Tiered Lesson Plan

Differentiated instruction is a concept that has gained in popularity over the past few years. The goal of differentiated instruction is to maximize learning success for all students. This type of instruction provides a variety of different ways for students to take in information and make sense of ideas (Hall, 2002). The expectation associated with differentiated instruction is that a teacher is willing to make certain modifications in order to ensure learning participation by all students (Hall, 2002).Each student learns in a different way and in order to make sure that all students meet educational objectives differentiated instruction uses a combination of whole group, small group and individual instruction in order to meet the learning needs of all students (Hall, 2002). In addition, differentiated instruction recognizes that all students have different background knowledge, readiness, language, preferences in learning and interests. Recognizing these differences allows all stud ents, regardless of academic ability, the chance to succeed in school.Unfortunately, society has a negative attitude about those with learning disabilities (Carolan & Guinn, 2007). However, it is essential that teachers are able to modify lesson and curriculum in order to meet the learning needs of all students. Teachers cannot have abelist attitudes towards their students. They cannot expect them to do things they are not able to do (Carolan & Guinn, 2007). Therefore, this lesson aims to â€Å"minimize the impact of disability and maximize the opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in schooling and the community† (Carolan & Guinn, 2007).The lesson calls for each student to write a report about a farm animal. Modifications about length, number of sentences and spelling requirements can be made for struggling writers in Tier I performing below grade level. A visit to a local farm has allowed all students the chance to see animals in their natural habitat t o find out what they eat, what their offspring are called and what resource their animal provides for humans. In order to encourage struggling writers to include all of this information they could write a list instead of whole sentences.In addition, they could include illustrations to help them get their point across. The idea behind the standard (Students use writing as a tool for learning, inquiry, and research) is that students get the opportunity to practice their writing skills. For a struggling writer, simply writing a few words would meet that objective. In addition, students are also required to write a letter to their animal. For struggling writers this could include just one sentence and a picture. Another option would be to have students glue a picture of their animal to a piece of paper and thank their animal for what it provides to humans.Tier II includes students learning at grade level. These students must complete the objective according to grade level so they will b e required to include three complete sentences in their letter to their animal. They will also include information about their day in their letter. These students will be expected to use proper capitalization and punctuation as well. Tier III includes students performing above grade level. Often these students are not challenged enough in the classroom so certain modifications need to be made to ensure that they are learning.To this end, these students can write a complete story about their trip to the farm including a beginning, middle and end. They could also create a poster telling why their animal is the best animal on the farm. These activities, in addition to required assignments, will provide high achieving students with the chance to further their writing skills through extended activities. In order to best serve each student they must be placed in the appropriate tier. Students of the same age are not all alike when it comes to learning (Tomlinson, 2001).Therefore, careful consideration must be made when choosing the best tier for each student. In differentiated instruction, commonalities among students are noted but differences are also addressed as well (Tomlinson, 2001). Realizing the differences is what allows a teacher to maximize educational success for all students regardless of ability level. Each tier allows students to process and internalize information based on their specific skill level (Tomlinson, 2001). This type of division promotes classroom learning by all students. Students will be placed in tiers based on their writing abilities.Students who struggle to write complete sentences, form individual letters or incorporate capitalization and punctuation will be placed in Tier I. These students will enhance their skill level in these areas by focusing on fewer sentences but more time spent on creating a correct sentence. Students who are performing at grade level based on writing skills will be placed in Tier II. These students will displ ay the ability to write complete sentences using capitalization and punctuation and will also be able to write legibly in order to get their point across.Finally, students who are performing above grade level will be placed in Tier III. These students will show remarkable ability to quickly write more than three complete and correct sentences. They will show higher levels of thinking in their writing. The lesson will be considered successful when all students have correct written work to show for their time. Regardless of ability level, all students will write, based on their individual skills, correct sentences.Tier I students will write one complete and correct sentence that shows improvement in capitalization and punctuation just as Tier II students will write three sentences. Tier III students will show higher levels of learning through writing using paragraphs. It doesn’t matter how many sentences each student writes, but it does matter if they can show what they have le arned about farm animals through the writing of clear and concise sentences. Grades will be given based on the final product but the most important assessment of student learning is the growth a teacher is able to see from each student (Tomlinson, 2001).

Compare and Contrast Readings Essay

You have suffered before as I have suffered, maybe not exactly as me, but you have experienced a type of suffering. Mary Rowlandson shows us what suffering is in her book called â€Å" A Narrative of the Captivity,† by creating a character who loses her six year old child due to an attack in her town Lancaster and constantly being moved. Another author, Olaudah Equiano, writes a story about another type of suffering in his book â€Å" The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano,† by telling readers about him being kidnapped directly from his home and being brought into slavery. By reading these excerpts readers can see different types of suffering and how the characters handle them. â€Å"The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano† articulates suffering better because there are events that most people would know about and tells how people around him are dealing with the changes. Equiano’s narrative takes place in the 1800s, when slavery started to become popular. He talks of his self becoming a slave when he was just a kid. After, serving as a slave for different people in Africa, being detached from his family, and getting shipped off to stay a slave but in a fortune country, he did not become belligerent. â€Å"I did not know what this could mean, and indeed I thought these people were full of nothing but magical arts,† (Equiano 59). Equiano thinking the men that are about to enslave him are full of magic proves how young he is, too young to be a slave. A child being a slave for the rest of his or her life is a horrific way to spend one’s childhood. He has suffered all of his life, beginning with the day he was taken away from his home but after all this he did not seek revenge, he became an author. Rowlandson’s narrative speaks on the American Indians being removed from their native land by English people. When a reader starts reading the excerpt, one might think it is only about a woman losing her children but  once you look at the details you will see how the events she describes relate to the event of Americans kicking American Indians off their land. â€Å"The occasion (as I thought) of their moving at this time, was, the English army, it being near and following them†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Rowlandson 39). The reason why readers did not know of the event from the start of the story is because the main character did not know why either. The quote gives us confirmation that the moving to different places is because of the â€Å"English army,† Americans, taking over their property . Both of these authors did a great job at helping readers view different types of suffering and how people handled it. Mary Rowlandson, the main character handles the suffering of losing her children and her home by staying connected with God, as I would. Olaudah Equiano, the main character of â€Å"The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano,† suffers by getting stolen from his home and brought into slavery. By looking at how Equiano deals with being a slave, it is like he just accepts what is happening and does not try to change it. Although Olaudah Equiano does not do much to change his life as a slave, he does a better job at explaining his sufferings to a point where people can relate or know a little background of the event.

Dish Washing

Dish Washing I walk into the restaurant Red Robin, wait for my name to be called by the host and sit down in a booth with comfortable red seats. All of a sudden a man sits next to me wearing an apron soaking with water, wiping sweat from his face. It's my brother, Zachary Walsh. Zach states â€Å" Man, I hate Saturday nights, too damn busy! †. What was Zach doing? Zach is a dish machine operator, or in restaurant terms, a DMO. Washing dishes you say, that sounds easy! I am afraid not my friends. Washing dishes is one of the most under appreciated jobs. Just ask the manager him self, who by the way is my Uncle.My Uncle states, â€Å" If it wasn't for the DMO this place would be a **** whole. DMO's work their *** off and their the ones who keep things running behind the scenes. † With only a thirty minute break from washing dishes, I thank my brother for taking this time to answer questions because I know he would much rather be doing other things. Things like enjoying hi s food, staying hydrated and getting his mind off washing dishes. My brother is a good guy and that's a good thing for Red Robin because the DMO's do the most work for the smallest pay. Here at Red Robin, the DMO's are the bottom of totem pole.They usually get no breaks, the only time they do is if they work a double, they get paid the least and have to be stuck in the back of the kitchen where they cannot really talk to any one. â€Å" It was the worst thing I've ever done when I first started, but honestly you get use to it and after a while you start making friends. Luckily for me, Red Robin is a great environment and everyone is pretty chill. † Zach says, smiling, probably thinking back on all the days he use to come home and complain and threaten to quit. As stated before, a life of a DMO is not an easy one.For the most part of this interview, Zach was calm, but when he talked about what a DMO does, he got intense telling what they do. â€Å" I hate it, when I tell peop le I'm a DMO they usually just laugh. People do not understand that I have to wash tons of dishes and then after you put those dishes in the machine to wash, you have to go put the cleans ones away and usually you have to walk all the way across the kitchen to do this. When you have to put the dishes away, more dishes keep on coming in and this leads to a build up of plates and other things that you have to wash and it sucks!Luckily, the other staff understands Zach's job and they are usually nice about it. The key word there though.. † he pauses, and looks back to what seems to be the front of the kitchen and finishes â€Å" is usually. † Washing dishes gets Zach paid nine dollars an hour. Zach's been working at Red Robin for a year and half now and still has not gotten a raise. Zach says he is the lowest paid person there who has been working at Red Robin for over a year. The worst part about the hard working jobs at restaurants and farms is these types of jobs get pa id the least even though they are doing the most work.At the same time, the person taking these jobs know this information before they get employed. In tough times like the one we are living in today, people will take any job they can get. Zach has recently just graduated from college and obviously needs to pay off those college loans. Being a DMO is not going to pay those loans off but it is a start. â€Å" I needed a job out of college right away and this was the only one I could find. It sucks but you got to do what you got to do. Before giving you the job they tell you it's a sucky job and that you are going to hate it and I kind of took that as a challenge. As Zach goes to get a cup of water, my Uncle sits next to me and asks me what I was here for again. I explain to him the assignment and he sits there for a second to think. As Zach is coming back from getting water, my Uncle says, â€Å" Zach is the hardest working kid I have ever seen at Red Robin. He does the dirtiest jo b and never complains about it. We are sure damn lucky to have him or we most likely be screwed. † As he hits Zach in the shoulder and gets up so Zach can sit down again.Zach smiles, and even though he knows he is doing a job that does not get any credit at all, he feels proud knowing he's made someone proud and most importantly, a family member proud. Zach's break is over and my Uncle allows me to go back to the kitchen with Zach as long as I do not get in the way. The DMO area is a messy one to say the least. With dishes all over the place, stains on the wall, water all over the floor, it is no wonder why people do not want this job. Zach can tell from the expression on my face that I was shocked to see the place so messy. â€Å" I told you our Uncle wasn't lying about it being a crappy job.This is actually clean compared to most Saturday nights, you should have seen last weeks mess, the place was flooded and the water was up to my ankles. And guess who had to take care of the problem? Yeah that's right, me! † This place really did feel like the worst job ever. Along with washing dishes and putting them away, DMO's had to do other tiny messy jobs in between washing dishes. DMO's had to take out the trash when it was full, clean the bathrooms if there was a flood, clean up spills made by costumers because the waitress or waiters were to â€Å"busy† and the worst one, clean throw up.To do this and clean dishes takes a very hard working kid or man to do. And luckily for Red Robin, they had there guy. â€Å"One time this group of about ten baseball players come in and two stupid clowns tried to see who could eat the most. Needless to say one of them threw up all over the place and I had to clean it up. The most embarrassing part was they were in their late thirties, most likely in a softball league. † On a typical Saturday night at Red Robin, there would be two DMO's. So why was Zach the only one on that night? Because people are lazy. † Zach laughs at his own joke and states â€Å" actually I'm just kidding, I would probably quit if I could. Plus I couldn't give up on your Uncle. He gave me the job in the first place. † My brother shows me his hands and they are very pruny from working with the water and the soap. During the winter, when his hands would dry from being pruny, they would often crack and sometimes even bleed. This is all the norm when it comes to washing dishes, but people never see the little things that come in to play to make a restaurant run.Another terrible part about Zach's job is closing. Who ever is the DMO that night is usually the last one to leave the restaurant, along with the manager. The DMO has to clean every last dish and also help put them away. Out side there are around ten to fifteen trash bags filled with disgusting food and other restaurant supplies that have to be walked across the parking lot and into the dumpster. â€Å" Then when you are all set to go home and you get into your car, you realize you smell so bad and cannot wait to take a shower.Man, that shower feels great every night! † As I'm about to leave Red Robin, one of the waiters shouts to the back of the kitchen â€Å" Hey Zach, can you clean up table 83? A baby just knocked down a glass of beer. I would pick it up but I got so many tables tonight. † After Zach hears the question, it seems like he does not even listen to the waiters excuse. Right away he stops washing dishes and grabs the mop and heads to clean up the mess. â€Å"Yup, you got to love being a DMO† he says in a sarcastic tone and walks away, going to do his job.

