Dan Brown’s Deception Point Review

Unless you live in a cave (I’m not judging) then you’ve probably heard of Dan Brown. If you haven’t heard of Dan Brown then you’ve probably heard of â€Å"The Da Vinci Code†. If you’ve heard of neither then I suggest you watch less TV and stop collecting porn from the internet. (I’m still not judging). I won’t blog on about how fantastic the Da Vince Code is (it really is) or how mind-blowing the concepts where (they really were) or offer my thoughts on the validity of Dan Brown’s research for the book (not enough time in the day). Nope. This is about one of his earlier novels: Deception Point.If you’ve not read it, then stop reading this puerile obfuscation of the written language (that’s this blog by the way) and go read it now. If you need a little tease (still not judging) then reads on†¦. (Please affect your best â€Å"Deep Movie Trailer Voice†). There are no direct spoilers here, but if you prefer not to know anything about this book, turn away now. Not looking at your computer screen now? That’s a bit silly. President Zach Herney is in trouble. He’s taking a beating in the polls for the forthcoming presidential election. A stoic supporter of NASA, he’s backed and funded from tax payers money a string of expensive NASA blunders.His rival, the ruthless Senator Sedgewick Sexton, is riding a wave of unrest from the American people he’s stirred by condemning the billions of tax payers money that’s been wasted on failed NASA projects and he’s all but guaranteed the presidency. As the situation gets even more desperate for the President, a new NASA satellite detects evidence of an astonishing object buried deep in the Arctic ice: a meteorite containing the fossilized remains of extra terrestrial life. The floundering space agency appears to have struck gold and will silence all their critics with their find.The President dispatches Senator Sexton’s daughter, NRO intelligence analyst Rachel to the Arctic to verify the find. She’s accompanied by a team of NASA and civilian experts, including the charismatic â€Å"Amazing Seas† presenter Michael Tolland. Their every move is watched by the mysterious Delta Force taking orders from â€Å"the controller†. However, things start to unravel quickly when Rachel uncovers that the object isn’t all that it appears to be. A shocking discovery that will plunge the country into controversy. Before Rachel can make her findings known she realizes that her discovery puts her life, and the lives of others in danger.Fleeing for her life with Michael Tolland and Corky Marlinson – a NASA scientist – in the dangerous Arctic conditions they have only one hope for survival: to find out who’s behind the deception. Back in Washington, the election grows closer and the stakes get higher. William Pickering, the NRO director is frustra ted with NASA’s regular security leaks which put their technological advances into the hands of the highest bidder. The NASA administrator, an ex-Pentagon man is fighting to keep NASA from being restructured as part of the governments intelligence community joining the FBI and the CIA.The President, taking advice from his sly senior advisor Marjorie Tench, prepares to tell the world of NASA’s discovery. Sounds good, doesn’t it? It is. Dan Brown has really done is research and although you’re entertained, you also learn a fair bit about the Arctic, meteorites and fossils. His technical detail is on par with Tom Clancy although it’s not as dry as some of Clancy’s work. His real flair is in involving the reader. This is a book that you won’t want to put down. Now, go read it.

Department of Veteran’s Affairs’ Health Care Delivery System

In the past few decades, the role of the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) as a health care delivery system has raised awareness among health care administrators, veterans, and policy makers alike. The core mission of the VA delivery system is to provide primary care, specialized care, and related medical and social support services to veterans (Wilson & Kizer, 1997). Some of the most common medical benefits awarded under the VA are to veterans who have become disabled by illness or injury in the line of duty during military service. As a result, the VA health care delivery system serves as a safety net because many of the veterans served are psychologically and economically disadvantaged and have a high disease burden (Wilson & Kizer, 1997). In addition, veterans who use the VA health care system have a higher level of illness than the average population, and 60 percent have no private or Medigap insurance. The VA health care delivery system provides many services for veterans, and also contributes greatly in managing health care resources. Research indicates that the availability of federal, state and local government funds to subsidize the care of persons left without services varies by state and community and may not match community need (Wilson & Kizer, 1997). In this way, the VA health care delivery system contributes in managing health care resources because it takes on the strains of existing alternatives. Within this patchwork, the VA health delivery system stands out as a significant, coordinated, nationwide safety net for veterans (Wilson & Kizer, 1997). The VA also cares for small vulnerable populations for whom care is expensive but generally unprofitable in the private sector (Wilson & Kizer, 1997). In addition to veterans with service connected injuries, illness and exposures and former prisoners of war, the VA is legislated to treat veterans with special disabilities of spinal cord dysfunction, blindness, amputation, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse and homelessness resulting from mental illness (Wilson & Kizer, 1997). The VA headquarters manages its networks by setting goals and defining strategies to maximize health care value throughout the nation. Value is defined as balanced performance of five factors: cost, access, technical quality, patient functional ability, and patient satisfaction (Wilson & Kizer, 1997). The VA headquarters also focuses on developing a standardized management and monitoring system that supports risk adjusted comparative analysis among networks (Wilson & Kizer, 1997). These efforts are designed to assure that high quality care is consistently delivered. The VA health care delivery system also plays an important role in transitioning patients from one level to another level of care in the health care continuum. This transitional role can be illustrated through the VA's treatment of serious health problems such as Parkinson's Disease, which currently affects about 1. 5 million Americans who are diagnosed with the disease (Department of Veterans Affairs, 2001). Parkinson's disease is a progressive degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, with physical symptoms of tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia (Mitchell et. al. , 1996). It can usually be diagnosed based on the medical history and physical findings. To better address the needs of veterans with Parkinson's disease, in February 2001 the VA announced the creation of six centers specializing in Parkinson's disease (Department of Veterans Affairs, 2001). The VA Parkinson's centers also develop training programs for patients, families, students and health care professionals. Additionally, each site conducts a clinical demonstration program for evaluating new models of care delivery for veterans with Parkinson's disease and movement disorders (Department of Veterans Affairs, 2001). Furthermore, the VA hospitals are devoted to new research on Parkinson's disease in the development of surgical treatment for late-stage patients for whom medical therapy is no longer effective and development of new medications, which are more effective and have fewer side effects (Department of Veterans Affairs, 2001). In this way the VA health care delivery system assisting in the transition of patients from one level to another level of care. Finally, the available research indicates that the VA health delivery system contributes well overall in providing services and managing health care resources. This health care system appears to spread itself over the areas where other health care services are lacking, thus enhancing the quality of care and services provided. As long as market forces dominate the health care industry and state and local funding vary, the stabilizing influence of a national safety net such as the VA health care delivery system becomes more crucial. As improvements in health care become more necessary and evident, the VA system will continue to improve the standards of health care for all veterans. Future analysis of the VA health care delivery system in comparison to other health care delivery systems will assist in evaluating the quality of care offered by the VA.

Cause And Effects Of Smog Pollution Environmental Sciences Essay

Cause And Effects Of Smog Pollution Environmental Sciences Essay Smog pollution is a major problem that this planet is suffering from everyday. It has affected our homes, weather, and health. It is a very dangerous situation for us if we do not do anything about it. Smog pollution is caused by chemicals, automobiles, factories and corporations. The greatest thing we can do as a society is try to find a way to help prevent and stop smog pollution. If the people on this planet do not do anything to stop smog pollution we are going to have a BIG problem and it will hurt us in the future. We need a plan and we need to put a stop to smog pollution. The American Lung Association (ALA) has been trying to find ways to help stop and prevent smog pollution from hurting us and the environment. If we can just do our part and find a way to prevent this problem from getting any bigger, it will benefit us all. We all have heard of smog pollution, but do we really know what it is. Smog pollution has many causes that can be hazardous and dangerous to our health a nd well being. The term smog pollution is also known as photochemical smog. It is formed by the interaction with sunlight with different types of chemicals in earth’s atmosphere (Oblack). The main component of smog pollution or photochemical pollution is ozone. Ozone is in the earth’s stratosphere, which the shields the earth from dangerous UV radiation from the sun. The problem with ozone is when it touches down on the earth’s surface it can be very dangerous and can cause serious health problems for people on the planet (Oblack). The ground level ozone is made by the emissions of automobiles that put nitrogen oxide into the air, which is caused by the vehicle’s exhaust fumes (Oblack). The organic components from the fumes combined with the ozone and fume evaporation that combines with sunlight, causes smog pollution on the planet (Oblack). Many people try to find ways to help avoid smog in a more planet friendly environment, so some people use substitut es for their everyday use. There is just one problem with that, and that is the sun. Many people don’t understand that sunlight and warm climates cause pollution. For example, places like California, Florida, and Arizona and even North America are some of the most polluted places in the country (Oblack). Another problem that causes an increase in smog pollution is the increased usage of fossil fuels for industrial, heating, and of course transportation purposes (â€Å"All that smog†). Also, cutting down, burning trees, and disposing of agricultural and organic waste can also lead to emissions of smog pollution and harmful problems for the planet (â€Å"All that Smog†). Sunlight mixed with different types of dangerous chemicals (secondary pollution) also makes it difficult to stop smog pollution from occurring on the surface of the planet (â€Å"All that Smog†), which creates another big problem. Climate is a major factor for the cause of smog pollution. M any places in the world can try to be more environmental friendly to help save our planet. Some people ride bicycles instead of driving cars. Other people try to reduce their use of using fire to warm themselves. The only problem that these people cannot get away from is something that they cannot control, and that is the sun. California is ranked in the top 10 most polluted areas in the United States. Ozone pollution that is caused by the sun has a major affect on this planet. Smog and air pollution is having a serious impact on the environment and can condemn all ecosystems (â€Å"seirraclub†). The reason why the sun causes so many problems is because the ozone layer that is supposed to protect planet earth is practically destroyed. Without the protection, the sun is able to shine radiation onto the planet and is the main reason for many health issues that people go through every day. Issues like skin cancer, radiation poisoning, and sun burn are having fatal affects on peo ple. This type of pollution not only harms humans, but it can also harm wild life and the environment. Smog can harm different plants, which can lead to damaging consequences. Because the plants are damaged, it makes it hard for plants to make and save food for themselves in their living environment (â€Å"seirraclub†). In addition, the sun and smog can destroy leaves and plants it would make many of the plants vulnerable to getting diseases. And, they cannot defend themselves from different types of bugs and insects that can cause a huge decrease in plant life (â€Å"seirraclub†). Smog pollution is a yearly problem for places like Texas, Georgia, Florida, and many other southern and sunny parts of the world, but there is also a big increase in smog pollution in the summer (â€Å"seirraclub†). This is caused by strong sunlight that burns the earth’s surface. However, the one thing that is helping smog pollution is all of the problems that are on this plan et. All of the power plants, automobile emissions, industrial, and chemical vapors are other causes of pollution (â€Å"seirraclub†). Climate changes are part of the problem as well. Within the months of June, July, and August, it makes it harder to try and control the smog pollution, due to the sun. This planet has gone through billions of years of evolution. It survived dinosaurs, the ice age, and the black plague, but because of smog pollution this planet might not be able to survive this new attack.

