Organized Crime Essay -- Criminals Mafia Essays Papers

Organized Crime Organized execration has al elans been occupied with a negative label. Perhaps this is due to the ever changing environment in America as well as the social state of its homeland, Europe. Our society is convinced that the so-called mafia is a family of pure criminals, pimps, and murderers. Whatever the opinion, there is no doubt that the mafia cont curio a big part in the history of America and the way Americans view crime today. The origins of the secret society known as the mafia are believed to be as old as the 9th century (Mafia fib). During the 9th century, the Mafias master(prenominal) purpose was to strengthen themselves against enemies, which invaded their homeland in Sicily. It was supposed to create a strong feeling of togetherness between all Sicilians. This idea of family was carried with in the structure of the organization, which had a strong hierarchical layout (Mafia History). The Mafia is said by many to have perhaps the best system of power , than any other group or government known today. One can analyze a physical representation of the family almost to a family tree date all the way hindquarters through many generations. Certain populate operated the system, but without the help of the people with the less power, the Mafia would be genuinely weak. To put it another way, a leader cannot lead without go unrivalledrs, and the followers cannot follow without leaders. This is why the Mafia was hard to overcome. Although when many think of the location of the Mafia, loot and New York often come to mind, but actually the Mafia has been traced back through 26 major cites in America. Within every city were many Mafia families each with it?s own government. At the chieftain of each family stood the Dons or Bosses. Next in line to the Dons was the Underbosses, who were second in command. Followed by the Consigliere or counselors. And last were the men who did the dirty work for the Mob, the Soldiers. The Soldiers were the one?s who would enforce discipline over both members and non-members through the utilize of intimidation, assaults, and murder (Living Large 3). All the members of the society were expected to go through a ceremony that often was compared to the baptism ceremony. The induction ceremony is the most all-important(prenominal) day of a mobster?s life, the day that they become in full members of La Cosa Nostra (Mafia Life). The ceremony for the newcomers was som... ...sition of the Mob, and the Mafia is known for making comebacks in a hurry. For example, the highpoint of the Mafia was said to be in the 1920?s, and slowly it decreased until the end of World War II when organize crime came back with untold stronger than when the war started. This shows a good understanding of what the Mafia is capable of doing in short periods of time. The men who have tried to get rid of the Mafia time in and time out have made well-nigh progress. Responsible groups of Americans have, at times , waged campaigns in the media to obliterate any assumption that crime is dominated by people of Italian descent, claiming that existence of an American Mafia had not been fully established (Mafia Image). The opinions will differ in that sense. nigh say that the Mafia is a vast organization that continues to grow in power, while others say that if the mafia still exists to this day, the old ways of organized crime will never be the same as it has been in this century. The desire, need, brutality, wisdom, and style of what we know as the Mafia only exists in books and movies. No matter the opinion, the Mafia still claims the place in American History if it still exists or not.

Comparing Women in The Bell Jar and Enormous Changes at the Last Minute

Independent Wo manpower in The Bell shock absorber and Enormous Changes at the Last Minute The womens movement was in full moon swing in America in the mid-sixties. These were the women who were escaping from their kitchens, burning their bras, and working in careers that were traditionally male-oriented, while at the same clock time demanding payment get even to mens salaries. In her essay What Would It Be Like if Women Win, Gloria Steinem has many thoughts on the ways feminism could change this country and what the society would be want if her changes were made. An interesting change she is looking to provoke involves sexual hypocrisy No more sex arranged on the barter system, with women pretending interest, and men never sure whether they are loved for themselves or for the security hardly a(prenominal) women can get any other way (Steinem, Takin it to the Streets, 476). This newly military posture can be found in much of the literature of the sixties. Specifically, in two of the books we have read, women authors have projected this concept of a new sexual women into their characters. The main character in Sylvia Plaths novel, The Bell Jar, could be the vocalization for all of Steinems ideas. Esther Greenwood breaks all of the traditional rules that a female in her time should have been following. Esther is a bold and independent woman. Which makes Buddy Willard, he... ...or this reason, and not tho because her mother wants to serve her husband, that she delivers them. She is not willing to be a servant. The women authors of the sixties incorporate many ideas of the feminine movement into their works. Their characters are strong and independent. They make bold choices, like their creators, and that is what makes them interesting. Works Cited Bloom, Alexander and Wini Breines, eds. Takin it to the Streets. Oxford University Press, New York, 1995) Paley, Grace. Enormous Changes at the Last Minute. Farrar, Strauss, and Giroux, New York, 1974. Plath, Sylvia. The Bell Jar. Harper and Row, New York, 1971.

African American vs. Caucasian Americans Essay

Is Racism a Permanent feature of American inn? Derrick price argues in this issue that the prospects for achieving racial equality in the linked States ar illusory for Blacks. Bell reminds us despite the occurrence of the carry on of discolours in United States the legacy of slavery has go away a service of process of the public life with life- gigantic poverty and soul devastating despair. Bell believes that race consciousness is so imbedded in etiolates that it is virtually impossible to rise above it.He likewise argues that a couple of(prenominal) whites atomic number 18 able to identify with disconsolates as a host and tend to view vagues through comforting racial stereotypes. Bell feels strongly that critical and proper examination of the history of black-white relations adjudges his conclusion that racial discrimination is a ineradicable feature of American Society. Bell makes almost good point ab come to the fore racialism in the American society today. T he fact that the psychical part of racism is gone does non mean that racism as permanently left American Society. The fact that racism unbosom exist is does non reflect on blacks advantage any longer.Majority of whites had a head start because their generation of triumph goes so many an(prenominal) years back, were as for blacks success was not allowed at a point in time. Blacks have light a long slipway over the years b arely on that point is still racial discrimination that affects the black population. Dinesh DSouza does not agree with Bell, he believes that racism is not a permanent Strain of fabric in the American Society. DSouza distinguishes between racial discrimination that is irrational, motivated by credulity and which is rational from the point of view of the discriminator. DSouza admits that such discrimination may be harmful to individual blacks but he rejects any cursory linkage between the lagging indicators of blacks overall hand with racial discrimin ation. He believes race is a diminishing force within American society, DSouza argues that factors other than racial discrimination are the sources of lagging process toward the American Dream. DSouza reasoning for blacks not achieving more in America is because blacks neglect to observe and embrace certain cultural norms of the dominant American Society.He implies that those who are successful exhibit cultural values that promote success. He states blacks need to place a much greater emphasis on overcoming cultural barriers rather than continuing to assert that race is being held by a persistent racism that afflicts America. Blacks generation has come a long way in American Society. Racism shouldnt be the excuse for the failure in African American success when in 1919- current we have African American first. Slavery started nigh 1808 and ended in 1865 due to Lincoln Emancipation Proclamation.Racism was still in effect because the fact that blacks had decents was new. Still in al l there were blacks who succeed shortly after that time. Madame C. J. Walker was the first African American female who was a self-made millionaire. In 1893 Dr. Daniel Hale Williams was the first black to perform open heart surgery. In 1908 Jack Johnson was the First black world heavyweight Champion. In 1993 Toni Morrison was the first African-American to win the Nobel look upon for literature. In 2009 Barack Obama was the first black hot seat of the United States, with the patronize of some whites.Racism still is permanent due to history but it is not an excuse for Blacks not becoming successful. Derrick bell major argument is that blacks are faced at the bottom of the well. Bell exclaims despite undeniable progress for many, no African American is insulated from incidents of racial discrimination. He states because of our color we are threaten through our lives, careers. Dinesh DSouza states racism doubtlessly exists, but it no longer has the power to thwart blacks or any other group in achieving their economic, political, and social aspirations.The arguments relates to the overall theme because yes, racism still occurs but it should not pun Blacks from achieving their aspiration. Bell major point is as a Black he experiences the racism. Blacks can add in a white community and experience racism because whites fear the superiority of blacks. DSouza points out in his argument that racism is the least bit worries blacks should have, when there are black on black crime occurring. Racism should not be such an excuse for underclass blacks not achieving their goals.DSouza points out the facts where African Americans now live in a country where black man, Colin Powell, who deuce-ace decades ago could not be served in restaurants, is now a word chief staff. Also a white man who supported the nominating speech of Clarence Thomas, a black man married to a white, for the Supreme Court. DSouza question is if white racism controls the density of blacks today, how o ne segment of black community has prospered so much over the past generation. Some wild claims in bells argument was he says, Modern discrimination is, moreover, not spacious indiscriminately. Bell implies whites idolize black athletes and entertainers but refuse to train and work with blacks. Bell also states whites who number individuals blacks among their closest friends approve, or do not oppose, practices that bar selling or renting homes or apartments in their contiguity to blacks they do not know. Then in his argument he also states that most hotels and restaurants, who offer black patrons courteous treatment, uniformly reject black job applicants. Bell defense for this was When did you last see black server in a really good restaurant.These are baseless claims because this may be true but there are no proven facts that racist is the cause of these arguments. In DSouza arguments there were not any unsupported claims really found. DSouza stated his arguments and had accu rate discriminating information to support his defense. DSouza makes great points and has a lot of validity in his arguments. He states if blacks are going to reform their community, they have a right to expect that they will be treated equally under law.hypothetically speaking DSouza implies if blacks were refused take on every baseball aggroup in America, blacks would assemble most because they would be denied the chance to play master copy baseball. Fans would also suffer because the quality of games would diminish. He says But what if a few team-say the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers- refused to hire blacks? African Americans has a group would hardly suffer at all, because they would offer there service to other teams. DSouza manifestation the Yankees and the Dodgers would suffer a great deal, because they would be deprived of the chance to hire talented blacks players.Eventually the competitive pressure would force those teams to either hire blacks or suff er losses in games and revue. Then he makes some other valid point he referenced from Gary Becker pointed out, in free market, selective discrimination imposes the heaviest cost on the discriminator where it should be. Some whites will undoubtedly discriminate against blacks but with deal with them because of the law and taste for profit. *Dinesh DSouza is an Indian American conservative political commentator, public intellectual and current president of the Kings College in New York City.He graduated from Dartmouth College, where he graduated with a B. A. in English. DSouza also published a book in 2007 called The Enemy at home the cultural left and its responsibility for 9/11. In his argument DSouza used political science documents, books, articles and oral very frequently. DSouza would state his opinion and have facts and documents to support his defense. No, the reading did not significantly add to my knowledge because these are issues that has been discussed for many years. In the article I did learn some new ways of thinking of Racism.This article did broaden my thoughts with the factual evidence the authors used to support their defense. I would recommend this article to be read to those who do not have a clear understanding of the term racism. The subject that was focalisation on in this case study is racism a permanent feature of American Society? The case study focused on political, social and economic issues. Bell argued blacks will never gain full equality in American and DSouza argued that blacks have equality and racism is not important issue blacks should be worried about in today society.

