic features that makes parts of â€Å"Notes from a small island† amusing. The reason that Bryson’s books are so funny is because they are so true and honest. I especially find the chapters about London funny because I have been there so many times my self. I love the part where he talks about multi – story car parks, â€Å"You drive around for ages, and then spend a small eternity shunting into a space exactly two inches wider than the average car.† Another reason why we laugh at Bryson’s books is because it is a common instinct to laugh at other’s misfortunes. This especially occurs when we have been in a similar situation, in the past, our selves. â€Å"Notes from a small island† is written in first person. Bryson uses Elision and Ellipsis in his writing. This makes his writing seem more personal and it also seems like he is actually telling his stories to the reader themselves. He also uses similes and many adjectives to create images in the reader’s mind. The use of modifiers is included in his writing. He has included dialect into his writing as well. Bryson has used both compound and complex sentences. He also uses â€Å"Tongue in Cheek Tone,† â€Å"†¦a sprig of artificial lilies instantly informed me that the food would be mediocre but present with a certain well – practiced flourish.† The use of â€Å"Tongue in cheek† creates more humour in Bryson’s writing. The potential audience for this book is people whom whish to travel or generally people who like reading comedy. It is a travel book merged with humour. The purpose of â€Å"Notes from a small island† is to inform the readers about the different places but also entertain and amuse them. His lexical field is effective. Through out the book Bryson makes many observations, â€Å"†¦between them consumed the last of the profiteroles and the black forest gateau from the sweet trolley. The boy, I noticed, had a double heap of both, the greedy fat pig.† In this quotation Bryson has basically written about what the majority of us think but do not actually say. Bryson’s ability to put into words his travelling experiences so they can be read and enjoyed are not achieved all that often by others. He appears to have an open mind and as a result gives extensive reviews of his experiences. In these reviews provide entertainment for the reader, as they are very funny.

Fuel Price

Great Impact of Rising Fuel Price Fuel is another transportation system component. Rising of fuel price is one of the major issues facing the transportation industry in Malaysia. Fuel may be gasoline, natural gas, diesel fuel, ethanol, methanol, coal, etc. The costs and efficiency of transportation fuels are considerable interest. (Joseph Sussman; Introduction to Transportation Systems; Transportation System Components; 2000).Fuel price volatility along with overall price increases has been an issue with transportation carriers, airlines, and even some water carriers and is a continuing challenge to the financial viability, causing some carriers to file for bankruptcy. Overall, it can be argued that is a manifestation of world demand and the supply of crude oil. The demand for oil as a source of energy to power transport equipment and for private use has been growing steady, but crude oil is limited natural resource.New oil fields have been discovered since World War II, but the know n available supply of oil has not kept pace with the increased demand. Consequently, the general trend for fuel prices has been upward. This trend in price has been exacerbated by the location of the best oil fields in distant countries and the disproportionate share of oil consumption. Two factors mentioned have impacted the price of oil namely the growth in demand from other countries and the speculation that occurs in the futures market.An additional factor is the disruption that can occur with terrorist actions and political upheaval in certain parts of the world. Rising fuel prices could put a spanner in the works of the region's recovering economies, Malaysia included, if the market does not cool down soon. The higher costs incurred by transportation companies are already causing jitters that they might have to offload some of the burden onto end-consumers soon.Malaysia Airlines, for example, has been lobbying for months for a domestic air fare increase to offset higher direct operational costs, of which jet fuel and kerosene are the largest components. -(Pui Kiew Ling, Jamal Othman, Noorasiah Sulaiman ;Macroeconomics and Industry Effect of an Increase in Fuel Price in Malaysia; 2012) Already there are fears in the US that the runaway oil prices would bring the economy's decade-long expansion to a screeching halt, with all its implications on the rest of the world, particularly export-driven economies ike Malaysia which depend heavily on the US, European and Japanese markets. -(Transport, Trade and Climate Change; Carbon Footprints, Fuel Subsidies and Market-based Measure; 2011) The challenge, then, in transportation industry especially for carriers and shippers for example will be deal with the uncertainty and volatility of fuel prices and the expectation that the price will be increasing over time. However, the impact will vary among the modes of transportation because some are more fuel efficient than others due to their different operating and market condition in or outside our country.In overall, looking to the future and considering the challenges associated with volatility in fuel prices and the environment on the other side, much effort will be directed at the concept of the green supply chain. There is every indication that is not just a concept but rather a growing commitment that has economic as well as environmental benefits to shippers and carriers and also for all type of transport in Malaysia transportation industry generally.