The Congo King Leopold's Ghost Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Congo King Leopold's Ghost - Essay Example Through the Berlin Conference, King Leopold obtained international recognition for the colony. The king established a system of forced labor that kept the people of the Congo basin in a slavery condition (Hochschild 120). There are many reasons why Adam Hochschild chose to entitle his narrative of imperialism in the Congo ‘King Leopolds Ghost’. Firstly, King Leopold II was the central figure during the colonization of the Congo. The king employed every tactic to ensure that the Congo was part of Belgian colonial powers. It is hard to explore the history of the Congo basin without mentioning King Leopold II. He was the main authority that instructed his army to commit most of the atrocities experienced in the country. King Leopold II was the face of colonial power in the Congo. Being the king, King Leopold II gave direct orders that affected the country. To make this book relevant to the real situation in the Congo, the author had to mention the king in the title in order to link him and the Congo. A ghost refers to the spirit of a dead person that may affect the living people. King Leopold died many years ago but the impact of his orders and actions are still in historical books and in the memory of the Congo people. During the Belgian colonial rule of the Congo people, the colonial power committed so many atrocities. Many people died, while others were left homeless. The impact of this tyrannical rule is being felt to date. Many families lost their property and loved words. The colonial power took most of the Congo natural resources to its mother country. This implies that the Congo people lost different resources that could have helped their country in terms of development. The ghost of King Leopold II will hound the people of Congo for a very long time. King Leopold II ruled in a manner that affected the unity of the Congo people. He ruled by divide and rule

Advanced financial reporting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Advanced financial reporting - Essay Example Also, it includes comprehensive description of disclosures that ought to be given in an annual report that gives a transparent, true and fair picture of company’s performance to existing and potential investors. After this follows second question which focuses on comparison between voluntary and mandatory guidelines in respect of environmental reporting. It requires detailed discussion about effectiveness of both guidelines and what advantages and disadvantages does their compliance offer for a company. The last question inquires about the current and proposed programmes to be effective in future relating to environmental compliances and regulations and how they might be helpful in ensuring better transparency and clarity of environmental reporting. Further the discussion entails about corporate measures that organizations should use to become alert and informed about regulations which are applicable in their case, about amendments therein and strategies to comply with them ad equately. Finally, the paper closes with concluding statements about how companies should be more environmentally responsible in its operations and true in provision of its facts and disclosures in annual reports for its shareholders and potential investors. ... Therefore, they take reasonable steps to mitigate harmful and adverse effects to acceptable levels. Some examples of environmental footprints include water spills, contamination, poisonous wastages and leakages, air pollution, carbon emission, greenhouse gas emission etc. Regulatory bodies and environmental authorities have been working constantly to make environmental laws and regulations stricter to protect public interests and give better picture to investors. Few mandatory guidelines have already been placed that are compulsory to be followed while other voluntary guidelines have been published for different industries to identify best benchmark practices which might be followed by entities on own motion to depict ‘greener’ reputation and public image to satisfy its members and potential investors. However, in order to ensure compliance with environmental frameworks, it is pivotal to be fully aware of all applicable regulations. Environmental risks can be mitigated t hrough establishment of Environmental Management System and allotment of a dedicated team responsible for addressing all environmental concerns. Furthermore, organizations must account for relevant environmental costs and provisions for future obligations such as dismantling, cleanup and litigation costs in its financial statements. Environmental reporting disclosures can be as comprehensive as an entity would consider adequate since only few mandatory regulations exist. Therefore, environment-friendly stance of any organization shall depend on how detailed are the disclosures provided by it in its annual report and accounts. Question 1 In view of the contents of the document provided and the materials covered in the module, does the annual report currently

Scheduling apps impact on public transportation Essay

Scheduling apps impact on public transportation - Essay Example In order to bring about sanity in the transport industry, a number of applications were brought forward as a means of enhancing efficiency in the sector and improving service delivery to the customers. Some of the applications include Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar. The recent surge in scheduling apps has had a major impact on the taxi industry with benefits for the consumer; however, the applications seem to threaten the status quo of the for-hire transportation business. Based on such a perspective, this paper discusses the various attributes of the apps in the taxi industry, considering both the benefits and the threats to the different players in the industry. Since the emergence of new entrants into the industry such as Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar, there has been significant changes, especially on the structural aspects, which still operated on the mentality used decades ago (Yue, 2014). Previously, any person in need of the taxi or car services had to wait physically at one of the city streets or call on one of the taxi or car services, which would take long before making arrival. Such inconveniences significantly affected the operations of the industry, an aspect that would only be rectified by the use of new apps. As such, the different apps including Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar, made it easy for customers to use their smartphones in securing taxi and car services from any particular location. Such has significantly improved service delivery and efficiency of operation, especially for customers. However, on a different perspective, the technological changes in the transport industry have threatened some players in the industry, most especiall y those who benefited from the old infrastructural operations in the industry (Stephanidis, 2013). The scheduling apps in the transport industry with the entry of players such as Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar have had a substantive impact in the industry

CJ 450 Counter Terrorism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

CJ 450 Counter Terrorism - Essay Example ding assignments, what status, rights, and protections would you afford someone who was an American citizen captured in the United States in the act of terrorist violence? How about someone who was a foreign national engage in terrorism in the United States? An American citizen fights American forces abroad? A foreign national, but not a member of a nations military, fighting American forces abroad? Would torture of any of these subjects ever be justified if it could save lives? How serious is the problem of anti-Americanism here at home? Should people be accountable for inciting violence when they glorify violent acts against America but themselves do not engage in it? What remedies are available to the government, if any, to deal with schools, mosques, and charities that indirectly support terrorism while not actually engaging in it? What should the remedies be? Give your overall assessment of the USA PATRIOT ACT. Do you think it has contributed to the lack of terror attacks in the United States since 9/11? If you were in Congress, would you vote to renew the act as is? Would you change anything? Why or why not? The 9/11 attacks upon the United States changed the vast majority of peoples’ perceptions about the importance as well as the necessity for improved and extended counterterrorism units to prevent further bombings.1 Without those attacks my job would not exist within its present format. The federal government the armed forces, the FBI, and the CIA underestimated the ability of Al-Qaeda to launch large-scale attacks within the United States, despite being of its previous bombings of American targets abroad. The Clinton administration had only carried out limited missile strikes against suspected Al-Qaeda bases in the Sudan, and seemed to be aware of that organization’s move to Afghanistan.2 American society has altered drastically in the last couple of decades due to immigration of people from Islamic countries in Asia and the

Discourse community analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Discourse community analysis - Essay Example Other than the policies established to guide the communities, they are set upon conventionalities depending on the identity of an individual. The discourse communities in question for discussion include engineering association affiliates (forming the professional entity), IT and socializing agency in a higher learning institution (constituting the personal discourse community) and financial capacity building agency in a banking institute (constituting the academic discourse community). Discourse community analysis is significant in a myriad of ways. For instance, it helps in the development of knowledge by the members of the given discourse community; makes it possible to agree to various conventions of life that may be a communal concern. In these regards, one is capable of developing mastery of a given field. In a nutshell, discourse community is a socializing agency (Pogner, 2-3). This is an academic discourse community whose mandate is to incorporate the capacity building program for the banking sector. Its operations vary from building up individual banking institutions as well as incorporating a corporate approach to the various institutions. This is a situation that involves two communities. The first one is the professional community where we have bankers, and the other is an academic community. Due to the heterogeneity in operations of the information system of the two cooperating banking institutions, the academic community sets in to narrow this bridge so that the two different departments from the two banks are harmonized. In the event, information is shared between the two banks alongside the banking capacity building institute. This is representative of a discourse community since one of its conceptions is in information dissemination. It is thus evident that from the two banks, technicians in the IT department are taken through a capacity building process that helps in the reaffirmation of cooperation amongst the two