Healthy Lifestyles Essay

Health lifestyles, in turn, be ways of sustainment that promote good nearlyness and semipermanent life expectancy as stated in the assignment. Health lifestyles that promote good health and longer life expectancy would be one where the person has contact with doctors and takes carry on of themselves completely. While going to the doctors and taking c atomic number 18 of oneself is extremely important so is taking care of ourselves outside of the health care system. We have to play out a proper diet and cipher. Most importantly the person has to be qualified to stick with it and drink water to make sure that they are hydrated and do not get sick from exercising. The person overly needs to get adequate amounts of perch. I prize that one conjecture that would support this point of view would be the theory of the Looking- Glass ego (Cockerham, 2012). Cooleys concept of the looking glass self-states that each person grows when they interact with other sight (Cockerham, 2012) . How we look at ourselves comes from how other people dig us. act uponually, how we adopt ourselves does not come from who we really are, but rather from how we regard others see us. The reason I say that is because most people see themselves how others see them. Or what they think others see them as.In my opinion that is what encourages people to start livelihood and eating the right things. Exercising because of their self-image and what they think that others think about them. The second theory would have to be the theory of health lifestyles. I am unsure if this is an actual theory or not. Cockerhams theory basically states that individuals have the right to interpret their situation, as well as make choices. This is true, people do make their own decisions, that as he also pointed out that all social transaction takes place in contexts that imply both constraints and opportunities. By being able to choose to exercise, eat right and to see the doctor it is fully in that persons hand to live a firm lifestyle. I would say stiffen the amount of stress that you encounter especially if you know what causes you stress. Also exercise daily and eat healthy. The person should also get plenty of rest since sleeping too much or too little end worsen anyones mood. It is always a good idea to stones throw yourself when you are exercising though. You do not want to end up hurting yourself if you push yourself too hard in the beginning when you are just starting to exercise.The more you exercise the more your body go out get used to it and you can exercise more and boost your endurance and stay healthy. I think there are eight (8) components to the model. They would be 1.) Class circumstances/ age/ gender/ race and or ethnicity collectives living conditions 2.) Socialization Experience 3.) Life Choices, 4.) Life Chances (both 3 and 4 interplay) 5.) Dispositions to Act 6.) Practices, 7.) Alochol use, smoking, diet, exercise, checkups, seatbelts etc. 8.) Health Lifestyles (reproduction). I think that it is very effective scour to mean solar day. It still applies. The demographics and life choices makes sense when trying to get someone to be healthy. They are still as valid and relate to present day situations as it did when the model in the study of health behavior and healthy lifestyle was first done.ReferencesCockerham, W. (n.d.). Medical Sociology (12th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ Pearson Education, Inc.

Mindy’s Sections Essay

ProfitabilityBJB intends to commit a six sigma approach to improving profitability in the ripe CD changers. Using such tools provided through this approach will exsert to major cost reduction and quality improvements that will result in an increase in profitability. The approach will involve measuring susceptibility of processes to produce services and products that remain free of defect. Experts at BJB will crush standard deviation, short term performance data, and critical to quality (CTQ) characteristics to signal long-term process capability. Such analysis will apply concepts to the product, such as opportunity for defect, defects per opportunity, and defects per million opportunities. Experts previously described will utilize a four step approach to deploy this strategy. These steps involve measuring of CTQ characteristics analysis through benchmarking and gap studies, improvement, and control. With a ratio of 1 expert per 100 employees, BJB will lead more projects per year as hygienic as have a potential savings of $175,000 per project. fictional characterHarry, Mikel J. (1998). Quality Progress. sixer Sigma A Breakthrough Strategy for Profitability. American hostel for Quality. Retrieved from http//asq.org/qic/display-item/index.html?item=13334Customer Complaints ManagementBJB will apply a Six Sigma approach to manage and improve customer complaints management process. This methodology provides an organize structure for solving and analysis of problems. BJB will apply DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) phases to solve and throttle problems within the organization. First, the problem is defined, variables influencing processes be measured, cause for process failure ar analyzed, improvements are planned and made as well as variables are controlled until a defined six sigma take and a solid level of customer satisfaction is determined. reference bookRiesenberger, Carlos & Sousa, Sergio Dinis (2010). Application of th e Six Sigma methodology in Customer Complaints Management A Case Study in the Automotive Industry. Retrieved from http//www.pomsmeetings.org/ConfPapers/015/015-0345.pdfEnvironmental Regulations ComplianceBJB must consider environmental regulations conformation in regard to computer and electronic product manufacturing sector (NAICS 334). This sector covers manufacturers of electrical distribution equipment and electrical industrial apparatus as well as other electrical equipment and supplies. Laws and Regulations that BJB must abide by imply Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program National Emissions Standards for Hazardous pushover Pollutants (NESHAP) air toxics regulationso Degreasing Organic Cleaners (Halogenated Solvent Cleaners)o magnetised Tape (surface coating)o Semiconductor Manufacturing Stratospheric Ozone Regulationso The Phase-out of Ozone Depleting Substanceso Significant modernistic Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program EPAs program to evaluate and regulate substitutes for the ozone-depleting chemicals that are being phased out under the stratospheric ozone protection provisions of the Clean tenor Act (CAA). Compliance to such laws and regulations will assist BJB meet environmental obligations. Enforcement of legal action against BJB is a result of noncompliance to such laws and regulations.ReferenceUnited States Environmental Protection Agency (2012). Laws and Regulations. Retrieved from http//www.epa.gov/lawsregs/compliance/

Obstacles Teachers May Face Essay

In any education setting, teachers depart scratch across a wide variety of obstacles throughout their c atomic number 18er. These obstacles volition discord in each and every class live, depending on students social, cultural and ethnic background. It is vit completelyy important as a teacher to stamp down these obstacles to vouch that the students at heart your class are able to gain the highest possible outcomes, a reference education and enjoyment from their schooling. Some of the many obstacles that a teacher may face in a classroom setting let in exploitation abilities twain academicall(a)y and socially, demeanour problems and un propel students.Students can differ from champion another in several aspects, including age, mental ability, personal achievement, ethnic background, psychosocial using and cognitive expatiatement. These differences can coin how classroom learning happens (Snowman & Biheler, 2003). Children capture at incompatible rates this is us ually a government issue of unlike measures of in severalizeigence, social inter deportion with peers and personal development. Whether it is physical, mental or emotional each student impart differ, and this go away also depend on their up bringing, prior knowledge, family circumstances and innate knowledge.Social and emotional development problems will result in the student finding it hard to create relationships and develop learning skills with his or her peers and pedagogs. Intellectual development, communication and speech strongies will affect students concentration, memory, communication and understandings of certain tasks (BTEC First Childrens care, n. d). As a result of children developing differentl, it is critically important for educators to track and carry an understanding of how each student is progressing through out the year, this will result in not only being of benefit for the student exclusively also the teacher.According to Vygotsky, for the curriculum t o be developmentally appropriate, the teacher essential plan activities that encompass not only what children are capable of doing on their protest but what they can learn with the help of others in sort settings (Eggen & Kauchak, 2010). Therefore, by creating learning activities that are in learners zones of proximal development, and providing instructional scaffolding to support learning and development will accommodate the children by helping them gain a die understanding of the task at hand (Eggen & Kauchak, 2010). In saying this, this will ensure that the ducator is work to their full potential and ensuring that the students are getting the highest quality education.Positive advantage is the process of increasing the frequency or duration of a behaviour as the result of presenting a reinforcer. Therefore, offering positive reinforcement will increase and maintain the probability that a particular behaviour will be repeated. There are many different types of reinfor cers that can be used to increase behaviours, but it is significant to note that the type of reinforcer used depends on the individual(a) and the situation.While gold stars and tokens might be very effective reinforcement for a second-grader, they are not handout to switch the same effect with a high school or college student (Cherry, n. d). Also, if your students finish their work on time and have been successfully completing their work you may give them an early mark for eat play, the students will eventually come to understand that finishing their work on time results in a rewards, therefore they will continue this behaviour.We all apply reinforcers everyday, most of the time without even tangibleising we are doing it. You may tell your child good job after he or she cleans their room all of these things increase the probability that the same response will be repeated. Students may find tasks hard to complete at school and deprivation to give up, by giving them positive rei nforcement twill bring forward them to want to keep going. Students are much(prenominal) likely to be motivated to learn if they are positively reinforced for completing a stray or task (Snowman & Biehler, 2003).Having a positive attitude as an educator and constant positive feedback also encourages students to feel secure in their learning environment. It can also be used to adjust behavioral issues, whilst punishment and negative reinforcement decreases unacceptable behaviour, it doesnt teach coveted ones, in saying this it means that positive reinforcement is more effective. merely punishment is mosttimes required in some circumstances, as when all forms of punishment is removed it can cause the class to become more separateive.Research has found that some types of punishers are more affective these include desists, timeout or detention (Eggen & Kauchak, 2010). Skinner believed that peoples innate needs, wants and desires can be avoided, as they alter their curre nt behaviour according to what has happened to them due to the forward consequences of their past behaviour. He called this approach operant conditioning he determine three types of responses or operant that can follow behaviours, these include indifferent operants, reinforcers and punishers (Eggen & Kauchak, 2010).Not sure of the reference? Having unmotivated students in the classroom can make it difficult due to the fact that other students may get distracted and lose focus. Unmotivated students have the ability to disrupt other students that can have a detrimental affect on the entire classroom and overpower teachers capabilities. There are many factors relating to the cause of unmotivated students in the classroom. These include behavioural issues and cognitive development.Students with learning difficulties may feel lost and confused by what is being taught and therefore give up on listening and trying. It is important to determine these students and put in place the app ropriate means necessary to ensure that these students are understanding and motivated. Motivation is often classed in two different categories extrinsic penury and intrinsic motivation the difference being extrinsic motivation is to engage in an activity as a means to and end. And intrinsic motivation is to be involved in an activity for its own sake. Eggen & Kauchak, 2010) Motivation is working towards maintaining and sustaining our trends to reach a particular finishing (Snowman & Biehler, 2003). In some classroom settings children display inappropriate or problem behaviours which can make it difficult for themselves and the students around them to learn, and also confiscate the child from his or her peers (Child Study Centre, 2002). Therefore it is crucial as an educator to establish and maintain a classroom environment that will motivate students to learn.Having motivation to learn is essential for students to become successful in their learning. It is vital that stud ents set both academic and social goals to work towards to ensure that both the student and the teachers are driving towards the same goal. According to Eggen and Kauchak (2010) motivated students have positive attitudes towards school, they describe school as satisfying, persist on difficult tasks and cause fewer behaviour management problems, process information in depth and excel in classroom learning experiences (Eggen & Kauchak, 2010).By creating a positive learning environment within the classroom, students will be encouraged to achieve and set learning goals to attain higher results. In a positive learning environment students feel secure and as a result are more willing to take risks with their learning. A classroom performance goal structure is characterised by the teacher emphasising student performance relative to normative standards rather than relative to the students prior performance.Features of this structure are the teachers provision of more public versus privat e performance feedback, and the valuation of correct answers over effort and learning (Hughes. , Wu & West, 2011). Through incorporating students interest into the lesson, relating lessons to real breeding and matching students abilities will help to motivate the students to strive for better results and develop a love of learning. Motivation within the classroom and a childs need to succeed in their academic life is ground on Maslows hierarchy of human needs based on two groupings privation needs and growth needs.Within the deficiency needs, each lower need must be met before paltry to the next higher level. Once each of these needs has been satisfied, if at some future time a deficiency is detected, the individual will act to remove the deficiency (Huitt, 2007). In conclusion, obstacles that teachers will face throughout their go are respective to each individual child and their differences when it comes to developmental ability, motivation and behavioural issues.Ongoing p rofessional development is a necessary portion in ensuring that an educator is properly trained in all areas. This will ensure that educators feel confident when an obstacle arises and the skills to be able to deal and respond to any given situation.. Therefore, incorporating a unspoilt and happy classroom environment, ongoing professional development, understanding each individual childs needs and backgrounds and motivating students will help overcome some obstacles that a teacher may face.

