Cultural Difference: Hofstede Framework

Culture, in my own opinion, is a unique system of values and norms that are believed by a group of people who live in the same society. Since culture is unique, Geert Hofstede tried to study the differences. After the study, he proposed five dimensions to measure the cultural difference between nations. The following parts will explain Hofstede Framework briefly. The first dimension is Power Distance. It is a tool to measure the power difference between levels in organization. In a group with high power distance, the majority of people would tend to respect in authority and establish hierarchy.When observing their behavior, they would have a great esteem on the class of social level. By contrary, a society with a low power distance would not fear authority and view themselves as equal with equal rights. Generally, the power distance in Oriental is higher than that in Occidental. The second dimension is Individualism vs. Collectivism. This index measures the preference of a group of p eople in considering self-benefit or group-benefit. In a society of collectivism, the society would have strong group cohesion and have higher responsibility on others well-being.Besides, the management level would tend to discuss with their subordinates before making a decision. By contrary, people will have loose ties and lack of interpersonal connection when a society prefers individualism. Generally, the Oriental prefer to focus on collectivism; the Occidental prefer to focus on the individualism. The third dimension is Achievement vs. Nurturing. This index reflects a society that sticks with and values traditional male and female roles. If the score is high, the society tends to holes value like traditionally male which is competitive, assertive and ambitious.They would be less emotional and would not make any emotional-based decision or argument. On the other hand, a nurturing-oriented society will respect and admired powerful women and they would tend to emphasizing considera tion and personal feelings. Next dimension is Uncertainty Avoidance. The score reflects the attitude of the group when it faced risk and ambiguity. If the score of uncertainty avoidance is high, the management of the group would prefer to set more rules to avoid the uncertainty situation during the daily operation. By contrary, society with low score has higher illingness in accepting risk and changes.Also, the management of the group would impose less rules and structure when unnecessary. The last one is Long-term vs. Short-term Orientation. It measures the group of people prefer to consider the short-term-benefit or the long-term-benefit. If the group prefers short-term-benefit means the management may seek for the quick success and the instant benefits. They would consider personal stability and respect fro tradition. By contrary, the group prefers long-term-benefit means they concern the future, advocate saving and reserve. They believe that progressive effect is more important. With the Hofstede framework, we can separate and understand the difference of managing culture through these five dimensions. On the other hand, when we talk abou Culture†, somebody would say that â€Å"Culture is something easy to build up, but hard to break†. However, in my opinion, this is not a one-sided statement. We would not state that culture is either easy or difficult to build up or break down, as we could adopt a new cultural environment or re-build a culture in a micro-environment by nderstanding the cultural norms and behavior of that society.For example, to change the beliefs and values in an organization, we should adopt different approaches based on the culture in that nation. I would explain my contention using the Hofstede's framework in the following parts. The first angle is Power Distance. The majority of people would obey their boss if the index is high. By contrary, they would view themselves as equal with equal rights. For this, there are two dif ferent reactions when they meet the change of culture, included buildup and break down.From the angle of higher-index nation, they will accept the changes always; most likely they will not refuse the changes, include the break down. So, management can change the culture easily in this situation. However, in the low-index nation, it will not only hard to build up, but also hard to break down the culture as they emphasize to view themselves as equal with equal, especially to rebuild. Therefore, management should follow these three advices when they change to culture. Firstly, form a discuss group and invite staff to show their views and concern before decision making.Secondly, try to use more statistics to seek their support within the discussion. The most important is the management must keep the eyes on the behaviors and emotion of the staff the change started. If the negative reaction was found, the management should stop the change and review. If the management follows it, it is e asy to change the culture. The second angle is Individualism vs. Collectivism. As the said before, the society would have strong group concept if there is Collectivism. On the other hand, they would emphasize the self-benefit when they prefer Individualism.For this, the main focus should be â€Å"Benefit†, there are two different reactions when they meet the change of culture. In the Individualism society, â€Å"Self-Benefit† is their main focus. If changing the culture will bring the â€Å"Self-Benefit†, they will support the change. Then, Culture is something easy to build up and break down. However, if changing the culture will cut the â€Å"Self- Benefit† down, they will against the change. Then, Culture is something hard to build up and break down. By contrary, in the Collectivism society, â€Å"Group-Benefit† is their main focus.If changing the culture will advantage to â€Å"Group-Benefit†, they will support the change. So, Culture is something easy to build up and break down in this moment. However, if changing the culture is disadvantage to â€Å"Group-Benefit†, they will against the change. Then, Culture is something hard to build up and break down in this moment. As a role of management, we should try to guide them to focus the viewpoint to positive. For example, when we would like to change the culture of late, some supporter of the Individualism may think it is damage to their â€Å"Self-Benefit†.But e should change their mind-set to it is benefit for them, it is a chance for strive to the promotion. For the support of Collectivism, we also can try a similar approach. For example, when we would like to change the culture of talking gossip, some supporter of the Collectivism may think it is damage to their â€Å"Group-Benefit†. We should change their mind-set to it is advantage to tor them; it will be increase to productivity atter stop to talking. All of them can get the team bonus if the productivity increases. Try to divert their attention and get their support, then the change of culture will easier.If we can not divert their attention, the management should stop the change and review it immediately. The next angle is Achievement vs. Nurturing. If the score is high, the group of people will more competitive, assertive and ambitious. However, they would tend to emphasizing consideration and personal feelings if the score is low. In this situation, they will only support the change if it is fit with their character and oppose it if it can not. After we got their support, we can change the culture easily. But, it is hard to change the culture if we only got their objection.In the Achievement society, we should avoid discussing emotions or making emotionally-based decisions or arguments. By contrary, Ensure Job design and practices are not discriminatory to either gender. And treat men and women equally. By doing so, we will build up or break down easily. When we go the wrong way, then we will hard to build up and break down. The fourth angle is Uncertainty Avoidance. The group would prefer to set more rules if the score of uncertainty avoidance is high. If the score of uncertainty avoidance is low, they have higher willingness in accepting risk.If the score of uncertainty avoidance is low, that means they love to support the change of culture, it is easy to rebuild and break down the culture. On the other hand, they are not the fans of the change if the score of uncertainty avoidance is high, because they have not confidence for the future. For this, we should give more plans and preparation to the staff, communicate with them often and early, provide detailed plans of change. Through the guide line, we can lead the people to rebuild or break the culture step-by-step. After that, they will support the change as they got he confidence.The last angle is Long-term vs. Short-term Orientation. If the group prefers short- term-benefit means the m anagement may seek for the quick success and the instant benefits. By contrary, the group prefers long-term-benefit means they believe that progressive effect is more important. In Long-term society, we should avoid letting them lose the face, emphasize and benefit of future, then they will support. Otherwise they will oppose the change. By contrary, in Short-term society, we should emphasize the quick benefit, then they will support. Otherwise they will oppose the change.

Application of project management skills

Management of any project requires the management and leadership skills for it to be successful. Projects are initiated to solve a specific problem which has been identified and they exist within a limited time frame. Most of the time, projects have to operate under the constraints of a limited budget and resources so they have to be completed to address the problems they were designed for.  People initiate and implement projects and a lot of team work and good leadership is needed for their completion. When one works in an organization, there will always be a manager who is in charge to see that the goals and objectives of the organization are achieved. Managers, who are accountable to the owners, have to ensure that the objectives are fulfilled within a limited time and budget.Team work is very vital at work places and different individuals have to work harmoniously to achieve the goals and objectives similar to execution of projects (Landes, 2007). If anyone is in management at work they need to apply different types of leadership to address different problems that face the organization. It is crucial for the manager to have a good knowledge of the organization as it helps him in dealing with challenges that face it daily.  Managers provide leadership which concerns itself with influencing people in places of work to achieve certain things that are vital for the success of the organization. Problems that need to be solved daily in places of work are like projects since they require unique solutions which have to be executed within a span of time (Landes, 2007).When an organization comes up with its objectives and goals aimed at improving or boosting its performance specific tasks are distributed among the employees. Management in a places of work concerns it self with drafting a budget that is strictly followed to ensure its success.  Every task that is delegated to an employee has a strict deadline that must be observed. Management skills are very cru cial in places of work as they ensure that the organization runs smoothly and there is no conflict. Like in projects people play a vital role in the achievement of all the goals and objectives of the organization.A lot of challenges are experienced when trying to manage people at work places and the relationship of those in the helm of leadership in an organization and the led is a key determinant of its failure or success.Leadership in places of work can motivate workers to achieve the goals that have been laid out within a limited span of time and within a certain budget. Management in places of work concerns itself with management of people, ensuring customers are satisfied, working with colleagues, and ensuring the creation of environments that are conducive for workers to give an excellent performance in the confines of a budget and on limited time superseding the expectations of stake holders (Landes, 2007).The applications of this module are very relevant in any place of work . There are many aspects in work places that need intensive attentions and a lot of planning to optimize the performance and the project management skills can be utilized in such instances. The management and leadership skills that see the completion of projects to satisfactory levels come in handy in work life when applied at all levels. People are vital in both work places and projects and they can lead to success or failure of either.BibliographyLandes, C. 2007, Project management skills in startups, retrieved on April 1, 2009, from https://www.startupnation.com/forums/3327/1/1/print