An Analysis on the Business Strategy of Sony Essay

An Analysis on the Business Strategy of Sony - Essay Example But, their profit was quite short lived. Sony Ericsson mobiles produced at low cost did not deliver the expected quality, leading to mass losses from 2006. Sony Company reported nearly 77% loss for the seventh consecutive year since then, on August, 2012 (BGR.com, 2012). Social Factors: Sony Eriksson’s affordable mobiles got an image such that they were for college students. The competition from the local Chinese company produced phones and the South Korean rival, LG electronics was very high. LG was financially stronger than Sony Ericsson and it kept introducing new luxury mobiles one after another. The targeted the well earning businessmen who had high potential to spend. Technological Factors: Sony was very quick to eliminate the quality issues when it came to technology. They introduced the W800 and W810 mobiles, the first in the Sony Walkman line to tackle the competition from the LG products. Sony Ericsson continuously proved they were superior to the other brands in tec hnology. They were the first to introduce mobiles with 1 megapixel and 2 megapixel camera. Sony Cyber-shot was the first of its kind with 45 minutes continuous video shooting. They designed the first Java based 3D gaming phones as well as the Bluetooth enabled phones. Most of the features found in modern day smart phones were first introduced only in the Sony Ericsson phones, making them one of the best MMS mobiles in the market. Legal Factors: The Company faced several legal complaints regarding their quality in the initial stages of collaboration, before they started producing technically enhanced mobiles. They made use of the stringent laws of the Chinese government to improve their technology and became one of the best companies to produce minimal...Political Factors: The Chinese government rightly predicted the invasion of foreign companies in their mobile market before a decade. This increased the production cost of the 3G handsets Sony Ericsson produced. Sony Ericsson mobiles produced at low cost did not deliver the expected quality, leading to mass losses from 2006. Sony Ericsson continuously proved they were superior to the other brands in technology. Sony Ericsson is now legally known only as Sony. Sony introduced the new Sony Xperia series in various models. This eliminates huge competition for the local market and reduces the headset production cost for the Sony Company. All the major smart phone companies in the world target the Asian especially Chinese market. The new Sony Xperia and Bravia series also contribute significantly to the company’s profits. Cash Cows: Sony Xperia J series, tipo and miro phones targetting the middle class market fetch good profits. Sony Ericsson established itself as the best multimedia phone and music phones in the market. Sony targeted the Asian market when the competition from other brands like LG was very high. It created a negative image for the company. Sony’s competitors like Nokia reduced their other involvements in consumer products industry and stared concentration only on the Smart phone market. This enables them to give superior mobiles at a cost lower than Sony. Sony Ericsson always placed their customers in front of others. The current Sony Company strongly believes it had lost nothing, compared to their initial profits.

Reflective journal Essay Example for Free

Reflective journal Essay My third week of clinical placement at Trillium Hospital assigned on the same unit and same patient. Arrive early in the lobby of 4J Rehab meet with our Clinical Instructor and group mates. Started with pre-conference had briefing for the day activities assigned as schedule to be with our Clinical Instructor in giving 10:00 am medications. After the briefing, I went to the station where, met my new preceptor , exchange of greetings little bit of introduction about me and her. We started by taking the endorsement from the outgoing night shift nurse. Review the plan of care of our assigned patient. She asked to get the manual Blood Pressure Apparatus and handed me her pager. I was thinking why the pager. She notice me in confusion of the pager, she just smiled and said â€Å" I want you to feel your the real nurse and I am just your assistant†, dont worry I am at your side† just answered â€Å"ok†. We went to each patient room, greeted patient, took the vital signs, recorded it my notebook, does the head to toe assessment . After all of these activities we went back to the nurses station where I do the documentation with regards to patients vital signs. At around 9:00 in the morning we do the morning care for each patient, I had the chance to assist her male stroke patient change his catheter. We finished around 9:30 and had our break. After the break 10:00 Am time to give the medication for my assigned patient together with my preceptor as per schedule. My assigned patient is male 51 years old Spanish who has an Ileostomy case. The medication that I was going to give are pain medications and for his hypertension. My clinical instructor asked me also about the medication routes, and the classification of the drugs. So thankful to her my Clinical Instructor she is so kind and willing to give us all the information we need to learn. I also documented in the MAR sheet, signed the drugs that I gave. I also had the chance of changing the dressing of my assigned patient, Ileostomy case. Prepared the materials needed for the procedure. Feeling nervous at the beginning, my first time to do this kind of dressing, packing ribbon on an stoma. With my preceptor around who is so cooperative and teaching me the proper way to do it I feel confident and grateful to her too. Me and my group mates had also the chance to watch doing the bladder scanner knowing the amount of urine in the bladder. One of my group mates did the in and out catetherization, but unfortunately it did work out, something is blocking maybe pus. I also helped the transferring of patient from bed to wheel chair using the manual Hoyer Lift. Get tired that day but happy I learned a lot of challenges, having this positive attitude, experiences during my clinical duty I know I can handle and deal with the situations that I will be encoutering.