Good Management in the Public Sector Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Good Management in the Public Sector - Essay Example To achieve this, all barriers to good management in the public sector should be identified and done away with. After the barriers have been eliminated, the officials serving in the public sector should find ways through which they can improve the quality of both management and work life so that the public can enjoy the services available (13). One of the barriers that come in the way of good management in the public sector is too much red tape. Excessive bureaucratic tendencies have been known to bring whole organizations down to their feet. When compared to the private sector, there is a big difference in the way matters are handled in the public sector, where there are too many people who must approve of something before it goes through (Denhardt and Denhardt 35). This kind of rigid conformity to excessive regulation not only impacts negatively on management roles, it also hinders timely and relevant delivery or services to the general public. Bureaucratic tendencies are also a recipe for uncontrolled misuse of power by managers in different levels of the public sector (37). In this situation, it becomes hard for the officials on the ground to offer quality services to the people that the government is supposed to serve with diligence. Another common barrier to good management practices in the public sector is corruption. Corruption in government offices comes in many forms and can include irregular financial dealings and power corruption. Due to the lack of clear policies which can act as professional guidelines for managers and employees in government agencies, there is a lot of room for misappropriation or resources, including funds (Cohen, Eimicke and Heikkila 23). Managing such a work environment becomes tricky especially when it is considered that people are normally unwilling to fight against such practices. When finances are mismanaged, or when an individual uses his influence in

Introspection of Faith in the Act of Terrorism Assignment

Introspection of Faith in the Act of Terrorism - Assignment Example The September 2011 bombing of World Trade Center marked a climatic event in history. Al Qaeda, the Islamic terrorist group, achieved worldwide fame upon its linkage to the bombings (Farmer, 2003). The loss of lives in the attack induced American patriotism and the need to eradicate terrorism. It paved the way for urgent and extensive means in combating terrorism. In spite of the negativity and rage in which the world perceived the attacks, Al Qaeda saw it in a contradictory perspective. For the members of Al Qaeda, there is global declension and there is a need to put today’s society into complete demise (Farmer, 2003). The death of the people who they deem as ‘evil’ is a triumphant moment for Al Qaeda. According to them, they are acting to please their God by eliminating America which they deem as the â€Å"evil power† . On the other hand, although Islam is the most associated religion in terrorism, there are also terrorist groups claiming their values are based on Christianity. One of these is the Ku Klux Clan. The original aim upon the founding of the group is severely deviated from the deeds they performed. From the playful acts and practical jokes in the 1800’s, Ku Klux Clan became one of the notorious racist and moralist groups in history (Farmer, 2003). They argued that white people are superior and that they are true descendants fitted to inherit the kingdom of God (Farmer, 2003). Consequently, black people and those who do not meet their moral criteria are labeled as targets.

The Song of Rolan - the Foundation of French Literacy Essay

The Song of Rolan - the Foundation of French Literacy - Essay Example As the paper outlines, a large number of top knights and Duke Roland of the Brittany Marches were killed in the massacre. Ganelon accepted the task, certain that he would die. He threatened Roland, "If God should deign that I come back again then I shall stir up such a feud with you that it will last as long as you're alive!" (Anonymous, 1957, 20, pp. 289-291). Emperor Charlemagne was firm about sending Ganelon and said his command must be followed implicitly. Ganelon had no other option, but to comply with the order.  In the fight against Muslims in Spain Charlemagne made great strides and Saragossa was the only surviving city ruled by the Muslim King Marsile. Knowing the might of the army of Charlemagne, he dispatched messengers to Charlemagne promising his conversion to Christianity and submission of treasure. In return, he urged him to go back to France. Charlemagne too wished to buy peace as he and his men were tired of the long war. The issue was about the selection of a mess enger who would represent the King at Marsile’s court. The choice fell on Ganelon, stepfather of Roland. Ganelon, however, viewed this selection with suspicion and feared that he was being sent deliberately to die in the hands of the cruel pagans. He had always hated his stepson and he thought that he had an opportunity to settle scores with Roland.  Joining the Saracen peace ambassadors, Ganelon talked at length with Blancandrin as they rode together back to Saragossa. He spat venom against Roland and blamed him for inciting the Franks for the war that was fought without intermission. â€Å"If someone killed him," said Ganelon, "we might all have peace" (Anonymous, 1957, 29, pp. 391). Blancandrin was greatly excited about this observation and both of them pledged to each other and decided to design a plot to get rid of him. Roland was brave but failed to gauge the consequences of his actions and due to this weakness, treacherous Ganelon succeeded in outwitting his knightl y companions and his army.  

Construction law - standard form contracts Essay

Construction law - standard form contracts - Essay Example Comparison is made in the context of provisions such as Design Changes, Delays and Disputes, Payments, and Dispute Resolution. The first version of the National Engineering Contract came into being in 1991 under the name New Engineering Contract and was used for a number of projects, particularly in South Africa (Smith 1999, p.250). The contract was different in many respects from other similar contracts and therefore it was criticized by many in the initial periods of its inception. With its new version came into force as NEC3, its popularity has widenened. Established in 1931, Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) has much experience and resources in the field of construction industry. Its resources include standard forms of contracts, standard documentation, and other guidance notes. JCT was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in 1998. Thereafter, it has been the responsibility of the company to look after the JCT Council and producing suites of contract documents for the use of construction industry (Mulcahy 2008, p. 165). Under this contract, the contractor is obliged to design the works of the project in conformity to the project information supplied by the employer (Clause 21, p.7). The contractor is also responsible to ensure that that the project design is accepted by the Project Manager. Sometimes, the project manager may not accept the design in case the design is not prepared in accordance with the work information and / or relevant legislation. The contractor needs to commence the works once the consent from the project manager as to the acceptance of work design is received. One of the provisions of this contact grants authority to the employer, to use the design so prepared for purposes in connection with construction, use, alteration or demolition of the project work. In case, it is not allowed, it will be separately stated in the contract. It is also notable that the project manager is given the authority to accept or reject the design after a careful scrutiny of the same. Joint Contract Tribunal 2005 As per the provision of JCT 2005, the preparation of the work design is the responsibility of the contractor like that of NEC3. The provisions of this contract stipulate that the contractor is required to prepare and submit the project design before the administrator/architect appointed by the employer. It also states that the design should be prepared in such a way that it meets all the requirements as mentioned in the Employer's work requirement. Once the design is prepared, the same is handed over to the architect for scrutiny. The architect, within 14 days of acceptance, should give the design back to the contractor after putting his comment on one copy of the original design. Three comment grades are usually used under this contract, namely A, B, and C. The mark 'A' signifies that the contract can commence the work as per the work requirements with the same design and no change is needed. The mark 'B' implies the design need not be changed, but works have to be carried out as pe r the comments put forward

A South African Investment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

A South African Investment - Essay Example While comprehensive civil rights as well as freedom are critically imperative to all people in order that they can realize their absolute potential and assert their appropriate place in humanity, there are other, supplementary fundamental needs that ought to be satisfied prior to a person worries about spiritual, intellectual and related individual freedoms and rights. It may not be reasonable to offer an individual full government, social, as well as legal rights if they are deprived any reasonable sources of livelihood (Mbendi, 2008). Caltex had the power to influence political policies on the South African government in order that the government may revive its laws. This has happened in other parts of the world, whereby conglomerates influence government policies in order to create a conducive environment for business. Foreign financial investments mean a great deal in any country since it revitalizes the social-economic status of the population and the national economy as well (T obin, 2009). It is an ignominy that Caltex had no problem investing in a country whose laws were exceedingly abhorrent to humanity. In contrast it is factual that in that era, the living standards of the South African minorities as well as the Blacks were in a deplorable state. They vast majority of these populations lived in pitiable homes, and had poor access to high quality educational programs. They were also deprived the right to practice certain jobs or careers, and granted wages that were exceedingly less than that of the white population in South Africa (Nicholas, 2008). For numerous South African Blacks at the time, for whom so several outside the nation had the courage to confront the repressive regime may have chosen to take up jobs at the Caltex plant which granted them better living wages and better workplace environment than in the civil service. It is justifiable to imply that absolute freedom may not have been the priority for all Black South Africans who needed bett er living standards. Therefore, the Caltex plant may have been the category of investments that were essentially required in the country at the time. The only provision Caltex ought to have added would have been the maintenance of reasonable wages and reasonable housing for its black and colored human resources (Mbendi, 2008). Question 2. As a stockholder in Standard Oil or Texaco, it would have been appropriate to vote in agreement with the three stockholder declarations. While it is factual that under the utilitarian philosophies, it might not of necessity have been the most appropriate option for Caltex, Standard Oil or Texaco to desist from investing in South Africa. As a stockholder, it would have been appropriate to vote according to individual conscience. Any financial recompense, such as facilitating the generation of national income from the mining of natural resources or construction of national industries such as in petroleum, appears as unconscionable in regard to the fu ndamental premise on which the South African government operated and survived (Nicholas, 2008). The first resolution demanded that Caltex terminates all its operations in South Africa unless and until the government ceased

Architecture of the Greek Culture from the Middle Bronze Age through Research Paper

Architecture of the Greek Culture from the Middle Bronze Age through the Geometric Period - Research Paper Example The paper explores how architecture mirrors the political, trade, and military conditions within Greek culture during the Minoan civilizations, Mycenaean Civilization, and Dark Ages of Greece. The Minoan civilizations (2600-1200 BC) The Minoan civilization represented a Bronze Age civilization that emanated from the island of Crete. The Minoan cities had stone-paved roads shaped from blocks cut with bronze saws (Pedley 36). The Minoan period witnessed numerous trade activities and the construction of striking palaces. An analysis of architecture of this period manifests absence of defensive walls. Minoan architecture features several structures that played the role of commercial, religious, and administrative life. Archeologists have successfully unearthed in Crete a Minoan landscape detailing tombs, palaces, towns, villas, and the roads that linked them. The evidence indicates a thriving prehistoric culture capable of surviving and expanding. The Minoans were prominent sea traders o n the Mediterranean and fostered cultural exchanges with other places such as Egypt. At the height of the Minoan civilization, the Minoan trade increased, in which Minoans came to rule over Mediterranean trading routes. Palaces represent some of the prominent architecture during the Minoan civilization. ... 20). The palaces experienced technological advancement with extensive drainage systems, aqueducts, irrigation, as well as wells that were deep and which were the sources of fresh water that could be used by the inhabitants. The palace buildings had multiple stories, which featured staircases (both interior and exterior), massive columns; light wells, outdoor places where people gathered, storage magazines, which represented the theaters of the ancient times. The method used in the construction included ceramic bricks coupled with stones that used to be rough linked by mortar within the interior walls (Biers 62). The Mycenaean Civilization (1600-100 BC) Greeks initially settled on the Greek mainland close to 2000 BC in which geography played a central role in the formation of a society. Mycenaean were equally wealthy as Minoans on Crete but can be described as relatively warlike. The Mycenaean civilization supplanted the Minoan civilization as the dominant sphere of influence on the G reek Islands. The military activity during the Mycenaean period  yielded to the fortification of major towns  such as Athens. The isolated forts served the purpose of militarily control territory (Pomeroy et al. 30). There were also various forms of exits typified by access ramps, monumental gates, vaulted galleries, and hidden doors fashioned to facilitate escaping in the event of a siege (Pomeroy et al. 31). Fortresses, which were built to suit the prevailing military conditions, represent some of the prominent examples of architecture during the Mycenaean civilization. The fortresses detailed massive walled structure built for defensive purposes. The walls of the structures