Sustainable Solutions Paper. DBA strategy Essay

Sustainable Solutions Paper. DBA strategy - Essay Example As a business that deals with fashion and lifestyle products, Albani is concerned with sustainability of its customers and suppliers. Being a leading company in the perfume industry, Albani can be ranked as a successful or unsuccessful company through considerable consideration of its business environment. This will require the use of appropriate and up to date business analysis tools including porter’s five forces, general force analysis tools, SWOT analysis, and detailed value analysis. Sustainable operations will only result from strategic thinking and planning by the company’s managers. In the strategic planning, the company will require addressing both its production and supply channels. Executive Summary Sustainability of a business depends on various factors. These factors are fundamental characteristic of the business environment in which a firm operates. The sustainable solution paper analyzes the immediate environment of Albani Corporation. The paper also anal yzes the future of the company in terms of sustainability of its strategies and business structures. The sustainable solution paper begins by looking at the internal environment of the company. Internal business environment include immediate business factors controlled by the business. Such factors define the weakness and the strength of the company in relation to its competitors. Secondly, the paper analyzes the external environment of the company. Through the analysis, the paper utilizes essential industry analysis tools, which include SWOT/ SCOT analysis, landscape analysis, Boid analysis, Value Chain Analysis. Based on the above industrial and business analysis tool, the paper gives a long tern focus on the future of the market and industry in which Albani company operates (Alas, 2007). This focus or prediction is based on strategies derived from each of the analysis. General Force Analysis: the company is subject to economic forces that affects people’s purchasing power and way of life. Technology determines the production capacity and quality of the products that the company produces. Finally, consumption of Albani products is based on demographic factors such as gender ratios and dependency ratio it was established that the company targets people aged between 15- 40 years of age. Porter’s Five-Force Analysis Power of buyers: Buyers in the perfume industry have relatively low power and hence a low effect on the prices of the products Bargaining power of suppliers: The industry has few suppliers and hence they have high powers or ability to control the market and profitability of firms. Threats of substitutes: the industry has greatly differentiated products and hence minimal threats of substitutes. SWOT Analysis Strengths: Strong brand and Wide customer base are the main strengths of the company. Weakness: Using its positive values or strength the company hopes to eliminate its weakness, which includes Stretching demand and requirements for summer fragrances. Opportunity: By utilizing its strengths, the company hopes to exploits its opportunities, which include Emerging markets, winter fragrances. Threats: Finally, the company can counter its threatening factors by eliminating its weakness, which includes influx of cheap products, and Changing trends and fashion. Fitness Landscape and Analysis The perfume industry is a dynamic industry that is expanding constantly. However, the company is

Factors that Affect Detachment of Bacteria from Biofilm and Research Proposal

Factors that Affect Detachment of Bacteria from Biofilm and Interactions between Free Bacteria and Those in the Biofilm - Research Proposal Example They contain a range of different microbes including, but not limited to microalgae, protozoan and bacteria. Biofilms can contain pathogenic forms of microbes . They have been proposed as a mechanism of defense for bacteria, and consist of a matrix that is able to adhere to liquid or solid surfaces . Biofilms have been shown to be more than 500 times more resistant than free bacteria to antibacterial agents . Because of their high level of resistance and stability they are able to provide effective reservoirs for pathogens, as well as survival advantages and potential increases to their virulence. Biofilms have been linked to some human disease and chronic infections, including kidney stones and cystic fibrosis infections of the lungs . More than 99% of all bacteria that is present in the world exists in biofilms , as a consequence the presence of biofilms and their role with pathogenic bacteria is an important area of study. Bacteria within and exterior to biofilms are different tha n one another in a number of ways. As well as increased resistance to antibacterial agents, bacteria within biofilms exist in an environment of cooperatively that has a primitive circulatory system and exhibit a primitive form of homeostasis . Bacteria attach to a biofilms by approaching closely so that a brief association is formed between the bacterium and either the surface or other bacteria already attached.

Does corporate Social Responsibility influence consumers behaviors Essay

Does corporate Social Responsibility influence consumers behaviors - Essay Example According to Philip L. Cochran and Robert A, if CSR tend to be negatively correlated with financial performance of firms, managers should be paying more attention to this area. On the other hand, a positive relationship indicates the CSR principles of the firm are good for company. In addition, the social responsibilities can help companies improve the brand image and enhance the reputation, and attract more employees and potential business partner (Tsoutsoura, 2004). They are finally creating more value of the firm. Some recent article also exam CSR as having positive relationship with consumers’ behaviour. The study of Rahim, Jalaludin and Tajuddin (2011) indicates that all of the CSR components (economic, legal, ethical, philanthropic) have a significant relationship with consumers' buying behaviour in Malaysia. Problem Statement The 2009 report, dubbed ‘Green to the Core’ published by Consumer Focus (soon to be a victim of the cuts), rated the UK’s top nine supermarkets on how well they inform consumers about sustainability issues and help them to make more sustainable choices; both through provision of products and information. In this report, Sainsbury’s and M&S were ranked A. (Ethical consumers 2011). Many studies have been done in CSR regarding consumer purchasing decisions in countries. However, not many studies have been conducted in organizations, such as food retailers. CSR activities should enhance a corporation's image. According to Lafferty, Barbara and Ronald (1999), a positive corporate image is positively correlated to purchase intention and also helps consumers to differentiate between companies and their product or service offerings. Therefore, loyalty and commitment from customers are likely to increase if companies act responsibly and accountably in terms of their social and environmental impact (Brown & Dacin, 1997; Pirsch, Gupta, & Grau, 2007). Ethical consumers 2011 shows Corporate Social Responsibility Scores (see the table above) of the 8 main food retailers in UK. The research was divided into seven main area: animal welfare, climate change, health, toxics, waste, water and worker’s right. Co-op was the leading retailer on CSR with 56 %, and following is M&S (39%) and Sainsbury’s (29%) (Ethical consumers 2011). Aims and Objective The aim of the current study is to use M&S as a case to analyse the consumers’ behavior on CSR. Marks and Spencer plc (also known as M&S) is a UK based retailer and it is mainly committed to the selling of high quality food products, stylish clothing and home products. It was set up in 1884 by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer in Leeds. Today, over 78,000 employees are hired by M&S PLC in the UK and abroad, and M&S has 731 branch UK stores and 387 stores across 43 areas around the world. According to the Annual Report of M&S (2012), there are 21 million people visiting the indoor stores every week. M&S is listed at the London STOCK Exchange and joined FTSE 100 index. Based on Interbrand 2012 Best Retail Brands Report, Marks & Spencer as the second most valuable retail brand in the UK and its brand value increased by 3% to. $6,256m (Perella, 2012). Significance of the Study M&S aims to become the world’s most sustainable retailer. Plan A is an environmental and ethical programme launched by M&S in January 2007 and set out 138 commitments in 2012. Plan B focus on climate change, reduce waste, use sustainable raw materials, trade ethically and help customers to

Easyjet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Easyjet - Essay Example However, there are several areas that may be pointed out where the aim and objective behind provision of this site is not being satisfied and its full potential is not being harnassed, thereby undermining the potential market that exists for easyjet services. One of the first aspects that easyjet needs to look into is the fact that its B2B link is not clearly visible on the home page. The home page is crammed with several links, of which the B2B link is so small that older viewers who need glasses or those with any kind of visual disability may completely miss the access point. As Jakob Nielsen (1999) points out in his book on designing a good website, simplicity is one of the most vital aspects of designing a website, because the design of a page forms the most visible part of the webpage (p 2). He recommends splitting the material into several pages, but ensuring that each page provides a solid amount of content in a simple, easily viewable form. From this perspective, if easyjet is targeting the business community through its website, then one of its first priorities should be to separate out some of the information on the home page into other pages. For example, the information on airport parking or To/from airport can be included within other pages. There are too many navigation links on this one home page, but the one relevant to the business company is in a very small font and is lost among the other links. Moreover this link is not bolstered with any kind of graphic enhancement at all, therefore first of all the access point must be made more visible and included in a larger font. If it is to stand out on the page, then the link must be bold and highlighted and can be placed separately on one side of the page. Another aspect that must be borne in mind when opening such a cluttered page is the fact that download time will be much more because there are so many links on the one page. This is why simplicity in the page design is of utmost

How to succeed at team-building Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

How to succeed at team-building - Essay Example Organisational behaviour encompasses many areas including employee engagement, employee motivation, communication, personality development and so on. This paper will review the article â€Å"How to succeed at team-building† written by Martin Goodwill (n.d.) using some theories and concepts in the area of organisational behaviour. Literature review As the title indicates, the given article specifically focuses on the aspect team building. Team building is a management approach whereby employees are considered as interdependent team members instead of individual workers. As scholars point out, team building encompasses a wide range of activities ranging from simple bonding exercises to multi-day retreat programmes designed for improving the overall performance of the team, and ultimately the organisation. In a business context, the process of team building falls under the framework of organisational development. Majority of the organisations shape their day to day operations in a way team building is enhanced. A strong and efficient leadership is necessary to improve the team dynamics. The article writer strongly says that employee engagement is an integral part of successful team building. ... Tuckman’s model The â€Å"forming, storming, norming, and performing† model of group development was developed by Bruce W. Tuckman in 1965 based on his 50 studies of group behaviour. Tuckman argues that all these stages of group development are essential for any team to address problems, deliver desired results, and to grow further. The Tuckman’s model is particularly concerned with the way individuals would behave when they work together in a group for the first time or when they are assigned with a challenging task like diversity training. This model is greatly helpful for team members to get a clear view of the group dynamics while working in professional contexts. It is also useful for group leaders to monitor their groups’ development when their group members are resistant to change. Forming is the first stage of team building and is initiated for the completion of a particular task; and during this initial stage, team members pay specific attention o n team organisation, work schedules, and meetings (Clements & Jones 2008). They try to collect information about each other and to avoid serious feelings for ensuring smooth flow of the team building process. At this level, individuals’ behaviour may be influenced by their aspiration to be accepted by others (ibid). This is what Goodwill call ‘employee engagement’ in his article. Since team members are extremely focused on themselves at the forming stage, proper employee engagement would bring desired outcomes. In the second stage (storming), the group discusses matter like how individual members can work independently and together to solve various issues and what leadership model they are about to follow. Referring to Goodwill’s views, a leader has an important role to play in

Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 2

Research Paper Example However, the number of teenage pregnancy in sub- Saharan nations leads the worldwide pack. On the contrary, the teenagers who find themselves pregnant face additional medical problems for their newborn babies. Mostly, these babies tend to be under weight during birth due to the ages of their mothers. On the other hand, teenage pregnancies tend to draw influence from a number of factors. First, the social issue that may include education level is a crucial influence. Additionally, the economic status from which a teenager comes from is a factor that brings about this societal problem. With these facts in mind, this paper will illustrate how teenage pregnancies tend to influence early childhood education as per a number of peer-reviewed articles as sources. Personal reflection Over the years, teenage pregnancies have greatly affected the learning progress of teenagers and young adults. In my view, society pays minimal attention to the risks involved in the discontinuity of education fo r teenagers. Arguably, the effects of teenage pregnancies vary from health related risks to emotional torment and discomfort. The health risks are greater than the other risks, as there are also the risks of contracting sexually transmitted infections. However, many teenagers have focused on pregnancies and have neglected the fact that their general reproductive health may also be at risk due early indulgence in sexual related activities. On the contrary, teenage pregnancies have found ways in which teenagers have sought to do away with the issue in secret. One of the ways in which the teenagers deal with unplanned teenage pregnancies is unsafe abortions that the authorities may not be aware of. Incidentally, unsafe abortions are the leading killers within teenagers with the mortality rates rising by the day. Ideally, the loss of a generation would mean that the education system would suffer in the end because the alarming death rates may disrupt the learning process. In this regard , reproductive health is the key aspect in which the education syllabus should base its criteria for teaching in order to ensure the number of those that discontinue learning reduces by an incredible rate. Without this, teenage pregnancies will forever remain a constant hurdle that the society will have to encounter due to the poor planning structures. Essentially, the key to minimizing the teenage pregnancies is the application of reproductive health topics within the education curricular without society being modest in any way. Causes and effects of teenage pregnancies Over the years, teenage pregnancy has become the main cause for the rise in the number of high school dropouts. Essentially, schooling forms the basic part to a comfortable future for any young boy or girl. For a woman, the amount of schooling reflects on her professional carrier, her ability to get married, and remarkably her life standards. In this regard, it is critical for a young woman to determine the time to which is appropriate for her to conceive so that her future remains as prosperous as intended. Incidentally, child upbringing is a demanding task hence the time spent on this business should have been on other matters like schooling especially for the young adults. Intense researches have shown that early teenage pregnancy may be detrimental to a woman’s life because it raises the chances of her not finishing her education compared to her childless peers. This is to mean that early parenthood lowers their chances of exploring their full

What characteristics and events in Chinese history prevented China Essay

What characteristics and events in Chinese history prevented China from becoming a world power before 1949 - Essay Example This paper will outline some of the main contours leading to the Chinese rise of economic superiority over the western civilization prior to the 19th century, after which it will be possible to account for the rise of the western civilization from the eastern origins. From as early as 1078, historical records indicate that china was the world’s major steel producer, thereby outweighing the British as producers of steel. Apart from this production, it is also possible to determine that China was leading in international trade, thereby possessing the largest commercial ships, which had the capacity of transporting 3,000 tons worth of goods. By 1750, it is possible to determine that China’s per capita income could probably match that of Great Britain since they had a stable economy, technological developments and high agricultural yields. From this point, the Europeans and British manufacturers were able to follow China’s lead thereby borrowing and assimilating its advanced technology mainly for the penetration of the Chinese lucrative and advanced market. The western conquest of the East was militaristic, and they justified their conquest to with its non-reciprocal economic relation with their trading countries overseas. On the other hand, China’s predominance was on the basis of reciprocal benefits with its overseas trading partners since the country’s rulers were accustomed or relied on their superiority in production, banking skills and sophisticated commercial skills (Rosenthal et al, 36). In contrast, the western nations were relying on military conquest, destruction of competitiveness, and tariff protection. Consequently, it is possible to determine that the British were not hesitant in exterminating some of the communities that were resistant to their policies. With their inability to invade the Chinese market by great economic competitiveness, the British relied on military power in their conquest, thereby leading armed

Transnationalization of Chinese Action Films Essay

Transnationalization of Chinese Action Films - Essay Example This shift in the film paradigm is known as the transnationalism of Chinese cinema (Stephen Teo). This paper studies the transnationalism of Chinese cinema through the examination of four movies, namely, Enter the Dragon, Face/Off, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and One Night in Mongkok. These films will be our case studies in determining the extent and nature of transnationalism that the Chinese cinema has underwent ever since the advent of cinematic change in the late 1920's (Stephen Teo). The first film to be studied is Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, the directorial project of Ang Lee, released in the USA on 9 December 2003 (IMBD 2004). This film is the best example to study the modern day Chinese cinema, due to the strategies that Ang Lee employed in making this film. The Chinese film industry has always been aware that their stories and culture is essentially oriental (Stephen Teo), that is, it can only be clearly and absolutely understood by the locals and the Asian market. With the expanding economic system and increased global interactions, the need was felt for the films to cater to a wide variety of audience, and such audience might not necessarily be from the Chinese land. This meant that the traditions and cultures shown in the Chinese cinema had to be produced in such a way that audiences from other cultural backgrounds, particularly the Americans (Stephen Teo), could easily comprehend them. In other words, the films should have the ability to be culturall y "translated" (Stephen Teo). Some efforts had been made before to achieve this goal, however, all those movies depended on the concept of oriental postmodernism (Stephen Teo) to make the movie more globally understandable. This model essentially depended on portraying the complex culture to the modern market in a way that showed the modern Asian concept of Orientalism (Stephen Teo). What Crouching Tiger brought with it was a change in the treatment and the thinking behind the film; it focused more on globalization than postmodernism (Stephen Teo). Hence, it was more flexible (Stephen Teo) and could be easily translated and transcended into the diverse cultures worldwide. Crouching Tiger did not simply rely on the tried and tested wuxia norms of Chinese cinema, nor did it try to promote the kung fu culture always prevalent in Chinese cinema (Stephen Teo). That said, it is not true that Crouching Tiger did not portray the intrinsic martial art culture of China. In fact, coming from a Chinese background, Ang Lee had to cater to a Chinese audience at home, and so it was imperative that should include local

Disadvantages of television Essay Example for Free

Disadvantages of television Essay It is believed that television is one of the successful invention in this era. At first, television is used to transfer information from all over the world in the fastest speed. Nowadays, television has entered another stage, there are many shopping mall selling high-definition televisions. Other than first hand information, television provides us entertainment and knowledge. There are sitcoms, documentary, drama, sports, movie, etc. Nonetheless, is it good or not? This time, let us talk about the advantages and disadvantages of watching television. Like some people, I love watching television when I have spare time. In 21st century, watching television has been becoming a popular activity other than sports, or playing video games. Nevertheless, did you notice how many hours do you spend on watching television every day? And did you choose a suitable programme for yourself? Surprisingly, the average of an American watch television for 7 hours and 15 minutes per day. And this figured out how many people has already been invaded by television. Read more: Advantages of television essay Watching television is really a waste of time. Those for whom watching television 8 hours a day. They waste 56 hours a week, then they waste about 240 hours a month, and they waste about 2900 hours a year. As if we can make good you use of these 2900 hours, we can learn knowledge from books, can make ourselves more healthy. Also, television programme are not suitable for everyone. Violence and sexual materials affect the growth of children and teens. If their parents do not teach them, their children may result in committing crimes. Moreover, if their parents did not tell their children not to open the volume too loud or watching television in a longer distance, it may also hurt their ears and eyes easily. Furthermore, students who watch television more than 2 hours everyday, it may affect their academic because they have no longer concern about their study