The Concept Of Microfinance

The Concept Of Microfinance In the recent years, most of the countries across the globe are in a sweeping mood to promote microfinance not only as a positive rural development intervention but also as a rural development panacea. As a result, the developmental economists in underdeveloped and developing economies have increasingly become enthusiastic in promotion and development of microfinance as one of the rural development initiatives. The purpose of such an initiative is to promote the welfare of the society as a whole by targeting the most talked developmental objectives of poverty alleviation (Shah,2008) and balanced regional development (Barman et al. , 2009). Micro-finance today though has become one of the most debated topics but it is a much confused buzzword among the bankers and the policy makers. Micro-finance is more than just a word as it has much wider meaning and implications. It is an instrument and a tool that has power to collectively address poverty, empower the socially poor, address gender issues and thereby strengthen the society as a whole. Micro-finance has therefore emerged as a powerful mechanism which ensures the social and economic empowerment of poor (Sriram, 2004). Concept of Microfinance Microfinance, according to McGuire and Conroy (2000), is the provision of financial services, primarily savings and credit, to poor households that do not have access to formal financial institutions. The Task Force on Supportive Policy and Regulatory Framework for Microfinance set up by NABARD in November 1998 defined microfinance as the provision of thrift, credit and other financial services and products of very small amounts to the poor in rural, semi urban or urban areas, for enabling them to raise their income levels and improve living standards (Sharma, 2001; Reddy, 2005, Reji, 2009). These financial services, according to Satish (2005) and Dasgupta (2006), generally include deposits, loans, payment services, money transfers, and insurance to poor and low income households and their microenterprises. However, the expression microfinance according to Torre and Vento (2006) denotes offering the financial services to Zero or low income beneficiaries. Wanchoo (2007) defines microfinance as any activity that includes the provision of financial services such as credit, savings, and insurance to low income individuals who either fall below the nationally defined poverty line or fall just above that, with the goal of creating social value. The creation of social value means making efforts in direction of eradication of poverty, improving livelihood opportunities for the poor through the provision of capital for micro-enterprise, promotion of savings for poor so that current problems and future risks can be minimized. However, how much below or above the poverty line has not been defined anywhere in the literature so far. Arabi (2009) and Satish (2005) defines microfinance as small scale financial services primarily credit and deposits that are provided to people who farm, fish or herd and adds that it operates small or microenterprises both in urban and rural areas. According to Dinesha and Jayasheela (2009), these financial services are provided by financial institutions to the poor to meet their normal financial needs life cycle, economic opportunity and emergency. In the words of Dhandapani (2009) microfinance means extension of small loans to the poor, especially women to start business, invest in self employment works with the aim to increase their income and standard of living. As per the definition of Nagayya and Rao (2009), microfinance refers to entire range of financial and non-financial services including skill upgradation and entrepreneurial development of poor. Sehrawat etal. (2011) however, defines microfinance as a financial service provided by financial institutions to the poor which may include savings, credit, insurance, leasing, money transfer, equity transaction, etc. to meet their normal financial needs like life cycle, economic opportunity and emergency. In short, it can be said that the concept of microfinance involves Banking for the poor and Banking with the poor. Such banking initiatives open doors of finance for destitute and underprivileged people who otherwise do not have access to finance from formal financial sources due to lack of collateral security (Nagayya and Rao, 2009; Barman et al. 2009). Microfinance targets the poorest segment of clients. They are self-employed and household-based entrepreneurs. Their diverse micro-enterprise includes small retail shops, street vending, artisanal manufacture, etc. Components of Microfinance (Microfinance vs Microcredit) The term `microfinance and `microcredit are often used interchangeably but in reality there is the difference between the two. Microcredit is the extension of small loans to entrepreneurs too poor to qualify for traditional bank loans. Microfinance is a broader concept encompassing not only the extension of credit to the poor, but also the provision of other financial services like savings, cash withdrawals and insurance (Dasgupta, 2006; Nagayya and Rao, 2009). Microcredit is the component of microfinance. There are four components of microfinance: Microcredit: It is a small amount of money lent to a client by a bank or other institution. Microcredit can be offered, often without collateral, to an individual or through group lending. The purpose of such a loan is to provide credit to those who require it. Microsavings: These are small sums of money that allow poor people to save small amounts of money for future use. These saving accounts are often without minimum balance requirements. It helps low households to save in order to meet unexpected expenses and plan for future investments. These are the means of collateral to microcredit (Sinha, 2005). Microinsurance: It is an economic instrument characterised by low premium designed to service low income people not served by typical social or commercial insurance schemes and helps in mitigating risks affecting property and health (Khandelwal A.K., 2007). Remittances: These are transfers of funds from people in one place to people in another, usually across borders to family and friends (Khandelwal A.K., 2007). The Rise of Microfinance Movement / the Beginnings of Microfinance The concept of Microfinance is not new as it has had its prevalence in the long past. The imprints of microfinance can be traced back to Indonesia which points towards the formation of Indonesian Peoples Credit Banks which were set up in 1895 and which had close to 9000 units. Later, efforts were made to bring about revolution in Pakistan (now Bangladesh) by Akhtar Hameed Khan in 1959 in form of formation of Academy for Rural Development (Khandelwal, 2007). In the late 1970s, the economists round the world recognised that poor lack access to financial services (McGuire and Conroy, 2000; Tiwari and Fahad,1997 ; Barman et al., 2009). From this developed a new emphasis on establishing better financial systems which could direct credit to poor clients on a more sustainable basis than had been possible under previous discredited schemes of directed credit (McGuire and Conroy, 2000). At that time, Professor Muhammad Yunus popularised the concept of microloans as he believed that peace prevails only when hunger is quelled (Shetty and Veershekharappa, 2009). He started Grammeen Bank in 1976 in the outskirts of Chittagong University campus in the village of Jobra, Bangladesh with only a meagre amount of $27 as loan and made it a target to grant loans to the poorest of the poor. He felt concerned for the miserable landless women who were labouring for other people. He reasoned that if these women could work for themselves instead of working for others, they could retain much of the surplus generated by their labours, currently enjoyed by others. He started giving loans to even beggars. He was also of the view that if beggars can go to houses for getting money, they can go to houses to sell a product also. The Grameen Bank lending procedures are simple and effective. The first and foremost step in receipt of credit is the formation of the group of five members that gather once a week for loan repayment (Dasgupta, 2001). Loans are initially made to two individuals in the group, who are then under pressure from the rest of the members to repay in good time. The borrower has to repay the loan in weekly instalments spread over a year. The functioning of Grameen Bank also involves enchanting of 16 Decisions at the start of their weekly session. These decisions include production of fruits and vegetables in kitchen gardens, investment for improvement of housing and education for children, use of latrines and safe drinking water for better health, rejection of dowry in marriages etc. Although observance of these decisions is not mandatory, in actual practice it has become a requirement for receiving a loan (Tiwari and Fahad, 1997). In order to promote thrift habit, it is compulsory for every member to save one Taka per week which is accumulated in the Group Fund. This account is managed by the group. The amount in the Fund is deposited with Grameen Bank and earns interest. A member can borrow from this fund for consumption, sickness, social ceremony or even for investment (if allowed by all group members). In case of default in repayment or failure to attend meetings, the defaulters may be charged with a fine or may be expelled. The members are free to leave the group before the loan is fully repaid; however, the responsibility to pay the balance falls on the remaining group members. Some of the key strategies adopted by the Grameen Bank are listed below: I) There is an exclusive focus on the poorest of the poor. This is exclusivity ensured by: establishing clearly the eligibility criteria for selection of targeted clientele and adopting practical measures to screen out those who do not meet them. in delivering credit, priority has been increasingly assigned to women. the delivery system is geared to meet the diverse socio-economic development needs of the poor. 2) Borrowers are organized into small homogeneous groups. Such characteristics facilitate group solidarity as well as participatory interaction. Organizing the primary groups of five members and federating them into centers. The Centers are functionally linked to the Grameen Bank, whose field workers have to attend Centre meetings every week. 3) Special loan conditions which are particularly suitable for the poor. These include: a) very small amounts of loans given without any collateral b) loans repayable in weekly instalments spread over a year c) eligibility for a subsequent loan depends upon repayment of first loan d) individual, self-chosen, quick income-generating activities which employ the skills that harrowers already posses. e) close supervision of credit by the group f) stress on collective borrower responsibility or peer pressure g) special safeguards through compulsory and voluntary savings to minimize the risks that the poor confront. h) Undertaking of social development agenda addressing basic needs of the clientele. This is reflected in the sixteen decisions adopted by Grameen borrowers. Thus, the lending operations of Grameeen Bank include the use of group guarantees, inculcating compulsory savings habit and transparency of credit transactions (Mcguire and Conroy, 2000). A still more interesting feature is the ingenious manner of grant of credit without any collateral security. The availability of lending outlets near the clients, simple application procedures, and quick disbursement of loans are the special techniques to ensure good repayment rates (Tiwari and Fahad,1997 ). The Grameen Bank is now lending loan size of $ 800 million a year with an average loan size of almost $130, the bank has 7 million borrowers, 97 percent of them are women and an unmatched repayment rate of 98 percent(Tiwari and Fahad,1997 ; Singh and Kumar,2008). The microloans not only helped the poor in getting finance in Bangladesh and facilitated the lives of millions of poor but also earned Muhammad Yunus a Nobel Prize in the year 2006. Evolution of microfinance in India The Grameen Bank model of microfinance based on joint liability of members has received wide international appeal and popularity in numerous emerging economies like India. In fact the developing economies have even tried to replicate these models for developing small scale business and reducing poverty levels (Jha, 2002; Idolor and Imhanlahimi, 2011). The evolution of Indian MF can be broadly divided into four distinct phases: Phase 1: The Cooperative Movement (1900-1960) During this phase, there was dominance of two sources of credit viz. institutional sources and non-institutional sources. The non institutional sources catered to 93 percent of credit requirement in the year 1951-52 and institutional sources accounted to 7 percent of total credit requirements pertaining to that year. The preponderance of informal sources of credit was due to provision of loans for both productive and non productive purposes as well as for short term and long term purposes and simple procedures of lending adopted. But they involved several malpractices like charging high rates of interest, denial of repayment, misappropriation of collaterals, etc. At that time, government considered cooperatives as an instrument of economic development of disadvantaged masses. The credit cooperatives were vehicles to extend subsidized credit to poor under government sponsorship. They were characterized as non exploitative, voluntary membership and decentralized decision making. The Primary Agricultural societies (PACS) provide mainly short term and medium term loans and Land Development Banks provide long term loans as a part of cooperative movement. Phase 2: Subsidized Social Banking (1960s 1990) It was observed that cooperatives could not do much as was expected of them. With failure of cooperatives, All India Rural Credit