Race Discrimination Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Race Discrimination - Essay Example Federal law also provides more limited rights for employees of the federal government. These federal laws do not, on the other hand, apply to employees of state and local governments, agricultural workers or domestic employees; any statutory protections those workers have derive from state law. The pattern is even more mixed in the area of wages and working conditions. Federal law establishes minimum wages and overtime rights for most workers in the private and public sectors; state and local laws may provide more expansive rights, Similarly, federal law provides minimum workplace safety standards, but allows the states to take over those responsibilities and to provide more stringent standards. Formally, both federal and state laws protect workers from employment discrimination. In most areas these two bodies of law overlap; as an example, federal law permits state to enact their own statutes barring discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin and age, so long as the state law does not provide less protections than federal law would. Federal law, on the other hand, preempts most state statutes that would bar employers from discriminating against employees to prevent them from obtaining pensions or other benefits or retaliating against them for asserting those rights (Chinese immigrants and American law, 1994, pp. 12-14). Let us try to look at what happens in reality. Historical discrimination. Chinese immigration to the United States has come in many waves. According to records from the United States government, the first Chinese arrived in the United States around 1820. Subsequent immigrants that came from the 1820s up to the late 1840s were mainly men, who came in small numbers. The major initial wave started around the 1850s. This was when the West Coast of North America was being rapidly colonized during the California Gold Rush, while southern China suffered from severe political and economic instability (Cose, 1992, p. 35). In 1860, two discriminatory laws were passed in California. One forbade Chinese American children to attend public schools. The other required a special license to be purchased by Chinese American fishermen. It was called a license instead of a tax because unequal taxation was forbidden by law. In 1862, the United States Congress passed a "Coolie Traffic Law" (the term "coolie" refers to unskilled laborers from Asia, in general) prohibiting transportation and importation of coolies from China, except when immigration was certified as voluntary by United States consular agents. Shortly afterward, the California legislature passed an act to protect free White labor against competition from Chinese coolie labor, and to discourage immigration of Chinese into the state of California (Cose, 1992, p. 62). A "police tax" law was passed, whereby all Mongolians 18 years or over, unless they had already paid a miner's tax or were engaged in production of sugar, rice, coffee, or tea, had to pay a monthly personal tax of $2.50. This was ruled unconstitutional by the State Supreme Court in 1863 (Chinn, 1969, p. 2). Railroad Construction. The most impressive construction feat of Chinese Americans was the work done on the western section of the transcontinental railroa

Battle between operating systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Battle between operating systems - Essay Example (White, 2011) Fast forward 5 years and we witnessed the release of the iPhone 4S in October last year, with cumulative sales in excess of 183 million units. Currently Apple holds 15% market share globally. The latest model of the iPhone is the 4S which is essentially looks the same as the previous model the iPhone4 (released June’10) but feature wise is much more powerful. The 4S has the better A9 1 GHz dual core processor compared to the single core A8 processor, an improved camera, 8mp over 5 mp, and a natural voice command service called the Siri. The 4S also features the capability to record video in 1080p FullHD quality, compared to the 720p HD quality of the iPhone 4. iPhone 5 is still under development and the rumor mill is running high regarding the design and specs of the new gadget. (GSMArena Team, 2011) Coming to the iPhone iOS, it offers a user experience which creates ‘sticky’ customers i.e. they find it difficult to switch to other companies. With propriety services such as Siri, iCloud and iMessage along with an access to iTunes and the AppStore, the iPhone users have now become a bunch of dedicated loyal customers accustomed to the particular interface which the others do not offer. Furthermore with the presence of other products such as the iPad, iPod, Mac and Apple TV, Apple is trying hard to integrate them as much as possible. This will further help in retaining customers. As far as the support services are concerned, Apple provides an online support service to tackle with any technical problems, other than that there is the option of checking the online forums for support, as there is a dedicated number of online users ready to provide assistance to others. The reason why Apple may succeed in the battle of the OS is because it has a loyal number of consumer base available to them. The iOS has now become synonymous with ease of use and customer

Obamas Speech rhetorical analysis Essay Example for Free

Obamas Speech rhetorical analysis Essay In his awaited response to Chicago pastor, Jeremiah Wright’s uncivil outburst, Barrack Obama puts to shame the hasteful denunciations from Americans. He creates redemption for Wright’s actions which produces an emotional appeal with his citizens. Ushered forward by Obama is the back story of Reverend Wright,- something Obama’s audience had been comfortably oblivious to until now- his hardships, victories, and benevolent deeds that reveal his true nature; not the one of ill nature or ignorance that one might think otherwise. But, before President Obama can do this, he must give himself a sense of credibility through sharing a portion of his own backstory. In the 6th paragraph of Obama’s speech, he introduces a small yet personal synopsis of his family’s story. He acknowledges the role that the United States has played in Obama’s kin, and his own, journey â€Å"And for as long as I live†¦ my story is even possible.† (paragraph 6, lines 7-8) Although, he says â€Å"my story,† Obama is rhetorically telling his audience the United States of America is the sole place where almost anything can be accomplished, no matter how unfeasible the quest; many grown Americans are able to connect to this one statement because America, the land of the brave and free, is the reason they have their own â€Å"my story.† He confirms this notion in lines 9 and 10 of the same paragraph,â€Å"this nation is more we are truly one.† Obama’s mixed race that he identifies in this paragraph(6) sets up as an anecdote used 15 paragraphs later. â€Å"I can no more disown him than†¦ stereotypes that made me cringe.† (paragraph 21, lines 1-5) President Obama makes the point of acquainting with the â€Å"black community† before introducing his white grandmother. His verbal gesture emphasizes neither is above the other and reinforces his racial credibility. The president qualifies his beloved grandma as an illustration that demonstrates how even though loved ones have the occasional slip-ups, they should not be grounds to break ties. Obama captures his audience in a thought bubble where they decide if a loved one has more rights than other humans. â€Å"These people are part of me. And†¦ this country that I love.† (paragraph 22) This succeeding line to his grandmother anecdote continues  the flow and thoughts gathered from paragraph 6 that says Americans are independently â€Å"One† with each other if they overcome simplistic prejudices. At the time Obama makes his speech he fights two battles: a battle of the polls and one of morality, but not just Reverend’s ethics, all Americans for the past 221 years are included. â€Å"The press has scoured†¦ black and brown as well.† (paragraph 7, lines 7-9) The President draws a parallel that indicates ideas of racial inequality is something that will exist no matter the society. Obama seeks to change this. He looks to the young and new generations to fulfill America’s true purpose- freedom. â€Å"what gives me the most hope is the next generation† (paragraph 43, line 4) President Obama looks to youth because they carry not the burdens of their ancestors as they are born into a more accepting world. American young are Obama’s (peaceful) Aryan race(s). Their appearance does not blend. They stand out from one another. Yet  their minds blend more or less. And that is why they are perfect. Obama’s Aryan race is already on the move; Ashley Baia is one of his soldiers. President Obama shares Baia’s story from paragraph 44-47 and how she saw not in hues, but in virtue. â€Å"She sought out allies in her fight against injustice.† (paragraph 46, line 3) The relevance of Baia’s story presents itself when she asks her group members why they had joined her. All but one elderly black man has a specific reason. Obama shares the old man’s reason in antimetabole â€Å"And he doesn’t†¦ Barack Obama.† (paragraph 47, lines 45) The use of antimetabole in this context lowers the importance of the presented reasons enough to grasp all listener’s attention. â€Å"I am here because of Ashley.† said the old man; â€Å"I’m here because of Ashley.† said Obama. He repeats the same phrase but changes â€Å"I am† to â€Å"I’m.† The subtle change in punctuation makes his words feel like a whole different statement is being made-and there is. Obama is saying that Baia is an inspiration that has influenced him to this road of candidacy, and therefore has changed all of our lives. Ashley Baia ate mustard and relish sandwiches for a year. That was her sacrifice to injustice. Obama’s silent inquiry then establishes itself: What sacrifice have you made to combat injustice? America answered eight months later when Barack Obama became the first African American President of the United States.