Casa Bianchi | Switzerland Architecture

Casa Bianchi | Switzerland Architecture Located at the foot of the San Giorgio Mountain, in the Mendrisio district of Switzerland, Casa Bianchi (1971-3) at Riva San Vitale stands apart from the beautiful natural landscape of this fishing town. Occupying 220 square metres of an 850 square metre site, the concrete block tower resembles a fortress in its relative isolation above Lake Lagona; cold but yet familiar in its modern form. Built on a hillside, the main access to this family house is curiously through its top floor. This square vertically extruded building seems fortress-like in that it does not interact with its surroundings but rather observes them. However, a connection is established between hillside and home by an 18 metre long red metal bridge which provides the main access to the house; reinforcing its stronghold appearance. The bridge pierces the heart of the home through the fifth floor where a studio and a terrace are to be found. Private views are offered from both these spaces, together detaching the viewer from the world, and directly creating a rapport between the two. The feeling, when crossing the bridge towards the house, is of entering into the landscape, and ones eyes extend beyond to the church of Melano, at the other side of the lake.'[i] Mario Botta (b. Switzerland 1943) designed this house shortly after graduating for his close friends Carlo and Leontina Bianchi. This was Bottas second project for the couple; the first was the refurbishment of a flat in the village of Genestrerio, Switzerland. The brief for the residence at Riva San Vitale was similar in that a low budget home was required for a couple with two children. Botta himself strongly believed in a house being designed for its particular environment hence the distinctive appearance employed by the home. According to Arnardà ³ttir, Halldà ³ra and Sà ¡nchez Merina, Javier, the land along the small road where the Bianchi site ends had been suffering from haphazard development during the last century. Botta opposed the tendancy to treat architecture as a commodity and so it was his intention from the very beginning to propose a house that would mark the limit of the careless expansion of the village as means of protecting the woods. Due in part to his protest, shortly after the completion of the house, new regulations declared no further construction could be approved in the area and so, for this reason the tower house now stands alone in its protected landscape. The greatest influences on the work of Mario Botta came in the form the renowned brutalist architects Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn, both of whom he briefly collaborated with in the sixties. Brutalism was a movement conceived from modernist architecture that thrived in the wake of World War II due to economically depressed states requiring low-cost construction and design. Characterisd by its stark, monolithic forms, brutalism comprised of unembellished exteriors and often block-like geometric forms. Undoubtedly the Bianchi house is a true example of brutalist architecture but Botta himself is most commonly referred to as a neo-rationalist architect, belonging to the Ticense school. Neo Rationalism was an Italian movement of great repute in 1960s and 1970s. Seeking to redefine architectural form through the rational mergence of its components, neo Rationalism dismissed the sentiment that technology is the only way forward in architecture. Instead they looked to the past and were inspired by the architectural forms that were once abundant. Botta looked to the Ticinese movement of which he was one of the foremost figures when designing the Riva San Vitale residence. The Ticinese school was comprised of a group of Swiss architects who promoted a greater appreciation for the significance of historical style, both socially and culturally. Roccolo houses, or bird hunting towers once typified the Ticino region and it is from these buildings that Botta took inspiration when designing the load bearing concrete brick tower house. These buildings were raised over the trees as traces of human marks Later, although many of them were destroyed, some were converted into weekend houses. It was precisely this combination of astonishing nature and basic construction which gave a special quality to the area.[ii] Bottas intentions in utilising this form were however very different ; The house stands at a respectful distance from the hillside, infringing upon the land only as much as is necessary. The vertical manner ensures the house does not lose importance when compared with the lofty mountains as its backdrop and by doing so answered his friends wishes of enjoying both the views of the lake above the trees and by having strong contact with the ground. Stevens Curl, James described Bottas buildings to have; clear, powerful geometries and display fine craftsmanship. For instance, the house at Riva San Vitale is monumental, and has deep and powerful voids in the elevations'[iii] The house is open plan and yet still private, organized around a mostly enclosed central open newel staircase and offers a selection of different views of the region from each living space. In turn, the stairs section off the house and so act as a divider, creating privacy. From the bridge, the floor to be found when descending the staircase is the private one of Carlo and Leontina themselves. Through being positioned thus, the couple are essentially the gatekeepers to their own home. So long as they are on their floor, no one can leave or enter through the front without their knowledge. Botta has created for them an intimate space comprising a bedroom, bathroom, dressing room and even a lake view balcony. The second floor of the home was designed for family living. The children have their own twin bedroom and bathroom and there is also a study which serves as a balcony, overlooking the kitchen-dining room. The duplex nature of the house allows for interaction between the different floors, making it more social, but there are still private quarters to be found on each level giving a range in atmosphere not only across the different floors, but in each room also. A dining room can also be found on the first floor and the basement consists of a laundry room, storage spaces and a garage which are clearly intended for family use only. Botta arranged the house so that the service areas occupy a similar vertical position with the bathrooms on the second and third floors and the laundry room in the basement. This way, plumbing the house would be more cost effective as certain pipes such as those for drainage would run through the building and it would also save space. The only part of the house to require a separate system would be the kitchen which occupies a different part of the first floor. It is in this part of the house that we assume Botta has considered his clients spacial requirements the priority. The basement consists of a laundry room, storage spaces and a garage which are clearly intended for family use only. The social centre of the house can be found on the first floor where there is a living room in addition to the kitchen -dining room. Guests to the house would be required to walk across the bridge and down into the public region of the house. Standing at the bottom of a slope, with such depths and fortification within the property, the Bianchi house feels like an upside down castle. The simple design and allows for as much light as possible to enter the home without compromising the privacy of the family. Increasing commercialization by those seen as having betrayed architecture, a return to academic theories propounded by Quatremà ¨re de Quincy and others was proposed. A good example of realized works is Grassis student residences, Chieti (1976), which drew on proposals by Weinbrenner (1808). Bibliography Surname, First Name (or initials if you do not know the first name). Date. Title (in italics). Place of publication: Publisher. Arnardà ³ttir, Halldà ³ra Sà ¡nchez Merina, Javier. 2005. A family house at Riva San Vitale by Mario Botta. Available from: http://storiesofhouses.blogspot.com/2005/07/family-house-at-riva-san-vitale-by.html (Accessed th October 2009) FDHA, Federal Department of Home Affairs. Mario Botta. 2009 Available from: http://www.bundesmuseen.ch/cdn/00127/00203/index.html?lang=en Stevens Curl, James. 2000. A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture.