Early Marriage Rate Essay

Marriage (also called matrimony or wedlock) is a socially or ritually recognized union or legal contract in the midst of spouses that establishes rights and obligations between them, between them and their children, and between them and their in-laws. The definition of brotherhood varies according to different cultures, hardly it is principally an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually sexual, are acknowledged. In some cultures, conglutination is recommended or considered to be compulsory before pursue any sexual activity. When defined broadly, trade union is considered a cultural universal. An archaean unification, is an issue where argued by many now a days. Some pile are advocated for proto(prenominal) marriage because it is healthy. Until the late 20th century, teen marriage was very common and instrumental in securing a family, continuing a blood lineage and producing offspring for labour.Many factors contri excepte to teen marriage such as teen pre gnancy, religion, security, family and peer pressure, arranged marriage, economic and policy-making reasons, social advancement, and cultural reasons. Studies have shown that teenage married couples are lots less advantageous, may come from broken homes, may have teensy education and work low status jobs in comparison to those that get married after adolescence. premature marriage arise from number of causes like miss of education, gender bios, pressure from family or friends, and lack of knowledge about the implications of archeozoic marriage. Early marriage also has several negative cause. It can involve to psychological and emotional stress not only to both parties but also to their children. It can also lead to health problem to girls because as their body is too young to conceive.ConclusionIn conclusion, early marriage rate increased during the year of 2011 2014, all parents out there essential be aware of this problem, as time goes by the case of early marriage will increased every year. The lack of formal education, fiscal problems and early pregnancy are all the effects of early marriage and not only will it affect the parents but also durance the children in unhealthy customs. Marriage is a great responsibility, and everyone should consider the effects of early marriage. And also, the authorities must consider this as a study problem. Teenager must have discipline in order to reckon this early marriage problem, they are too young to enter the whopping responsibility of having their own family.Graphical AidFigure 1 Early marriage rate ranges 2 jillion up to 4 gazillion. The Government must be aware of this problem.Figure 2 From 2 million up to 4 million. At this point the rate increases simultaneously. This is very appall the Government must control this problem.Figure 3 2 million up to 4 million is the rate of Early Marriage. The rate increases simultaneously.

Comparative Advantages and Disadvantages

With china being a grocery of more than 1. 3 jillion people, competition for this newly emerging market Is rich. The following brands argon omitting In the Chinese market. 1. 3 topic comparative advantage The possibility of comparative advantage propagated by the classical economist David Richard proposes that a rural attractiveness to foreign investment is trammeld by its inherent rude(a) factors such as land, natural resources, labor, and the size of the local population.Michael Porters Diamond of National Advantage extends the theory to propose that a nation empennage piss new advanced factor endowments such as skilled labor, a strong technology and knowledge base, government support, and ultra. Kicker uses Porters model here to determine the national comparative advantage. 1. 3. 1 Factor conditions China can purpose quality products because of its comparatively crummy labor. China has become the location of woof for global manufacturing. This is usually attributed to its low wages.Chinese factory workers today earn 50 cents to $2 an hour and often work long shifts, getting minimum time off for weekends and holidays. Prosperity, 2005 Competitive Labor Chinas workers are not in force(p) inexpensive but literate, hard irking, already reasonably skilled and grand to be trained. There is also a sizable and growing cellular phone of university-educated technologists and professionals. For example, China is now graduating 330,000 engineers and scientists annually, as compared with 398,622 for the United States Prosperity, 2005.Abundant resources Apart from competent and cheap human resources, China also boasts of huge natural resources. every the knifelike materials required for producing Kicker are easily available in China at very competitive harms. 1. 3. 2 Demand Conditions The take on for car speech sound is increasing rapidly in China, as already noted in a previous chapter. The demand has outgrowthd steadily, however, not from Kickers c urrent objective lens market, which is the higher income earning group.The demand for Kicker products will stagnate if it does not lower its price to suit the needs of the upcoming middle class group. Growing market populations China offers a huge market population of 1. 3 billion people. As seen earlier, the middle class car purchasing group, which is Kickers new hind end group, is increasing phenomenally wing to national growth. 1. 3. 3 Related and musical accompaniment Industries Kicker sources most of its raw materials from China, who are suppliers of global standard raw materials.Kicker can benefit from the humanity of its support industries in China. 1. 3. 4 Firm Strategy, Structure, and competition Kicker is not a single player in the market. This is good because the existence of competition ensures that there is sufficient motivation for product innovation. It also indicates that the demand for foreign car audio exists in the market and has the potential to expand. All the factors together indicate that the time is ripe for Kicker to begin its operations in China. . 3. 5 Government attitude towards FED / foreign firms The biggest advantage for China is its open policies on foreign direct investments. China is attracting multinational companies by improving relevant policies to attract multinationals to invest in China Chinas intentness of Foreign Investment, n. D. . The efforts are paying off well, as indicated earlier, the phenomenal increase of over 142% in foreign direct investment from 1999 to 2003.

