Is the American Dream Dead? Essay

The notion American dream is a fundamental part of the American society and culture, dozens of books, articles and songs deals with this topic, politicians often mention it in their speeches. Though the phrase has different meanings to different people, it suggests an underlying belief that hard work pays off and that the next generation will have a better life than the previous generation. Nowadays this belief is challenged and more and more concern is articulated in connection with the American dream in the 21st century. As comedian, author and social critic George Carlin have put it: â€Å"It’s called the American dream because you have to be asleep to believe it.† In what follows I would like to explore the theme of the American dream as a whole and consider its juncture in the 21st century by elaborating on its past and present. The evolution of the American dream Historian James Truslow Adams is credited for being the first popularizing the idea of the American dream in his book The Epic of America (1931). He characterizes the American dream as â€Å"that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.† But the same idea existed since the colonist times. In 1630 John Winthrop give a sermon to his fellow Puritan colonists in which he detailed his vision of a society in which everyone would have a chance to prosper, as long as they all worked together and followed Biblical teachings. Eventually, the hope for equality of opportunity evolved in colonists’ mind into a God-given right. More than a hundred years later Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence  asserted that every American – except the slaves – have the right to â€Å"life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.† As grew America in the 19th century, so did the number of immigrants who saw the continent as a land of opportunity where anything could be achieved if a person dared to dream big enough. The words â€Å"American dream† gradually began to appear in newspaper articles and books in the mid- to late-1800s. The first difficulties appeared during the Great Depression in the 1930s. It affected both the rich and the poor. The self-made millionaires lost their fortune, Americans of humbler means lost their jobs and homes. With the beginning of Roosevelt’s presidency a new era begin in the American history and so did in the evolution of the Dream. In a 1941 speech Roosevelt visioned a new, government-assisted American dream, which included full employment, government help for the elderly and those unable to work, and â€Å"enjoyment of the fruits of scientific progress in a wider and constantly rising standard of living.† Previously the achievement of the American dream depended on the individual’s ability and hard-work, now, due to the Depression the government’s assistance was needed. The post-World War II prosperity meant for many Americans the fulfillment of the Dream, so that he faith in the American dream was restored least for the majority. By this time the American dream was equal to amassing wealth, but the other important aspect sank into oblivion. In a 1964 speech entitled â€Å"The American Dream,† civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr voiced this other aspect which Thomas Jefferson’s statement: â€Å"All men are equal†. For King the Dream was that same rights and opportunities would be granted for everyone regardless of skin-color. In the 1970s, with the U.S. economy stalling, inflation on the rise and the nation torn by both racial strife and an angry divide over the Vietnam War the idea of the American dream got questioned once again. A french historian Ingrid Carlander in her book (Les Americaines) claimed that the American dream was dead. These circumstances lead to the transform of the Dream again. In 1980 Ronald Reagen took office, who was the embodiment of the American dream. He had risen to presidency from a humble farm family in Illinois.  Therefore his words seems to be credited when he claimed that America is still a place where â€Å"everyone can rise as high and far as his ability will take him†. His solution to the crisis of the Dream was to disestablish the dependency on the government by cutting taxes. At first sight it seemed to be successful, but Congressional Budget Office data shows the opposite. Between 1979 and 2005, the income of the bottom 99 percent of U.S. households grew 21 percent after taxes, a rate of less than one percent a year, not enough to keep up with inflation. But during that same period, the after-tax income of the richest one percent of Americans grew by 225 percent. In 1979, the richest one percent made eight times as much as the typical middle-class family. In 2005, the richest made 21 times as much as the middle-class. The data shows that the inequality between the rich and the poor broadened the tax cuts were too efficient for the rich. The American dream in the 21st century In the modern American society the faith in the American dream is declining. Zachary Karabell in his article â€Å"American Dream May Have Waned for Some, But Lives On for Many† claims that opinion about the American dream’s existence appears to be split 50-50. In spite of this the lost in faith is much more emphasized in the press. The skepticism grows and it is mainly because of the Great Recession. The financial and opportunity differences between the poor and rich which started under Raegen deepen. A recent New York Times study confirms the inequalities, it shows that income mobility greatly depends on what part of the U.S. you live in. As Karabell have put in his other article† A new American dream for a new American century† â€Å"Those who live in metropolitan areas, as well as those with more higher education and wealthier parents, have significantly more upward mobility than many in rural areas.† These obstacles to the upward movement on the â€Å"income ladder† is something truly against the American dream. Those who did not lose faith in the dream completely, redefined it. The survey, conducted by GFK Custom Research for Credit.com, found that most respondents (27.9%) said the American Dream is retiring financially secure at 65, though coming in at second place, 23% defined it as being debt-free. The other options were owning a home (18.2%), graduating from college or  paying off your student loans (6.6%) and joining the 1% (4.3%). The responses were rounded out by: other (11.4%), none (0.2%) and don’t know/no response (8.5%). The old definition of the American dream was two and a half thriving, college-bound kids, a dog or cat and not one, but two cars in the garage that were owned outright, finally and most importantly owning a house according to Adam Levin (â€Å"The New American Dream: It’s Not What You Think†) As we can see the new generation have much less expectation, the dream would come into reality if they could achieve basic financial stability. To conclude, the American dream is an as old idea as the country itself. It went through hardships erstwhile and thrived after them, what changed is that Western-Europe closed up in providing equality of opportunity so that America lost its uniqueness in this respect. Stating the American dream’s death is maybe premature, but in the long run its distinctness as a land of potential and possibility will fade out, and becomes one out of my where the individual can realize his/her dreams.