Survey Committee in 1969 emphasized the adoption of Multiagency Approach to Institutional Credit which assigned an important role to the commercial banks in addition to cooperatives. Even Indian planners in fifth five year plan (1974-79), emphasised Garibi Hatao (Removal of poverty) and the growth with social justice. It was due to this approach that in 1969, 14 leading banks were nationalized and later on five regional rural banks were set up for the purpose on October 2, 1975 at Moradabad and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, Bhiwani in Haryana ,Jaipur in Rajasthan and Malda in West Bengal. Hence, as a result of Multiagency approach and other planning initiatives, Government focused on measures such as nationalization of Banks (Shetty and Veerashekharappa, 2009; Sriram, 2005), expansion of rural branch networks, establishment of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and the setting up of apex institutions such as the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the Small Scale Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as the central bank of the country played a crucial role by giving overall direction for providing credit and financial support to national bank for its operations. Therefore, after the multiagency approach, the commercial banks and regional rural banks assumed a major role in providing both short term and long term funds for serving the poorest of poor. Despite, the multiagency approach adopted, a very large number of the poorest of the poor continued to remain outside the fold of the formal banking system(Reddy and Manak, 2005; Singh and Kumar, 2008; Nagayya and Rao, 2009; Shetty and Veershekharappa, 2009). While these steps led to reaching a large population, the period was characterized by large-scale misuse of credit, creating a negative perception about the credibility of micro borrowers among bankers, thus further hindering access to banking services for the low-income people. However the gap between demand and supply of financial services still prevailed due to shortcomings of institutional credit system as it provides funds only for productive purposes, requirement of collateral, massive paper work leading to inordinate delays. As a response to failure of formal financial system in reaching the poor and destitute masses, the micro finance through Self-help groups was innovated and institutionalized in the Indian scenario. While no definitive date has been determined for the actual conception and propagation of SHGs, the practice of small groups of rural and urban people banding together to form a savings and credit organization is well established in India. In the early stages, NGOs played a pivotal role in innovating the SHG model and in implementing the model to develop the process fully (Reddy and Manak2005). The first step towards Micro-finance intervention was establishment of Self Employed Womens Association (SEWA), non formal organization owned by women of petty trade groups. It was established on the cooperative principle in 1974 in Gujarat. This initiative was undertaken for providing banking services to the poor women employed in unorganized sector of Ahmadabad. Shree Mahila Sahkari Bank was set up as urban cooperative bank. At national level, SHG movement involves NGOs helping in the formation of the groups. During this time, the planners and policy makers were desperately searching for the viable ways of poverty alleviation. Around that time, the Government of India launched the Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP), a large poverty alleviation credit program, with the purpose of providing credit to poor and under-privileged which involved provision of government subsidized credit through banks to the poor. But the IRDP was a supply led programme and the clients had no choice over the purpose and the amount. At this stage, it was realised that the poor really needed better access to these services and products, rather than cheap subsidized credit. That is when the experts started talking about microfinance, rather than microcredit. Keeping in view the economic scenario of those days, a strong need was felt for alternative policies, procedures, savings and loan products, other complementary services, and new delivery mechanisms, which would fulfil the requirements of the poorest, especially of the women members of such households ( Barman et al. 2009; Shetty and Veerashekharappa, 2009). It was during this time, NABARD conducted a series of research studies independently and in association with MYRADA, a leading NGO from Southern India, which showed that a very large number of poor continued to remain outside the fold of the formal banking system (Reddy and Manak, 2005). Later on PRADAN in its Madurai projects started forming women SHG groups (Satish, 2005). During 1988-89, NABARD in association with Asia Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (APRACA) undertook a survey of 43 NGOs in 11 states in India, to study the functioning of microfinance SHGs and their collaboration possibilities with formal banking system (Satish P, 2005; Shetty and Veerashekharappa, 2009). Both these research projects laid the foundation stone for the initiation of a pilot project called the SHG linkage project (Satish P, 2005). Phase 3: SHG-Bank Linkage Program (1990 2000) The failure of subsidized social banking lead to delivery of credit with NABARD initiating the Self Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme in 1992 (SBLP), aiming to link informal womens groups to formal banks. This was the first official attempt in linking informal groups with formal lending structures. To initiate this project NABARD held extensive consultations with the RBI. This resulted the RBI issuing a policy circular in 1991 to all Commercial Banks to participate and extend finance to SHGs (RBI, 1991). This was the first instance of mature SHGs that were directly financed by a commercial bank. The informal thrift and credit groups of poor were recognized as bankable clients. Soon after, the RBI advised Commercial Banks to consider lending to SHGs as part of their rural credit operations thus creating SHG Bank Linkage ( Reddy and Manak,2005). The program has been extremely useful in increasing banking system outreach to unreached people. The programme has been extremely advantageous due to reduction of transaction cost due to less paper work and record keeping as group lending rather than individual lending is involved (Barman et al. 2009). The SHG bank linkage is a strong method of financial inclusion, providing unbanked rural clientele with access to formal financial services from the existing banking infrastructure. The major benefit by linking SHGs with the banks is that it helps in overcoming the problem of high transaction cost of banks as the responsibility of loan appraisal, follow up, recovery of loans are left to poor themselves. On the other side, SHGs gain by enjoying larger and cheaper sources (Varman, 2005). Later, the planners in Ninth Five year plan (1997-2002) laid emphasis on Growth with Social Justice and Equality. The objective of Ninth plan as approved by the National Development Council explicitly states as follows: Promoting and developing participatory institutions like Panchayati Raj Institutions, cooperatives and Self -Help Groups. Hence, it was ninth five year plan that expressly laid down the objective of establishment of Self Help Groups in order to achieve the objective of Growth with Social Justice and Equality as a part of microfinance initiative. Meanwhile, in 1999, the Government of India merged various credit programs together, refined them and launched a new programme called Swaranjayanti Gram Swarazagar Yojana (SGSY). The aim of SGSY was to continue to provide subsidized credit to the poor through the banking sector to generate self-employment through a Self-Help Group approach (Sriram, 2005). Phase 4: Commercialization of Microfinance: The first decade of the new millennium This stage involves greater participation of new microfinance institutions that started taking interest in the sector not only as part of their corporate social responsibility but also as a new business line. A number of institutions have been set up overtime which were required to meet the credit requirements of the new society and downtrodden. At present Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012) aims at Towards More and Inclusive Growth. The word inclusive growth means including and considering those who are somehow excluded from the benefits which they (poor) should avail. Microfinance is a step towards inclusive growth via inclusive finance which moves around serving the financial needs and non financial needs of poor in order to improve level of living of rural masses. Demand and Supply forces of microfinance 1.5.1 The Demand for Microfinance Traditionally the targets of microfinance meant the poorest of the poor and the poor. More, recently, microfinance focus is changing as it has now started serving people who, although, not living in poverty, have general difficulty in obtaining the credit (Torre and Vento, 2006). This is on account of socio-economic changes that have put forward potential new microfinance clients. In this way, modern microfinance is expanding its horizon from poorest of poor to the victims of financial inclusion. The phenomenon of financial inclusion has been defined in literature as inability to access finance in an appropriate way ( ). These victims of financial inclusion involve disadvantaged individuals who are unable to bear the cost and conditions of financial products offered. Another category of microfinance targets included the marginalised people who mainly comprise of small scale entrepreneurs who are running small businesses, self-employed workers and individuals who unable to obtain cred it (Torre and Vento, 2006). In this category, women assume major significance. This is due to the more responsible nature of women who are more responsible in repayment of loan then men. The continuing involvement of poorest of the poor, poor, disadvantaged and marginalised people determines the greater complexity of the supply forces of Indian microfinance structure and thus, a more decisive move away from traditional pattern of credit. 1.5.2 The Supply of Microfinance In any economy, most of the day-to-day activities require finance. Finance is required both for productive and non productive purposes. The productive purposes include requirement of fixed capital for commencement of business, funds for working capital requirement to meet day today activities, trade related emergencies, exploring investment opportunities etc. On the other hand, finance may be needed for non productive purposes, such as for celebration of marriages, births and deaths, for litigation. In order to satisfy in above needs there are two available sources of credit available to the poor: institutional sources or formal sources, non-institutional sources or informal sources. Formal institutions are the registered entities subject to all relevant laws. These include commercial banks (including public and private sector banks), regional rural banks and cooperative banks. Recognizing the potential of micro finance to positively influence the development of the poor, the Reserve Bank, NABARD and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) have taken several initiatives over the years to give elevation to the micro finance movement in India. The Commercial Banks and Regional Rural Banks provide both short term and long term funds for serving the poorest of poor. The Primary Agricultural societies (PACS) provide mainly short term and medium term loans and Land Development Banks provide long term loans. The National Bank of Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD) is the apex institution at national level for agricultural credit and refinance assistance to the agencies mentioned above .The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as the central bank of the country plays a crucial role by giving overall direction for providing credit and financial support to national bank for its operations. On the other hand, government owned societies like Rashtriya Mahila Kosh(RMK), Mutually Aided Cooperative Societies, private sector companies like specialized NBFCs are also involved in providing credit to the poor. Informal institutions include self help groups, money lenders, traders, relatives, commission agents. They are providers of microfinance services on a voluntary basis and are not subject to any kind of regulation. 1.6 Self Help Groups Defined A Self Help Group is a basic unit of micro-finance which comprises of 15 to 20 people having homogeneous social and economic background (Singh and Kumar, 2008) that voluntarily come together to save small amounts regularly and mutually agree to contribute a common fund. The aim of such formation is to meet present and emergency needs of the members on mutual help, solidarity and joint responsibility basis. Self Help Groups (SHGs) are necessary to overcome exploitation, create confidence and creation of feeling of self worth for the economic and social self-reliance of rural poor, particularly among women who are mostly invisible in the social structure. The Self Help Groups are the basis for further action and change which help members become self reliant economically and socially. It also helps building of stable relationship for mutual trust between the promoting organization and the rural poor (Singh and Kumar, 2008). Though loan repayment is a joint liability of the group but, in reality, individual liability is stressed upon (Singh and Kumar, 2008). Maintaining group reputation leads to the application of tremendous peer pressure. The group members use collective wisdom and peer pressure to ensure proper utilization of credit and its timely repayment thereof. In fact, peer pressure has been recognized as an effective substitute for collaterals (Barman et al. , 2009).