The Impact of Education on Economic Cost of Diabetes

The Impact of Education on Economic Cost of Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is undeniably a global epidemic. Development of drugs and other health care tools for the treatment of diabetes patients are in full swing all over the world, yet, little attention is given to the education of the diabetes patient. The availability of literature related to diabetes education in Saudi Arabia is very limited. Most literature and studies have focused on the prevalence of diabetes throughout the region. Diabetes education is of significant concern because of the detrimental effects of diabetes to the lives of the diabetic patients, especially in the economic and social aspects. Diabetes self-management education (DSME), if properly implemented and evaluated, can help improve glycemic control, self-care and emotional well-being and reduce the cost of care (Izquierdo, 2003). According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) (2009), some of the long-term goals of diabetes education are to decrease the burden for those at risk for or living with diab etes and their families; and to reduce the economic burden of diabetes at individual and societal levels. The government and health care sector plays a very important role in the proper guidance of the Saudi people. This paper explores the effects of health care education on the cost of diabetes mellitus treatment in Saudi Arabia. Research Statement Diabetes mellitus has already become the most common non-communicable disease in the world (Alwakeel et al., 2008). According to recent epidemiological data, the incidence of diabetes mellitus in many Arab countries is particularly high; the information about the prevalence of diabetes in Saudi Arabia is rather limited, but it is clear that diabetes remains one of the most serious health issues in Saudi Arabia (Alwakeel et al., 2008). The current state of research shows that a multi-disciplinary approach to diabetes is a viable solution to the existing diabetes issues in Saudi Arabia (Udezue et al., 2005). Unfortunately, little or no information is provided about what diabetes is; how it works, and whether it can be cured and prevented. Al-Saeedi, Al-Dawood and Elzubier (2002) wrote that hundreds of diabetic incidents in Saudi Arabia are uncontrolled because they hold numerous misconceptions about diabetes and its treatment. These misconceptions have a detrimental impact on their treatment outcomes (Al-Dawood et al., 2002). This research is important because education could be a significant factor on diabetes prevention and management issues, and may play a role in finding a solution to the problem. Education may provide individuals with better awareness of preventive measures to avoid or control diabetes, and therefore also contribute to reducing the economic costs of diabetes mellitus treatment in Saudi Arabia. In addition, diabetes patients who have low income will be able to benefit from the more comprehensive education programs, and in effect improve their financial status (Izquie rdo, 2003). Given the seriousness and extent of the diabetes situation in Saudi Arabia and the existing gap in literature, there is an urgent need to explore the positive economic effects of diabetes education in Saudi Arabia. This research will also aim to prove the efficiency of diabetes education as a form of preventive health mechanism. The researcher expects that the results will lay the foundation for the development of sound medical educational policies in Saudi Arabia. Justification In 2010, Saudi Arabia ranks third in the global prevalence of Type 2 diabetes and second highest in terms of percentage of national healthcare expenditure on diabetes (Kalyani, 2010). According to Al-Dawood et al. (2002), the rate of treatment-related misconceptions in Western Saudi Arabia is high, which implies that there is a need for one-on-one level education to encourage better knowledge. In other countries, proper diabetes education has reduced the incidences of lower-extremity amputation, decreased medication costs and hospitalisation. Izquierdo et al (2003) compared diabetes education through telemedicine and that with in-person education. The study showed that both tools were accepted by the diabetes patients but the technology provided by telemedicine suggests that more diabetes patients can be educated when using this tool (Izquierdo, 2003). These literatures provide an overview of the current situation for Saudi Arabia with regards to diabetes treatment. There may be some parts of Saudi Arabia where the diabetes patients do not have the transportation to go to the Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs). This proves that diabetes education must be a priority in health care in Saudi Arabia to decrease the prevalence of diabetes in the country and to decrease the treatment costs for diabetes. Research Objectives This research aims to: Determine the cost of diabetes treatment in Primary Health Care Centres (PHCC) Determine the impact of the cost of diabetes treatment to the patients Determine the effects of the economic impact on the immediate family of the patients Determine the methods being used in diabetes education in PHCC Determine the efficiency of diabetes education in PHCC as a form of preventive health mechanism Search for other possible tools that can be used to provide a better comprehensive diabetes education Methodology The research methodology done by Azab (2001) and Udezue (2005) in diabetic patients will be adapted and modified. Three Primary Health Care Centres (PHCCs) in one of the cities (Riyadh) of Saudi Arabia will be studied and the population of the diabetic patients in each PHCC will be recorded. The selected PHCC will be representative of the current situation of the diabetes treatment in that locality, but not necessarily the national situation. Therefore, increasing the number of PHCC under study in future researches will provide a more accurate situation of diabetes education in Saudi Arabia. This study will involve diabetic patients undergoing treatment in their respective PHCC as well as their families. The diabetic patient will be required to visit the PHCC for two consecutive months on a monthly regular appointment system and provided with diabetes education. During these visits, the fasting blood sugar (FBS) of the diabetic patients will be monitored and recorded. The diabetic patient and his family will be inquired with series of questions about their economic situation, family medical history, cost of medication and treatment, the type of diabetes education provided to them, the efficiency of the diabetes education and the changes they have made or observed during the course of the study. The diabetic patients will be classified according to gender and age group. The data of the patients will be obtained from the selected PHCC. Obtaining a stratified population, it is expected that the age group to where diabetes education has to be centered will be estimated. The interviews and questionnaires will also provide information on the economic effect of diabetes to the patient and to the family the patient belongs to. The economic effects will focus on the losses they have acquired due to the onset of diabetes, and the delineation of the diabetes patientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s income from the basic everyday needs to the needed treatment and other medications. Sampling Frame The Primary Health Care Centre will be selected through systematic random sampling. A list of all the PHCC in Riyadh will be made and random selection of the three PHCCs will be done. This number will be used to select the representative PHCC. All the diabetic patients in the three selected PHCC will be considered as the representative samples for the diabetic population for Riyadh. Based on the study by Al-Nuaim (1997), prevalence of diabetes in the rural areas is lower than that of the urban areas. This suggests that the population being considered is a representative of the diabetic patients situated in the urban areas of Saudi Arabia. Method The study will obtain data by interviewing diabetic patients and their families and giving them a set of prepared questionnaires designed to provide the over-all economic situation of the household with a diabetic patient. Medical information and medical history of the diabetic patient will be obtained through the PHCC where they are registered. The fasting blood glucose level of the patient will be taken and recorded during the set appointment to evaluate the efficiency of the diabetes education which will be given to them. On the first month, the diabetic patients, and their families will be provided with diabetes education through one-on-one level of education, counseling and by using other types of media such as magazines, books and audio-visual presentations. The questionnaires will be handed out to them and data consolidated for evaluation. On the second month, which is the follow-up appointment, the fasting blood glucose level of the diabetic patient will again be taken and another set of questionnaires will be given. Interviews with diabetic patients and their families are necessary because this information provides a more realistic picture in the lives of the diabetic patient and their families. Although it may be difficult to obtain data in this manner since the patients will divulge aspects of their personal lives, the questionnaires will be able to suggest their lifestyle and their insights about the occurrence of diabetes in their home. The data for the cost of the treatment for diabetes will be obtained from the selected PHCC and the decrease or increase in the cost of treatment will be obtained through the questionnaires handed out to them. Ethical Issues The goals of diabetes education are to optimize blood glucose control, prevent chronic and potentially life-threatening complications, and optimize quality of life, while keeping costs within acceptable limits (Ozcan, 2007). Most of the cost studies were done in the healthcare sector and very few on the individual or their families. Ozcan (2007) found out that short term diabetes education has shown efficiency, and diminishes with long term diabetes education. This shows that diabetes education has to extend from the health care sector to the diabetic patient and to the families of the patients to guarantee a continuous treatment. Ozcan (2007) also pointed out the influence of the environment to the diabetic patient. This is indicative that the support of the people around the patient is significant to the welfare of a diabetic patient. In 2005, the system cost of haemodialysis in Saudi Arabia is SAR 1700 and most diabetic patients need this at least thrice per week (Udezue et al., 2005). Thus, the cost required by a single diabetic patient for haemodialysis alone, is about SAR 265,200 per year. This does not include any costs needed for treatment of other complications of diabetes such as blindness, amputations and hypertension. According to Udezue et al. (2005), the greater acceptability and effectiveness of one-on-one teaching versus group teaching may be cultural. The treatment misconceptions cited by Al-Dawood (2002) must also be corrected, if not eradicated. Therefore, diabetes educators should be highly skilled in the organisation of effective educational programmes. They should follow the literature and apply the latest information in their daily practice (Ozcan, 2007). The IDF has set guidelines for the health care sector to follow in order to provide a comprehensive and effective diabetes education for the patients (IDF, 2009). Areas which have limited access to or resources for diabetes education may opt to use telemedicine in order to help the diabetic patients, as suggested in the study by Izquierdo (2003). The Ramadan is a Muslim tradition which requires fasting. Although studies have shown that fasting reduces blood glucose levels, the complications due to diabetes may occur such as retinal vein occlusion (Elhadd et al., 2007). This has to be considered for diabetes education. Proper information dissemination and full understanding of the diabetic patient and their families is needed to make the treatment successful, and consequently reduce the cost needed for medication. Data Analysis Data analysis will have to determine the relationship between diabetes education, change in the blood glucose level of the diabetic patient and the estimated changes in the cost of the treatment. A two-month comparison of the blood glucose level and the cost needed for purchasing medicine will suggest the efficiency of the diabetes education. The level of glycemic control will be calculated using the criteria of The Scientific Committee of Quality Assurance in Primary Health Care as done by Azab (2001). The data of the stratified population will provide a statistics of the age group that requires the most education. In addition, the efficiency of the educators will also be estimated. This will provide a baseline for the quality of diabetes education being given to the diabetic patients. The evaluation of the educators will also determine the need for proper training of the educators, as well as an upgrading or improvement of the tools that the PHCCs have. This study will require the studentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s t-test to determine if certain outlier data will have to be considered. Timeline for the Research This research study requires preparation of the venue and participants for the study, which includes formal letters to the possible PHCCs and permission from the diabetic patients. Proper orientation of the diabetes educators will also be considered. The materials for the determination of blood glucose level also have to be prepared and the resources have to be properly allocated. Time for the actual conduct of the method, data gathering and evaluation, and report generation will also be considered. Table 1 shows the timeline for this research. The Type of Community Participation This study will focus on the diabetic patient, the immediate family of the diabetic patient and the people involved in the selected Primary Health Care Centre. Thus, this study does not necessarily require community participation. The family members of the diabetic patient will be the only people involved in the study. Secondary data may also be taken to verify and supplement information. However, this does not require the participation of the community that they belong to. All the participants will be considered to represent the urban community of Saudi Arabia. This study will require the participation of the different health professionals in the selected PHCCs. The multi-disciplinary approach done by Udezue (2005) will be adapted for the role assignments of the people who will participate in diabetes education. The study conducted aimed to optimize diabetic control by teaching about diet, exercise, medications and other practical diabetic management issues (Udezue et al., 2005). The team for diabetes education will be led by a consultant physician; and its members will be a group of health professionals with knowledge and interest in proper diabetes self-management. The diabetes educators of the selected Primary Health Care Centre will play a very important role to the success of this research. The knowledge or information they will provide will determine the changes in the lifestyles of the diabetic patients. Re-training and re-evaluation of the diabetes educators may be necessary to provide a more standardized diabetes education at the t ime of the study. This will minimize variations in the information being disseminated to the diabetes patients and their families. Diabetes nurse educators will provide general teaching, insulin injection technique and hypoglycemia recognition and treatment, and exercise. Social workers will assess family life, schooling and cultural and socio-economic barriers; dieticians will provide education on practical diet, food availability and preferences and exercise; nurses will provide patient registration and screening and the consultant physician will give general directions and guidance as overall coordinator. Focus of the diabetes education will be on exercise, diet and medication, as these three factors are the most affected by an individualà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s lifestyle. All participants, namely: the diabetic patient, family members and the diabetes educators will have to be properly oriented of their roles on this research before the conduct of the study. Importance of the Research In the study by Al-Ajlan (2007), he defined diabetes mellitus as a group of metabolic disorders with multiple etiologies characterized by chronic hyperglycemia with disturbance of carbohydrate and fat, resulting from insulin defect in secretion or action. Education has always been a fundamental need in our everyday lives. This does not count out the need for diabetes education. Diabetes education should determine the target population, assess educational needs according to ethnic background of the community and education level of the target group and identify the resources to tailor the appropriate program (Al-Ajlan, 2007). The economic burden of diabetes does not only affect the individual patients and their families but the state and health services as a whole. Saudi Arabia is estimated to spend between 620 and 1,142 million ID; and according to WHO records, almost one Saudi diabetes mellitus person is costing the government about $800 per month. The annual cost of treating diabetes in Saudi Arabia is about $9.6 billion (Al-Ajlan, 2007). The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) emphasizes that diabetes-specific education is required for diabetic patients and the healthcare personnel. The proper training of the healthcare personnel is essential to improve the outcome of the treatment for the diabetic patient. At present, diabetes self-management education has become an integral and critical part of the lives of the diabetic patient (Ozcan, 2007). Some studies presented major barriers to diabetes management such as low resources and the receptivity of the patients due to cultural differences (Elhadd et al., 2007). These matters can be addressed properly if the government provides enough resources, specifically on the training of diabetes educators. Other countries have already tried to use technology as a means to improve diabetes education for the treatment of diabetes patients. An example of this is the use of telemedicine. Some studies have shown that using telemedicine to provide diabetes education through counseling resulted in brief and effective interventions that supported lifestyle behavioral changes (Hayes et al., 2001). In the study done by Klonoff (2009), the use of telemedicine as a tool for diabetes education helped the health care providers communicate better with their patients and lower the cost needed for health care of the diabetic patient. Through this technology, the diabetes patient does not have to burden the cost of transportation just to get to the PHCC. The diabetes educator, on the other hand, will be able to accommodate more patients since the use of telephone will provide access to areas which may be underserved (Izquierdo, 2003). Hence, telemedicine may provide a brief yet comprehensive diabetes ed ucation to the diabetic patients of Saudi Arabia. The prevalence of diabetes in Saudi Arabia, and consequently, the cost of diabetes treatment, can be reduced by proper education of the people about diabetes. This does not only involve the diabetic patient, but also the people who influence the lifestyle of a diabetic patient (Ozcan, 2007). People with diabetes tend to be less productive in their lives due to the cost of their medications and complications of the disease. Therefore, proper guidance, through diabetes education is the best tool to improve their productivity. This undertaking requires both the health care sector and the intervention of the government to be able to guarantee its success. The governmentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s initiative to improve the services provided by the health care sector will provide benefit to more diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia. A decrease in the prevalence of diabetes in Saudi Arabia, and those that require diabetes treatment will improve both the individual and national economic status.