Dell’s Supply Chain Management Essay

The term supply chain management (SCM) was initially used in wholesaling and retailing to denote the integration of logistics and physical distribution functions with the goal of reducing delivery lead times. Manufacturers and service providers have used the same term to describe integration and partnership efforts with first- and second- tier suppliers to reduce cost and improve quality and delivery timing. Terms such as integrated purchasing strategy, integrated logistics, supplier integration, value chain management, supply base management, strategic supplier alliances, lean production, Just-In-Time (JIT) logistics, and supply chain synchronization have been used in the literature to address certain elements or stages of this new management philosophy (1998; 1994). Conceptually, SCM includes all value-adding activities from the extraction of raw materials through the transformation processes and through delivery to the end user. SCM spans organizational boundaries and treats the organizations within the value chain as a unified virtual business entity (1991; 1995). (1995) further expanded SCM to include recycling or reuse activities. In general, SCM seeks improved performance through elimination of waste and better use of internal and external supplier capabilities and technologies (1996). The retailing industry has focused on different aspects of SCM, namely, location, transportation, and logistics issues. Indeed, the origin of supply chain management can be traced back to efforts to better manage the transportation and logistics functions (1997; 1995; 1994; 1993; 1991; 1987). The wholesaling and retailing industries incorporate a logistics focus within their strategic decisions. In this respect, SCM is synonymous with integrated logistics systems that control the movement of goods from the suppliers to end customers without waste (1991). Moreover, integrated logistics systems seek to manage inventories through close relationships with suppliers and transportation, distribution, and delivery services. A goal is to replace inventory with frequent communication and sophisticated information systems to provide visibility and coordination. In this way, merchandise can be replenished quickly in small lot size and arrive where and when it is needed (1994; 1993). Firms that use advanced process technology to increase flexibility and involve manufacturing managers in strategic decision making alter the role of logistics in firm success (1998). A supply chain can reduce overall inventory while maximizing customer service by efficiently redistributing stock within the supply chain using effective postponement and speculation strategies (1998; 1993; 1991). New logistics technology gives businesses a complex way to make things easier for their customers and suppliers. Within logistics industry, Dell’s system is recognized as one that takes advantage of technology to decrease storage and increase efficiency. The computer company’s supply and shipping networks exemplify the latest trend in logistics, that is, visibility. Companies with the money and foresight are making sure their inventories can be traced and tracked throughout their entire logistical operations, even if their systems are entirely outsourced. Executing a supply chain with full visibility gives companies better information to work with and a more agile system. Dell has a better control of their operation which has reduced safety stocks and has operate faster to get cash-to-cash conversion cycles. By producing custom products at a rapid pace, the computer manufacturer receives payments from customer before it pays suppliers. Companies can do this only if there’s a short window between receiving an order and shipping it. In addition, Dell’s customers can also keep track of their order status. They can trace their computer as is moves through assembly and testing, and can track its shipment due to the technology of major shipping companies. The pulse of Dell’s execution effort centers on increasing business velocity and eliminating waste. Dell employees are constantly focused on driving down backlogs, promoting best practices, and creating synergies among adjacent processes as seen in cross-functional initiatives such as the design-for-manufacturability effort between manufacturing and R&D. This initiative successfully promoted product designs that are easier to assemble. In 1994, Dell was a struggling second-tier PC maker. Like many others, the company ordered its components in advance and manufactured to inventory. Then Dell began to implement a new business model. It converted its operations to a build-to-order process, eliminated its inventories through a just-in-time system, and sold its products directly to consumers. Dell carefully targeted corporate relationship customers that had predictable, budgeted needs and that wanted a pre-determined set of product models. The company also selected individual customers who were high-end, repeat purchasers with a preference for early technology adoption. Both account segments had the stable, predictable purchase patterns that Dell needed to make its joint build-product-to-order/buy-component-to-plan system work. In connection with this, Dell developed a set of new operations capabilities in five crucial areas (2005). First, it created the flawless make-to-order system that has been widely noted. Secondly, Dell worked at length to build an effective supplier management function in order to shorten component lead times and maintain the absolute quality standards required by the just-in-time operation. Third, Dell developed the â€Å"sell what you have† system that was essential to matching supply and demand. Fourth, it instituted an extraordinarily crisp set of product life cycle management capabilities that yielded great cost reductions and strategic advantage. Fifth, the company worked with its suppliers to shorten their product life cycles, extending the Dell business model to the whole channel. Together these operating capabilities formed a cornerstone for Dell’s business model. Moreover, to maintain its rapid growth, Dell needs to hone its just-in-time process. Dell believes that the key to JIT is integrating with the suppliers into its operation. It is important for the company to work with the suppliers to figure out how to minimize the supply chain and hold the least amount of inventory in it. Inventory can add costs, damage quality, slow production, and wreak havoc with Dell’s rapid response reputation. To guard against this, Dell has optimized its supply base and developed a tightly run system in which it â€Å"pulls† parts from suppliers just as they are needed for production. Dell has manufacturing facilities in Austin; Limerick, Ireland; and Penang, Malaysia, each of which produces PCs on a JIT basis. In order to ensure the smooth flow of production supplies into these plants, Dell has developed a two-tiered strategy that employs different sourcing arrangements and delivery schedules for custom and commodity parts. When Dell receives an order for a PC, it faxes or phones its requirements to suppliers who pick the proper parts and pack them in reusable bins with kanban cards attached. Trucks on a continuous loop between suppliers and Dell, known as a â€Å"milk run,† deliver the sorted parts to the computer maker’s plant for final assembly. This process frees Dell from having to manage inventories and the costs associated with them. However, Dell has made efforts to ensure that suppliers don’t get stuck with much inventory. The computer maker allows suppliers to participate in a â€Å"revolver program,† where they can sell parts stored at the warehouse to other customers. In comparison with Dell’s supply chain management, Baxter, a hospital supply company, developed a powerful new type of partnership with its hospital customers. Baxter develops a strategy which is the vendor-managed inventory system, then called the Stockless System in managing its customer’s inventories within their hospital facilities (2001). The hospital specifies its stock requirements for each ward; an on-site Baxter employee counts the stock in each ward each day or every few days; the employee enters this information into a hand-held device and transmits it to Baxter’s warehouse, where a replenishment order is derived; at the warehouse, the order is picked into ward-specific containers; that order is delivered the next day or in a few days directly to the ward, and the Baxter employee puts the stock away; finally, Baxter invoices the hospital. Baxter’s Stockless System created a powerful new channel that changed the ground rules for all other hospita l supply companies. However, in the long run, the shift to service competition led to significant sales increases as conversions to Baxter products naturally occurred. The company also gained significant first-mover advantage as it tied up key accounts with this new channel. In the case of Procter and Gamble (P&G), the company first partnered with Wal-Mart to develop a pioneering continuous replenishment system. Through this system, P&G replenishes Wal-Mart’s facilities without purchase orders based on the retailer’s product movement data. Based on this experience, P&G systematically shifted its strategic focus toward supply chain-based service innovation–and in the process transformed both the consumer products and retail industries. P&G also developed a careful account selection plan as part of an innovative product supply model. The company developed operating partnerships with major customers capable of linking electronically, taking full-truckload deliveries, and engaging in joint business process reorganization programs. Smaller accounts were shifted to master distributors, which in turn were selected for their ability to partner effectively with P&G. P&G, for its part, developed operations capabilities in two key areas ( 2001). First, it created a sweeping new set of industry-change programs such as ECR (efficient consumer response), CRP (customer requirements planning), and streamlined logistics. These programs required a solid new understanding of channel economics and the impact of supply chain innovation. Second, the company developed sophisticated IT ties to coordinate its product flow, enabling it to raise service levels to meet the needs of the new system. With regards with Dell’s, supply chain competency of the company comprises of four qualities which includes demand management, internal collaboration, leveraging partners, and financial fundamentals (2004). Dell’s direct model enables the company to excel at demand management. The process of selling directly to customers and building product to order creates opportunities for true real-time collaboration and synchronization between manufacturing and sales. By being in direct contact with the market, Dell can quickly see changes in customer demand. Synchronization allows Dell to respond more quickly to customer demand than its competitors can. Additionally, this true internal collaboration allows for highly accurate forecasts. Another key aspect of Dell’s success is its ability to collaborate internally. This competency is driven by a culture that values information sharing and empowers all employees. At Dell, â€Å"direct† refers not only to how the company sells but also to how team members communicate and attack issues (2004). Moreover, Dell’s culture and processes not only help the company collaborate internally but also help it leverage its business partners. Dell leverages its partners by linking suppliers’ planning and execution activities with Dell’s systems. The company uses information technology to gather and share a constant stream of data on supply and demand trends. On the supply side, Dell gathers real-time information about the inventory levels of its suppliers at various positions in the supply chain. Finally, Dell’s entire supply chain is focused on fundamental business performance. Operating margin and not just profits or growth rate is the number that Dell cares about most to ensure long-term profitability. Dell Inc.’s renowned direct sales model is regularly cited as the key reason for its overall competitive prowess. At Dell, supply chain management is truly viewed as a strategic capability; it drives coordination with, and in many instances it includes, activities such as marketing, sales, finance, and information technology.

Impact of Information Technology (IT) on NHS Essay

Impact of Information Technology (IT) on NHS - Essay Example The research paper â€Å"Impact of Information Technology (IT) on NHS† highlights the introduction and implementation of ICT technology systems in health service. The introduction and use of computers in primary health care provision in the United Kingdom has progressed slowly due to lack of proper coordination. This has necessitated calls with proposals to change policies so as to improve primary health care. According to researchers, proper coordination might enhance the use of suitable application of information technology. From the time ICT was incepted and applied in the pathways of health care in the United Kingdom, patients have experienced tremendous improvement at all stages of health care provision. This has mainly been necessitated by the fact that technology improves communication between the health care system and its consumers. It has provided various ways in which consumers can reach health information through NHS Choices mobile directory, Feedback services like that offered by Patient Option that gives consumers with the alternative to change health care delivery. Technology may have an impact on the relationship between patients and their carers and or other medical experts in ways that may sometimes be perceived as counterproductive. For example, some doctors view the availability of online information to patients as a threat to the delicate balance of the patient–clinician relationship. Patients may be concerned that the relationship with their carers could be replaced by one with a machine. Patient Records SCR: The electronic health record card has the ability to track the patient and allows staff treating or taking care for patients to easily access information about them, therefore improving diagnosis and care. Electronic Prescription Service: The Electronic Prescription Service enables those providing prescription services such as GPs and practice nurses, to send prescriptions electronically to dispensers like pharmacies of the patient’s choice. This has revitalized prescribing and dispensing processes therefore making it to be safe and convenient for patients and staff (Royal Commission on Long Term Care, 1999). Choose and E-Book ICT has provided the opportunity for online booking services as well as touch-screen patient check-in systems that offer patients more autonomy on the consultation process with their preferred medical expert and therefore empower them. It also offers monitoring and alarm facilities that help patients to sustain an independent life while bed-nursing at home for patients who might have to be cared for in a medical facility. Besides, there are devices that can check the level of blood glucose while others are able to monitor the use of anticoagulants help to save patients from unnecessary visits to the clinic or hospital. Individual applications located anywhere for both patients are available. In medicine, ICT has had adverse positive effects beyond the doctors’ a nd hospital databases. It is evident that other areas that have recorded substantial effects from ICT include computers that control diagnostic machineries. In addition, computer analysis of information collected from diagnostic equipment (Royal Commission on Long Term Care, 1999). This is evident since images from NRM scans that are very unintelligible get processed and interpreted clearly by computers and therefore helping doctors to give the correct prescriptions to the patient. Expert systems can avail doctors with information regarding diseases that are uncommon. For medical consultants, guidelines and online access to research results and protocols on searchable databanks offer easy reference to the current knowledge reservoir. Preventive care has also been greatly facilitated by

Home land security and terrorism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Home land security and terrorism - Essay Example Either they belong to Muslim communities or non Muslim; they become the target of violent spreading factors (Eric Croddy, James J. Wirtz, 2005, p 458). In such a worse condition there are few countries which are severely affected i.e. Pakistan Afghanistan and Srilanka. But the super power of this world is not yet largely affected by the roots of terrorism. Securing the borders is one of the biggest challenges that US government is facing these days. To avoid the risk of terrorism the government utilizes a number of technologies such as â€Å"virtual fence† of sensors; cameras, motion detectors, and other equipments (United States, Dept. of Defense, Newton N. Minow). Undocumented immigrants are also forbidden by the government so that the invasion of terrorists is controlled within a state. But this does not make the whole system a fool proof system but it still leaves doubts because of which the government tries to enhance its system. Bush administration bequeathed a border security program to Obama team in which undocumented immigrants were cited as a cause of terrorism. Therefore Secure Border Initiative (SBI) plan was made by Obama administration’s new team. It is a comprehensive plan to control the illegal flow of immigrations. It includes increased staffing to strengthen interior enforcement. A great investment was also made in detecting technology and infrastructure. A vital module of the SBI strategy is SBI- net program. In March 2010 DHS designed another surveillance policy in which a new security technology would be installed. It includes mobile surveillance, thermal imaging devices, ultra-light detection, backscatter units, mobile radios, cameras and laptop computers for pursuit vehicles, and remote video surveillance system enhancements. By applying all these parameters it is expected that US can be successful in maintaining security

