Foundation and Empire 17. The Visi-Sonor

Ebling Mis's house in a not-so-pretentious neighborhood of Terminus City was well known to the intelligentsia, literati, and just-plain-well-read of the Foundation. Its notable characteristics depended, subjectively, upon the source material that was read. To a thoughtful biographer, it was the â€Å"symbolization of a retreat from a nonacademic reality,† a society columnist gushed silkily at its â€Å"frightfully masculine atmosphere of careless disorder,† a University Ph.D. called it brusquely, â€Å"bookish, but unorganized,† a nonuniversity friend said, â€Å"good for a drink anytime and you can put your feet on the sofa,† and a breezy newsweekly broadcast, that went in for color, spoke of the â€Å"rocky, down-to-earth, no-nonsense living quarters of blaspheming, Leftish, balding Ebling Mis.† To Bayta, who thought for no audience but herself at the moment, and who had the advantage of first-hand information, it was merely sloppy. Except for the first few days, her imprisonment had been a light burden. Far lighter, it seemed, that this half-hour wait in the psychologist's home – under secret observation, perhaps? She had been with Toran then, at least. Perhaps she might have grown wearier of the strain, had not Magnifico's long nose drooped in a gesture that plainly showed his own far greater tension. Magnifico's pipe-stem legs were folded up under a pointed, sagging chin, as if he were trying to huddle himself into disappearance, and Bayta's hand went out in a gentle and automatic gesture of reassurance. Magnifico winced, then smiled. â€Å"Surely, my lady, it would seem that even yet my body denies the knowledge of my mind and expects of others' hands a blow.† â€Å"There's no need for worry, Magnifico. I'm with you, and I won't let anyone hurt you.† The clown's eyes sidled towards her, then drew away quickly. â€Å"But they kept me away from you earlier – and from your kind husband – and, on my word, you may laugh, but I was lonely for missing friendship.† â€Å"I wouldn't laugh at that. I was, too.† The clown brightened, and he hugged his knees closer. He said, â€Å"You have not met this man who will see us?† It was a cautious question. â€Å"No. But he is a famous man. I have seen him in the newscasts and heard quite a good deal of him. I think he's a good man, Magnifico, who means us no harm.† â€Å"Yes?† The clown stirred uneasily. â€Å"That may be, my lady, but he has questioned me before, and his manner is of an abruptness and loudness that bequivers me. He is full of strange words, so that the answers to his questions could not worm out of my throat. Almost, I might believe the romancer who once played on my ignorance with a tale that, at such moments, the heart lodged in the windpipe and prevented speech.† â€Å"But it's different now. We're two to his one, and he won't be able to frighten the both of us, will he?† â€Å"No, my lady.† A door slammed somewheres, and the roaring of a voice entered the house. Just outside the room, it coagulated into words with a fierce, â€Å"Get the â€Å"Ga-LAX-y out of here!† and two uniformed guards were momentarily visible through the opening door, in quick retreat. Ebling Mis entered frowning, deposited a carefully wrapped bundle on the floor, and approached to shake Bayta's hand with careless pressure. Bayta returned it vigorously, man-fashion. Mis did a double-take as he turned to the clown, and favored the girl with a longer look. He said, â€Å"Married?† â€Å"Yes. We went through the legal formalities.† Mis paused. Then, â€Å"Happy about it?† â€Å"So far.† Mis shrugged, and turned again to Magnifico. He unwrapped the package, â€Å"Know what this is, boy?† Magnifico fairly hurled himself out of his seat and caught the multi-keyed instrument. He fingered the myriad knobby contacts and threw a sudden back somersault of joy, to the imminent destruction of the nearby furniture. He croaked, â€Å"A Visi-Sonor – and of a make to distill joy out of a dead man's heart.† His long fingers caressed softly and slowly, pressing lightly on contacts with a rippling motion, resting momentarily on one key then another – and in the air before them there was a soft glowing rosiness, just inside the range of vision. Ebling Mis said, â€Å"All right, boy, you said you could pound on one of those gadgets, and there's your chance. You'd better tune it, though. It's out of a museum.† Then, in an aside to Bayta, â€Å"Near as I can make it, no one on the Foundation can make it talk right.† He leaned closer and said quickly, â€Å"The clown won't talk without you. Will you help?† She nodded. â€Å"Good!† he said. â€Å"His state of fear is almost fixed, and I doubt that his mental strength would possibly stand a psychic probe. If I'm to get anything out of him otherwise, he's got to feel absolutely at ease. You understand?† She nodded again. â€Å"This Visi-Sonor is the first step in the process. He says he can play it; and his reaction now makes it pretty certain that it's one of the great joys of his life. So whether the playing is good or bad, be interested and appreciative. Then exhibit friendliness and confidence in me. Above all, follow my lead in everything.† There was a swift glance at Magnifico, huddled in a comer of the sofa, making rapid adjustments in the interior of the instrument. He was completely absorbed. Mis said in a conversational tone to Bayta, â€Å"Ever hear a Visi-Sonor?† â€Å"Once,† said Bayta, equally casually, â€Å"at a concert of rare instruments. I wasn't impressed.† â€Å"Well, I doubt that you came across good playing. There are very few really good players. It's not so much that it requires physical co-ordination – a multi-bank piano requires more, for instance – as a certain type of free-wheeling mentality.† In a lower voice, â€Å"That's why our living skeleton there might be better than we think. More often than not, good players are idiots otherwise. It's one of those queer setups that makes psychology interesting.† He added, in a patent effort to manufacture light conversation, â€Å"You know how the beblistered thing works? I looked it up for this purpose, and all I've made out so far is that its radiations stimulate the optic center of the brain directly, without ever touching the optic nerve. It's actually the utilization of a sense never met with in ordinary nature. Remarkable, when you come to think of it. What you hear is all right. That's ordinary. Eardrum, cochlea, all that. But – Shh! He's ready. Will you kick that switch. It works better in the dark.† In the darkness, Magnifico was a mere blob, Ebling Mis a heavy-breathing mass. Bayta found herself straining her eyes anxiously, and at first with no effect. There was a thin, reedy quaver in the air, that wavered raggedly up the scale. It hovered, dropped and caught itself, gained in body, and swooped into a booming crash that had the effect of a thunderous split in a veiling curtain. A little globe of pulsing color grew in rhythmic spurts and burst in midair into formless gouts that swirled high and came down as curving streamers in interfacing patterns. They coalesced into little spheres, no two alike in color – and Bayta began discovering things. She noticed that closing her eyes made the color pattern all the clearer; that each little movement of color had its own little pattern of sound; that she could not identify the colors; and, lastly, that the globes were not globes but little figures. Little figures; little shifting flames, that danced and flickered in their myriads; that dropped out of sight and returned from nowhere; that whipped about one another and coalesced then into a new color. Incongruously, Bayta thought of the little blobs of color that come at night when you close your eyelids till they hurt, and stare patiently. There was the old familiar effect of the marching polka dots of shifting color, of the contracting concentric circles, of the shapeless masses that quiver momentarily. All that, larger, multivaried – and each little dot of color a tiny figure. They darted at her in pairs, and she lifted her hands with a sudden gasp, but they tumbled and for an instant she was the center of a brilliant snowstorm, while cold light slipped off her shoulders and down her arm in a luminous ski-slide, shooting off her stiff fingers and meeting slowly in a shining midair focus. Beneath it all, the sound of a hundred instruments flowed in liquid streams until she could not tell it from the light. She wondered if Ebling Mis were seeing the same thing, and if not, what he did see, The wonder passed, and then- She was watching again. The little figures-were they little figures? -little tiny women with burning hair that turned and bent too quickly for the mind to focus? -seized one another in star-shaped groups that turned – and the music was faint laughter – girls' laughter that began inside the ear. The stars drew together, sparked towards one another, grew slowly into structure – and from below, a palace shot upward in rapid evolution. Each brick a tiny color, each color a tiny spark, each spark a stabbing light that shifted patterns and led the eye skyward to twenty jeweled minarets. A glittering carpet shot out and about, whirling, spinning an insubstantial