Ritz-Carlton Hotel Organisation Culture

Ritz-Carlton Hotel Organisation Culture Introduction The ability to establish a culture that invokes high value for the people working in an organization invokes intrinsic sense of identity, innovativeness, creativity and commitment that forms the main recipe for ultimate sustainability of services and profitability. Organizations leaders and scholars concur that people are the most important elements in an organization because they not only articulate the established policies but innovatively contribute to their holistic improvements through sustained experiences. This paper provides an in-depth evaluation of The Ritz-Carlton hotel culture, challenges in changing it and key lessons that can be learned by other organizations. i) Harrison-Handy model of organization culture Though scholars appear divided over the actual definition of the term ‘organization culture, they tend to agree that all organizations create unique operating systems that fit with their internal capacities and guided towards their objectives. The Ritz-Carlton organization culture can best be described through two subunits of the Harrison-Handy model. To begin with Mullin (2008, p. 21) explains that power culture reflects centrality of authority in a highly bureaucratic outline where orders define the expected targets based on the organization objectivity. On the other hand, the role culture creates a set of rules and guidelines that do not give employees the needed room for contributing to the management. Therefore, role and power culture as Aitken and Higgs (2010, pp. 109-111) concur with Campbell and Craig (2005, 491-493) provide a highly rigid mode of operation that obscures innovation while establishing barrier between the top management and junior staff. ii) Master servant orientation The Ritz- Carlton Hotel depicts a culture strongly based on master servant relationship where employees are expected to strictly follow the established code of conduct for the hotels. While expounding on Harrison-Handy model, Laurie (2007, p. 66) explains that though its application may be employed to create a less authoritative tone, the resulting cultural impacts remain unchanged. The notion of ‘ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen is a working slogan but a principle that employees cannot fully associate with. The establishment of ‘very precise standards for treating consumers makes the employees a form of puppet that must follow specific values and guidelines without deviating from them. Owing to the long period of success, the management in the hotel has solidified strict demand for personal traits that one should have for success in such an industry. The code of behavior in the hotel is well written down and managers take no chance in enforcing it (case) . For instance, the smile is expected to come naturally (case). iii) Discourages individual innovations and creativity The Ritz- Carlton Hotels culture not only lacks the necessary room for innovation and creativity but strongly discourages their application. The aforementioned master servant relationship creates the view of inferiority to the employees; a consideration that largely discourages their voluntary input outside the management demands. The established values that have culminated to scripting expected behavior in the hotel, limits employees from introducing new concepts, ideologies or comparative connotations for improvements. Though the management has established a rewarding system, it might not invoke the necessary innovation due to lack of enough democratic space for them. As Harrison-Handy model of organization culture postulates, going against the established guidelines is often interpreted by the middle level managers to be a threat to them and therefore often scattered before considering it for implementation (Mullin, 2008, pp. 36-37). The managers in the hotel take nothing to chanc e and therefore emphasize on a fifteen minutes daily reminder of the expected code of conduct by the employees. iv) Reduced capacity to initiate and propel change. According to Mullin (2008, p. 31), organizations should embrace change that facilitates adoption of new management outsets to gather a competitive advantage over others and derive the expected sustainability. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel has maintained the key management and operation values that founders laid about a century ago (case). Though the hotel has been doing well, assimilation of change could have raised its current profitability to higher levels. Power culture in the Harrison-Handy model as William (2009, p. 541) indicates, fails to invoke the criticality of extended reference for change agents. As a result, the management becomes the sole source of visionary focus which reduces the overall ability to improve change strategies and creating identity with new propositions for all. It is from this consideration that the proposed changes in the year 2006 were seen to be a major deviation from the normal non-responsive operation mechanism in the hotel (case). a) Why do you think this type of culture might be important to a luxury hotel? Hospitality industry as Severt and Curtis (2008, pp. 121-122) explain, remains one of the most sensitive sectors and therefore demands greater care with critical assessments to beat the high competition. The Ritz- Carlton Hotels culture is therefore critical in a luxury hotel because it invokes better monitored coordination and maintenance of consistency in services delivery. By articulating strict rules and regulations that are unit-lined to customers satisfaction, luxury hotel is able to guarantee consumers the needed high quality services. Unlike in other sectors such as education, Severt and Curtis (2008, p. 125) add that hospitality industry require the luxury assurance taken to an even higher level. Creating a strong central authority in the hospitality industry forms particularistic trends in the management and therefore avoiding the uncertainties brought about by change application. Though change articulation in an organization is projected towards improvement, Sinha (2008, p. 63) concurs with Chenhall and Euske (2007, p. 634) conclusion that its articulation may culminate to key discontinuities in services delivery. Indeed, to inculcate new ideologies, it may require an external change agent, additional costs and assimilation of new code of conduct which may take time before being fully assimilated. Owing to the high sensitivity of hospitality industry, maintaining the power and role based culture reduces the possibility of creating many centers of authority experienced in other cultures. As a result, luxury hotels are able to maintain a highly responsive system to satisfy their clients and therefore sustain their repute and profitability. b) What might be the drawbacks of such a culture? Though the culture of power and role appear to work in luxury industry, it lacks the needed force for improvement. Most employees are enclosed in the roles procedures and within the established authority that suppress their personal contribution. The culture therefore lacks the needed checks that come inform of propositions for improvement either through comparison or visionary considerations. As Aitken and Higgs (2010, pp. 116-117) indicate, the culture lacks whole commitment of the employees since they do not identify with the authority, the institution or the rules laid for them. As a result, people under such cultures mostly act under pretense and therefore do not have the needed goodwill for the company. In such situations, Campbell and Craig (2005, p. 497) explain that they mostly contemplate shifting to other related occupations that appreciate them. In power and role based culture, one evident problem is that people do not exploit their full potential. The Ritz- Carlton Hotels management has maintained a scripted behavioral conduct that is often reminded to the employees every day (case). The emphasis of such orientation creates the sense that the advocated methods are the best and therefore achieved results could not have been any better. Campbell and Craig (2005, p. 490) argue that this culture is a key recipe for direct and indirect resistance by people in the organization. Though they might not directly indicate it due to fear of punitive measures, occurrence of trigger factors may be catastrophic. Particularly, simple conflicts may easily provide an outlet to the accumulated dissatisfaction; a consideration that could easily result to negative publicity and reduction in the overall profits. a) Challenges in implementing the cultural change Following a long time application of power and rule model in the company, the new culture might have encountered strong resistance to change. According to Kurt Lewins theory of organization change management, the freezing of the existing systems presents the existing managers authorities with a sense of loss as more autonomy is given to the lower level employees (Sinha, 2008, pp. 69-70). To the middle level managers, they resist this change to safeguard their roles (foreseeing application of the rules and supervising scripted behavior) because employees would have greater link with the top management while behavioral outsets would not require supervision. To articulate the new model of management at The Ritz- Carlton Hotels, the employees lacked the needed skills to implement the needed changes. Owing to the long time application of the old power and role model, many employees might have lacked the expected expanded view in relation to the new autonomy. According to contingency theory, the internal and external environment interacts to derive the needed focus for higher profitability (Laurie, 2007, pp. 36-37). However, most employees in the hotel might have coiled and stuck to the old methods not due to resistance, but due to lack of immediate alternatives after being in a closed model for along time. Unlike the old well scripted behavioral expectations, the new culture was hard coordinate and monitor at the beginning due to the high autonomy exercised by the people. According to Chenhall and Euske (2007, pp. 625-626), transformational leadership requires constant link and communication between the management and junior staff to maintain the needed bonding for greater cohesion. However, these bonds are built on trust, commitment and rewards in a system. Taking into consideration that this structure takes a lot of time to establish, changing the culture might have experienced partial discontinuity as teams and their operations, new reward schemes and communication modes were established. b) Maintaining the new culture In his view, William (2009, p. 537-539) explains that though changing an organization culture is the harder part of assimilating a new culture, its maintenance is very critical in that it determines the holistic sustainability of the company. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel maintained the better elements of the old system such as a happy guest driven by the services provided. As a result, the hotel was able to articulate the changes without negatively affecting the services provided to the consumers. In addition to that, the company increased the employees decision making autonomy and therefore encouraged naturally relaxed and innovative interaction with clients. According to transformation leadership theories, this autonomy and attachment to the management and operating system creates the needed identity for all; a consideration that invokes high creativity (Mullin, 2008, pp. 58-59). According to Robert Maslows theory of motivation, people will always struggle to get to the next higher level in the hierarchy of needs and ultimately, to self actualization (Gomez-Mejia, David and Robert, 2008, p. 88). The Ritz-Carlton Hotel therefore created this upward shift by articulating a highly motivating environment for employees. According to Carmine (2008) the management has solidified the employees involvement in decision making and therefore creating the sense of stability and satisfaction to them. As a result, customer satisfaction becomes easy to link with higher sustainability of the monetary and other benefits that employees derive from the system. One common aspect evident with new cultures that are people oriented is consideration for continued improvement. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel conducts frequent trainings to its employees to enrich their skills by creating new insights that are critical in maintaining high quality services to clients. According to American management Association (2008), The Ritz-Carlton Hotels management seeks highly experienced coaches and trainers in hospitality industry to impact new skills and therefore raisin the employees ability to make correct decisions in their duties. The case of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel brings out the critical role played by an organization culture in defining and guiding its overall operations for sustaining of its profits. Employees were brought out to be a key element when defining the culture of an organization and must be involved at all levels. Though the power and role cultures saw the company reap high profits, it was a major obstacle towards achievement higher level customer satisfaction and profitability. Employees could not go beyond the scripted behavioral demands. The Ritz-Carlton Hotels case further brings out the need for continued improvement in an organization as a critical cultural facet towards remaining relevant and therefore ahead of other competitors. Through cooperation of employees and management it is possible to maintain high level services for the clients. When employees get the sense that their management has bestowed high trust on them, they take greater responsibility oriented towards surpassing the set goals in a companys objectives. From the case, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel services remained unchanged even after withdrawing the highly authoritative culture. In any change articulation, organizations must recognize that there will always be some resistance and therefore must be effectively prepared to counter it. To concur with Severt and Curtis (2008, pp. 121-123) view, it is critical that organizations facilitate the change orientation in a manner that brings all the people aboard and therefore creating a highly acceptable final product. In a freezing-refreezing model, organizations must create the roadmap largely based on communication that facilitates addressing inherent concerns. Besides, organizations must take change to be a process and therefore expect it to take time before the actual results are identified. Though changing the culture is the ultimate choice, organizations must seek to incorporate the necessary ideals while creating a room for later improvement. The assimilated change model must be able to place the organization in a mobile note where both the employees and the management do not view the achievement of the positive results to be the end, but establish considerations to take the achievements step higher. Through professional training, teamwork and comparative orientations, organizations can be able to remain highly competitive and thereby maintaining high profitability. Conclusion From the above conclusion, this paper concludes by supporting the thesis statement, ‘the ability to establish a culture that invokes high value for the people working in an organization invokes intrinsic sense of identity, innovativeness, creativity and commitment that forms the main recipe for ultimate sustainability of services and profitability. It came out from the discussion that though The Ritz-Carlton Hotel had high returns, its power and role culture poorly invoked innovativeness and creativity. By effectively addressing the challenges evidenced by change application, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel was able to achieve the same results it achieved previously. Organizations seeking to change their cultures should therefore seek to incorporate peoples contribution to create the sense of continued improvement and thereby raise their profitability and sustainability.