Physics lab report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Physics - Lab Report Example The experiment made use of a glider placed in an air track and suspended on two springs. The setup is at rest and remains at rest because the springs subject an equal force on the glider; they cancel each other; it is at a stable equilibrium position. The force applied on the setup in particular direction results a net force that acts on the glider and tries to return to the equilibrium state. The combined forces pull in a manner that the resultant force takes It to the original position; determined as restoring force. When the glider is brought to the original position, it is still under the influence of velocity and therefore goes beyond the default position by overshoot moving to the opposite direction from the earlier force. The overshoot results in the whole drag to equilibrium starting all over again. The back and forth motion is referred to as an oscillation. Mathematically known as sine and cosine function; simple harmonic motion. To analyze the problem let x be an instantaneous position of the glider while x0 is the equilibrium position. When the glider moves from the equilibrium position, the restoring force is F. without applying too much force resultant forces are linear hence force equation is; It implies that when the glider moves away from the equilibrium, restoring force becomes bigger. F is proportional to x. k is the spring constant. The sign (-) represents the restoration character of the force in the setup. A positive different in (x-x0) indicates that the force is negative x direction. A negative (x-x0) implies a positive force direction. Given a displacement initially A = x-x0, F = -kA, and accelerates towards the negative x-axis towards equilibrium; x = x0 where the restoring force is zero. It passes beyond x0 to the opposite direction and arrives with x-x0 = -A at zero velocity and it is pulled back. This forth and back motion goes on and results to oscillations. Without friction, kinetic energy and potential energy remain the

Canadian Tire Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Canadian Tire - Essay Example anadas largest retailer, it is asserted that about 90 percent of Canadians live within a 15-minute drive of a Canadian Tire store and that at least 40 percent of Canadians shop at Canadian Tire, which has 487 stores across the country, each owned and operated by an associate dealer. This essay therefore examines the progress that Canadian Tire since its formation. Specifically, the paper explores the company’s achievements, challenges, and weaknesses, further explaining the reason it is my favorite company. As mentioned earlier, the Today Canadian Tire is today a multibillion dollar corporation despite its beginning as a humble and a small company. Having been founded in 1922 by the two brothers, the firm originally operated as a tire store. They two brothers named the company Canadian Tire with the thought that such a name would make it sound big. Strange enough, this strategy worked since currently, almost every town in Canada, regardless its size, has a Canadian Tire store. The first Canadian Tire store became operational in 1934 in Hamilton, Ontario. However, the first Canadian Tire gas station was opened in 1958 during which the company introduced its first Canadian Tire money service. However, the firm would open its first financial services section in 1968. The firm’s progress was evident early since by 1980 the company’ revenues had exceeded the $1 billion mark and its employees had started sharing its profits buying its stock. In 1993, the company recorded huge e xpansion in its operations and revenues leading to the formation of the Canadian Tire Foundation in 1999 to help needy families. Following the expansion of the 1990s was the 2001 opening of most of the firm’s stores seen today (Data Monitor, 2007). However, Canadian Tire continues to grow even in current business environment, which is marred with numerous business issues and challenges. The company, as any other, has faced many challenges over the years in which it has remained in

Customer Service Excellence. Impact of technology on Customer Service Essay

Customer Service Excellence. Impact of technology on Customer Service Excellence - Essay Example Now-a-days, the customers have a huge variety of choices for each product and the organisations have to develop specific strategies that can help them in creating a distinctive image in the market and capture the attention of its targeted customers. In order to get the customer’s attention, almost every organisation is focusing on enhancing the customer experience by developing an effective customer service excellence strategy (Khan and Matlay, 2009). With dynamic changes happening in the customer needs, the organisations have to respond proactively so that they can maintain their competitive edge in the market; the companies have to be customer-centric as the technological advancements are allowing them to lower their cost of information exchange and solve customer problems effectively (Hilgers, 2007). Such advancements in the field of business require the companies to do re-evaluation of their value propositions and focus more on developing the products and services that wil l enhance a customer’s experience. ... Whether an organisation is offering a product or service, it is important for them to focus on providing excellent and out of the box customer service. In order to create demand in the market for their products and services, most of the organisations are now developing new and innovative offerings for services and their main aim is to provide the revenue producing solutions. One of the distinctive features of top ranked companies such as Singapore Airlines, Dell, Nokia, Microsoft, Wal-Mart, Sony Corporation, Samsung, Apple and others is an appealing and differentiating service culture (Conklin, Powaga & Lipovetsky, 2004). Every customer is looking for the products and service offerings that will help them in having one to one interaction with the companies and ensure that they have the best buying and consumption experience. Importance of Customer Service Excellence According to Cook (2008), business models are an important aspect of every organisation and they determine four crucial elements that enhance performance and profitability of organisations i.e. choices of customers, costs of transactions, competition among companies and existence of heterogeneity among producers (companies) and customers. The customer service excellence is basically considered to be a challenge by organisations as they have to understand the customer’s perceptions about service excellence and then develop a culture that will meet their expectations level. The development of an effective customer service culture is difficult for organisations as every customer perceives differently about various service initiatives; for instance, helping customers in shopping is considered to be a

Organizational Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 7

Organizational Behavior - Essay Example In every year starting from 1970 and ending at 1979, the number of references remained 20. The number of references approximately doubled with the start of the year 1980 i.e. the number of references increased from 20 to 41. In the decade between 1980 and 1989, each year saw a total number of references of 41. The number of references did not increase from 41 until the start of the year 1990, when another 21 references were added to the total to make them 62. It is noteworthy that the addition in the number of references at the junction between the end of 1979 and the start of 1980 is exactly equal to the addition in the number of references at the interface between 1989 and 1990. Each transition was equal to the addition of 21 references to the total. Starting from the year 1990 till the year 1999, the number of references remained stable at 62. Right at the point of transition between 1999 and 2000, the number of references approximately showed a five-fold increase, thus becoming 3 00 in the year 2000 from only 62 in the year 1999. The number of references remained 300 in each year between 2000 and 2009. Overall, the increase of the number of references from 1960 to 2009 occurred in such a way that makes the pattern of stairs. Every decade from 1960 to 2009 represents one tread of the stair and every riser of this staircase is a point of transition between one decade and another. Overall, there has been an increase in the number of references from 1960 to 2009, with the number remaining constant for each decade between the two years. It is also noteworthy that the references increased by small numbers in the starting years, but suddenly shot up at the junction between the year 1999 and the year 2000. With the onset of the 21st century, there occurred an immense transition in the number of references. In just a matter of fifty years, the number of references that were non-existent in the year 1960 and remained so

The crisis in the French wine industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The crisis in the French wine industry - Essay Example (Donald and Petie, 2001) However since the end of the Second World War the wine industry in France has undergone a lot of changes notable the introduction of quality of French wine which was passed in 1935. Since then the industry has developed to become the second largest exporter of wine in the world behind Spain. It has curve a niche in the market to compete with other countries like Italy which are traditionally known as wine house. Since the end of the Second World War, the industry has undergone several changes to become one of the leading industries in the France and an identity for the country. France is still considered to be one of the best producers of wines in the world. The Bordeaux region ahs since then developed to be one of the leading wine producing regions of the world. Wine producers from the region have traveled to the regions of the world including Rioja in Spain and have been able to carry out culturing of vines to make Bordeaux vines some of the leading and the best vine in the world. Since the need of he second world war, French wine industry has seen the establishment of hundred of vineyards owned by multination company. (MacNeil, 2001) The remarkable development of French wine industry has been the emphasis on the quality of wine produced. This has been though the development of the appellation system which classify French wine into quality. The Appellaion d'Origine Controlee system is governed by a powering national bound which ensures that all the wine that it produced in the region is of quality. France is produce of owning the oldest world appellation system that has helped it to have some of the world renowned quality wine brand. With time the industry has become more specific with various companies specializing in production of different white and red wines and other wine varieties. French has provided the modeling appellation system on quality which is being used by the EU to come up with a wine assessment framework along that to France. (Desmond, 1999) But in the recent past, the industry has been hit by several crises ranging from competition from the new vine grower region like Australia and America to a decrease in local consumption of wine. This paper will discuss the crisis that the industry is facing currently and the solution that have been proposed to address the issue in order to revive the industry to its former self. The nature and magnitude of the crisis facing the French wine industry There are several areas in France that have been hard hit by the crisis. The Bordeaux region which is traditionally known for producing quality wines. Although the region has been able to deal with the wine crisis, it is facing rounds of crisis as far as distillation is concerned. Even if this crisis has been experienced in other regions, Bordeaux region has faced the worst crisis in France because of its capacity of production. It has been experiencing wine lake effect for a long time. Producers of generic Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superior have been worst affected Traditionally, France has been a wide consumer of wine produced in the country. This made many producer of wine in the region to rely on the domestic market alone since all the wine produced was