Mummy Case of Paankhenamun Essay -- Archeology Egypt Analysis Essays

Mummy Case of Paankhenamun Works Cited Not Included The work I chose to analyze was from a wall fragment from the tomb of Ameneemhet and wife Hemet called Mummy Case of Paankhenamun, found in the Art Institute of Chicago. The case of the Mummy Paankhenamun is one of the most exquisite pieces of art produced by the Egyptian people during the time before Christ. This coffin belonged to a man named Paankhenamun, which translates to â€Å"He Lives for Amun† (Hornblower & Spawforth 74). Paankhenamun was the doorkeeper of the temple of the god Amun, a position he inherited from his father.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Interestingly, X-rays reveal that the mummy case of Paankhenamun does in fact contain a mummy inside dating back to the years of c. 945 – 715 B.C. The practice of mummification was the Egyptian people’s way of preserving the spirits of the Gods/Goddesses and royalty. The idea was that when these beings came back to life, they would be preserved and well prepared for their next lives. By the time of the New Kingdom, the Egyptians already had developed techniques of mummification, which were done under a priest’s supervision (Stokstad 114), and since Paankhenamun was the priest of Amun, he was most likely was in charge of these procedures. In the ancient Egyptian culture, the belief was that there was a life force and spirit inside of the body, known as the ‘Ka’. Therefore, mummification was performed as a ritual to preserve the physical features of the body as well as to protect its inner spirit, mainly to ensure that the ‘Ka’ could recognize the body where it may dwell in the eternal life. Thus, the funerary psychology of ancient Egyptians was that death did not bring an end to living, but instead was only an escape from the physical human life and a gateway to immortal being. Due to the fact that a being’s life span was short in ancient times, people’s main hopes rested in their afterlives, where they would be with the gods (Stockstad 121). Aside from being a priest, the importance of Paankhenamun’s position was due to his association with the Amun, who was a significant god of Egyptian Thebes. Viewed as chief divinity, Amun was often equated with the famous god Zeus and he even had his own worshiping cult (Freedman, 322). Moreover, Amun was originally one of the eight gods of Hermopolis, known as the god of air. However, at the time of the New Kingdom, this ch... ...rown, and in particularly gold. The gold color was used thoroughly, but due to ageing, it seemed to have changed shades and turned into brownish color (Freeman 321-2). An example of that could be illustrated by the face, which has a golden touch to it but is seen to be roughly all turning brown. These decorative features were also seen on other mummy coffins, such as on the coffin of Tutankhamun, found on the Valley of the Kings in Dynasty 18 (Stockstad 120-2). Tutankhamun’s case also demonstrated similar golden tones being used, which as a result of aging varnished and fainted in some areas to a darker golden- brownish and yellowish shade (Stockstad 123,125). The Mummy Case of Paankhenamun has great significant in that it provides us with very fundamental evidence from ancient history. It does not only exhibit a complex form of art, but it also demonstrates the religious practices of ancient Egyptians in association with their beliefs in life after death, as well as their great fascination with immortality. It not only teaches us about the great science of mummification, but it also provides us all with the incredible opportunity to learn about the life of an ancient person.