American Government Essay :: essays research papers

John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau both have similar views on man's nature, authority and freedom. Those views are that all men are essentially equal and that each individual has the right to life, liberty, and property. They believe that these rights are given by God, and thus natural. They also believe that reason is a God-given and religious liberty, and right to freedom of speech. The differences are that Locke believed that when people gave up their rights they gave up there freedom to be safe. Rousseau believed that when people gave up their rights to the government they weren't giving up freedom, just exchanging it for security. Rousseau is more on the liberal side of the spectrum while Locke is on the conservative side. The basic differences between conservative and liberal are many. Liberals are more innovative and open to reform as opposing the conservatives being more set in their ways and to doing things in tradition. Liberals are more optimistic and are more supportive towards socialistic ideas. Conservatives are pessimistic and are more supportive of the individualistic ideas. A major political issue is welfare. The Conservatives feel the people should make money on there own and without the help of the people Locke would fall more into this category as opposed to Rousseau who would be more supportive of welfare because he is one that says if it helps the individual then it will help us all. Gun control is another major current event that has two strong views. The liberal view being that guns should be off the streets and locked up and out of the hands of everyday people. Rousseau would fall more under the liberal views like above because he is supportive of the protection of the people. The conservative view point on gun control is that every person has the right to own a gun and I would consider myself more of a liberal for instance in the situation of abortion I am pro-choice as a opposed to the conservative that views more towards pro-life.

Email Privacy Issues :: essays research papers

Email Privacy Issues   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As a result of recent lawsuits against many organizations, companies have developed a policy on proper email practices on company computers. No longer is your personal email regarded as private when accessed on a company’s computer. Companies, in order to decrease lawsuits and increase productivity, have purchased email monitoring software to track email usage during work hours. Therefore, with the onslaught of email monitoring, is a private email really private?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In NetworkWorld’s The Perils of Privacy, Sharon Gaudin discusses the benefits of a company having a well-defined email policy. She provides the pros and cons of whether a company should invest in an email monitoring system. According to Gaudin, companies are held liable for what their employees do when using company equipment. A joke between to college buddies can be deemed sexual harassment by the company and open up a lawsuit if it ends up in the wrong hands. Because of this, companies have begun monitoring not only emails that employees send, but the websites they visit. Is this ethical? Some would say yes. A company has to protect its name and assets. The business arena is just for that†¦business. Employees are not paid to do personal business on company time. Leisure activity on the internet slows productivity and costs money. On the other hand, if a â€Å"clerk uses her lunch break to scan the Web for information on abuse victims, [and] the info rmation she calls up also flashes onto a screen in her boss's office, and now he knows a secret she never told anyone,† isn’t that a violation of her privacy?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  While this issue seems to be one of ongoing debate, I am one who does not take sides. On one hand I can see the need for corporations to monitor their employees. Information within an email can be deemed unimportant to the mission and goals of the company.

Transformation of Nora in Henrik Isbens A Dolls House Essay -- Henri

Transformation of Nora in Henrik Isben's A Doll's House During the time in which Henrik Isben's play, A Doll?s House, took place society frowned upon women asserting themselves. Women were supposed to play a role in which they supported their husbands, took care of their children, and made sure everything was perfect around the house. Nora is portrayed as a doll throughout the play until she realizes the truth about the world she lives in, and cuts herself free. Nora Helmer was a delicate character that had been pampered all of her life, by her father, and by Torvald. She really didn't have a care in the world. She didn't even have to care for the children; the maid would usually take care of that. In every sense of the word, she was your typical housewife. Nora never left the house, mostly because her husband was afraid of the way people would talk. It really wasn't her fault she was the way she was; it was mostly Torvald's for spoiling her. Nora relies on Torvald for everything, from movements to thoughts, much like a puppet that is dependent on its puppet master for all of its actions. Her carefree spirit and somewhat childish manners are shown throughout the play with statements such as, "Is that my little lark twittering out there?" (1). "Is it my little squirrel bustling about?" (2). A lark is a happy, carefree bird, and a squirrel is quite the opposite. If you are to squirrel away something, you were hiding or storing it, kind of like what Nora was doing with her bag of macaroons. It seems childish that Nora must hide things such as macaroons from her husband, but if she didn't and he found out, she would be deceiving him and going against his wishes which would be socially wrong. As the play goes on, Nora seems to transform from her delicate little character into something much more. At the end of act one, Krogstad goes to Nora for the recollection of the money she had borrowed from him. "You don?t mean that you will tell my husband that I owe you money?" (21). Since Nora was wrong in doing so socially, she could not tell Torvald or anyone else about her problem. Not only would that affect their social standard but also Torvald's ego, which inevitably would happen anyway. After Krogstad threatens to expose Nora for forging her father's signature, she realizes that no matter what she does Torvald was going to know the truth. The flaw with... ...ying in a marriage since divorce was frowned upon during that era. Her decision was a succession for all expectations put on a woman and wife by society. The story A Doll?s House is believable. It stands for every marriage where equality never took place. Many women knew their social status and lived as they were meant to, but for the few that realized there was more to the world then the sheltered life they were living, broke free. Nora was one of the women who knew her place and acted accordingly until she saw that her name had no real value. She was not looked at as an individual, but she was seen as her father's daughter or her husband's wife. The turning point for her decision to break free from this world and start her own life is very believable. She comes to see that her marriage isn't real. Nora no longer loves her husband and knows that he does not truly love her as well. She knows that there is so much more to discover in the world to understand, and until she does she will not allow another man to control her life. Works Cited: Ibsen, Henrik. A Doll's House. In Four Major Plays. Trans. James McFarlane and Jens Arup. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1981.

Salary Surveys

The legal field in the United States is constantly changing. Assisting attorneys is no longer a one title job. An attorney can call his or her assistant a paralegal, a legal assistant, a legal secretary, and so on and so forth. The process to become an attorney’s assistant is also changing. Many attorneys in the United States prefer to hire paralegals. The American Bar Association defines a paralegal as â€Å"a person, qualified by education, training, or work experience, who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which the lawyer is responsible† (American Bar Association, 1997). This broad definition allows a great variant in the salary paid to a paralegal. An entry level paralegal in Knoxville, Tennessee can expect to earn $35,000 per year according to www. salary. com. An entry level paralegal is defined as a paralegal with 0-2 years experience, and may or may not possess an Associate’s Degree in paralegal studies. In comparison, a Paralegal with five or more years experience and a bachelor’s degree can expect to earn $55,000 per year. The salary ranges throughout the state of Tennessee for paralegals are standard. This is not the case throughout the United States. Each state within the United States must account for cost of living. The cost of living in Southern California is significantly higher per year than the cost of living in Tennessee. The salaries that are paid to employees need to reflect this cost of living, at least to some degree. According to www. salary. com, an entry level paralegal in San Diego, CA can expect to earn $40,000 per year. A paralegal with five or more years of experience and a bachelor’s degree can expect to earn $70,000 per year. Cost of living is not the only reason for differences in pay based on region. Competition, education, and demand for certain positions also plays a part in the salary an employee can expect to earn. For example, in San Diego, CA major universities offer paralegal programs at the bachelor’s degree level. Because of this attorneys expect to hire the best educated paralegal, and a paralegal with only an associates degree will not be able to compete for jobs effectively in this region. In contrast, Tennessee does not offer very many paralegal programs at the bachelor’s degree level. The majority of paralegal programs in Tennessee are either certificate programs or associate’s degree programs. Population plays a major role in salary variants. The population of Knoxville, Tennessee does not require as many attorneys. The attorneys that do work in Knoxville, Tennessee most likely do not have the same work load as those attorneys who work in San Diego, California and do not need the same level of support form a paralegal. This also causes these attorneys to hire paralegals at a lower wage. The amount of money a person living in Knoxville, Tennessee can afford to pay an attorney is also less. Since attorneys in Knoxville, Tennessee earn less than attorneys in San Diego, California, the paralegals will also earn less. Another factor that affects the salary a paralegal will receive is area of law. A paralegal working for the US Attorney’s office in Knoxville, Tennessee can expect to make the same salary as a paralegal working for a private practice attorney in San Diego, California, educating and experience being equal. However, that same paralegal working for the US Attorney’s office in San Diego, California can expect to earn $5 more per hour than he or she did working in the same capacity in Knoxville, Tennessee. The area of law that a paralegal chooses to work in has a major impact on the salary received. By obtaining a bachelor’s degree and a graduate level paralegal certificate, obtaining a competitive salary in Knoxville, Tennessee has been disappointing compared to the salaries available in San Diego, California. However, due to the lower cost of living, a lower salary is acceptable. Holding a bachelor’s degree and a graduate level paralegal certificate also assists a paralegal in competing more effectively for the jobs that are available in Knoxville, Tennessee. The majority of the paralegals in Knoxville, Tennessee only possess an Associates degree in paralegal studies or relevant experience. These paralegals consistently earn less than a paralegal with a higher level of education, which is fair under the circumstances. Paralegals who have achieved a lesser amount of education can have a tendency to resent the inconsistencies in salary. Many of these paralegals feel that they are doing the same job as the more educated paralegal and should be receiving equal compensation. However, through further investigation one would conclude that a more highly educated paralegal will be allowed to conduct more research, write briefs, and work with minimal attorney supervision. This is in stark contrast to a paralegal with a lower level of education. In order to adjust for the inconsistencies in pay, an organization will usually offer bonuses for extra work put in as well as promotions. It is common practice to promote a paralegal with years of experience even if that paralegal is lacking in education. The promotion rate for a paralegal with a lower level of education may be on a slower timeline than that of a paralegal with a higher level of education, but this is an attempt to minimize the inconsistencies in salary. Receiving an adequate salary for a paralegal can be a complicated task. Many factors exist that provide for inconsistencies in salary. The region of the country a paralegal lives in, the type of law the paralegal works in, the amount of experience the paralegal has, and the level of education a paralegal has obtained all play a role in determining how much a paralegal should be paid. Reviewing the education programs available at the American Association for Paralegal Education will assist paralegals in receiving the highest possible salary throughout their career.