Love and Everyday Life Theory Essay Example for Free

Love and Everyday Life Theory Essay Second, I focus on my first love experience and use the liquid love theory of Bauman to analyze, additional I will discuss why I have this relationship and how can I enjoy it from the theory of Beck, U. and Beck-Gernsheim, E. Third, I will demonstrate my recent real emotion situation and discuss the new forms of love with the theory of Batchelor, S. Fourth, I will integrally analyze the three external love and indicate the self-realisation what I get from the three love experiences also with the theory of Beck, U. and Beck-Gernsheim, E. Before I show the process of my first love relationship, I analyzed that the reason why I intended to start a relationship is that my everyday life was so repeating boring and I did not accept a belief like religion. In addition to it, which is most important, I had no feeling about connecting with other people from any communities. In senior high school, all of the thing I had to or I simply can do by studying in my everyday life. There are no clubs or activities in my senior high school in order to let students focus on studying so that students can get a high grade in the Gaokao. However, I had no interest in studying the boring and actually useless knowledge to deal with the Gaokao. Unfortunately, I was supervised to achieve the assignment like the exercises of universal gravitation commonplace life by teachers and my parents so that I had no chance and time to get a touch with new ideas and beliefs about life. Moreover, I got not so much touch with my classmates which are the most primary community I had because everyone is busy on their studying. Furthermore, I regarded the love as the hope and idealization due to copious propaganda from the media to a certain extent. According to Beck and Beck-Gernsheim (1995), the transition from pre-modern society to modern society accelerated the commodity and individualization process, change the relationship between people and cut people from their traditional ties, beliefs and social connection and religion which are lead by the enlightenment and the industrial revolution. However, with the vanish of our faith and free from the material which make people accept more education and think more about life, love is regarded as a succedaneum replacing the group, becoming the hope and idealization of people, and lead people to believe and devote themselves to it. Hence, it is proved that the reason why I chose to start a relationship with a girl is not naturally there emerged a girl I liked, but I had no value or beliefs or communities to guide my activities according to this theory. Coming from the opposite aspect, after a period time, I started to reduce the time on study, and found that there were other boys like me who are not interested in studying, so we built a group to do something together even cut a class. After that, I would not like starting a relationship imminently. Therefore, this change also supports the theory refers to why people choose to love from an opposite aspect. Nevertheless, it is stated by Beck and Beck-Gernsheim (1995), that divorce figures are extraordinary people who in love or marriage always complain that why living together is so difficult and why cant keep a long and meaningful love. As for this phenomenon, the liquid love theory of Bauman may give an appropriate explanation for it. Finally, I believe that for modern young people, the desire they start a love experience is not only the effect of no beliefs and no communities, but also the propaganda effect of love of contemporary mass media. Combining my earliest love experience and the theory of liquid love, it is a typical liquid love. In the summer after the Gaokao, I went to a tourist attraction when I met my first girlfriend. I met her at an outdoor bar. We began by chatting and drinking, which are similar to the whole people to do in the bar. To a certain extent, this behavior for me may be influenced by the media about what happens in the bar and the environment around us. Then we kept touching with each other after that night. I stayed in that place for a month and before the night I left, we are agreed to start a relationship. The relationship here is not a general relationship in the dictionary because we both knew we were not in the same city, same college and she was two years older than me. However, we did not make a commitment that there is a responsibility between us. After that time and until we broke up, we did not see each other anymore. So the most vital thing is all the approaches we kept contact with are the Internet and the mobile phone. We sent messages and chat on video every day. The conversation content is stereotyped about everyday life in college, and it is irrelevant with commitment. This situation lasts two months and ends up on a meet which may lead us to break up. I went to her site and saw her on a holiday and it is confused that we can talk to each other fluently but at that day there were a obstruct separating our conversation. I think that the obstruct is afraid of responsibility. After that meet, we broke up. It is indicated that this kind of love is defined as the liquid love in the liquid modern society (Lee, 2003). To define liquid love, liquid society is supposed to be introduced. Liquid modernity is proposed by Bauman (2003) that all forms of social construction are rootless and all of the traditional notions are destroyed not to be durable owing to the commodity in liquid modernity society. And in this society some purportedly fixed and indestructible ties of family, class, religion, marriage and perhaps even love arent as reliable or as desirable as they were. Bauman quotes, In a consumer culture like ours, which favours products ready for instant use, quick fixes, instantaneous satisfaction, results calling for no protracted effort, foolproof recipes, all-risk insurance and money-back guarantees. It is summarized that the value and idea people own is influenced by the commercial purpose because except it social hierarchies do not form instantly other society power or beliefs especially in capitalist society which called liquid life. So when targeting consumers accepted the value designed by marketing strategies, the value is only effective for a short period, never extended term because the marketing strategies are transitory and always change. Everyday Life today is filled with elements of liquid, most people cant reject its liquid characteristic. Take the place where I meet the girl, the marketing strategies in bar are encouraging people meet unexpectedly and developing the dubious connection. I was influenced by it and the environment so that I chose to chat with a girl not because I like her so much. Moreover, love is regarded as a consumer goods which are supposed to be yielding like any extra goods people consume. People give themselves the appropriate rights to consume love, something must be given consumers just like expectation from further purchases. Thats a factor why we break up. I expect my goods can be novel, various and disposable, If my love cant satisfy my need for the factors when we pick up and utilize the goods, I will abandon this goods. In a word, the most fundamental elements like families, love and sex are obeying economic rules, In addition to the commodity of love, the most significant character distinguished from traditional love in liquid love is that people are afraid of assuming the responsibilities but they also enjoy the advantages of a relationships. The embody of steering of the responsibilities is not daring to make a binding commitment and use the being connected to replace the relationship. Although it is uncertain whether the communication technologies like the Internet and mobile phone facilitate the less responsibilities relationship and offer a approach for people who do not want to commit themselves to achieve a internet relationships or that emerges is benefited by communication technologies, It is sure that people are willing to accept to be a part of the communication technologies network to avoid the responsibilities. The only tools I used to keep touch with that girl is communication technologies which may offer me more imagination so that we can reduce the quality and quantity in our communication, after all it is not possible that I meet her everyday but just talk about the details in life and not refer to the future and responsibilities of our love. After the break-up, I can jabbered into mobile phones, addictively texted and leaped between kinds of chat room, deleted a date which wrote for my ex-girlfriend without pain. It is summarized that we immediately feel a sense of belonging, like purchasing, I picked her so she is belong to me. From psychology, Bauman (2003) concludes the duality of liquid love, that is, less responsibilities as a balance problem of freedom and security according to Freud. It also confirms the theory of Beck, U. and Beck-Gernsheim, E, I start a love because I want to find a security to make up the lack of communities, however, I chose the liquid love because I want to be free from a relationship. And at the end of this experience, I found he sign of break-up, so I increased the time of video chat and went to her site to see her in order to fix the relationship. Nevertheless, the opposite consequence indicated what Bauman writes. attempts to tame the wayward and domesticate the riotous, to make the unknowable predictable and enchain the free-roaming all such things sound the death knell to love. Ultimately, it is related to a definition problem that is what is love, the cou rage to participate in the process or the process makes us beautiful. Take my experience as a example, My part motivation of being together with the girl is the girl is beautiful and smart so that after I can promote my image and level in love, I can show I have a experience of love and I know what love it is. Love makes me feel beautiful. This refers to a question that what is real love and that the highest form of love is. My decision is not to be the highest form of love, so I start a liquid love. And the question about the different types of love, I will use my second love experience and the four love theory of C. S. Lewis to analyze. According to Lewis (1960), my second love experience is a type of need-love. After the initial love experience, I was single for one year. I felt lonely sometimes especially when my roommates took their girlfriend outside of meal. So I decided to start my second love experience. When I firstly have a touch with this girl just because I thought she is pretty and I had no idea what characteristic this girl has. Afterward I made huge progress rapidly in just few days from chatting in the dinner time or the mobile phone. From we start a relationship to the break-up. It takes less than two months. At this period, the thing we did together every day can be concluded as three types of thing. First, we took the male together every day. Second, we sent good nights to each other every night from mobile phones. Third, she sent gifts or some daily stuff to me when I am busy. As for the break-up factor, I think there is no need-relationship existing for me. I felt bored about this mechanization love experience and we had no communication in sprit. It is typically need-love, what I need is a girl taking care of my life and pass time when I feel lonely, and what she needs may has two aspects. One aspect is someone is nice to her, the other aspect is to be a good girlfriend. She is a traditional girl and the highest standard of morality is being nice to her boyfriend so that it can satisfy her need of achieving value. Once the need is not there, the need-love vanished. According to Lewis (1960), the need love includes kinds of physically, emotionally, intellectually need like sex, avoid to loneliness. For me, it is hard to distinguish if these need is low or high or even all of them are desire. Except the need-love, Lewis (1960) similarly concludes the other two kinds love, that are, gifted-love and appreciate-love. Gift-love can take the love from parents to children for examples, and appreciate-love refer that people decide to continue to give their love to others even though they know they will never enjoy the result of their love. However, critically evaluate the theory of Lewis, there is a paradox. Take my experience for example, the need of this girl is to achieve her morality standard, but the practical way of achieving it is to give, Hence, how to make a differences between gift-love and need love or there is actually no differences between them? Additionally, the appreciate-love is described as higher than need-love and gift-love. Furthermore, the people who bestow appreciate-love may satisfy the need for achieving the value of the highest forms of love and get a self-atonement. Compared with my experience, what are the differences between these two kinds of need? In the final analysis, the need includes both physical and mental. So there is not pleasant to tell the boundary between different kinds of love. The concluding part of this project is to prove that all of these love is means to achieve self-realization and take all of my experience for examples. It is stated by Swartz (2001) that self-realization is an individualization process which free people from limitation by building the conditioned beliefs, opinions, fears, desires, and habits. Meanwhile, Beck, U. and Beck-Gernsheim, E. proposed that love is not equal with fulfilment or even require it, love is a process you can find your real identity. Before my first love experience, I dreamed of having a girlfriend like my elder sister because I have no sisters. Nevertheless I found a girl who is two years older than me. I labeled her as a smart, beautiful, sex independent elder sister, actually the imagination gave me more gratification than the fact. After that I realized that it is the question of myself. So I tried the succeeding love experience, the girl can represent the cute and virtuous types. After I find her some characteristics, I found she is not suitable for me. I realized that how a label can affect myself, I knew my habits generally, and I really knew accurately the need what can satisfy myself. Now, I am single, however, I always think what I need, reconsider my beliefs and conclude my habits. According to Batchelor (1983), being alone is a new form of love that can lead people find themselves into the world. So I can free me from labels and kinds of limitation to find my identity. However, critically evaluate this self-realization theory, it is absolute. If someone identity is to seek the hypocritical label as an approach to satisfy his need, how can he find his real self from love? That indicated that the real self has no standard to define. As a consequence of self-realization during this period, I had an affection for a girl. It is stated by Lewis (1960) that affection is a generalized love, which include the love between people and people, animal or objects, and the most primary feature of affection is familiar, like the child will love a crusty old gardener who is familiar with him rather than a visitor who is making every attempt to win its regard. For me, I know this girl for a long time, I am familiar with her, and I know she almost all advantages and disadvantages. However, I do not label her as which kinds of type any more, I can realize my authentic self from being with her, and I think that I can do a give-love to her. C. S. Lewis quotes, Love, having become a god, becomes a demon. It is can be concluded that this affection can let hate and love existing together, which I am willing to avoid. In conclusion, I show my three loves in this project and conclude them as the archetypal type with the theory of love. First is the liquid love, it has three characteristics: no commitment, commodity and duality. Second is a need-love, however, it is analytically evaluated that there is no strict boundary or differences between gift-love, need-love and appreciate-love.