John von Neumann :: Computer Science

John von Neumann ---------------- Von Neumann, a mathematician designed the architecture model for a CPU. This model was a single storage structure to hold both the set of instructions on how to perform the computation and the data required or generated by the computation. He designed it by treating the instructions in the same way as the data, a stored-program machine can easily change the instructions. In other words the machine is reprogrammable. Von Neumann’s archtectre is still used it todays modern CPU’S. The CPU ------- This diagram represents the structure of the Central Processing System. Arithmetic Logic Unit --------------------- The ALU performs addition and subtraction, logic operations, masking, and shifting (multiplication and division). Control Unit ------------ The Control Unit is the heart of the computer. It controls and co-ordinates the systems operations. This contains the system clock, program counter and the instruction register. It also manages the signals from the control bus. Registers --------- This is a form of high-speed memory which is contained inside of the CPU. All data must be represented in a register before it can be processed. Information is stored temporarily in the registers in which text or buffer positions or rectangles can be saved for later use. Buses ----- A bus is a channel or path between the components in a computer. Having a high-speed bus is important. A bus lets you connect computers components to the processor. The advantage of a bus is that it makes parts more interchangeable. If you want to get a better graphics card, you simply unplug the old card from the bus and plug in a new one. If you want two monitors on your computer, you plug two graphics cards into the bus. And so on. A PC usually has two buses. The first connects the CPU and the system memory. This is the fastest bus in the system. The second bus is the slower and it connects other devices, like the hard disk, CD drive,

The Style, Technique, and Structure of Conrads Heart of Darkness Essay

The Style, Technique, and Structure of Heart of Darkness   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The novella Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is proof that a novel does not have to be long to have literary merit. Heart of Darkness is quite short, yet intriguing, due to the content of the novel. Much like Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Heart of Darkness overwhelms the reader by the power of the story so that one will never feel quite satisfied with their attempts to intellectualize the experience (Adelman 8).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Heart of Darkness was written during the time of British imperialism and extreme exploitation of Africans in the Congo. The British were exploiting the Africans in an effort to extract ivory from the primitive jungle. Throughout the novel, Conrad expresses his dislike with the 'civilized' white people exploiting the 'savage' black Africans. Conrad also uses several literary devices in his writing to portray and express several messages. The writing style, techniques, structure and themes in Heart of Darkness all combine to create one of the most renowned, respected and mysterious novels of all time. Conrad wrote an ultimate enigma for readers to interpret and critically analyze for years to come.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Conrad's excellence in style is very controversial; some believe that he is "a literary genius" (Adelman 16), while others "criticize him for being limited, pretentious and vague" ((Adelman 16). Throughout the novel, Conrad uses ample amounts of descriptive language, vivid imagery, and powerful symbolism. The vague part is that he leaves it up to the reader to interpret his mysterious and 'unspeakable' enigmas. Conrad's descriptive language in Heart of Darkness is present from the beginning to the end. With the opening paragraphs d... ...xperience" (Adelman 8). Overall, readers must interpret for themselves which meanings Conrad intended or if he intended all the meanings. This deep novel by Joseph Conrad is not easy to read but is valuable knowledge once it is read.    Works Cited Adelman, Gary. Heart of Darkness: Search for the Unconscious. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1987. Conrad, Joseph. The Heart of Darkness. Ed. Cedric Watts. London: Everyman, 1995. Fothergill, Anthony. Open Guides to Literature: Heart of Darkness. Philadelphia: Open University Press, 1989. Glassman, Peter J. Language and Being: Joseph Conrad and the Literature of the Personality. New York and London: Columbia: University Press, 1976. Tindall, W.Y. "The Duty of Marlow." In Conrad's Heart of Darkness and the Critics. Ed. Bruce Harkness. Belmont, California: Wadsworth Publishing Company Inc., 1968.

Tainted Milk Powder

Question 1: Given strong profit growth, has there been any damage to Baidu. com’s reputation? Answer: Yes, there was damage to Baidu. com’s reputation. The examples of damage to Baidu. com’s reputation are: * The rumors made the company’s information appear unreliable. * Baidu. com’s users may start to boycott from using this search engine. They are hoping that Baidu. com may change their behavior after the protest. * Due to the boycott activity, the number of daily visitors may reduce drastically. * Due to the number of visitors decreased, those existing advertisers may withdraw their advertisement and switching to other company.As a result, they lost valuable contracts/customers. * Baidu’s shareholders also may sell off their shares in market. As a result, the share price dropped, this is also indicating that they lost public trust. Question 2: What the future reputational damage affect and how could it be measured? Answer: * Damage public trust, number of viewer and user drop * Mostly for a company to gain trust and confidence from the user of their product is not easy and take time. * But, to damage it just take a short period of time. For example doing unethical action in managing business operation. * Many news and rumors spread in media about Baidu. om have received some payment from tainted milk manufacturer for not advertise any news about them. * No concrete evidence about the rumors, but could damage their reputation, public trust and confidence of their source of information. * The number of viewer or user that use their search engine that been lower after the spread of bad news and rumors could be used to measure for the damage of public trust. * Investor not interested to invest, share price drop * The bad news and rumors about the unethical action by this company triggered the public trust toward them * It makes many people debate and alked about their action after the spread of issue regarding informatio n hidden, thus make many speculations towards this company. * Too much bad speculation been made toward their company impact to drop of share price. * We think that it would make investor or future investor might be not interested to invest in this company if the rumors are true due to the share price dropped continuously. * Affect company profitability, low income from advertiser * When the trust or confidence from the user or people toward this Baidu. com has decreased, it means that the viewer or user their search engine also decreased. Thus, the better for advertiser to promote their product in the search engine which have more viewer compared to Baidu. com * Besides, we think that Baidu. com might have to reduce the advertising fee in order to attract the advertiser use their search engine to promote products * Thus, impact from advertiser being changed to the other search engine or lower the advertising fee make the Baidu. com would faces low profitability and income. Question 3: What steps could Baidu. com take to restore its reputation, and what challenges will it have to overcome?There are 3 steps to restore the company reputation as below: 1. Know The Truth * The Company will first have to look at themselves and seek the reality. * Is there any truth in what the people say about themselves? * Baidu. com will have to look at the rumor of how they were said to have accepted payments to withholding a company’s information from online searches. 2. Take Action * Baidu. com might held a press conference to admit its wrong doing and try to fix it from there. * Although there were many are upset by the admittance, but they will be more upset if the Baidu. om have not admitted to their wrong doing. * That’s the matter related to trust and knowing that they will stand up for the mistake that have been made. 3. Dispel the Rumors * Baidu. com will have to overcome the rumor of how they were said to have accepted payments for withholding a companyâ €™s information from on-line searches. * They will have to disclose all of their financial records. This is done in an effort to make the company financial activities as transparent as possible and display that they are confederate in their financial activities. This will aid the company in regaining the trust of the public and the public will ultimately trust the information that is contained on the search engine. The biggest challenge is regaining trust from the stakeholders, investors and then the consumers as the company bad reputation has built over a period of time. * Do not expect to get rid of it within a few hours or days. It will take time for people to remove the company old, bad image from their mind and replace it with the new, pleasant one. * It is a matter of trust and knowing that one will stand up for the mistakes that have been made. Therefore the company needs to take social responsibility for the crisis. * There were innocent lives lost all because no one spo ke up about the tainted product. * Naturally there will be repercussions for all involved but consumers are forgiving if the situation is handled correctly. So, just keep on making efforts and soon, people will get used to the image of the ‘new you'. Question 4: Governments throughout the world have been slow to react publicly to serious problems such as SARS, mad cow disease, and now melamine contamination. Who benefits and who loses because of these delays?Answer: a) Benefits * Companies involved in related industry. * Government’s slow reaction gave opportunities for these companies to continue supply consumer with no quality product that bring harms to the consumer itself as long as the company gain benefit from it. * Eg: Mad cow disease was cause through nutrient give to the cows itself. Naturally, cows are supposed to eat grass. However, the ranchers try to cut costs by feeding these animals with dead animal. Besides, the ranchers feeding them with hormones and ot her chemical to fatten them up faster for marketing.In a nutshell, the ranchers along with other related parties are benefited through cost reduction as well as faster â€Å"harvesting†. * Government * Government itself gain benefit from their action. * One of the examples is from tourism industry. When the government announces the serious problem face by the country, especially if it is health related, it might frighten the tourist to visit the country. Thus, it can affect income received by the country. * The government usually will try to protect their local market and local product.For instance, what happen in China when the news of contaminated milk spread is that it causes sales of dairy product to drop by 30-40%. * Government slow action has given them opportunity to search for proper solution before expose it to the public. Aside from avoid panic among public, this action can also benefit them from loss of income and maintain country’s reputation. b) Loses * Pu blic * Public were negatively affected from government slow action, especially when it’s involving human’s life. * Eg: The melamine-tainted milk powder was responsible for the deaths of four infants and the sickening of more than 6,200 more.If the public are aware of the situation, they won’t buy the milk powder, thus can prevent loss of lives. * Also, it can hurt public’s finance when they spend their money on the products that they can’t even use. * Most importantly, public might lose faith on the government itself. Public rely on the information given by the government. If the government itself didn’t disclose important information, from whom the public can depend on. * In addition, when the countries are facing serious problem such as diseases, the government need to diverge the limited public money to support medical costs.It is burdensome since the public monies are use to clean up the mess done by irresponsible parties that only have view on profit only. * Pharmaceutical industry * It is not a one-day task in developing a new cure for new disease * The scientist needs to do research, identify the cause of disease, and find suitable chemical/element needed to produce the drugs. * When the government gave late announcement to public, all scientists are not able to create new medicine and thus, bring loss to them in terms of profit. Question 5: In some cultures, a ‘culture of secrecy’ or manipulation of the news is tolerated more than others.How can this be remedied by other governments, corporations, investors and member of public? Answer: * Governments * Government can design law to prevent this culture because it can affect public. * They can impose fine and penalty to those who are exercised the culture of secrecy. * The penalty imposed is a way to punish company and people who involve in this case. * It is as a warning to others firms so that they are not doing the same thing in the future. * The law and penalty should be imposed when there is evidence that the company is exercising this culture. * Corporations They should disclose all the information that concerns about public because public has the right to know what happen because it relate to them. * For example, corporations can disclose about their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in their website. They should include all information so that public didn’t lost trust to them. * Investors * Investors can take action such as disapprove the unethical activities done by companies. * They have a great power towards companies because they are the shareholder. * Investors can sell their shares as a way to disapprove action taken by companies. If by taking that action also cannot alert the company, they can be a whistleblower by telling the authority about the company wrongdoing. * Member of public * Member of public can prevent this culture by the increasing of press freedom. * They can work with press to make sure that news spread faster. But, immunity should be given for public interest disclosure where the matters give serious harm to public. Before the immunity given, the news should be disclose to authorities both internally and externally and no action taken. Besides, public can complain to non-profit organization (NGO) or consumer association about companies wrongdoing. * Thus, when this action can be taken, companies may be thinking twice before they hiding something from public and consequences that they are going to face in the future. References 1. Tainted-Baby-Milk Scandal in China, RetrivedMarch 8, 2013 from http://www. time. com/time/world/article/0,8599,1841535,00. html, 2. Tainted Baby Formula Scandal Blows Up in China, Retrieved March 9, 2013 from http://blog. foolsmountain. com/2008/09/12/tainted-baby-formula-scandal-blows-up-in-china/ 3.Baidu Caught in Backlash Over Tainted Milk Powder: Search Engine Denies Screening Out News; More Rivals Online, Retrieved March 9, 2013 fro m http://online. wsj. com/article/SB122176870268453547. html 4. The Google of China: The Secret of Baidu’s Runaway Search Engine Success, Retrieved March 9, 2013 from http://www. time. com/time/world/article/0,8599,2111545,00. html 5. Lorraine Day, M. D. Mad Cow Disease: What the Government didn’t Telling You. Retrieved March 9, 2013 from http://www. drday. com/madcow. htm 6. 2008 Chinese Milk Scandal. Retrieved March 9, 2013 from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/2008_Chinese_milk_scandal#Chinese_industry . Pharmaceutical Industry. Retrieved March 9, 2013 from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Pharmaceutical_industry 8. Tainted milk: Unravelling China’s Melamine Scandal. Retrieved March 9, 2013 from http://thinkbusiness. nus. edu/articles/item/118-tainted-milk-unravelling-china%E2%80%99s-melamine-scandal 9. Storer, J. A chance to tackle the culture of secrecy in government. Retrieved March 12, 2013 from http://www. thepunch. com. au/articles/a-chance-to-tackle-the-cu lture-of-secrecy-in-government/ 10. 2008 Chinese milk scandal. Retrived March 12, 2013 from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/2008_Chinese_milk_scandal