Dogs Are Better House Pets Than Cats

Dogs be relegate pets than cats Yukako Taketani English 122 teacher Chang March 17, 2013 Dogs argon better house pets than cats In the world, there ar totally three types of heap get over lovers, cat lovers, and please-no- wieners-or-cats-around-me people. Between the dog and cat lovers, there is al directions a big debate on the subject which animal is much suited as house pets and has better companionship with humans. According to the article, U. S Pet Ownership Statistics, there are 78. 2 million ingested dogs in the United States, while roughly 86. 4 million owned cats (The Humane Society of the united states, 2011).From these facts, the participation might be already on the cat side. A softwood of people may complain that cats are better house pets than dogs because they are slatternly to takings care of. However, in my opinion, a dogs lifestyle and personality is better fitted for us to live with, and they are grand companions. Dogs as security measures guards F irst of all, dogs rump work as security guards. It is known as one of the earliest duties of domestic dogs. They protect the position of its owners, whether that property is land, livestock or his owners home (The eye tooth Information Library, 2011).When there is a sign of a dog examine and a word of watch place hanging on the neighbors fence, who does non take extra cautions when he or she walks cross the house? If I were a robber, I will non choose a d closelying house with a dog, since there is a high probability that the dog will bark every time I walk by. I own a Chihuahua mix dog, who only weights 10 pounds. She never attack or bite people or other dogs outside home. In fact, she is the harming of the dogs who always wags her bunghole to everybody, and shows her stomach, which is considered one of the submissive styles in canines.I am non expecting her to fend off or fight, if someone breaks into my house. However, she is a barker whenever she hears a faint sound around my house. On the other hand, cats can only meow, which is a lot quieter and less intimidating than dogs bark. Moreover, they are indifferent to mod people and often hide under the bed or table. thither are many stories out there that dogs fended off, or protected their owners from robbers. However, I cook never heard that cats scared away from someone move to get in the house. From these facts, dogs are much better house pets compared to cats as security guards. For an active lifestyleIn addition, dogs promote an active lifestyle to their owners. While cats baulk home and do their own things, dogs love to go outside. Dogs necessitate exercise, further so do people. In these days, a lot of people are thought to be lack of exercise, and it is unhealthy both physically and mentally. However, having a dog as a pet will cancel out this problem. Jenna Stregowski, a registered veterinary technician, examines that dogs enjoy going on a walk, and we can make them a part of our o wn exercise routines (Stregowski, 2013). I rival with her. Some people, including me, can non work out continuously because our laziness defeats us.For those people, having a dog will improve their lives, and the pets and the owners can be both happy. Some people are known to walk their cat on harness yet, cats do not enjoy the experience. Most of the times, it ends up with an inapplicable result. Fetching balls and swimming are dogs favorite exercise. They also can go in cars, hiking, and camping. regular(a) in unfamiliar places, dogs still can adapt themselves into stark naked environments well. Conversely, cats shoot some time in order to accept and adjust to new things. As a veterinary technology student, I can bestow my own experience as an example that dogs are more than(prenominal) elastic animals than cats.When they are brought to a veterinary hospital, most of the dogs are still wagging their tail and happy. However, the cats are fear to death because of the unfam iliar environment and people, and they sit in a circle and in the very back in the attack aircraft carrier as much as possible. Of course, I lose seen some comradely cats at the veterinary hospital yet, most of the cats do not well in new places like dogs can. Having a cat will not improve your life, entirely dogs can. More Trainable Another argument is that dogs are more trainable in our lives. There are many dogs that can do tall(prenominal) tricks, and listen to their owners commons.People debate that some cats can be also trainable and do shake hands. They may also question why cats or dogs submit to do tricks, such as shaking hands or scroll over, which are not useful for both humans and pets. However, since two in all different living beings spend time under the same roof, more trainable and obedient dogs are, of course, better for humans. One of the cats feature behavior is climbing. In the article, Pam Bennett, cat behavior expert, states that the more vertical area s available to your cat, the more it increases her territory (Bennett, 2013).They climb on the table, kitchen, computer, or basically anywhere they can, and it is not acceptable. Especially, when the kitchen is full of food and the stove and knives used, it is not only about sanitation, but also danger for both owners and the cat. Training cats on not climbing is difficult because it is their instincts. There are many undesirable cat behaviors that cats have but dogs do not, such as scratching furniture or carpets and contend in closets, where you keep expensive clothes. In spite of these, you do not need to concern about these problems with dogs.I am not motto that dogs are not naughty. They can also climb on the table, and yack away your clothes. However, you can advantageously discipline them, because they have the pack behavior and friendly hierarchy system that you can take advantage of by playing yourself at the top (All Dogs middle school & INN, 2011). By shaking it b y the scruff of the neck as a punishment, you can correct undesirable behavior and also teach your dog that you are dominant. With a cat, this way of punishing is not useful, or just makes her fear to you. They are more difficult than dogs. Conclusion Dogs are easier to live with.Whether small breeds or bad breeds, they can alert and protect their owners houses and owners from strangers. Because dogs like outside activities and can easily adjust themselves in a new environment, People can take them anywhere and have a good work out together. Dogs have an undesirable behavior as well as cats yet, they are easy to discipline. Thinking about these facts, dogs are better pets than cats for us. Work Cited All Dogs GYM & INN (2011). Dogs social hierarchy & pack behavior. Retrieved on March 17, 2013 from http//www. alldogsgym. com/content/view/106/138/ Bennet, P (2013). Why your cat need to climb.Retrieved on March 17, 2013 from http//www. catbehaviorassociates. com/why-your-cat-nee ds-to-climb/ Stregowski, J (2013). 10 reasons dogs are better than cats. Retrieved on March 19, 2013 from http//dogs. about. com/od/funphotos/ss/Ten-Reasons-Dogs-Are-Better-Than-Cats_10. htm The Canine Information Library (2011). Guard dogs. Retrieved on March 17, 2013 from http//guarddogs. bulldoginformation. com/ The Humane Society of the United States (2011). U. S. pet ownership statistics. Retrieved on March 17, 2013 from http//www. humanesociety. org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/pet_ownership_statistics. html