Fluke, or, I Know Why the Winged Whale Sings Chapter 14

CHAPTER FOURTEEN Down to the Harbor Down to the harbor they went – past the condos, the cane fields, the golf course, the Burger King, the Buddhist cemetery with its great green Buddha blissed out by the sea, past the steak houses, the tourist traps, the old guy riding down Front Street on a girl's bike with a macaw perched on his head – down to the harbor they went. They waved to the researchers at the fuel dock, nodded to the haglets at the charter booths, shakaed the divemasters and the captains, and schlepped science stuff down the dock to start their day. Tako Man stood in the back of his boat eating a breakfast of rice and octopus as the Maui Whale crew – Clay, Quinn, Kona, and Amy – passed by. He was a strong, compact Malaysian with long hair and a stringy soul-patch beard that, along with the bone fishhooks he wore in his ears, gave him the distinct aspect of a pirate. He was one of the black-coral divers who lived in the harbor, and this morning, as always, he wore his wet suit. â€Å"Hey, Tako,† Clay said. The diver glanced up from his bowl. His eyes looked as if someone had poured shots of blood into them. Kona noticed that the small octopus in the diver's bowl was still moving, and he scampered down the dock feeling a case of the creeps fluttering to life in his spinal cord. â€Å"Nightwalkers, gray ones, on your boat last night. I seen them,† said Tako Man. â€Å"Not the first time.† â€Å"Good to know,† said Clay, patronizing the diver and moving down the dock. You had to keep peace with anyone who lived in the harbor, especially the black-coral divers, who lived far over the edge of what most people would consider normal life. They shot heroin, drank heavily, spent all day doing bounce dives to two hundred feet looking for the gemstone-valuable black coral, then spent their money on weeklong parties that had, more than once, ended with one of them dead on the dock. They lived on their boats and ate rice and whatever they could pull out of the sea. Tako Man had gotten his name because on any given afternoon, after the divers came in for the day, you'd see the grizzled Malaysian carrying a net bag full of tako (octopus) that he had speared on the reef for their supper. â€Å"Hi,† Amy said sheepishly to Tako Man as they passed. He glared at her through his bloody haze, and his head bobbed as he almost nodded out into his breakfast. Amy quickened her pace and ran a Pelican case she was carrying into the back of Quinn's thigh. â€Å"Jeez, Amy,† Quinn said, having almost lost his footing. â€Å"Do those guys dive in that condition?† Amy whispered, still sticking to Quinn like a shadow. â€Å"Worse than that. Would you back up a little?† â€Å"He's scary. You're supposed to protect me, ya mook. How do they keep from getting into trouble?† â€Å"They lose one or two a year. Ironically, it's usually an overdose that gets them.† â€Å"Tough job.† â€Å"They're tough guys.† Tako Man shouted, â€Å"Fuck you, whale people! You'll see. Fucking nightwalker fuckers. Fucking fuck you, haole motherfuckers!† He tossed the remains of his breakfast at them. It landed overboard, and tiny fish broke the water fighting for the scraps. â€Å"Rum,† said Kona. â€Å"Too much hostility in dat buzz. Rum come from da cane, and cane come from slavin' the people, and dat oppression all distilled in de bottle and come out a man mean as cat shit on a day.† â€Å"Yeah,† said Clay to Quinn. â€Å"Didn't you know that about rum?† â€Å"Where's your boat?† asked Quinn. â€Å"My boat?† â€Å"Your boat, Clay,† said Amy. â€Å"No,† said Clay. He stopped and dropped two cases of camera equipment on the dock. The Always Confused, the spiny and powerful twenty-two-foot Grady White center-console fisherman, Clay's pride and joy, was gone. A life jacket, a water bottle, and various other familiar flotsam bobbed gently in a rainbow slick of gasoline where the boat had once been. Everyone thought someone else should say something, but for a full minute no one did. They just stood there, staring at what should have been Clay's boat but instead was a big, boatless gob of tropical air. â€Å"Poop,† Amy finally said, saying it for all of them. â€Å"We should check with the harbormaster,† said Nate. â€Å"My boat,† said Clay, who stood over the empty slip as if it were his recently run-over boyhood dog. He would have nuzzled it and stroked its little dead doggy ears if he could have, but instead he fished the oily life jacket out of the water and sat on the dock rocking it. â€Å"He really liked that boat,† Amy said. â€Å"Can I get a duh for the sistah?