Memo letter. Arbitration advocacy Essay

Memo Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dear All, it is with great pleasure that I would like to bring to your attention that the company has reached a decision on implementing a MANDATORY ARBITRATION AGREEMENT, which is to take effect as from the start of next month of November 2014. The decision was reached after lengthy discussions and consultations with major stakeholders within and outside the company, as well as your labour union representatives.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are various benefits or advantages of arbitration which will arise when it comes into effects. These advantages will include:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Improved relationships and harmony among employees. Arbitration will help reduce animosity and grudges since it will provide a chance for parties involved in a dispute to work out their differences, hence create an environment that supports differences(Cooley, & Lubet, 2003).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The other advantage of arbitration is that it will help reduce the expenses that you incur when you take the disputes to court or take other measures which require use of resources (Cooley, & Lubet, 2003).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The amount of time that is required to resolve the disputes will be less hence leaving you with a lot of time to concentrate on your duties and increase your productivity (Cooley, & Lubet, 2003).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Therefore, based on the above advantages and many more which you will realize, it is advisable that all should embrace this new method of settling disputes for the progress of the company as well as for your personal benefits and development. Regards, HR Manager Reference Cooley, J. W., & Lubet, S. (2003). Arbitration advocacy. Notre Dame, IN: National Institute for Trial Advocacy. Source document