Shadow Kiss Chapter 20

TwentyLets talk come unneurotic to your m new(prenominal).I sighed. What approximately her?It was my first day of counseling, and so far, I wasnt impressed. Last nights Mason sight was in all standardisedlihood close tothing I should overhear brought up pay offeousness amodal value. solo I didnt indispensability school officials to engender any more than reason to approximate I was losing my mind all the same if I was.And h geniusstly, I didnt bed I was for confident(predicate) enough. Adrians analysis of my aura and the story of Anna certainly lent credence to me macrocosm on the road to Crazyville. Yet I didnt institute hold crazy. Did crazy harminga a micro know if they really were? Adrian had said they didnt. Crazy itself was a weird term. Id intimate enough approximately psychology to know that it was similarly a genuinely broad classification. Most forms of mental illness were actually genuinely specialised and had select symptoms anxiety, d epression, mood swings, etc. I didnt know w here I cast on that scale, if I did at all.How do you fashion ab away her? act the counselor. Ab give away your mother?That shes a great guardian and a inunlike mother.The counselor, whose name was Deirdre, wrote several(prenominal)thing in her notebook. She was blond and Moroi-slim, clad in a blue green cashmere sweater dress. She actually didnt look a great deal older than me, how incessantly certificates on her desk swore she had all sorts of degrees in psychotherapy. Her office was in the administrative building, the same direct the headmistresss office was, and where all other sorts of Academy business was conducted. Id gracious of been hoping for a couch to lie on, wish well therapists always had on TV, plainly the crush I had was a chair. It was a comfy chair, at least(prenominal). The walls were covered in nature recalls, things manage only ifterflies and daffodils. I guess they were supposed to be soothing.Do yo u sine qua non to elaborate on so-so? Deirdre bespeaked.Its an upgrade. A month ago I would ca-ca said horrible. Whats this corroborate to do with Mason?Do you want to talk slightly(predicate) Mason?Id noticed she had a habit of responding my inquires with questions.I dont know, I admitted. I guess thats what Im here for.How do you feel ab tabu him? Ab come in his death?Sad. How else should I feel?Angry?I aspect ab stunned the Strigoi, their leering faces and casual attitudes toward killing. Yeah, a little.Guilty?Sure, of course. wherefore of course?Because its my fault he was there. Id upset himand he had this thing to prove. I told him where the Strigoi were, and I wasnt supposed to. If he hadnt know about them, he wouldnt go through it. Hed still be alive.You dont prize he was responsible for his own actions? That he was the one who chose to do that? hale yeah. I guess he did. I didnt go for him do it.Any other reason you world power feel guilty?I looked away from he r and foc apply on a picture of a ladybug. He kindredd me wish well romantically. We tolerant of dated, but I couldnt stir into it. That hurt him. wherefore couldnt you get into it?I dont know, I said. The attribute of his body, lying on the floor, flashed into my mind and I shoved it away. zero(prenominal)way would I clapperclaw in front of Deirdre. Thats the thing. I should carry. He was nice. He was manoeuvreny. We got on really well but it fitting didnt feel right. all the same gorgerin or anything like that I rasetually just couldnt do it.Do you feel like you ease up a problem with intimate stir?What do you ? Oh. no. Of course not.Have you ever had sex with anyone?No. Are you saying I should have?Do you withdraw you should have?Damn. Id thought I had her. Id thought for sure she wouldnt have a question for that one. Mason wasnt the right person.Is there almostbody else? Someone you ring might be the right person?I hesitated. Id lost track of how this lin k up to me seeing ghosts. According to some paperwork Id signed, everything we said in here was confidential. She couldnt sort anyone unless I was a danger to myself or doing something illegal. I wasnt entirely sure where a relationship with an older man fell there.Yeahbut I dealt regulate you who he is.How long have you know him? near six months.Do you feel close?Yeah, sure. plainly were not How hardly did one describe this? Were not actually really involved. Hes kind of unavailable. She could think what she treasured about that, like that peradventure I was interested in a guy with a girlfriend.Is he the reason you couldnt get close to Mason?Yes.And is he holding you back from dating someone else?Well hes not like purposely doing anything.But as long as you c atomic number 18 about him, youre not interested in anyone else?Right. But it doesnt matter. I probably shouldnt unconstipated be dating anyone at all.Why not?Because theres no time. Im training to be a guardian. I h ave to give all my attention to Lissa.And you dont think you rotter do that and be romantically involved with someone?I shook my head. No. I have to be willing to vex down my life for hers. I basist be distracted by someone else. We have this saying with the guardians They come first. You guys. Moroi.And so you figure youll always have to draw Lissas needs ahead of yours?Of course. I frowned. What else would I do? Im going to be her guardian.How does that make you feel? adult up what you want for her?Shes my best friend. And shes the last of her family.Thats not what I asked.Yeah, but I stopped. Hey, you didnt ask a question.You think I always ask questions?Never mind. Look, I bop Lissa. Im blessed to spend my life defend her. End of story. Besides, ar you, a Moroi, going to promulgate me, a dhampir, that I shouldnt be putting Moroi first? You know how the system works.I do, she said. But Im not here to analyze it. Im here to help you get better.Seems like you might not be able to do one without the other.Deirdres lips quirked into a smile, and then(prenominal) her eyeball flicked to the clock. Were out of time today. Well have to pick this up next time.I crossed my arms over my chest. I thought youd be giving me some kind of awesome advice or verbalize me what to do. But you just unploughed making me talk.She laughed softly. Therapy isnt so much about what I think as you do. therefore wherefore do it at all?Because we dont always know what it is were thought or feeling. When you have a guide, its easier to figure things out. Youll often discover that you already know what to do. I freighter help you ask questions and go places you might not have on your own.Well, youre good at the question part, I noted dryly.While I dont have any awesome advice, I do have some things I want you to think about for when we talk again. She glanced down at her notepad and tapped it with her pencil while she thought. First, I want you to think again about what I asked about Lissa how you really feel about dedicating your life to her.I already told you.I know. Just think about it some more. If your answers the same, thats fine. Then, I want you to consider something else. I want you to think about whether maybe the reason youre attracted to this unavailable guy is because hes unavailable.Thats crazy. That doesnt make any sense.Is it? You just told me that you cant ever be involved with anyone. Do you think its possible that wanting someone you cant have is your subconscious minds way of coping? If its inconceivable for you to have him, then you never have to confront feeling conflicted about Lissa. Youll never have to choose.This is confusing, I grumbled.Its supposed to be. Thats why Im here.Whats this have to do with Mason?It has to do with you, Rose. Thats whats important.I left therapy feeling like my brain had melted. I excessively kind of tangle like Id been on trial. If Deirdre had been there to grill Victor, they probably would have finished up in half the time.I also thought Deirdre had totally been going in the wrong direction. Of course I didnt resent Lissa. And the thought that Id fallen for Dimitri because I couldnt have him was ridiculous. Id never even so thought of the conflict with guarding until hed mentioned it. Id fallen for him because well, because he was Dimitri. Because he was sweet, dependable, funny, fierce, and gorgeous. Because he unders similarlyd me.And yet, as I walked back to the commons, I found her question spin around in my brain. I might not have been thinking about a relationship distracting us in our guard duties, but Id certainly known from the start that his age and job were huge barriers. Could that have really played a part? Had some piece of me known we could never really have anything thus allowing me to always stay dedicate to Lissa?No, I decided firmly. That was ridiculous. Deirdre might be good at inquire questions, but she was intelligibly asking the wrong on es.RoseI looked to my right and saw Adrian cutting across the lawn toward me, oblivious to the slushs effects on his architect shoes.Did you just call me Rose? I asked. And not little dhampir? I dont think thats ever happened.It happens all the time, he countered, catching up to me.We stepped inside the commons. schooling was in session, so the residence halls were empty.Wheres your better half? he asked.Christian?No, Lissa. You can tell where she is, right?Yeah, I can tell because its last period, and shes in class like everyone else. You cargo hold forgetting that for the rest of us, this is a school.He looked disappointed. I found more case files I wanted to talk to her about. more super- sine qua non stuff.Whoa, youve been doing something productive? Im impressed.Youre one to talk, he said. Especially considering your whole existence here revolves around beating community up. You dhampirs are uncivilized but then, thats why we love you.Actually, I mused, we arent the only ones doing beatings lately. Id nearly forgotten about my royal stag fight club mystery. There were so many things I had to matter to about lately. It was like move to hold water in my hands. It was a long shot, but I had to ask him. Does the word creation? think up anything to you?He leaned against the wall and reached for his cigarettes. Sure.Youre inside the school, I warned.What oh, right. With a sigh, he put the pack back in his coat. Dont half of you study Romanian here? It means hand.I study English here. Hand. That didnt make any sense.Why the interest in translation?I dont know. I think I got it wrong. I thought it had some connection to this thing thats been going on with these royals.Recognition flashed in his eyeball. Oh Lord. Not that. Are they really doing it here too?Doing what?The Man?. The Hand. Its this stupid secret baseball club that pops up at schools. We had a chapter of it back at Alder. Its mostly a bunch of royals getting together and having secret mee tings to talk about how much better they are than everyone else.Thats it then, I said. The pieces clicked together. Thats Jesse and Ralfs little group the one they tried to get Christian to join. Thats what this Man? is.Him? Adrian laughed. They moldinessiness have been desperate and I dont mean that as a slam against Christian. Hes just not really the type to get into that kind of thing.Yeah, well, he turned them down pretty hard. Whats the point of this secret society exactly?He shrugged. The same as any other. Its a way to make people feel better about themselves. Everyone likes feeling special. existence part of an elite group is a way to do that.But you werent part of it?No need. I already know Im special.Jesse and Ralf do it phonate like royals had to stick together because of all the controversies that are going on about fighting and guardians and all that. They made it sound like they could do something about it.Not at this age, said Adrian. Mostly all they can do is talk. When they get older, Man? members sometimes cut deals for each other and still have secret meetings.Thats it then? Theyre just hanging out and talking to hear themselves talk?He turned contemplative. Well, yes, of course theyre doing divide of that. But I mean, whenever these little chapters form, theres usually something specific they want to do in secret. Each groups kind of different that way, so this ones probably got some plan or scheme or whatever. A plan or scheme. I didnt like the sound of that. Especially with Jesse and Ralf.You know a striation for someone who wasnt in it.My dad was. He never talks much about it hence the secret part but I picked up things, and then I heard about it while I was at school.I leaned against the wall. The clock across the hall told me classes were almost over. Did you hear anything about them beating up people? There are at least four Moroi I know of who were attacked. And they wont talk about it.Who? give parcel out non-royals?No . Other royals.That doesnt make any sense. The whole point of it is for elite royals to annulus together to protect themselves from change. Unless, perhaps, theyre going after royals who refuse or are supporting non-royals.Maybe. But one of them was Jesses brother, and Jesse seems to be a founding member. Seems like hed have to make the cut. And they didnt do anything when Christian refused.Adrian spread his hands wide. Even I dont know everything, and like I said, this ones probably got its own little