web that engulfed all space, and from it luminous shoots stabbed upward and branched into trees that sang with a music all their own. Bayta sat inclosed in it. The music welled about her in rapid, lyrical flights. She reached out to touch a fragile tree and blossoming spicules floated downwards and faded, each with its clear, tiny tinkle. The music crashed in twenty cymbals, and before her an area flamed up in a spout and cascaded down invisible steps into Bayta's lap, where it spilled over and flowed in rapid current, raising the fiery sparkle to her waist, while across her lap was a rainbow bridge and upon it the little figures- A palace, and a garden, and tiny men and women on a bridge, stretching out as far as she could see, swimming through the stately swells of stringed music converging in upon her- And then – there seemed a frightened pause, a hesitant, indrawn motion, a swift collapse. The colors fled, spun into a globe that shrank, and rose, and disappeared. And it was merely dark again. A heavy foot scratched for the pedal, reached it, and the light flooded in; the flat light of a prosy sun. Bayta blinked until the tears came, as though for the longing of what was gone. Ebling Mis was a podgy inertness with his eyes still round and his mouth still open. Only Magnifico himself was alive, and he fondled his Visi-Sonor in a crooning ecstasy. â€Å"My lady,† he gasped, â€Å"it is indeed of an effect the most magical. It is of balance and response almost beyond hope in its delicacy and stability. On this, it would seem I could work wonders. How liked you my composition, my lady?† â€Å"Was it yours?† breathed Bayta. â€Å"Your own?† At her awe, his thin face turned a glowing red to the tip of his mighty nose. â€Å"My very own, my lady. The Mule liked it not, but often and often I have played it for my own amusement. It was once, in my youth, that I saw the palace – a gigantic place of jeweled riches that I saw from a distance at a time of high carnival. There were people of a splendor undreamed of – and magnificence more than ever I saw afterwards, even in the Mule's service. It is but a poor makeshift I have created, but my mind's poverty precludes more. I call it, ‘The Memory of Heaven.'† Now through the midst of the chatter, Mis shook himself to active life. â€Å"Here,† he said, â€Å"here, Magnifico, would you like to do that same thing for others?† For a moment, the clown drew back. â€Å"For others?† he quavered. â€Å"For thousands,† cried Mis, â€Å"in the great Halls of the Foundation. Would you like to be your own master, and honored by all, wealthy, and†¦ and-† his imagination failed him. â€Å"And all that? Eh? What do you say?† â€Å"But how may I be all that, mighty sir, for indeed I am but a poor clown ungiven to the great things of the world?† The psychologist puffed out his lips, and passed the back of his hand across his brow. He said, â€Å"But your playing, man. The world is yours if you would play so for the mayor and his Trading Trusts. Wouldn't you like that?† The clown glanced briefly at Bayta, â€Å"Would she stay with me?† Bayta laughed, â€Å"Of course, silly. Would it be likely that I'd leave you now that you're on the point of becoming rich and famous?† â€Å"It would all be yours,† he replied earnestly, â€Å"and surely the wealth of Galaxy itself would be yours before I could repay my debt to your kindness.† â€Å"But,† said Mis, casually, â€Å"if you would first help me-â€Å" â€Å"What is that?† The psychologist paused, and smiled, â€Å"A little surface probe that doesn't hurt. It wouldn't touch but the peel of your brain.† There was a flare of deadly fear in Magnifico's eyes. â€Å"Not a probe. I have seen it used. It drains the mind and leaves an empty skull. The Mule did use it upon traitors and let them wander mindless through the streets, until out of mercy, they were killed.† He held up his hand to push Mis away. â€Å"That was a psychic probe,† explained Mis, patiently, â€Å"and even that would only harm a person when misused. This probe I have is a surface probe that wouldn't hurt a baby. â€Å" â€Å"That's right, Magnifico,† urged Bayta. â€Å"It's only to help beat the Mule and keep him far away. Once that's done, you and I will be rich and famous all our lives.† Magnifico held out a trembling hand, â€Å"Will you hold my hand, then?† Bayta took it in both her own, and the clown watched the approach of the burnished terminal plates with large eyes. Ebling Mis rested carelessly on the too-lavish chair in Mayor Indbur's private quarters, unregenerately unthankful for the condescension shown him and watched the small mayor's fidgeting unsympathetically. He tossed away a cigar stub and spat out a shred of tobacco. â€Å"And, incidentally, if you want something for your next concert at Mallow Hall, Indbur,† he said, â€Å"you can dump out those electronic gadgeteers into the sewers they came from and have this little freak play the Visi-Sonor for you. Indbur – it's out of this world.† Indbur said peevishly, â€Å"I did not call you here to listen to your lectures on music. What of the Mule? Tell me that. What of the Mule?† â€Å"The Mule? Well, I'll tell you – I used a surface probe and got little. Can't use the psychic probe because the freak is scared blind of it, so that his resistance will probably blow his unprintable mental fuses as soon as contact is made. But this is what I've got, if you'll just stop tapping your fingernails- â€Å"First place, de-stress the Mule's physical strength. He's probably strong, but most of the freak's fairy tales about it are probably considerably blown up by his own fearful memory, He wears queer glasses and his eyes kill, he evidently has mental powers.† â€Å"So much we had at the start,† commented the mayor, sourly. â€Å"Then the probe confirms it, and from there on I've been working mathematically.† â€Å"So? And how long will all this take? Your word-rattling will deafen me yet.† â€Å"About a month, I should say, and I may have something for you. And I may not, of course. But what of it? If this is all outside Seldon's plans, our chances are precious little, unprintable little.† Indbur whirled on the psychologist fiercely, â€Å"Now I have you, traitor. Lie! Say you're not one of these criminal rumormongers that are spreading defeatism and panic through the Foundation, and making my work doubly hard.† â€Å"I? I?† Mis gathered anger slowly. Indbur swore at him, â€Å"Because by the dust-clouds of space, the Foundation will win – the Foundation must win.† â€Å"Despite the loss at Horleggor?† â€Å"It was not a loss. You have swallowed that spreading lie, too? We were outnumbered and betreasoned-â€Å" â€Å"By whom?† demanded Mis, contemptuously. â€Å"By the lice-ridden democrats of the gutter,† shouted Indbur back at him. â€Å"I have known for long that the fleet has been riddled by democratic cells. Most have been wiped out, but enough remain for the unexplained surrender of twenty ships in the thickest of the swarming fight. Enough to force an apparent defeat. â€Å"For that matter, my rough-tongued, simple patriot and epitome of the primitive virtues, what are your own connections with the democrats?† Ebling Mis shrugged it off, â€Å"You rave, do you know that? What of the retreat since, and the loss of half of Siwenna? Democrats again?† â€Å"No. Not democrats,† the little man smiled sharply. â€Å"We retreat – as the Foundation has always retreated under attack, until the inevitable march of history turns with us. Already, I see the outcome. Already, the so-called underground of the democrats has issued manifestoes swearing aid and allegiance to the Government. It could be a feint, a cover for a deeper treachery, but I make good use of it, and the propaganda distilled from it will have its effect, whatever the crawling traitors scheme. And better than that-â€Å" â€Å"Even better than that, Indbur?† â€Å"Judge for yourself. Two days ago, the so-called Association of Independent Traders declared war on the Mule, and the Foundation fleet is strengthened, at a stroke, by a thousand ships. You see, this Mule goes too far. He finds us divided and quarreling among ourselves and under the pressure of his attack we unite and grow strong. He must lose. It is inevitable – as always.† Mis still exuded skepticism, â€Å"Then you tell me that Seldon planned even for the fortuitous occurrence of a mutant.† â€Å"A mutant! I can't tell him from a human, nor could you but for the ravings of a rebel captain, some outland youngsters, and an addled juggler and clown. You forget the most conclusive evidence of all – your own.† â€Å"My own?† For just a moment, Mis was startled. â€Å"Your own,† sneered the mayor. â€Å"The Time Vault opens in nine weeks. What of that? It opens for a crisis. If this attack of the Mule is not the crisis, where is the ‘real' one, the one the Vault is opening for? Answer me, you lardish ball.† The psychologist shrugged, â€Å"All tight. If it keeps you happy. Do me a favor, though. Just in case†¦ just in case old Seldon makes his speech and it does go sour, suppose you let me attend the Grand Opening.† â€Å"All right. Get out of here. And stay out of my sight for nine weeks.† â€Å"With unprintable pleasure, you wizened horror,† muttered Mis to himself as he left.