Comparison of UK and Australia Healthcare Systems

Comparison of UK and Australia Healthcare Systems Student name: QIAO LING LIU (LANDY) Introduction The article is a conclusion of a report by Francis about main health care issues of Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust that is a large public hospital in England. Reported problems include the most important parts of nursing care such as leaving patients in the stool for long time, inability to recognize patient dignity and privacy, inability to feed patients and inability to be compassionate to patients. The author Hayter discusses it is related to three components including a management culture, the lack of a ‘caring and compassionate culture as well as management styles. In the article, Hayter concludes a number of main points from Francis report. Staffing shortage is seen as a key issue and is related to poor nursing care. Another concerning issue in Francis report is that hospital managers is unable to listen to patients, families and other staff about something worrying. Moreover, there is no clinical background of many managers in UK health settings. Hayter suggests that clinical managers should complete an interval of care job before working in clinical care facilities. He also debates that there is no need for prospective nurses to require one-year health care work experience before the study of nursing college, as there is no evidence to prove it. He also discussed that nurses can have a significant effect on helping monitor hospital quality and hospital should provide relevant systems for nurses and other staff to submit comments and report concern. He disagrees that UK nurses lack compassion and caring. Summary In the editorial, Hayter (2013) points out several main points based on Francis report. Firstly, the shortage of staffing is one of the main health care issues in UK health care system. It is described as a factor associated with poor care. Curry et.al (2005, cited in Hayter) suggested that higher nursing skill mix and sufficient nursing staffing can be associated with high standard of nursing care. Secondly, he disagreed with the statement of Francis that UK nurses lack compassion and caring. He argues that many of the nurses in UK are full of compassion and caring personality and clinical nursing skills. However, certain issues may inhibit them to do their jobs well, such as huge work pressure and overwhelming workload and insufficient resources and constant changes of demands of health care system, which will cause occurrence of poor care. He also points out that it misleads people if only examples of incidents happened in Mid Staffordshire Hospital were used to critisize the whole nursing professions and it disaffects nurses as well. Thirdly, Hayter debates that it is unworthy for prospective nurses to work 12 month as health care assistant prior to applying to nursing school. In Francis report, however, it was advised that nursing students should finish a period of health care assistant work before going to study nursing course in college, as it will be beneficial to reinforce the nurses quality, in particular skills of compassion and caring. It was strongly supported by Department of Health in England, suggesting one year health care work experience would be appropriate for prospective nurses. However, Hayter points out that it is definitely evident that provision of many poor quality of care was by health care assistants in the Mid Staffordshire Hospital and there is no study or survey that proves whether or not the nurses delivered in poor care in Mid Staffordshire Hospital had worked as health care assistants. In addition, it is difficult to identify if health care assistants gain correct work experience pri or to application to nursing school and how it help the future nurses build up a right compassionate personality. Finally, Hayter suggests that it is of extreme importance to use appropriate methods and indicators to measure quality of care, not only being reliant on evidences of the papers and auditing. He recommends that nurses are an important role who can help its development and monitor it by reporting issues. Hayter proposes that relevant systems should be established for nursing staff and other staff to give some comments or report inappropriate or concerning things. Meanwhile, nursing regulator requires more attention on management of poor nursing care, rather than only delivery of nursing care. Hayter also says that UK Nursing and Midwifery Council is currently accused, as it simply supervises knowledge and skill of nurses and overlooks management of deficient nursing care. Critique Australian health care currently faces with same situations of nursing and other health workforce shortage issues as UK’s. According to Duffield O’Brien 2003, nursing shortage is associated with poor nursing care, as it may cause more complications such as infections and pneumonia, as well as incidents like medication error. There are a number of reasons that cause nursing or health care workforce shortage in Australia. Aging is regarded as one of the main factors in Australian nursing workforce (ABS 2013). Overall, Twigg et.al (2010) suggests that more older age nurses work in the health care settings and average-age of Australian nurses ranges from 42.2- 45.1 years between 2001 and 2005 and more than one third of the Australian nurses may retire probably in 2015. It indicates lack of sufficient qualified nurses who take over will cause shortage of nursing (ICN 2008, cited in Rudge Toffoli 2012). Increased part-time work of nurses is another reason of nursing shortag e, as it will require more same-level nurses to take more places over (ABS 2013). More nurses and health professions prefer to do fewer jobs, as they tend to join social life and family (National Health Workforce Taskforce, 2009, p4). Management of multiple chronic diseases in the elderly has become a factor in Australia, as it increases the burden of health care system to trigger more requirements of more skill mix nurses and other health professions in Australia (National Health Workforce Taskforce, 2009, p4). As a result of specialization of Australian health system, it needs more health professions from overseas to cope with current staffing shortage (National Health Workforce Taskforce, 2009, p5). However, it is completely tough nowadays, as not only is Australia facing with staffing shortage, but many countries have this issue (National Health Workforce Taskforce, 2009, p5). According to Straughair 2012, it is undoubted that the majority of UK nurses contribute to high-quality nursing care with compassion. However, with technical development in nursing skills, compassion of nurses appears to be diminished (Straughair 2012). Straughair (2012) states that motivation of Australian nursing students and nurses who decide to do nursing career is to look after people. At the moment, lack of caring and compassion has not been found in Australia health system (Shields 2013). However, it shows that Australia health care is more likely to face with decreased standards in terms of ‘caring, nursing and health care’ if health care system is not alert and concerns are not voiced (Shields 2013). While Australia has a remarkable health care system and its nursing is regarded as one of the professional leaders in the world, it still confronts threats to caring and health care system (Shields 2013) . The reason is that more health care professions including nu rses are recruited internationally and work as leaders in some health care settings, which is definitely helpful. However, ‘Australia cultural cringe’ influences people’s perceptions about relationship of work and decision-making so that it makes people believe that health professions from overseas are better than local ones (Shields 2013). In Hayter’s editorial, there is a discussion about UK nursing education. In UK, there is one main category of nurse (RN), as the role of EN was similar with RN and it has been dismissed (Jacob et.al 2012). Approximately 90% nurses are diploma levels in England and all nurses in Scotland and Wales are degree levels (Shields 2013). Health care assistants (HCAs) in UK are increased and they does not need relevant skill courses and required skills will gain from the employers (Royal college of nursing 2014). They mainly assist RN to deliver the majority of hands-on nursing care under nurse supervision (McKenna, et.al 2004). However, this is not the case in Australia. Both nurse roles (RN and EN) retain in Australia. They have distinct job descriptions and roles. RN requires three-year degree study in university with a transitional graduate program for a year and education of EN is often in vocational college with diploma degree and one and a half year study (Duckett Breadon 2014, p7). RN is able to practice without supervision and has the responsibility of supervision and delegation of EN. Health care assistant in Australia must gain Certificate III in Aged Care firstly and they do basic personal care such as feeding, bathing, and toileting (Department of Health and Families, 2014), which are included in the practical scope of nurses. But they are not regulated by the National Board (Rudge Toffoli 2012, p 220). It is not compulsory that prospective nurses have to gain health care work experience before application to nursing schools (Rudge Toffoli 2012, p 220). In Australia, there is no consistent training for health care assistant (Duckett Breadon 2014, p10). Moreover, although there is no sufficient evidence to ensure that being health care worker is able to improve compassionate and caring skills, improvement in aspect of personal care skills can be seen clearly (Duckett Breadon 2014, p10). As with measurement of nursing care quality, UK graduate nurses must register on Nursing and Midwifery Council that regulates all nurses and midwiferies and sets up standards and code of conducts which request nurses and midwiferies to adhere to them strictly (NMC 2014). In Australia, the case is similar. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is a national-regulated agency that regulates health professions in Australia (AHPRA 2014). All graduated nurses have to register on Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia which is supported by AHPRA(AHPRA 2014). Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia plays an important role in protection of the public and they establishes relevant competency standards and policies and guidelines that help largely discipline all registered nurses and midwiferies and give clear scope of practice what they can do and can not do (Nursing Midwifery Board of Australia 2014, p1). According to Nursing Midwifery Board of Australia 2014, the main function of National Competency Standards for nurses is to help examine performance and competence of nurses. Along with competency standards, yearly renewal of re-registration is a method used to assess the eligibility of nurses (Nursing Midwifery Board of Australia 2014, p1) and each health care setting has its own policies and guidelines to give a clear range of nursing practice that nurses can deliver to monitor the quality of care. In addition, National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS ) standards can be a useful tool to examine safety and quality of health care system and health care practitioners to protect Australian population (NSQHS standards 2012, p3). Conclusion In conclusion, there are four main points reviewed in UK health care system and these are compared similarities or differences with Australian health care system. For staffing shortage, it is found in both health care system, even in the world, and there are many factors causing it in Australia, including aging nursing workforce, increased part-time work, burden of multiple chronic disease of older population, competition against health care workforce from overseas. Lack of compassion and caring in nursing is a key factor discussed. Compassion in UK has been decreased due to technical development and lack of compassion has not been discovered in Australia. But health care system should be alert and raise concerns to prevent decreased standards of caring. In addition, Australian cultural cringe is more likely to affect compassionate care. Nursing education is discussed in the review. UK has a type of RN and Australia has two, RN and EN. UK nurses need education of diploma or degree le vel based on state requirements and Australian RN requires degree education and EN does diploma level. Being HCAs in both countries develop basic personal care skills, however, there is no evidence that they would improve compassionate care. Finally, measurement of quality of nursing care has raised concerns. Both countries have nursing boards to regulate nurses and midwiferies. All nurses and midwiferies should register on nursing boards before participation in work. Nursing boards sets competency standards and code of conducts that assess competence of nurses and midwiferies. WORDS: 1905 Reference list Australain Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), 2014, National Boards, Australian Government, viewed 16 October 2014, http://www.ahpra.gov.au/National-Boards.aspx>. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2013, Australian Social Trends, cat.no. 4102.0, ABS, Canberra. Duckett, S Breadon, P, 2014, Unlocking skills in hospitals: better jobs, more care, Grattan Institute. Department of Health and Families, 2014, PCA Job Description, North Territory Government, viewed 16 October 2014,  http://www.health.nt.gov.au/library/scripts/objectifyMedia.aspx?file=pdf/9/93.pdf>. Duffield, C O’Brien, P.L, 2003, The causes and consequences of nursing shortages: a helicopter view of the research, Australian Health Review, vol. 26, no.1, pp. 192-199. Hayter, M 2013, ‘Editorial: The UK Francis Report: the key messages for nursing’, Journal of Advanced Nursing, vol. 69, no. 8, e1-e3. McKenna, P, Hasson, F Keeney, S, 2004, Patient safety and quality of care: the role of the health care assistant, Journal of Nursing Management, vol. 12, pp. 452–459. Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) 2014, Standards and guidance, UK Government, viewed 16 October 2014, http://www.nmc-uk.org/Nurses-and-midwives/Standards-and-guidance1/>. Nursing Midwifery Board of Australia 2014, National Competency Standards for Registered Nurse, Nursing Midwifery Board of Australia, Melbourne. National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS ) standards 2012, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC), Standards Australia, Sydney. National Health Workforce Taskforce, 2009, Health Workforce in Australia and Factors for Current Shortages, Australian Government. Jacob E, Sellick K, McKenna, L, 2012, Australian registered and enrolled nurses:Is there a difference?, International Journal of Nursing Practice, vol. 18, pp. 303–307. Shields, L, 2013, The core business of caring: A nursing oxymoron?, Collegian, vol.21, pp. 193-199. Straughair, C, 2012, Exploring compassion: implications for contemporary nursing Part 1, British Journal of Nursing, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 160-164. Rudge,T Toffoli, L 2012, Progress in nursing, in E, Willis, L, Reynolds, H, Keleher, Understanding the Australian Health Care System, 2nd edn, Churchill Livingstone, N.S.W, viewed 15 October 2014, EBSCO Host. Royal college of nursing, 2014, Become a health care assistant, UK Government, viewed 15 October 2014,  http://www.rcn.org.uk/nursing/work_in_health_care/become_a_health_care_assistant> Twigg D, Duffield C, Thompson P.L, Rapley P 2010, ‘The impact of nurses on patient morbidity and mortality: the need for a policy change in response to the nursing shortage’, Australian Health Review, vol.34, no. 3, pp. 312-316.

John Steinbeck :: Essays Papers

John Steinbeck John Steinbeck was born on February 27, 1902 in Salinas California, shortly after the end of the Civil War. His mother was a schoolteacher in the public school system in Salinas. Steinbeck grew up in the fertile California where he found the materials for most of his novels, and short stories. Steinbeck demonstrated a great imagination, which was kindled by writing at a very early age partly due to his mother, the schoolteacher, whom read to him at a very early at the many great works of literature. During his teen years, Steinbeck played various sports in high school, worked numerous part time, dead end jobs, and wondered around the fertile valley. The lessons, and observations he made while wandering provided much of the material for his later works. Steinbeck entered Stanford University in 1920, and even though he attended the school until 1925, he never graduated. Lacking the desire to acquire a formal degree from the Stanford University, Steinbeck wandered to New York to pursue a writing career. While working on his writing, and while receiving an endless supply of rejection slips, Steinbeck worked odd jobs. The New York American newspaper was where Steinbeck held a job, writing various articles, for some time before the newspaper went bankrupt. The failure of the newspaper and endless supply of rejection letter forced Steinbeck to return to California, broken but still hopeful. Steinbeck’s first novel, Cup of Gold, was published in 1929, two months before the horrific stock market crash, causing the novel to nearly unnoticed with barely fifteen hundred copies selling. 1930 was a very important year for Steinbeck in two areas. First he married Carol Henning and the newlyweds settled in Pacific Grove, which he often wrote of. There, Steinbeck met Ed Ricketts whose friendship strongly influenced Steinbeck’s works. During the Great Depression of the nineteen thirties Steinbeck knew many people who were considered to be the cross section of society, and shared many of the problems of the times with them. His father like many men, helped is family through the depression with a small house and twenty-five dollars a week. Throughout the depression era Steinbeck wrote of people struggling to make ends meet around the California, Mexico region. One of Steinbeck works, Tortilla Flat, marked a turning point in Steinbeck’s literary career.