agenda theyre exerting hidden. I sighed in frustration, and he gave me a remarkable look. Why do you care so much?Because it isnt right. The people I saw were in bad shape. If some groups going around and ganging up on victims, they need to be stopped,Adrian laughed and played with a strand of my hair. You cant fork up everyone, though God knows you try.I just want to do whats right. I remembered Dimitris comments about Westerns and couldnt help a small smile. I need to arrest ju stice where its needed.The crazy thing, little dhampir, is that you mean that. I can tell by your aura.What, are you saying its not black anymore?Nostill dark, definitely. But its got a little light in it, streaks of gold. Like sunlight.Maybe your theory about me catching it from Lissa is wrong then. Id been trying very hard not to think about last night, when Id learned about Anna. Mentioning it now stirred up all those fears all over again. Insanity. Suicide.Depends, he said. When was the last time you saw her?I gave him a light punch. You have no clue, do you? Youre making this up as you go along.He caught my wrist and pulled me closer. Isnt that the way you mean(prenominal)ly operate?I grinned in spite of myself. This close to him I could appreciate just how lovely the green of his eyes was. In fact, disrespect continually making fun of him, I couldnt deny that the rest of him was pretty good-looking too. His fingers were warm on my wrist, and there was something kind of le ering about the way he held it. Thinking back to Deirdres words, I tried to assess how it all made me feel. The queens warnings aside, Adrian was a guy who was technically available. Was I attracted to him? Did I get a thrill out of this?The answer no. Not in the same way I did with Dimitri. Adrian was sexy in his way, but he didnt drive me wild the way Dimitri did. Was it because Adrian was so readily available? Was Deirdre right about me purposely wanting relationships that were impossible?You know, he said, interrupting my thoughts, under any other circumstances, this would be hot. Instead, youre looking at me like Im some kind of science fair project.That was exactly how I was treating this, actually. Why dont you ever use compulsion on me? I asked. And I dont mean just to stop me from getting in fights.Because half the fun of you is that youre so difficult.A new idea occurred to me. Do it.Do what? enjoyment compulsion on me.What? It was another of those rare shocked Adrian mome nts.Use compulsion to make me want to kiss you except you have to promise not to actually kiss me.Thats pretty weird and when I say somethings weird, you know its serious.Please.He sighed and then focused his eyes right on me. It was like drowning, drowning in seas of green. There was nothing in the world except for those eyes.I want to kiss you, Rose, he said softly. And I want you to want me too.Every aspect of his body his lips, his hands, his scent suddenly overpowered me. I felt warm all over. I wanted him to kiss me with every ounce of my macrocosm. There was nothing in life I wanted more than that kiss. I tilted my face up toward his, and he leaned down. I could a great deal taste his lips.Do you want to? he asked, voice still like velvet. Do you want to kiss me?Did I ever. Everything around me had blurred. Only his lips were in focus.Yes, I said. His face moved closer, his mouth only a hint away from mine. We were so, so close, and then He stopped. Were done, he sai d, stepping back.I snapped out of it instantly. The dreamy haze was gone, as was the yearning in my body. But Id notice something. Under compulsion, I had definitely wanted him to kiss me. Yet even under compulsion, it hadnt been the electric, all-encompassing feeling I had when I was with Dimitri, that feeling that we were a lot the same person and were bound by forces bigger than both of us. With Adrian, it had only if been mechanical.Deirdre had been wrong. If my attraction to Dimitri was just some subconscious reaction, then it should have been as superficial as that forced attraction to Adrian. Yet they were completely different. With Dimitri, it was love not just some trick my mind was playing on me.Hmm, I said.Hmm? asked Adrian, eyeing me with amusement.Hmm.The third hmm hadnt come from either of us. I looked across the hall and saw Christian watching us. I separated from Adrian, just as the bell rang. The sounds of students pouring out of classrooms rumbled through the h allway.Now I can see Lissa, said Adrian happily.Rose, will you come with me to the exhausters? asked Christian. He spoke in a flat tone, and his expression was unreadable.Im not guarding you today.Yeah, well, I miss your attractive company.I told Adrian goodbye and cut through the cafeteria with Christian. Whats up? I asked.You tell me, he said. You were the one about ready to start making out with Adrian.It was an experiment, I said. It was part of my therapy.What the hell kind of therapy are you in?We reached the feeders room. Somehow, despite him getting out of class early, there were still a hardly a(prenominal) people ahead of us in line.Why do you care? I asked him. You should be happy. It means he isnt moving in on Lissa.He could be moving in on both of you.What are you, my big brother now?Annoyed, he said. Thats what I am.I looked beyond him and saw Jesse and Ralf enter. Well, keep it to yourself, or our good friends will overhear.Jesse, however, was too lively to hear, because he was arguing with the feeding coordinator. I dont have time to wait, he told her. Ive got to be somewhere.She pointed to us and the others in line. These people are ahead of you.Jesse met her eyes and smiled. You can make an exception this time.Yeah, hes in a hurry, added Ralf in a voice Id never heard him use before. It was smooth and less pugnacious than usual. Just write his name down at the top of the list.The coordinator looked like she was going to tell them off, but then a funny, distracted look came over her face. She glanced at her clipboard and wrote something. A few seconds after she looked away, her head jerked up again, eyes sharp once more. She frowned.What was I doing?You were signing me up, said Jesse. He pointed at the board. See?She looked down, startled. Why is your name first? Didnt you just get here?We were here earlier and checked in. You told us it was okay.She looked down again, clearly puzzled. She didnt remember them coming earlier because they hadnt but she apparently couldnt figure out why Jesses name was at the top now. A moment later, she shrugged and must have decided it wasnt worth overthinking. Stand with the others, and Ill call you next.As soon as Jesse and Ralf came near us, I turned on them. You just used compulsion on her, I hissed.Jesse looked panicked for a fraction of a second then his normal swagger took over. Whatever. I just positive(p) her, thats all. What, are you going to try to tell on me or something? cypher to tell, scoffed Christian. That was the worst compulsion Ive ever seen.Like youve seen compulsion, said Ralf.Plenty, said Christian. From people prettier than you. Of course, maybe thats part of why yours isnt as good.Ralf seemed highly offended at not being considered pretty, but Jesse just nudged him and started to turn away. Forget him. He had his chance.His chance at I remembered how Brandon had attempted weak compulsion when trying to convince me his bruises were nothing. Jill had said that Brett Ozera actually had convinced a instructor that his were nothing. The teacher had dropped the matter, much to Jills surprise. Brett must have used compulsion. Lightbulbs went off in different parts of my brain. The connections were all around me. The problem was, I couldnt untangle the wires quite yet. Thats what this is about, isnt it? Your stupid Man? and its need to beat up on people. Its got something to do with compulsion.I didnt understand how it all fit together, but the strike look on Jesses face told me I was on to something, even though he said, You dont know what youre talking about.I pushed forward, hoping some blind hits would make him mad and say something he wasnt supposed to. Whats the point? Does it give you guys some kind of power trip to do these little tricks? Thats all they are, you know. You soberly dont know the first thing about compulsion. Ive seen compulsion that would make you do handstands and throw yourself out a window.Were learning more t han you can even imagine, said Jesse. And when I find out who told He didnt get a chance to finish his threat because he was called over to the feeder just then. He and Ralf stalked away, and Christian immediately turned to me.Whats going on? Whats a Man??I gave him a hasty recap of Adrians explanation. Thats what they wanted you to join. They must secretly be practicing compulsion. Adrian said these groups are always royals who have some plan to change and control things in dangerous times. They must think compulsion is the answer its what they meant when they told you they had ways to help you get what you wanted. If they knew how bad your compulsion was, they probably wouldnt have asked.He scowled, not liking me reminding him of the one time hed attempted and failed to compel someone at the ski lodge. So wheres the beating-people-up part come in?Thats the mystery, I said. Christian was summoned over to feed just then, and I put my theories on hold until I could get more info and take action. I noticed which feeder we were being led to. Is that Alice again? How do you always get her? Do you communicate her?No, but I think some people specifically un-request her.Alice was happy to see us, as always. Rose. Are you still keeping us harmless?I will if theyll let me, I told her.Dont be too hasty, she warned. preserve your strength. If youre too eager to fight the undead, you may find yourselves joining them. Then youd never see us again, and wed be very sad.Yes, said Christian. Id cry into my pillow every night.I resisted the urge to kick him. Well, I couldnt take in if I was Strigoi, yeah, but hopefully Id just die a normal death. Then I could come see you as a ghost.How sad, I thought, that I was now making jokes about the very thing that was freaking me out lately. Alice found no amusement in it any(prenominal). She shook her head.No, you wouldnt. The wards would keep you out.The wards only keep Strigoi out, I reminded her gently.A defiant look replac ed her scattered one. The wards keep anything that isnt alive out. Dead or undead.Now youve done it, said Christian.The wards dont keep ghosts out, I said. Ive seen them.Considering Alices own instability, I didnt mind discussing mine with her. In fact, it was kind of refreshing to talk about this stuff with someone who wouldnt judge me. Indeed, she treat this as a perfectly normal conversation. If youve seen ghosts, then were not upright anymore.I told you last time, the securitys too good.Maybe someone made a mistake, she argued, sounding remarkably coherent. Maybe someone missed something. Wards are made of magic. Magic is alive. Ghosts cant cross them for the same reason as Strigoi. They arent alive. If you saw a ghost, the wards have failed. She paused. Or youre crazy.Christian laughed out loud. There you go, Rose. Straight from the source. I shot him a glare. He smiled at Alice. In Roses defense, though, I think shes right about the wards. The school checks them all the time . The only place restrained better than here is the magnificent Court, and both places are overflowing with guardians. resolution being so paranoid. He fed, and I glanced away. I should have known better than to listen to Alice. She was hardly a reputable source of information, even if shed been around for a while. And yet her weird logic did make sense. If wards kept Strigoi out, why not ghosts? True, Strigoi were the dead who had come back to walk the earth, but her point was sound All of them were dead. But Christian and I were right too The wards around the school were solid. It took a lot of power to lay wards. Not every Moroi home could have them, but places like schools and the Royal Court had theirs maintained diligently. The Royal CourtId had no ghostly encounters whatsoever while we there, yet that had been incredibly stressful. If my sightings were stress-induced, wouldnt the Court and encounters with Victor and the queen have provided great opportunities for them to oc cur? The fact that Id seen nothing seemed to negate the PTSD theory. I hadnt seen ghosts until wed landed at the Martinville airport.Which didnt have wards.I nearly gasped. The Court had strong wards. Id seen no ghosts. The airport, which was part of the human world, had no wards. Id been bombarded with ghosts there. Id also seen flashes of them on the flat which was unwarded when we were in the air.I looked over at Alice and Christian. They were just about finished. Could she be right? Did wards keep out ghosts? And if so, what was going on with the school? If the wards were intact, I should see nothing just like at Court. If the wards were broken, I should be overrun just like at the airport. Instead, the Academy was somewhere in the middle. I had sightings only occasionally. It didnt make sense.The only thing I knew for sure was that if something was wrong with the schools wards, then I wasnt the only one in danger.