Prison Rape

Prison Rape is no secret in today’s society. The American media has portrayed prison rape as a joke (Don’t drop the soap) in countless films, television shows, and in music, but have not realized the extent of how dangerous this crime is. Some cops even use this method as a means to get a confession from a suspect. A major obstacle in solving Prison rape is the notorious under-reporting of the crime. Only 16 percent of prison rape victims report their victimization. Reasons for under reporting are fear of consequences, shame, guilt, embarrassment, and refuse to relive painful details. This paper explores prison rape and its psychological and physical harm to not only inmates, but to society as well. It also discusses recent efforts to put a stop to prison rape, such as the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 and The National Prison Rape Elimination Commission (NPREC) as well as organizations such as Just Detention International (JDI). Prison Rape is known as sexual intercourse through use of force, intimidation, and threats within prisons. Overcrowding and insufficient staffing are key contributors to prison rape. Most targets of prison sexual assault are young, small, non-violent, first-time offenders. A study of four mid-western states found that 1 in 5 inmates experience some form of pressure or coerced sexual contact while incarcerated. In most cases inmates sexually abuse other inmates. There are also less common cases where correction officers abuse inmates. Americans today tend to believe that this is much more prevalent in female prisons, however there is evidence that women are indeed raped by other female inmates as well and it can cause long term injuries. In a study pertaining to three Mid-western female prisons, 27 percent of the inmate population confessed to being sexually coerced. Although it is no secret male correction officers are sexually abusing female inmates, little to nothing has been done to reduce the male officer rate in female facilities. During Human Rights Watch’s examination of five prisons, the organization discovered that lesbian and transgendered inmates were more likely to be sexually assaulted by correctional officers. Officers target these groups because they want to enforce gender stereotypes. According to Calhoun and Coleman, inmates say about 20 percent of prison guards sexually coerce inmates. Inmates raped by correction officers usually do not report the crime because they are frequently disbelieved which only contributes to the problematic relationship between inmates and officers. According to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR): †¢Rates of HIV are 3 times higher inside prisons then outside of one. †¢Female inmates have been impregnated because of staff sexual abuse. Male rape survivors become much more violent upon release which may ever conclude in them raping others. †¢Many survivors blame themselves, †¢Experience psychological consequences. HIV is not the only disease common in prison rape. Rape victims are more susceptible to diseases such as Syphilis and Hepatitis then the outside community. The rate of Hepatitis C among the general population is 1. 8%, while 14% of New York’s prison population is infected with the disease. Even more so, 33% of California’s prison population is infected with the disease. It is obvious that the disease mentioned, are all sexually transmitted diseases (STD). The assault, anger, and violence in these attacks make these diseases so much more susceptible because there is blood and other bodily fluids being exchanged. Even inmates performing consensual sex in prison still have a higher rate of these diseases due to they lack of safe sex procedure such as condoms. This can have a major effect society as a whole because once a victim of prison rape is release, they can carry these diseases without even know and spreading it to the general public. I believe if there were educational programs about STDs and STD testing in prisons, there might be a good chance prison rape can decline. If a rapist is aware that STDs are more common in prisons rather then the public and that his actions can result in him contracting an STD, he might re consider raping another victim. Contrary to popular belief sexually transmitted diseases are not the only physical harm victims of prison rape endure. Many rape victims endure broken bones, broken noses, bruises, cuts, concussions, and the obvious genital injuries. Sexual assaults also increases violent behavior in prisons because inmates who feel like they may be a future target of sexually assault, defend themselves, and lash out in these violent rages and fights to establish themselves with a â€Å"tough guy† reputation to prevent any sexual misconduct from other inmates. Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun once said, â€Å"Prison rape not only threatens the lives of those who fall prey to their aggressors, but it is potentially devastating to the human spirit. Shame, depression, and a shattering loss of self-esteem accompany the perpetual terror the victim thereafter must endure. † Victims do not only suffer physical consequence due to these rapes. It is very common for victims to develop psychological illnesses as well. Victims of prison sexual assault frequently suffer from rape trauma syndrome or post traumatic stress disorder. Upon release of prison some victims will turn to substance abuse to cope with the emotion and mental damage while incarceration. In some instances victims have been reported to committing suicide, which only adds to fatality factor of this crime. There are some cases in which the victim became so used to being in a homosexual relationship while incarcerated, resulting in him/her to change their sexual orientation. Although homosexuality is not a negative psychological disease, the complete change in sexual orientation itself, due to this rape is not a healthy way to live. Some studies have shown that victims released from jail become much more sexually violent with the female partners. Incarcerated individuals who were raped and psychologically harmed pose as a threat to society because studies have shown that once they are release they become much more violent and anti-social then before they were incarcerated which ultimately make them more susceptible to creating more crimes. One of the worse social effects prison rape can have on the public is racism. According to G. J. Knowles black offenders and white victims are more common in male prisons while white offenders and black victims are more common in female prisons. Overtime victims begin to feel a hatred for the offender, which can evolve to a hatred for the offender’s race. Many of the stated problems resulting from prison rape have been used to form movements and organizations to stop prison rape. On September 4th, 2003 President George Bush signed the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREC). It is the first United States law passed dealing with prison rape. PREC was supported by numerous diverse organizations. PREA adopted a â€Å"zero-tolerance† policy, aimed to diminish prison rape. PREA also increased the penalties of staff members and officers who are found to be sexually abusing inmates. PREA set standards on how to detect and prevent sexual assault in prisons. Through PREA the Department of Justice was ordered to put the prevention of prison rape as a top priority in prison throughout the United States. The Bureau Of Justice was also order to produce an annual report on prison rape. The DOJ as came up with a review panel that strictly dealt with hearings pertaining to prison rapes. There were also a few bureaus under the Department of Justice such as The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) whose primary role is to award grant funds to state governments for addressing inmate sexual assault, The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) whose role is to research the impact of sexual abuse in prison rape victims, as well as investigating and prosecuting offenders of prison rapes, and The Nation Institute of Corrections (NIC) which trains and educate agencies and correction officers to help reduce sexual abuse in prisons. PREA also fought out to protect the Eighth Amendment (cruel and unusual punishment not me inflicted) right of local, state and federal prisons. One of the most important results of the PREA was the birth of the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission (NPREC). Perk’s mission is to study local, state, and federal government policies and practices on sexual misconduct with in prisons. The commission reports their conclusions and findings to The Congress, The President, and many more important agencies pertaining to this issue. NPREC had 9 commissioners, 3 appointed by the president and 6 appointed by congress. Federal judge Reggie Walton was the commissioner. Other appointed members were John Kaneb, James Aiken, Jamie Felner, Brenda Smith, Gus Puryear, Pat Nolan, and Cindy Struckman-Johnson. Each candidate supplied surveys and in depth analysis of prison rape. Members of the commission research the relationship between prison inmates and the conditions in which they live. There have been other efforts, such as, the House Bill No. 642 try to eliminate prison rapes. Connecticut State Representative Pat Dillon says two types of people are usually targeted in prison, Non-Violent offenders and inmates of small stature. Dillon statesthat simple procedure can be done to prevent a rape attack. She quotes â€Å" You don’t take a 120 pound non-violent offender and put him in a cell with a 200 pound sex offender. † On one hand I agree with Dillon’s idea of matching cellmates according to stature. But on the other hand I insist that this is not a matter that can be easily prevented. Yes separating cellmates due to stature works but it will most certainly no solve the ongoing battle with prison rape. It is a much more complicated situation. One of the main threshold’s to the development of the Prison Rape Elimination Act, was a paper released two years earlier by the Human Rights Watch, titled â€Å"No Escape: Male rape in the US†. Joanne Marnier was the head author of this paper and had advertisements put in prison magazines such as Prison Legal news and Prison Life Magazine. After having these advertisements out, Mariner received letters containing graphic accounts of inmates being sexually assaulted and was very detailed. â€Å"No Escape† surveyed prison systems in 34 states. According to â€Å"No Escape† prisons ran by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice have the worst incidents of prison rapes. Prior to the release of â€Å"No Escape† there were very few studies of prison rape. This paper is noted at the stepping-stone to publicizing how brutal and inhumane these rapes are. In my opinion PREA is a brilliant idea in way to approach this devastating situation, however more need to be done. Because most inmates who were sexually abused will not admit to their abuse, there is a lack in how much help can actually be given. I believe in order to fully solve this prison rape issue, we must first solve the under reported factor of this crime. There have been other organization and movements to stop prison rape. Just Detention International (JDI) is an anti-prison rape organization, created in 1980 by Russell Smith. The original name of the organization was founded as People Organized to Stop the Rape of Imprisoned Persons (POSRIP). Due to its expansion with other countries, such as South Africa, Mexico, Canada, and The Philippines, the organization changed their name. According to the Just Detention website the founder, Russell Smith as well as many of them members of the organization were members of prison rape and are not paid for their work with the organization. JDI was formed during a time when prisoner rape was not so popular and wasn’t an issue to the public. It was one of the only anti-prison rape groups of its time. JDI played a big role with the Prison Rape Elimination Act and worked with Senators and Representatives. JDI played a prominent role in ensuring the PREA follows through with safety from prison rape. JDI has also helped as support systems for individuals who are recently release from jailed and have survived prison rape. Another supportive organization of anti- prison rape is the Human Rights Watch. HRW was actually even responsible for publishing the â€Å"No Escape: Male Rape in the US†. HRW ran several studies on prison rape and concluded that at least 140,000 inmates in United States prisons are most likely to get raped. On the human rights website, many articles are written targeting prison rape as an issue as well. In conclusion, prison rape has been a growing problem that has been kept under wraps for several decades. Prison rape has not only affected inmates but the public as well. Prison rapes have left inmates with deadly diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis, and Syphilis. Victims of prison rape also suffer from psychological disorders and are know to become much more violent and anti social upon release Physical and well as psychological harm to the inmate can spread to the general public upon release. There have been recent efforts to suppress prison rape such as the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003, signed by President George Bush. An important factor branching out from the PREA is the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission, which consisted of 9 individuals who studied on the matter extensively. The commission sought to decline prison rape by visiting prisons and checking up on procedure and making sure the laws passed in the PREA are being played out in prisons. Other non-government organizations have been formed to take a stand against prison rape. Organizations such as Just Detention International and the Human Rights Watch have been a strong force to decline prison rape. Although there have been many efforts to ban these heinous acts, I believe more has to be done because at the end of the day, prison rape is still very existent in today’s prisons.

Wedding of a close relative Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Wedding of a close relative - Essay Example At first there seemed very little they had in common, but in fact they shared a lot. When he first flew on an airplane where she was a stewardess, he was powerfully attracted by her smile; she was very attracted by his too. They both had high wattage smiles and an infectious laugh that made everyone around them feel like they were having a good time. She kept bringing him more and more drinks on the airplane for free, and eventually sat next to him in the empty seat. They hit it off right away. They were also both big fans of baseball, curling, soccer, hammerthrow, and the javelin throw (which they had both come first place in in high school). Six months after meeting, they were engaged. A few months after that they were both married. Â  This was the first wedding I had ever been to. I had known the groom, Jimmy, for many years. We had played a lot of sports together, been to Las Vegas, and even done a little skydiving. I was working at the time as a Scuba instructor at a beach near the Pacific Palisades, and so I was thrilled to hear they would be having the wedding nearby at a resort I was familiar with. They were going to get a big name DJ and have everything decked out by the latest designers. He had a lot of stock options from his company and had decided to cash out and go into consulting instead. The wedding happened on a Saturday night and it was very extravagant. There were about 300 guests, many of whom were famous celebrities. The music was really bumping and when I arrived I immediately hit the dance floor.