† exclaimed the dreaded blond kid. â€Å"I paid the insurance,† Nate said as he moved away, headed for the harbormaster. Tako Man had come down the dock from his own boat to stare at the empty water. Somber now. Amy backed up into Kona for protection, but Kona had backed up into the next person behind him, which turned out to be Captain Tarwater, resplendent in his navy whites and newly Kona-scuffed shoes. â€Å"Irie, ice cream man.† â€Å"You're on my shoes.† â€Å"What happened?† asked Cliff Hyland, coming down the dock behind the captain. â€Å"Clay's boat's gone,† said Amy. Cliff moved up and put his hand on Clay's shoulder. â€Å"Maybe someone just borrowed it.† Clay nodded, acknowledging that Cliff was trying to comfort him, but comfort fell like sandwiches on the recently bombed. By the time Quinn returned from the harbormaster's office with a Maui cop in tow, there were a half dozen biologists, three black-coral divers, and a couple from Minnesota who were taking pictures of the whole thing, thinking that this would be something they would want to remember if they ever found out what was happening. As the cop approached, the black-coral divers faded to the edges of the crowd and away. Jon Thomas Fuller, the scientist/entrepreneur who was accompanied by three of his cute female naturalists, stepped up beside Quinn. â€Å"This is just horrible, Nate. Just horrible. That boat represented a major capital investment for you guys, I'm sure.† â€Å"Yeah, but mainly we liked to think of it as something that floated and moved us around on the water.† Nate actually had a great capacity for sarcasm, but he usually reserved it for those things and people he found truly irritating. Jon Thomas Fuller was truly irritating. â€Å"Going to be tough to replace it.† â€Å"We'll manage. It was insured.† â€Å"You might want to get something bigger this time. I know there's a measure of safety working off of these sixty-five-footers we have, but also with the cabin you can set up computers, bow cameras, a lot of things that aren't really possible on little speedboats. A good-size boat would add a lot of legitimacy to your operation.† â€Å"We sort of decided to go with the legitimacy we get from doing credible research, Jon Thomas.† â€Å"We didn't make those figures up.† Fuller caught himself raising his voice. The cop interviewing Clay looked over his shoulder, and Fuller lowered his tone. â€Å"That was just professional jealousy on the part of our detractors.† â€Å"Your detractors were the facts. What did you expect when your paper concluded that humpbacks actually enjoyed being struck by Jet Skis?† â€Å"Some do.† Fuller pushed back his pith helmet and ventured a smile of sincerity, which collapsed under its own weight. â€Å"What's your angle, Jon Thomas?† â€Å"Nate, I can get you a boat like ours, with all the trimmings, and an operating budget, and you'd just have to do one little project for me. One season of work, maximum. And your operation can keep the boat, sell it, do whatever you want.† Unless Fuller was about to ask him to shove him off the dock into the oily water, Quinn pretty much knew he was going to turn down the offer, but he had to ask. Those were really nice boats. â€Å"Make your proposal.† â€Å"I need you to put your name on a study that says that human-dolphin interaction facilities are not harmful to the animals, and do a study that says that building one at La Perouse Bay wouldn't have a negative impact on the environment. Then I'd need you to stand up at the appropriate meetings and make the case.† â€Å"I'm not your guy, Jon Thomas. First, I'm not a dolphin guy, and you know that.† Nate avoided adding what he wanted to say, which was Second, you are a feckless weasel out to make a buck without any consideration for science or the animals you study. Instead he said, â€Å"There are dozens of people doing studies on captive dolphins. Why don't you go to them?† â€Å"I have the animal study. You don't have to do the study. I just want your name on it.† â€Å"Won't the people who actually did the study have some objection to that?† â€Å"No. They'll be fine with it. I need your name and your presence, Nate.† â€Å"I don't think so. I can't see myself testifying before impact committees and county planning boards.† â€Å"Okay, fair enough. Clay or Amy can do the stand-ups. Just put your name on the paper and do the environmental impact study. I need the credibility of your name.† â€Å"Which I won't have as soon as I let you use me. I'm sorry, but my name is all I really have to show for twenty-five years of work. I can't sell it out, even for a really nice boat.