Empirical Evidence Make Progress In Knowledge Philosophy Essay

Empirical Evidence Make Progress In Knowledge Philosophy Essay The dictionary definition of empirical evidence is evidence relating to or based on experiment and observation (rather than theory) or on practical experience (without reference to scientific principles). This type of evidence is necessary for a theory, in different areas of knowledge, to be confirmed. Empirical methods are generally used to base a theory or derive a conclusion in sciences (such as the natural sciences or the human sciences) after collecting all the necessary data. The meaning of the word empirical derives from the ancient Greek word for experience (ÃŽÂ µÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¼Ãƒ Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ µÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹Ãƒ Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¯ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±), which means knowledge based on direct perception of things or events through our senses. Therefore, empirical data is information that is derived from the trials and errors of experience. In this way, the empirical method is similar to the experimental method. The empirical method is generally characterized by the collection of a large amount of data, with or without much idea of what to expect. The empirical method is necessary in entering completely unexplored fields, and becomes less empirical as the acquired knowledge of the field increases. Throughout centuries researchers use empirical research and evidence to test reality i.e. to test the state of things as they actually exist, basing their findings on direct or indirect observation. This kind of research is mainly applied to empirical sciences, mainly the natural sciences and the human (social) sciences. In these areas knowledge should be based on observable phenomena capable of being experimented for their validity by other researchers working under the same conditions. In natural sciences empirical evidence is crucial and scientists can count on this to continue experimenting and make progress discovering new sights. The core skill of a scientist is to make observations, i.e. receive knowledge of the outside world through the senses. The scientist sees, hears, or in some other way notices whats going on in the world and becomes curious about whats happening. This also includes reading and studying what others have done in the past since scientific knowledge is cumulative. In physics, for example, when Newton came up with his Theory of Motion, he based his hypothesis on the work of Copernicus, Kepler, and Galileo as well as his own, newer observations. Another example is Darwin who formed his Theory of Evolution based on the works of other naturalists but mainly on observations during his voyage to chart the coastline of South America, a voyage that lasted almost 5 years, during which Darwin spent most of the time on land investigating geology and making natural history collections  [2]  . In chemistry, the most important issues of atomic theory have been proved experimentally and nobody doubts about the existence of i.e. atoms. Nowadays, everybody knows and nobody can deny that all elements are made of atoms and all atoms have a nucleus. Moreover, science and technology helped to discover and study the tiny world of atoms. For example, nucleus, the massive centre of the atom was discovered in 1911, but it took scientists another 21 years of experimenting to identify its parts (protons, neutrons, electrons). In addition, for many years scientists thought that there was nothing smaller than the proton or the neutron in the nucleus of the atom. In 1968, they discovered that there are new particles inside the proton and the neutron (the quarks) that are even smaller. As we can see, chemical theory is confirmed by detailed agreement with experimental results, although, it takes scientists many years of experimenting and observation. Biology is the science that studies life mainly from an experimental perspective. Observations and experiments are used vastly to help scientists gather information and make conclusions on several aspects. For example, in biology, disease resides in cells (and, perhaps ultimately, in genes), but we know this because cellular dysfunction can be demonstrated experimentally. In addition, disease can best be controlled by attending to cellular function and dysfunction and by intervening to manipulate the cell using techniques that have empirically demonstrated effectiveness. In human sciences the situation is different. Sciences such as Psychology have just recently managed to convince people that they are credible. This has been mainly achieved because through observations and experimenting it has produced quantifiable, repeatable results based on empirical evidence. In other sciences such as Economics, Economists have conducted controlled experiments constructed to observe participants reactions to specific situations. However, in many cases behaviour is governed more by emotion than by reason. In all human sciences, the experiments are performed on human beings, using relatively small sample sizes and artificial environments which make the results difficult to generalise. Nevertheless, no one can deny the usefulness of observations on human behaviour during differentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. In other areas of knowledge, such as Mathematics, the methods used to verify knowledge are independent of experience. Of course they involve an objective, careful and systematic study of an area of knowledge, but facts depend on reasoning alone as in the equation 1+1=2 for example. Mathematics is considered to be the science of rigorous truth and an island of certainty in an ocean of doubt. In such areas of knowledge, empirical evidence cannot be used to make progress. However, one of its main branches, geometry, actually started as a natural, empirical science. Hilbert made important contributions to both axiomatic geometry and to general relativity. Of course, a geometrical theory in physical interpretation can never be validated with mathematical certainty, no matter how extensive the experimental tests to which it is subjected. Like any other theory of empirical science, it can acquire only a more or less high degree of confirmation. Indeed, the demand for mathematical certainty in empirical matters is misguided and unreasonable, since mathematical certainty of knowledge can be only attained at the price of analyticity and thus of complete lack of factual content  [3]  . This is also summarised in Einsteins words: As far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain; and as far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality. The same stands for areas such as history, art, and religion. Religion, for example, is purely a matter of faith. People who choose to believe in God do not have evidence to support it and people who choose not to believe in God do not have evidence that there is no God. There is also no more evidence for any one God than for any other. It is just as sensible to worship the Gods of the ancient Greeks or Egyptians as it is to worship modern deities. Everybody must decide for himself or herself which religion (if any) to follow. And, when people decide to follow one religion, they believe that God exists even if their belief cannot empirically verified or falsified. Their belief is mainly based either on intuition or on some more or less intense personal religious experience. Some others have faith and their belief is based on the feeling that there must be something. As we see, whether or not God exists is something that cannot be proved (scientifically) by experimentation or observ ation, therefore, the existence of God is something that different people have different intuition about. As regards arts, From the above, I believe that empirical evidence used in the form of observation, experience, or experiment should be used in natural and human sciences, in order to provide accurate and unbiased information. This information will consist a reliable guide for future generations, which will be based on this information to make the necessary progress through further investigation. From the examples given, it is obvious that researchers should never stop examining, questioning and experimenting in order for new findings to come to light. Previous knowledge and experimental results form a solid base for new discoveries that make progress and evolve sciences. Above all, however, every scientist should question and analyse any findings in the most objective way and not allow prejudice influence his thoughts and his results. No hypothesis or theory can be called scientific or accepted if it lacks empirical evidence in favour. Therefore, empirical evidence can be use both to accept or counter any scientific hypothesis or theory. http://www.experiment-resources.com/empirical-evidence.html Read more: http://www.experiment-resources.com/empirical-evidence.html#ixzz0gIvSLOZN There is no evidence to support the doctrines of a particular religion. After all, certainty cannot be found in any area of knowledge. Even if we prove something by experiment or observation, it may turn out to be false after some years or more. The complete work of Charles Darwin on line (http://darwin-online.org.uk/) http://darwin-online.org.uk/content/frameset?viewtype=sideitemID=F10.3pageseq=1