The possible link between culture, material conditions, and war Essay

The possible link between culture, material conditions, and war After the Second World War and finally after the Cold War and the Gulf War, many peo-ple agreed that there is no need for war anymore. Allies were conducted to maintain peace. But this belief was destroyed. Nowadays, we have to fear a war with Iraq. The question which rises is, if there is a possible link between culture, material conditions, and war? In my paper I will mention the anthropology of war and gender roles. Furthermore, I will discuss the interrelations between culture and war, and finally the interrelations between religion and war. The first question is, if there was war from the beginning of human kind on, or if war just was developed over time? This is a hard question, which nobody can explain exactly. The movie â€Å"The Gods must be crazy† (1984) could be one example that in an uncivilized, isolated society people cannot have war, because they do not have reasons to fight about. They have everything they need various times. That means, they do not have to share things and in conclusion, do not have to fight about things. In the Kalahari Desert a family of African Bushmen had a life in an ideal fashion in harmony and peace. One day somebody dropped a coke bottle out of an airplane down to the Kalahari Desert. This bottle leads to disharmony and violence among the family. All of a sudden they have to share this tool which â€Å"God sent them†. Nobody can work without this tool anymore. That is the reason why they start fighting. But why can people not share, or need to have what they want at onc e without the patience to wait? That’s the problem of human kind in a civilized world. Civilized people change the environment to suit them. The Kalahari Desert cou... ...volution, Males, and violence. The Chronicle of Higher Education 2002. Trexler. Backgrounds (Selections). John, Keegan. The Fact of Battle (Selections). Victor, Davis Hanson. Carnage and Culture: Landmark Battles in the rise of Western Power. An-chor Books 2001. Rodney, Stark. One True God: Historical Consequences of Monotheism (Selection). Princeton University Press. Barrington, Moore, Jr. Moral Purity and Persecution in History (Selection). Princeton University Press Lawrence H., Keeley. War before Civilization. Oxford University Press 1996. Robert L., O’Connell. Ride of the Second Horseman. Oxford University Press 1995. Andrew, Sullivan. This is a religious war. New York Times 2001. Michael, Adams. Peter Pan’s great Adventure. Adams. Male Sacrifice and W.W.I.- to be a man. Jared, Diamond. Guns, Germs, and Steel. W.W. Norton & Company. The possible link between culture, material conditions, and war Essay The possible link between culture, material conditions, and war After the Second World War and finally after the Cold War and the Gulf War, many peo-ple agreed that there is no need for war anymore. Allies were conducted to maintain peace. But this belief was destroyed. Nowadays, we have to fear a war with Iraq. The question which rises is, if there is a possible link between culture, material conditions, and war? In my paper I will mention the anthropology of war and gender roles. Furthermore, I will discuss the interrelations between culture and war, and finally the interrelations between religion and war. The first question is, if there was war from the beginning of human kind on, or if war just was developed over time? This is a hard question, which nobody can explain exactly. The movie â€Å"The Gods must be crazy† (1984) could be one example that in an uncivilized, isolated society people cannot have war, because they do not have reasons to fight about. They have everything they need various times. That means, they do not have to share things and in conclusion, do not have to fight about things. In the Kalahari Desert a family of African Bushmen had a life in an ideal fashion in harmony and peace. One day somebody dropped a coke bottle out of an airplane down to the Kalahari Desert. This bottle leads to disharmony and violence among the family. All of a sudden they have to share this tool which â€Å"God sent them†. Nobody can work without this tool anymore. That is the reason why they start fighting. But why can people not share, or need to have what they want at onc e without the patience to wait? That’s the problem of human kind in a civilized world. Civilized people change the environment to suit them. The Kalahari Desert cou... ...volution, Males, and violence. The Chronicle of Higher Education 2002. Trexler. Backgrounds (Selections). John, Keegan. The Fact of Battle (Selections). Victor, Davis Hanson. Carnage and Culture: Landmark Battles in the rise of Western Power. An-chor Books 2001. Rodney, Stark. One True God: Historical Consequences of Monotheism (Selection). Princeton University Press. Barrington, Moore, Jr. Moral Purity and Persecution in History (Selection). Princeton University Press Lawrence H., Keeley. War before Civilization. Oxford University Press 1996. Robert L., O’Connell. Ride of the Second Horseman. Oxford University Press 1995. Andrew, Sullivan. This is a religious war. New York Times 2001. Michael, Adams. Peter Pan’s great Adventure. Adams. Male Sacrifice and W.W.I.- to be a man. Jared, Diamond. Guns, Germs, and Steel. W.W. Norton & Company.

Accountant Essay

How comfortable are you working long hours to achieve success? Working overtime or extra hours will not be a problem for me, because I used to work 10 hours per day and to work overtime to finish some special tasks in my previous Job. Sometimes, I spent my personal time on resolving some potential risks and problems that I found. 2. How eager are you to keep on learning to stay ahead of the curve? I am more than happy to learn in the work place because I value the process of continuous improvement. As long as I was instructed to handle something new in my previous ob, I felt excited and satisfied. The double-loop learning process benefits me from applying new knowledge and techniques to work-related areas and self-reflecting the aspects that I can improve. In addition, I am actively pursuing academic success outside work place. For example, I am the youngest CMA candidate in my CMA session. 3. Can you deal with the income volatility that you will be facing during the first few months? I have no financial problem preventing me from accepting a Job if the income is low at the beginning. I worked as a no pay intern during the first two months in my previous Job. Since I am still young, I never put salary as the top priority in searching for a Job. The thing I concern more is whether this Job can help me to develop my competitive edge or not. 4. How comfortable are you working long hours to achieve success? Working overtime or extra hours will not be a problem for me, because I used to work 10 hours per day and to work overtime to finish some special tasks in my previous Job. Sometimes, I spent my personal time on resolving some potential risks and problems that I found. . How eager are you to keep on learning to stay ahead of the curve? I am more than happy to learn in the work place because I value the process of continuous improvement. As long as I was instructed to handle something new in my previous Job, I felt excited and satisfied. The double- loop learning process benefits me from applying new knowledge and techniques to work-related areas and self-reflecting the aspects that I can improve. In addition, I am actively pursuing academic success outside work place. For example, I am the youngest CMA candidate in my CMA session. 6. Can you deal with the income volatility that you will be facing during the first few months? I have no financial roblem preventing me from accepting a Job if the income is low at the beginning. I worked as a no pay intern during the first two months in my previous Job. Since I am still young, I never put salary as the top priority in searching for a Job. The thing I concern more is whether this Job can help me to develop my competitive edge or not. 7. How comfortable are you working long hours to achieve success? Working overtime 8. How eager are you to keep on learning to stay ahead of the curve? I am more than session. 9. Can you deal with the income volatility that you will be facing during the me to develop my competitive edge or not. 0. How comfortable are you working long some potential risks and problems that I found. 11. How eager are you to keep on youngest CMA candidate in my CMA session. 12. Can you deal with the income 13. How comfortable are you working long hours to achieve success? Working overtime or extra hours will not be a problem for me, because I used to work 10 hours per day and to work overtime to finish some special tasks in my previous Job. Sometimes, I spent my personal time on resolving some potential risks and problems that I found. 14. How eager are you to keep on learning to stay ahead of the curve? I am more than happy to learn in the work place because I value the process of continuous improvement. As long as I was instructed to handle something new in my previous Job, I felt excited and satisfied. The double-loop learning process benefits me from applying new knowledge and techniques to work-related areas and self- reflecting the aspects that I can improve. In addition, I am actively pursuing academic success outside work place. For example, I am the youngest CMA candidate in my CMA session. 15. Can you deal with the income volatility that you will be facing during the first few months? I have no financial problem preventing me from accepting a Job if the income is low at the beginning. I worked as a no pay intern during the first two months in my previous Job. Since I am still young, I never put salary as the top priority in searching for a Job. The thing I concern more is whether this Job can help me to develop my competitive edge or not. 16. How comfortable are you working long hours to achieve success? Working overtime or extra hours will not be a problem for me, because I used to work 10 hours per day and to work overtime on resolving some potential risks and problems that I found. 7. How eager are you to keep on learning to stay ahead of the curve? I am more than happy to learn in the work place because I value the process of continuous improvement. As long as I was instructed to handle something new in my previous Job, I felt excited and satisfied. The double-loop learning process benefits me from applying new knowledge and techniques to work-related areas and self-reflecting the aspects that I can improve. In addition, I am actively pursuing academic success outside work place. For example, I am the youngest CMA candidate in my CMA session. 18. Can you deal with the ncome volatility that you will be facing during the first few months? I have no financial problem preventing me from accepting a Job if the income is low at the beginning. I worked as a no pay intern during the first two months in my previous job. Since I am still young, I never put salary as the top priority in searching for a Job. The thing I concern more is whether this Job can help me to develop my competitive edge or not. 19. How comfortable are you working long hours to achieve success? Working overtime or extra hours will not be a problem for me, because I used to work 0 hours per day and to work overtime to finish some special tasks in my previous job. Sometimes, I spent my personal time on resolving some potential risks and problems that I found. 20. How eager are you to keep on learning to stay ahead of the curve? I am more than happy to learn in the work place because I value the process of continuous improvement. As long as I was instructed to handle something new in my previous Job, I felt excited and satisfied. The double-loop learning process benefits me from applying new knowledge and techniques to work-related areas and elf-reflecting the aspects that I can improve. In addition, I am actively pursuing academic success outside work place. For example, I am the youngest CMA candidate in my CMA session. 21 . Can you deal with the income volatility that you will be facing this Job can help me to develop my competitive edge or not. 22. How comfortable are to finish some special tasks in my previous Job. Sometimes, I spent my personal time on resolving some potential risks and problems that I found. 23. How eager are you am the youngest CMA candidate in my CMA session. 24. Can you deal with the edge or not.

Faculty Reaction Paper

flouter Tarot Its a in truth dependable film. I am amazed with the lines of the actresses, I felt every single cry coming out of their mouth and its akin Im a part of that scene. The actresses were very good, they pictured the habit given to them excellently. The characters acted naturally exchangeable theyre Just having a quarrel on a real life. The instructor on a violet shirt fits her role very well, Just the way she walked and her gestures, she already looked like a brave woman.The snap fastener and angles argon quite impressive because its very artistic and it also beautifies the whole film. I noticed that the glass fell rase and broke into pieces and that symbolizes their familiarity, a shattered friendship because of different principles in life. Even though the film was so short they silence had a chance to put contravention on it. I was also a bit unsatisfied with the ending because round of my questions are not answered (who is the student theyre talk about an d what happened? . Teacher plays a bang-up role towards how they influence and affect students and how a student can be shaped to have a come apart personality. The teacher n the film says angostura aka Eng broad(prenominal) school day, scarce before she resigned, she taught college students, in short she wants to teach high school students so that when those students enter college they will be open disposed(p) and they would also be exposed to the real world and do it how hard life is.To cut the yarn short, the teacher always wanted her students to collar something not Just inside the quartette corners of the room, but also learn something removed that they could not learn inside the school. On the other side, Im also in esteem of what the other teacher (wearing white) said, because if hose students were skilful earlier, they will have a better personality and being open minded towards things.During college days, I think that most of us had completely developed our pers onality thats why its already hard for us to conduct with something were really not into. Its also full-strength that Joan has a good intention towards those students but I also agree that she taught it to the amiss(p) students, students that are fully molded by an opulent family and through the years they are not doing those things thats why Joan should have go with the flow towards the rules and regulations of that college.