† â€Å"Oh, right, the nobility of starvation. Fuck that, Nate, and fuck your high ideals. I'm doing more for these animals by exposing the public to them than you'll do in a lifetime of graphing out songs and recording behavior. And before you retire to your ivory tower on the ethical high ground, you'd better take a good look at your people. That kid is a common thief, and no one has ever heard of your precious new assistant.† Fuller turned and signaled to his chorus line of whalettes that they were going to their boat. Quinn looked for Amy, saw her on the other side of the cop who was talking to Clay, helping him fill in details. He ran up behind Fuller, grabbed the smaller man's arm, and spun him around. â€Å"What are you talking about? Amy studied at Woods Hole, with Tyack and Loughten.† â€Å"That right? Well, maybe you'd better give them a call and ask them. Because they've never heard of her. Despite what you think, I do my research, Nate. Do you? Now, get back to your one-boat operation, would you.† â€Å"If I find out you had anything to do with this†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Fuller wrenched his arm out of Quinn's grip and grinned. â€Å"Right, you'll what? Become more irrelevant? Screw you, Nate.† â€Å"What did you say?† But Fuller ignored him and boarded his million-dollar research vessel, while Quinn skulked back down the dock to his friends. Oily flotsam seemed to be losing its allure, however, and the crowd had dispersed somewhat, leaving only Amy, Clay, the cop, and the couple from Minnesota. â€Å"You. You're somebody aren't you?† asked the woman as Nate walked up. â€Å"Honey, this guy is someone. I remember seeing him on the Discovery Channel. Get my picture with him.† â€Å"Who is he?† said  «honey » as his wife took Nate by the arm and posed like he'd just handed her a check. â€Å"I don't know, one of those ocean guys,† she said through a grin, acting as if she were posing with one of the carved statues that decorated doorways around Lahaina. â€Å"Just take the picture.† â€Å"Are you one of those Cousteau fellas?† â€Å"Oui,† said Nate. â€Å"Now I muss speak with my good fren' Sylvia Earle,† he continued in his French-by-way-of-British-Columbia-and-Northern-California fake accent as he went over to Amy. â€Å"I need to talk to you.† â€Å"Sylvia Earle! She's a National Geographic person. Get their picture together, honey.† â€Å"He's lying, Nathan,† Amy said. â€Å"You can check if you want. It was all on the resume I gave to Clay.† She didn't appear angry, just hurt, betrayed perhaps. Her eyes were huge and teary, and she was starting to look vaguely like one of those creepy Keane sad-eyed-kid pictures. Quinn felt like he'd just smacked a bag of kittens against a truck bumper. â€Å"I know,† he said. â€Å"I'm sorry. I just†¦ well, Jon Thomas is an asshole. I let him get to me.† â€Å"It's okay,† Amy sniffed. â€Å"It's just†¦ just†¦ I've worked so hard.† â€Å"I don't need to check, Amy. You do good work. My fault for doubting you. Let's get Clay squared away and get to work.† He tentatively put his arm around her and walked her back to where Clay was finishing up his interview with the cop. Clay saw the tear tracks down Amy's face and immediately took her in his arms and pressed her head to his shoulder. â€Å"I know, honey. I know. It was a great boat, but it was just a boat. We'll get another one.† â€Å"Where's Kona?† Nate asked. â€Å"He was around here a second ago,† said Clay. Just then Nate's cell phone rang. He worked it out of his shirt pocket and answered it. â€Å"Nathan, it's me,† said the Old Broad. Nate covered the mouthpiece. â€Å"It's the Old Broad,† Nate said to Clay. â€Å"Amy, you go round up Kona while I finish up with the officer, okay?† Clay said. Amy nodded and was off down the dock. Clay turned back to the officer. The Old Broad went on, â€Å"Nathan, I spoke to that big male again today, and he definitely wants you to take a hot pastrami on rye with you when you go out. He said it's very important.† â€Å"I'm sure it is, Elizabeth, but I'm not sure we're even going out today. Something's happened to Clay's boat. It's gone.† â€Å"Oh, my, he must be distraught. I'll come down and look after him, but you have to get out in the channel today. I just feel it's very important.† â€Å"I don't think you'll need to come down, Elizabeth. Clay will manage.† â€Å"Well, if you say so, but you have to promise me you'll go out today.† â€Å"I promise.† â€Å"And you'll take a pastrami on rye for that big male.† â€Å"I'll try, Elizabeth. I have to go now, Clay needs me for something.† â€Å"With Swiss cheese and hot mustard!† the Old Broad said as Nate disconnected. Clay thanked the policeman, who nodded to Quinn as he walked off. Even the couple from Minnesota had moved on, and only Clay and Quinn were left on the dock. â€Å"Where are the kids?