Research Inquiry for Managers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Research Inquiry for Managers - Essay Example The commonwealth should apply the same rules to alcoholic substances as they have become an issue of interest in the 21st century and this should be done alongside all support groups for effective games condition and proper tourism standards. The sponsorship directly affected the sports as the players received favors from the companies after competitions and this was through their products. Literature Review Introduction Former and current information on the issues states that Australia banned the advertisement of these substances during games for various reasons and since then there have been noticed developments in the field. First Issue One of the reasons as to doing this is that it was an encouraging factor to the abuse of tobacco. This not only stated for the players but also for the friends and closely related people to them. The implications of these advertisements were that the players could smoke tobacco substances such as cigarettes that would cloud their judgments during a game (Beyer, 2003, 57). Second Issue On the case of the fans and spectators, the advertisements were also a motivating factor. In this case, the issue was much further than speculated. This is because the fans could make their way into the stadium with the cigarettes and other tobacco substances and start using them without problem. ... Third Issue There was an increase in concern from the wives and husbands of the players. This they claimed is because the tobacco made them unhealthy and to some of the athletes, it had got to the extent of an addiction. This often kept the players in loggerheads with their spouses as they went through their activities. This issue was a very important one to observe and keep in mind. This is because of the standing theory that states that for a player to portray optimal performance in the field, concentration must be one hundred percent or rather distractions to a minimum. This could have been hard to uphold if the players were having family issues. It was very important to understand that the economic position was critical in the area. This is because as much as there was many accrued benefits from the funding, the players and participants did not actually benefit in any way. This was because it was very hard to focus on the games while thinking about the advantages later. The compa nies actually benefited in a large manner, this boosted their economic situations, and thus they were able to survive the various market issues witnessed. However, after the ban, it was very difficult for the companies to get back to their original conditions. It is very imperative to keep in mind that another issue that came up around that time was the high amount of social unstableness witnessed at the time. This was witnessed from the fact that many of the people and the participants in the game became used to taking the tobacco products. It is due to this that the players characteristically became addicts and kept on with the habit to a point where it became an abuse. The abuse of the products made them reluctant as they made major decisions in a careless

Analyze Friendships Mysteries, to my Dearest LucasiaandOn Being Essay

Analyze Friendships Mysteries, to my Dearest LucasiaandOn Being Brought .. To S. M., A Young - Essay Example y—an ode to a loved one—and manipulating and taking a huge innovative step forward by switching the identity of the speaker, by making it a poem about two women loving one another. She is also taking a rebellious stand against male hierarchy and saying lesbians are as good as anyone else. Wheatley too was a rebel: the first published African American poet. Indeed, few people at the time could believe that a black woman could write so well: she was even challenged in court on the subject. She too brings religion into the picture writing in her poems, trying to show that all people are equal and worthy of respect. For example, she writes: â€Å"Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain,/May be refind, and join th angelic train† She also worked hard to promote the works of other African Americans as in her poem â€Å"To S. M., a Young African Painter, on Seeing His Works.† Her criticism and poetry helped definitively shape African American literature, much the way that Philips’ poetry shaped lesbian literature. They are both

Folktale assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Folktale - Assignment Example The morale of the story is not to take advice from the devil/fox/sharpest person as they always give open ended advice which can end in either way victory or loss. They never assure sincerity on the cost of their personal security. Secondly, brain power is necessary for any fight to become a success or loss, the more the merry one is. Once a Bear and Fox met while jogging, the Bear asked Fox , â€Å"who do you think is the cleverest of all creatures?†. Fox replied, â€Å"Of course, who else; the creator of artificial intelligence gadgets, facebook, google and cloning; the eminent Man.† Bear with his gigantic head and sturdy physique took it as an insult. He suggested to Fox that he can fight with man’s intelligence in just one blow. The fox and Bear sat on the bench and waited for the other joggers to pass by. A lady passed by and Bear asked her, who she was? She said, â€Å"I am Kim Kardashian, the reality television star.† The Bear grunted in disgust, â€Å"No, good for nothing!† requested her to continue her Jog. Fox and Bear waited and a young girl came across, the Bear stood in the path stopped her and asked her who she was. The girl replied, â€Å"I am not a girl, I am Justin Beiber a famous singer and iconic pop-star.† The Bear looked closely and said, â€Å"You definitely sound like a girl.† But his perfume and pink pants made him nauseated and he let him go quickly. Next came a police officer, the Bear jumped in between the path and asked, â€Å"Who are you?† The officer took out the gun and yelled, â€Å"Put your hands behind your head or I’ll shoot you!† Fox shouted, â€Å"He’s a man!† In no time Bear landed a KungFu Panda Kick to the officer and he fell far away. Bear gave a devilish smile to the Fox but just after a moment he was electrocuted by another officer. Bear severely injured stood up with difficulty and hid behind bushes. When he looked around for Fox to help him,

Human Nature in studies of philosophers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Human Nature in studies of philosophers - Essay Example This research aims to evaluate and present the issue of human nature using studies of different philosophers. Distinguished Chinese philosopher of ancient era Mencius (372-289 BCE) strongly believes in the innate goodness of human nature, which humans inherit from their ancestors. It is therefore he vehemently advocates in favor of following the life patterns of the ancestors in order to achieve perfection in their character and personality ultimately. Moreover, according to him, if humans are provided with adequate education and training, their qualities could further be polished and improved. However, Hsà ¼n Tzu (298-238 BCE) does not find righteousness in human nature. On the contrary, he is of t.he view that human nature is evil and can be improved through socialization. Another eminent philosopher of ancient times, named Kao Tzu (420-350 BCE), aptly acknowledged to be one of the most talented thinkers in the history of China, refutes both the above-mentioned doctrines, and decl ares human nature as clean slate, which studies and follows only what it observes being practiced by others in its social and natural environment. Thus, human nature is neither good nor bad altogether, according to Kao Tzu, and follows the same which is taught to it. Eminent 19th century German philosopher Georg Hegel (1770—1831) has also made a comparative analysis of the doctrines presented by Hsun Tzu and Mencius while elucidating the concepts of innate evil and innate goodness respectively. Somehow, Hegel seeks further wisdom in both these theses, where both these doctrines serve as thesis and antithesis to each other. Hegel declares goodness and evil as occasional in nature and scope due to the very reality that absolute righteousness or complete wrong-doings do not prevail in any part of the globe. In other words, no one can be stated as completely sublime and righteous or absolutely monstrous and obnoxious. For instance, a robber could be harmful and destructive for so ciety, though would be a kind and benevolent person in his domestic life, and may treat his children with great love and affection. Similarly, a pious person may commit genocide out of sheer feelings of revenge or abhorrence for his opponent or rival. Moreover, Otto von Bismarck (1815--1898) is regarded as a great German nationalist, though his name brings displeasure on the countenances of the French public at large. Since absolute goodness and evil do not exist in any part of the globe, declaring anyone as the representative of good or evil does not carry weight in the eyes of the philosophers, thinkers and intellectuals. Hegel alludes to the gallant deeds displayed by the soldiers while saving the boundaries of their country. (Austin, 624-25) Since they are also

Moudawana reforms in Morocco Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Moudawana reforms in Morocco - Research Paper Example Women play a major role in the family dynamics in Morocco as they help form the structure of the society. Initially, Moroccan women had fewer privileges to enjoy in the family. They were treated as inferiors and the men around them made all family decisions. While women were restricted from divorcing their husbands, men were allowed to break up with their wives without their consent. Women could not marry without the approval of their guardians, and when married, they were to obey their husbands. On the other hand, men could marry as many wives as they wanted without any approval from their wives. In other words, women were treated as objects. When the Moudawana reform movement was adopted in 1958, these unjust laws continued to prevail as women had no control over their marriage life. Some even argued that getting married was the end of a woman’s life because if she was unfortunate and faced hardships, she did not have an easy way out. All this started to change, when the Wom en's Action Union was formed and decided to sweep out these injustices against women. This union catalyzed the reform to play its full part in the fight. This was the start of the Moudawana Reforms in Morocco. Prior to the formation of this union, the reform movement governed the family laws but gave few privileges to women. The governed areas by the law included child custody, inheritance, divorce and marriage. Men enjoyed many privileges and saw traditional laws as an opportunity to suppress women. The same laws made life unbearable for women and bound the reforms. This paper will focus on the contributions made by women and especially the Islam activists in Moudawana reforms. The efforts made by different organizations led by women activists would also be highlighted. Moudawanna as a national Issue The Moudawana law suppressed women as it gave them limited opportunities to enjoy their rights. The main goal of the activists as argued earlier was to ensure that women were treated w ith fairness in the society. This was a fight against authoritarianism as defined by Childress. It is defined as the type of ruling used by rulers to oppress their women. In this case, women were the oppressed group. Regarding women as the main element making up the family and eventually the society, they had to have privileges in life. Men could make any decision in their marriage without the consent of their wives. On the side of women, even the least decisions, for example deciding who to get married to and when, needed a guardian’s intervention. Women were getting married at the tender age of 15 while instead they should have been in schools studying. This shows that women were deprived of their human rights (Bran 276). As argued by Bayat, resource mobilization theory, collective behavior approach, and crowd theory were necessary. No single woman could push for the reforms on her own efforts. This called for an ‘imagined solidarity’ in which women had to come together and create set actions that had to be followed (890). Imagined solidarity was a situation in which different people or groups visualized to have similar interests even though they fought using different strategies but headed to the same goal. Similarly, Childress argues that social, community-based, coalitional, and organizational movements played a major role in the entire reforms. This was because with the political parties in place, activists saw community-based movement as the best (1). The argument to support this was that people were heard the most when they are together. The main goal of the activists in the reform was to persuade the government to treat women more equally, just as they treated men. Their main goal could not be reached by the activists’ words only, and they needed support from as many Moroccans as possible so that it would be easier to prove to the government that the Moroccans indeed demanded for change. Engaging many Moroccans into the idea of reforms was done through the 1 million-signature petition