Last Sacrifice Chapter Nineteen

THE VANS PARKED IN A semi-remote initiate of mash, so acquireing the hunch forward directge domain packed with eager Moroi was quite a shock to Lissa. Guardians moved through and through and through the bulk homogeneous ghosts, nevertheless as they had at the nomination session, encumbering as practic entirelyy order as possible. The meeting unplowed startting in the port as the vans attempted to r separately the garages, and instances styleed in the windows, actualizek to abide a glimpse of the magnificent candidates.Lissa st ard at the masses in shock, or so afraid to get transfer. Ariana gave her a consoling smiling. This is normal. They entirely essential to know who do it and who didnt. They oddly inadequacy to know. She inclined her precede toward the front of the van. Peering through the windshield, Lissa spied the former(a) half dozen candidates. Because the forest course could sole(prenominal) fit divulge so m any(prenominal)(prenominal) t hrong, the group had been s incessantlyalise in half. The rest of the candidates would take the selfsame(prenominal) stream every(prenominal)ow tomorrow and were no enquiry curious who among their competitors had passed today.Lissa was used to order and decorum nigh royals, so she was astonished to see such eagerness and frenzy among them now. And of course, the common Moroi whod been arriving at Court were mixed into the crowd too. Every matchless was pushing, peering all over the tips of others to befall kayoed what had happened. People were yelling close to of the candidates names, and I was half-surprised they hadnt cope up with songs and banners.Lissa and her companions exited the van and were met with a wave of cheers that flux through the crowd. It became evident pretty right extraneous who had passed and who hadnt. This sent the crowd abuzz thus farther more. Lissa stood rooted to the spot, staring around and look lost. It was one topic to rationally debate the pros of her running for faery with her friends. It was an entirely distinct matter to suddenly be dawdler into what the elections truly stringentt.Her focus on had been limited to a few things my safety, shapeing the despatcher, and surviving the tests. Now, as she took in the crowd, she realised the election was larger than her, bigger than anything she could take over imagined. For these people, it wasnt a joke. It wasnt a scam to twist the law and carrel for eon. Their lives were figuratively on the line. Moroi and dhampirs lived in military position diverse countries and obeyed those laws, scarce they also obeyed this government, the one that operated sum up in of the Court. It r separatelyed around the world and affected either dhampir and Moroi who chose to tour of vocation in our society. We had some(a) voting, yes, meet now the king or queen shape our futures.The guardians in charge of the crowds finally gave the clear for family members to push through the masses and make their nominees. Lissa had no one. Both Janine and Eddiedespite rather claimswere occasionally assignn temporary tasks that pr compensiteted them from world with Lissa 24/7, and she certainly had no family to lessen for her. Adrift, she felt up dizzy in the chaos, dummy up stunned by her florists chrysanthemument of clarity. counterpoint emotions warred within her. Deceiving everyone made her palpate unworthy, wish she should resign her candidacy right now. At the same term, she suddenly cute to be worthy of the elections. She wanted to gestate her head high and walk into the tests proudly, even if she was pickings them for ulterior motives.A strong business deal at last caught h former(a) of her arm. Christian. accrue on. Lets get prohibited of present. He pul direct her a counselling, shouldering through the onlookers. Hey, he call optioned to a couple guardians on the crowds periphery. A poor alleviate here(predicate) for the princess?It was the first cartridge holder I had ever seen him act like a royal, throwing around the authority of his bloodline. To me, he was snarky, cynical Christian. In Moroi society, at eighteen, he could now technically be ad enclotheed as master key Ozera. Id forgotten that. The two guardians hadnt. They rushed to Lissas side, component Christian bring come turn out of the closet the crowd. The calculates around her were a blur, the noise a dull roar. Yet, every once in a while, something would come through to her. The chanting of her name. Declarations near the growth of the dragon, which was the symbol of the Dragomir family. This is real, she kept designateing. This is real.The guardians efficiently led her forbidden of it all and back down crossways the Courts grounds to her building. They released her once they considered her safe, and she graciously thanked them for their help. When she and Christian were in her room, she sank onto the bed, stunned.Oh my God, she check out. That was insane.Christian smiled. Which part? Your delightful home party? Or the test itself? You look like you right well, Im non very convinced(predicate) what you scarce did.Lissa took a strong survey of herself. Theyd given her wry towels on the ride home, entirely her array was ease damp and was wrinkling as it dried. Her shoe and jeans had mud all over them, and she didnt even want to hypothesise nigh what her bulls-breadth looked like.Yeah, weThe words stuck on her tongueand non because she suddenly decided non to manifest him.I cant say, she murmured. It rightfully hightail ited. The spell wont let me.What spell? he asked.Lissa rolled up her sleeve and lifted the bandage to arrangement him the tiny tattooed dot on her arm. Its a compulsion spell so I wont mother words nigh the test. Like the Alchemists sustain.Wow, he utter, truly impressed. I never in reality thought those worked.I guess so. Its sincerely weird. I want to talk close it, merely I just cant.Its okay, he say, brushing some of her damp hair aside. You passed. Thats what matters. Just focus on that. The only thing I want to focus on right now is a showerwhich is cast of ironic, considering how soaked I am. She didnt move, though, and instead stared off at the far wall.Hey, express Christian gently. Whats wrong? Did the crowd s flush you?She turned back to him. No, thats the thing. I mean, they were intimidating, yeah. scarce I just realized I dont know. I realized Im part of a major process, one thats departed on sinceThe beginning of cartridge clip? bedevil Christian, quoting Nathans nonsensical statement.Nearly, she answered, with a midget smile that soon faded. This goes beyond tradition, Christian. The elections are a core part of our society. Ingrained. We can talk ab surface changing age laws or fighting or whatever, exactly this is ancient. And far-r all(prenominal)ing. Those people out in that location? Theyre non all Americans. Theyve come from other countries. I lay to rest sometimes that even though the Court is here, it rules Moroi everywhere. What happens here affects the whole world.Where are you expiry with this? he asked. She was lost in her confess thoughts and couldnt see Christian as objectively as I could. He k advanced Lissa. He understood her and dod her. The two of them had a synchronicity similar to what Dimitri and I shared. Sometimes, however, Lissas thoughts spun in directions he couldnt guess. Hed never admit it, just I knew part of wherefore he loved her was thatunlike me, who everyone knew was impetuousLissa endlessly seemed the picture of calmness and rationality. Then, shed do something all in all unexpected. Those moments delighted himbut sometimes affright him because he never knew just how a great deal a role spirit was compete in her actions. Now was one of those times. He knew the elections were stressing her, and like me, he knew that could bring out t he worst.Im expiration to take these tests life-threateningly, she verbalize. Itsits degradeful not to. An insult to our society. My ultimate goal is to find out who framed blush wine, but in the meantime? Im handout to go through the trials like someone who intends to be queen.Christian hesitated before speaking, a rarity for him. Do you want to be queen?That snapped Lissa from her inattentive philosophizing about tradition and honor. No Of course not. Im eighteen. I cant even salute yet.Thats never stopped you from doing it, he pointed out, adequate more like his usual self.Im sound I want to go to college. I want Rose back. I dont want to rule the Moroi nation.A sly look lit Christians blue eye. You know, Aunt Tasha makes jokes about how youd very be a improve queen than the others, except sometimes I dont commemorate shes jocose.Lissa groaned and stretched back on the bed. I love her, but weve got to keep her in check. If anyone could actually get that law changed , it would be her and her militant friends.Well, dont anguish. The thing about her activist friends is that they squander so much to protest, they dont unremarkably get behind one thing at the same time. Christian stretched out beside her and pulled her neighboring. scarce for what its worth, I think youd be a great queen too, Princess Dragomir.Youre going to get dirty, she warned. Already am. Oh, you mean from your uniform? He wrapped his arms around her, heedless of her damp and muddy state. I spent about of my childhood screen in a dusty loft and get exactly one dress shirt. You really think I care about this T-shirt?She laughed and consequently kissed him, permit her mind free itself of worry for a moment and just savor the feel of his lips. Considering they were on a bed, I wondered if it was time for me to go. After several seconds, she pulled back and sighed contentedly.You know, sometimes I think I love you.Sometimes? he asked in fling outrage.She ruffled his hai r. All the time. unless Ive got to keep you on your toes.Consider me kept.He brought his lips toward hers again but stopped when a pick apart sounded at the door. Lissa pulled back from the near-kiss, but incomplete of them broke from the embrace.Dont answer, said Christian.Lissa frowned, peering toward the living room. She slipped out of his arms, stood up, and walked toward the door. When she was several feet from it, she nodded knowingly. Its Adrian. more than reason not to answer, said Christian.Lissa ignored him and unfastened the door, and certain large, my devil-may-care boyfriend stood thither. From behind Lissa, I heard Christian say, Worst. Timing. Ever.Adrian studied Lissa and wherefore looked at Christian sprawling on the bed on the far side of the suite. Huh, Adrian said, letting himself in. So thats how youre going to assure the family problem. Little Dragomirs. Good idea.Christian sat up and strolled toward them. Yeah, thats exactly it. Youre interrupting of ficial Council business.Adrian was spruced up casually for him, jeans and a black T-shirt, though he made it look like designer clothing. Actually, it probably was. God, I confused him. I dribbleed them all.Whats going on? asked Lissa. While Christian seemed to consider Adrians comer a personal offense, Lissa knew that Adrian wouldnt be here without a good reason especially this early in the Moroi day. Although he had on his normal lazy smile, there was an randy and eager glitter in his aura. He had news.Ive got him, said Adrian. Got him trapped.Who? asked Lissa, startled.That idiot Blake Lazar.What do you mean trapped? asked Christian, as perplexed as Lissa. Did you decide out a arise trap on the tennis courts or something?I wish. Hes over at the burn down Arrow. I just bought some other round, so he should still be there if we hurry. He thinks I went out for a cigarette.Judging from the scent wreathing Adrian, Lissa had a picture he actually had been out for a cigarette. And promising shared in the round. Youve been at a streak this early?Adrian shrugged. Its not early for humans.But youre not devolve on, cousin. Adrians aura didnt occupy the muted colour of someone who was completely drunk, but yes, hed emphatically had a few bedevils. If pretty boy Ambrose was right about Aunt Tatiana, therefore this guy can severalise us the names of other jealous women. wherefore didnt you ask him yourself? asked Christian.Because me asking about my aunts wind life would be sick and wrong, said Adrian. Whereas Blake will be more than glad to talk to our charming princess here.Lissa really wanted her bed, but finding out anything to help me sparked a new rush of expertness within her. Okay, let me at least get some different clothe and brush my hair.While she was changing in the bathroom, she heard Adrian say to Christian, You know, your shirts anatomy of grungy-looking. Seems like you could put in a little more effort since youre dating a princess.F ifteen minutes or so later, the threesome were on their way crossways Court to a tucked away bar inside an administrative building. Id been there before and had originally thought it was a weird place to house a bar. But, afterward a late(a) stretchability of filing, Id decided that if I were doing office work for living, Id probably want a quick source of alcohol on decease, too.The bar was dimly lit, both for mood and Moroi comfort. Adrians