Lady Macduff of Macbeth Essay -- Macbeth essays

Lady Macduff of Macbeth      Ã‚  Ã‚   In reading Shakespeare's tragic drama Macbeth, one meets only one good woman - Lady Macduff. The remaining female characters are basically evil. Let's consider mainly Lady Macduff and only briefly the three witches.    Blanche Coles states in Shakespeare's Four Giants that Macbeth's wife had considerable leverage over her husband's mind:    This was her opportunity to do as she had promised herself she would do after she had read the letter - to pour her spirits into his ear, to chasten with the valor of her tongue all that might impede him from the golden crown. We may be sure she took this opportunity to use all her monstrous powers of persuasion. (48-49)    In Fools of Time: Studies in Shakespearean Tragedy, Northrop Frye shows that a lady is the actual driving force in the play:    That Macbeth is being hurried into a premature act by his wife is a point unlikely to escape the most listless member of the audience, but Macbeth comes to regret the instant of fatal delay in murdering Macduff, and draws the moral that    The flighty purpose never is o'ertook Unless the deed go with it. From this moment The very firstlings of my heart shall be The firstlings of my hand.   (91)    In "Memoranda: Remarks on the Character of Lady Macbeth," Sarah Siddons comments on how the feminine role of the leading lady is not a typical one as regards attitude:    [Macbeth] announces the King's approach; and she, insensible it should seem to all the perils which he has encountered in battle, and to all the happiness of his safe return to her, -- for not one kind word of greeting or congratulations does she offer, -- is so entirely swallowed up by the hor... ...rts, eds. Manchester, UK: Manchester University Press, 1997.    Kermode, Frank. "Macbeth." The Riverside Shakespeare. Ed. G. Blakemore Evans. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1972.    Knights, L.C. "Macbeth." Shakespeare: The Tragedies. A Collectiion of Critical Essays. Alfred Harbage, ed. Englewwod Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1964.    Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Macbeth. http://chemicool.com/Shakespeare/macbeth/full.html, no lin.    Siddons, Sarah. "Memoranda: Remarks on the Character of Lady Macbeth." The Life of Mrs. Siddons. Thomas Campbell. London: Effingham Wilson, 1834. Rpt. in Women Reading Shakespeare 1660-1900. Ann Thompson and Sasha Roberts, eds. Manchester, UK: Manchester University Press, 1997.    Wilson, H. S. On the Design of Shakespearean Tragedy. Toronto, Canada: University of Toronto Press, 1957.

Farenheit 451 as a Warning :: Farenheit 451 Essays

Farenheit 451 as a Warning What are the rights of a government? Does the government have the right to control what we think and where we get our intellectual stimulation? After the Constitution of the United States was drafted, a Bill of Rights containing ten articles was adopted and ratified by the thirteen states. In the first article, it guaranteed the people the freedom of religion, speech, the press, and public assembly. People were given the right to enrich themselves with knowledge accumulated through their readings from whatever source they chose and to make criticism towards the government as they saw fit. Because of the liberty given to its people, it is no wonder that the United States government is considered a model government in the world today. Any sound government would allow its people to make their own free judgement according to their knowledge from any sources they may gather. Ray Bradbury's vision of a disordered world was expressed in his book Fahrenheit 451. Set in the future, it deals with a man's struggle between his destructive government position and his inner self-conscience. Guy Montag was a fireman but he did not put out fires. Instead, he created them through the burning of books. This was what Bradbury was trying to imply through the title of his book, Fahrenheit 451, the temperature at which books burn. Montag was leading a fairly happy life until he met a girl, Clarisse, who aroused his deepest feelings and fears. He became curious about the contents of books and wondered why they were so feared. This led him through a series of events which changed his life forever. When Montag asked Beatty about the burning of books he was told, "If you don't want a man to be unhappy politically, don't give him two sides to a question to worry him; give him one. Better yet, give him none." The futurist government displayed in Fahrenheit 45 1 tried to prevent any feelings or opinions contrary to their own because they did not want to be challenged. Instead, they fed unwanted junk into the minds of their people through the parlor, a wall to wall television. This machine, that does not inspire the thinking process, lead them to make the conclusion that their world revolves around it and nothing else.

Essay --

Over the past century, many countries have started implementing community water fluoridation as a method of promoting dental care. As a result, fluoridation has generated both positive and negative consequences for the human body and the societies. Fluoridation is defined as â€Å"the process of adding fluoride ions to the public water supplies for the purpose of reducing the incidence of dental caries.†1 Whether or not community water fluoridation will benefit society is a controversial issue. On the one hand, excess amounts of fluoride could lead to potential health problems and affect many tissues in the body besides the teeth. Furthermore, fluoridation removes individuals’ rights to choose what they ingest from the public water supplies and their rights to receive tailored medication. On the other hand, water fluoridation is considered safe for both the environment and individuals at optimal levels and it is an effective approach to distribution. Finally, because th e access to running water is widespread and cost-effective, water fluoridation could benefit the whole population equally. Firstly, when the amount of fluoride in the human body exceeds the prescribed standards, there is an association between fluoride and several health concerns. There is minimal difference between the toxic and effective dose. Therefore it is possible for individuals to suffer from consequences of fluoride over-exposure, such as dental and skeletal fluorosis. According to the Fluoride Alert Organization, fluoride could also disrupt the normal endocrine functions of several tissues and organs, including the bones, the brain, the thyroid gland, the pineal gland, and even blood sugar levels.2 For example, researchers claimed that acute poisoning of fluor... ...ves in the public water supplies must apply to the levels formulated in the â€Å"Guidelines for the Use of Fluorides† published by Ministry of Health. According to New Zealand Dental Association’s study, in every single year, water fluoridation is estimated to prevent 58,000-267,000 cases of dental caries and associated illnesses. Also, there is a strong association between community water fluoridation and the decrease of children’s dental hospital admission rates.10 Over 60 years ago, researchers have been recording the effectiveness of community water fluoridation,8 which shows that there is a history of positive water fluoridation. Together with these contemporary findings, they prove the continuing effectiveness of fluoridation. Thus, public water supplies are ideal medium for fluoride and water fluoridation is a both safe and effective method at recommended levels.

Spring and All

In William Carols Williams' poem â€Å"Spring and All,† he uses vivid images and metaphors to compare nature to those who endure a deadly disease while quarantined in a contagious hospital. The piece of land surrounding the hospital has been tainted by the dead of winter, which is used to represent those who lost their lives due to the sickness. Then the speaker describes the appreciated transformation the land begins to show, as winter slowly turns into spring. The dead piece of land beginning to show signs of life is used to represent the few that survive and will get o leave the dreary hospital.The speaker describes the piece of land surrounding the hospital as muddy, lifeless, and cold. The description of the land during winter is used to symbolize the gloomy feel of the hospital and those who will never leave it, consumed by their illness. Like winter, those who have died are like â€Å"twiggy/ stuff of bushes and small trees/ with dead, brown leaves under them/ leafless vines-,† (10-13. ) The lifelessness of the land and the bare dead plants is used as a metaphor for the tragic deaths of the quarantined patients.The speaker describes the sky and weather as â€Å"mottled clouds driven from/ the northeast – a cold wind,† (3-4. ) The cold wind is used to symbolize the cold chill of death and the misery that will blow through families who lost their loved ones. The poem then begins to portray the beginning of spring and the diseased filled land commences on a slow transformation with a chance of vitality. The land Is â€Å"lifeless in appearance, sluggish/ dazed spring approaches,† (14-15. ) These lines are meant to symbolize the lives of those who struggled and survived through the Illness.At first they are stricken Ill and appear dead In their beds, but as spring approaches they awaken weak, but alive and full of hope. Spring approaches and â€Å"now the stark dignity of/ entrance – Still, the profound change/ has come upon them: rooted, they/ grip down and begin to awaken,† (25-28. ) Not only does the last stanza represent nature breaking through all the dead and being reborn but also those who survived a contagious disease and will receive another chance at life.Spring has always been a symbol of rebirth because dead, leafless, and flowerless plants begin new growth; animals awaken from their long winter slumber, and also a popular time for new life to enter the world. It makes sense that this poem compares spring with the lives of those who have overcome a serious Illness, and will get another shot at life, almost as If they have been reborn. In this poem, winter Is used as a symbol for those who lost their lives, and the sorrows that will freeze the hearts of their family and friends.On the other hand, spring Is used to Illustrate the rebirth of nature and the second chance to those who led on and fought to stay alive. As the land outside the contagious hospital begins to transform with new life and beautiful colors It represents the hope of those that survive and could look out one of the hospitals window and witness new life beginning to grow as they experience their own new chance at life. Work Cited Williams, William Carols. â€Å"Spring and All,† Literature: A Pocket Anthology. 4th deed. Deed. R. S. Gwynne. New York: Longhand, 2009. 597.Spring and All By Jones land commences on a slow transformation with a chance of vitality. The land is meant to symbolize the lives of those who struggled and survived through the illness. At first they are stricken ill and appear dead in their beds, but as spring approaches those who have overcome a serious illness, and will get another shot at life, almost as if they have been reborn. In this poem, winter is used as a symbol for those who lost their lives, and the spring is used to illustrate the rebirth of nature and the second chance to those who to transform with new life and beautiful colors it represents the hope of those that