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

Proposal Argument - Research Paper Example However, the war in Iraq has resulted into suffering and distraction of lives of the citizens. Furthermore, the incarceration of Saddam Hussein meant that terrorist threats from Iraq were no longer looming. Finally, no weapons of mass destruction were found in the country as earlier stated by the US. I propose the millennial solution in ending the war in Iraq. To start with, the millennials are the individuals that have grown up in the face of war in Iraq. They grew up experiencing their peers being shipped to fight in wars and also watching ‘Operation Iraqi Freedom’ on the various media platforms (Schwartz 65). Millenials have been known to put up vibrant battles against the war. By the time the war finally came to an end in 2011, the millennials that were middle school when the war began has come of age to watch the US soldiers set up the war operations and understand what was going on. Iraq is back in the news again as a militia organization referred to as the Islamic State of Iraq, ISIS, al-Sham among other names has spread across the southern and northern regions of the country. Unfortunately, with all the damage that has been going on, TV interviews and the debate on the internet has been missing the important contribution of millennials who are the individuals that grew up in the face of the war (Billitteri 34). The best solution that has been proposed is by getting the millenials more involved in the peace-keeping and finding a lasting solution for the war in Iraq. It has been observed that this generation did not vote for the war that started in 2003 or even plan for it. Nevertheless, they have paid a dear price for it. To start with, the war has taken the lives of approximately 4,500 millenials and cost the nation a figure estimated between $4 to $6 trillion (Billitteri 15). The war has also taken away the lives of more than 100,000 innocent civilians. Regrettably, there are global political leaders that have served as champions for the

WEEK 5 DISCUSSION 2 Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

WEEK 5 DISCUSSION 2 - Annotated Bibliography Example The first section comprises of various facts about the state and its economy, which new entrants in the Indian market ought to know (Fischer, 2012). The second section Fischer highlights pitfalls which numerous multinational investors usually encounter and how to avoid them (Fischer, 2012). This is because Indian culture is entirely diverse from both the western and American regions (Fischer, 2012). Therefore, the source will be of vital importance in supporting arguments concerning the uniqueness of Indian market besides other multinational corporations that have failed in the region (Fischer, 2012). This source comprises of literature written by diverse experts in their respective fields. Varma and Budhwar in their work provide comprehensive information meant to guide diverse investors who may wish to invest in India. This is via outlining prospects and pitfalls, which they ought to evade. Aspects highlighted in this book embrace economic development, critical negotiation skills, opportunities and business culture (Varma & Budhwar, 2010). In this study, the source will avail adequate information concerning multinational investment in India besides general information concerning economy and pitfalls, which new entrants ought to evade (Varma & Budhwar, 2010). In addition, it will also support arguments regarding critical negotiation skills (Varma & Budhwar, 2010). Uppal and Mishra outlines diverse aspects that comprise Indian environment, which new entrants ought to consider so that they may succeed. This is because the Indian business environment is extremely diverse from other regions in the world, for instance, the West (Uppal & Mishra, 2009). Some of the aspects highlighted in this source encompass new deregulated policies especially in accounting, auditing and reorientation of the centrally monitored fiscal to market oriented (Uppal &

Bullying and Harrasment in the Workplace Essay Example for Free

Bullying and Harrasment in the Workplace Essay In hard times people tend more to be willing to find out why things aren’t working and so a growing awareness of satisfying employees lead to a more detailed picture of bullying in the workplace. Due to great changes in hotel and hospitality industry caused by the economic crisis and its cumulative effects on the behaviour of managers as well as on employees, volition emerged to do more against bullying in the workplace. This paper critically analyzes the reason for the occurrence of bullying and gives impacts on relationship between bullying, work and health. Furthermore it shows emerging problems for the hotel and hospitality industry and gives advice to find appropriate solutions to provide a bullying-free working place. Several published definitions of bullying make it hard to find the genuine meaning of it. According to the Department of Education? s article, published on their homepage www. education. gov. k in October 2010, bullying can be defined as â€Å"Behaviour by an individual or group usually repeated over time, that intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically, emotionally or mentally†. This definition is accepted and used by various organisations in the UK for anti-bullying publications and treatment policies. Unfortunately this definition covers an array of bullying types, so Zapf D. (1996) categorised five types of bullying behaviour in the workplace to get a closer look on what bullying really is. They are work-related bullying which may include changing your work tasks or making them difficult to perform, social isolation, personal attacks or attacks on your private life by ridicule, insulting remarks, gossip or the like, verbal threats where you are criticised, yelled at or humiliated in public and physical violence or threats of such violence. Referring to those statements it is possible to critically analyze bullying by keeping in mind the definition in relationship with Zapf? s five types of bullying. Nowadays it is well-known that bullying is common in almost every Industry whether in small businesses or international companies. Especially in tourism-related businesses like hotel and hospitality industry, bullying causes capacious damage in different dimensions concerning areas like staff turnover and revenue but also number of staff away sick and motivation of employees. To avoid long-term impacts of harassment, bullying or mobbing has to be nipped in the bud according to Dolan C. (2010):1 who said that â€Å"Bullying can? survive in workplaces that won? t support it. † To provide such a workplace, is today? s great challenge for managers. Generally reasons for bullying are minor problems which aren’t obviously inflicting damage to somebody like discontent about matters, problems in private live, unintended aspersions compared to a co-worker or sometimes a harsh tone in stressful situations. In Hotel and Hospitality industry the constant contact with different people, whether new staff members or guests, provides an excellent breeding ground for such problems. It could be an annoying guest, a challenging situation or an excessive period of work strain which gets people to offend a colleague. All these minor incidents are harmful for working climate and interpersonal relationships in long-term. These problems could be categorised, in alleviated acceptation, into different types of physically and psychologically violence, referring to Fineman S. (2003), who splits workplace violence into intrusive, consumer-related and organizational violence. Intrusive violence rarely occurs in hotel and hospitality industry but is not entirely excluded. On August 21, 2010 the Intercontinental hotel in Rio de Janeiro was scene of a taking of hostages. 10 employees of the hotel were restraint for several hours until they have been released, after the police took some action towards the criminals. Attacks by terrorists against hotels and employees infrequently take place in most countries, but witnessing crime related situations could be an immense strain. A more eminent factor in tourism-related businesses is consumer related violence. Demands of customers which couldn? always be measured, are causing complaints about e. g. delays or bad handling. Especially front office employees have to deal with enormous pressure by being consistently confronted with complaints, and personal affronts from customers. Furthermore Fineman S. (2003):164 describes the occurrence of organizational violence in the workplace as a failing in the ethnically opinions of entrepreneur and characterizes this form of bullying as follows, â€Å"It translates into practices that systematically cause danger, risk or exploitation to employees. Emotionally, the employer can feel indifferent, even derisory about its workers and their psychological or physical well-being: ‘there are always more out there’. The worker may feel equally indifferent but trapped in the job. † Actually frequent occurrence of such, as in the majority of cases irrelevant sensed incidents, leads to a growth of troubles and personal antipathy against fellow-workers and employers is growing until the straw that breaks the camel? s back and physically or psychological damages are the immediate consequences. As has been proved in an array of researches by organisations dealing with the problems of bullying and harassment in the workplace, like ACAS, bullying affects a company in a tremendous variety of ways. Hotel and Hospitality industry is a very people-intensive branch primarily composed of small businesses. According to ACSA a main impact of bullying is the increase in rates of absence, especially concerning small firms where cover for sick employees is difficult to arrange. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Europe’s largest HR and development professional body, releases every year a survey report pointing out the consequences of days of absence. In 2009 the average in days of absence, concerning all business sectors, was 7. 4 days per employee per year. The amount in hotel and hospitality sector was below average with 6. 0 days per employee per year but in comparison between hotel and hospitality and other businesses, the average annual costs of absence per employee per year are superior. Relating to the CIPD the average annual costs of absence per employee per year, enfolding all business-sectors, are 692 pounds. In this area hotel and hospitality businesses are the tragic top of the table with 1199 pounds per employee per year. The survey also shows that stress (often a result of bullying) is the major cause for long-term absence. Other consequences of bullying, described by ACAS, are poor morale and poor employee relations, loss of respect for managers and supervisors, poor performance, lost productivity, resignations, damage to company reputation and tribunal and other court cases and payment of unlimited compensations. Taking a closer look on stress it is to say that in hotel and hospitality industry it is a necessity for employees to know how to handle stress because there will always be periods of strain. The big problem in coping stress is that no two people respond to the same stressor in the same way and this is the perfect point where management should intervene. According to Stranks (2005) different strategies can be considered in dealing with work-related stress, first of all it is important recognizing the evidence of stress which could manifest in sickness, alcoholism or decreasing motivation. A second strategy is to prevent stress through e. g. personal stress audits for employees to identify causes of stress, to monitor stress levels and to report and discuss stressful elements of work to identify the measures necessary at organizational level to alleviate the problem. A third way is to give employees the opportunity to develop a personal stress-tackling technique by providing training and education. Stranks (2005):113 in this point said that employees need advice on identifying their own personal stress response and the measures necessary to coping with it. † Advice to handle stress could be found from organisations like Health and Safety Executive (HSE) releasing handbooks for employees (2003, Tackling Work-Related Stress: A Guide for Employees) as well as for managers (2001, Tackling Work-Related Stress: A Manager’s Guide to improving and Maintaining Employee Health and Well-being). These strategies work very well as reported in many case studies e. g. on United Biscuits by HSE in 2007. The case study points out that United Biscuits benefited from taking action against stress in many ways. From 2005 to 2007 reports of work related stress cases decreased from 24 to 6 per year. Furthermore HRS mentions that each case where absence is prevented, it is estimated the cost of 4 weeks wages and other associated costs is saved. As a matter of fact it is a necessity to override bullying and its consequences by management to keep costs low and protect employees from physical or psychological injuries caused by bullying. As mentioned in ‘bullying and harassment at work’, an advisory booklet publicised by ACAS, the first step to provide a bully-free working environment is to set up a formal policy including a statement of commitment from management and acknowledgement that bullying and harassment are problems for the organisation. The policy could also comprise a clear statement that bullying and harassment is unlawful, that it will not be tolerated, that it may be treated as disciplinary offences and that decisions should not be taken on the basis or whether someone submitted to or rejected a particular instance of harassment. Furthermore the policy is to comprehend steps the organisation takes to prevent bullying, responsibilities of supervisors and managers and confidentiality for any complainant. The policy should involve grievance, investigation and disciplinary procedures with timescales for action. Another point should deal with protection from victimisation and the importance and possibility of training for managers to avoid bullying. Involving staff into the process of developing such a policy will help achieving additional authority. Such a policy is supported by Stale Einarsen (1999):23 in the international journal of manpower who said â€Å"If not being permitted or supported by the people in power, a bully knows he/she may find him/herself the victim of aggressive counter-attacks and severe punishment. † In reference to ACAS the second step is to set a good example in behaviour, like discussing problems and consult employees instead of a too authoritarian management style. A current negative example for this point is the discussion about Gordon Brown? s abusive treatment of staff. The Guardian (21. 2. 2010) advertised that several employees from Downing Street No. 10 contacted the National Anti-bullying Helpline which raises discussions about Mr. Browns management style. Mr. Brown is being denoted as a bully by employees including assertions that he swore at staff, grabbed them by lapels and shouted at them. Third step to deal with bullying and harassment as a manager is to maintain fair procedures for dealing promptly with complaints from employees by using clear grievance and disciplinary procedure described in the Employment Relations Act 1999. Fourth step is to set clear standards of behaviour, to provide training and information about how to deal with bullying and to communicate the organisation? s views on it. Fifth, make clear that complaints will be dealt with fairly, confidentially and sensitively. By following these five steps of ACAS it is getting a lot easier to provide a good working climate and satisfy employees. In conclusion bullying is a problem affecting all businesses with different strength, in different ways and with different consequences, but the reason for occurrence of bullying is the one constant in all companies. It all starts with recurring minor problems that aren’t recognized until they grow big, so discussing problems and communicate them will help companies save money and satisfy employees. By using a metaphor to describe bullying, the strength in which bullying affects humans as well as companies could be expressed as follows A single thunderous gust could disroot trees, but a permanent breeze transforms mountains into grains of sand.