† asked Nate, cringing at the whole idea: he and Clay, the middle-aged couple being responsible and boring while the kids went off to play and have adventures. â€Å"I asked Amy to find Kona. They could be anywhere.† â€Å"Clay, I need to ask you something before they get back.† â€Å"Shoot.† â€Å"Did you check any of Amy's references before you hired her? I mean, did you call anyone? Woods Hole? Her undergrad school – what was it?† â€Å"Cornell. Nope. She was smart, she was cute, she seemed to know what she was talking about, and she said she'd work for free. The bona fides looked good on paper. Gift horse, Nate.† â€Å"Jon Thomas Fuller said that he checked and that no one at Woods Hole has heard of her.† â€Å"Fuller's an asshole. Look, I don't really care if she finished high school. The kid has proven herself. She's got balls.† â€Å"Still, maybe I should call Tyack. Just in case.† â€Å"If you need to. Call him this afternoon when you get back in.† â€Å"I'm sure Fuller was just yanking my chain. He tried to offer us a boat like his if we backed his dolphin-park project.† â€Å"And you turned him down?† â€Å"Of course.† â€Å"But those are really nice boats. Our armada has been reduced by fifty percent. Our nautical resources have declined by more than one-half. Our boatage is deficient by point five.† â€Å"What's up?† Amy said. She'd come back down the dock and seemed to have shaken off her earlier melancholy. â€Å"Clay's being scientific. Fuller offered us a sixty-foot research vessel like his, with operating budget, if we back his dolphin project.† â€Å"Do I have to sleep with him?† â€Å"We haven't put that on the table,† Clay said, â€Å"but I'll bet we could get a sonar array if you're enthusiastic.† â€Å"Hell, Nate, take it,† Amy said. â€Å"It would mean selling out my credibility,† said Quinn, appalled at what total whores his colleagues had become. â€Å"We'd be going over to the dark side.† Amy shrugged. â€Å"Those are really nice boats.† The corner of her mouth twitched as if she was trying not to grin, and Nate realized that she was probably goofing on him. â€Å"Yeah,† said Clay. â€Å"Nice.† Clay was goofing, too. He'd be all right. Nate shook his head, looking as if he were fighting disbelief, but actually he was trying to shake the memory of his dream of driving a big cabin cruiser through the streets of Seattle with Amy displayed as the bikinied figurehead. â€Å"If you're okay, Clay, we really should get out before the wind comes up.† â€Å"Go,† Clay said. â€Å"I'll get the police report for the insurance company.† To Amy he said, â€Å"You find Kona?† â€Å"He's down there with that Tako guy.† â€Å"What's he doing down there?† â€Å"It looked like he was building a saxophone. I didn't go close.† Quinn strode down the dock and looked to where Kona was talking with Tako Man. â€Å"No, that's his bong. It breaks down for easy portage.† â€Å"What's a bong?† â€Å"Cute, Amy. Help me get the equipment in the boat.† Suddenly Kona started shouting and running down the dock toward them. â€Å"Bwanas! I found the boat!† Clay perked up. â€Å"Where?† â€Å"Right there. Tako Man says it's right there. He dove down there this morning.† Kona was pointing to a patch of murky jade green water in the center of the harbor. Jade green because of all the waste flushed from the live-aboards, as well as the bait, fish guts, seasickness, and bird poop that went into the water faster than the scavengers could clean it out, and so it caused a perpetual algae bloom. â€Å"My boat,† said Clay, looking forlornly at the empty water. Amy stepped up and put her arm around Clay's shoulders to resume stage-two comfort. â€Å"He dove in that water?† â€Å"The nightwalkers sank it, Bwana Clay. Tako Man saw them. Skinny blue-gray guys. He called them nightwalkers. I think aliens.† â€Å"Aliens are always gray, aren't they?† inquired Quinn. â€Å"That's what I say to him,† said Kona. â€Å"But he say no, not with the lightbulb head. He say they tall and froggy.† â€Å"You're high,† said Clay. â€Å"Tako Man got dank mystical buds, brah. Was a spiritual duty.† â€Å"He's not criticizing you, Kona,† Quinn explained. â€Å"We just assume that you're high. Clay's just doubting the credibility of your story.† â€Å"You don't believe I? Give a man a mask, I'll dive down and get a ting off da boat for proof.† â€Å"Hepatitis, that's what you'll bring up,† said Amy. â€Å"I'm going to work,† said Nate. â€Å"My boat,† said Clay. Nate decided that perhaps he should offer a measure of solace. â€Å"Look at the bright side, Clay. At least whales are big.† â€Å"How is that the bright side?† â€Å"We could be studying viruses. You have any idea what it costs to replace a scanning electron microscope?† â€Å"My boat,† said Clay.