joking aside, it really was early for Moroi, and only a couple patrons were there. Adrian made a small gesture to the bartender, which I presumed was some kind of ordering signal because the woman straightway turned and began pouring a drink.Hey, Ivashkov Whered you go?A voice called over to Lissa and the others, and after a few moments, she spotted a lone guy sitting at a corner table. As Adrian led them closer, Lissa saw that the guy was youngabout Adrians age, with curly black hair and graphic teal look, kind of like Abes recent tie. It was as though someone had interpreted the stunning color of both Adrian and Christians eyes and mixed them together. He had a leanly muscled ashesabout as buff as any Moroi could manageand, even with a boyfriend, Lissa could admire how hot he was.To get demote-looking company, replied Adrian, pulling out a chair.The Moroi then noticed Adrians companions and jumped up. He caught hold of Lissas handwriting, leaned over, and kissed it. Princess Dragomir. Its an honor to meet you at last. eyesight you from a distance was beautiful. Up close? Divine.This, said Adrian grandly, is Blake Lazar.Its nice to meet you, she said.Blake smiled radiantly. may I call you Vasilisa?You can call me Lissa. You can also, added Christian, let go of her hand now.Blake looked over at Christian, taking a few more moments to release Lissas hand seeming very proud about those extra seconds. Ive seen you too. Ozera. Crispin, right?Christian, corrected Lissa.Right. Blake pulled out a chair, still playing the extraordinary gentleman. Please. Join us. He made no such offer to Christian, who went out of his way to sit close to Lissa. What would you like to drink? Its on me.nothing, said Lissa.The bartender appeared just then, bringing Adrians drink and another for Blake. never too early. Ask Ivashkov. You drink as soon as you roll out of bed, right? Theres a bottle of spoil right on my nightstand, said Adrian, still keeping his tone light. Lissa opened her eyes to his aura. It bore the bright gold all spirit users had, still muddled just about from alcohol. It also had the faintest tinge of rednot true anger, but definite annoyance. Lissa recalled that uncomplete Adrian nor Ambrose had had a good opinion of this Blake guy.So what brings you and Christopher here? asked Blake. He finished a glass of something amber colored and set it down beside the new drink.Christian, said Christian.We were talk about my aunt earlier, said Adrian. Again, he managed to sound very conversational, bu t no matter how much he ability want to clear my name, delving into the enlarges of Tatianas murder obviously bothered him.Blakes smile purposeless a little. How depressing. For both of you. That was directed to Adrian and Lissa. Christian ability as well have not existed. Sorry about Hathaway too, he added to Lissa alone. Ive heard how upset youve been. Whod have seen that climax?Lissa realized he was referring to how shed been pretending to be angry and hurt by me. Well, she said bitterly. I guess you just dont know people. There were a million clues beforehand. I just didnt reach attention.You must be upset too, said Christian. We heard you and the queen were kind of close.Blakes grin returned. Yeah we knew each other pretty well. Im going to miss her. She might have seemed cold to some people, but believe me, she knew how to have a good time. Blake glanced at Adrian. You must have known that.Not in the way you did. Adrian paused to take a sip of his own drink. I think he take it to restrain any snippy remarks, and honestly, I didnt resent him it. I actually admired his self-control. If Id been in his place, I would have long since punched Blake. Or Ambrose.Blakes pretty smile transformed into a full-fledged scowl. Him? That blood whore? He didnt deserve to be in her presence. I cant even believe they let him stay at Court.He actually thinks you killed the queen. Lissa then added hastily, Which is ridiculous when all the evidence proves Rose did it. Those hadnt been Ambroses exact words, but she wanted to see if she could elicit a reaction. She did.He thinks what? Yes. decidedly no smile now. Without it, Blake suddenly didnt seem as good-looking as earlier. That finesse bastard I have an alibi, and he knows it. Hes just pissed off because she wish me better.Then wherefored she keep him around? asked Christian, face almost angelic. Werent you enough?Blake fixed him with a glare while finishing the new drink in nearly one gulp. Almost by magic, the bartender appeared with another. Blake nodded his thank before continuing. Oh, I was more than enough. More than enough for a dozen women, but I didnt fool around on the side like he did.Adrians appearance was growing increasingly pained at each mention of Tatianas depend upon life. Still, he played his role. I suppose youre lecture about Ambroses other girl- friends? Yup. But girl is kind of extreme. They were all older, and honestly, I think they compensable him. Not that your mom makeed to pay anyone, added Blake. I mean, shes actually pretty hot. But you know, she couldnt really be with him in any real way.It seemed to take all of them a moment to follow what Blake was alluding to. Adrian caught on first. What did you just say?Oh. Blake looked legitimately surprised, but it was big(p) to say if it was an act. I thought you knew. Your mom and Ambrose well, who could blame her? With your dad? Though just between you and me, I think she could have done better. Blakes tone implied exactly whom he thought Daniella could have done better with.In Lissas vision, Adrians aura flared red. You son of a bitch Adrian was not the fighting type, but there was a first time for everythingand Blake had just crossed a serious line. My mom was not cheating on my dad. And even if she was she sure as snake pit wouldnt have to pay for it.Blake didnt seem fazed, but maybe things would have been different if Adrian actually had hit him. Lissa rested her hand on Adrians arm and squeezed it gently. Easy, she murmured. I felt the smallest shakiness of calming compulsion move from her into him. Adrian accept it immediately and pulled his arm back, giving her a look that said he didnt give notice her help.I thought you didnt like your dad, said Blake, utterly clueless that his news might be upsetting. And besides, dont get all pissy at me. I wasnt calming with her. Im just weighty you what I heard. Like I said, if you want to start accusing random people, go after some one like Ambrose.Lissa jumped in to keep Adrian from saying anything. How many women? Do you know who else he was involved with? leash others. Blake ticked off names on his hand. Marta Drozdov and Mirabel Conta. Wait. Thats two. I was thinking with Daniella thats three. But then, thats four with the queen. Yeah, four.Lissa didnt name herself with Blakes faulty math skills, though it did livelihood Adrians previous idiot claims. Marta Drozdov was a semi-notorious royal who had taken to traveling the world in her old age. By Lissas estimation, Marta was hardly in the U.S. most of the year, let alone Court. She didnt seem invested enough to murder Tatiana. As for Mirabel Conta she was notorious in a different way. She was known for sleeping with half the guys at Court, married or otherwise. Lissa didnt know her well, but Mirabel had never seemed excessively interested in any one guy.Sleeping with other women wouldnt really give him a motive for killing the queen, pointed out Lissa .No, agreed Blake. Like I said, its obvious that Hathaway girl did it. He paused. Damned shame too. Shes pretty hot. God, that body. Anyway, if Ambrose had killed her, hed have done it because he was jealous of me, because Tatiana liked me better. Not because of all those other women he was doing.Why wouldnt Ambrose just kill you? asked Christian. Makes more sense.Blake didnt have a chance to respond because Adrian was still back on the earlier topic, his eyes wink with anger. My mother wasnt sleeping with anybody. She doesnt even sleep with my father. Blake continued in his oblivious way. Hey, I saw them. They were all over each other. Did I mention how hot your check into it, warned Lissa. Its not dowry.Adrian clenched his glass. None of this is helping Clearly, things werent going the way hed hoped when hed first summoned Lissa and Christian from her room. And Im not going to sit and learn to this bullshit. Adrian downed the drink and shot up from his chair, turn abruptly for the exit. He tossed some hard currency on the bar before move out the door.Poor guy, said Blake. He was back to his calm, arrogant self. Hes been through a lot between his aunt, mom, and murdering girlfriend. Thats why really, at the end of the day, you just cant trust women. He winked at Lissa. Present company excluded, of course.Lissa felt as disgusted as Adrian, and a quick glance at Christians angry face showed he felt the same. It was time to go before someone really did punch Blake. Well, its been great talking to you, but we need to go.Blake gave her puppy-dog eyes. But you just got here I was hoping we could get to know each other. It went without saying what he meant by that. Oh. And Kreskin too.Christian didnt even bother with a rectification this time. He simply took hold of Lissas hand. We have to go.Yeah, agreed Lissa.Blake shrugged and waved for another drink. Well, any time you want to really experience the world, come find me.Christian and Lissa headed for the d oor, with Christian muttering, I really hope that last part was meant for you, not me.Thats no world I want to experience, said Lissa with a grimace. They stepped outside, and she glanced around, in case Adrian had lingered. Nope. He was gone, and she didnt blame him. I can see now why Ambrose and Adrian dont like him. Hes such a diddly-shit? supplied Christian. They turned toward her building.I suppose so. abounding to commit murder?Honestly? No. Lissa sighed. I kind of agree with Ambrose I dont think Blakes smart enough for murder. Or that the motives really there. I cant tell if people are lying or not from their auras, but his didnt reveal anything overly dishonest. You joked, but if anyone was going to commit a jealous murder, why wouldnt the guys want to kill each other? A lot easier.They did both have easy access to Tatiana, Christian reminded her.I know. But if there is love and sex involved here it seems like itd be someone jealous of the queen. A woman.A long, meaningfu l pause hung between them, uncomplete of them wanting to say what they were both likely thinking. Finally, Christian broke the silence.Say, like, Daniella Ivashkov?Lissa shook her head. I cant believe that. She doesnt seem like the type.Murderers never seem like the type. Thats why they get away with it.Have you been studying up on your criminology or something? No. They reached her buildings front door, and he opened it for Lissa. Just laying out some facts. We know Adrians mom never liked Tatiana for personality reasons. Now we find out that they were sharing the same guy.She has an alibi, said Lissa stonily.Everyone has an alibi, he reminded her. And as weve learned, those can be paid for. In fact, Daniellas already paid for one.I still cant believe it. Not without more proof. Ambrose swore this was more political than personal.Ambrose isnt off the list either.They came to Lissas room. This is harder than I thought it would be. They went inside, and Christian wrapped his arms around her.I know. But well do it together. Well figure it out. But we might want to keep some of this to ourselves. Maybe Im overreacting here, but I think itd be best if we dont ever, ever tell Adrian his mom has an excellent motive for having killed his aunt.Oh, you think? She rested her head against his chest and yawned.Naptime, said Christian, leading her toward the bed.I still need a shower.Sleep first. Shower later. He pulled back the covers. Ill sleep with you.Sleep or sleep? she asked dryly, sliding gratefully into bed. sincere sleep. You need it. He crawled in beside her, spooning against her and resting his face on her shoulder. Of course, afterward, if you want to conduct any official Council business I swear, if you say Little Dragomirs, you can sleep in the hall.Im sure there was a procure Christian retort coming, but another knock cut him off. He looked up in exasperation. Dont answer it. For real this time.But Lissa couldnt help herself. She broke from his embrace and climbed out of bed. Its not Adrian Then its probably not important, said Christian.We dont know that.She got up and opened the door, revealingmy mother.Janine Hathaway swept into the room as casually as Adrian had, her eyes precipitant as she studied every detail around her for a threat. Sorry I was away, she told Lissa. Eddie and I wanted to set up an alternating system, but we both got pulled for duty earlier. She glanced over at the rumpled bed, with Christian in it, but being who she was, she came to a pragmatic conclusion, not a romanticistic one. Just in time. I forecast youd want to sleep after the test. Dont worryIll keep watch and make sure nothing happens.Christian and Lissa exchanged ruthful looks.Thanks, said Lissa.