The Return: Midnight Chapter 9

Damon dropped his hand. He simply couldn't make himself do it. Bonnie was weak, light-headed, a liability in combat, easy to confuse – That's it, he thought. I'l use that! She's so naive – â€Å"Let go for a second,†he coaxed. â€Å"So I can get the stave – â€Å" â€Å"No! You'l jump if I do! What's a stave?†Bonnie said, al in one breath. – and stubborn, and impractical – Was the bril iant light beginning to flicker? â€Å"Bonnie,†he said in a low voice, â€Å"I am deadly serious here. If you don't let go, I'l make you – and you won't like that, I promise.† â€Å"Do what he says,†Meredith pleaded from somewhere quite close. â€Å"Bonnie, he's going into the Dark Dimension! But you're going to end up going with him – and you'l both be human slaves this time! Take my hand!† â€Å"Take her hand!†Damon roared, as the light definitely flickered, for an instant becoming less blinding. He could feel Bonnie shifting and trying to see where Meredith was, and then he heard her say, â€Å"I can't – â€Å" And then they were fal ing. The last time they had traveled through a Gate they had been total y enclosed in an elevator-like box. This time they were simply flying. There was the light, and there were the two of them, and they were so blinded that somehow speaking didn't seem possible. There was only the bril iant, fluctuating, beautiful light – And then they were standing in an al ey, so narrow that it just barely al owed the two of them to face each other, and between buildings so high that there was almost no light down where they were. No – that wasn't the reason, Damon thought. He remembered that blood-red perpetual light. It wasn't coming directly from either side of the narrow slit of al ey, which meant that they were basical y in deep burgundy twilight. â€Å"Do you realize where we are?†Damon demanded in a furious whisper. Bonnie nodded, seeming happy about having figured that out already. â€Å"We're basical y in deep burgundy – â€Å" â€Å"Crap!† Bonnie looked around. â€Å"I don't smel anything,†she offered cautiously, and examined the soles of her feet. â€Å"We are,†Damon said slowly and quietly, as if he needed to calm himself between every word, â€Å"in a world where we can be flogged, flayed, and decapitated just for stepping on the ground.† Bonnie tried a little hop and then a jump in place, as if diminishing her ground-interaction time might help them in some manner. She looked at him for further instructions. Quite suddenly, Damon picked her up and stared at her hard, as revelation dawned. â€Å"You're drunk!†he final y whispered. â€Å"You're not even awake! Al this while I've been trying to get you to see sense, and you're a drunken sleepwalker!† â€Å"I am not!†Bonnie said. â€Å"And†¦just in case I am, you ought to be nicer to me. You made me this way.† Some distant part of Damon agreed that this was true. He was the one who'd gotten the girl drunk and then drugged her with truth serum and sleeping medicine. But that was simply a fact, and had nothing to do with how he felt about it. How he felt was that there was no possible way for him to proceed with this al -too-gentle creature along. Of course, the sensible thing would be to get away from her very quickly, and let the city, this huge metropolis of evil, swal ow her in its great, black-fanged maw, as it would most certainly do if she walked a dozen steps on its streets without him. But, as before, something inside him simply wouldn't let him do it. And, he realized, the sooner he admitted that, the sooner he could find a place to put her and begin taking care of his own affairs. â€Å"What's that?†he said, taking one of her hands. â€Å"My opal ring,†Bonnie said proudly. â€Å"See, it goes with everything, because it's al colors. I always wear it; it's casual or dress-up.†She happily let Damon take it off and examine it. â€Å"These are real diamonds on the sides?† â€Å"Flawless, pure white,†Bonnie said, stil proudly. â€Å"Lady Ulma's fianceLucen made it so that if we ever needed to take the stones out and sel them – â€Å"She came up short. â€Å"You're going to take the stones out and sel them! No! No no no no no!† â€Å"Yes! I have to, if you're going to have any chance of surviving,†Damon said. â€Å"And if you say one more word or fail to do exactly as I tel you, I am going to leave you alone here. And then you wil die. â€Å"He turned narrowed, menacing eyes on her. Bonnie abruptly turned into a frightened bird. â€Å"Al right,†she whispered, tears gathering on her eyelashes. â€Å"What's it for?† Thirty minutes later, she was in prison; or as good as. Damon had instal ed her in a second-story apartment with one window covered by rol er blinds, and strict instructions about keeping them down. He had pawned the opal and a diamond successful y, and paid a sour, humorless-looking landlady to bring Bonnie two meals a day, escort her to the toilet when necessary, and otherwise forget about her existence. â€Å"Listen,†he said to Bonnie, who was stil crying silently after the landlady had left them, â€Å"I'l try to get back to see you within three days. If I don't come within a week it'l mean I'm dead. Then you – don't cry! Listen! – then you need to use these jewels and this money to try to get al the way from here to here; where Lady Ulma wil stil be – we hope.† He gave her a map and a little moneybag ful of coins and gems left over from the cost of her bread and board. â€Å"If that happens – and I can pretty wel promise it won't, your best chance is to try walking in the daytime when things are busy; keep your eyes down, your aura smal , and don't talk to anyone. Wear this sacking smock, and carry this bag of food. Pray that nobody asks you anything, but try to look as if you're on an errand for your master. Oh, yes.†Damon reached into his jacket pocket and pul ed out two smal iron slave bracelets, bought when he had gotten the map. â€Å"Never take them off, not when you're sleeping, not when you're eating – never.† He looked at her darkly, but Bonnie was already on the threshold of a panic attack. She was trembling and crying, but too frightened to say a word. Ever since entering the Dark Dimension she'd been keeping her aura as smal as possible, her psychic defenses high; she didn't need to be told to do that. She was in danger. She knew it. Damon finished somewhat more leniently. â€Å"I know it sounds difficult, but I can tel you that I personal y have no intention whatsoever of dying. I'l try to visit you, but getting across the borders of the various sectors is dangerous, and that's what I may have to do to come here. Just be patient, and you'l be al right. Remember, time passes differently here than back on Earth. We can be here for weeks and we'l get back practical y the instant we set out. And, look† – Damon gestured around the room – â€Å"dozens of star bal s! You can watch al of them.† These were the more common kind of star bal , the kind that had, not Power in them, but memories, stories, or lessons. When you held one to your temple, you were immersed in whatever material had been imprinted on the bal . â€Å"Better than TV,†Damon said. â€Å"Much.† Bonnie nodded slightly. She was stil crushed, and she was so smal , so slight, her skin so pale and fine, her hair such a flame of bril iance in the dim crimson light that seeped through the blinds, that as always Damon found himself melting slightly. â€Å"Do you have any questions?†he asked her final y. Bonnie said slowly, â€Å"And – you're going to be†¦?† â€Å"Out getting the vampire versions of Who's Who and the Book of Peers,†Damon said. â€Å"I'm looking for a lady of quality.† After Damon had left, Bonnie looked around the room. It was horrible. Dark brown and just horrible! She had been trying to save Damon from going back into the Dark Dimension because she remembered the terrible way that slaves – who were mostly humans – were treated. But did he appreciate that? Did he? Not in the slightest! And then when she'd been fal ing through the light with him, she'd thought that at least they would be going to Lady Ulma's, the Cinderel a-story woman whom Elena had rescued and who had then regained her wealth and status and had designed beautiful dresses so that the girls could go to fancy parties. There would have been big beds with satin sheets and maids who brought strawberries and clotted cream for breakfast. There would have been sweet Lakshmi to talk to, and gruff Dr. Meggar, and†¦ Bonnie looked around the brown room and the plain rush-fil ed pal et with its single blanket. She picked up a star bal listlessly, and then let it drop from her fingers. Suddenly, a great sleepiness fil ed her, making her head swim. It was like a fog rol ing in. There was absolutely no question of fighting it. Bonnie stumbled toward the bed, fel onto it, and was asleep almost before she had settled under the blanket. â€Å"It's my fault far more than yours,†Stefan was saying to Meredith. â€Å"Elena and I were – deeply asleep – or he'd never have managed any part of it. I'd have noticed him talking with Bonnie. I'd have realized he was taking you hostage. Please don't blame yourself, Meredith.† â€Å"I should have tried to warn you. I just never expected Bonnie to come running out and grab him,†Meredith said. Her dark gray eyes shimmered with unshed tears. Elena squeezed her hand, sick in the pit of her stomach herself. â€Å"You certainly couldn't be expected to fight off Damon,†Stefan said flatly. â€Å"Human or vampire – he's trained; he knows moves that you could never counter. You can't blame yourself.† Elena was thinking the same thing. She was worried about Damon's disappearance – and terrified for Bonnie. Yet at another level of her mind she was wondering at the lacerations on Meredith's palm that she was trying to warm. The strangest thing was that the wounds appeared to have been treated – rubbed slick with lotion. But she wasn't going to bother Meredith about it at a time like this. Especial y when it was real y Elena's own fault. She was the one who had enticed Stefan the night before. Oh, they had been deep, al right – deep in each other's minds. â€Å"Anyway, it's Bonnie's fault if it's anyone's,†Stefan said regretful y. â€Å"But now I'm worried about her. Damon's not going to be inclined to watch out for her if he didn't want her to come.† Meredith bowed her head. â€Å"It's my fault if she gets hurt.† Elena chewed her lower lip. There was something wrong. Something about Meredith, that Meredith wasn't tel ing her. Her hands were real y damaged, and Elena couldn't figure out how they could have gotten that way. Almost as if she knew what Elena was thinking, Meredith slipped her hand out of Elena's and looked at it. Looked at both her palms, side by side. They were equal y scratched and torn. Meredith bent her dark head farther, almost doubling over where she sat. Then she straightened, throwing back her head like someone who had made a decision. She said, â€Å"There's something I have to tel you – â€Å" â€Å"Wait,†Stefan whispered, putting a hand on her shoulder. â€Å"Listen. There's a car coming.† Elena listened. In a moment she heard it too. â€Å"They're coming to the boardinghouse,†she said, puzzled. â€Å"It's so early,†Meredith said. â€Å"Which means – â€Å" â€Å"It has to be the police after Matt,†Stefan finished. â€Å"I'd better go in and wake him up. I'l put him in the root cel ar.† Elena quickly corked the star bal with its meager ounces of fluid. â€Å"He can take this with him,†she was beginning, when Meredith suddenly ran to the opposite side of the Gate. She picked up a long, slender object that Elena couldn't recognize, even with Power channeled to her eyes. She saw Stefan blink and stare at it. â€Å"This needs to go in the root cel ar too,†Meredith said. â€Å"And there are probably earth tracks coming out of the cel ar, and blood in the kitchen. Two places.† â€Å"Blood?†Elena began, furious with Damon, but then she shook her head and refocused. In the light of dawn, she could see a police car, cruising like some great white shark toward the house. â€Å"Let's go,†Elena said. â€Å"Go, go, go!† They al dashed back to the boardinghouse, crouching to stay low to the ground as they did it. As they went, Elena hissed, â€Å"Stefan, you've got to Influence them if you can. Meredith, you try to clean up the soil and blood. I'l get Matt; he's less likely to punch me when I tel him he has to hide.† They hastened to their appointed duties. In the middle of it al , Mrs. Flowers appeared, dressed in a flannel nightgown with a fuzzy pink robe over it, and slippers with bunny heads on them. As the first hammering knock on the door sounded, she had her hand on the door handle, and the police officer, who was beginning to shout, â€Å"POLICE! OPEN THE – â€Å"found himself bawling this directly over the head of a little old lady who could not have looked more frail or harmless. He ended almost in a whisper, † – door?† â€Å"It is open,†Mrs. Flowers said sweetly. She opened it to its widest, so that Elena could see two officers, and the officers could see Elena, Stefan, and Meredith, al of whom had just arrived from the kitchen area. â€Å"We want to speak to Matt Honeycutt,†the female officer said. Elena noted that the squad car was from the Ridgemont Sheriff's Department. â€Å"His mother informed us that he was here – after serious questioning.† They were coming inside, shouldering their way past Mrs. Flowers. Elena glanced at Stefan, who was pale, with tiny beads of sweat visible on his forehead. He was looking intently at the female officer, but she just kept talking. â€Å"His mother says he's been virtual y living at this boardinghouse recently,†she said, while the male officer held up some kind of paperwork. â€Å"We have a warrant to search the premises,†he said flatly. Mrs. Flowers seemed uncertain. She glanced back toward Stefan, but then let her gaze move on to the other teenagers. â€Å"Perhaps it would be best if I made everyone a nice cup of tea?† Stefan was stil looking at the woman, his face looking paler and more drawn than ever. Elena felt a sudden panic clutch at her stomach. Oh, God, even with the gift of her blood tonight, Stefan was weak – far too weak to even use Influence. â€Å"May I ask a question?†Meredith said in her low, calm voice. â€Å"Not about the warrant,†she added, waving the paper away. â€Å"How is it out there in Fel ‘s Church? Do you know what's going on?† She was buying time, Elena thought, and yet everyone stopped to hear the answer. â€Å"Mayhem,†the female sheriff replied after a moment's pause. â€Å"It's like a war zone out there. Worse than that because it's the kids who are – â€Å"She broke off and shook her head. â€Å"That's not our business. Our business is finding a fugitive from justice. But first, as we were driving toward your hotel we saw a very bright column of light. It wasn't from a helicopter. I don't suppose you know anything about what it was?† Just a door through space and time, Elena was thinking, as Meredith answered, stil calmly, â€Å"Maybe a power transmitter blowing up? Or a freak shaft of lightning? Or are you talking about†¦a UFO?†She lowered her already soft voice. â€Å"We don't have time for this,†the male sheriff said, looking disgusted. â€Å"We're here to find this Honeycutt man.† â€Å"You're welcome to look,†Mrs. Flowers said. They were already doing so. Elena felt shocked and nauseated on two fronts. â€Å"This Honeycutt man.†Man, not boy. Matt was over eighteen. Was he stil a juvenile? If not, what would they do to him when they eventual y caught up to him? And then there was Stefan. Stefan had been so certain, so†¦ convincing†¦in his announcements about being wel again. Al that talk about going back to hunting animals – but the truth was that he needed much more blood to recover. Now her mind spun into planning mode, faster and faster. Stefan obviously wasn't going to be able to Influence both of those officers without a very large donation of human blood. And if Elena gave it†¦the sick feeling in her stomach increased and she felt the smal hairs on her body stand up†¦if she gave it, what were the chances that she would become a vampire herself? High, a cool, rational voice in her mind answered. Very high, considering that less than a week ago, she had been exchanging blood with Damon. Frequently. Uninhibitedly. Which left her with the only plan she could think of. These sheriffs wouldn't find Matt, but Meredith and Bonnie had told her the whole story of how another Ridgemont sheriff had come, asking about Matt – and about Stefan's girlfriend. The problem was that she, Elena Gilbert, had â€Å"died†nine months ago. She shouldn't be here – and she had a feeling that these officers would be inquisitive. They needed Stefan's Power. Right now. There was no other way, no other choice. Stefan. Power. Human blood. She moved to Meredith, who had her dark head down and cocked to one side as if listening to the two sheriffs clomping above on the stairs. â€Å"Meredith – â€Å" Meredith turned toward her and Elena almost took a step back in shock. Meredith's normal y olive complexion was gray, and her breath was coming fast and shal owly. Meredith, calm and composed Meredith, already knew what Elena was going to ask of her. Enough blood to leave her out of control as it was being taken. And fast. That terrified her. More than terrified. She can't do it, Elena thought. We're lost.