Improving Patient Safety by Utilizing Information Technology Essay

As the push towards patient safety increases with regulatory agencies such(prenominal) as the Florida Agency for Health fear administration (ACHA) and The joystick Commission (TJC), formerly the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthc be Organizations (JCAHO), highlighting the need for higher qualities of standard, infirmarys such as memorialization Hospital Pembroke in Hollywood Florida ar enkindle in finding ways of achieving optimal patient care standards and thrust themselves up the list of top performers on key quality measures.Of match magnificence is the need to optimize the cost effectiveness of this quality of care by reducing length of hospital stay and reducing instances of readmissions for the homogeneous or related complaints. Individual department such as pharmacy, radiology and laboratory each produce computerized bodys specific completelyy aimed at task consummation within the department taking no thought of the dissemination of that cultivation a cross the spectrum of non only medical departments but also to administrative and clerical departments.With the advent of care possesses such as computer physician format entry(CPOE) and electronic medication administration record systems(EMARs) aimed at both quality and cost effectiveness the necessity dwell to provide all needed breeding including medical records, radiological imagery such as CT scans, MRIs, and laboratory results at the immediate disposal of the practitioner. Administrative departments such as billing, medical records, medical supplies, and social work requiring real quantify updates on care administered, supplies expended in administering this care and follow up undeniable in order to complete the continuum of care. on that point is therefore the need to commingle all these various clinical and administrative processes into a single in effect(p) hospital based system of delivery of care. Electronic Health land systems (EHRs) are not only designed to provide such work but also information to patients and stores and postulates data collected on patients. The American Recovery and Re investiture Act (ARRA) of 2009 provided $34 billion via Medicare and Medicaid for the capital punishment and use of EHRs. two such systems EpicCare and HCS eMR respectively define themselves as follows. The EpicCare Inpatient Clinical form spans all hospital departments and specialties, giving providers the tools they need to deliver safe, high-quality care. EpicCares role-based navigators modify relevant information access for physicians, nurses, therapists, dietitians and any other provider in the hospital setting HCS eMR meaningful use software is a workflow Driven / Focused solution focused on high user Adoption. HCS eMR works for your hospital because itBuilds on alert processes such as medication Reconciliation Integrates with existing technology to streamline processes Leverages sophisticated rules and sequencely alerts to poking s uccess Can be implemented quickly and is fully adopted Is economical Organizational and individual barriers to proposed commute Several potential barriers exist to the instruction execution of an integrated electronic health records system (EHRs), these include structural, monetary/business, technical/professional, and pagan. StructuralMemorial Hospital Pembroke is not a standalone hospital rather it is one of five hospitals in the Memorial Hospital strategy (MHS) formerly known as the South Broward Hospital district of Florida, as such much consideration has to be given to the eventual implementation across the system not only to Pembroke itself. Diversity in buyers and payers of supplies and services across the system would impact heavily on integration. There are also different providers of information technology in various departments that would stimulate to be modified to enable integration via a central system of informatics.Financial and business The infrastructural implementation of EHR systems requires initial high dollar investment which in the current economic environment whitethorn require budgetary restraints on other services and supplies. Although the intent is clear and the potential promising, there is restricted evidence of the economic benefits of EHR systems in healthcare mainly because it is in its infancy, the hospital board of governors may require panoptic due applications programme studies prior agreeing to any such revision. Cultural The cost-benefits across the continuum of providers e. g. octors, nurses and recipients e. g. patients of healthcare have yet to be realized and as such much maintenance and resistance is to be anticipated.Clinicians inclusive of nurses envision health informatics oddly EHRs as being time consuming and takes away from, autonomy, actual time spent with patients, also old habits are hard to break, and question what face-to-face benefits are to be gain from this scrutinizing system. Not to be treat is the additional scrutiny as all processes forget be document at time of process and provides a permanent record, errors cannot be deleted.Departments who antecedently had autonomy on how information is transferred and disseminated from the individual department to other practitioners may show reluctance to opening up to the scrutiny of others. Patients also go away be required to accommodate intrusion, as with the avail top executive of previously curtail information at the bedside from computers on wheels (COWs) more time may be spent at the bedside by practitioners instead of doing time consuming reviews and do notes prior to patients rounds.The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) which provides federally set protection of patients health information held by healthcare professionals, is another contingent barrier that impact the implementation of the proposed change, and care has to be taken to limit the unnecessary access of pat ients data. Factors influencing proposed changeImportant factors that may affect whether implementation of an EHR at Memorial Pembroke is assiduous include, how receptive heed and round are to the change, the existence of available EHR systems providers versus in-house creation of a system, toll of purchasing, implementing and maintaining a system and if funding is available, real benefits to be attained, are they measurable, and structural, cultural and fiscal readiness of the brass section for the change. Receptiveness of management and staffIf the existing system works for staff or is perceived to work accordingly many questions arise among the participants why does there need to be this intrusive change. Can the proposed benefits to be realized justify the overhaul and inconvenience to arrest and am I going to be remunerated for my efforts? Available EHR systems There are many systems al realize on the market including EPICare inpatient-core HCS eMR and ChartAcess which a re ready for implementation have a system of support and maintenance.Although these are valuable systems, to build an in-house system replicating these would be time consuming and require extensive suppurational processes that would certainly result in delay in implementing such a system. Cost May be divided into eruditeness and maintenance, acquisition cost include cost of software, training, installation, paper to electronic conversion and implementation productivity loss, which may not be measurable. Maintenance cost includes upgrades, electric switch of hardware and internal and external support cost.Acquisition cost will be significant and may impact on the ability of the organization to meet other budgetary demands. Maintenance cost are deal out over time and may not be as impacting, also the possibility exist that cost savings from the use of the EHRs employed may offset maintenance cost. Factors influencing organizational readiness There are certain basic requirements o f readiness which Memorial Pembroke must meet in order to be ready for health IT without which failure is al almost assured.These are Organizational culture, Management and leadership, Operational and Technical readiness. Organizational culture outlined as an assessment of how the organization perceives EHR, general staff and physicians perceptions and patient involvement. Does Memorial Pembroke view EHR as a liability or as an asset, is the staff open to what is better for the patient or are they more come to about turf protection, are nurses prepared to record even the most minor detail if it means a better overall turn in of the state of the patient.Management and leadership does the organization have the management that appreciates the importance of the change to the overall goals of the organization and is there a readiness to put through necessary visions to include human resources, financial resources and information and to manage these resources not only for current bu t also future EHR needs. Is there an administrator team, a strategic plan, quality improvement and care management, and sound financial management?Operational readiness takes into consideration, protocols, operational procedures, staffing needs for the implementation, training plans and programs, homework of project managers and IT staff for the implementation. Technical readiness considers the organizations technical environment and information technology capabilities to deal with and absorb the change. Is there adequate server capacity, a rational process of procurement also potential for growth and development of the department? In short can they handle it? Theoretical get related to proposed changeThe model best related to this organizational change which seeks to get up the institution as a whole in the progression of improved quality of care for patients as also to optimize the organizations ability to be effective in the administrative process and other peripheral proce sses involved in this change is organizational development. Organizational change targets the absolute organization and creates a climate of open discussion with valued feedback which helps to repay or modify to the change. It depends on the utilization of process consultants to drive on interventions and to manage the change.Internal and external resources to support change Within the organization several(prenominal) resources may be found which may facilitate or enhance the change to be implemented, these include competent senior management who show a sense of confidence and facilitate dialogue with staff indeed enabling them to be active participants, a strong human resource department that arranges and implement training programs aimed at preparing staff for the change. A spirited IT department with competent personnel knowledgeable in IT systems that can facilitate incorporation of new technology to its network.Staff that are trainable and who understand the desirablene ss of the organization and of change and are willing to adapt in order to meet organizational goals. Externally advantage has to be taken of a proven provider of EHRs that has the experience and support infrastructure that will facilitate attainment of the organizational goals. Independent consultants who are experienced in the change to be implemented, and who are able to monitor and manage the change at each stage of implementation. Research data that provide information aimed at making informed decisions, provided by research specialist and not ad hoc pieces of information.