Diary of Lady Murasaki Response Questions

Diary of Lady Murasaki Response Questions 1. Drawing evidence from the text, describe Lady Murasaki. Who is she? What is important to her? How important is she politically? Why do you think she keeps her diary? What are her frustrations with life at court? How typical/atypical is she as a woman in Heian Japan? Lady Murasaki was a Japanese poet at the Imperial court and served under Empress Shoshi. She writes this diary during her experiences at court and she finds the life of a lady-in-waiting, or a servant that has social certainty, and the events that are unfolded in court are important. She describes in her diary how she feels helpless at court and she is unhappy with her low rank in society compared to others in the Fujiwara clan which frustrates her, but makes her more inclined to write about it and keep a diary. She is a pretty typical woman in Heian Japan, but she often writes about how the other court women were less educated than her and that she was stronger-willed. 2. What does the text reveal about the political world of Heian Japan? What is the role of the emperor? What is the role of the regent? Which is more ‘important’? How do people gain and maintain political power? What happens to those who lose political power? During the Heian period of Japan the land was controlled by family clans and whoever was the most powerful family held the most importance. Within the family there is also ranks of political power branching down from the Emperor and Empress, but most of the other ranks are all related to each other through the family clan. The Emperor is the head of the family clan is said to be in that position by a heavenly right, while a regent is more of a governor addressing political issues. Both are important, but while the Emperor is the symbol of the people and their unity, the regent sparingly makes the differences in how the people get to live. 3. What does the text reveal about the roles of men in Heian Japan? How are they identified? What is their role in the family, in politics, in religion, in military? How much power and what type of power do men have? What do you find surprising about what is considered important/unimportant for men during Heian Japan? Why? Men controlled the majority of society as like any culture during this time period. The military was solely inhabited by men as was the political power, but women were allowed to be present in court and other social events. They had a good education and if they were in a political position they learned Chinese because it was used for legal documents and record keeping. 4. What does the text reveal about the roles of women in Heian Japan? How are they identified? What is their role in the family, in politics, in religion? How much and what type of power do women have? What do you find surprising about what is considered important/unimportant for women during Heian Japan? Why? Women during this time were surprisingly better off than in other centuries. They were excluded from public affairs, but involved in court as we can see in the diary. They were also educated and involved with events around the palace such as ceremonies, weddings, and poetry reciting. Women had to know how to dress correctly, but once they did they were expected to learn to dress very formally and elegantly. 5. What does the text reveal about social classes and social mores in Heian Japan? What are the differences between the social classes? How does social class affect the way people live and the political power they wield? What are the social expectations for men and women? What is good behavior/what is bad behavior? Does any of this surprise you? Most of Japan’s social class was in agriculture and lived outside the city walls and never entered the palace. Within the palace there are a separate set of social classes. The Emperor and Empress will always sit at the top of the ladder, but amongst everyone else there are strict guidelines to follow. Passages in the diary describe the uses of colors in clothing and how some colors shouldn’t be worn by certain social classes. The diary also accounts hat giving presents alter throughout social class. Nobles get the best gift and then the different ranks of courtiers, first rank being the highest and sixth rank one of the lowest. What does the text reveal about religion in Heian Japan? What is the role of religion? What type of religion do you see represented? What are the religious concerns of Lady Murasaki? What do her religious concerns reveal about life in Heian Japan? The religion of Shintoism can be seen with the heavenly right for the Emperor to rule over the people within his family clan name and to protect the imperial family. During the birth of Fujiwara no Michinaga, towards the beginning, Murasaki writes about the Buddhist priests coming and performing exorcisms and warding off evil. Lady Murasaki later writes that she â€Å"immerses [herself] in reading sutras for Amida Buddha†, which shows what kind of religious practices she participates in. All of these religions being present throughout the diary tells that religion is at a point of uncertainty in Heian Japan and there are many influences that come with them.

Strict Liability

August 7, 2009 Criminal Law- 2 Essay on Strict Liability Crimes Having no element for Mens Rea, consequently permits punishment on those that may be blameless to a crime. With that fact, there is definitely a wide range of controversial pro's and con's. I personally am unbiased either way regarding this topic, for any and all concerns I feel are legitimate. What I will set forth here is unbiased opinion and facts to all pro's and con's. In this world there are many regular civilians and citizens that may encounter, in some form or another, an inconvenience, mishap or even loss on many degrees' due to someone's negligence or culpable liability. Which will lead me to one's take on the pro's or benefit to the existence of strict liability crimes. First and foremost, when someone is hurt or harmed, they want recourse and they want it from whomever is liable, or from the closes person to that liable party. So they care nothing about ones blamelessness or mental intent, which in this case the law would not hold prudent anyway. To them and to the law â€Å"public health and safety come first. † For them an act alone is all that would actually need to be proved. For if that were not the case, then the possible victims would not have any remedy under the law. Further more, the benefits to society outweighs the cost of punishing those that may have no true blame. As for the con's in strict liability offenses, one might argue that being held liable without subjective or objective fault may be a violation to the U. S. Constitution. Where this stipulation actually contradicts the Model Penal Code (MPC) etc. on criminal liability and the stature of concurrence. Further more, with there being no actual or effective means on protection against strict liability or accidents, leaves a broad range of exceptional blameworthiness. Where â€Å"they† could say â€Å"we are the victims! † adversely this could jeopardize society and not protect it, thus curtail much human (especially professional) activities etc. at the fear of any possible culpable negligence. So here I have just a few to name the least, of pro's and con's on strict liability. So as you see we all have some legitimate place or say in this very controversial matter. For all people: individuals, civilians, families, cooperations, businesses, functions, police force and all professionals have some form of risk here. Over all I think the law on strict liability is well needed and the sacrifice's are well worth the gains†¦ fo r better of for worse.