Service User And Care Involvement Analysis Social Work Essay

Service User And Care Involvement Analysis Social Work Essay This review will consist of an introduction, aims of the review, and methods of data collection, findings on a series of questions and answers on the extent of service user involvement in the discharge process, conclusions, and possible recommendations for change. It will conclude with a reflection piece. The following review will discuss the issue of service user involvement in the discharge/transfer procedure. The review was compiled by the author within a nineteen bedded Forensic Mental Health unit. The ward was at full capacity at the time of writing this review. The service users all had different levels of mental illness, each with a different history, level of cognitive awareness, degree of institutionalisation and willingness to adapt and change. This review will assess to what extent service users are involved with the discharge planning process in the ward, if any, and give possible recommendations on how this process may be improved. Aims of the Review During this placement the author decided on a subject to review, this subject was service user involvement in discharge planning. While collating information for the review some questions arose these questions were: Does the service user feel included in decision making? How does the staff involve the service user in the decision making if at all? Has discharge been discussed with the service user? These questions lead to the author constructing some key questions to carry out in the review these will be discussed further in the findings. 91 Methods used to construct review The data for the review was collected over a ten week period within the ward. The author consulted service users notes, attended multidisciplinary team meetings and conducted a series of semi-structured, one to one interviews with service users and staff, including a consultant, doctors, ward manager, nurses, nursing assistants and occupational therapists. A literature search was also carried out using accredited databases including CINAHL and the British Nursing Index. Relevant journal articles were found on these databases using keywords such as service user, involvement and mental health services. Nursing research books were also used to gather information along with web sites underlining national policies and models for mental health nursing. 110 Findings How are decisions made within the placement area regarding discharge planning? A Forensic Mental Health Unit is not part of the prison services it is a service that specialises in the assessment and treatment of people who have a Mental Disorder. According to the Mental Health Care and Treatment Act 2003 a mental disorder is an illness such a personality disorder or learning disability defined by the act, whereby the mental disorder has been a contributing factor to the person offending. Throughout the weeks on this placement research was carried out by the author on policies and procedures for discharge planning. The one in particular that was found to be relevant was the Care Programme Approach (CPA). CPA is about early identification of needs, assignment of individuals or organisations to meet those needs in an agreed and co-ordinated way and regular reviews of progress with the service user and care providers. CPA is also about involving family or carers at the earliest point. The Care Programme Approach requires that service users should be provided with copies of their care plans and it has been increasingly common for service users who have been the responsibility of forensic psychiatrists to have copies of documents relating to their care. (DOH 2008). Systems were in place for comprehensive care planning. There was evidence to show that the service users social, educational and occupational needs were taken into account in the care planning process and other specialist interventions were available. In addition to this, in some cases, discharge/transfer planning was evident from an early stage (not long after admission), although in other cases a few months had elapsed before any document noted those discussions. Discharge planning is enhanced by the Care Programme Approach (CPA) a multi-disciplinary care planning systematic approach that involves service users and their carers. Care Programme Approach is the framework for care co-ordination and resource allocation in mental health services. Decisions for discharge are made through the multi-disciplinary team which consists of consultants, ward manager, nursing staff, occupational therapy and social workers. discharge guidance 4. This will go forward to a tribunal where the service user will be invited to take part, here all the evidence will be put forward and a decision will be made. If the service user is restricted then the decision will be made by the First Minister. When a service user is restricted it means an order has b een applied to them as they are seen by the act to be a more serious offender, this then means that the Home Office is responsible for granting discharge and a representative will be invited to the Tribunal (MHCT Act 2003 SECTION 37/41). Most service users have long term mental health problems and complex social needs and have been in contact with mental health services for more than twenty years so never think about discharge. Being in hospital for so long has become part of their lives so service users see it as pointless being discharged, what would I do. 488 SECTION 117 AFTER-CARE Prior to 1983, no statutory provision was made for the after-care of patients discharged from hospital. Section 117 introduced and defined formal after-care. In particular it stated: It shall be the ditty of the health authority and the local authority to provide in conjunction with voluntary agencies after-care services for any person to whom this Section applies, until such time that the health authority and local authority are satisfied that the person concerned is no longer in need of such services . Section 117 of the 1983 Mental Health Act applies to patients who have been detained under Section 3,37, 37/41, 47/49, 48/49. Before a decision is taken to discharge or grant leave to a patient, it is the responsibility of the RMO to ensure, in consultation with other members of the multi-disciplinary team, that the patients needs for health and social care have been fully assessed, and that the care plan addresses them. The Section 117 meeting The aim of the meeting is to draw up an after-care plan, based on the most recent multi-disciplinary assessment of the patients needs. During the meeting the following areas should be covered as appropriate: Housing Finances Relationships/family Employment Social needs Psychology/mental health difficulties Relapse predictors Known risk factors When the care plan is agreed the team should ensure that a key worker is identified to monitor the care plan. The Care Co-Ordinator can come from either of the statutory agencies, and should not be appointed unless they are present at the meeting, or unless they have given their prior agreement.. The process for Sec 117 can be found in Trust Policy and Procedure and applies to all patients accepted by psychiatric services. What decisions/involvement does the service user have in this process? Within this placement the care and treatment plans are reviewed on a regular basis. Service users are expected to meet with their key worker and other team members on a regular basis, care plans are reviewed at these meetings and a mutual agreement will be decided, on the best way forward, once the care plan has been agreed by all the service user has to adhere to the care plan.(discharge guidance)no.16 Rights, Relationships and Recovery (2006): The Report of the National Review of Mental Health Nursing in Scotland Service users are encouraged to be fully involved in all aspects of their care as far as they are able to. Service users past and present wishes should be taken into account, their views and opinions with regards to their treatment plan must also be recorded, as stated in the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act Scotland 2003. These wishes and aspects will be turned into a care plan that is individual to the service user. The principles of the act underpin any decision made relating to a detained service user in Scotland. The Milan Committee devoted a chapter in the act that referred to high risk patients it stated that service users should have the right of appeal to be transferred from a high or medium secure facility to that of a facility with lower security conditions. (Mental Health Care and Treatment Scotland Act 2003). This however seemed to be the problem across the board, lack of medium/low secure facilities to discharge /transfer appropriate service users to. Service users have the opportunity for regular one-to-ones with their key workers (weekly basis) or more regularly if they require. Service users have the opportunity to put forward their thoughts on discharge and any other aspect of their care at the review, such as their rights, beliefs and their right to a tribunal. The author attended these independant tribunals while on this placement and at these tribunals people had stated that their human rights had been violated (The Human Rights Act 1998). They felt they were still being discriminated against for offences they had committed 20-30 years ago and feel they were being held under excessive security hence the reason for the tribunal to appeal against this level of security. this would mean they would be granted grounds access on a trial period which may be supervised, then become unsupervised for a trial period to see how the service user would cope, this in turn will lead to a further tribunal taking place in a set time agreed f or example 4 or 6 months away, where the service user may be granted discharge/transfer to a lower secure unit depending that all provisions that had been put in place had been adhered to, for example, risk assessment reviewed, treatment regime being followed, attend all social/therapy/strategy groups that were agreed. The review takes place every four months, again this is a multi-disciplinary meeting and service users are invited to attend with the support of advocacy or someone of their choice. The Human Rights Act 1998 gives legal effect in the UK to certain fundamental rights and freedoms contained in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). These rights not only affect matters of life and death like freedom from torture and killing, but also affect your rights in everyday life: what you can say and do, your beliefs, your right to a fair trial and many other similar basic entitlements. During the time spent on this placement it was noted that service users and key workers met at the beginning of the week to discuss how they felt things had been for them, the service user has the opportunity to discuss what changes they would like to happen, this is then recorded in the service users notes and taken forward to the clinical team that week where it would be discussed if any changes in care and treatment would take place, the service user is then informed of any changes and decisions made which they have the right to appeal against (The Human Rights Act 1998). The opportunity arose for the author to take part in these weekly reviews, during this one-to-one time most service users were able to express their thoughts and feelings about issues they had encountered that week and describe what therapeutic strategies they used to get through it. The service user will be provided with a copy of the Treatment Plan Objectives, or informed in detail of the contents of the treatment plan, in the event that any learning or specific reading or language difficulty information should be provided in a way that is most likely to be understood. Arnstein (1969) constructed a ladder of participation which described eight stages of user participation in services, including mental health. These stages ranged from no participation to user controlled services. The above service users would be placed on the sixth rung of the ladder in the partnership range as they agree to share planning and decision-making responsibilities. Partnership Partnership, like community, is a much abused term. I think it is useful when a number of different interests willingly come together formally or informally to achieve some common purpose. The partners dont have to be equal in skills, funds or even confidence, but they do have to trust each other and share some commitment. In participation processes as in our personal and social lives building trust and commitment takes time. discharge guidance 16.6 908 Does this placement area reflect its practice on local or national policies regarding service user involvement in discharge planning? (Mental Health Care and Treatment Scotland Act 2003). (The Human Rights Act 1998). When asked their views on the subject the Ward manager and senior nursing staff presented documentation which reaffirmed current practice within the ward. The Ten Essential Shared Capabilities (ESCs) DOH (2004) he explained was the model now being followed on the ward, has just been implemented into this area of placement within the last two years, which the ward staff have adopted well by providing a person-centred approach as much as possible. This new person-centred model embraced the ethos of the above, and senior staff stressed that good practice dictated that service users have the opportunity to appropriately influence delivery of care and support. A review of policies and procedures as well as discussions with staff provided evidence that the policies were actually in place. Throughout the placement, the author noticed that efforts were being made all the time to nurse according to the new model. Included were regular one to one sessions between nurses and service users to hear their views and thoughts, these already took place before the ESCs were introduced. Moreover some staff do find it difficult to adopt the ESCs and the mental health act due to the restraints of the environment (secure ward); however they are prepared to embrace the opportunity for further education and support. 211 Identify barriers and constraints. Before a decision is taken to discharge or grant leave to a patient, it is the responsibility of the RMO to ensure, in consultation with other members of the multi-disciplinary team, that the patients needs for health and social care have been fully assessed, and that the care plan addresses them. Section 117 of the 1983 Mental Health Act applies to patients who have been detained under Section 3,37, 37/41, 47/49, 48/49. While on placement and conducting this review the author noted that one of the barriers to effective involvement came from some of the service users, due to the complex nature of the area the service users had become institutionalised and found it difficult to be thinking about discharge at this stage in their lives, so they just accept the way things are and do not get too much involved as far as care plans are involved and just say what they think the staff want to hear. In secure settings engagement of service users in assessment and treatment can be difficult, as there is a potential risk of perceived coercion. Moreover with the lack of medium secure facilities around this can hinder service users from moving on within the specified time limit agreed, as there are no provisions. 138 Recommendations for Development SMART Most service users were more concerned about their futures and life post discharge. They wanted their time between now and then to be concerned with preparing them for discharge. It was frustrating for many service users that they felt that little in the way of such preparation was taking place. Continue to provide service users with support and skills needed appropriate to their function and skills already held, for example cookery groups, IT groups. Provide groups that enhance social skills such as coping strategy groups, anger management, alcohol/drug treatment/groups. High secure units should ensure that at the point of discharge patients have a copy of their discharge care plan in a suitable format which includes appropriate information about the circumstances that might result in their return to a secure mental health provision such as However a recommendation that high secure units should ensure that factors to be weighed in assessing relapse are part of the risk assessment included in the discharge plan of all service users. The National Service Framework for Mental Health states that Service users and carers should be involved in planning, providing and evaluating training for all health care professionals (Department of Health, 1999). This is the case in most health care provisions but for more education, training and information to be more readily available. Strengthening the user perspective and user involvement in mental health services has been a key part of policymaking in many countries, and also has been encouraged by World Health Organization (WHO) in order to establish services that are better tailored to peoples needs and used more appropriately. 265 Reflection In this review, I need to reflect on the situation that took place during my clinical placement to develop and utilise my interpersonal skills in order to maintain the therapeutic relationships with service users. In this reflection, I am going to use Gibbs Reflective Cycle Gibbs (1988). This model is a recognised framework for my reflection. Gibbs (1988) consists of six stages to complete one cycle which is able to improve my nursing practice continuously and learning from the experience for better practice in the future. During the first week of placement I was encouraged to work closely with my mentor. This gave me the opportunity to orientate myself to the ward and get an overview of the needs and requirements of the service users. This also provided me with the chance to observe how the nursing team worked on the ward. During this time I had learned that if the concept of inter-professional working is to succeed in practice, professionals need excellent team working and communication skills. Good communication, as we have staged in our group work theory, (skills for practice 3) is crucial in the effective delivery of patient care and poor communication can result in increased risk to the service users. I have learned the valuable skills required for good communication and will transfer these into practice by adapting to the local communication procedures (expand). The NMC advices that at the point of registration students should have the necessary skills to communicate effectively with colleagues and other departments to improve patients care (NMC, 2004). 256