Night World : Spellbinder Chapter 7

Ive been ciphering e very(prenominal)where for you, Blaise state. I had to invite Mrs. Ross to find forth you were here.Her black hair was wild and windbl take in, tumbling oer her shoulders. She had gestaten off her red bow tie and un excepttoned the moderate button of her array shirt. There was wring in her cheeks and dark human body down in her gray eyes. She looked extremely beautiful and very, very witchy.Thea and Eric had moved apart(predicate) and Thea had the feeling they were both blushing.We were that Eric express. Um. Heh. While Blaise scrutinized him, he picked up the no-account blanket and started refolding it. Uh, can I show you around?I dont occupy much for animals unless theyve been shish-kebabed. Blaise surveyed the room with one hand on her hip.Oh, shes in a terrific mood.Theas palms were getting damp. She wasnt for sure what Blaise thought of the embrace shed walked in on but Thea was supposed to be leading Eric on, wasnt she?Her eye fell on the Klee nex daubed with Erics tear. Unobtrusively, she reached for it and crumpled it in her hand.So you left the dance, she said to Blaise. Wheres Whod actu completely(prenominal)y been Blaises view tonight? Sergio? Kevin? Someone else?There is no dance, Blaise said. They shut it down. Leave it to Randy-he was ever so a royal pain. consequently her face changed she blinked and regorge on a sweet smile. And who are you, darling?In the entranceway to the corridor, Rosamund vertebral columned up, Madame curie clutched to her chest. She didnt formulate a word, but her hostile putting surface eyes never left Blaise.Uh, sorry, Eric said. Thats my child. Shes- shy.So this is a family affair, Blaise said. How nice.Thea said, I specify its time to be going home. She needed to talk to Eric, but alone, non with a dissatisfy munchkin and a suspicious witch smell on.She glanced at Eric, feeling a pocket-sized shy herself. He looked the same.Well- come over you at school.Yeah. Suddenly he smiled. You jockey, thats some occasion else I was going to mention. If youre even prizeing about going to Davis, you magnate penury to get into honors zoology. Its a good class.Um-well see. She was aware of Blaise watching her. exactly outside, all Blaise said was, Sorry if I was rude. But Ive been looking all all over for you, so I could tell you what a great time I wasnt having. And-she shook her midnight hair out with a charming smile-its so much fun to be a bitch when you deprivation to be.Thea sighed, indeed stop in her tracks. Blaise, the carKevins ash grey-gray Porsche looked as if it had been through a war. The depend bumper was caved in, the passenger introduction was mangled, and the windshield was cracked.I had a little trouble, Blaise said coolly. Its all right, though I met a guy tonight named Luke Price, whos got a Maserati. She looked at Thea, then loaned, You dont disapprove, do you? Of treating humans that way?No-of course not. I just dont want to get expelled again.Its not illegal to hand over an accident. Here, you have to get in through the drivers side straightway.She drove, not seeming to take each particular direction. Thea sat quietly, acutely aware of the probing glances cast her way every so often.So, Blaise said at dwell in her silkiest congresswoman, did you get it?What?Dont be funny.Thea held out her hand with the crumpled Kleenex on her palm. I didnt fill the vial that was ridiculous. But I used my ingenuity and got liberal.Hmm. Blaises fall fingers, tipped with blood-red nails, dosed delicately on the tissue. Startled, Thea snatched it back and the Kleenex tore. She finish up with only a corner.Hey-Whats the problem? I just want it for safekeeping, Blaise said smoothly. And so how did every affaire else go?Fine, Thea said. Her palms were getting damp, but she managed to keep her voice airy. I think hes hooked, she added, analyseing to imitate Blaises most languid and lordly tones.Oh, currently? They had ended up on the strip, which meant the car was this instant precedent crawl through traffic. Neon highlighted the curious half-smile on Blaises lips. And what was that about Davis?Nothing. Its where hes going to college, so of course hed equal me to be with him.Hes al empathisey thinking about the future. Well, that was tight work. Congratulations.Thea didnt like the way she said it. More than ever, she wanted to protect Eric from Blaise-but she wasnt sure how. It depended on how much Blaise suspected.You hump, I think its the pop thats the most fun, Blaise went on reminiscently. Human boys are all different-but in the end, theyre all the same. And when they give in completely, you can just about hear it. Theres a pop. Like a heave breaking.Thea swallowed, staring at the huge golden lion in front of the MGM Grand Hotel. Its green eyes reminded her of Eric. Really? Sounds interesting.Oh, it is. And aft(prenominal) the pop, they just benevolent of collapse, and everything t hey are, their whole self, just sort of pours out in this internal hemorrhage. And after that, of course, theyre useless. Like a stag thats withal old to mate. Theyre just-over.How nice.You know, I think Erics ready for that pop. Hes already in extol with you I could see that. I think its time.Thea just sat. A vampire girl, wearing a dress with a black rose bod, threaded her way through stopped traffic. Finally, Thea said, BlaiseWhat, is that a problem with you? Are you having difficulty with that? Are you a little soft on him, by chance? Are you a little too fond of him? Blaise-Are you in fill in with him? Shock waves went through Thea, and the last question seemed to vibrate in the air. At last she whispered, Dont be ridiculous. And dont you try to fool me. Remember who youre talking to. I know that dopey look you get when youre mooning over some animal. I saw the way you were dimension him.Thea felt desperate. It wasnt just Blaise she was afraid of here. Night World law cou ldnt be clearer about the penalty for loving a human. Death. Not only for her, but for Eric, too.There was only one thing Thea could do. She turned and looked at her cousin directly.All right, Blaise, you do know me. Weve always been like sisters, and I know that however you act sometimes, you passive love me-Of course I do, Blaise said impatiently, and Thea actualized that was part of the problem. In the changing light of the Bally hotels northeast pillars, she could see that Blaises eyes were wet. She was frightened for Thea-and angry at being frightened.Thea grabbed her cousins hand. and then you have to bear in mind to me. It was a naked plea. Blaise-when I first met Eric, something happened. I cant explain it-I cant even really describe it. But there was a connection. And I know this is going to sound insane, and I know youre not going to like it, but She had to stop to breathe. Blaise, what if you found your soulmate, and they were something that everybody said you shoul dnt love.She stopped again, this time because Blaise had frozen. For a moment they both just sat, and then, very slowly, Blaise withdrew her hand from Theas.Found your soulmate? she said.Warmth pooled in Theas eyes. She had never felt so alone. I think so, she whispered.Blaise turned to face the windshield. Purple light shone on her black hair. This is more serious than I thought.The tears overflowed. But bequeath you help me?Blaise tapped her slender fingers on the steering wheel a some times. Finally she said, Of course Illhelp you. I have to. Were like sisters-I would never abandon you when youre in trouble.Thea was so relieved she felt dizzy. Paradoxically, it make her holler out more. Ive just been so scared. Ever since it happened, Ive been trying to figure things out. She hiccupped. Blaise was looking at her again, smiling, gray eyes glittering oddly. Blaise? Im going to help you, Blaise said, still smiling, by getting him myself. And then Im going to kill him for putting my sister in danger.There was a moment when everything inside Thea seemed absolutely still-and the next instant it all exploded into chaos.Never, she said. Do you hear me, sister? Never.Blaise stayed calm, driving. I know you dont think its best-now. But one day youll thank me.Blaise, listen to me. If you do anything to him-ifyou hurt him-its me youre hurting.Youll get over it. In the rainbow light of the Riviera, Blaise looked like some ancient goddess of fate. Its better to hurt a little now than to be executed later.Thea was so angry she was shaking. So angry that she make a mistake. If shed kept on arguing the same points, she thought later, Blaise might eventually have started to listen. But she was furious and terrified and she blurted out, Well, I dont think you can do it. I dont think you could take him from me if you tried.Blaise stared, as if caught for at a time at a loss for words. Then she threw back her head and laughed.Thea, she said. I can take any boy from anybody .Any time, any place, any way I want to. Thats what I do.Not this time. Eric loves me, and you cant change that. You cant take him.Blaise was wearing a secret smile. But she said only twain words as she turned off the strip and onto darkened streets again. heart me.Thea didnt sleep well. She kept seeing Randy Mariks face, and when she dreamed, it turned into Erics face, blood-streaked and vacant-eyed.She woke up to see sunshine streaming in the room.It was a bedroom with a cave in personality. One side was fairly neat and decorated in nauseous blues and spring greens. The other side was messy and was decorated in the color, the primal color, the one that roused emotions, that meant passion and hatred both. Red.And usually Blaise was lying on that side underneath her red velvet Ralph Lauren bedspread, but this morning she was bypast already. A rotten omen. Blaise only got up early for a reason.Thea got togged up and went downstairs warily.The shop was empty except for Tobias si tting gloomily in his usual place beside the cash register. He grunted when Thea said hello and went on staring at the wall, one hand clutching his curly brown hair. Wishing, undoubtedly, to be outside on the weekend like other nineteen-year-old guys.Thea went into the workshop.Blaise was sitting at the long t able, wearing earphones and humming to herself. A project was spread in front of her. Thea stalked up close.She could see right away that it was beautiful. Blaise was a genius at creating jewelry, most of it based on ancient designs. She make necklaces of bees and butterflies, spiraling flowers, serpents, leaping dolphins. It was all alive, all joyous all magical. That was where the real genius came in. Blaise put each element of the piece together with a purpose in mind. The gems were chosen to enhance each other chromatic for desire, black opal for obsession, topaz for yearning, garnet for heat. And asteria, the smoke-gray form of sapphire with a six-pointed star. Blaises stone, just the color of her eyes.Blaise had them all laid out loose. But her magic wasnt just in the gems. Interwoven into every piece were herb caches, tiny compartments that could be fill with potions or powders. She could literally drench the jewelry in sorcery.Even the design itself could be a spell. Every line, every curve, every flower melodic theme could have a meaning, could make the eye follow a word form that was as powerful as any symbol delimitated on the plunge in chalk. Just looking at the piece could be enough to charm you.Right now Blaise was working on a necklace to joint you dead.Thea could see it taking shape. Blaise used the lost wax method of jewelry-making, which meant that she form out her pieces in stiff blue wax in the lead moulding them in silver or copper or gold. What she was carving now was breathtaking. Heart-stopping. An intricate masterpiece that was going to have roughly the same take as Aphrodites magic girdle- which meant no male was goin g to be able to look at it without falling under the spell.And she had some of Erics blood. The vital member that meant shed be able to personalize this spell for him.The one good thing was that it would take Blaise a few days to finish this piece. But erstwhile it was done.Eric didnt have a chance in Hades.Thea backed up, not knowing-and not caring- whether Blaise had noticed her. She headed blindly for her bedroom.She and Eric were soulmates. But Blaise was, in some ways, Aphrodite herself. And who could disapprove that?What am I going to do?She had a little of Erics blood herself on the corner of the tissue. But she could never outmatch Blaise in creating love spells. Blaise had old age of experience and a natural talent that left everyone else in the dust.So I have to think of something else. Something to keep her from getting to him in the first place. To protect himThea straightened up.I cant. Its too dangerous. The summoning spells arent for maidens. Even the inner(a) Ci rcle has to be careful with those.But Grandma has the materials. I know she does. Ive seen the box.It may kill me even to try.An odd serenity came over her. If she laborious on that-on the risk-she felt better than if she thought about what Gran would say if she found out. She wasnt afraid to face danger for Eric. And as long as she kept thinking about that, she could block out the thought that her mood was not only dangerous, but wrong.This time she went down the stairs almost as if she were sleepwalking. Calm and detached. Toby, wheres Gran?He lifted his head a bare inch. She went to see Thierry Descouedres, something about his land. Told me to come and pick her up tonight.Thierry was a vampire and a Night Lord. He owned a lot of the land northeast of Las Vegas-but what did Gran have to do with that?It didnt matter. The important thing was that Gran wouldnt be back all day.Well, then, why dont you go out and have some fun? I can watch the shop.Tobias looked at her with dazed bl ue eyes-and then his round face lit up. mischievously? Youd do that? I could kiss you. Lets see, Ill go visit Kishi no, maybe Zoe no, maybe Sheena.Like all boy witches, he was in tremendous implore with the girl witches in town.Still muttering, he checked his wallet, grabbed the car keys, and headed for the door as if Thea might change her mind any second. Ill be back in time topick her up, I promise, he said hastily and was out the door.The instant he was gone, Thea turned the sign on the door to closed, locked up, and tiptoed to the counter.It was in the locked lower shelf, an iron chest that looked five hundred years old. Thea picked it up with an effort-it was heavy. With her teeth gritted and her eyes on the bead curtain that disjunct the store from Grandmas workshop, she staggered up the stairs.She made two other trips downstairs to derive materials. The bead curtain never stirred.Last, she went to Grans bedroom. On a nail skilful the headboard was a heavy ring with dozen s of keys. Thea took it. Back in her own bedroom she shut the door and stuffed a towel underneath so Blaise wouldnt smell the smoke.Okay, now lets get this thing open.She sat crosslegged on the scandalise in front of the chest. It wasnt hard to find the key that would fit the lock-she just looked for the oldest and crudest iron key on the ring. It fit perfectly and the chest opened. inner was a bronze box, and inside that a silver box.And inside the silver box was an ancient book with yellowing, brittle pages, and a small green bottle with wax and ribbons securing its cork. There were also thirty or forty amulets. Thea picked one up and examined it.A lock of blond hair had been ill-shapen and woveninto a knot, and then sealed in that shape with a round piece of clay. The clay was dark earthy red, and Thea touched it reverently. It had been made with mud-and the blood of a witch. An entire Circle had probably worked on this for weeks charging the blood, chanting, conflate it with secret ingredients, baking it in a ritual incinerate.Im touching a witch, Thea thought. The very essence of somebody whos been dead hundreds of years. The cabalistic sign stamped on the front of the amulet was supposed to show who the witch was. But split up of the pieces of clay were so worn that Thea couldnt make out any trace of a symbol.Dont worry. Find a description of somebody in the book, and then match the amulet to them.She turned the fragile pages of the book carefully, trying to read the spidery, faded writing.Ix U Sihnal. Annie Butter, Markus Klingelsmith . .. no, they all sound too dangerous, hudo Cagliostro- maybe. But I dont really want an alchemist. Dm Ratih, Omiya Inoshishi wait a minute. fivesome Garner.She scanned the page on Phoebe eagerly. A gentle girl from England who had lived before the Burning Times and had kept familiars. Shed died young of tuberculosis, but had been considered a lenience by everyone whod known her-even humans, who appreciated her abil ity to deflect spells from her village. Human villagers had mourned at her grave.Perfect, Thea thought.Then, she began scrabbling through the amulets, looking for one with the same symbol impressed on the clay as the book showed by Phoebes name.There it was She cradled the amulet in ?her palm. Phoebes hair had been auburn and very fine.Okay. Now get the balefire ready.It had to be made from oak and ash, the two kinds of wood that had been burned to bake the clay. Thea put the dry sticks in her grandmothers largest bronze bowl and lit them.Now add quassia chips, blessed thistle, mandrake root. Those were just for general power raising. The real magic was in the tiny bottle that had been carved out of a single piece of malachite. It was the summoning potion, and Thea had no idea at all what was in it.She dug at the wax with her fingernails until the cork twisted freely. Then she paused, her hands shaking with every beat of her pulse.Up until now, shed only examined things she shouldnt bad but forgivable. New she was going to kindle a forbidden fire and that wasn t forgivable. If the elders discovered what shed doneShe pulled the cork out.