The world is not really there

As though the quantum physicists would ever agree: There is world out here, and global warming portends its end. That’s the truth of it all, really, the world was never actually there, Speak the quantum physicists once again. But there is something here, Answer people like Al Gore who seem to notice things in the void. Indeed, they are positive that it is possible to manage the problem. They add: ‘The fact remains that the effects of global warming ‘Would be utterly disastrous if all those who are bumming ‘With the climate do not struggle to control anthropogenic greenhouse ‘Gas emissions. After all, human beings are partly, if not wholly responsible ‘For climate change. ’ So, someone from an LDC hears Al Gore in his Movie, An Inconvenient Truth. A bomb explodes as the bomber shows his Approval near an LDC beach. Al Gore continues, ‘Fortunately, it lies In their power to gradually reverse the effects of global warming. ’ So, what is global warming? There is no doubt about the fact that our world Has been warming up like a teenager in heat Trying to come up with ways to become fit for survival. Eleven out of the past twelve years, that is, the Bible Fighters’ time with the Qur’an fighters; in other words, 995 to 2006 have been ranked among the twelve â€Å"warmest years â€Å"Since 1850† (â€Å"Global Environmental Outlook 4: Environment for Development†). Humans did not keep systematic records of temperature Before 1850 (â€Å"Global Environmental Outlook 4†). How could they when they are still so helpless? How could you imagine them To keep systematic records of temperature before 1850? In any case, scientists are confident that there is something Terribly wrong with almost everything done by humans, including Their contribution to the fact that there has been a steady increase Of global surface temperature between 1995 and 2006. The evidence of global warming includes the shrinking of or fading away Of beautiful things like mountain glaciers in many parts of the world; Thawing of permafrost; the early breakup of lake as well as river ice; Lengthening of growing seasons (especially mid to high latitude); Shifting of animal, insect and plant ranges; early flowering of trees; Early emergence of insects and egg laying of birds; Changes in ocean currents as well as patterns of precipitation; And the increasing lifetimes and intensities of tropical storms In several regions of the globe (â€Å"Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basics†). As though we care! Ha! The United Nations, spreading news around the world, Stories they refer to as research For the minds and the eyes of the rich Alone, saying things like the following, as though anybody cares Except to say Ooh and Aah at these shocking tales: ‘Seeing that the poorest people of the world are rather dependent ‘On a hospitable as well as stable climate – they’re dependent ‘As always – for their crop growing needs as well as gathering ‘Of natural resources – before they are snatched or stolen through invasion – ‘It is vital to understand climate change before we try to manage it – Pretending that we are able to manage everything, we will manage it’ (â€Å"Global Environmental Outlook 4†)! The United Nations, our supreme council for research and no practical work Apart from research, adds: ‘Poor people are reliant on the monsoon seasons – and us – ‘As you k now, climate change is about to turn their lives around. ‘Moreover, it is the poorest people of the world around ‘Whom all our concerns rest at this time because these people ‘Are most vulnerable to the destruction caused by natural disasters. ‘The Asian tsunami provides evidence of this phenomenon – ‘As do bombs because they heat up things, including our minds, as no one Disagrees. Increase in drought frequency in Africa is another reason ‘Why policymakers around the globe must consider decisions ‘That would have a long-term impact on humanity – once they find ‘The time to consider such decisions, of course; they must then bind ‘Governments in contracts to reduce gas emissions knowing their contracts ‘Exist only on papers with paper pins neatly making stacks of their contracts’ (â€Å"Global Environmental Outlook 4†). The United Nations expresses deep concern in its voice as it continues: ‘Other examples of destruction caused by climate change To the poor communities in particular – who else? – include ‘The effects of Katrina in the United States and that long, crude ‘Heat wave that was experienced by Europeans in 2003. à ¢â‚¬ËœAs these examples reveal, poor people in rich societies are also vulnerable to the devastating ‘Effects of global warming – the rich people need not worry’ (â€Å"Global Environmental Outlook 4†)! In war-torn Iraq A man is sipping tea in war-torn Iraq. Flimsy pages of his newspaper, Iraq Today, fly here and there as they stay put Nevertheless in his lap; and input From the pages enters his mind as slowly As memories of the bony lass slowly Leave his mind – memories that had tormented Him ever since the Iraq War began. ‘Kid, ‘She is gone, she left with the soldiers of the United States,’ The landlord of her flat had informed him. So now the man hates Everything he hears from the country where the bony lass resides. Still, out of necessity, he listens to those pages, presides Over them as though he would do something about the news on those pages; If only pretend he would do something about the news on those pages. As his tea cools under those fans that don’t really help him feel cooler In the head where suppressed anger and worry due to the vast dollar Country’s actions stay, he chances upon a piece of news that suddenly Interests him although he did not really care whether it was hot or cold. ‘Global warming,’ says the piece. ‘A publication of the United Nations ‘Environment Programme, Global Environmental Outlook 4, states ‘That the effects of global warming would vary across the globe. ‘According to the report:’ While the Earth’s climate has varied throughout the prehistoric ages, the last few decades have witnessed a global climate disruption that is unprecedented over the recent millennia, a period of relative climatic stability during which civilization emerged. Some regions, particularly the Arctic, will be more affected by climate change than others closer to the equator. In many regions, the agricultural sector will be particularly affected. The combination of high temperatures and decreased soil moisture projected for parts of Africa will be particularly hard to adapt to. (â€Å"Global Environmental Outlook 4†) ‘I think this is what the Prophet (Peace be upon him) had told us about,’ The man in Iraq reflects on the warning of the United Nations. He continues Reading the news report: ‘Global Environmental Outlook 4 ‘Also describes the main responsibility that human beings must assume For global warming: that, in fact, humans have placed great pressure on the ‘Climate system with increasing anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. ‘The greenhouse gas that is mainly responsible for climate change appears ‘To be carbon dioxide, primarily originating from the consumption of ‘Fossil fuels (â€Å"Global Environmental Outlook 4†). The UNEP report ‘Further describes the environmental damage caused by humans ‘While they were ignorant of the dangers of global warming: Since the dawn of the industrial age, the concentrations of these gases have been steadily increasing in the atmosphere. The unprecedented recent rise has resulted in a current level of 380 parts per million, much higher than the pre-industrial (18th century) level of 280 ppm. Since 1987, annual global emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel combustion have risen by about one-third, and the present per capita emissions clearly illustrate large differences among regions. (â€Å"Global Environmental Outlook 4†) So now he understands, the man sipping tea: ‘Everything in this report describes the fee ‘For occupying this world. Moreover, it is as the Prophet ‘(Peace be upon him) had described. It is the call of the Prophet For us to mend our ways once and for all. God is going to take account. ‘But who is listening? Does anybody care? ’ The man folds the account On global warming on one of the flying sheets of newspaper, Iraq Today. He decides to return home when he gets an idea, straight out of Iraq Today. He thinks: ‘Overly excited about their achievements during ‘And after the golden Industrial Age, human beings did not realize ‘That materialism and greed could even be responsible for ending ‘Their existence on Earth in the near future. Indeed, if climate change ‘Is not managed through effective global policies at present, huge natural Disasters may very well finish off all life on our planet. ‘As it is, global warming is accompanied by spells of really high temperatures ‘That are known to destroy life through heat stress in addition to air pollution. ‘In June 2003, Europe experienced such a spell. It raised temperatures ‘Twenty to thirty percent higher than the average temperatures during summer. ‘What is more, the spell covered a huge portion of the European continent, ‘From Germany to Italy, and from the north of Spain to Czech Republic. ‘With social as well as economic impacts, besides its environmental impacts, The heat wave presented heavy losses to the European continent. ‘In point of fact, thirty thousand European people lost their lives during June 2003. ‘Forestry and agricultural production were impaired; forests were burned; ‘Crop cycles we re disrupted; nuclear reactors cooled by water from rivers ‘Had to be closed; demand for electricity could not be met; ‘And the stability of rocks was affected’ (â€Å"Impacts of Summer 2003 Heat Wave in Europe†). ‘Once they know what we go through each hour, each day ‘They would surely become one of us, one of clay ‘People. ’ As he ends reflecting on climate change, he Remembers another similarity between man and man: ‘Hadn’t God said, We made man out of clay? ’ He tries to figure out in his mind whether fire can damage clay, But then another worry enters his mind: ‘Do the industrialists ‘Also know, We made man out of clay? ’ In Europe The man in Iraq was happy to know that Europe had experienced Significant development during the Industrial Age, Although it did not have any power over the heat wave of 2003. A construction worker in Germany, on the other hand, Understood it this way: he thought: ‘It is evident that the European Union ‘Would now play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The heat wave of 2003 served as a warning for the entire continent ‘To begin taking serious action against greenhouse gas emissions, ‘While enjoying the fruits of the Industrial Age even in the twenty first century’ (â€Å"Impacts of Summer 2003 Heat Wave†). Even though he was optimistic, the construction worker Believed that he knew that politicians only tell lies to the People, the voice of the people is never heard, and democracy Is a sham. As he thought about politicians suffering from all sorts Of amnesias, another fact was brought to mind simultaneously; The construction worker felt delighted in the misery of others When he remembered he had read somewhere that As bad as the European heat wave of 2003 was, There is no way for it to compete with the rising average Temperatures in the Arctic. In fact, temperatures in the Arctic Are â€Å"rising almost twice as rapidly as in the rest of the world† (â€Å"Global Environmental Outlook 4†). † Sea ice and glaciers in the Arctic are presently melting, While the permafrost temperatures are rising. In Siberia and Alaska, permafrost is also melting. This is expected to release methane into the Earth’s atmosphere From the frozen hydrates. Scientists are aware that fifty Million years back, a large amount of methane was released Into the Earth’s atmosphere. Temperatures around that time Must have risen approximately five to seven Celsius. Additionally, scientists have determined that it took approximately One hundred and forty thousand years for the atmosphere To return to its normal state after the initial release of methane (â€Å"Global Environmental Outlook 4†). ‘Perhaps, therefore’ – reflected the construction worker – ‘The effects of global warming would remain with us ‘For a very long period of time. Our future generations ‘Would have to suffer because of the excessive greenhouse Gas emissions that our generation has been held responsible for. ‘Other effects of global warming include increased changes ‘In precipitation around the world. While wet regions are experiencing ‘More rain, the dry areas of our world are turning more arid than before. ‘In addition, regi ons like Africa with â€Å"the lowest contribution to anthropogenic greenhouse gas ‘Emissions† are projected to suffer most due to these changes’ (â€Å"Global Environmental Outlook 4†). ‘As a matter of fact, water scarcity is projected to become a dangerous ‘Problem for the African people in the days to come (â€Å"Global Environmental Outlook 4†). Global warming is also increasing â€Å"intense tropical cyclone activity,† ‘Especially in the North Atlantic (â€Å"Global Environmental Outlook 4†). ‘This has been going on since 1970, and is definitely associated ‘With increases in the surface temperatures of tropical seas. ‘Furthermore, there is evidence of increased tropical cyclone activity ‘In certain regions of the world where it is difficult to gather high quality data. ‘In any case, over the past thirty five years the number of Class 4 and 5 ‘High intense storms has almost doubled. These storms are now occurring ‘In virtually all ocean basins. Of a certainty, our world would warm up Even more because of this activity in the deep’ (â€Å"Global Environmental Outlook 4†). As the construction reflected on the meaning of global warming For everybody in the world, the only person he thought was Insulated from its disastrous effects was himself. His family, too, Would be saved, he thought, smirking in his mind’s eye when those miserable two – Arctic and Africa – were remembered. He had to earn his dail y Bread, after all. It did not really concern him that the people Of Africa suffered. He believed that the politicians with free Cups of coffee and bowls of rice available to them should do All the thinking for the poor people of the world. He was lucky To be German, that’s all. What concerned him about global warming was this: Indeed, there exist a number of paths for us to take to help Ourselves and our fellow beings survive on the planet. As an example, with the awareness that our buildings consume Almost thirty to forty percent of energy in our world – Another UNEP report, Buildings and Climate Change: Status, Challenges and Opportunities, advises governments Around the world to put policies into place for the construction Of environmentally friendly or green buildings that would not Exacerbate the effects of global warming. There are a variety Of choices available to modern man to use energy more efficiently than before (â€Å"Buildings and Climate Change†). ‘Would Herr Braun consider the alternatives? ’ – he asked Himself. After all, he was only a servant. Had he asked Herr Braun, would the latter have answered his loyal Construction worker? Maybe, maybe not. The royal Herr Braun was unreachable most of the time. But the construction worker’s fifty-seven year old wife Should be able to guess and inform him. She was good At divining things. She would know about global warming.

Night Mother Essay

The play â€Å"Night, Mother† addresses the human condition and how character human depth influences the way readers understand drama. The invisible characters play a large part on how the two main character’s act, and how it influences their dialogue. The father, the son of Jessie, and her ex-husband are mentioned throughout the play, and they set up the dynamic of the story, physically and emotionally. Exploring their human depth and their importance throughout the play helps the reader of the story understand theater and the drama. The father plays a large part in the play Night Mother. In the play, Jessie asks for her father’s gun. She then eventually tells her mother she is going to kill herself with it. In the play, you can tell her and her father are very close. I feel as though Jessie will only use her father’s gun because it’s as if her father is killing her. Cleaning the gun in front of her mother shows that she is making the point that she wants to kill herself. , when she could have just put it on the table or quietly went to her room with it. Throughout the play, you can barely tell the Jessie is completely serious about giving up her life. She stays so placid and calm as she tells her mother, who is in denial at first, but soon realizes as Jessie is making lists of things she will soon have to do on her own, that her daughter is completely serious. They talk about things Jessie has never been good at, like being a mother, a good wife, or having any real skills because of her battle with epilepsy. Ben Brantley from the New York Times states, â€Å"Yet anger and score-settling satisfaction flicker betrayingly across her stark features as she itemizes the long list of minuses that make up her life: her ailures as a wife and mother, her epilepsy, her lack of professional skills, the death of the father who appears to have been the only person she truly loved. † (Brantley) This quotation states that in the play, Jessie has already lost the people she has loved most already in her life. She lost her father, her son is a delinquent and her ex-husband left her because she was incapable of doing many things due to her disease. It sets a very sad tone as the play goes on. Even though Jessie seems to care a lot about her mother, since she has been taking care of her for many years, you can sort of see the bit of hostility throughout the play. Jessie blames her mother for many things that went wrong in her life. Jessie feels as though her mother never loved her father, and her father had the same seizures as she did, which her mother hid from her all along. According to Leah D Frank from the New York Times, â€Å"Next, Jessie and Thelma talk about Jessie’s ex-husband, who Thelma conspired to introduce to Jessie. During the marriage, Jessie fell off a horse, and the accident was thought to have led to her seizure disorder. But one of the truths that has come out was that Jessie began having seizures as a child, but Thelma covered it up. It was something she didn’t want to think about, so she found a way to simply go on. † (Frank) This quote explains that Thelma has been hiding so many things from Jessie, because she thought she was protecting her, but in reality it was really hurting Jessie in the long run. Thelma didn’t like to think about things, she would rather them just go on. But in the end, this really hurt Jessie because when she ‘developed’ her epilepsy, her husband left her. If she knew she had epilepsy beforehand, she wouldn’t of had a failed marriage on her head, and a delinquent son.