The Verbal and Physical Comic Devices

The Verbal and Physical Comic Devices MacDonald employs both verbal and physical comic devices in this scene. The two verbal devices she has used are sexual innuendo and parody and the two physical devices which have been used are the rise of friendly brutality and persistence of Romeo and Juliet in getting physical with Constance and her constant struggle to avoid them. Use of sexual innuendo is seen throughout the scene: Id quench myself at thy Priapic font, O that I were a fountain pen within thy hand à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (3. 4. P63), For years Ive sought to penetrate your source (3.4. P64). The following conversation shows the use of parody: JULIET for with each new lust, thou creepeth close unto the aged day when soft moist lip and dewy eye convert to senile rheum. ROMEO Thinkst thou to leave a lovely corpse my dear, when even now the crows have footed it in merry measure all about thine eyes? (3. 4. P66) Both these types of verbal comic devices add to the effect of lightening the mood and help to change the monotonicity in progression of the drama. They also help in making the audience feel witty for catching the main intent in the use of these devices. The use of physical device is seen when Romeo places his hand on Tybalts bottom (3. 4. P60), and Tybalt smacks Romeos butt in return [Tybalt gives ROMEO a macho slap on the ass and laughs] (3. 4. P60). Another use of this device is seen when Romeo constantly tries to kiss Constance, and [Juliet takes Constances hand and does not release it] (3. 4. P63). Thus, we see that both the verbal and the physical comic devices serve to lighten the mood and engage the attention of the audience. Part B Drama (relates to Othello and/or Goodnight Desdemona) How does Constance use Desdemona and Juliet for the alchemical process of turning base metals into gold? Discuss with specific references to the play. Effect of Desdemona and Juliet on Constance The concept of Alchemy literally refers to the theory of turning a base metal into gold. Thus, if this same concept is applied to the very essence of human existence, it can be interrelated in the form that a human can attain the zenith of perfection and become divine and flawless. Constance Ledbelly, the central character of this play, does not believe in this concept of a human perfection, and bases her entire thesis on her lack of belief on the academic fact that Shakespeare was the original author of his work. Instead she considers that Romeo and Juliet and Othello were originally written by an unknown author and that her judgment can be proved by deciphering a manuscript written by a character named Gustav. The original Shakespeares tragedy Othello projects Desdemona as a victim of love and trust, and she is shown being devoted to her husband and obeying his commands. Constance however perceives her as a strong-headed, gullible and violent (3. 9. P86) character, and finds her similar to the original Othello character, who although, was valiant and respectful, he was also responsible for his own downfall, due to the lack of trust he had for his wife [Desdemona]. Desdemonas explosiveness is also projected when she declares that the allegations made by academia about her being a helpless victim, is baseless, and calls this Bullshit!! (2. 2. P38). Constance respects Desdemona for her truthfulness and hails her magnificent (2. 2. P38), and being capable of greatness (2. 2. P38). One of the bad qualities Constance finds in Desdemona is her inclination towards tragedy. The other bad quality she has is her being easily exploited, because of her angry and jealous nature. In the end, however, Des demona promises Constance that she would amend herself and change her ways. This acknowledgement also affects Constance and inspires her to discover her own confidence and strength. In a similar way, Shakespeares original Romeo and Juliet, projects Juliet as the embodiment of love, and this is even reflected by Constance who initially calls Juliet the essence of first love / of beauty that will never fade, / of passion that will never die (3. 4. P64). As we get further into the play, we find Juliet obsessed with sexual love. Her attitude also reflects her being immature Ill tell my father! (3. 2. P56). Juliets strong love for Constance and her views about love at first-sight inspire Constance to love her, but at the same time, she feels skeptical about her, due to her [Juliets] obsession with killing herself. In the end of the play, however, Constance makes Juliet promise her that she would reform herself and look at life in a more positive way. Thus, Juliet also inspires Constance to discover her maturity. After the warp, Connie finds herself back in her office at Queens. She tentatively touches herself as if to confirm her reality (3. 9. P88). On removing the feathered pen from behind her ear she notices that it has turned to solid gold (3. 9. P88). This can be directly interrelated to how she discovered her own confidence with the help of Desdemona and Juliet. Thus, even though we see that Constance had low self-esteem initially, by the end of the play we see her as a totally different person. Hence her life has surely undergone an alchemical transformation.