Vampire Academy Chapter 22

TWENTY-TWO â€Å"HEAL YOU?† Heal him? My thoughts echoed hers. â€Å"You're the only way,† he said patiently. â€Å"The only way to cure this disease. I've been watching you for years, waiting until I was certain.† Lissa shook her head. â€Å"I can't†¦no. I can't do anything like that.† â€Å"Your healing powers are incredible. No one has any idea just how powerful.† â€Å"I don't know what you're talking about.† â€Å"Come now, Vasilisa. I know about the raven – Natalie saw you do it. She'd been following you. And I know how you healed Rose.† She realized the pointlessness of denying it. â€Å"That†¦was different. Rose wasn't that hurt. But you†¦I can't do anything about Sandovsky's Syndrome.† â€Å"Not that hurt?† he laughed. â€Å"I'm not talking about her ankle – which was still impressive. I'm talking about the car accident. Because you're right, you know. Rose didn't get ? ®that hurt.' She died.† He let the words sink in. â€Å"That's†¦no. She lived,† Lissa finally managed. â€Å"No. Well, yes, she did. But I read all the reports. There was no way she should have survived – especially with so many injuries. You healed her. You brought her back.† He sighed, half wistful and half weary. â€Å"I'd suspected you could do this for so long, and I tried so hard to repeat it†¦to see how much you could control†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Lissa caught on and gasped. â€Å"The animals. It was you.† â€Å"With Natalie's help.† â€Å"Why would you do that? How could you?† â€Å"Because I had to know. I have only a few more weeks to live, Vasilisa. If you can truly bring back the dead, then you can cure Sandovsky's. I had to know before I took you away that you could heal at will and not just in moments of panic.† â€Å"Why take me at all?† A spark of anger flared up in her. â€Å"You're my near-uncle. If you wanted me to do this – if you really think I can†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Her voice and feelings showed me she didn't really entirely believe she could heal him. â€Å"Then why kidnap me? Why didn't you just ask?† â€Å"Because it's not a onetime affair. It took a long time to figure out what you are, but I managed to acquire some of the old histories†¦scrolls kept out of Moroi museums. When I read about how wielding spirit works – â€Å" â€Å"Wielding what?† â€Å"Spirit. It's what you've specialized in.† â€Å"I haven't specialized in anything! You're crazy.† â€Å"Where else do you think these powers of yours have come from? Spirit is another element, one few people have any more.† Lissa's mind was still reeling from the kidnapping and the possible truth that she'd brought me back from the dead. â€Å"That doesn't make any sense. Even if it wasn't common, I still would have heard of another element! Or of someone having it.† â€Å"No one knows about spirit anymore. It's been forgotten. When people do specialize in it, nobody realizes it. They think the person simply hasn't specialized at all.† â€Å"Look, if you're just trying to make me feel – † She abruptly cut herself off. She was angry and afraid, but behind those emotions, her higher reasoning had been processing what he'd said about spirit users and specializing. It now caught up with her. â€Å"Oh my God. Vladimir and Ms. Karp.† He gave her a knowing look. â€Å"You've known about this all along.† â€Å"No! I swear. It's just something Rose was looking into†¦She said they were like me†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Lissa was starting to change from a little scared to all scared. The news was too shocking. â€Å"They are like you. The books even say Vladimir was ? ®full of spirit.' † Victor seemed to find that funny. Seeing that smile made me want to slap him. â€Å"I thought†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Lissa still wanted him to be wrong. The idea of not specializing was safer than specializing in some freakish element. â€Å"I thought that meant, like, the Holy Spirit.† â€Å"So does everyone else, but no. It's something else entirely. An element that's within all of us. A master element that can give you indirect control over the others.† Apparently my theory about her specializing in all the elements wasn't so far off. She worked hard to get a grip on this news and her own self-control. â€Å"That doesn't answer my question. It doesn't matter if I have this spirit thing or whatever. You didn't have to kidnap me.† â€Å"Spirit, as you've seen, can heal physical injuries. Unfortunately, it's only good on acute injuries. Onetime things. Rose's ankle. The accident wounds. For something chronic – say, a genetic disease like Sandovsky's – continual healings are required. Otherwise it will keep coming back. That's what would happen to me. I need you, Vasilisa. I need you to help me fight this and keep it away. So I can live.† â€Å"That still doesn't explain why you took me,† she argued. â€Å"I would have helped you if you'd asked.† â€Å"They never would have let you do it. The school. The council. Once they got over the shock of finding a spirit user, they'd get hung up on ethics. After all, how does one choose who gets to be healed? They'd say it wasn't fair. That it was like playing God. Or else they'd worry about the toll it'd take on you.† She flinched, knowing exactly what toll he referred to. Seeing her expression, he nodded. â€Å"Yes. I won't lie to you. It will be hard. It will exhaust you – mentally and physically. But I must do it. I am sorry. You'll be provided with feeders and other entertainments for your services.† She leapt from the chair. Ben immediately stepped forward and pushed her back into it. â€Å"And then what? Are you going to just make me a prisoner here? Your own private nurse?† He made that annoying open-palmed gesture again. â€Å"I'm sorry. I have no choice.† White-hot anger blasted away the fear inside of her. She spoke in a low voice. â€Å"Yes. You don't have the choice, because this is me we're talking about.† â€Å"It's better for you this way. You know how the others turned out. How Vladimir spent the last of his days stark, raving mad. How Sonya Karp had to be taken away. The trauma you've experienced since the accident comes from more than just your family's loss. It's from using spirit. The accident woke the spirit in you; your fear over seeing Rose dead made it burst out, allowing you to heal her. It forged your bond. And once it's out, you can't put it back. It's a powerful element – but it's also dangerous. Earth users get their power from the earth, air users from the air. But spirit? Where do you think that comes from?† She glared. â€Å"It comes from you, from your own essence. To heal another, you must give part of yourself. The more you do that, the more it will destroy you over time. You must be noticing that already. I've seen how much certain things upset you, how fragile you are.† â€Å"I'm not fragile,† snapped Lissa. â€Å"And I'm not going to go crazy. I'm going to stop using spirit before things get worse.† He smiled. â€Å"Stop using it? You might as well stop breathing. Spirit has its own agenda†¦You'll always have the urge to help and heal. It's part of you. You resisted the animals, but you didn't think twice about helping Rose. You can't even help compulsion – which spirit also gives you special strength in. And that's how it will always be. You can't avoid spirit. Better to stay here, in isolation, away from further sources of stress. You'd either have become increasingly unstable at the Academy, or they would have put you on some pill that would have made you feel better but stunted your power.† A calm core of confidence settled inside her, one very different from what I'd observed over the last couple of years. â€Å"I love you, Uncle Victor, but I'm the one who has to deal with that and decide what to do. Not you. You're making me give up my life for yours. That's not fair.† â€Å"It's a matter of which life means more. I love you too. Very much. But the Moroi are falling apart. Our numbers are dropping as we let the Strigoi prey upon us. We used to actively seek them out. Now Tatiana and the other leaders hide away. They keep you and your peers isolated. In the old days, you were trained to fight alongside your guardians! You were taught to use magic as a weapon. Not any longer. We wait. We are victims.† As he stared off, both Lissa and I could see how caught up in his passion he was. â€Å"I would have changed that if I were king. I would have brought about a revolution the likes of which neither Moroi nor Strigoi have ever seen. I should have been Tatiana's heir. She was ready to name me before they discovered the disease, and then she would not. If I were cured†¦if I were cured, I could take my rightful place†¦Ã¢â‚¬  His words triggered something inside of Lissa, a sudden consideration for the state of the Moroi. She'd never contemplated what he'd said, about how different it might be if Moroi and their guardians fought side by side to rid the world of the Strigoi and their evil. It reminded her of Christian and what he'd said about using magic as a weapon too. But even if she did appreciate Victor's convictions, neither of us thought it was worth what he wanted her to do. â€Å"I'm sorry,† she whispered. â€Å"I'm sorry for you. But please don't make me do this.† â€Å"I have to.† She looked him straight in the eye. â€Å"I won't do it.† He inclined his head, and someone stepped forward from the corner. Another Moroi. No one I knew. Walking around behind Lissa, he untied her hands. â€Å"This is Kenneth.† Victor held his hands out toward her free ones. â€Å"Please, Vasilisa. Take my hands. Send the magic through me just as you did with Rose.† She shook her head. â€Å"No.† His voice was less kindly when he spoke again. â€Å"Please. One way or another, you will heal me. I'd rather it be on your terms, not ours.† She shook her head again. He made a slight gesture toward Kenneth. And that's when the pain started. Lissa screamed. I screamed. In the SUV, Dimitri's grip on the wheel jerked in surprise, making us veer. Casting me an alarmed look, he started to pull over. â€Å"No, no! Keep going!† I pressed my palms to my temples. â€Å"We have to get there!† From behind my seat, Alberta reached forward and rested a hand on my shoulder. â€Å"Rose, what's happening?† I blinked back tears. â€Å"They're torturing her†¦with air. This guy†¦Kenneth†¦he's making it press against her†¦into her head. The pressure's insane. It feels like my – her – skull's gonna explode.† I started sobbing. Dimitri looked at me out of the corner of his eye and pressed the gas pedal down harder. Kenneth didn't stop with just the physical force of air. He also used it to affect her breathing. Sometimes he'd smother her with it; other times he'd take it all away and leave her gasping. After enduring all that firsthand – and it was bad enough secondhand – I felt pretty confident I would have done anything they wanted. And finally, she did. Hurting and bleary-eyed, Lissa took Victor's hands. I'd never been in her head when she worked magic and didn't know what to expect. At first, I felt nothing. Just a sense of concentration. Then†¦it was like†¦I don't even know how to describe it. Color and light and music and life and joy and love†¦so many wonderful things, all the lovely things that make up the world and make it worth living in. Lissa summoned up all of those things, as many as she could, and sent them into Victor. The magic flowed through both of us, brilliant and sweet. It was alive. It was her life. And as wonderful as it all felt, she was growing weaker and weaker. But as all of those elements – bound by the mysterious spirit element – flowed into Victor, he grew stronger and stronger. The change was startling. His skin smoothed, no longer wrinkled and pocked. The gray thinning hair filled out, turning dark and lustrous once more. The green eyes – still jadelike – sparkled again, turning alert and lively. He'd become the Victor she remembered from her childhood. Exhausted, Lissa passed out. In the SUV, I tried to relate what was happening. Dimitri's face grew darker and darker, and he spat out a string of Russian swear words he still hadn't taught me the meanings of. When we were a quarter mile from the cabin, Alberta made a call on her cell phone, and our whole convoy pulled over. All of the guardians – more than a dozen-got out and stood huddled, planning strategy. Someone went ahead to scout and returned with a report on the number of people inside and outside of the cabin. When the group seemed ready to disperse, I started to get out of the car. Dimitri stopped me. â€Å"No, Roza. You stay here.† â€Å"The hell with that. I have to go help her.† He cupped my chin with his hands, fixing me with his eyes. â€Å"You have helped her. Your job is done. You did it well. But this isn't any place for you. She and I both need you to stay safe.† Only the realization that arguing would delay the rescue kept me quiet. Swallowing back any protests, I nodded. He nodded back and joined the others. All of them slipped off into the woods, blending with the trees. Sighing, I kicked the passenger seat back and lay down. I was so tired. Even though the sun poured through the windshield, it was night for me. I'd been up for most of it, and a lot had happened in that time. Between the adrenaline of my own role and sharing Lissa's pain, I could have passed out just like she had. Except that she was awake now. Slowly, her perceptions dominated mine once more. She lay on a couch in the cabin. One of Victor's henchmen must have carried her there after she'd fainted. Victor himself – alive and well now, thanks to his abuse of her – stood in the kitchen with the others as they all spoke in low voices about their plans. Only one stood near Lissa, keeping watch. He'd be easy to take down when Dimitri and the Badass Team burst inside. Lissa studied the lone guardian and then glanced at a window beside the couch. Still dizzy from the healing, she managed to sit up. The guardian turned around, watching her warily. She met his eyes and smiled. â€Å"You're going to stay quiet no matter what I do,† she told him. â€Å"You aren't going to call for help or tell anyone when I leave. Okay?† The thrall of compulsion slid over him. He nodded in agreement. Moving toward the window, she unlocked it and slid the glass up. As she did, a tumble of considerations played through her mind. She was weak. She didn't know how far from the Academy – from anything, really – she was. She had no clue how far she could get before someone noticed. But she also knew she might not get another chance at escape. She had no intention of spending the rest of her life in this cabin in the woods. At any other time, I would have cheered on her boldness, but not this time. Not when all those guardians were about to save her. She needed to stay put. Unfortunately, she couldn't hear my advice. Lissa climbed out the window, and I swore out loud. â€Å"What? What'd you see?† asked a voice behind me. I jerked up from my reclining position in the car, banging my head on the ceiling. Glancing behind me, I found Christian peering up from the cargo space behind the farthest backseats. â€Å"What are you doing here?† I asked. â€Å"What's it look like? I'm a stowaway.† â€Å"Don't you have a concussion or something?† He shrugged like it didn't matter. What a great pair he and Lissa were. Neither afraid to take on crazy feats while seriously injured. Still, if Kirova had made me stay behind, I would have been right beside him in the back. â€Å"What's happening?† he asked. â€Å"Did you see something new? Hastily, I told him. I also got out of the car as I spoke. He followed. â€Å"She doesn't know our guys are already coming for her. I'm going to go get her before she kills herself with exhaustion.† â€Å"What about the guardians? The school's, I mean. Are you going to tell them she's gone?† I shook my head. â€Å"They're probably already busting down the cabin's door. I'm going after her.† She was somewhere off to the right side of the cabin. I could head in that direction but wouldn't be able to get very precise until I was much closer to her. Still, it didn't matter. I had to find her. Seeing Christian's face, I couldn't resist giving him a dry smile. â€Å"And yeah, I know. You're going with me.†