Climbing Rocks and Dreams :: Personal Narrative, Autobiographical Essay

I am the bravest guy I know. I don't mean to brag, but that's just the way it is. Granted, I'm not great pals with any prisoners of war or any cowboys, but I am a climber, and climbers are hardcore. By sheer will, climbers scale overhanging rock faces, risk life and limb in the pursuit of the summit, and just generally go all out all the time. Aside from being able to handle the risk, climbers latch onto the sharpest and most painful handholds for the simplest reward of having climbed a particular rock wall. No, climbers don't seek attention from the crowds or big bucks for competing; they climb with the pure, unadulterated motivation of being brave enough to achieve their dreams. What places me in the upper most tier of bravery among climbers, aren't the bold routes I've conquered, but rather my willingness to commit to my dreams with irrefutable impetuousness. Throughout my 17 years of life, I've always had an affinity for adventure. The same irrational craving I had as a child for extended power outages fueled my desire to be a climber-in particular my desire to climb at America's most famous bouldering area, Hueco Tanks, Texas. While I had done a significant amount of climbing beforehand, including a weeklong Southern climbing tour with the Adventure Guild, I had only gotten my foot in the door of the climbing scene. I had to have more. My participation in this trip to Hueco not only placed me on the road to becoming a prominent climber, but also enlightened me to my outstanding bravery. There wasn't a single thing that scared me there. Even from the very beginning, I started out on the courageous path. I had been sick the week leading up to the trip, but no, I didn't let the fear of being stranded sick in a tent in the middle of the dessert hold me back. It was a beautiful early afternoon after the last half-day of school before spring break, and I was getting in my car totally distraught over my parent's decision that I would not go on the trip. (After all, they had only let me come to school that day because I had to take a math test.) After tossing my books in the back seat of my car, I casually cruised over to the microbus where Stuart, the trip leader, and the rest of the climbers were busily making final preparations for their departure.

American Colonies: Contrasting the New England and Southern Colonists :: American America History

American Colonies: Contrasting the New England and Southern Colonists The New England and Southern Colonies were both settled largely by the English. By 1700, the regions had evolved into two distinct societies. The southern colonies have characteristics that are the antithesis of the New England colonies attributes. New England was colonized for Freedom of Worship and freedom of political thought. The Southern colonies were developed for freedom of economic opportunity. The New England colonies had aspirations for a distinct society, where they could show their homeland, how a country should be run. The southern colonies had goals for mercantilism, and increasing the prosperity of England. The New England colonies were based on theocracy, where the state forced the people to live and worship in an orthodox way. The southern colonies(Virginia) had a government based on a royal government, where the state was governed by a governor and council named by the king, and an elected assembly chosen by the people. Finally, the New England colonies wanted to establish the colony for religious motives, while the southern colonies were established for economic motives. England and the rebels of England (Pilgrims), made up the New England and southern colonies. "God Almighty in his most holy and wise providence hath so disposed of the condition of mankind, in all times some must be rich, some poor, some high and eminent in power and dignity, other mean and in subjection. Yet we must be knit together in this work as one man."(John Winthrop, A Model of Christian Charity) This statement by John Winthrop, demonstrates importance of religion in the lives of the New England settlers. "We must delight in each other, make others' conditions our own, rejoice together, mourn together, labor and suffer together, always having before our eyes our commission and community in the work, our community as members of the same body." (John Winthrop, A Model of Christian Charity). The use of the word "together" and "community" indicates that the New England settlers were of a communal nature, they were less individualistic than the southern colonies. The New England colonies were based on religious freedom, thus their society was reflected the religion. "These underwritten names are to be transported to Virginia, embarked in the Merchant's Hope, Hugh Weston, Master, per examination by the minister of Gravesend touching upon their conformity to the Church discipline of England, and have taken oaths of allegiance and supremacy:" (Ship's List of Emigrants Bound for Virginia). The use of the word "Master", shows, that the southern colonies were more of a individualistic state rather than a communal state(New England).

Isolation and Alienation of Troy in Wilsons Fences Essay -- August Wi

     Ã‚   August Wilson's Fences is a play about life, and an extended metaphor Wilson uses to show the disintegrating relationships between Troy and Cory and Troy and Rose. Troy Maxson represents the dreams of black America in a predominantly white world, a world where these dreams were not possible because of the racism and attitudes that prevailed. Troy Maxson is representative of many blacks and their "attitudes and behavior...within the social flux of the late fifties, in their individual and collective struggles to hew a niche for themselves in the rocky social terrain of postwar America" (Pereria, 37). Much of the tension in the play stems from Troy Maxson, and his inability to change, his, "refusal to accept the fact that social conditions are changing for the black man" (Pereria, 37). Troy's wife, Rose, recognizes this early on, saying to him, "Times have changed from when you was young, Troy. People change. The world's changing around you and you can't even see it" (Wilson, 40). This inability to change diversely affects Troy's relationship with his second son, Cory, who is a promising athlete. Sports provide the arena for the continuing conflict and foreshadows the characteristic that will eventually lead to Troy's downfall. There is a constant struggle between Troy and Cory because Troy will not allow his son to pursue his athletic dreams, telling him instead to keep his after-school job. This stems from Troy's past, when he was a promising baseball player who was prevented from playing because he was black. Troy's fears carry into the new generation when he prevents his son from pursuing a football scholarship because of his past, even though the world was changing at this time, and colored people were expanding into... ...: 2000. Web. 24 June 2015. http://www.jstor.org/stable/2903299?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents Nadel, Alan. May All Your Fences Have Gates: Essays on the Drama of August Wilson. University of Iowa Press, U.S.:1994. Web. 22 June 2015. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3042198?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents Pereira, Kim. August Wilson and the African American Odyssey. University Of Illinois Press, Chicago:1995. Web. 27 June 2015. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3042485?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents Shannon, Sandra G. The Dramatic Vision of August Wilson. Howard University Press, Washington D.C.:1995. Web. 29 June 2015. http://www.jstor.org/stable/2901368?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents Wilson, August. Fences. Penguin Books U.S.A. Inc., New York:1986. Wolfe, Peter. August Wilson: Twayne's United States Authors Series. Ed. Frank Day. Twayne Publishers, New York, 1999.

Course Description Essay

This course introduces the student to the essential elements of finance for business. Emphasis is placed on financial management, financial markets, and the tools, techniques, and methodologies used in making financial decisions. Topics include: Financial planning, working capital management, capital budgeting, long-term financing, and international finance. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Mayo, H. B. (2012). Basic finance: An introduction to financial institutions, investments, and management (10th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western. Titman, S., Keown, A. J., & Martin, J. D. (2011). Financial management: Principles and applications (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall. All electronic materials are available on the student website. Week One: Introduction to Finance and Analysis   

Title of your paper

It feels ilk such a long clock time since I blend in saw you. I know Ive exactly been away for only a few weeks, but so far my vacation here at Greece has been great Im currently staying at the Academy.I prove a friend who sh atomic number 18s the same indignation with me in philosophy and he filled me to bonk with him to this move to meet other passel. Im very(prenominal) glad to stay here, Ive learned a lot from various people.Anyways, yesterday I was walking along Agora or the metropolis market and launch several(prenominal) actu entirelyy great stuffs to buy and contact home. In this place I found many people who argon transaction and talking close gossip (for women) and politics (for men). After hours of walking, I was able to pull back going to the Hephaisteion. I stayed for a while and encounter the beauty of the temple.At noon, the heat at capital of Greece is topnotch so I stayed at the Stoa for cover. There are two kinds of Stoa, the genius I stayed at was the Painted Stoa. It is a long covered h each(prenominal) that is dissonant in peerless side and is adorned with many beautiful paintings.I spent approximately an hour on that point and spent the undivided time talking to people who get to engage in a chat with me. Its truly funny though for they volition just come up to me and ask me fewthing all of a sudden.I was so dumbstruck. At the right of Agora are the quasi-religious places that can be found in the city like the Theatre of Dionysos, the Askelpieion, and more(prenominal) or less of all the Acropolis.After a while of erratic around, my attention got caught by a root of man loudly arguing among one another. I happened to ask someone about whats going on and he told me that the manful citizen are debating about big decisions that mend the city.This place that I got into was called the Pnyx, the home of the gather of people. However, I want to go to some quiet place instead and got elicit in following youn g children each carrying small vases. I noticed I was back at the entrance of the city which was the Karameikos for I use the potteries as a landmark.By the end of the day, I decided to overtake my time at the cemetery and stayed there till sunset. The cemetery was great for it really depicts the culture of the Athenians with their pottery and carvings.But what interests me most is the peoples insouciant activities on the city. By what Ive observed, theyre almost routinary. different kinds of people have specific theatrical role of jobs to finish each day. Even onwards the day starts people can be seen from all over the place.I came to ask a man why he was up so early and he tell he had a trial and he have to prepare. Women get water from the fountains and traders are up for early trading. By mid-morning, servants are already working on their various(prenominal) jobs. And by noon, the Agora and almost either plac ein capital of Greece is so lively with people talking, doing business and many more.By mid afternoon, the place starts to quiet down and shops are preparing to close, this is my favored part of the day in Athens for it is very peaceful and relaxing. And at last by midnight, servants start to relax and even so play games with their friends.I somehow got used to the busy and loud environment here at Greece. Though Im not quite used to talking about politics all the time, or even some in force(p) or religious topics like trust and life. Athens is a very economical centered city and almost all people has something to trade and has something to offer as livelihood. All over Greece, the people grew olives, grapes, and figs. They unploughed goats, for milk and cheese. In the plains, where the soil was more rich, they also grew wheat to make bread. fashioning it smell like a confederacy of vegetables and farm animals at the same time.I really liked it here so far. I wanted to explore the city more but I guess requisite to have more time. Ne vertheless, today I was invited to go to a friends house and decease the night there. Im gonna have to take a look at a classical house and be amazed formerly again.Ill write to you again very soon. fall upon care always. See you